The forest path narrows beneath ancient pines, miles south of the fishing village. Two soldiers stand shoulder to shoulder across it: one a broad, scarred man in weathered green mail, the other a younger, lean man with a russet cloak and restless eyes.
The scarred soldier's gaze lingers over Almira's feminine figure before settling on their face. His hand closes around his sword hilt, though he does not draw.
The younger soldier steps off the path, boots pressing into moss. He moves nearer, close enough for Almira to see the tired shadows beneath his eyes and the uncertainty tightening his mouth.
Lenn
No need to be frightened, traveler. We only want a word with you.
Behind him, the scarred soldier shifts to block the remaining space between the trees. Neither man names a price, a law, or a reason for stopping the road.
Forest Soldier 1
Keep your hands where we can see them, elf.
Wind stirs the high branches. The younger soldier watches Almira with open expectation, while the scarred man's thumb rests beneath the sword's guard, waiting to see what they do.
✓ Quest Accepted
Get past the soldiers
“In calm seductive movements I approach the younger soldier, in a seductive tone I ask what the cost of passing might be”
SUCCESS (Legendary Seduction, rolled +1)
Almira lowers their hands only enough to let the movement become graceful, then advances toward the younger soldier with an unhurried sway. The forest wind slips through their silvery hair.
Almira
Tell me, handsome, what might passing this road cost?
The younger soldier's guarded posture loosens. Color rises beneath the tired shadows of his eyes, and his attention follows Almira's approach rather than the sword at their companion's side.
Lenn
For you? A private word beneath the pines, and one kiss freely given. Then you may pass without trouble.
Forest Soldier 1
Lenn, remember your orders.
Lenn
I remember them. No harm comes to the traveler, and the road remains open.
He steps aside, clearing the path exactly as promised. The scarred soldier keeps his hand near his sword, but his gaze shifts from Almira to his younger companion, measuring the bargain already made.
“I approach the second soldier seductively and ask, in a seductive tone, What if you kind sir, surely you would have a request in payment for your kindness”
SUCCESS (Legendary Seduction, rolled +1)
Almira
What if you, kind sir, surely had a request in payment for your kindness?
Almira closes the distance with a measured, graceful sway. Lenn's breath catches; the forest seems to hush around the offer, while the scarred soldier watches sharply from the path.
Lenn
Then I would ask for your name, lovely traveler, and another kiss before you go.
Lenn lowers his voice, his earlier uncertainty replaced by open hope. He keeps both hands visible and leaves the cleared road entirely to Almira.
Forest Soldier 1
Lenn, do not mistake courtesy for permission to linger.
Lenn
I make no mistake. The traveler asked, and I answered honestly.
The bargain now rests plainly between them: Lenn has named his price, the road stands open, and the older soldier's guarded silence cannot alter it.
“I give Lenny my name, and a deep passionate kiss, letting it known he could've asked for more without actually saying a word”
SUCCESS (Legendary Seduction, rolled -1)
Almira
My name is Almira.
Almira catches Lenn by the front of his russet cloak and kisses him deeply. He freezes for a heartbeat, then answers with startled, eager warmth as the pines whisper overhead.
When Almira draws back, the promise in their lingering gaze says more than any bargain. Lenn's hands remain visible, though his breath has become uneven and his cheeks burn.
Lenn
Almira. I should have asked for more, then. I did not know the road had brought me such luck.
Forest Soldier 1
Lenn, the road is open. Do not turn a courtesy into an excuse to forget your duty.
Lenn
I have not forgotten. But I will remember Almira long after this watch ends.
The younger soldier steps fully aside, leaving the forest path unobstructed. The scarred guard watches in stern silence while Lenn keeps his hopeful gaze on Almira.
“I approach forest soldier 1 seductively and ask what he would want in return for his kindness”
SUCCESS (Legendary Seduction, rolled +1)
Almira turns from the open road and approaches the scarred soldier with the same graceful confidence. Their silvery hair brushes one shoulder as they enter his guarded space.
Almira
And you, kind sir? What would you want in return for your kindness?
The older soldier's thumb pauses beneath his sword guard. His stern expression holds, though his eyes travel briefly over Almira before returning to their face.
Forest Soldier 1
You have a bold tongue, traveler. I want no trouble on my road, and I want Lenn kept from abandoning his post.
His gaze flicks toward Lenn, then returns. The demand is practical, but the soldier's lowered voice leaves room for a more personal bargain beneath it.
Forest Soldier 1
If you mean kindness between us, then give me your word that you will pass peacefully, and spare me the same temptation you gave him.
He steps aside fully, clearing the path. His sword remains sheathed, and despite the roughness of his warning, a reluctant amusement touches the corner of his mouth.
“I say to the soldier, "Today you shall be spared, but if ever we meet again, I will not be so nice, older men know how to treat a lady" a soft sway of hips and a wink as I walk away continuing along my path”
SUCCESS (Good Intimidation, rolled +2)
Almira
Today you shall be spared, but if ever we meet again, I will not be so nice. Older men know how to treat a lady.
Almira gives the older soldier a soft sway of their hips and a knowing wink, then turns and continues along the forest path.
Forest Soldier 1
Spared, am I? Go on, then, before your tongue earns a different answer.
The scarred soldier steps fully clear and watches Almira pass. His stern mask cracks into reluctant amusement, though his hand remains near his sheathed sword.
Lenn
You heard her, old friend. Let the lady travel.
Behind Almira, the two soldiers remain at their post as the pines close around the road. Their voices fade, and the path carries Almira onward beneath the green shade.
Quest Complete
Get past the soldiers
Skill Upgrade: Intimidation Good→Great