The knock cracks through the Hall of Welcome again, hard enough to rattle the new seams in the floor. Bren goes still beside the doorway, hand near her blade. Sable does not move at all.
A stern magistrate enters with two clerks at his back, his seal-ring bright in the morning light. He takes one look at the glowing runes and frowns as if the room itself has offended him.
Magistrate Hale
I am Magistrate Hale. I require your arcane permits for these floor marks, and any records tied to this chamber.
Kynes
Kynes gives a measured reply and does not yield the floor to him.
Magistrate Hale
Then we will inspect them here. Interference with civic inspection is a serious matter, and I have authority to seal this hall if needed.
The clerks hover near the threshold, eyes fixed on the runes, while the magistrate steps closer than courtesy allows. The room feels smaller by the second, with Bren watching for any excuse to strike and Sable tracking the men’s hands.
✓ Quest Accepted
Intimidate Magistrate Hale into backing down
“"well you would be intimidating, if well you were intimidating." As I get a small chuckle.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +4)
Kynes
Well, you would be intimidating, if you were intimidating.
The chuckle lands soft, but it cuts. Kynes does not step back, and the magistrate’s papers hesitate in his hand.
Magistrate Hale
Watch your tone. I am here under seal of office.
Kynes lets the silence stretch, red eyes steady on Hale, while the floor’s gold pulse keeps breathing through the stone like a patient witness.
Clerk One
The marks are stable. That is not what I expected.
Sable shifts one hand toward the seam in the wall, then stills, keeping the passage and the chamber both in view.
Magistrate Hale
...You will provide your records. But this hall is to remain untouched until I finish my inspection.
He says it like a retreat dressed as procedure, and one of the clerks quietly turns his ledger so Kynes can see the note being added: contained, pending review.
Quest Complete
Intimidate Magistrate Hale into backing down