Steady Gaze:
See if Tsu-Ko is persuadable. What's the harm? Is there some significance to appearing to somecreature we're missing? If that doesn't work, find a polite way to explain that Tsu-Ko is a bit… prejudiced.

[Persuasion] You roll a 10 (required 10). Success!

You look over to Tsu-Ko, and ask her if she could be convinced to lend the demons her aid. At that, the elder demon raises a hoof.

Elder demon: "That burden falls unto us. Sabre?"

Hearing the elder call her name, a younger mare knowingly canters over to a nearby house. She returns shortly with a small box, and hooves it over to him. The elder opens the box, then holds it skyward. Inside is what appears to be a stone necklace.

Elder demon: "O great spirit, pray hear our plea. In our indolence, we disposed of our weeds by casting them into the flowing river. Now, the waters flood our gardens and threaten our homes.

With the promise of strengthening our discipline, and an offering of great sentimental value, we humbly beseech your aid."

With an exasperated sigh, Tsu-Ko makes herself visible to the demons. In response, the entire village immediately bows down to her as though she were royalty. The box vanishes from the elder's hooves in a flash of colourful glitter.

Tsu-Ko: "Honestly... you don't deserve this kindness."

Despite her harsh words, the sprite begins to cast a spell. With her hooves aglow, she performs what can only be described as a dance, leaving magical trails of sparkling light in the air behind her every flutter and twirl.

Then, as though a massive drain had been unclogged, water quickly recedes from the village and surrounding fields. Within seconds, riverside gardens emerge next to a waterlogged bridge, much to the demons' relief.

Dubious demon: "The river—!"

Delighted demon: "It's back to normal!"

And just like that, the flood subsides to a clear, burbling river. The apparent ease of it all makes you feel as though you've only caught a glimpse of the sprite's true power, reluctant as it may have been.

Elder demon: "Thank you, O great spirit. Undeserving as we may be, you have our respect all the same."

Tsu-Ko: "Hmph!"

Elder demon: "And you, newcomers — your timely visit has been a mercy indeed. We have no means to repay this debt, but I can offer you some advice.

Know that the hermit's time is not something freely shared; you will be expected to give something in return. Try and make a generous offer of your own. If you do not, the price is likely to be steep beyond measure."

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