A knock sounds at Maris’s door in the early evening. When she opens it, Priya stands on the step with a thank-you card and a slim folder, her expression careful and appreciative.
The Coordinator
Hi, Maris. I hope this isn’t an intrusion. I found your address through the event’s flower contact arrangement, and I wanted to thank you properly.
Priya holds out the card without stepping closer. The gesture is considerate, but the folder suggests that gratitude may be carrying another request with it.
The Coordinator
There’s also a possible contribution connected to the campus garden. Nothing I need you to decide tonight. Could I have a brief conversation with you about it?
The word contribution rests uneasily beside the memory of one completed flower role. Priya waits on the threshold, leaving Maris the choice of whether this becomes a conversation, a new obligation, or neither.
The Coordinator
I want to be clear that helping once does not mean you’ve agreed to anything ongoing. I’m asking because your garden knowledge was valuable, not because I’m assuming your availability.
The card remains extended between them, its envelope still sealed. Priya’s folder stays tucked against her side, and the quiet doorway gives Maris room to answer in her own time.
Maris's turn“I invite Priya in for the brief conversation”
SUCCESS (Fair Charm, rolled +0)
Maris
Please come in. We can have the brief conversation inside.
Maris steps aside and opens the door wider. Painfully Shy makes the invitation quieter than she intended, but Keeps Healthy Boundaries keeps its limit clear: the coordinator may enter for one brief conversation, not claim the evening.
The Coordinator
Thank you. I’ll keep it brief, and I appreciate you setting that boundary.
The coordinator crosses the threshold only after Maris makes room, then takes the nearest chair without looking around. The sealed card rests on the table, while the folder stays closed in the coordinator’s lap.
The Coordinator
The garden committee is planning a small seasonal display near the campus paths. They wondered whether you might advise on the flowers and symbolism, under terms you choose.
Steady Boundary-Setting gives Maris a clean opening to define the limits before gratitude turns into leverage. The coordinator’s respectful pause makes the cost plain: accepting the conversation has made this request personally harder to dismiss.
The Coordinator
I’m not asking for an answer tonight. But if you’re willing to consider it, I would value your thoughts on what would make the arrangement feel manageable.
✓ Quest Accepted
Establish clear limits for advising on the seasonal garden display
Maris's turn“I give priya my schedule for classes, and mention I am busy next weekend as well. I emphasize that if she can work around that schedule I can do a consultation but won't consider accepting other roles until I know more.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Conversation, rolled -2)
Maris
My class schedule is fairly full, and I’m busy next weekend too. If you can work around it, I can do a consultation, but I won’t consider other roles until I know more.
Maris unfolds her class schedule and hands it across. Painfully Shy slows her delivery into careful pauses, but Keeps Healthy Boundaries keeps the limits unmistakable.
The Coordinator
That is workable. I can schedule one consultation around your classes and leave next weekend untouched. I’ll record that you are advising only, pending more information.
Steady Boundary-Setting holds the distinction in place: the coordinator accepts the consultation without turning it into an ongoing commitment. The folder opens to a preliminary garden plan.
The Coordinator
The cost is that the committee will know you are a possible consultant before the meeting. They may arrive with questions, but I will not present you as accepting another role.
The Coordinator
Would Tuesday after your last class work for a brief consultation? I’ll send the plan beforehand, so you can decide what you think before we meet.
Quest Complete
MarisEstablish clear limits for advising on the seasonal garden display