The Barista steps out from behind the counter, older photo in hand, and slaps it down beside the receipt. The whole café seems to lean in.
The Barista
I have seen this group before. You all know this face. It's Nia.
A new woman at the neighboring table looks up sharply. Her coffee pauses halfway to her lips.
Nia
Don't say it like that. I was here, yes. I did not know you were keeping track.
Mara
Nia? Wait, you know her too?
Julian
That name hits him hard, and his jaw tightens before he can hide it.
The second photo shows Nia standing close to Julian, the same night, the same coat, the same lamp glow. The table goes silent except for the café hiss around them.
✓ Quest Accepted
Determine who Nia is in relation to Julian and Mara
✓ Quest Accepted
Find out whether the group is being watched
“"Nia is the only truth that will matter now."”
SUCCESS (Mediocre Conversation, rolled -1)
Otto lets the name settle over the table, and the whole booth turns with it. Mara's hand lowers to the receipt. Julian looks past the photos to Nia instead.
Otto Com-Peterson
Nia ties this together.
Nia
Stop staring like I am a confession. I knew Julian once, and I know Mara by reputation.
The Barista
And I know the two of you were noticed the moment you walked in tonight. That is why I pulled the photo.
Mara exhales, relieved and unsettled at once. Julian's shoulders drop a fraction, but his eyes stay on Nia, as if the old memory has finally found a face.
Nia
If you want the truth, I am the missing piece in their story, not the end of it. The question is who else has been listening.
Quest Complete
Find out whether the group is being watched
Quest Complete
Determine who Nia is in relation to Julian and Mara