The Vale captain keeps one hand raised, watching the shrine’s green-lit roots. Hoofbeats pound up the road as a small figure charges through the dust, axe and shield ready.
Bubblegum, a compact adult halfling woman with warm fair skin, fierce brown eyes, and a mushroom dress snapping around her legs, skids to a halt beside the riders.
Bubblegum
Illith! Why are armed nobles, a wounded celestial, and a haunted shrine gathered without me?
Windsteel lowers his glowing hand halfway, relief crossing his sharp features. The Vale riders, a few adult humans in matching blue-and-silver armor and low helms exchange wary looks while Lord Edran stares at the newcomer.
Windsteel
Bubblegum, excellent timing. We were attempting a peaceful departure before the situation acquired another axe.
Before anyone can explain, the shrine’s pale roots recoil from Bubblegum. They draw tight around the altar, green fire fluttering as though the covenant recognizes her arrival.
the Vale captain
What is she? The shrine reacted to her as it reacted to Lord Vale.
✓ Quest Accepted
Withstand the shrine’s judgment
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn why the covenant recognizes Bubblegum
“*I smile widely at my pint-sized companion.* Bubblegum, how did you? where did you? Ah.. bring it in! *I extends her arms out for a huge.*”
SUCCESS (Good Agility, rolled -2)
Illith Storm
Bubblegum, how did you get here? Where did you come from? Ah, bring it in!
Illith smiles broadly and opens her arms. Bubblegum charges into the embrace, and the towering goliath lifts her clear off the ground in a fierce, joyful hug.
Bubblegum
I followed the trail of trouble, obviously! Then I heard nobles were making decisions without me.
Bubblegum’s shield bangs against Illith’s harness with a sharp clang, startling the nearest horses. The riders tighten their reins, but the captain keeps his raised hand steady.
Bubblegum
Put me down before your giant arms crack my ribs, you enormous snow mountain.
Illith sets her down safely, though Bubblegum’s axe slips from its loop and clatters across the stones. The noise draws every wary gaze toward their reunion.
the Vale captain
Your companion has arrived loudly, Lord Vale. Still, the shrine has witnessed your renunciation, and I will not challenge it here.
“*I smile widely at my pint-sized companion.* Bubblegum, how did you? where did you? Ah.. bring it in! *I extends her arms out for a huge.*”
Lord Edran Vale
Captain, you have heard me. Take my words to House Vale, but do not mistake their anger for authority over my life.
The captain studies Edran, then lowers his hand. One by one, the riders sheath their blades, and the horses settle beneath the shrine’s fading green light.
the Vale captain
I will carry the renunciation. Whether House Vale accepts exile or contests it, that judgment belongs to the courts, not this road.
Windsteel
Then we should leave before another branch of the family arrives to make the farewell less peaceful.
Windsteel’s celestial glow fades beneath his coat as his wound closes. Bubblegum retrieves her axe, grinning up at Illith while dust drifts across the broken stones.
Bubblegum
You missed me, snow mountain. Admit it, and I might even let you carry my shield.
Behind them, the shrine’s roots fold over the silver basin and seal the covenant chamber from sight. The road beyond lies open, quiet for the moment.
Quest Complete
Withstand the shrine’s judgment