The fuller warning folds shut, restoring the black seal. The elderly custodian remains beside the stone arch, while mist curls over the open road toward Baldur’s Gate.
Before Mara can leave, the custody cord tightens with a faint chime. Pale script draws itself across the flagstone, stopping short of every name.
the river custodian
The bearer has refused a transfer of custody. That refusal concerns the deposit alone, not the road, and not your right to depart.
The script divides into two lines: custody refused, passage permitted. Neither line points beyond the arch, and the sealed deposit remains within its shallow niche.
the river custodian
No one may carry it onward, hold it for another, or accept responsibility in the bearer’s place. The warning’s terms remain complete.
the river custodian
Baldur’s Gate lies along the witnessed route. You may continue, remain here, or withdraw from this consultation. Nothing in the cord commands an answer.
The pale writing settles into the stone without sealing the path. Behind Mara, Phandelver and the Hall remain beyond the witnessed return sign; ahead, the river road waits under fog.
“I remove my journal showing the mark." Are you the reason for this?" I ask plainly”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +2)
Mara removes her warded journal from her travel pack and opens it to the ink-like mark. The route lies beneath her earlier notes, sharp and undisturbed.
Mara
Are you the reason for this?
The river custodian studies the mark without reaching for the journal. Fog beads on the arch stones, and the custody cord hangs quiet beside her.
the river custodian
No. I did not make it, call it, or guide it. I came because its witness-mark moved toward this arch.
the river custodian
Your journal carried the route before I arrived. The mark answered your earlier testimony and chose a lawful place to be seen, not a hand to command it.
A faint silver line brightens beneath Mara’s notes, matching the safe return sign recorded in the Hall. It shows no tether to the custodian, the deposit, or its unknown bearer.
the river custodian
I can witness that distinction. The route is yours to follow or leave, while this deposit remains protected from recognition and custody.
“" what should I do with the letter?" I ask”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled -1)
Mara
What should I do with the letter?
The custody cord gives one soft chime. The sealed deposit remains in its niche, black wax unbroken, while fog moves soundlessly through the arch.
the river custodian
Leave it here, unless its bearer later offers lawful instructions. You may keep a faithful record of the terms you witnessed, but not carry the deposit.
the river custodian
Do not seek its name, test the seal, or accept custody in another’s place. The letter’s protection is strongest when its refusal remains intact.
She gestures toward the pale route beneath Mara’s journal notes. The road to Baldur’s Gate remains open, and the safe return mark shines faintly behind her.
the river custodian
You have already done what was lawful: witnessed the warning and asked its purpose. You may depart, recording only what was freely shown.
The black seal settles into silence. Nothing binds Mara to the niche, and nothing follows when the road waits beneath the river fog.
Mara leaves river custodian's witness-deposit arch behind and arrives at Baldur’s Gate.
“I record the terms and leave the deposit, then I follow the witnessed road to Baldur’s Gate.”
SUCCESS (Great Agility, rolled +0)
Baldur’s Gate rises through river fog, all steep roofs, crowded quays, and bell towers stained dark by rain. Mara arrives where the witnessed road ends beneath an old sea-green arch.
A young adult elf woman waits beside the arch: Orra Venn, slim and sharp-featured, with copper-brown skin, braided black hair, and a charcoal legalist’s coat clasped in silver.
Orra Venn
The route brought you cleanly. I felt no claim pass through it, and no bearer’s identity followed you into the city.
At Orra’s feet, rainwater gathers around a fresh chalk diagram: two circles joined by a line, one marked witness and the other marked refusal.
Orra Venn
Your record of the deposit is sound. The extra sign is a lawful invitation to compare its terms with an older testimony, here, in public witness.
Mara
The route ends at a prepared comparison, not a summons.
Behind Orra, Baldur’s Gate opens toward the House of Quiet Tides, its blue lanterns reflected in the wet street. The diagram leaves a clear space for Mara’s consent or refusal.
Compare the deposit’s terms with older testimony
Quest Complete
Reach Baldur’s Gate
Skill Upgrade: Stealth Great→Superb