Visitors thin along the covered walkway. Ember places the modest wrapped gift at the flower table’s edge while Mina remains nearby, and Sylvester guides the last guests around the garden bend.
Ember
Open it whenever you’re ready, Maris. It’s nothing enormous, just something I saw and thought might suit you.
The paper is folded neatly, tied with green twine that echoes the rosemary in the arrangements. Ember keeps her hands to herself, leaving the choice and the timing with Maris.
Sylvester
That’s the last group through. Priya should be pleased with the flow.
Sylvester sets the remaining signs against the walkway post and offers Maris a diplomatic nod before stepping back. Mina watches the exchange, then glances toward the gift.
Ember
You were careful today. Not just with the flowers, but with the space you made for everyone else. I wanted to ask about that without putting you on the spot.
Mina
I can give you both a little room, if you want. I’ll be just beyond the walkway.
Maris's turn“I open Ember’s gift and respond honestly”
FAILURE (Good Conversation, rolled -3)
Maris gives Sylvester a diplomatic smile, then turns to the gift. Her painfully shy pauses make the simple motion awkward as she loosens the green twine and unfolds the paper.
The wrapping opens, but the gift itself is not inside. Only a small card rests beneath the paper, while the absent object leaves Maris’s hands empty.
Ember
Oh. That’s not right. I must have left the actual gift in my bag.
Maris
Thank you, Ember. I appreciate that you thought of me. I’m sorry, I just don’t know what to say.
Great Listener helps Maris catch Ember’s immediate reassurance, but the missing gift and tangled wording turn the exchange away from the warm response she meant to offer.
Ember
You don’t have to say anything perfect. The thought was the important part. I’ll bring the rest another time.
Ember folds the paper around the card and keeps the unopened gift elsewhere, leaving Maris with a clear thank-you given, but no chance to see what Ember chose for her.
✓ Quest Accepted
Have an honest conversation with Ember about the unfinished gift
Maris's turn“I tell Ember I’d like to hear honestly why she chose it for me.”
SUCCESS (Good Conversation, rolled +1)
Maris
Ember, I’d like to hear honestly why you chose it for me.
The request catches in Maris’s throat, with painfully shy pauses breaking its rhythm. She stays with it anyway, listening closely for Ember’s answer instead of retreating behind an apology.
Ember
Honestly? You notice things other people rush past. You made room for everyone today, even when the changed plans and the crowd could have overwhelmed you.
Ember’s expression stays warm, but her voice grows more careful. The explanation makes the unfinished gift feel intentional rather than accidentally misplaced.
Ember
I wanted you to have something that reminded you your way of paying attention matters. Not because you need to become louder, but because you already bring something people can feel.
Great Listener helps Maris catch the distinction in Ember’s wording: this is appreciation, not a demand for change. Ember gently taps the folded card and smiles.
Quest Complete
MarisHave an honest conversation with Ember about the unfinished gift