The broad beastman leaves the stone sculpture and crosses the polished floor with an easy, upright stride. Tawny fur catches the gallery light as he stops before Slav and Elias, close enough to make the contrast unmistakable.
Torren
I am Torren. I noticed your conversation from over there, and I hope you will forgive the interruption.
He glances at Elias with an unreadable smile, amber eyes lingering for one measured second before returning to Slav. Elias's shoulders draw subtly back, though he does not step away.
Torren
Are you looking for a fantasy, or are you trying to know the person standing beside you?
Elias
That is a remarkably direct question for someone who just joined us.
Torren's smile shifts by almost nothing, while Elias turns his attention toward Slav. Neither man answers for him, and the quiet gallery seems suddenly to make space around the three of them.
✓ Quest Accepted
Answer Torren honestly while respecting Elias's trust
✓ Quest Accepted
Explore the possibility of knowing Torren
“I get incredibly shy and whisper to Elias. Oh my gosh, I didn’t expect him to come over. I look to Torren with nervous speak. What do you mean by fantasy?”
SUCCESS (Good Conversation, rolled -1)
Slav
Oh my gosh, I did not expect him to come over.
The whisper barely reaches Elias. Slav's shyness folds him inward, but his bright, helpless expression and nervous smile make the confession unmistakably sincere rather than dismissive.
Slav
What do you mean by fantasy?
Slav turns toward Torren, still visibly flustered. His openness disarms the question, while the romantic hope behind it makes his interest impossible to hide.
Torren
A fantasy is an image you chase because it feels perfect from across the room. Someone huge, beastly, and exactly your type. It may be real, but you have not learned who he is yet.
Elias
So I am the person you are trying to be fair to, while he is the person you actually came here hoping to find.
Torren
That is the cost of being direct, I suppose. Now I know exactly where I stand, and Elias does too. But asking was better than pretending otherwise.
Quest Complete
Explore the possibility of knowing Torren
“Are you saying you are that fantasy? Well, Elias here my is friend of many years. I suppose it is my turn, I do like to get to know you.”
SUCCESS (Good Conversation, rolled -1)
Slav
Are you saying you are that fantasy? Elias is my friend of many years. I do like you, though, and I would like to get to know you.
The words emerge softly, with Slav folding inward under his shyness. His heart remains plainly visible, but the hopeful sincerity in his face and disarming smile keeps the invitation warm instead of evasive.
Torren
Yes. I am saying I might be the fantasy you noticed, but I would rather become someone you know than remain an image across the room.
Torren's directness makes the possibility real at once. Elias's expression tightens, and the friendship Slav named now carries a public cost: Elias has to hear himself placed second without any softening.
Elias
Then get to know him. I will not pretend this feels good, but I also will not make you choose between honesty and our friendship.
Torren
I accept the invitation. There is a café across the square. Walk with me, Slav, and tell me what you actually look for in a man.
Torren offers his attention without claiming Slav's answer for him. Elias steps aside to give them room, his courtesy intact but no longer effortless, leaving Slav with both an opening and a debt of care.
Quest Complete
Answer Torren honestly while respecting Elias's trust
Skill Upgrade: Conversation Good→Great