Jack and the three-legged stray reach the gate together, and Bram steps forward with a wag that nearly turns into a hop.
Bram
There he is. Come on in, you made it.
Lucky stays near the porch rail, calm as ever, watching the stray with an easy, approving look. The stray slows at the threshold, then takes the last step onto the homestead property.
Milo
So this is the place. It feels... safe.
Lucky
Good timing. We were starting to think Jack had wandered off with you for the whole afternoon.
The stray gives a small, careful wag, then angles closer to Bram instead of backing away. The porch shade, the trampled grass, the familiar scent of the yard all seem to settle him at once.
Bram
You still want in on the stick game, right? We can keep it easy.
Milo
Yeah. Easy sounds good. I just... want to stay a while.
Lucky shifts down from the porch and sits beside them, making room without crowding anyone. Jack, Bram, and the stray end up in a loose little half-circle at the gate, all of them settled and listening.
✓ Quest Accepted
Help the stray dog feel welcome at the homestead
“"What was your name, I completely forgot?"”
SUCCESS (Good Conversation, rolled -2)
Jack tilts his head toward the stray, easy as a question in the breeze.
Jack
What was your name again? I forgot.
Milo
Milo. Just Milo.
Bram barks a quick laugh, and Milo gives a shy wag that bumps his hind leg against the gate post.
Lucky
Milo suits him. Short, plain, hard to lose in a crowd.
Milo
He says it like I belong here already.
Jack's tail brushes the dirt as he settles the moment, but the tip catches a pebble and flicks it into his ankle.
Bram
There, now we can do this properly. Milo, you grab the stick first if you want.
Quest Complete
Help the stray dog feel welcome at the homestead