Elias finishes placing Marina's bracelet in her palm. She closes her fingers around it, gives him a tight, unreadable look, and disappears into the gallery crowd.
Elias
Would you stay nearby for a while? You can look around. I would like to keep answering your questions, if you have more.
Elias remains beside Slav rather than following Marina, his shoulders still awkwardly squared. The gallery opens around them in bright rooms, quiet conversations, and polished floors.
As Slav scans the exhibits, a broad animal-featured man, a young-adult beastman with tawny fur, amber eyes, and a rust-colored vest over a cream shirt stands near a stone sculpture. He moves upright like a person, yet his dark fur, heavy muzzle, and rounded ears make him unmistakably beastlike.
Elias
Is there someone you are hoping to find here?
Elias follows Slav's gaze toward the sculpture, then looks back to him. There is curiosity in his expression now, mixed with the patient hope of someone waiting to learn what matters.
✓ Quest Accepted
Tell Elias who Slav hopes to find at the gallery
“Yes friend, I had been hoping to find a guy like that. Sorry if I made things worse. I look at him with a smile.”
SUCCESS (Good Conversation, rolled +0)
Slav
Yes, friend. I had been hoping to find a guy like that. Sorry if I made things worse.
Slav's apology comes out meekly, his careful posture shrinking around the admission. Yet his smile is warm and disarming, and the honesty in his face makes the confession impossible to mistake.
Elias
You did not make things worse. But I should be honest too. I thought this was meant to be about meeting me, not finding someone else.
Elias keeps his voice gentle, though his squared shoulders loosen into guarded uncertainty. Across the room, the beastman turns slightly from the sculpture, amber eyes catching the gallery light.
Elias
I am not asking you to apologize for having a type. I am asking whether you can actually see me here, or whether I am only the polite option.
The admission lands as the cost of Slav's candor: Elias now doubts his place in the conversation. Still, he stays beside Slav instead of retreating, leaving the question open.
✓ Quest Accepted
Show Elias that Slav genuinely sees him
Quest Complete
Tell Elias who Slav hopes to find at the gallery
“I always had been looking for a guy like that, but it doesn’t mean I was going to neglect my friend. I look to improve my charm.”
SUCCESS (Good Charm, rolled +2)
Slav
I have always been looking for a guy like that, Elias. But that does not mean I was going to neglect my friend.
Slav's words come softly, his shy posture making the reassurance almost submissive. His feelings remain plainly visible, but his warm, disarming smile gives the honesty an inviting gentleness.
Elias
I believe you. You are not looking past me right now, and that matters more than having noticed someone else.
Elias's guarded expression eases. He glances toward the broad beastman by the sculpture, then returns his attention to Slav without the earlier edge in his voice.
Elias
And your friend sounds important to you. What kind of friend is he?
The question is curious rather than accusatory. Elias squares himself less defensively now, offering Slav room to explain instead of demanding proof.
Quest Complete
Show Elias that Slav genuinely sees him