At Titano’s lodge, the final preparations settle into place. Dinner steams across the heavy table while Thor and Feron gather nearby, their presence filling the warm log-built hall.
Beyond the door, evening wind stirs the dark trees. A firm knock lands against the wood, followed by the scrape and shifting weight of several feet outside.
Thor
That will be more guests than I expected.
Feron
Or friends arriving precisely when the food is ready.
The latch remains untouched. Through the thick door, familiar voices murmur together, softened by the timber and night air, while the scent of roasted food drifts toward the threshold.
Alexios
Titano! It is Alexios. We have brought company, if your door is open to us.
Cindera
We mean no trouble. Though I admit, the smell makes waiting difficult.
Inside, the room holds its welcoming warmth and its ready meal. Outside, four familiar figures wait beyond the door, leaving the next choice to Titano.
✓ Quest Accepted
Open the lodge to Alexios and his company
“as I open the door i say "Alexios, we talked about this when I invite you for dinner I mean just you, but I'm happy to have you all here"”
FAILURE (Good Persuasion, rolled -2)
“as I open the door i say "Alexios, we talked about this when I invite you for dinner I mean just you, but I'm happy to have you all here"”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled +1)
Titano opens the lodge door, and warm lamplight spills across Alexios, Cindera, Thor, and Feron waiting on the threshold with the evening chill behind them.
Titano
Alexios, we talked about this. When I invite you for dinner, I mean just you, but I’m happy to have you all here.
Alexios
Fair enough, my friend. I may have been a little generous with the meaning of your invitation.
Cindera
A little? You practically announced dinner to half the road.
Thor
Then let us be welcome guests rather than unexpected ones. The food smells too good for an argument.
Feron
Come in, all of you. Titano has opened the door, and that means the lodge is warm enough for company.
Alexios bows his head, accepting the correction, while Cindera’s amusement softens. The guests step inside, and the door closes against the darkening wind.
Quest Complete
Open the lodge to Alexios and his company
“shortly after Thundera, and umbralia enter”
Another brief knock sounds before the door opens again. Thundera slips into the lodge with Umbralia beside her, bringing a breath of cool night air and the faint scent of pine.
Thundera
I hope we are not too late. The road was quiet, but the invitation was difficult to resist.
Umbralia
And I was assured there would be food. I trust the promise was honest.
Feron
You are both welcome. There is plenty for everyone, so take a place before Alexios finds a way to claim another serving.
Alexios
I object to the accusation. I have only protected the table from unnecessary emptiness.
Thundera smiles at the exchange and moves toward the table, while Umbralia settles near the fire. Around them, the lodge grows louder, warmer, and comfortably crowded.
“well let me fetch a few more casks, we are going to need it”
SUCCESS (Superb Strength, rolled +1)
Titano
Well, let me fetch a few more casks. We are going to need it.
Titano turns toward the cask room, his immense steps making the timber floor answer with deep, steady thuds. Behind him, lamplight glints along Storm-Brand’s runes.
Alexios
That is the spirit of a proper host. I will defend the table until your return.
The cask-room door yields beneath Titano’s hand. Inside, rows of sealed barrels rest in the cool dimness, their wooden hoops faintly silvered by the lodge’s magic.
Feron
Bring the amber casks, beloved. The darker ale can wait until everyone has eaten.
Titano gathers several casks against his broad frame and carries them back without slowing. The feast table groans softly as he sets the fresh supply beside it.
Umbralia
With provisions like these, I may forgive Alexios for making the invitation so public.
+ New Item Acquired
Amber Casks
“"say umbralia, you haven't tried my ale have you?" I say as I pour her a cup”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled -2)
Titano
Umbralia, you haven't tried my ale, have you?
Titano fills a sturdy cup from the amber cask and offers it across the table. The ale catches the firelight, warm and golden, while nearby conversation pauses to listen.
Umbralia
I have not. But if I accept, I suspect you will expect an honest verdict.
Umbralia takes the cup, her fingers briefly brushing Titano’s as she claims it. She raises it beneath the eyes of the crowded table, making the small tasting into a public promise.
