The dirtbike rolls to a stop beside the secured cabin. Andy’s shoulder feels substantially better after treatment, though tenderness remains beneath the support as Lilly unlocks the door.
Lilly guides him inside with careful patience, checks the locks, and helps him settle into the familiar chair. The cabin’s quiet warmth replaces the hospital’s constant monitor.
Lilly
Easy, husband. Better does not mean healed. Let me bring your water and make sure that shoulder stays comfortable.
A hesitant knock sounds from the porch. Through the window, Carla waits with her long black hair gathered over one shoulder, violet eyes fixed anxiously on the cabin.
Carla
Andy? Lilly? It is Carla. I heard what happened, and I needed to see that you were both safe.
Lilly opens the door only after checking the entry, then welcomes Carla inside. Carla’s worried gaze moves from Andy’s shoulder to Lilly’s face before settling on their joined hands.
Carla
I am glad you are home. What happened out there? You do not have to tell me everything at once, but I want to understand.
✓ Quest Accepted
Help Carla understand the attack’s aftermath
“"Oh Carla, it was insane. Lilly's parents tried to take her, but I stopped them before they could... Hurt her, like before."”
FAILURE (Mediocre Conversation, rolled -2)
Andy
Oh Carla, it was insane. Lilly's parents tried to take her, but I stopped them before they could hurt her, like before.
The last words catch against the ache in Andy’s shoulder. He cannot explain the confrontation further without his voice tightening, and Carla sees the unfinished story rather than pressing him.
Carla
I understand enough to know you both survived something terrifying. Andy, you do not need to prove anything by forcing yourself to continue.
Lilly
Carla, he protected me when they came back. The officers documented everything, and the hospital treated his shoulder. We are safe now.
Carla’s anxious expression softens, though her violet eyes remain fixed on Andy’s support. She steps nearer without touching him, leaving space for Lilly to keep holding his hand.
Carla
Then let me help with what comes next. I can listen to Lilly, bring supplies, or simply sit here so neither of you has to carry the whole night alone.
Lilly
Andy tried to tell her for me. Carla understands that protecting our home also means letting us accept care.
Quest Complete
Help Carla understand the attack’s aftermath
“I let Carla come close and hug me.”
Andy lets Carla come close. She wraps her arms around him carefully, mindful of his supported shoulder, and holds him with quiet, palpable relief.
Carla
There you are. You are home, Andy. I was so worried when I heard, and I am grateful I can hold you now.
Carla loosens the embrace without stepping away, her violet eyes searching his face. Lilly remains beside him, one hand still linked with his and the other resting gently against Carla’s arm.
Lilly
Thank you for coming, Carla. He needs gentleness tonight, and it helps knowing someone else cares enough to sit with us.
Carla
Then I will be gentle. I can stay as long as you want, and I can help make this cabin feel ordinary again.
The three of them remain close in the warm cabin entry. Carla’s embrace gives way to a careful hand on Andy’s uninjured arm, while Lilly brings fresh water from the kitchen.
Lilly
Here you are, husband. Carla can tell us what she heard, and you can rest while we keep you surrounded by people who love you.
“"Sure... you can invite your other beastfolk friends over. Beastfolk are such angels when you need them." I say revering their beauty and kindness.”
SUCCESS (Great Charm, rolled -3)
Andy
Sure... you can invite your other beastfolk friends over. Beastfolk are such angels when you need them.
Andy’s attempt to sit straighter sends a sharper ache through his healing shoulder, and the water in his hand trembles against the rim. Lilly steadies the cup.
Carla
That is kind of you to say, Andy. I will invite them now, and I will tell them this is a quiet visit to support you both.
Lilly
He means it, Carla. Beastfolk kindness has carried us through some frightening days, and I am grateful you are here.
Carla takes out her phone and sends several messages, explaining the situation and the need for calm. Replies arrive quickly, each friend agreeing to come.
Carla
They are on their way, husband and wife. I asked them to bring only gentle company and anything useful for a comfortable evening.
Lilly
Andy is looking at kindness instead of fear. With Carla and her friends beside us, this cabin can feel welcoming again.
✓ Quest Accepted
Share a peaceful evening with Carla’s friends
“I see Hannah and Sarah drive up and come inside, hugging me gently to comfort me.”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled +0)
Two vehicles roll up outside the secured cabin. Hannah and Sarah step inside together, their familiar faces brightening when they see Andy resting safely in the chair.
Hannah approaches first and hugs Andy gently from his uninjured side. Sarah follows, carefully joining the embrace while keeping clear of his supported shoulder.
Hannah
We heard you were hurt, Andy. I am so glad you are home, and I promise this hug will be very gentle.
Sarah
You do not have to explain anything tonight. We came to remind you that you and Lilly are surrounded by people who care.
Lilly watches with a relieved smile, one hand resting protectively near Andy’s back. Carla steps aside to make room as the cabin fills with calm voices and familiar warmth.
Lilly
Thank you both for coming. He needs softness tonight, and seeing his friends here is already helping.
Hannah
Then we will stay softly. Andy can rest, and we can keep this evening peaceful for everyone.
“I let Carla and Hannah playfully wrestle eachother before me while Sarah brings me some fresh water and Lilly massage my shoulder. "Alright girls, put on a show for me."”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled +4)
Andy
Alright, girls, put on a show for me.
Carla and Hannah exchange bright, mischievous looks. They clear a safe space beside the chairs, then begin a gentle, laughing grapple, careful to keep away from Andy’s injured shoulder.
Carla
Very well, Andy. But do not blame me when Hannah discovers I am impossible to defeat.
Hannah
Impossible? Carla, you are about to lose gracefully, and everyone here will witness it.
Sarah returns with fresh water and places it securely in Andy’s good hand. Beside him, Lilly begins a slow, careful massage around the supported shoulder, avoiding the tender joint.
Sarah
Small sips, Andy. I brought enough for the evening, and I made sure the cup would be easy for you to hold.
Lilly
There, husband. Let your friends entertain you while I ease the tension. Carla and Hannah have already agreed to stay for dinner, too.
Quest Complete
Share a peaceful evening with Carla’s friends
Attribute Upgrade: Willpower Superb→Legendary