The Locked Character Gate

Summoneyy went to inspect the Skyborne manners and instead found herself before a ward that would not yield her own name. Arrowyy hurried up behind her, only to discover the same obstruction, which at least spared him the labour of pretending he knew what he was doing.

Blaedy, as usual, supplied the useful truth: the realm was shut while someone raised its ceiling. This prompted grief, outrage, and Arrowyy's declaration that the village had not approved it. Summoneyy immediately sought refuge in older wars, then asked whether growing stronger before their duels would offend anyone. Blaedy had already accepted defeat with the calm of a person who has seen the bracket.

Then, with the grand contest deferred by three hundred-odd measures of unseen repairs, Summoneyy asked Arrowyy for rugged leather. Civilization endures.