9. Arcady: The Last Golden

Summary

• The main character puts off going to see Kelwyn, hoping to solve their problems. They've been feeling unwell lately and having vivid dreams, which could be linked to their unsuccessful attempts at conducting experiments with their new seal they can barely use for simple tasks.
• They finally go to see Kelwyn, who runs an antiques and pawnshop. The main character has a history with Kelwyn who taught them how to steal and eventually helped them get into the Marricks, a thieves' guild.
• Kelwyn scolds the main character for breaking into his shop after hours, but upon seeing items to sell, they negotiate a deal. However, the main character reveals they need a seal setting fitted, and can't go to a legitimate healer for reasons undisclosed.
• Kelwyn agrees to do it secretly in return for a cut of the main character's recent haul. They remove their shirt, revealing a tangled pattern of dark marks on their skin, signifying they are "Struck" - marked by a plague. Kelwyn is shocked and expresses concern for the main character who dismisses it, insisting they haven't been caught yet.
• Kelwyn begins weaving the setting into the main character's chest, which causes them extreme pain and ignites a vivid flashback or vision. Kelwyn finishes the procedure and hands the main character a salve to apply on the site of insertion.
• On their way home, the main character senses they're being followed.