The frost hollow rests in a low hush. Red threads glow faintly on the Bound Scouts as they keep their posts, and the seal in the Nomad Envoy’s hands catches the dim light.
She steps past the place where Veyra fell, then stops before Huarti, holding the ornate seal out as if it weighs more than stone.
Nomad Envoy
Your hold is real. My people need to know the terms still stand.
One of the Bound Scouts lowers their gaze, then steadies again at the hollow edge, silent but no longer tense.
The Bound Scouts
He kept the hollow. He kept us alive.
The Envoy’s grip eases on the seal. Her eyes move from the red threads to Huarti, searching his face for the answer the pact depends on.
Nomad Envoy
If you honor it, we can speak as allies now. If not, tell me plainly.
“I tell her all of her tribe is welcome until or unless the break simple rules”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +0)
Huarti answers in the hollow’s cold hush, his voice steady enough to carry to every stone.
Huarti
Her tribe is welcome here, until they break the simple rules.
The Nomad Envoy stills. The seal lowers a little in her hands, and relief slips through her caution.
Nomad Envoy
Then you speak like a lord who means it. That is better than a conqueror who only performs mercy.
One Bound Scout exhales, shoulders easing as the red thread at their wrist glimmers once and settles.
Nomad Envoy
Name the rules plainly, and I will carry them back myself.
Her gaze stays on Huarti, no longer searching for a trap, only the shape of the bargain he offers.
✓ Quest Accepted
Establish formal alliance terms with the Nomad Envoy
“We serve to help each other, no serious or vile demands like blood letting”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -3)
The Envoy lowers the seal from her chest and lets the cold air catch it. Her shoulders ease, just a little, as if the rules are no longer trapped in her throat.
Nomad Envoy
Then let it be plain. We help where help is needed, and we ask no foul price for it.
The Bound Scouts exchange a relieved glance, their bindings quiet and still in the frostlight.
Nomad Envoy
I can carry that back. A pact with clean terms travels farther than fear.
She steps closer, not in challenge, but in trust earned by caution. The seal rests in both hands now, offered rather than guarded.
Nomad Envoy
Say the last shape of it, Huarti. Service, aid, and no blood demanded between us. Is that the hollow's word?
The scouts wait, listening hard, while the frost at the walls keeps its distance.
Quest Complete
Establish formal alliance terms with the Nomad Envoy