Umbralia
Very well. I will judge it fairly, and you may remind me of that fairness if I ever need to repay a favor.
Alexios
Careful, Umbralia. Titano keeps excellent ale and remembers every debt.
Umbralia
Then let us hope the ale is worth the price.
She takes a measured sip. Her brows lift despite herself, and the favor now hangs plainly between them, accepted along with the drink.
“"my ale never fails". I say as I pour a cup for everyone except myself”
Titano
My ale never fails.
Titano moves around the crowded table, filling a sturdy cup for each guest except himself. Golden ale passes from his great hands to waiting claws and palms, while the firelight gleams across the cask and Storm-Brand’s runes.
Thor
A bold claim from a brewer who refuses his own cup. Still, I have yet to find a fault in it.
Feron
You know the answer already, beloved. Everyone here will ask for another before the plates are cleared.
Alexios raises his cup in salute, Cindera’s feathers shifting with her quiet amusement, and Thundera accepts hers with an approving tilt of her head. Umbralia studies the amber drink as though weighing a contract.
Umbralia
Then I will test that promise properly. To the host, and to an ale that apparently fears no verdict.
“most of them know the rules when it comes to my ale, one cup with dinner and two in the spring after dinner. the mention of the spring makes cindera, thundera, and umbralia perk up”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled +1)
Titano
Most of you know the rules for my ale: one cup with dinner, and two in the spring after dinner.
The word spring travels through the crowded lodge like a spark. Cindera’s fiery feathers lift, Thundera’s head tilts sharply, and Umbralia’s measured composure brightens.
Cindera
The spring? You neglected to mention that part when you welcomed us in.
Thundera
A warm spring after dinner sounds like a fine tradition. I can see why you keep it limited.
Umbralia
Two cups there, and no more? I appreciate a host who sets clear terms before temptation begins.
Feron
You heard him. Dinner first, then the spring. No one is skipping the meal to reach the ale beneath the stars.
Cindera glances toward the lodge’s rear passage, while Thundera and Umbralia exchange quick, interested looks. Around them, the other guests raise their cups, accepting the rule.
“what is it with women and hot springs, I don't get it. I say as i continue my meal”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled +3)
Titano
What is it with women and hot springs? I do not get it.
Titano continues his meal, the sturdy table barely shifting beneath his movements. Around him, the guests consider the question with varying degrees of amusement rather than offense.
Feron
Warm water, quiet conversation, and no arena crowd watching every movement. It is not complicated, beloved.
Thundera
There is moonlight, too, and room to relax without everyone shouting over dinner. Besides, your spring is unusually beautiful.
Umbralia
A secluded place with a generous host and excellent ale makes people feel welcome. That is a powerful combination, Titano.
Cindera
They also like seeing whether the enormous host can actually fit in his own spring. Your confusion has earned you an audience there tonight.
“after dinner I invite everyone to the hot spring, Thor and I enter the deepest spring and sink down till only our eyes and nose are visible”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled +2)
After dinner, Titano leads everyone from the lodge toward the hot spring beneath the moonlit trees. Steam rises in pale ribbons, carrying the scent of mineral water and pine.
The invitation is accepted without hesitation. Feron, Alexios, Cindera, Thundera, and Umbralia follow along the lantern-lit path as Thor strides beside Titano toward the deepest pool.
Titano and Thor wade into the deepest spring, their immense bodies displacing warm water until they sink down together. Soon only their eyes and nostrils remain above the surface.
Thor
There. At last, a place where neither of us can be accused of taking up too much room.
Feron
You have chosen the deepest pool for a reason, I assume. Though I admit, seeing you two become a pair of watchful islands is charming.
Alexios
I believe the spring has surrendered. Cindera, should we test whether the shallows are safer?
Umbralia
Safer, perhaps. But the deepest water offers the best view of our hosts pretending to be discreet.
“what is everyone waiting for, get in here before i change my mind”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled +1)
Titano
What is everyone waiting for? Get in here before I change my mind.
