Three weeks after the council hall falls quiet, the village square blooms into a festival. Lanterns sway above long tables, and the air smells of roast meat, ginger, and sweet rice wine. Tenda Wildheart sits at the head table with his companions, while villagers keep drifting over with cups raised high.
The Elder With Lantern
To Tenda Wildheart, who stood when others bowed their heads. And to all who stayed.
Cheers roll across the yard. Zero grins into his cup, Rex sprawls beneath the table with a hopeful snout aimed at every platter, and Daisy looks almost embarrassed by the praise, though she does not move away from it.
Mei
I thought leaving would feel simpler than this.
Mei rests comfortably among them, no longer at the edge of the group. She turns her cup in both hands, then glances toward Tenda and the road beyond the square, as if weighing both at once.
Tenda Wildheart
We leave when we are ready.
Zero
That sounds suspiciously like wisdom. I should write it down before it disappears.
Daisy
He does not need to. We all heard it.
Laughter softens the table. The music drifts higher, and a fresh tray of skewers arrives. Mei leans in a little closer, the warmth of the firelight on her face making her smile look less guarded than before.
Mei
If I am truly going with you, then I want to know what kind of company I am joining.
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn what kind of company Mei is joining
“"I am Tenda Wildheart! Orc warrior at heart! Over here is Zero, the man is a master of the sword and enjoyer of ale! The beautful Daisy is our medic and absolute ray of sunshine!" Daisy blushes. "And most importantly, our big boy Rex! the Bravest of us all! We travel around liberating those who can fight for themselves and overthrow the profane! If you join us Mei, its only adventure from here on out! What do you say?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +0)
Tenda sets his cup down and gestures to the table like he is drawing a map of the road ahead. The joke lands first, then the room listens.
Tenda Wildheart
I am Tenda Wildheart, orc warrior at heart. This is Zero, sword master and lover of ale. Daisy is our healer and a bright soul. And Rex here is the bravest of us all.
Zero lifts his cup in mock salute, Daisy goes pink at the praise, and Rex thumps his tail hard enough to rattle a bowl. A few villagers laugh, but the sound is gentler now.
Tenda Wildheart
We travel to help those who can stand for themselves, and to bring down the profane when we find it. If you join us, Mei, adventure is what waits next.
Mei looks from one face to the next, taking in the easy jabs, the quiet care, the wolf at the table, and Tenda's open hand. Her smile fades into something more thoughtful.
Mei
Then this is not a band of strangers. It is a company that chooses one another, even after the fight is over.
The Elder With Lantern lowers his cup and stares into it as if the firelight has turned heavier. Beyond the square, the distant horn on the road gives a dull, patient note, and the festival music falters around the edges.
Mei
I think I understand the sort of people I am walking with now. Tell me where this road leads, and I will answer plainly.
Quest Complete
Learn what kind of company Mei is joining