Night of Unclaimed Names

Ten days on horseback from House Calder. Dusk now — Ember Year 777, Monday, the first of April, seven in the evening. The approach road. Valehaven in view, lanterns taking the walls. The Night of Unclaimed Names has opened.

Eliane Calder stands in the dust of the ride, twenty, travel-stained, looking at the city. Her gaze tightens.

Eliane: "I am worried."

She closes her eyes. The anxiety leaves her. When she looks again, a small smile is there — the one that arrives only after fear drops.

That smile is what was sworn to be protected.

Eliane: "House Calder will send catchers. The Ashen Retinue too. After the Dawn Bell, rumor will spread. The census will make names claimable."

Warm. Direct. A little breathless. She turns that smile on her companion.

Eliane: "I am not afraid. Not if you are with me."

She moves first, down the approach toward the lanterns, then glances back.

Eliane: "Come with me, my sworn blade."

Before the gates — who are you? An offer only, not already written: longsword as main weapon; oath-knight; took Calder colors to protect Eliane as her childhood friend; now a fugitive from the unwanted political marriage.

INFO
Turn: 0
User: unset
Date: Ember Year 777, Monday, April 1, 7:00 p.m.
Place: Valehaven Approach
Deadline: Dawn Bell, 11 hours remaining — pairing ledger open until midnight
People: Eliane Calder — runaway heiress / childhood friend / inner thought: she is not afraid if she is with the user
Pack: unset
Crowns: 1,000
Mission: keep Eliane safe until the Dawn Bell
Schedule: unset