# Character State: ch-12

## Elara Vance
Location: Inner Sanctum of the Heart-Root/Threshold  
Physical: Silver-white Sigil permanently bonded to right palm; moderate spiritual exhaustion; bruised ribs (lingering); mud-stained, damp clothing  
Emotional: Transcendent but weary; carries heavy responsibility for forest restoration  
Active obligations: Owes Kaelen protection (Ch-06) -- UNPAID  
Open loops: Elara and Council [Corruption Reckoning] (Ch-12) -- UNRESOLVED  
Known secrets: CARRIED (Ch-12--unresolved): Council's role in Blight origin (possesses evidence) -- Kaelen does not know  
Arc: 100% -- Fully transitioned from reactive survivor to proactive Voice of the Forest; accepted sacrificial leadership role  
Permanent: YES  

## Kaelen
Location: Threshold of the Heart-Root  
Physical: Left arm mangled/scarred; weak, pale; stable but requires long-term recovery  
Emotional: Stoic, contemplative; at peace with guardian identity  
Active obligations: None  
Open loops: None  
Known secrets: CARRIED (Ch-11--unresolved): Sun-Guard bloodline secret -- Elara unaware; CARRIED (Ch-02--unresolved): Grove map location -- Elara unaware  
Arc: 100% -- Redemption finalized; committed fully to Heart-Root/Vessel protection  
Permanent: YES  

## Thorne Blackroot -- DECEASED (ch-11)
Established: Body calcified and shattered into inert dust after being severed from the Blight.  
Legacy: Circle of Thorns influence is extinguished; his defeat allowed the purification of the sanctum.

# World State: ch-12

## NPC Memory
- Mira (Oakhaven): GRATEFUL -- Witnessed the clearing sky -- Will likely support Elara against the Council.
- Council of Oakhaven (Oakhaven): FEARFUL -- Magic has returned without their control -- Facing political collapse as corruption is exposed.

## Faction Attitudes
- Circle of Thorns: EXTINCT -- Remaining scouts fled; magical resonance destroyed.
- Council of Oakhaven: PARIAHS -- Survivors are questioning past complicity in the Blight.
- Forest Spirits (Elderwood): VIBRANT -- Actively reshaping the environment; singing new growth.

## Active World Events
- The Great Weaving: ONGOING -- Magical reforestation is rapidly reclaiming scorched lands across the region.
- Heart-Root Activation: PERMANENT -- Pulse is steady and expanding; actively healing corrupted zones.
- The Council's Reckoning: EMERGING -- Political tension rising as the truth of the Blight's origin becomes public knowledge.