After weeks of travel and peril, the company of six strode once more into the familiar streets of Phandalin. The dust of Wave Echo Cave still clung to their boots, the memory of their battle with Nezznar fresh in their minds. Though weary, they carried themselves with the quiet pride of victors.

Homecoming at the Tavern

Inside the tavern’s warm glow, a familiar voice broke through the chatter — a child’s delighted squeal of “Teddy bear!” as he barreled into Zend’s leg. The bugbear ranger bent to return the hug, the corner of his mouth twitching into what, for him, might almost pass as a smile. The group settled into their seats, mugs clinking, voices rising in overlapping tales of glory and mischief.

The air was thick with the scent of roast meat and the easy camaraderie that only comes after shared danger. And then the door opened.

Mistress Elva’s Proposal

A gust of late-winter air swept in with the newcomer — a hooded figure in gray robes embroidered with the sigil of a stylized eye. She moved with quiet confidence to the center of the room, drawing little notice from the locals but catching the attention of every adventurer’s instinct in the party.

When the hood came back, flaxen hair tumbled free, framing the sharp features of an elf who smiled with deliberate warmth. She introduced herself as Mistress Elva, emissary of Lady Severra Vellgardt — a reclusive widow and collector of rare arcane artifacts. Severra, Elva explained, had heard of the party’s deeds and sought their aid.

Her request: Recover a sealed silver coffer from Castle Naerytar, deep in the Mere of Dead Men, and deliver it unopened to Davil Starsong of the Black Network at the Yawning Portal in Waterdeep. Payment would be 500 gold pieces up front and 150 platinum upon delivery.

The conditions were simple — do not open the coffer. The reasons, however, remained cloaked in mystery.

Debating the Journey

The group’s discussion turned to maps and routes. Leilon, the nearest town to the Mere, lay either three days away via the High Road or two days through harsher, untamed terrain. The harder route drew the most interest — danger had become a kind of unspoken tradition for this company.

Still, the offer’s secrecy nagged at some. Yami, in particular, seemed quietly unsettled, though she kept her own counsel.

Merriment and Mischief

The night’s serious talk gave way to the rowdy comfort of a tavern evening.

• Drinking contests left more than one hero sprawled on the floor, the room swaying.
• Bobby — a possible new companion — sang a tune that earned polite applause and a mug raised in his honor.
• Zend bested Bobby in an arm-wrestling match, the table creaking under the strain.
• Lazmr’s attempt to trip Yami was met with a deft sidestep and a faint, knowing smirk.

By the time the last ale was drained, the party had their advance payment in hand and a satchel ready for the coffer’s return journey.

Farewell to Larn

Morning brought the smell of bacon, the clatter of crockery, and Elva’s return to confirm their answer. They accepted.

Before departure, Larn revealed his own decision — to remain in Phandalin. He had struck an agreement with Gundren and Nundro Rockseeker to manage the party’s newly negotiated 25% stake in Wave Echo Cave. He would work to restore the ancient Forge of Spells, increasing the mine’s value, with a 10% personal share for his management and the rest split among the group. It was a lucrative arrangement, but it meant parting ways — at least for now.

Private Shadows

As supplies were gathered and farewells exchanged, Yami’s silence deepened. Irritation flickered across her features, the weight of unspoken intentions pressing against the levity of the morning. Sagora noticed but did not pry.

Onward

With Larn left behind, the remaining companions — Akkira, Yami, Zend, Lazmr, Sagora, and perhaps Bobby — turned their eyes toward Leilon, the Mere beyond, and the secrets waiting in the dark halls of Castle Naerytar. The road ahead promised danger. And gold. And, perhaps, answers to questions best left unasked.