Wednesday arrives beneath a pale afternoon sky. At three-thirty, Capan reaches Elise’s school with Lena’s authorization details ready, her phone and the printed instructions secure in her bag.
Inside the office, a middle-aged woman with close-cropped gray hair, square glasses, and a navy cardigan checks the paperwork before looking toward the waiting child.
The Office Secretary
Capan, correct? I have your authorization here. Elise has been waiting, and I can confirm you are approved to take her.
Elise sits on a bench, a young human girl with a small build, brown skin, and dark braided hair, wearing a yellow hoodie and purple sneakers with her backpack hugged to her knees. She brightens at Capan’s arrival, then glances toward the secretary when the woman reaches for the office phone.
The Office Secretary
There is one change. Lena left an urgent message about this afternoon’s arrangement. She did not say you were canceled, only that I should speak with you before Elise leaves.
Capan
Lena is not here, and the letter stays private in my bag.
Elise
Is something wrong with Mom? Am I still going with Capan?
“"No, nothing is wrong with your mom. She's just staying late at work. Are you hungry? We can get something to eat from the restaurant I work at and wait for your Mom there."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Conversation, rolled +0)
Capan
No, nothing is wrong with your mom. She is just staying late at work. Are you hungry? We can eat at the restaurant where I work and wait for her there.
Elise’s grip loosens around her backpack. The secretary finishes the authorization note, then gives Capan the afternoon contact information Lena left with the school.
Elise
Okay. I was worried she got hurt. I am hungry, and I like the restaurant.
The Office Secretary
That arrangement is fine. Lena said she would be staying late, and the restaurant is an approved public place for you to wait together.
Elise slips from the bench and settles her backpack over one shoulder. The secretary records the departure, then walks them to the school entrance beneath the pale afternoon light.
Elise
Can I get the same kind of food I had last time? And can you show me where you work?
Capan and Elise leave the school together, heading toward the restaurant. Lena’s work number is saved for the wait, and Elise walks beside Capan with growing relief.
✓ Quest Accepted
Bring Elise to the restaurant
“I agree and take Elise to my job. Once we get there I bring her to the kitchen where I work and allow her to make something for herself while I watch”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled -1)