The golden escalator carries Aphrodite uphill toward the Temple of the Amorous. Between the ascending crowds, Ms. Pear, a slim adult Japanese woman in green, clutches her tablets, while Dolly, a petite adult woman with short platinum-blonde hair and a gentle, blushing smile, stands uncertainly beside her.
Ms. Pear
Dolly, I am Ms. Pear. I manage a theatre company, and I would be honored if we began as friends.
Dolly
Friends? Yes. I think I would like that very much.
The escalator shudders beneath the crowd's gathering pressure. Citizens lean inward, their sandals scraping gold, while the temple's columns gleam above the steep hill.
The Citizens
Let their friendship be witnessed! The Republic needs this omen. Aphrodite must prove the bond can begin!
Ms. Pear
Please, goddess. I can organize a ceremony, a witness list, anything. Just do not let the escalator fail beneath us.
Ms. Pear reaches toward Dolly, then hesitates. Dolly turns to Aphrodite with open expectation as the golden steps jolt once more and the crowd falls briefly silent.
✓ Quest Accepted
Have Dolly and Ms. Pear form a witnessed friendship
“I invite Ms. Pear to take Dolly's hand before the gathered citizens.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Charm, rolled -2)
Aphrodite extends her hand toward Ms. Pear, then gently indicates Dolly’s waiting hand before the watching citizens. The invitation is quiet, but every face turns toward it.
Ms. Pear
Yes, goddess. Dolly, may I? Before all these witnesses?
Dolly
Please. I would like that.
Ms. Pear takes Dolly’s hand. Her anxious grip steadies, and Dolly’s fingers close around hers as the escalator gives another nervous shudder beneath the gathered crowd.
The Citizens
The bond is witnessed! Let the goddess name Ms. Pear its keeper!
Ms. Pear
Then I accept the duty publicly. Goddess, you have made me responsible for preserving this friendship.
The citizens cheer, and the pressure around the two women eases. Ms. Pear keeps Dolly’s hand, but her new public duty now binds Aphrodite to answer for the friendship’s future.
Quest Complete
Have Dolly and Ms. Pear form a witnessed friendship