Decision: Tomas signs the bond to bind Kian—an arrangement in which Tomas becomes the de facto Guardian by surrogate oath if Kian cannot fulfill the term. The Herald accepts the compromise: a deferment to allow the child to grow into the role under watchful family oversight—only if a consenting adult assumes temporary custodial guardianship at the Archive’s threshold, renouncing Games participation immediately. Mara volunteers and is accepted; she will protect Kian and the Archive for the term, unable to compete.
Decision: Tomas signs the bond to bind Kian—an arrangement in which Tomas becomes the de facto Guardian by surrogate oath if Kian cannot fulfill the term. The Herald accepts the compromise: a deferment to allow the child to grow into the role under watchful family oversight—only if a consenting adult assumes temporary custodial guardianship at the Archive’s threshold, renouncing Games participation immediately. Mara volunteers and is accepted; she will protect Kian and the Archive for the term, unable to compete.