The lane in front of the stage is almost closed now, dancers drifting back into the gap as the music settles into a steady pulse.
A man with a press badge pushes through the crowd, one hand on a camera strap, eyes fixed on Thadeus Jovanović like he is trying to catch the answer before it disappears.
Marcus Thorne
Marcus Thorne, City Pulse. Was that a security response, or was this personal?
Thadeus Jovanović
His lens is still trained on the stage.
Marla keeps one ear on the sound rig, Elias watches the edges of the crowd, and Elizabeth turns slightly, ready to step in if the question sharpens.
Marcus Thorne
People are already talking. If you want the record straight, give me the short version.
The festival lights flicker across Marcus Thorne’s badge as he waits, pen poised, while the music carries on behind them.
✓ Quest Accepted
Deflect Marcus Thorne’s inquiry
✓ Quest Accepted
Protect Thadeus’s privacy from the press
“Thadeus turns to Elizabeth, assuring her it's okay. He redirects his attention back to the journalist, "That group of agitators nearly caused a crush, which my friends and I were able to break up. Perhaps you should interview the police and ask why some average citizens did their job." Marcus smirks, diligently writing down Thadeus's statement.”
SUCCESS (Superb Diplomacy, rolled -2)
Thadeus turns from Marcus and gives Elizabeth a small, steadying nod. Her shoulders loosen a fraction, and the tension in the air eases with them.
Thadeus Jovanović
It is okay.
Thadeus Jovanović
That group nearly caused a crush, and my friends and I broke it up. You should ask the police why some average citizens had to do their job.
Marcus Thorne
Marcus gives a quick smirk and starts writing it down. "Fair enough. Sounds like the crowd was the real story, not you."
His pen moves fast, but he lowers the camera a little, letting the lens drift off Thadeus instead of pressing closer.
Elizabeth Bathory
"You handled that cleanly," Elizabeth says, eyes still on Marcus but voice aimed at Thadeus. "I was ready to step in, but you did not need me to make it worse."
The music keeps rolling, and the dancers reclaim the lane in front of the stage. Marcus keeps scribbling, now focused on the notes, while the question hanging in the air shifts from Thadeus to the police response.
Quest Complete
Deflect Marcus Thorne’s inquiry
Quest Complete
Protect Thadeus’s privacy from the press