The challenge rolls across the steaming pool. Feron laughs, Alexios grins, and the others abandon the shallows, wading toward the deepest water beneath the moonlit branches.
Feron
There is no need to threaten us, beloved. We are coming, and I refuse to let you enjoy the deepest pool alone.
Alexios
You heard the host. Make room, Thor. I am joining the islands in the deep.
Alexios slips into the water beside Thor, followed by Cindera, Thundera, and Umbralia. Ripples spread around the massive bodies until the spring becomes a crowded, laughing basin.
Cindera
There. Everyone is in. Now pour those promised cups before the host changes his mind again.
Umbralia
A persuasive invitation, Titano. I suspect none of us will test whether that threat was sincere.
“I built this pool specifically for myself, Thor, and Feron, Aswell as any other giants that may want to use them”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled +1)
Titano
I built this pool for myself, Thor, and Feron, as well as any other giants who might want to use it.
Titano’s explanation settles over the steaming water. The deep basin seems suddenly less like a luxury and more like a carefully made refuge for bodies of uncommon size.
Feron
That is exactly why it suits us so well, beloved. You made room for the people who need it, and then welcomed everyone else besides.
Thor
A thoughtful design. Most pools forget that giants need space to breathe, move, and rest without breaking something around them.
Thor settles more comfortably beside Titano, while Feron stretches out across the broad ledge. The water remains deep enough for both giants, with room still around them.
Umbralia
Then the rest of us are guests in a giants’ retreat. I admit, the hospitality is difficult to criticize from such comfortable water.
“if only we giants could even swim, we are just simply, to heavy”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled +0)
Titano
If only we giants could swim. We are simply too heavy for it.
Titano’s broad shoulders rise beneath the steaming water as his words spread through the pool. The giants remain settled on the basin floor, while the smaller guests float and paddle around them.
Thor
A fair point. We are not swimming so much as resting where the water happens to be deep.
Feron
Then it is settled. Giants do not swim here. We luxuriate, and everyone else may pretend our stillness is graceful.
Umbralia
Convincing, Titano. I will call it luxuriating from now on, though that elegant word costs you another cup in the spring.
Laughter ripples through the pool. Titano’s argument wins its name, but Umbralia’s bargain becomes the price of victory, leaving the guests eagerly watching for his answer.
“fair, but know that the casks I have made have to last me till spring when I can make more”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled +0)
Titano
Fair, but know that the casks I have made have to last me till spring, when I can make more.
The explanation settles over the spring with the warm steam. The promise of another brewing season makes the remaining ale feel suddenly precious, rather than endlessly available.
Umbralia
Then I withdraw the price of another cup. A host should not be pressed to spend through his winter stores for the sake of winning an argument.
Feron
A sensible bargain, beloved. We will enjoy what you pour tonight, and leave enough for the long months ahead.
Thor
Agreed. Spring is a long way off, and a cask saved now may matter more than a boast made in warm water.
Alexios
Then we drink carefully, my friend. Though I reserve the right to ask whether your spring brewing deserves a feast when the season returns.
Umbralia lowers her cup in agreement, while the others take smaller measured sips. The conversation turns toward spring, each guest now curious about what Titano will brew next.
“now that we are all settled in the spring, Feron and I have news, a date has been set”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled +1)
Titano
Feron and I have news. A date has been set.
The announcement stills the easy conversation. Steam curls between the gathered faces as every gaze turns toward Titano and Feron, waiting for the meaning of the date.
Feron
The ceremony will be held at the lodge, beneath the old cedar grove. We wanted our friends to hear it from us first.
Alexios
At last! Tell us the day, my friend. I will make certain the feast deserves the occasion.
Thor
This calls for a proper celebration, and a guard worthy of the event. You will have both.
Umbralia
A date, a grove, and a feast. You have arranged a convincing beginning to a very important promise.
Cindera
Then stop making us wait in the water. When is it?
