Rose recognized the named though she hadn't actually met the man. She breathed a sigh of relief when her suspicions were confirmed that he was not in face an enemy. Still, when Sildar brought up Gundren she couldn't help but dread having to share the news. I see. Yes I believe I heard your name in passing from Gundren or one of my prior companions. I...I'm sorry to report Gundren died in defense of the town before we arrived. We buried him on the first day.

As Fallan took in the talk from someone she didn't know, talking about people she hadn't heard of and about meeting with refugees that Rose had said were supposed to be back today, her thoughts seemed to swim in her head. "How in the Hells are we supposed to know for sure you are who you say you are?" she wondered/thought, frustrated at all this strangeness. She waited to see what would happen next if this Gundren was no more. 

Sildar cleared his throat in two single, simple goes, and if a man could be seen visibly deflating, it was happening directly in front of everyone's eyes. His shoulders slowly slumped down, as did his head, though it didn't bow far, likely a sign of the mans pride.  His arms slacked ever so slightly, and he closed his eyes, remaining silent for several long moments, as he did nothing but breathe. Though less than ten seconds passed, the time felt drawn out for far longer. He grunts in acknowledgement of Bells comment, but still doesn't move. Finally, after exhaling in a sigh, he would say I see. That is.. unfortunate, he had his eccentricities but.. he was a good friend. But there is time for that later. I am here on duty and I will not shirk it. Swallowing, he takes another few moments to gather his thoughts. 

Since you've already taken care of burying the dead, I extend my appreciation to you and whoever among you assisted. I'm sure I speak for those who survived who lost loved ones as well. I regret that I wasn't here to help. The expression on his face betrayed that he was thinking 'if i'd been here..' or something very akin to it. Regardless, I have brought with me the rest of the town who had initially fled, on the word of the Kenku. I will inform them of what you have told me. Unfortunately they feel displaced after the attack, but I'm sure knowing that the treat was culled, and the dead buried will provide some degree of succor. If there is nothing else, I will take my leave to do so, unless there is something else? And of course, you're more than welcome to join me.

Rose thought for a moment before the obvious popped in her head. Oh yes! Hold on. Rose runs over to Gwen and has her search her things for the map. After retrieving it she returns to Sildar. The map! For the mine, I have it. I believe it was both you and Gundren who were searching for it correct? Well we found both the map and the mine. Its a bit....overrun with dangers at the moment. But the Spider and those who aided him are dead. The location should only be known to those of us who where there. Well and now you. Rose hands over the map. She had hoped the mine would truly be worth all the lives that they lost trying to get the damn thing. 

Bell sheaths her rapier and goes to drink from the jug, only to stop herself just before taking a gulp of oil.  She grumbles to herself, and then moves back into the room to gather the rest of her things.  When Rose speaks of the mine, her ears pick up. "What's this about a mine?  Overrun with dangers?  It sucks that we didn't make it in time for the Orcs, but if there's more fightin' to be done I'm good for it."

By now the sunspots had dissipated and he had acquired the base level of darkvision that all humans could attain, seeing atleast shadows within shadows and he somewhat watched her go, curious as to what she could mean. Rose speaking rather fervently about the map. His eyes visibly widened, the grief still there but momentarily pushed aside with something akin to awe or excitement. Sildars lips purse into a stern, flat, line as he looks at it, just lit by the light behind him. He takes the map in his hands, and turns enough to allow the light to shine upon it, as he undoes the string that held it bound in a cylindrical shape, and unfurled it. Part of the map showed a path to it, while the rest was Ah, I'm .. sorry, I didn't mean to ignore you... I was simpyl caught off guard.. give me another moment.. I just need to confirm... a few... he seemed distracted, as his eyes scanned over the parchment. His eyes darting here, then there, and Rose would notice his eyes would always return to one spot, while going to others.

A somber smile appeared  as he rolled the map back up, returning it to its prior state as Bell began to speak whole Root and the others, simply watched the exchange to differing degree's, piping in here or there. You will need it more than I. Gundren was.. play-acting when he last sent you folk on your way. he had to play the part of the - pardon my goblin.... - *******, to stir you folk into action. I don't recall if you were there or not as I wasn't present during the exchange, but he told me after, just before I left for Neverwinter to make my report. Should you succeed, we were all to share in the discovery. Gundren was a very gracious person, to the point of willingness to paint himself the villain if need be. So he had every intention of sharing the fame and glory in the rediscovery of the mines. And I cannot leave this place unguarded, especially when the people are so hurt, and defenseless. I will...

