Coco reaches the Southgate stables with Tessa’s route scrap tucked beside the Guild token. Beyond the yard, Aurelia’s massive gate rises against the evening sky.
Tessa remains at the Guild with the young villager, securing the shrine fragment and sending word to Maelis. Vael accompanies Coco only as the horned-helm mark beneath his sleeve.
Master Pell
You must be the Guild adventurer Tessa mentioned. Master Pell. I have something that may suit a traveler bound beyond Southgate.
A broad-shouldered stablemaster with silver in his beard leads out a powerful black horse. Its coat shines like polished coal beneath the stable lanterns.
Master Pell
This one came with a courier caravan near the old Briarhollow road. Since returning, it has refused every rider I put in the saddle.
The horse snorts toward Coco’s arm and stamps once. Faint green light flickers beneath his sleeve, answering Vael’s mark as the animal’s ears angle forward.
Master Pell
It has shown no fear of swords, storms, or seasoned riders. But it reacts to that mark. If you can earn its trust, adventurer, I will offer a fair price.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure a horse for departure
“I slowly approach the black horse and offer it my hand.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +1)
Coco approaches slowly, boots quiet on the straw. He lowers his offered hand beneath the horse’s muzzle, giving it space to choose the meeting.
The black horse studies him, then exhales warmly across his fingers. Its ears relax, and the faint green pulse beneath Coco’s sleeve answers with a gentle glow.
Master Pell
Well now. That is more trust than this one has offered anyone since returning from Briarhollow.
The horse lowers its head into Coco’s palm and nudges him once. Its polished coat is warm beneath his touch, and its steady breath carries the scent of hay and rain.
Vael
It recognizes your mark, Coco, but recognition is not obedience. This trust is freely given.
Master Pell
Master Pell steps closer, watching the horse accept Coco’s hand without resistance.
Master Pell
She is called Sable. If you ride beyond Southgate, she will carry you willingly. I will make the fair price fairer, for the Guild’s sake.
“I accept Pell's fair price for Sable and I ride out side the city and start my travel”
SUCCESS (Great Agility, rolled +0)
Coco accepts Master Pell’s fair price, counting the coins into his calloused hand. Pell passes over Sable’s reins and settles the Guild token’s recognition with a satisfied nod.
Master Pell
A fair bargain, then. Treat her well, and she will carry you farther than most horses would dare. Keep to the road beyond the gate until night passes.
Coco places one boot in the stirrup and mounts Sable smoothly. The black horse shifts beneath him, steady and powerful, then turns toward Southgate at his guiding touch.
Vael
Her trust remains freely given. Let your care answer it, Coco, and this partnership may outlast the road ahead.
Master Pell opens the stable gate. Sable carries Coco through the lantern-lit yard and beneath Aurelia’s immense Southgate, where guards glance at the Guild token and let them pass.
The city’s walls fall behind as evening deepens over the road. Sable’s hooves find a confident rhythm, while wind lifts Coco’s cloak and Vael’s mark glows faintly beneath his sleeve.
Master Pell
Safe roads, Guild adventurer. If Sable comes back, bring her to me. I would like to hear what kind of journey finally earned her trust.
Quest Complete
Secure a horse for departure
Skill Upgrade: Survival Good→Great
+ New Item Acquired
Sable