The village square has softened into warm lamplight and low conversation. Bowls are set aside, and the Elder listens with both hands folded over his staff as the villagers trade glances, emboldened by Elidi's calm presence.
The Villager
Lady Elidi, we have a trouble that is too long for our own backs. A narrow path in the trees has been choked by fallen stone and root since before last winter.
The speaker, flushed with courage, steps half a pace forward. Nearby villagers lean in, hopeful but still wary of asking too much of their towering guest.
The Villager
If you could clear it, our carts could reach the east herb plots again. We would pay you in dried meat, oat cakes, and a cartload of lamp oil.
The Elder
And if she agrees, we will send two strong hands to guide her along the safest footing. No one asks a giantess to do a mason's work without respect.
The square falls quiet around the offer, all faces turned toward Elidi as the evening waits for her answer.
✓ Quest Accepted
Clear the blocked forest path
“Elidi agrees. Food alone as payment will do. She asks to be led to the obstacle that needs removing.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Strength, rolled +1)
Elidi
Food is enough. Lead me to the place.
Relief moves through the square like a soft gust. The Villager straightens at once, already turning toward the dark seam of trees beyond the cottages.
The Villager
Gladly. Follow close, Lady Elidi.
The Elder plants his staff and nods to two broad-shouldered villagers, who step forward to make room and point out the firmest ground.
The Elder
We will walk you there by the safest way.
Lantern light swings as the little procession leaves the square, and the village’s quiet admiration follows Elidi toward the orchard road.
Ahead, past the last fence posts, the trees tighten into shadow where the blocked path waits.
“Elidi follows.”
SUCCESS (Great Athletics, rolled -1)
Elidi takes the village road in a single careful stride, and the procession adjusts around her great feet. The packed earth gives a faint crunch under her weight, enough to draw a worried glance from the nearest guide.
The orchard slips by on one side, branches still and watchful. Lanterns bob ahead, and the dark line of the forest grows larger with every step.
The Elder
She keeps to the center of the path. Good, good. If the ground holds her here, the trees may hold her too.
At the edge of the last fence, the first damaged posts come into view. One is snapped clean through, and fresh splinters lie scattered where something heavy has already pushed past.
The Villager
There, Lady Elidi. The blockage is beyond that bend.
A low hush follows the words. The guides slow, measuring the space between Elidi and the nearest fruit trees, as if suddenly aware of how little room a giantess needs to disturb everything at once.
Elidi reaches the forest edge with the villagers, but her passing cracks a shallow rut in the soft verge, and the Elder's hand tightens on his staff when the orchard fence creaks behind her.
“Elidi removes the obstacle.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Strength, rolled +1)
Elidi plants one vast hand against the split fence post and another against the fallen timber. With a slow, careful heave, she lifts the broken section clear of the path and lays it beside the verge.
The shallow rut softens under the edge of her foot, but the path itself opens, bare and passable now. Splinters skitter aside, and the guides instinctively step back from the newly cleared way.
The Elder
Easy... yes. That is enough.
His staff lowers a little as he looks from the ruined post to the open lane. The fear in the nearest faces thins into startled relief.
A Villager
She did it cleanly. She did not tear up the trees.
The orchard stands intact behind Elidi, while the forest path ahead is now clear and waiting. The villagers hover at the edge of the opening, watching her for the next move.
Quest Complete
Clear the blocked forest path
New Gift: Forest Path Warden