Gutty Greenspot lands her last spin in a wash of clapping hands and stomping boots. Tankards rattle on rough tables, and the tavern’s lanternlight gleams on sweat, ale, and silk.
Then the heavy oak doors slam open. Cold night air knifes through the room as a squad of city guards fills the threshold, helms bright, spears lowered.
The Guard Captain
By order of the city, this revelry ends now. Cease the music. Cease the dancing.
The crowd’s roar falters into a nervous murmur. Across the room, the tavern owner catches Gutty’s eye and makes a sharp little beckoning motion toward the guards, toward the stage, toward trouble.
The Guard Captain
Whoever is responsible for this unlawful throng, step forward and answer for it.
The nearest guards start pushing in, boots heavy on the boards, trying to split the room before the music can rise again.
The tavern owner’s lips form one desperate promise, silent but clear, as a purse of coins glints in his fist.
The Guard Captain
Last warning. Will you submit, or will I have my men clear this hall by force?
✓ Quest Accepted
Charm the guards into joining the dance
“Gutty resumes belly dancing, looking at the guards. "What seems to be the problem? Were we all being too loud? We do apologize~ We were just having a good time. I was lovingly entertaining the patrons."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Belly Dancing, rolled -1)
Gutty resumes her hip-sway with a bright little flourish, the same tune turning playful in her hands and feet. The guards do not advance at once, because the rhythm catches the room first.
Gutty Greenspot
What seems to be the problem? Were we all being too loud? We do apologize. We were just having a good time, I was lovingly entertaining the patrons.
The Guard Captain
His spear tips dip a fraction as he studies her, then the trembling crowd behind her. No, not you alone. This hall is packed like a festival brazier, and my men are already looking tempted.
The Tavern Owner
He steps out from behind the bar with his coin purse open in both hands, relief and fear chasing each other across his face. If the captain can be softened, tonight is saved. I can pour the first round myself.
One guard near the doorway snorts a laugh before catching himself, while another shifts his spear from ready to resting. The captain’s jaw stays hard, but his stance loosens by a breath.
The Guard Captain
Very well. If the dancing stops becoming disorder, I may allow it to become entertainment. Show me that it can be done without brawls.
The owner glances from Gutty to the captain, waiting on her next move as the room holds its breath around the first crack in the wall.
“"Oh, thank you, Captain. You're so understanding." Gutty keeps on dancing.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Belly Dancing, rolled +1)
Gutty Greenspot
Oh, thank you, Captain. You are so understanding.
Gutty lets the thanks melt into the dance, her hips keeping time while her hands trace a loose, teasing circle in the air. The captain’s stern mouth gives way to the barest hint of a smile.
The Guard Captain
Keep that grace, then. I have seen enough tavern brawls to know when a room needs charm more than steel.
He shifts his spear to one hand and, with the other, taps a heel to the beat. It is small, but the sound lands like permission.
The Tavern Owner
Aye, that is the spirit. No shutters tonight, if the captain lets the music carry instead of the complaints.
A few guards trade glances, then one of them gives a reluctant shoulder-roll that starts to resemble a dance step. The owner’s grip on his purse loosens at last.
The Guard Captain
Show me the next measure, goblin, and I will decide whether my men are guarding this feast or joining it.
“"Very well." Gutty spins around and keeps swaying her hips.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Belly Dancing, rolled -2)
Gutty answers with a quick spin, her skirt flaring as she keeps her hips rolling through the turn. The room catches the rhythm with her, and the captain’s mouth curves wider, openly entertained now.
One guard laughs under his breath and starts marking the beat with his boots, while another loosens his stance and sways before he can stop himself. The owner watches it happen like a prayer answered too late to hide.
The Guard Captain
There it is. That is the sort of measure my men understand.
Gutty keeps the motion easy and warm, but the long flourish costs her, a bead of sweat slips into one eye and a trace of breathlessness shows in her shoulders.
The Tavern Owner
Ha. Look at them. I thought I would be sweeping ale off the floor by now, not smiling at the watch.
The Guard Captain
Smile if you like, innkeeper. If she keeps this up, I may have to call it duty to join in.
The captain lifts his spear a little higher, then offers his free hand toward the dance floor, the first clear invitation in the room. The owner’s face brightens, waiting for Gutty to take the moment and lead.
Quest Complete
Charm the guards into joining the dance
Skill Upgrade: Brawl Mediocre