The quay settles into its midday rhythm. River light trembles beneath the table, and the smell of bread, smoked fish, and wet timber drifts through the warm air.
Serren sets down two cups beside the food, then takes the open place near Carciel. Their shoulder rests lightly against his as they look over the busy quay.
Boatman
There you are. This is the Net-Mender, and that is the Wharf Cook. They heard your tune carry over the water.
The Net-Mender
A fine hand on the strings. We do not get much music here unless someone is celebrating or leaving.
Boatman
Will you play again after lunch, Carciel? Not for coins, unless someone insists. Just for the quay.
Serren Vale
You have been invited properly. That matters. And if you play, I will make certain you get the best piece of smoked fish.
✓ Quest Accepted
Play music for the quay
“I tune my lute and smiles. "I've always viewed music as a freedom. Not something to be paid for."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled -2)
Carciel lifts the lute and tunes it by ear. One stubborn string snaps with a sharp twang, nicking his fingertip, but the remaining strings settle into a clear, balanced chord.
Carciel
I've always viewed music as a freedom. Not something to be paid for.
Serren Vale
Then let this be freely given, and freely received. That sounds like the kind of welcome we hoped Bellmere might offer.
The Net-Mender
Aye. We mend nets because the river asks it of us, not because every good thing needs a tally. Play when the spirit takes you.
The Wharf Cook
And eat when the music leaves you hungry. That is my standing contribution to quay philosophy.
Boatman
Then you have a place here, Carciel. Bring your lute, bring Serren, and take the table whenever it is free. Give us a song after lunch, if you will.
The invitation settles among the bread, cups, and riverlight, ordinary enough to feel sincere. The quay has made room for them without naming a price.
“I fix my cord then play a lovely tune for the patrons”
FAILURE (Poor Crafting, rolled -1)
Carciel threads the replacement cord through the lute’s bridge and tightens it carefully. The knot slips before it can hold, leaving the string loose and quivering against the instrument’s body.
Still, he begins the tune. The melody starts sweetly, carried by the river breeze, but the slack string answers with a wavering note that bends each phrase out of tune.
Serren Vale
The melody is lovely. The lute, perhaps, is asking for patience.
Carciel adjusts his playing around the flaw, and the tune reaches its gentle final phrase before the cord slips free with a soft twang.
The Net-Mender
That was worth hearing, even if the instrument protested. Do not force the next song through a damaged line.
Boatman
The welcome remains. But if you play here again, bring a proper cord, or let us find one before the music starts.
The Wharf Cook
For now, eat. A musician with sore fingers and an empty stomach makes poor company for a river.
Get a proper lute cord
Quest Complete
Play music for the quay
New Gift: Soothing Performance
+ New Item Acquired
Lute cord