The tavern door bangs open behind Cero, and night air hits his bare chest like a slap. He is halfway into his shirt already, stumbling out into the dark field beyond the inn.
Lantern light spills across trampled grass. Somewhere behind him, boots pound hard over the mud.
The Caravan Guard
You. Stop right there!
A broad-shouldered guard storms into view, jaw clenched, one hand on his sword belt. His gaze fixes on Cero like a thrown spear.
The Caravan Guard
You think you can grin at my daughter and slip off into the night?
The words land harder than the wind. The guard’s face burns with fury, and the shape of the tavern maid comes sharply into mind, laughter, a hand on Cero’s sleeve, the warm mess of the night before.
Cero
Her father.
Cero yanks the shirt over one arm, the other still half bare, while the field opens wide around him. The grass shivers in the breeze at his feet.
The Caravan Guard
Turn around and face me, or I swear I’ll drag you back by the collar.
✓ Quest Accepted
Get past the caravan guard
“Hold up my hands and try to talk him down before he draws his blade.”
SUCCESS (Good Willpower, rolled +2)
Cero lifts both hands, shirt half on, palms open in the lantern spill. The guard’s sword hand hesitates at his belt.
Cero
Wait. I am not looking for a fight.
The Caravan Guard
You should have thought of that before you smiled at her like you meant it.
The guard does not draw. Instead, his shoulders stay locked tight, but his breath evens by a fraction.
The Caravan Guard
She works hard, Cero. Harder than folk like you ever notice.
Cero
I notice. I was stupid, not cruel.
The Caravan Guard
Then say it plain, and say what you mean to do now.
“Well I was trying to peacefully leave without trouble. I apologize for seducing his pretty daughter”
SUCCESS (Good Willpower, rolled +1)
Cero lowers his hands and gives the guard a small, careful bow. The lantern light catches the mud on his boots as he straightens, already edging backward from the tavern door.
Cero
I was trying to leave without trouble. I am sorry for chasing after your daughter like that.
The Caravan Guard
At least you can say it plain.
The Caravan Guard
You have a mouth on you, but not a liar's eyes.
His jaw loosens. The hand near his belt slips away, and he takes one slow step aside, making room on the trampled grass.
The Caravan Guard
She is not a prize to be won in a night, boy. If you mean better than that, prove it by walking off calm.
The path opens between them. Behind the guard, the tavern door rocks softly in its frame, waiting for Cero's next move.
Cero leaves A moonlit field beside a roadside tavern behind and arrives at the road.
“Explain to the guard that I will be leaving tonight, apologize and wish him and his daughter farewell before continuing on my journey”
SUCCESS (Great Agility, rolled +2)
The road takes Cero into a darker stretch of grass and rutted earth, where the tavern’s lantern glow thins behind him. His boots crunch once, then settle into a calmer pace as he faces the night alone.
Cero
I am leaving tonight. Thank you for hearing me out. Please give your daughter my farewell.
The Caravan Guard
Hmph. That sounds better than the nonsense most lads bring me.
The Caravan Guard
I will tell her you kept your head and your feet moving. That counts for something.
He tips his chin once, not quite a blessing, not quite a warning, and lets the road belong to Cero. The tavern behind him goes quiet again, its door settling shut in the distance.
A cool draft slides across the lane, stirring dust and the hems of Cero’s clothes as the path bends into open country.
Quest Complete
Get past the caravan guard
Attribute Upgrade: Willpower Good→Great