In a sun-dappled clearing, Aelwyn scatters food among a small herd of deer, her quiet singing mingling with the whisper of leaves. The animals feed cautiously nearby.
A twig snaps beyond the ferns. Loric, a handsome athletic adult man with tousled white-blond hair and a faint beard, steps from the trees in travel-worn armor.
The deer startle between Aelwyn and the newcomer, hooves scattering leaves as several bound toward the thicket. Loric's hand moves toward the weapon at his side.
Loric
Stay where you are, stranger. I mean no harm, but tell me, who are you?
His guarded stance eases only slightly. Pale shafts of sunlight catch on his armor while the remaining deer watch him from the clearing's edge.
Loric
I followed a voice through the woods. It seemed too gentle to belong to any danger I have yet faced.
✓ Quest Accepted
Earn Loric's trust
“*Aelwyn frowns as the deer startle and run off, a small pout saddening her features.* "It was just me." *She said glancing over her shoulder at him.* "They calm easier when you sing to them."”
SUCCESS (Good Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Aelwyn
It was just me. They calm easier when you sing to them.
Aelwyn glances over her shoulder at Loric, her frown softening into a small pout as the last deer vanish among the ferns. The clearing settles into uneasy silence.
Loric
Then I owe them an apology, and you one as well.
Loric slowly removes his hand from his weapon and lowers it to his side. His guarded expression gives way to embarrassed regret beneath the dappling leaves.
Loric
I mistook a gentle song for a warning. It seems the forest has better judgment than I do.
A breeze stirs the grasses and carries the fading warmth of Aelwyn's melody toward the thicket. One deer pauses beyond the branches, listening, before slipping quietly away.
Quest Complete
Earn Loric's trust