The river falls mute. Even the bamboo seems to hold its breath as Brenth sweeps down onto the bank, green scales flashing like wet jade.
The Martial Master drops to one knee on the slick planks, head bowed. The Traveling Healer tightens their grip on the debt tag, then lowers it with careful respect.
Brenth
Nanera. Your hands still calm storms before they break.
Golden eyes settle on her, ancient and measuring. The dragon’s tail curls beside the pavilion, and the gold screens shiver in the draft of his landing.
Brenth
A village that keeps peace this well deserves aid, not fear. I bring word and guidance, if you will hear it.
The Martial Master
Great Brenth, your presence honors us. Nanera has already spared blood today, and the debt is taken in service.
Brenth
Then let it stand. Healer, serve with your skill. Nanera, remain a moment. There is another matter in the bamboo village that may soon test this peace.
✓ Quest Accepted
Hear Brenth’s guidance
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn the village’s new danger
“I hear Brenth’s warning”
SUCCESS (Great Willpower, rolled +1)
Nanera lowers her staff and stills herself beneath Brenth’s gaze. The pavilion feels smaller with the dragon’s shadow across the river stones.
Brenth
Listen closely. The village is not threatened by steel, but by roots gone sour under the waterline. Something in the bamboo groves drinks more than rain.
The Martial Master lifts his head a fraction, brow tightening. The Traveling Healer’s hand goes still on the debt tag, attention sharpening at once.
Brenth
If it spreads, the children will feel it first, in fevers, in dreams, in the way the wind turns cold at dusk.
Nanera
Roots under the waterline... and the groves are feeding it.
Brenth’s tail draws a slow arc beside the pavilion, pointing upstream without haste. His eyes do not leave Nanera.
Brenth
Go to the upper bamboo pool. Tell me what you find there, and do not trust the water if it answers too softly.
Quest Complete
Hear Brenth’s guidance
Quest Complete
Learn the village’s new danger