Sally pushes through a narrow iron gate and into a hidden garden, tucked behind brick walls and city noise. Damp earth, roses, and fresh-cut leaves drown out the smog. Thorn bushes coil up the paths like living barricades.
The Rose stands near the center bed in her red suit, framed by lantern light and climbing vines. She lifts one gloved hand, guiding the Hooded Ex-Villain toward a sheltered bench.
The Rose
Get him under cover. Quietly.
The Hooded Ex-Villain hesitates at the threshold, then moves into the green shadow of the garden, eyes flicking toward every rustle.
The Rose
Sally, you look like you brought trouble with a badge on it.
Sally
I brought answers. Maybe.
The Rose’s expression tightens, all concern and focus now. Behind her, the thorn walls stand higher, sealing the garden off from the street.
“I place him under The Rose's protection”
SUCCESS (Fair Persuasion, rolled +1)
Sally steps in close and points the Hooded Ex-Villain toward the Rose, making the handoff feel final instead of fateful.
Sally
He’s under your protection now.
The Rose
Then he stays where I can see him. That is the safest place in Portland right now.
The Hooded Ex-Villain
Protected. Finally. He lets out a breath he has been holding since the hallway.
The Rose lowers a hand to the bench beside her, an open invitation, while her gaze keeps tracking the thorn wall and the dark beyond it.
The Rose
You did the hard part, Sally. Now tell me what this leak touches, and who else might be in danger.
Quest Complete
Keep the Hooded Ex-Villain safe
Attribute Upgrade: Agility Great→Superb
“Sally sits on the bench with The Rose. "Thanks. I really Appreciate the help. I owe you a glass of scotch for this one."”
SUCCESS (Fair Persuasion, rolled +2)
Sally lowers onto the bench beside The Rose, letting the moment settle instead of rushing past it. The garden feels quieter around them, thorns whispering at the seal beyond the lantern light.
Sally
Thanks. I really appreciate the help. I owe you a glass of scotch for this one.
The Rose
Then I accept. Not for the scotch, for the trust.
The Rose
You brought me someone afraid, and you brought him here alive. That matters.
The Hooded Ex-Villain eases onto the bench’s far end, still angled toward the garden gate like he expects it to move. The Rose keeps herself between him and the dark, but her posture softens a fraction.
The Hooded Ex-Villain
If this place holds, then I can finally stop listening for footsteps.
The Rose
It holds. For now, you stay where I can see you, and Sally stays in the conversation.
She folds one hand over the bench back, steady and deliberate, then looks to Sally with the first true invitation of the night. The lanterns hum softly while the thorn wall keeps the outside world waiting.
✓ Quest Accepted
Organize a social gathering with The Rose and friends
“"Hey. It would be really nice if we could all get together for drinks this week. Amilia moved here 6 months ago and I hardly see her. I miss you all. All I see is Devlyn all day. Hahahaha"”
SUCCESS (Fair Persuasion, rolled +0)
Sally
Hey, it would be really nice if we could all get together for drinks this week. Amilia only moved here six months ago, and I hardly see her. I miss you all, even if it feels like all I see is Devlin all day.
The Rose
That sounds less like a plan and more like a confession. Good. Honest is easier to schedule.
The Rose
We can do drinks. Not tonight, but soon. I know a place where nobody stares unless they want to look foolish.
The Hooded Ex-Villain
A room with friends is safer than a corridor with footsteps. That much I understand.
The Rose
And if Amilia comes, I want her opinion on the room before anyone pours anything. Lawyers notice things heroes miss.
The Rose reaches for a pocket notebook, flips it open, and starts marking names while the lantern light warms her hands. The thorn wall holds steady outside, but one damp leaf drifts down from the seal and lands on the bench between them.
The Hooded Ex-Villain
I can stay quiet for one gathering. I might even manage two.
The Rose
Then it's settled. Sally, your circle gets one peaceful evening, and I expect you to show up for it.
Quest Complete
Organize a social gathering with The Rose and friends