Ordan remains in the hidden chambers with Maerith and Ilyra, guarding the tablets, Valkir’s final order, and the two surrendered agents. Verner leads Sella upward toward Waterdeep’s market.
Morning light spills between crowded awnings. Verner’s red cloak draws glances, while Sella keeps close, eager but visibly uncertain amid the bargaining voices and bright cloth.
Sella
I know the blade is only half the art. But these clothes must let me move before I can learn the rest.
A broad-shouldered middle-aged woman steps from a stall, wrapped in a blue market coat, her copper hair pinned beneath a measuring cap. She studies Sella’s posture.
The Market Tailor
Flexible boots, close gloves, and a light coat? I can fit those for footwork. No stiff seams, no trailing hems.
As the tailor measures Sella’s arms, Verner notices two freshly posted notices near the spice stalls. Their wording is vague, but they describe witnesses sought by magistrate’s authority.
Sella
Are those Caelvar’s people still searching, or merely frightened merchants repeating old orders? Should I choose something that draws less attention?
✓ Quest Accepted
Teach Sella her first Bladesinger lesson
✓ Quest Accepted
Identify who is renewing the magistrate’s search for witnesses
“*Verner turns to Sella to explain himself* You'll need comfortable clothes to be able to spare in. Would you like something similar to my outfit? *He asks her*”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Verner
You’ll need clothes comfortable enough to spare in. Would you like something similar to my outfit?
Sella
Similar, yes, but not identical. I need room to move, sleeves that will not catch, and nothing that announces me from across the market.
Sella turns toward Verner, considering his red cloak, dark fitted layers, and sturdy boots with a practical eye. Her uncertainty eases as the suggestion becomes a workable choice rather than a performance.
The Market Tailor
A close coat in charcoal, with muted red stitching at the cuffs. Flexible boots, fitted gloves, and hidden pockets. It will suit movement without copying him.
Sella
That sounds right. A little of his discipline, less of his color. I want to move beside him, not look like his shadow.
The tailor nods and selects dark wool, supple leather, and a narrow length of grey cloth for the collar. She begins cutting with brisk confidence beneath the market awning.
Sella
Thank you, Verner. I can learn the art more easily if my clothes stop fighting me first.
“*Verner smiles and nods, approving in Sella choice. They both wait for the tailor to finish. As they do, Verner explains what it is to be a Bladesinger* It is an ancient style of combat. In one hand, your rapier, in the other, your means of casting spells. Humans like us are never taught the Blade Dance, it is a elven art. But my adopted father taught me, Valkir. He was your friend too and I think he would want me to teach you. You must swear an oath to defend elves when ever you find them in danger.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Verner smiles and nods, approving Sella’s choice. Beneath the market awning, they wait while the tailor finishes the charcoal coat, gloves, boots, and hidden pockets.
Verner
The Bladesinger art is an ancient style of combat. In one hand, your rapier; in the other, your means of casting spells.
Verner
Humans like us are never taught the Blade Dance. It is an elven art, but my adopted father, Valkir, taught me. He was your friend too.
The market tailor ties off the final seam and lays the finished coat across the counter. Muted red stitching catches briefly in the morning light.
Verner
I think Valkir would want me to teach you. You must swear an oath to defend elves whenever you find them in danger.
Sella
I swear it. If you teach me the Blade Dance, I will defend elves in danger, as Valkir would have asked.
Sella takes the fitted coat from the tailor and settles it over her shoulders. The clothing moves cleanly with her, ready for training rather than display.
Quest Complete
Teach Sella her first Bladesinger lesson
Skill Upgrade: Magic Good→Great