✓ Quest Accepted
Hold the ceremony
“now it's not going to be some grand spectacle of a wedding, it's going to be simple, with a rather, exclusive guest list”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled +0)
Titano
It will not be some grand spectacle. Feron and I want a simple ceremony, with an exclusive guest list: only our closest friends and family.
The announcement quiets the spring again, but this time the silence feels approving. Steam drifts between the gathered faces as the scale of the promise settles into something intimate.
Feron
That is exactly what we decided, beloved. The cedar grove, a few vows, and the people who have stood beside us.
Alexios
Then I will revise my plans. I may owe several cooks and musicians an apology, but your wedding should be yours to shape.
Umbralia
An exclusive guest list is sensible. It also means every person invited will understand that their presence is a privilege, not an expectation.
Cindera
Simple sounds lovely. Though I reserve the right to make certain the ceremony is still memorable.
Thor
Then the palace guard will not crowd your grove. I will attend as your friend, not as a commander arranging a spectacle.
“though I haven't yet decided if I should invite tyranos, or kentros, as we still haven't spoken about what happened between us”
SUCCESS (Good Reasoning, rolled +0)
Titano lets the question remain unanswered. Beneath the cedar branches, steam curls around his shoulders while the names Tyranos and Kentros, a lean young adult humanoid kentrosaurus with olive-green scales, a narrow face, a ridge of short back spines, and a russet travel cloak, hang apart from the warmth of the gathering.
Titano
I have not decided whether either of them belongs on the guest list.
Feron
Then do not decide tonight, beloved. A wedding invitation should not force an old wound open before you are ready.
Alexios
If what happened between you and Tyranos or Kentros still weighs on you, speak with them first. An invitation can wait.
The others give Titano room instead of pressing him. Even the laughter fades, leaving only the soft movement of water and the cedar branches stirring overhead.
Umbralia
Keeping the list undecided is not the same as closing the door. You may learn what you need before the ceremony.
Thor
Whatever you choose, my friend, no one here will mistake caution for weakness.
Cindera
Good. Then we can return to planning the parts that are certain, while those two names remain yours to consider.
“just to make this clear, I'll be handling the alcoholic beverages myself, I have two dozen casks brewing an old classic of mine as we speak”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled +1)
Titano
Just to make this clear: I will handle the alcoholic beverages myself. I have two dozen casks of an old classic brewing as we speak.
The declaration settles over the steaming spring with the confidence of a promise already secured. Beneath the lodge, two dozen casks quietly ferment toward the ceremony.
Feron
Then the drinks will be part of your gift to the day, beloved. I know how much care you put into every cask.
Alexios
An old classic, and two dozen casks? Now that is a wedding feast worth waiting for. I volunteer to test each batch for balance.
Umbralia
A generous arrangement, provided the host still keeps enough for himself. I will not let your guests drink you out of your own stores.
Thor
Then the beverage matter is settled. I will see that no outsider interferes with your brewing or carries off a cask before the ceremony.
Cindera
Good. With the drinks in your hands and the guest list under control, the wedding is beginning to sound wonderfully like yours.
“as we discuss the wedding, we hear a deep voice say "I know my brother didn't host a dinner party without inviting me". I choke on my ale and look up to see my brother volcanon”
As wedding plans continue around the steaming pool, a deep voice rolls through the cedar grove from beyond the lodge.
Volcanon
I know my brother didn't host a dinner party without inviting me.
Titano chokes on his ale and looks up. Volcanon steps into the lantern glow, an immense adult male Argentinosaurus with a pale face and underbelly, crimson back, neck, crown, and tail, his towering frame filling the path.
Feron
Volcanon. You are welcome here, of course. Though your timing is remarkably dramatic.
Alexios
A late arrival with a claim on the wedding feast? I respect the confidence.
Volcanon
Then I have arrived at exactly the right time. I would not miss my brother's ceremony, nor the ale he made himself.
The surprise loosens into laughter across the spring. Volcanon approaches the water, while the gathered guests shift aside to make room for another giant among them.
