Akren thins beneath Micky's feet and fades into ordinary mist at the Son residence gate. The mountain's cold still clings to his clothes, while the old master remains behind on the city road.
The front door opens before Micky reaches it. His adoptive mother, a middle-aged woman with a sturdy build, dark braided hair, and a green house coat, steps out carrying a steaming towel.
Micky's adoptive mother
There you are. We heard something rush past the windows. Micky, why are you covered in snow?
Behind her, Micky's adoptive father whose square jaw is marked by a faint dimple appears from the kitchen, a broad older man with graying hair, rolled sleeves, and flour dusting one forearm. He studies the road, then Micky.
Micky's adoptive father
That was no ordinary trip to school. You came from the mountain pass, didn't you?
Warm air spills around Micky, carrying rice, tea, and the clatter of breakfast dishes. His boots leave melting tracks across the entryway as both parents wait for an answer.
Micky
The old master's lesson is still moving through my body.
✓ Quest Accepted
Explain why Micky left to the adopted family
✓ Quest Accepted
Gain the adopted family's acceptance of Micky's changed discipline
“Mom dad im sorry I was just training with the old man jariya up the mountain”
SUCCESS (Fair Reasoning, rolled +3)
Micky
Mom, Dad, I'm sorry. I was training with the old man Jariya up the mountain.
The explanation settles into the warm entryway. Meltwater drips from Micky's clothes onto the floor, and his parents exchange a measured look over the steaming towel.
Micky's adoptive mother
Jariya? So the mountain teacher has a name now. Were you hurt?
Micky's adoptive father
Training explains the snow, but not why you crossed the mountain before breakfast. Did he send you home safely?
His mother reaches forward and presses the towel against his shoulder, brushing loose snow from his spiky hair. His father steps aside, leaving the doorway open toward the kitchen.
Micky's adoptive mother
Come inside, then. Tell us what kind of lesson leaves you looking like a storm cloud.
Micky's adoptive father
And after you warm up, you can explain whether this Jariya expects you to miss school.
Quest Complete
Return home to the adopted family
Skill Upgrade: Martial arts Great→Superb
Quest Complete
Explain why Micky left to the adopted family