Wind Valley hangs high in the Cedar Mountains, all rope bridges, carved platforms, and swaying leaf-shaded homes. Below, mist curls through the trees. Above, the green sky glows under the blue sun.
Zellery drops onto the central platform with a soft thud of talons. A few villagers recoil. Others lean in, whispering over one another about something buried deep in the mountain roots.
At the far side of the platform, a tight knot of elders turns as one. Their faces harden, then shift, suspicious first, desperate second.
The Elder
You there. Harpy with the bright wings. You came at the wrong time, or maybe the right one.
The elders part just enough to reveal a cracked stone shard in one trembling hand, its surface flecked with dull silver shine. The glitter catches Zellery’s eye like a hook.
The Elder
An old relic is stirring under Wind Valley. We need someone quick enough to reach it, and bold enough to come back.
A low murmur rolls through the gathered villagers. One elder steps forward and holds the shard out toward Zellery, while another watches the tree-line as if expecting trouble from the roots themselves.
The Elder
Will you hear us out, or do you leave before the mountain wakes?
✓ Quest Accepted
Hear out the elders
“I step closer to the elder and gesture for them to explain the shard.”
SUCCESS (Fair Willpower, rolled +0)
Zellery steps in close and lifts one clawed hand, inviting the explanation without a single wasted word. The elder notices the gesture and lowers the shard between them, as if the glittering thing has suddenly become heavier.
The Elder
Good. Then listen carefully. This is not a trinket, it is a marker, one piece of a relic buried where our roots split the stone.
The Elder
We found it where no lamp reaches, beneath the old cedar stairs. Since then, the valley has grown restless, and our omens have turned sour.
The elder’s free hand curls tight at their side, then opens again with effort. Another elder exchanges a glance with the tree-line, but stays silent.
The Elder
We will not send a child into that dark alone. If you help us claim what sleeps below Wind Valley, we tell you the path in full.
The Elder
Take the shard. If you are truly willing, meet us at the old stair after sunset.
The shard is held out within easy reach, its silver flecks flashing once in the mountain light as the platform falls quiet around their offer.
Quest Complete
Hear out the elders