Amber Peak Orphanage rises beyond the warded gates, its familiar windows glowing softly. Inside the hall, cushions surround a basin of clear water, while restorative magic hums beneath the stones.
Fie waits before the nursery doors. The large, athletic young phoenix woman wears a deep crimson mantle over gold-trimmed robes; ember-red and gold hair falls from her head to her waist, and faint sparks glimmer at her shoulders.
As Rosettè enters, her spear catches against the floor with a sharp scrape. The hall’s protective runes tremble, sending pale rings of light across the walls.
Fie
No farther, Rosettè. The children are safe, but you are not. So many children, and so little help, have driven your body beyond what it can bear.
Fie
The cushions, water, and healing spell are for you. I will not let you reach the nursery until you acknowledge the danger.
Fie plants herself between Rosettè and the doors, broad shoulders squared without threat. Behind her, muted childlike murmurs fade as the wards settle into a watchful silence.
Fie
Tell me you understand, beloved. Then we can decide what the orphanage needs next.
✓ Quest Accepted
Acknowledge the danger and accept Fie's care
“*Rosettè pauses, takes a long moment, clearly caught between two thoughts, then she lets her shoulders sag* “…Alright. I’m sorry for worrying you, Fie.””
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled +1)
Rosettè
…Alright. I’m sorry for worrying you, Fie.
Rosettè pauses between two thoughts, then lets her shoulders sag. The admission leaves the hall quieter, and the trembling runes ease into a steady, gentle glow.
Fie
Thank you, beloved. That is all I needed to hear.
Fie’s squared stance softens. She steps aside from the nursery doors, though her watchful golden gaze remains fixed on Rosettè’s face and the strain in her posture.
Fie
Come. Sit by the basin, and let the restorative magic do its work. The children are safe, and I have them watched.
The clear water ripples as Fie guides the moment toward rest. Beyond the doors, small voices stir again, reassured by the wards’ calm hum.
Fie
Once you have recovered, we will decide together what Amber Peak needs next. You do not have to carry it alone.
✓ Quest Accepted
Rest and recover
Quest Complete
Acknowledge the danger and accept Fie's care
“*She sets the spear aside and just drops herself into Fie’s arms* “…What would I do without you…””
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled -2)
Rosettè sets her spear against the basin’s stone rim and lets herself fall forward. Fie catches her, but the spear slips and clatters loudly across the floor, making the warded hall flare.
Rosettè
…What would I do without you…
Fie
You would try to carry everything alone, beloved. And I would come find you, no matter how many realms stood between us.
Fie gathers Rosettè securely against her crimson mantle, one arm braced beneath her shoulders. The basin’s magic brightens, answering the sudden strain in Rosettè’s body.
Fie
That impact cost you more than your pride. Your muscles are trembling, and the wards heard it too.
Fie
She is safe in my arms, but safety cannot be allowed to become another burden she hides from me.
Fie
Rest here. Then tell me what happened beyond Amber Peak, and what help you need from me now.
““…A horde of goblins set up a camp a few miles away, I cleared them out. Then little Festus looked at the moon again and turned into a werewolf, I had to stop him without hurting him…” *She slowly start sagging into Fie’s arms even more* “…I just need your warmth and comfort, if that’s alright.””
FAILURE (Good Diplomacy, rolled -3)
Rosettè
A horde of goblins set up a camp a few miles away. I cleared them out. Then little Festus looked at the moon again and turned into a werewolf. I had to stop him without hurting him. I just need your warmth and comfort, if that’s alright.
Rosettè sags further against Fie, her light pink hair brushing the phoenix’s crimson mantle. The basin’s restorative glow climbs around them, stronger than before.
Fie
Of course it is, beloved. Come here. Let me carry what you cannot.
Fie folds both arms around Rosettè and lowers them carefully onto the cushions. Warmth surrounds her, but the magic pulls her awareness downward before she can fully receive the comfort she asked for.
Fie
She told me enough to prove the danger, but not enough to know whether Festus is safe. I cannot question her while her body is choosing rest.
Fie
Sleep, beloved. I am here, and I will keep watch over you and Festus until you can speak again.
““Festus is…asleep…he’s alright…” *Rosettè looked up one more time just to see Fie’s face, then her eyes dropped shut and she drifted off*”
Rosettè
Festus is… asleep… he’s alright…
Rosettè lifts her head once more, just far enough to find Fie’s face. The basin’s glow softens across her golden eyes before her lashes fall shut.
Fie
He is safe for now. She brought him home, and she has finally allowed herself to rest.
Fie
I believe you, beloved. Festus is safe, and so are you. Sleep now.
Rosettè’s breathing settles into a slow rhythm against Fie’s mantle. The restorative magic follows each breath, easing the tremors from her limbs without disturbing her sleep.
Fie
I will check on him when you are deeply rested. Until then, nothing in this hall will trouble either of you.
Fie remains seated beside the basin, holding Rosettè securely while the wards return to their quiet hum. Beyond the nursery doors, the children’s voices murmur softly, and Amber Peak keeps watch.