In a quiet hospital room, Andy rests with his shoulder immobilized while Lilly sits close beside him. Officer One places a recorder on the table; Officer Two opens her evidence notes.
Officer One
We are recording both statements. Lilly, begin with what happened before the confrontation, and take your time.
Lilly
My parents came to our cabin and demanded that I leave with them. They threatened us, struck the door, and refused to accept that our home is mine too.
Lilly keeps her voice controlled, describing Andy’s warnings, their retreat, and their sudden charge back across the porch. She avoids exaggeration, though her hand remains wrapped around his.
Lilly
Andy defended me and our home bravely. He told them to stop, kept himself between us, and acted when they came back. Then his shoulder gave out from the strain.
Officer Two
That matches the damaged door, the positions documented outside, and the physical evidence preserved at the cabin. Your account is consistent with what we found.
Officer One
Andy, when your treatment allows, can you clarify what you saw when they returned and what happened immediately afterward?
“"It's true... those people were very abusive towards Lilly, they got her hooked on drugs and hurt her all the time until she ran away when she was 19. I found her then and helped her clean up, we've been inseperable ever since." I say looking at her. "They came for us 36 hours later... and tried to take her back and treat her like a slave, they attackedour home... so I defended her."”
SUCCESS (Mediocre Conversation, rolled +2)
Andy
It’s true. Lilly’s parents abused her for years, got her hooked on drugs, and hurt her until she ran away at nineteen. I found her, helped her get clean, and we’ve been inseparable ever since.
Andy
They came for us thirty-six hours ago and tried to take her back, treating her like a slave. They attacked our home, so I defended her.
Andy looks toward Lilly as he finishes. His immobilized shoulder gives a dull throb, but his voice remains steady in the quiet hospital room.
Lilly
He is telling the truth. They made me afraid of them for most of my life, and Andy helped me escape that life without abandoning me.
Officer Two
We will document the abuse history and your account of the attempted forced removal. Lilly, we can also connect you with an advocate.
Officer One
Your description of the confrontation is consistent with the evidence at the cabin. We will record that you acted after they returned and attacked the home.
Lilly tightens her hand around Andy’s, her golden-brown eyes shining. The officers continue taking notes while the room settles into a careful, official quiet.
Quest Complete
Begin the official investigation into the shooting
Attribute Upgrade: Willpower Great→Superb
“Once the officers leave, I feel a wave of relief fall over me as Lilly kisses me over and over.”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled +0)
The officers finish gathering their notes, offer a final acknowledgment, and leave the hospital room. The door closes, leaving only the soft monitor and the quiet presence of Lilly.
Andy
The room is quiet, and the pressure of the statements finally begins to ease.
Relief passes through Andy as Lilly leans over him carefully, mindful of the immobilizer. She kisses his forehead, cheek, and lips in a trembling rush of affection.
Lilly
Oh, husband, they are gone. We are safe here, and nobody is taking me away from you.
She kisses him again and again, each touch gentler than the last, then rests her brow against his. Her golden-brown eyes shine with exhausted gratitude.
Lilly
Thank you for standing beside me, love. I know you are hurting, but you still made me feel protected. Let me keep caring for you now.
Lilly settles into the chair beside his bed without releasing his hand, her thumb brushing his knuckles as the hospital’s steady quiet gathers around them.
✓ Quest Accepted
Support Lilly after the investigators leave
“"Of course... I suppose that a mighty prince who slays a dragon, deserves to be nurtured by such a sweet princess."”
SUCCESS (Great Charm, rolled +2)
Andy
Of course... I suppose that a mighty prince who slays a dragon deserves to be nurtured by such a sweet princess.
Lilly’s ears lift, and a startled smile breaks through her exhaustion. She bends closer, still careful of his immobilized shoulder, and presses his hand between both of hers.
Lilly
A prince, husband? Then you are my very brave, very injured prince, and I shall be your sweet princess with great seriousness.
Lilly
He accepts my care and still finds a way to make me feel cherished. I can nurture him gently, right here beside his bed.
She smooths the blanket near his chest, checks that the water cup remains within reach, and kisses his fingertips with tender concentration.
Lilly
Your princess commands you to rest, drink when you need to, and let me fuss over you without attempting any heroic escapes.
Lilly
And when the nurses allow it, I will bring you something warm and comforting. For now, may I stay close and keep holding your hand?
Quest Complete
Support Lilly after the investigators leave