The morning heat wraps around Hopebrook Community College like a wet towel. Stella;) threads past palms and painted stucco, her traveler’s cloak hanging light on her shoulders as students stream toward the arts building.
Near the entrance, Hana sits on a low wall with a guitar across her lap, fingers working a soft, haunting rhythm that cuts through the campus noise.
Hana
You look like you are headed somewhere important.
She lets the last chord fade, then offers Stella;) a small, encouraging smile, like she already knows the answer.
The melody feels familiar, but Stella;) cannot place where she has heard it before.
Inside the lobby, a voice carries over the shuffle of sneakers and chatter. The tryout coordinator stands by a clipboard, calling names for the final dance team group.
The Tryout Coordinator
Final group, listen up. If your name is on this list, step forward now.
Hana glances toward the doors, then back to Stella;, her expression warm but watchful as the last names are read.
The Tryout Coordinator
Stella;)?
✓ Quest Accepted
Join the final dance team group
“Calmly walks inside and joins final group”
SUCCESS (Fair Agility, rolled +1)
Stella;) slips through the doors as the lobby noise folds around her. The coordinator’s clipboard dips, then lifts again as they make room in the final group.
The Tryout Coordinator
Stella;) is here. Good, step in and stand with the others.
Hana pushes up from the wall, guitar now quiet at her side, and watches Stella;) cross the threshold with a small, relieved smile.
Hana
She made it.
The list on the clipboard is already turning into a cluster of bodies, shoes shifting on tile, everyone glancing to see where Stella;) belongs.
Stella;)
The line is right here.
Quest Complete
Join the final dance team group