Wind combs through the rooftop garden, but here it only stirs petals and old leaves. Ben edges to the basin, careful as if it might bite, and waits for Angela’s reaction.
Angela Diaboli
The stone basin is dry enough to sweep clean.
Angela stays where she is, letting the quiet hold. Ben takes that as permission and starts gathering the dead leaves into a loose pile beside the basin.
Ben
I can do this part, right?
His hands hover, then settle. He works with slow concentration, shoulders easing a little as the petals drift past the throne and into the basin’s rim.
Ben
It feels... less strange when you are here.
The garden answers only with leaves skimming stone and a faint whistle from far above. Ben glances up at Angela, calmer now, and keeps sweeping, waiting for the next small word or nod.
✓ Quest Accepted
Help Ben find purpose in his service
“You may do anything that does not harm the garden, my child. If you require assistance please ask and i shall help you.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -1)
Ben slows his sweeping and turns the pile of leaves toward the basin, as if waiting for a judgment that does not come.
Angela Diaboli
You may do anything that does not harm the garden, my child. If you require assistance, ask, and I shall help you.
The words settle over the rooftop like warm ash. Ben’s shoulders drop, and he looks from the dead leaves to the living beds beyond them.
Ben
Then I can keep it clear. I can watch the basin, too.
He says it carefully, but the task gives his hands a steadier rhythm. The petals keep drifting between the throne and the stone rim, quiet as breath.
Ben
If something grows wrong, I’ll tell you. That is... useful, right?
Far below, through the broken mouth of the tower, the trapped floors sit dark and sealed. Up here, Ben keeps his place by the basin and waits for Angela’s answer.
Quest Complete
Help Ben find purpose in his service