At Greenstead’s outer gate, Zeiran tightens his travel cloak and faces Elion, Saadia, and Lioran before the road descends into western hills. Amar remains behind to guard the estate and prepare the resistance’s first resources.
Zeiran
I will help the resistance. Amar gave me a duty, but I choose this as well. If the refuge exists, protecting it and finding my sister matter to me equally.
Zeiran leads them along the sealed route copy, leaving Greenstead’s walls behind. Elion carries the House Lyn journal and the crystal-cased Map of Folly, while Saadia keeps the signet hidden beneath her clothing.
By afternoon, the Map of Folly draws silver lines across terrain absent from ordinary charts. The path narrows into a ravine where weathered stones bear markings identical to the journal’s seal.
Lioran
These marks are deliberate. Someone maintained this route recently, or wanted travelers to know the way still mattered.
Fresh footprints disturb the dust ahead. A thread of concealed smoke curls between the rocks, and packed earth shows where something heavy was recently moved. The ravine falls silent around them.
Zeiran
We are close. They know we are here now. We can announce ourselves, search for another entrance, or wait and see whether the refuge chooses to reveal itself.
✓ Quest Accepted
Earn the refuge’s trust
Elion Draemnor's turn“Let's announce ourselves and be honest with them. it.s the best way to earn their trust”
FAILURE (Fair Persuasion, rolled -3)
Elion Draemnor's turn“Let's announce ourselves and be honest with them. it.s the best way to earn their trust”
SUCCESS (Fair Persuasion, rolled +2)
Elion Draemnor
We are travelers seeking the refuge marked by this old road. We carry no banners or orders. We seek shelter, and we will protect anyone who needs it.
The ravine holds its silence for several breaths. Zeiran lowers his hand from his weapon, while Saadia and Lioran stand openly beside Elion, leaving the journal and map visible.
A young adult woman, Tavira, with an angular face marked by a small scar, steps from behind the rocks. She has a lean build, sun-browned skin, braided dark hair, and a weathered green cloak over practical brown clothing; a short bow remains lowered in her hand.
Tavira
Your honesty is plain, and you showed the seal before we demanded it. I am Tavira, warden of this refuge. Lower your weapons, and you may enter under our protection.
Concealed figures lower their bows along the ravine walls. A narrow stone door opens beneath the smoke, revealing lanternlight, guarded paths, and people watching from within.
Tavira
Come inside, travelers. Tell us who sent you, what you seek, and whether you bring danger behind you. We will hear the whole truth before deciding what help we can offer.
The stone door remains open. Zeiran exhales with guarded relief, and the path into the hidden refuge lies available to them without deception or force.
Elion Draemnor's turn“As i enter, i tell the Warden that we would like to talk with the chief. That's when a woman comes and presents herself, saying shes the chief. Lioran and Zeiran look in her direction. Their eyes widen, The ladies eyes widen. Shes their sister, their big sister. Lioran screams: Sliva, we're so happy to see you! Shes a woman with brown skin colour and curly brown hair. They cry in each other's arm. Sliva is beyond joyful to have find her brothers”
SUCCESS (Fair Persuasion, rolled +0)
Elion Draemnor
We would like to speak with the chief, Warden Tavira. We seek shelter and honest counsel, not authority over your people.
Tavira
You may enter. I will bring you to the chief, though your words place responsibility on me if you bring danger inside.
Tavira leads them through the stone door into the hidden refuge. Lanterns illuminate guarded paths, sheltered homes, and wary faces before a brown-skinned woman with curly brown hair, a young adult woman with a sturdy build, a broad face, and a russet dress beneath a green wool shawl, a silver nose ring catching the lanternlight steps forward.
Sliva
I am Sliva, chief of this refuge. You have reached us under Tavira’s protection, so speak plainly and tell me what you need.
Lioran and Zeiran turn toward her. Their eyes widen, and Saadia’s expression changes with theirs as recognition passes through the group like a struck bell.
Lioran
Sliva! We are so happy to see you!
Sliva’s composure breaks. She rushes to Lioran and Zeiran, and the three siblings cling to one another, crying openly as disbelief gives way to overwhelming joy.
Quest Complete
Elion DraemnorFind the vanished settlement
Skill Upgrade: Persuasion Good→Great
Elion Draemnor's turn“I smile at that sight. Zeiran asked how did she surivive. Sliva says that she's now married. The brothers scream of shock. She laughs and says that it is her husband who saved her. he came from a noble family. He bought slaves but freed them. At a certain point, his family started suspecting him. I was the last slave he freed and we fled together. Right now hes resting because he trains everyday to become stronger so he can protect this place that we named the Haven. She continues and tells her brothers that they will meet their brother in law when he's awake. She then adds that he's from House Corvelin, one of Aurythia's richest family. She continues and said that he lost a lot by leaving with her, that's why she loves him so much. He gave up everything for her. Then she turns towards Elion and Saadia and says: Despite not knowing you too, i thank you deeply for keeping an eye on both my brothers. I dont know for how long you've known each other but thank you, Sliva says as she bows”
Elion smiles at the sight of the reunited siblings. Sliva holds Lioran and Zeiran between them, laughing and crying as the refuge watches their family restored.
Zeiran
How did you survive, Sliva? We searched for you for so long.
Sliva
I am married now. My husband saved me. He came from a noble family, bought slaves only to free them, and fled with me when his family began to suspect him.
Lioran
You are married?
Zeiran
You have a husband?
Sliva
You both sound exactly the same. He is resting now after his exercises. He trains every day to protect this place, the Haven. You will meet your brother-in-law when he wakes. His family is House Corvelin, one of Aurythia’s richest houses, but he gave up everything for me. That is why I love him.
Sliva turns toward Elion and Saadia, then bows deeply. Lioran and Zeiran remain beside her, still stunned by the life their sister built beyond captivity.
Sliva
Though I do not know you both, I thank you deeply for looking after my brothers. I do not know how long you have shared their lives, but thank you.
Elion Draemnor's turn“It is my pleasure. Though i've known Zeiran only recently, i wish to protect him. Lioran and i, we've been friends for awhile and for the numbers of time Lioran took care of my injuries, i want to be able to do the same by protecting him and those close to him, so it is my pleasure, i say while bowing”
SUCCESS (Great Persuasion, rolled +0)
Elion Draemnor
It is my pleasure, Sliva. I have known Zeiran only recently, but I wish to protect him. Lioran and I have been friends for a long time, and he has cared for my injuries more times than I can count. I want to do the same by protecting him and those close to him.
Elion bows deeply before Sliva. The gesture is quiet and deliberate, offered not as a claim over the Haven, but as a promise to stand beside the family he has found here.
Sliva
Then I accept your words, Elion. Anyone who protects my brothers and asks nothing in return has my respect. You are welcome in the Haven as one who came to help, not to rule.
Lioran’s remaining hand settles against his chest, his eyes bright with gratitude. Zeiran lowers his guarded posture, visibly moved by the commitment Elion has made before their sister.
Lioran
You have already done that for me more times than you know. Hearing you say it here, in front of Sliva, means more than I can express.
Zeiran
And I will protect you as well. We may have met recently, Elion, but I trust the choice you have shown me today.
Quest Complete
Elion DraemnorEarn the refuge’s trust
Skill Upgrade: Persuasion Great→Superb