Morning light lies pale in the courtyard. The Seminary Master and Bren Riverglade walk slowly toward the gate, their footsteps soft on damp stone.
At the gate, the master stops and places a small leather-bound vial of salve into Bren's hand. His sternness has eased into something gentler.
The Seminary Master
Take this. For sore hands, cracked skin, or any hurt the road lays on you.
The Seminary Master
The healing arts weigh more than books, Bren. You carry mercy, and mercy grows heavy when many need it.
He looks toward the road beyond the gate, then back to Bren, as if measuring the distance between the chapel and the world.
The Seminary Master
Walk it well. When you can, show your skill kindly, and keep your prayer close.
For a moment, the courtyard is still. The master waits beside him, patient as an opening door.
✓ Quest Accepted
Leave the temple courtyard
✓ Quest Accepted
Show his healing skill kindly
+ New Item Acquired
small leather-bound vial of salve
Bren Riverglade leaves Temple courtyard by the main gate behind and arrives at my cottage.
“I thank the master, then pull the temple gate open and step onto the road, with the intent of returning to my cottage to prepare for the journey.”
SUCCESS (Good Agility, rolled +0)
The road gives way to Bren Riverglade’s cottage, where pale morning light catches on a low roof, a crooked fence, and a quiet yard damp with dew. He arrives with the vial secure in hand, the gate behind him no longer a barrier but a memory of the blessing just given.
Bren Riverglade
Thank you, Master. I will keep your counsel close.
Bren eases the cottage door open and steps inside, the simple room waiting with his herbs, his religious text, and the small disorder of a life packed for travel. A folded cloth lies ready on the table, and the vial settles safely beside it.
The Seminary Master
Take care with that salve. It is plain, but it has served many a weary hand.
The master remains at the threshold outside, his posture still and watchful as Bren turns toward his preparations. The kindness in his voice holds, yet there is a shadow of concern in the pause after it.
The Seminary Master
The road will ask more of you than copying ever did. Do not let zeal outrun mercy.
From the table, Bren’s religious text lies open beside the vial, as if the two are being set in the same order for the journey ahead. The cottage is quiet, but the master’s warning hangs in the doorway, waiting for Bren’s answer or his silence.
Quest Complete
Leave the temple courtyard
“Does Bren have provisions such as food to take on the journey?”
YES (Likely, rolled 49)
Bren Riverglade
I should check the larder before I depart, for the road is long and the master's warning of mercy implies a need for strength.
Bren pulls back the heavy wooden lid of the larder chest, revealing a sturdy loaf of rye bread and a wedge of hard cheese wrapped in linen, enough to sustain him through the first few days of his pilgrimage.
“I pack the bread and cheese and prepare to depart.”
SUCCESS (Good Health, rolled +1)
Bren folds the bread into his satchel, then wraps the cheese in linen and nests it beside his religious text. The open larder chest gives off a dry scent of grain and wood as he gathers himself to leave.
He pauses a moment at the threshold, checking the weight on his shoulder, and the cottage settles around him in its small, familiar silence.
The Seminary Master
You pack like a man who expects hunger, Bren. Good. Mercy is easier to keep when the body is not crying out.
The master’s voice is steady, but his eyes linger on the satchel and the little bundle of provisions as though measuring the road ahead against them.
The Seminary Master
Still, do not let prudent care become fear. A healer who hoards his strength too tightly may arrive with full hands and an empty heart.
Bren Riverglade
The warning lands like a hand on the shoulder, firm but not unkind.
Outside, the last light of day brushes the doorframe. The master waits at the threshold, leaving Bren the final choice of when to step out and begin.
+ New Item Acquired
satchel
“"Thank you again, master. I had best depart now, while the day is still young." I step towards the door carrying the satchel.”
SUCCESS (Good Agility, rolled -1)