The sled leaves Joseph Lafayette’s clearing in a spray of fresh powder. The harness line draws taut, then settles into a careful rhythm as River takes the front.
Mack stays steady beside the team, while Ally slips into place behind him and Pine anchors the wheel. The extra weight changes the feel of the line at once.
Joseph Lafayette
Easy now. Keep it smooth, all of you.
River
The line tightens, then loosens again.
Harold
We need clean spacing. No more surprises.
TicTac
I’m steady. I’m steady.
River’s lead keeps the team aligned as the trail narrows ahead, every shoulder matching the pull. The run has begun, and cohesion is the only thing between them and the weather.
✓ Quest Accepted
Keep the sled team in rhythm through the first turn
“River focuses on coaching TicTac, intending for Mack to coach Ally, "you'll be on the inside of the corner. It's easier and you'll be okay, just watch your spacing with Ally"”
SUCCESS (Fair Inspiration, rolled -1)
River
You’ll be on the inside of the corner. Watch your spacing with Ally.
River’s words cut cleanly through the run, and the line answers by settling around them. TicTac shifts his feet to match the inside track, and Mack hears the cue for Ally at once.
Mack
Got it. Ally, stay with my shoulder and don’t crowd the turn.
TicTac
Inside. Spacing. Right. I can do that.
TicTac gives a small, careful nod as he runs, and River feels the line absorb one tense breath at a time.
Harold
Hmph. That is cleaner than before.
The first curve rises ahead, and the team holds its shape through it. The cost is tiny but real, River has to bark the advice twice, and the cold steals the edge from her voice.
Quest Complete
Keep the sled team in rhythm through the first turn