Goat keeps pace beside Austin up the drier castle road, listening as the marketplace falls behind. At the entry hall, Queen Toriel, an adult goat woman with ivory fur, long floppy ears, and dark auburn hair braided over one shoulder, waits beneath the great archway, her broad goat-monster frame wrapped in a russet mantle, worry plain across her adult face.
Goat
There he is, safe and sound. Austin was hurrying because he feared you would worry if he came home late, Your Majesty.
Toriel's stern posture falters. She crosses the stone floor in several swift steps, gathers Austin into a warm embrace, and holds him as though counting every part of him by touch.
Toriel
My child. You are home. I am relieved beyond words, but the promised punishment has not vanished simply because you arrived safely.
Goat
He did not give me the whole tale before we reached the arch. He only said he was trying to get home quickly for your sake.
Toriel loosens her embrace but keeps both hands on Austin's shoulders. Her eyes move from his face to Goat, then back again, relief softening but not removing her sternness.
Toriel
Come inside, Austin. Tell me yourself what happened at the marketplace, and then we shall discuss how swiftly you were running.
✓ Quest Accepted
Tell Queen Toriel what happened
“Mmmm I just saw a shiny toy at a stand and got lost that's why I took so long I'm sorry momma”
FAILURE (Great Diplomacy, rolled -4)
Austin Dreemurr
Mmmm, I just saw a shiny toy at a stand and got lost. That's why I took so long. I'm sorry, Momma.
Toriel listens without interrupting, her hands still resting gently on Austin's shoulders. Her relief remains, but her brows draw together at the admission that he wandered away while distracted.
Toriel
Oh, my child. I am glad you are safe, but a shiny toy does not make wandering alone through the marketplace safe or wise.
Goat
That is the part he left out on the road. He was hurrying home, but he did not tell me he had become lost.
Toriel draws Austin close again, briefly pressing his head beneath her chin. Then she turns him toward the inner hall, keeping one protective hand around his small shoulder.
Toriel
Thank you for telling me the truth, darling. We shall speak about staying beside a trusted grown-up, and afterward we shall discuss your punishment.
The explanation has softened Toriel's worry, but not her decision. Goat steps aside as she guides Austin deeper into the castle, the marketplace safely behind them.
Quest Complete
Reach Queen Toriel
Skill Upgrade: Diplomacy Great→Superb
Quest Complete
Tell Queen Toriel what happened