Peter hurries up to the map with wrapped cakes tucked beneath one arm and a small handwritten route guide clutched in the other. His rounded ears sit high with determination.
Peter Fellows
I’ve been studying the road to Lavendara. If Fiona is going, then I’m supporting her by seeing her safely beyond Cressdale.
Elian Voss
That is a generous intention, Peter, but an untested companion could disrupt the journey. I need people who know how to keep pace and follow instructions.
Peter lowers the cakes and opens his route guide beside Elian’s map. The cramped writing covers every bend, bridge, and roadside marker between Cressdale and Lavendara.
Peter Fellows
I can keep pace. I know the first villages, the water stops, and where the road forks near the dark forest. I won’t interfere with the work.
Maddie
Peter, dearie, supporting Fiona is kind. But Elian must decide who travels, and Fiona must have room to answer for herself.
Maddie watches the disagreement carefully, one hand resting on the basket of medicines. Elian studies Peter’s notes, while Peter waits beside the map, earnest and tense, leaving the decision open.
“I already promised I wouldn't be a bother, but Peter, you're one of the smartest fellas I know. I don't know if it's right for me to make a decision this big......”
FAILURE (Fair Willpower, rolled +0)
Fiona Deerbrush
Peter, you’re one of the smartest fellas I know. I don’t know if it’s right for me to make a decision this big...
Fiona looks from Peter’s earnest face to Elian’s guarded map, finding Peter easy to trust but no clear way to judge whether his good intentions belong on a difficult road. Her certainty falters before she can choose.
Peter Fellows
You don’t have to decide alone, Fiona. I can explain what I know, and Elian can decide whether I’m useful.
The reassurance helps, but it also leaves Fiona leaning on Peter’s confidence instead of forming her own judgment. Elian gently closes the route guide, ending the question as hers to settle this moment.
Elian Voss
Then I’ll make the practical decision. Peter will not join the full journey yet. He may walk with us to the first water stop, if he follows instructions and proves he can help without disrupting the work.
Maddie
There’s your opening, dearie. You needn’t decide Peter’s whole future today. You can see how the first stretch goes, and speak again when you know more.
“Really? Thank ya kindly Mr. Voss!”
SUCCESS (Fair Willpower, rolled +1)
Fiona Deerbrush
Really? Thank ya kindly, Mr. Voss!
Fiona’s grateful words come out warmly. She hugs the wicker basket close, its broad weave supporting the medicines while the wrapped herb bundle stays upright inside.
A green tendril slips from the bundle, winds around its twine, and braces the jars against the basket’s gentle sway. Nature’s Gift steadies what Fiona’s careful hands carry.
Elian Voss
You’re welcome, Fiona. We’ll walk to the first water stop together, and Peter may come that far under my instructions.
Peter’s shoulders loosen, and he gathers his cakes and route guide with renewed care. Maddie smiles beside the map, pleased that the arrangement now gives everyone a clear place.
Peter Fellows
I’ll follow every instruction, Mr. Voss. I can help with the water stop and keep the route notes ready.
✓ Quest Accepted
Reach the first water stop