I will stay here with you. My name is Ja'ree. I am a Monk. And I was responsible for assisting the town in your absence. I doubt another disaster will befall us so soon but...  he says, spitting over his shoulder superstitiously, With yourself and me, we should be able to provide the security needed to provide comfort while the people decide what their future will be. The interruption had caught Sildar somewhat offguard, but he recomposed himself quickly as Ja'ree approached. I see... That would be a great help. if you are willing to venture back there one more time... though the mine has been discovered, unless I am wrong, you did not find the Forge itself. The map, was translated into a legend in the corner, with markers. They're not perfect, and the mine has likely changed in the hundreds of years since.. but... I'm sure it will be of help... if you can find that, it will be the key to revitalizing Phandalin, and by the time you're back, the people should have decided on a course of action. And atleast one of yours seems eager to go.

What say you?

Bell just smiles and gives an eager thumbs up, though she does look to see Root's reaction as an afterthought.

Rose considered it for a moment. They hadn't had time to search for the forge, whatever that was supposed to be. She quietly sighed and tried to avoid cursing Cirrus for his reckless use of thunderwave. Still, the creatures in the cave have likely dispersed since then and would be far more manageable...hopefully. Bell seemed to be eager to go and she knew Gwen would follow, but the three of them wouldn't be enough. If Ja was going to remain in town again she would need Root and Fallan to join them but without knowing their abilities she wasn't sure if it would be suitable. Rose shrugged and said to Sildar. I'll find your forge, I promise that much. I'll just need to get a few more people to help. Turning to the others she aasks Root, Bell, Fallen. I'm not sure what your combat abilities are like so I would  not volunteer you for this job. But you did come here intending to fight back orcs yes? That means you at least have brave souls. So, Bell has already expressed interest, what say the rest of you? Will you help me clear an ancient dwarven ruin full of all sorts of nasty creatures? It'll be fun I can promise that! Rose waited the answer though judging by the fact they all shared her aura she already knew the answer to be yes. Once everyone is affirmed Rose gives Sildar a thumbs up.

At this point Root stands moving will towards Bell “Well where ever Bell goes I go and if that helps you then you can count me in. Like Ja’ree I believe I am a monk, though i am a bit out of practice. These past years I’ve been a fisherman, but I still have my Draconic breath!” Root bumps his chest as he mentions. “When did you want to go? We can head now but I’ll leave my Dorothy here unless you think we’ll need her?”

"They are certainly not leaving me behind - alone! Wherever this ragtag group chooses to go, Fallan will go as well." They could make out the attempt to stand tall and brave, with chest swelling and a stance of confidence. However, the tone of voice waivered just enough to make Rose wonder just how committed the halfling actually was.

Sildar nods firmly, a tint of sadness at the news of Gundren still there, but a glimmer of hope starting to shine through, that his friends legacy may still come to fruition. It's settled then. And.. Roso.. Rose. I apologize now, for forcing you and yours to take on these tasks in mine and Gundrens place. Originally we were going to go ourselves but the hand of fate always seems to step in somehow and make circumstances unfavorable to such things... And thus we're forced to rely first on those we asked initially, and it seems hands have exchanged many times since. I assure you, you will find favor with me among other things should you succeed here. It will be worth it. I promise. He said, projecting confidence that his words would indeed ring true.

Gwen nodded as well, as uncrossing her arms. Gwen, despite being the larger one, was the more subdued of the two and usually followed in Rose's lead. 'whatever she does I do' much like how the other three expressed themselves. However, at Root's question, Gwen said, raising a finger to grab attention. I think we may need it. There's a possibility that a.. large sum of gold may be within the mine as well, and we would be.. behooved to not have something to carry it with, if its as large a sum as we anticipate. Of course, it may or may not be there, but better tp have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. But it's your cart and your animal, so ultimately, it's your decision. Ja nodded slightly, contemplating. It seemed Ja'ree had big plans, and was working them out in his head. Ja'ree had always somewhat been the brains of the group, atleast when it came to larger, more complicated ideas.. Rose wouldn't be surprised if Ja was the one who suggested the rock... Yes. Up to you friend, if you leave one or both here, I will make sure they are taken care of! Just make sure to come back safe. What I have in mind.. if the people here are agreeable... is grand. And I would hate to bear such a burden alone. he said, leaning down and flicking Rose's side, since elbowing it was rather hard.