“"volcanon, know that the reason I didn't invite you tonight is not because your my brother, but because when we last spoke, we didn't part on the best of terms" I say as i give volcanon a steely glare”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled -1)
Titano
Volcanon, know that I did not invite you tonight because you are my brother. When we last spoke, we did not part on the best of terms.
Titano fixes Volcanon with a steely glare. The laughter dies across the spring, leaving only the soft lap of water against the stone.
Volcanon
I know. I remember how we parted, and I gave you reason to doubt whether I belonged among your closest friends.
Volcanon stops at the pool’s edge instead of forcing his way into the water. His lowered head acknowledges the accusation, but his broad shoulders remain tense.
Volcanon
You have every right to keep my name off the list. I will not demand an invitation, though I would like the chance to make amends.
Feron
That is a fair answer. The wedding invitation remains Titano’s choice, but speaking plainly has earned you a chance to repair the trust you damaged.
Volcanon accepts the boundary, but the spring’s easy welcome is gone. He may stay as family tonight, yet his place among Titano’s closest friends is no longer assumed.
“I may never forgive you for what you said you would do, but know that I have tried, now get in here”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled +1)
Titano
I may never forgive you for what you said you would do, but know that I have tried. Now get in here.
The invitation crosses the remaining distance between them. Volcanon’s tense shoulders loosen, and he steps carefully into the spring, sending a broad wave across the stone basin.
Volcanon
I understand, brother. I will not ask forgiveness tonight. Being allowed to stand beside you is more than I deserve.
Volcanon settles into the deepest water at the edge of the giants’ space, leaving Titano room between them. The spring accepts his weight, though the silence remains careful.
Feron
Then let tonight be a beginning, not a verdict. You may share the water while trust finds its own pace.
Volcanon
Thank you, Feron. And Titano, I will prove my words through what I do, not by asking you to forget them.
“I pull volcanon close and whisper into his ear. "if you ever threaten my betrothed again, I will see to it that you are exiled from Ithaca". only cindera, Thundera, and Umbralia hear what I say but they don't say anything until after everyone else leaves”
SUCCESS (Good Intimidation, rolled +1)
Titano reaches across the spring, draws Volcanon close, and bends his long neck until his whisper reaches only his brother's ear. Steam curls between them.
Titano
If you ever threaten my betrothed again, I will see to it that you are exiled from Ithaca.
Volcanon
I understand. I will never threaten Feron again. You have my word, brother.
Volcanon lowers his head and releases Titano without resistance. Around the pool, Feron, Thor, Alexios, and the others finish their drinks, unaware of the whispered exchange.
One by one, Feron, Thor, Alexios, and Volcanon climb from the spring and return toward the lodge. Cindera, Thundera, and Umbralia remain behind in the steaming water.
Cindera
That was quiet, Titano, but not subtle. You meant every word.
“I'm glad someone heard it, so that I have a witness to my claim”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled +1)
Titano
Good. I am glad you heard it, Cindera. If Volcanon ever threatens Feron again, you are my witness to what I promised.
Cindera’s amusement fades into sharp attention. She braces one hand against the warm stone ledge, watching Titano with a steadiness that leaves no doubt she understands the weight of his words.
Cindera
Then I am your witness. I heard the threat, and I heard Volcanon swear that he would never make it again.
She lifts her cup slightly, sealing the statement with a solemn gesture. Beyond the spring, the lodge door closes after the departing giants, muffling their voices.
Cindera
But hear me clearly, Titano. A witness records what happened; she does not decide whether you must forgive him. That choice remains yours.
Steam drifts between them as the distinction settles into the quiet pool. Cindera keeps her gaze on Titano, present and attentive, while the night waits beyond the cedar grove.
“I exit the spring and head inside to see volcanon standing with Feron and holding by the hips”
SUCCESS (Good Agility, rolled +1)
Titano climbs from the spring and crosses the lantern-lit path into the lodge. Warmth and lamplight meet him, along with the sight of Volcanon standing beside Feron, his broad hands resting around her hips.
Feron
There you are, beloved. Volcanon was helping me reach the serving cloth without stepping into the crowded passage.
