A look of concern and confusion crosses her face and then vanishes. "No. Perhaps he's been held up. I wouldn't start worrying for another day or so. Anyway, how was your quest? You're home safe and sound, so I assume it went well?" she says with a smile.

Kristofferson nods, "It did go well, thanks. We were able to rescue the two living Rockseeker brothers, kill the evil spider mage, and find a secret magic workshop." Here he blushes a bit, realizing he might be sharing too much information. "Hopefully the Rockseekers will be able to return the mine to glory and benefit this town."

Sister Garaele nods politely, not really sure how to respond. She then says, "Well I'm sure you'll be happy for a nice hot meal and warm bed tonight after living on the road for a few days."

Kristofferson smiles and nods. "I should go find my team. Thanks for the pleasant conversation, Garaele." He shyly pulls himself away and returns to the Inn.

The three of you enjoy the evening and get another long rest.

You also level up to Level 5!

Badger will wake and get ready as usual, but he'll skip breakfast and seek out Sir Hallwinter at the Townmaster's Hall.

At breakfast, Ash will ask K, "What is next for us? Do we head back home? Or back to Neverwinter to find more work?"

K: "There may be more work here. We should ask Sir Hallwinter if there is. He's treated us well."

Ash can't quite hide his excitement: "If it takes us back to that mine, we might find some more valuable equipment!"

Badger: The Townmaster's Hall is still closed up this early in the morning. You know if Hallwinter were in town, it'd be open though.

Badger returns to the Inn to eat breakfast with Ash and K. "I thought Sir Hallwinter was expected back before us? He isn't here yet. Do you think something has gone wrong?"

K: "Sister Garaele said not to be worried just yet. We could go ask her for more details about his mission for her."

Badger: "Let's do that. We could also visit the Rockseekers to ensure they are settling in well and ask if they might know anything about the situation."

After breakfast, K will lead the group to see Sister Garaele.

You again find Sister Garaele tending to the shrine, this time apparently weeding around the back of it where there is a modest flower bed. She sees you approach, stands, and smiles at you.

Kristofferson smiles. "Sister, have you heard anything from Sir Hallwinter?"

Badger adds, "We worry about our companion. He was expected to return before us. Can you tell us more about his mission? Perhaps we should find a way to help him."

Garaele wipes her brow in the morning sun. "Yes, I too have grown worried. I feel guilty given he has been put into danger by my own request. I've packed a bag and was planning to seek out information about his whereabouts. Do you know if he might have abandoned my quest for some other duty, and where I might find him then?"

Badger: "No, I know Sir Hallwinter to be a noble and duty-bound man who would have completed his mission for you before tending to another manner. Please tell us, to where was he sent and for what purpose? I fear we must follow his tracks to find him and verify his well-being."

Kristofferson chimes in: "And I do not recommend that you leave the safety of Phandalin. Let us find the knight for you."

Garaele nods to Badger and smiles at K. "Oh, Kristofferson, don't worry about me. I have traveled before. The world is not such a scary place as that with Lady Luck on your side. But yes, I can see how your party could be better suited to find Sir Hallwinter. He went to meet the banshee Agatha in the Quivering Thickets to find an answer for the Harpers regarding a certain spellbook. I have heard that this banshee in particular is quite vain and could be persuaded through flattery and gifts, and so Sir Hallwinter took a silver comb I had procured to aid in his quest."

Ash: "A banshee!? Are those things dangerous? Why would Sir Hallwinter do this alone?"

K: "The Quivering Thickets is not the safest place, either. It is a magical fey region of the Neverwinter Wood. Is it safe for us to go there, Badger?"

Badger: "It is dangerous, but not in the same way eye monsters or evil spider mages are dangerous. It is a strange place of wonderous beings that do not behave in the usual ways. Danger comes from difficulty in making sense of what happens or knowing who is friend or foe."

K thinks a moment. "But still, we must go find Sir Hallwinter."

Badger: "Yes. Let's head out as soon as we are ready. Sister, can you give us directions like those you gave Sir Hallwinter? We should try to retrace his steps the best we can."

Garaele: "Banshees are notoriously vain and care about their own beauty, yet evil magic has corrupted them, cursed to live out their undead, ghostly lives as hideous versions of their former selves, bound to their home. They require the living to visit them to accumulate the art and beauty they desire, so they will be friendly to those that appease them. Agatha is rumored to be an especially powerful banshee, and especially corrupted and ugly one. Be careful not to offend her in word or action. I do not know why Sir Hallwinter did not hire a party or take others on his quest. He has been feeling the pressure of organizing Phandalin and all the requests coming to him. Perhaps he felt pressed to solve an issue on his own. I don't know. I feel so guilty!"

Garaele provides you with the same directions she gave Sildar. She also hands you a potion of healing she had stashed in her pack. "Please. Come back safely, and bring him, too. If you can, ask Agatha about the location of Bowgentle's book. Godspeed."

Kristofferson: "You have a goal and are trying to achieve it. Sir Hallwinter is the perfect person from whom to request help. You've done nothing wrong, Garaele. We will put this potion together good use and bring back Sir Hallwinter and the spellbook information."

Badger looks back and forth between K and Garaele, raising an eyebrow. "Come Quote Unquote Fantastic, let's go save the day again."

Ash leads the way out of Phandalin.

You head north out of Phandalin, crossing the Triboar Trail, and into the Neverwinter Wood. If there is anything you'd like to roleplay during the trip, do so now, otherwise I'll continue the narrative.

You follow the directions Garaele gave you. There are no unusual signs of struggle along the way, so it's reasonable to think Sildar made it to his destination. After two days of travel through thick woods, the forest grows dark and still as you spot a clearing. Heavy vines and thick layers of moss drape the branches, and the air is noticeably colder than it was just a few minutes ago. You see a screen made from the warped branches of trees standing close together, woven into a domelike shelter in the shadows. A low doorway leads inside.

Ash looks to the others for confirmation, then leads the way in, watching for danger. Perception: 10

Badger motions to stay calm and to keep their weapons sheathed.

A home of sorts is sheltered within the dome of woven branches. It is sparsely furnished with chests, shelves, a table, and a reclined couch, all of it old and of elven craft. On a solid table in the back lies Sildar Hallwinter, looking peacefully asleep and unmoving, a blue glow around him.

The air grows cold, and a powerful feeling of dread grips you. A cold, pale light flickers in the air, rapidly taking on the form of a female elf, her hair and robes waving in a spectral wind. You brace for what you expect to be an ugly female elf based on Garaele's description, but instead you are suddenly captivated by perhaps the most beautiful elf you've ever seen, despite her angry, hateful expression. “Foolish mortals,” she snarls. “What do you want here? Do you not know it is death to seek me out?”

All: Make a wisdom saving throw.