The sled rests on the broad snow shelf, runners quiet, harness lines slack. Joseph moves from dog to dog, checking knots and offering water. His calm voice carries familiar commands, but he leaves the talking to the team.
TicTac
"I stayed with you when the shelf shifted. I heard your pace, and I matched it."
TicTac remains close at River's shoulder, his breath steaming softly. Joseph notices the closeness and sets a water bowl within easy reach, reading the young husky's posture without trying to answer him.
Mack
"You kept the line together through the squeeze. The next lesson is quieter. Let the team feel your calls before the trail demands them."
Harold
"And the training accident? We cannot pretend it did not happen. I pulled back because I feared another command would come too late."
TicTac
"I was afraid too. But I am less afraid when River's pace is steady."
✓ Quest Accepted
Resolve the team's concerns about River's leadership
“River turns to Harold with some irritation. "Yes, Harold, it happened. You also said you'd trust repeated good calls. How much more do you want?"”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled +2)
River
Yes, Harold, it happened. You also said you'd trust repeated good calls. How much more do you want?
Harold holds River's gaze. The question lands cleanly, leaving no room to hide behind general doubts or the sealed trail.
Harold
Enough to know the pattern is real, not luck. But... you gave the stop, chose the shelf, and kept us together. Those were good calls.
Mack
Then say what it is, Harold. River cannot answer a measure you refuse to name.
Harold
I wanted three more decisions under pressure. I have them now. I trust River to lead this team, though I will still speak when I see danger.
TicTac
That sounds like trust. Speaking up is different from pulling away.
The harness lines remain slack, yet the team seems to settle around the admission. Harold lowers his head, no longer braced to challenge every call.
Harold
If I doubt you again, I will name the reason plainly. No more tests disguised as obedience.
Quest Complete
Resolve the team's concerns about River's leadership
The storyteller must determine if the body language interpretation skill check succeeds to avoid misinterpretation.