It seems it's settled then.  Sildar said, turning around once more to head up and out - Leave whenever you are ready, there's no rush, if what Rose said is true. There should be no others who seek the same, and it's guarded by atleast a few monstrosities, who would soon find themselves pinned between you and them.  A soft rustle in the corner, as Carp and Quelline woke up, coming out, seemingly confused.  Mmm.... Whats all the fuss so early in the morning? and whats this talk about folks leaving? Yaaahhhhhhhh.... If you're going somewhere dangerous then be careful, even you.. Bell, I think it was? I may dislike you but I don't wish you to be killed. Feel free to take some vegetables for the road, if you lack rations after last night. We don't have much else to offer you... considering.

I will be backing off here, and allowing you to all roleplay amongst yourselves. When you are ready to 'move to the mine' simply say so at the end of your post, in bold, like this. Once all four of you have consented, I will begin the Mine phase, to officially end the previous campaign in full, and the 'journey' campaign will officially begin. I will respond as NPC's as needed, so feel free to talk to the townsfolk. I will try to use this time to map out 'ja'rees' plans better, so that when they may or may not come to fruition, before the 'timeskip' I will already have my 'system' ready for your player-plans. As I intend to have you all fully involved with the decision making - and I sincerely hope you all will enjoy it, because I've been super excited to get to craft it for you.

Bell rolls her eyes, and then clops over to Quelline.  She stoops over, bracing both hands on her knees as she bends at the waist to bring her face level with his. She smiles brightly, clearly amused.  “Yikes! All this over a simple, honest question!  You hold this stupid grudge any harder and you’ll give yourself a hernia.”  She snickers.  “Relax Mr. Grumpy Pants, I don’t really care that you don’t like me, so you can save your breath for more important things.”

Barring anything particularly interesting coming from the halfling, Bell would wave off his retort dismissively, and head outside, ignoring him especially if it’s long-winded.

Rose laughs as Ja'Ree flicks her before her mood turns when Quelline takes another jab at Bell. She honestly didn't know Quelline that well, nor did she know Belle, but the entire thing was frustrating her. Still Rose chose to move passed it for now since Belle seemed to handling it fine. Turning back to Sildar Rose states confidently Don't worry, we'll get you your special forge back. I only have question. Once we clear out the cave and find the forge how will we contact you? I would imagine having to travel all the way back here and tell you in person won't be ideal. In the time it takes to get here and back the cave could have new occupants.

Rose will wait for his reply and then give one final reply back to Sildar. Other than that she will be collecting a few extra days of rations from the farm and making sure Gwen has everything she might need on the trip as well.

Quelline made an odd noise but otherwise didn't respond, he was clearly just as done with it as she was. Taking Carp carefully by the hand, he went up to go see whom among the townsfolk remained alive, and offer help where he could. As Bell went topside, she saw a much smaller handful of people than one would even suspect for for a frontier town. Perhaps twenty or so were there. And the morning was significantly colder than the night before had been, the wind biting at any of Bells exposed skin. All of them seemed huddled around a makeshift fire they had made, and they were arm-to-arm to help insulate themselves. All of them wearing heavy winter clothing, including large hood-shawls. Only a few people stood out as likely to be more than just 'a random citizen.'

One was a mindful looking human woman, with graying hair, and thick leathers, with a symbol like two pickaxes on her back, likely marking her belonging to some organization or business that used to be here. Another woman, with naturally silver hair, also human, seemed to be the only one moving about, she was pacing near one of the buildings where a shield-symbol used to hang. She seemed upset, yet in thought. And a stringy man who's face was buried in his palms. Not crying, but seeming to lament the loss of something.

