Ricayu returns from the wooded outskirts beneath the weight of the hunt, his wrist bound and his bow restrung. Corven accompanies him, carrying the second boar, while the festival sounds fade behind them.
The shop’s rear door opens onto warm lamplight, green wool, and the clean scent of shaved shafts. The elder elf woman looks up from her work and studies Ricayu’s stance before the burden reaches the floor.
the elder elf woman
Your balance has changed. You carry the weight through your hips now, not your shoulders. The forest has taught you to move without announcing effort.
Near the supply shelves stands Myaksei, a medium-height athletic young man with clear blue eyes and thick brown hair tied back from his travel-worn face. His dusty ochre cloak and staff mark him as a wandering priest seeking shelter.
Myaksei
I am Myaksei, newly arrived for supplies and a dry place to sleep. What discipline makes a hunter return with such control after a difficult shot?
Corven Vale
Hard practice, patient recovery, and judgment under strain. Ricayu has learned to let instinct serve him without letting it choose for him.
The elder elf woman’s gaze settles on Ricayu’s bound wrist, then on the bowstring’s careful twist. Myaksei waits respectfully, leaving the answer to Ricayu.
✓ Quest Accepted
Gain Myaksei’s respect for Ricayu’s place among the shop’s elves
“I smile at him and let my friendly demeanor and smiling face disarm any misgivings. “You look like a healer or a mage. A friend of mine in town, Blacke, is a melee class and I am an aspiring archer. I am sure the inn can help with the bed and this is the right shop to resupply. We almost have the makings of a party. How about I buy you an ale after you finish shopping here and I introduce you to Blacke and the innkeeer so you can get a room.””
SUCCESS (Great Oratory, rolled +1)
Ricayu
You look like a healer or a mage. My friend Blacke is a melee fighter, and I am an aspiring archer. The inn can help with a bed, and this shop has what you need. We almost have a party. Let me buy you an ale after you finish shopping, then I will introduce you to Blacke and the innkeeper.
Ricayu smiles warmly, his open expression easing the caution in Myaksei’s travel-worn face. The priest studies him, then the shop’s welcoming lamplight and Corven’s relaxed stance.
Myaksei
A healer, perhaps, though I carry more prayers than potions. An ale, a bed, and introductions sound like a generous beginning. I accept.
the elder elf woman
Then finish your supplies, Myaksei. The innkeeper knows our people, and Ricayu knows how to find useful company without forcing it.
Corven Vale
Blacke is worth meeting, and the inn is close. I will see that your welcome remains uncomplicated while Ricayu handles the introductions.
Myaksei selects lamp oil, travel bread, and a replacement cord from the shelves. When he finishes, Ricayu leads him toward the tavern, with Corven following and the evening’s invitation settled.