The wake-house has gone hushed. Emberlight paints the room in copper and ash, while winter presses pale at the shutters.
The Mentor's Wife rests a hand over her cup and gives Brandon Dubois a tired, grateful smile, as if the warmth in the room still reaches her.
The Mentor's Wife
He would have liked this, all of us lingering a little longer. Thank you for staying with us.
The First Companion shifts near the door, cloak half-buttoned, stern features softened by the fire.
The First Companion
He never let a quiet night stay quiet for long. He would have called this a proper sendoff.
The Second Companion lifts his ale in a small salute, then lowers it with care, his expression tender and far away.
The Second Companion
And he would have trusted Brandon Dubois to carry the rest of it well.
Brandon Dubois
The fire is almost out, but the room still feels warm.
Outside, the winter waits. Inside, the four of them remain a moment longer, held together by memory and the last glow of the hearth.
+ Story Quest Added
Give the mentor's sword to the widow
“I ask to stay for one last toast”
SUCCESS (Fair Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Brandon Dubois lowers the sword from his side and settles it between both hands, the room’s last warmth gathering around the blade.
Brandon Dubois
I would like to stay for one last toast.
The Mentor's Wife’s face brightens with a shaky, genuine relief. She sets her cup down and reaches for the bottle with careful fingers.
The Mentor's Wife
Then we should do it properly. For him, and for the road he trusted you to walk.
The First Companion steps back from the door and turns fully toward the table, while the Second Companion lifts his cup again, this time with a small, solemn smile.
The Second Companion
To the knight who never turned away from a hard thing, and to the one carrying his steel.
The Mentor's Wife takes the sword gently from Brandon Dubois and lays it across her knees for a heartbeat, her thumb brushing the hilt before she raises her cup with the others.
The Mentor's Wife
One last toast, then. Stay a little longer with us.
Quest Complete
Give the mentor's sword to the widow