The shop settles into forge-roar and the faint clink of disturbed tools. The waitress steadies herself beside the counter while her split-browed defender examines the bent rack; Bram's broken cup glistens by the door.
Tomas Reed
The rack is bent, not ruined. Your finer tools never touched the floor.
Mira Doss
Thank you. Both of you. I am Mira Doss, and I am sorry your evening turned into this.
She sets the tray down, then gathers herself with both hands on its rim. Rain ticks against the shutters, and a coal collapses inside the forge.
Tomas Reed
Tomas Reed. I should have stopped him before he reached your tools.
Mira Doss
You stopped him before anyone was hurt. That matters more than a crooked rack.
Tomas glances from the damaged rack to Harold, then lowers his hands. Mira remains near the counter, waiting quietly for his judgment or his questions.
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn the detail Mira and Tomas withheld about Bram's motive
“"Yes the rack is fine. It can always be repaired. What exactly happened for him to chase you here?"”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled +2)
Harold Kroft
Yes, the rack is fine. It can always be repaired. What exactly happened for him to chase you here?
Mira Doss
At the Copper Kettle, Bram ordered a second ale and swore he had already paid for it. I showed him the tally. He called me a thief, then followed when I left for your shop.
Mira's fingers tighten around the tray rim. The rain-muted street beyond the shutters offers no sign of Bram, but his accusation still hangs in the forge-warm air.
Tomas Reed
He was looking for an excuse. I saw him corner her by the cooper's yard and stepped between them. That was when he noticed this place.
Mira Doss
I thought your shop was close enough to reach before he did. I was wrong about that, but not about needing somewhere safe.
Tomas studies the rain-streaked window, then the door where Bram vanished. Mira meets Harold's gaze, her posture steadier now that the truth is spoken plainly.
Quest Complete
Learn the detail Mira and Tomas withheld about Bram's motive