Austin hurries along the cobbled road, marketplace dust clinging to his boots. The castle roofs are still distant, and every wasted moment brings Queen Toriel's promised spanking closer.
Halfway home, Goat steps from beneath an old stone arch. The adult goat monster wears a travel-stained brown cloak over a broad frame, with curled horns and a wary, kindly face.
Goat
Austin! Slow down before you tumble into the drainage ditch.
Goat plants one heavy hoof in the road, not quite blocking Austin, but making it clear that passing will require an explanation. His ears angle toward the distant market.
Goat
You look chased by a pack of wolves. Trouble at the marketplace, or are you simply late getting home?
A cool breeze carries the smells of roasted roots and rain-wet stone. Beyond Goat, the road forks toward the castle district, while the marketplace lies behind Austin.
Goat
Come on, lad. Tell me what happened, and perhaps I can help you reach your mother before she starts counting the minutes.
✓ Quest Accepted
Tell Goat what happened
✓ Quest Accepted
Reach Queen Toriel
“I'm just trying to get home sir my momma gets worried if I'm home late”
SUCCESS (Great Diplomacy, rolled +3)
Austin Dreemurr
I'm just trying to get home, sir. My momma gets worried if I'm home late.
Goat
Ah. That is a good reason to hurry, lad, but not to run yourself into a ditch.
Goat's sternness melts into understanding. He steps aside and gestures toward the castle road, his broad silhouette now guiding rather than barring the way.
Goat
Your mother will be glad to see you safe. Take the castle road; it is drier, and it will save you time.
He points out a narrow lane between the market wall and the old fountain. Its paving stones rise toward the castle district, avoiding the muddy drainage ditch entirely.
Goat
Go on, then. I will walk with you as far as the arch, and tell Toriel you were hurrying home for her sake.
With the way cleared and an escort beside him, Austin can reach home without racing blindly. Goat falls into an easy, protective pace at his shoulder.
“I quickly run down the road home not wanting to waste any time”
SUCCESS (Mediocre Agility, rolled -1)