Volcanon
I offered support, brother. Feron asked me to steady her while she turned, and I kept my hands where she permitted.
Feron remains poised within Volcanon’s careful hold, one hand resting against his forearm. Her expression is calm, and the distance between them carries no sign of fear or struggle.
Feron
He has behaved exactly as promised. No threats, no pressure, and no attempt to decide anything for me.
Volcanon
Your warning was understood. I am here as family, not as Feron’s keeper, and I will prove that by respecting her choice.
At Feron’s small nod, Volcanon releases her hips and steps back, leaving clear space between them. The lodge’s quiet attention settles on Titano, waiting to see what he makes of the scene.
“I'd be happy to house you tonight brother, if it weren't for the fact that we don't have any more open beds”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled -1)
Titano
I would be happy to house you tonight, brother, if we had any open beds left.
The welcome reaches Volcanon, but the lack of a bed makes its limit unmistakable. Feron watches him carefully, one hand still resting against the serving cloth.
Volcanon
Then I will not take one that does not exist. Your offer is accepted, brother, and I will find somewhere else to rest tonight.
His tone stays respectful, but the room hears the cost: Volcanon will leave the lodge rather than ask the household to rearrange itself for him. The admission places a quiet debt of trust between the brothers.
Feron
You are welcome to remain for the evening, Volcanon. But Titano’s home cannot promise comfort it no longer has room to provide.
Volcanon
I understand. I will share the meal, then make my own arrangements. And I will remember that you offered before you counted the beds.
“well there is, one bed, in the old cabin, the only thing on this property that I haven't gotten around to restoring”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled +2)
Titano
There is one bed, in the old cabin. It is the only thing on this property I have not gotten around to restoring.
Volcanon studies Titano for a long moment, then turns his gaze toward the dark trees where the neglected cabin stands beyond the lodge.
Volcanon
An unrestored cabin is still shelter, brother. If you truly offer it, I will accept the bed and ask nothing more of your household tonight.
Feron’s careful expression eases. The offer gives Volcanon a place to sleep without displacing anyone, though the old cabin’s neglected state remains plain.
Feron
That sounds fair. We can send lanterns, blankets, and whatever clean supplies the cabin still has room to hold.
Volcanon
Then show me where it is when the evening ends. I will make the place ready enough for one night, and leave your lodge undisturbed.
The arrangement settles cleanly between the brothers. Beyond the windows, the path toward the old cabin waits beneath the moon, and Volcanon remains with the meal.
✓ Quest Accepted
Settle Volcanon into shelter for the night
“come brother, I will show you where it is”
SUCCESS (Good Agility, rolled +1)
Titano
Come, brother. I will show you where it is.
Titano leads Volcanon from the lodge along the moonlit path, his immense steps steady over the packed earth. Lantern light catches the old cabin beyond the trees.
Volcanon
I remember this path. The cabin looks much as I recall, though time has been less kind to it than to your lodge.
The cabin’s weathered door hangs squarely in its frame, its dark windows filmed with dust. A narrow porch sags beneath fallen needles, but the roof still holds against the night.
Volcanon
This will do. I can clear the room, find the bed, and make a quiet shelter without troubling anyone inside the lodge.
Volcanon reaches for the latch, then pauses beside Titano instead of entering uninvited. Behind them, warm lodge-light glows through the trees, while the old cabin waits for its first guest in years.
“the only reason I haven't restored it, is because I had hoped to do it with you, but you were never around when I needed you”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled +2)
Titano
The only reason I have not restored it is that I hoped to do it with you. But you were never around when I needed you.
Volcanon’s hand remains on the latch. His head lowers, and the cabin’s neglected doorway seems to hold the years of silence between you more heavily than its sagging porch.
Volcanon
I was not there. I told myself distance made me less likely to cause harm, but I left you carrying everything alone.
He releases the latch and turns fully toward Titano. No defense follows, only a tense stillness beneath the moonlit trees and the distant warmth of the lodge.
Volcanon
If you still want my help, brother, I will restore this place with you. Not as payment, and not to erase what happened. I will simply be here now.
