The meal continues beneath warm lamplight. Tarna sets down her fork, her attention lingering on Dagg while the farmhouse settles into a comfortable hush.
Tarna Óhagganlegur
When we first met, you welcomed me when others only saw a giant to fear. You spoke to me as though I already belonged here.
Her broad hand tightens around the edge of the table. The memory warms her voice, but a deeper confession waits behind it.
Tarna Óhagganlegur
You helped Devia see my kindness instead of its fear. I have loved you for longer than I admitted, Dagg. I held it back because Mara mattered to you, and because I did not want my feelings to become another burden.
The confession leaves the room very still. Dagg’s affection is plain in the way he looks at her, yet the old wound behind his restraint is impossible to miss.
Tarna Óhagganlegur
I am not asking you to forget her, or to promise me anything tonight. But hiding this has become harder than speaking it. I need to know whether there is room for me beside your grief.
Outside, snow glimmers beyond the window, and Tarna leaves her question between them. The supper remains warm, but her open honesty makes the next word Dagg’s to choose.
✓ Quest Accepted
Openly acknowledge your feelings for Tarna
Dagg Nabbitt's turn“{Dagg takes Tarnas big giant hands into his, looks at her dead in the eyes and apologizes for his coldness. He explains that he would very much like to explore this relationship but is worried about something happening to Tarna and him losing someone else close to him. He then says.} The other thing Tarna, and I know this is going to sounds weird. I would like you to meet Mara. Obviously I know she is buried under the oak tree with my dog next to her, but I would like to go there together and ask tell her about this kindling. I may be a little superstitious but it would make me feel better.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -2)
Dagg takes Tarna’s great hands in his own and meets her eyes. His caution over losing someone dear makes the apology slow, but Unshaken in Peace keeps it honest rather than guarded.
Dagg Nabbitt
I am sorry for being cold, Tarna. I would very much like to explore this relationship, but I am afraid something will happen to you and I will lose someone else close to me.
His relaxed habit makes him glance toward the cooling supper, as though part of him wishes this difficult conversation could wait until after dinner. Superstition wins over that comfort, keeping Mara’s grave present in his thoughts.
Dagg Nabbitt
The other thing, Tarna, and I know this is going to sound weird: I would like you to meet Mara. I know she is buried under the oak tree with my dog beside her, but I want us to go there together and tell her about this kindling. I may be superstitious, but it would make me feel better.
Tarna’s fingers close around his hands. The request unsettles her, yet his legendary diplomacy turns the strange confession into an invitation she can honor, not a demand that she replace the dead.
Tarna Óhagganlegur
I will go with you, Dagg. I will speak to Mara, and I will not ask you to leave her behind. But if I am to stand beside you, you must let Devia see that I do.
Her acceptance gives him what he asked for, but it also places their bond in public view. Tarna keeps his hands, offering trust while claiming the standing she will not hide from Devia.
Quest Complete
Dagg NabbittOpenly acknowledge your feelings for Tarna