The pass tightens around the team. Ice shines under the snow, and the sled starts to yaw left as the wind needles through the rocks.
Joseph braces hard on the handles, eyes flicking to River for the next move. Behind her, the line bunches, each dog feeling the slip.
Mack
Easy now, hold the spacing.
Harold
She needs to choose fast, this slope is slick.
River drives forward into the pull, setting the pace as the team follows her through the narrowing bend. The sled straightens a little, but the ice still fights every step.
TicTac
I am with you, River.
Joseph Lafayette
Left, then steady? Say it and I turn with you.
✓ Quest Accepted
Keep the sled team together on the icy bend
✓ Quest Accepted
Get the sled safely through the pass
“River barks twice, almost as if saying "Yes sir!" She moves slightly left, then keeps her speed as consistent as possible to avoid forcing the team into sudden manuevers "focus on your footing, no slips!"”
SUCCESS (Great Athletics, rolled +0)
River snaps her bark twice, and the team answers by tightening into rhythm. She shifts left just enough to match the bend, keeping her pull even instead of forcing the line.
The sled glides into the turn without a hard jerk. Snow hisses under the runners, and the traces stay level across the ice.
River
Focus on your footing, no slips!
Joseph Lafayette
Steady, I have it.
Mack
Good. Hold that pace.
Harold
She times it right.
The bend opens ahead, and the whole line comes through together, paws and runners aligned against the wind.
Quest Complete
Keep the sled team together on the icy bend