Volcanon opens the door. Dusty darkness waits inside, but he steps across the threshold and holds it wide, making the invitation plain without asking Titano to forgive him.
✓ Quest Accepted
Restore the old cabin with Volcanon
“but while we are both here, there is something I need to get of my chest, why in gods name did you leave me, leave mother”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled +4)
Titano
But while we are both here, there is something I need to get off my chest. Why in the gods' name did you leave me, leave Mother?
Volcanon flinches as though the question strikes deeper than anger could. He steps back into the dusty cabin, then lowers himself beside the old bed, forcing himself to meet Titano’s gaze.
Volcanon
Because I was afraid of what I had become. After Father died, my temper turned cruel, and Mother bore the worst of it. I thought leaving would spare you both from me.
Volcanon
I was wrong. I abandoned you when you needed a brother, and I abandoned her when she needed her sons. I called it protection because I could not bear to call it cowardice.
From beneath a loose floorboard, Volcanon draws a weathered leather packet tied with faded blue thread. He holds it out without opening it, his claws trembling around the bundle.
Volcanon
These are Mother’s letters. She sent them for years, and I kept every one. I never answered, but I never stopped carrying the proof that she still wanted me home.
“after mother passed, I struggled for a while, but then I found the arena, and then the palace guard, then the love of my life, in a way you leaving did help me, it helped me find myself”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled +0)
Titano
After Mother passed, I struggled for a while. Then I found the arena, the palace guard, and the love of my life. In a way, your leaving helped me find myself.
Volcanon absorbs the words without reaching for defense. His claws tighten around the leather packet, and the old cabin seems to hold both the wound and the unexpected mercy of Titano’s truth.
Volcanon
Then I will not insult you by calling your life mine to reclaim. You built that path yourself, brother. I only left you alone long enough to discover it.
Volcanon
I am glad you found Feron, the arena, and the guard. I am also ashamed that my absence had to become useful before I understood what it cost you.
He extends the packet again, but this time his hand does not tremble. The letters are no longer only an apology from the past; accepting them would make Titano part of Volcanon’s reckoning.
Volcanon
I believe you. That is more than I expected tonight. In return, I ask one favor: read Mother’s first letter with me, and tell me whether she ever forgave me.
“as I take the letter I say "and despite what you did, that hammer still sees you as worthy, I do not understand it, but clearly it sees something in you that you don't yet see in yourself"”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled +1)
Titano
And despite what you did, that hammer still sees you as worthy. I do not understand it, but clearly it sees something in you that you do not yet see in yourself.
Titano takes the leather packet from Volcanon. The faded blue thread rests across his broad palm, while Volcanon stares at him as though the words have reached somewhere apology never could.
Volcanon
You speak of worth as though it is something I may still possess. I thought that hammer judged me more kindly than I judged myself.
Volcanon lowers his gaze to the packet, then to the weapon at Titano’s side. His posture remains heavy, but the old certainty in his shame has begun to crack.
Volcanon
Perhaps it sees the brother who stayed away, but not the brother I could become. I do not know how to accept that judgment yet.
The cabin falls quiet around them. Volcanon does not reclaim the letters or retreat behind his guilt; he waits, leaving their meaning open between the brothers.
+ New Item Acquired
Leather Packet
“"the arena is holding qualifying matches for the grand tournament tomorrow, you should go, it'd be good for you, and who knows maybe you'll catch the eye of a spectator of the female variety". I say as put my hand on his shoulder”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled +1)
Titano
The arena is holding qualifying matches for the grand tournament tomorrow. You should go. It would be good for you, and who knows, maybe you will catch the eye of a spectator of the female variety.
Titano rests his hand on Volcanon’s shoulder. The gesture is steady rather than forceful, carrying encouragement into the dusty cabin and the quiet space between them.
Volcanon
You make it sound as though I need only walk through the gates and allow the world to notice me.
Volcanon’s mouth shifts toward a reluctant smile beneath his pale face. He looks from Titano’s hand to the old cabin door, as if picturing the road back into Ithaca.
