The inn loft offers a dry pallet, a chipped basin, and a narrow window overlooking rain-darkened lanes. Below, Mara remains at the gatehouse, while Sella is somewhere beyond the storm, and Pip has come upstairs with Rose.
Pip carefully empties his damaged satchel onto a blanket: wrapped trail bread, charcoal sticks, a tiny brass clasp, and several damp scraps of marked parchment. His claws sort each piece into neat rows.
Pip
There should be one more thing. I counted everything before the ambush, and I counted again beneath the thorns.
He turns the satchel inside out and probes its torn lining. Rain whispers against the window, softer now than the forest, while the empty space beside the parchment remains unmistakable.
Pip
A little bone tube, sealed with green wax. It held a map fragment, not treasure. I cannot prove it was there when we met, but I know it vanished during the escape.
Pip
If Rose saw it, asking may lose me the only guide I had. If she did not, keeping silent makes her think I accuse her.
✓ Quest Accepted
Tell Pip the truth about the missing bone tube
“{Rose tilts her head, obviously confused. She truely doesn't know what he is talking about. She hadn't taken it, or seen it fall out.} No idea little dude. never saw it. Sorry you lost it. Say, did you catch whether this inn had a bathhouse...? I really need to get clean before sleep... I suppose you can join me too.”
FAILURE (Mediocre Persuasion, rolled -1)
Rose Thornweald
No idea, little dude. I never saw it fall out, and I am sorry you lost it. Say, does this inn have a bathhouse? I need to get clean before sleep. You can join me too.
Rose tilts her head, genuinely perplexed, while Pip studies her face. Her invitation hangs between the damp parchment and the quiet rain.
Pip
I believe you did not see it. I do not believe I should join you in a bath, though. That seems a strange reward for losing my map.
Pip gathers the parchment, still wary but no longer guarding it from Rose. His ears angle toward the ceiling, listening to the inn's muffled footsteps below.
Pip
There is no proper bathhouse here, I think. But I saw a painted basin near the kitchen stairs. The serving woman may let us use it for a copper.
He points toward the loft door, offering the practical lead as a peace token. The cramped washroom below may be private enough, if the inn permits it.
Pip
You can ask her. I will wait here with my things, unless you want me to carry the basin water.
Quest Complete
Tell Pip the truth about the missing bone tube