Inside the checkpoint, the Warden sits rigid behind a low desk, his gaze snapping from the sealed scroll to the black seam staining the packed earth beyond the threshold.
The Warden
Speak plainly, Arimari Tiarasan. Who feeds Tukeyo, who carries his orders, and how deep does this sickness run?
Reina stays near the door, white fur bright against the dim cedar walls, while the guards outside lean closer at the name. The air tastes of damp wood and old ink.
Arimari Tiarasan lays the recovered scroll and the stained route notes on the desk, making the connection visible between the forged orders and the corruption in the road.
The Warden
So the Kurogane poison reaches even here. If I open my gate to Matsudaira, I risk Tukeyo's wrath. If I refuse, I let this stain spread.
The Warden's hand hovers over the scroll, torn between prudence and fear. One decision now binds Nomaru to the fight, or leaves the checkpoint standing in the oni's shadow.
“I convince the warden only by rallying with matsudaira can we stop the kurogane. Without matsudaira the nomaru will suffer.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +1)
Arimari lets the silence settle, then taps the scroll once, calm and precise. The Warden follows the motion, not the blade at Arimari's hip.
Arimari Tiarasan
Nomaru stands stronger beside Matsudaira. Alone, you only invite Tukeyo to pick you apart.
The Warden
You speak like a man who has seen the cost already.
Reina's ears angle forward. The Warden draws in a slow breath, then reaches for the seal without touching it, as if even the wax might burn.
The Warden
My father bowed to a lord who promised safety and sold us silence. I will not repeat that mistake.
Arimari Tiarasan
Then choose the safer road. Matsudaira can stand with you, and Nomaru can stand with him.
The Warden
If I open the gate, I need proof my men can trust your lord's word when the first rider comes.
Arimari turns the route notes so the Warden can see the hidden marks clearly, and the older man nods once, as if a knot has finally slipped free.
“I tell him not only take matsudairas word but mine. If matsudaira does not keep his word I will commit seppuku to fulfill my vow to the warden.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -1)
The Warden lowers his gaze to the marks, then to Arimari's face, weighing the vow like a seal pressed into wet clay.
Arimari Tiarasan
Do not rely on Matsudaira alone. Take my word as well. If he fails you, I will answer for it with my life.
The Warden
A samurai offers that freely, and expects me to believe it?
Reina stills beside the doorway, her attention fixed on Arimari, then on the Warden's tightening jaw.
The Warden
Your oath is heavy, Tiarasan. Heavy enough that I can hear the truth in it.
He folds the route notes once, carefully, and sets them atop the desk as if committing himself to their weight.
The Warden
Very well. I will open my gate for Matsudaira's messenger, and for you. Let your lord prove worthy of the blade that stands beside him.
Quest Complete
Secure Nomaru's loyalty
Fault Removed: Feud