Volcanon
Very well, brother. I will attend the qualifying matches tomorrow. I will watch the fighters, support you if you compete, and perhaps let a few spectators decide whether I am worth noticing.
The decision settles cleanly. Volcanon straightens, no longer hiding behind the cabin or the letters, and reaches for the travel cloak he left near the doorway.
Volcanon
You have my thanks. Tomorrow, I will go with you, and I will try to meet the arena as the brother you still believe I can become.
“"the first match is at seven bells, the last is at 15, I hope to see you there brother". I say as I exit the cabin and head back to the lodge”
SUCCESS (Good Agility, rolled +0)
Titano
The first match is at seven bells, and the last at fifteen. I hope to see you there, brother.
Titano exits the cabin and leaves the door open behind him. His immense stride carries him along the moonlit path toward the lodge, while the old boards creak softly in his wake.
Volcanon
I will be there before the first bell. If you are fighting, I will make certain I have a clear view of the arena.
Volcanon remains at the cabin to prepare his shelter, clutching his travel cloak beneath one arm. Ahead, warm light spills from the lodge windows and marks Titano’s return.
Titano reaches the lodge as conversation and firelight pass through its walls. The path behind him falls quiet, leaving Volcanon with the promise of tomorrow’s matches.
Feron
You are back already, beloved. Did your brother accept the invitation to the arena?
“yes he accepted it, but I don't entirely believe the fact that he will go”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled +2)
Titano
He accepted the invitation, but I do not entirely believe he will go. Volcanon has made promises before.
Feron studies Titano in the lodge’s warm lamplight. Her expression remains gentle, though the concern in her eyes sharpens at the mention of Volcanon’s old pattern.
Feron
Then believe the doubt, beloved. His acceptance matters, but it does not erase the years when he chose distance over showing up.
The fire pops softly. Beyond the lodge, the path to the old cabin lies dark beneath the trees, separating Titano from the brother who promised to return at dawn.
Feron
You do not need to trust the promise yet. Go to the arena tomorrow, and let his presence there answer you more honestly than his words tonight.
Feron reaches for Titano’s hand, grounding the conversation in the present. From outside comes a distant creak from the cabin’s direction, too faint to reveal whether Volcanon is still preparing shelter or already watching the road.
“I am headed to bed, join me when your ready”
Titano
I am headed to bed. Join me when you are ready.
Feron’s fingers remain curled around Titano’s hand for a moment before she releases it. The firelight softens across her face as she considers the dark path outside.
Feron
I will, beloved. I want to make certain the fire is banked and the doors are secured first.
Titano’s immense steps draw a deep rhythm from the timber floor as he crosses toward the sleeping quarters. Behind him, Feron checks the hearth and lowers the nearest lantern flame.
Feron
And before you ask, I will not spend the whole night worrying about whether Volcanon keeps his word. Tonight, I will trust the morning to answer that.
The lodge settles into quieter sounds: the hearth’s low crackle, the closing of a latch, and Feron’s measured footsteps approaching through the warm lamplight.
“I check whether Volcanon is settled in the cabin”
SUCCESS (Good Perception, rolled +2)
Titano steps back outside and follows the moonlit path to the old cabin. Through the window, a steady amber glow shows that Volcanon has settled inside.
The door stands ajar. Inside, Volcanon has cleared the dusty floor, found the narrow bed, and spread a clean blanket beneath the cabin’s soundest corner of roof.
Titano
The cabin is rough, but my brother has made it secure for the night.
Volcanon
You came to check whether I had managed. I have. The bed holds, the roof does not leak, and I found enough wood for a small fire.
Volcanon sits beside the little hearth, his travel cloak folded beneath his head. The leather packet of their mother’s letters rests beside him, kept dry and within reach.
Volcanon
You need not stay, brother. Feron is waiting, and tomorrow’s first bell will come early. But thank you for making certain I was not sleeping beneath the stars.
Quest Complete
Settle Volcanon into shelter for the night
Attribute Upgrade: Agility Good→Great