The sled settles deep into the drift, tucked in a small wind-shielded nook of the pass. Mack and Harold stay busy up front, noses down over the harness lines, while River steps away from the trace and eases in beside TicTac.
River
You did well back there.
TicTac flicks an ear, then glances toward the trail as if checking no one heard. His shoulders stay tight, but he does not pull away.
TicTac
I tried. I just keep thinking about the last run.
The quiet holds. Snow dusts the ledge above them in soft, sliding little veils, and the pass gives back only the faint creak of leather and the sled runners settling.
River
It is all right to remember it. Do not let it set your pace.
TicTac
I was scared I would mess up again. Then I heard you, and... it helped.
TicTac
Maybe I can stay in position if I do not think about the fall.
A beat later, TicTac lets out a slow breath and sits a little straighter. Ahead, Mack pauses mid-check and flicks one ear back toward them, waiting without interrupting.
✓ Quest Accepted
Bolster TicTac's confidence
“She keeps her voice fast and quiet. "You're still training, you did well. I made the bigger mistake last time, I was running through so much in my mind I stopped paying attention, and I owe you an apology for what you went through."”
SUCCESS (Good Inspiration, rolled +2)
River keeps her voice low and quick, close enough that only TicTac can catch it. The apology lands cleanly, tucked between the wind and the creak of leather.
River
You are still training, and you did well. I made the bigger mistake last time, and I owe you an apology for what you went through.
TicTac
His ears lift. "You do? I thought... I thought you were just trying to get us moving."
River's words steady him more than the snow does. TicTac shifts his paws, then plants them firmer in the drift.
TicTac
"If you are saying I did right, then... I can trust that more than the fall."
Mack
Mack stops pretending not to listen. "That is the kind of correction a team can use."
TicTac glances to Mack, then back to River, and the tightness in his shoulders eases into something steadier. Above them, Banks remains on the ledge, still and watchful, while the pause in the pass holds.
Quest Complete
Bolster TicTac's confidence