# Character State: ch-13

## ELARA VANCE
Location: The Great Arch / Outer Threshold of the Heart-Root
Physical: Spiritually depleted; right palm Sigil glowing faintly; bruised ribs; mud-stained clothing
Emotional: Burdened but resolute; feeling the weight of the forest's restoration
Active obligations: owes Kaelen protection (Ch-06) -- UNPAID
Open loops: Elara & Council Corruption Reckoning (Ch-12) -- UNRESOLVED
Known secrets: CARRIED (Ch-12--unresolved): knows Council's role in Blight origin (evidence possessed) -- Kaelen does NOT know
Arc: 100% -- Transitioned from a reluctant vessel to a proactive leader carrying the forest's memory.
Permanent: YES

## KAELEN
Location: The Great Arch / Outer Threshold of the Heart-Root
Physical: Left arm scarred; physically weak but walking; recovering from spiritual blight-shock
Emotional: Vigilant and protective; protective stance toward Elara
Active obligations: None
Open loops: None
Known secrets: CARRIED (Ch-12--unresolved): knows Sun-Guard bloodline -- Elara does NOT know; CARRIED (Ch-12--unresolved): knows Grove map location -- Elara does NOT know
Arc: 100% -- Fully accepted the role of Guardian, setting aside his past as a deserter to serve the Heart-Root.
Permanent: YES

## THORNE BLACKROOT -- DECEASED (Ch-13)
Established: Witnessed Elara push him into the pulsating core of the Heart-Root where he was calcified and shattered by pure life-energy.
Legacy: His death signals the collapse of the Circle of Thorns and leaves the Council of Oakhaven without their primary enforcer.

# World State: ch-13

## NPC Memory
- Mira (Oakhaven): GRATEFUL -- witnessed the sky clearing from the village -- will advocate for Elara's return.

## Faction Attitudes
- Circle of Thorns: EXTINCT -- Leader killed; members scattered; magical resonance dissolved.
- Council of Oakhaven: TERRIFIED -- The failure of the Blight and Thorne’s disappearance leaves them vulnerable to exposure.
- Forest Spirits: TRIUMPHANT -- Singing through the Elderwood as the Great Weaving accelerates.

## Active World Events
- The Great Weaving: ACTIVE -- Rapid reforestation is visible across the valley as the Heart-Root pulses.
- The Council's Reckoning: EMERGING -- With Thorne gone and the Blight receding, the secrets of the Council’s complicity are nearing exposure.
- Heart-Root Stabilization: PERMANENT -- The ritual is complete; the site is now a sanctuary of pure natural energy.