The pass opens onto a stone courtyard buried beneath wind-carved snow. A cedar house clings to the mountainside, its paper windows glowing amber through the storm.
Zabuza Kenpachi reaches the courtyard first, blue armor rimed with frost. Behind him, the Warlord's Daughter and the Bandit Chief emerge from the whiteout, boots slipping on the icy stones.
Ayame
Someone lives here. The crest above the door belongs to an old ally of your clan.
The barred door opens before anyone knocks. An elderly swordsman stands within, one hand resting on a wooden cane and the other gripping a short blade.
The Old Clan Friend
Inside, quickly. The warlord's riders searched this road an hour ago, and the storm will not hide you forever.
The Bandit Chief steps across the threshold, eyes fixed on the mountainside. The Old Clan Friend closes the gate behind them as distant hoofbeats tremble through the snow.
✓ Quest Accepted
Escape the warlord's riders
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure the old clan friend's aid
“*zabuza closed the door when inside quickly*”
Zabuza Kenpachi pulls the heavy door shut. The latch settles, cutting off the storm and muffling the hoofbeats to a distant tremor. Amber lamplight gathers around the daughter, the bandit chief, and their wary host.
“they should know not enter another lord's domains we are safe for now. *He said calmly as the warlords daughter kissed Zabuza cheeks*”
SUCCESS (Great Willpower, rolled +1)
Zabuza Kenpachi
They should know better than to enter another lord's domain. We are safe for now.
Zabuza Kenpachi says it calmly, one hand resting near his sword as the cedar house settles around them. Beyond the barred door, the riders’ hoofbeats fade into the storm.
The Warlord's Daughter studies him for a quiet moment, then rises onto her toes and kisses both his cheeks. The gesture is brief, warm, and utterly certain.
Ayame
Then let them search the mountain. Here, you have given us shelter, and I believe you.
The Old Clan Friend
She is right about the domain. No rider serving that warlord can cross my gate without declaring an act against my lord.
The old swordsman lowers the bar into its brackets and checks the inner shutters. His movements are practiced, turning the cedar house into a quiet fortress against the snow.
The Bandit Chief
For the first time since the manor, I believe the road behind us has truly closed.
Quest Complete
Escape the warlord's riders
Quest Complete
Secure the old clan friend's aid