The map lies folded beside the open packs, its route to Karof offering no safe passage. Around the camp, departure preparations begin without a road to follow.
Lioran
I’ll sort the herbs and water first. If Karof is unreachable, another village may still have work, supplies, or news of a safer route.
Lydia
And if those rumors point toward criminals, we listen before we charge. A bad road is no reason to become part of someone else’s ambush.
Lioran checks the medicine pouch while Lydia secures the bedrolls and tests the straps on her shield. Their practical voices drift behind Elion as Saadia steps nearer.
Saadia
You wanted a beginning, and now the first road has closed. I will follow the next lead, even if it carries us beyond Karof and into danger.
Saadia
But I need to know what you expect from us. Rumors of thieves can become trails toward something much darker. How far are you willing to follow them?
Saadia holds his gaze, her dark curls stirring in the morning wind. Behind her, Lydia lifts a pack and Lioran ties the final waterskin, leaving the question between them.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure the companions' agreement on a course of action
✓ Quest Accepted
Investigate criminal rumors and learn what they reveal
“You’re my friends. Even though i want to live an adventure worth of being a fairytale and avenge our Nation, your safety is something that is deeply important to me Saadia. Lydia’s and Lioran’s too. No matter what happens, worry not, we have each other. Let’s follow the next lead, but we will be cautious.”
FAILURE (Fair Willpower, rolled -2)
Elion Draemnor
You’re my friends. I want an adventure worthy of a fairytale and to avenge our nation, but your safety matters deeply to me, Saadia. Lydia’s and Lioran’s too. We have each other, so let’s follow the next lead carefully.
The promise settles over the camp, sincere but too broad to quiet the danger in Saadia’s question. Her expression softens, yet her gaze remains searching.
Saadia
I believe you want that. But belief cannot be our only safeguard. If we follow a rumor, we agree beforehand when to withdraw, and we do not let pride choose for us.
Lydia
That is caution I can use. We gather the facts, keep together, and leave if the ground turns against us. No heroic last stands for a stranger’s promise.
Lioran
Then our next step is clear. We find a settlement or traveler who knows the roads, ask what lies beyond the blocked pass, and choose from what we learn.
Saadia finally nods, though the unease does not leave her face. The company turns from Karof’s closed route toward gathering trustworthy directions, making caution a condition of the journey rather than a promise made afterward.
Quest Complete
Secure the companions' agreement on a course of action