Ja couldn't help but chuckle himself before allowing the discussion to continue. Crossing his arms to listen even as he headed topside to go greet the arrivals. I need you only confirm the forges existence. So Find it, confirm it is truly the forge, which there is a note on the map as to its functionality and how we assume it should function based on dwarven designs from that era. As for new occupants, I will ask you to avoid any un-needed combat but I am sure you won't be able to avoid it entirely, but you will whittle enough of it down that a punitive force can be sent in to finish the job by the time you're back. The... beurocracy ... he sighed, as he closed his eyes, clearly thinking of a frustrating memory They want to know if it truly does exist, yet they're unwilling to spend a copper until they're sure. I'm sure even if you lived in the hills you'd still be aware of all the crimson-silk of rules that bog down certain matters. In any case, should you confirm it, I will trust you, for the sake of Gundrens legacy, and I will put forth my word on the matter. And from there History will be written. So confirm it, and return, and I will do the rest. Unfortunately I do not posess any other means of contact, as I am not a mage of any sort.

Fallan simply runs her gaze back and forth between Bell and Root, planning only to follow them wherever they choose to go. "All these people, all with different agendas. It would be nice if we just decided and moved out" she thought to herself.

Rose thought back to Cirrus for a moment. She was sure he had some means of contacting people from long distances but she wasn't sure if he had it in him when he disappeared. Remembering what it was she asks of Sildar What about the woman from the miners guild? I don't remember her name but she has a sending stone. Our friend had a copy of the second one but presumably there is still its original partner somewhere. Do you think she'd be willing to loan it if she still has it in her possession?

Bell approaches the older woman with the pickaxe sigil, adopting a more somber expression.  "Excuse me, Miss?  Are there any ill among you that have arrived?  I can't do a whole lot but I've got enough magic to heal a handful of people if needed."

Fallan had been so distracted by the goings on and the small pocket of positivity she had felt, that it had only just dawned on her that she hadn't heard from 'it' in almost a week. Normally it spoke often, atleast daily, but it had been quiet for a while, and only now was she realizing its silence was deafening. But for now.. all still seemed 'allright' despite the void of noise, which was unusual. Sildar looked a bit confusedly at Rose, as if Rose was like one speaking to someone who should know something, or that Rose expected him to know, when he did not. However, quickly recovering and then gathering his thoughts... Halia? I don't know if she possesses such a thing or not... She's the leader .. was the leader of the miners guild in this town, I suppose theirs no guild left to oversee.. But if she does have such a thing, you should probably ask her about it though if you believe she does, that would provide a way of communication without "needing" to return.

Topside, with Bell, the woman looked at the Satyr slowly -  The woman locked eyes with Bell, sizing her up before answering No, I don't believe any of us have caught any colds, or other ailments. The womans smile began to form as she swept her head over  the gathered Unless you count their hearts, I know not of a spell to aid that though. But I appreciate that you ask, these folk have been through a lot. They just need some warm food and drink in their bellies, and I'm sure Mr. Alderleaf will assist in that, he's always been soft on folk. So don't worry yourself. We all just need some time to grieve and  then decide how we're moving forward I think. 

"I wish a knew spell that could help... the most I could offer in that regard is a song," Bellerain says as she indicates her stowed lute.  "But I don't know if this is quite the mood for it.  I'm good a lifting high-spirits higher but... this is..."  Bell takes in the aura of sadness and loss that drifts about her, and begins reaching for her loot even as she doubts herself.  "If only I could have gotten here sooner, if only I could have fought."

Her fingers strike a chord, softly, and she settles down to the ground and begins to play; she feels she must do something for these people.

Performance: 18

As she gains some confidence in the simple melody, she raises her voice to the tune, singing quiet lyrics along to the melody.  Her voice cracks occasionally and is unsteady as she attempts to keep her volume subdued.

Rose nodded at Sildar and man her way over to Halia who Belle was currently playing for. Rose stopped for a moment to enjoy the tune but when it was over Rose approached Halia. Excuse me, I don't think we've met though I've heard of you I believe. You are Halia right? I suppose I am assuming...my name is Rose. We were helping Gundren with a task, a task thats left unfinished due to the attack on the town. A friend of mine, Cirrus, spoke with you I believe through a magic stone. I was wondering if you still had a set and if it would be possible for us to loan it from you so we can contact Sildar after completing the task Gundren set out for us? If it would be inconvenient I'm sure we could come to some sort of agreement.