The cart rolls free, and the mist opens to a timber barrier ahead. Torchlight leaks between cedar trunks. Beyond it, Nomaru’s checkpoint waits, quiet but watchful.
Reina
There it is. One more gate, and Lord Matsudaira’s seal is in Nomaru’s hands.
A guard steps out from the torch glow, one hand lifted. He is plain-clad, broad-shouldered, and careful with his footing on the wet road.
The Gate Warden
State your business. The road ahead is closed unless your cause is known.
Reina glances at Arimari, then at the sealed scroll. The checkpoint is not only a barrier, it is the first judgment of Matsudaira’s reach.
Arimari Tiarasan
The seal must be delivered here, or the road means nothing.
The Gate Warden
If this concerns Matsudaira, speak plainly. Nomaru does not bend to fine language.
The torchlight catches the scroll in Arimari’s hand, and the path forward narrows to a single choice, win Nomaru’s loyalty now, or return with nothing but a sealed failure.
“I present Lord Matsudaira’s seal to the warden”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +1)
Arimari lifts the sealed scroll into the torchlight, letting the wax crest catch the guard's eye. The road goes quiet except for the wet drip of rain from the cedar boughs.
The Gate Warden
Matsudaira's seal. Hm. Then this is no common errand.
He takes the scroll with both hands, thumbs the knot, and checks the cord mark against the light. His stance loosens by a fraction, but his eyes stay sharp.
The Gate Warden
You bring it in order. That earns you passage, and a better hearing than most.
Reina
Good. Let him see they came with discipline, not bluster.
The warden tilts the seal toward the timber post beside him, where a shallow cut in the wood shows other notices have been tested here before. His gaze flicks to Arimari's face, then to Reina's, weighing both.
The Gate Warden
Nomaru has heard enough empty promises. If Matsudaira means honest business, you will wait while I send word.
He turns toward the barrier, scroll in hand, and gestures for the inner runner to come forward. The gate is not opened yet, but the message is already in motion.
Quest Complete
Take the seal to Nomaru
New Gift: Messenger of Nomaru