During Fallans explosion of rage, she suddenly realizes she feels stronger, after all the fights recently, and the rest just recently, due to the boredom of just sitting there for days on end. Everyone realizes they each feel just a little stronger (You have all gained 1 level, I forgot to put it at the bottom of the post, also remove 4 rations from your inventories)

Sildar and the other men nearby seem taken aback by the halflings outburst. We're terribly sorry uh... Fallan, was it? But for missions such as these we have to get rations... We cannot afford to risk spoiling food, or the scent of salted meats attracting things to our group.

Rose waves off Fallans concerns as they would have real food in their bellies soon enough, or so she hoped. To Sildar she said Yes, the forge is here and the mine is as safe as it can be though you should still watch your footing. It'll need a lot of work but I suspect you already knew that. If I could, I need to speak to you and Halia alone for a moment. 

Rose would beckon Sildar and Halia to follow her to somewhere private but not too far from the others, either inside or outside the cave. Once alone the first thing she does is give Halia her sending stone with her thanks. As I said, the forge is here, and the mine is safe, but its not wholly unoccupied. There is a spirit, Mormesk, who lingers here. It seems he was once a wizard who worked in the mines, and died while defending it from some attack before the mines location was truly lost. It seems he had spent his life working here and amassing a small collection of magic items, items he never got to enjoy in his retirement due to his untimely end. As a result his spirit still lingers and...isn't entirely friendly. But he has knowledge of how the forge itself actually works, which to me seemed invaluable if you plan to restore it. I spoke with the spirit and made a deal, he will allow you, Sildar, and anyone you deem necessary to rebuilding and maintaining the mines and forge access. Any strangers that are not known he may be prone to attacking. So you must be sure to communicate with him about who will be here, perhaps a specially crafted bage or symbol people can carry or wear would help. He will also provide his knowledge of the forge, in exchange he wants some of the magical items that will be forged so he can add to his collection. He understood that this deal is entirely to both our benefits, as without the mine up and running he cannot gain more magical items. That said I didn't get the impression he particularly cared about how powerful these magic items were, just that they were magic items. Either way, I don't fully trust the spirit but I trust that his greed will see that he keeps up his end of the deal. As long as people working here are aware, and use common sense, and of course keep up our end of the deal, then everything should be okay. Any questions?

While Rose confers with their employer, Bell finds a spot within earshot to lean against a wall/tree.  She beckons root over.  “Hey big guy, got anything left for your pipe?  Let’s have a smoke.”

Rose calls over Sildar and Halia, both of them following wordlessly as they slide out their daggers from behind their backs... and regard Rose with curiosity. Halia, who's been silent the entire time, finally nods and bows courteously to Rose when she returns her stone. I thank you kindly for returning this. it may be a defective sending stone, but it works in general.  Sildar simply remaining silent as Rose speaks further, nodding, crossing his arms, or looking ponderous at various points, though he hardly seemed surprised. Halia seemed even less surprised, and she actually seemed very excited as Rose continued.

When she had finally said everything that needed to be said, Sildars chin was resting on his index and thumb as he looked up at an angle, clearly thinking as he spoke. Mmmm.. I don't like the idea of being at the behest of an apparition... but if he has intimate knowledge of the workings of the forge... Then it may be necessary to appease him, and it is true, as you say, those filled with greed are easy enough to deal with, you just have to find out what they need and give them just enough to not complain.

Aye. And don't worry about the mine itself being in disarray, I have quite a few eager Dwarves in my sister guild who've been eager to get their bodies into such a place as this. And they should more or less be able to pick up on what the original architects intended. Halia seemed extremely eager to get to business, her foot was tapping rapidly. That and getting my own guild running again, since it was destroyed when the orcs attacked. I spent the last two years there building it only for some angry orcs to ruin it in less than a day. So many things lost.

And sure, we can confer them with the miners guild badges, it makes the most sense - as this is a mine after all- We'll make sure this Mormesk fellow doesn't go murder our workers. As for questions, not really... If he can work the forge, or teach our workers how atleast that much is already dealt with. My own contacts will help 'finish' the mine, and repair where nessecary. I saw a nice little drop there at the entrance, but nothing a little landscaping can't fix.. turn it into a ramp or stairs.... Halia starts trailing off as if she had been thinking about this for a long time. 

Sildar however focuses on Rose once more. I saw Nundro asleep by your fire. And I saw his brother in the corner, frozen over... before you pulled us over here. Is he aware of Gundrens death? he simply nods after Rose answers, with an 'I see' attitude. But I have important things to discuss with you and your fellows. It involves the town, and plans that were made  and agreed upon. We simply want to know if you and yours would like a part in it.

After any further discussions, Sildar insists on moving to where the main group is before he speaks further, with or without Rose. Handing Rose three rations, those being what he had on his person after she asked for them. Finding Bell in the middle of inquiring about smoking with Root.

Attention everyone.... I have business to discuss with you all that I must make sure is heard before anything else distracts me. By now you should all realize that you're the heroes of the town, obviously, some more than others and each of you for different reasons. In Roses case she has been there since just after a group ran out the Redbrands, and helped them with several problems since. In Gwens case, she came not long after, and helped fight off the orcs, though it was largely a failure, without that help, the entire town may have been lost entirely. Since then, all of you have aided in restoring the mines, probably the most important thing, other than the townsfolk themselves.

And for this all they consider you all heroes. As such, they want to extend an offer. As the townmaster has died, and I have obligations elsewhere that I must attend once this business is concluded, mainly reporting the good news to my superiors in the Lords Alliance, since there's no point in finding the mine to restore the town if the wider world doesn't know, no business will come of it.

As such, we would like you all to take part in its revival in a more personal manner. They would like to elect one of you to replace the townmaster they lost, so any volunteers would be welcomed. You would also be granted a discount on any purchases made within the town once businesses are running again. Though unfortunately, only the farmer, and the general goods are left, so they are the only ones who we can promise you will receive it from. 

They would also appreciate it if you have any funds to spare, for the cost of reconstruction itself. He seems to trail off for a moment, as if he had nearly forgotten something important... his eyes darting as they tend to when a person is trying hard to think of what they have already covered... H.. AH yes.. I nearly forgot to add. Phandalin itself is being abandoned. No one there wants to live where nearly everyone they knew and loved was butchered a stones throw away... So they decided to relocate to Thundertree, its closer to Neverwinter, and no farther from the mines than Phandalin was. Plus, though Thundertree was abandoned centuries ago, it's buildings still stand, and are just in need of repair, and cleanup. Plus, its buildings are made of stone, which are much more resistant to attacks than wood.. not that I need to tell you, and we just acquired a mine .. meaning we already have a source to refit as needed.

While The Lords Alliance, and the Miners Guild can fund some of this, we will also be asking of you if you can provide anything yourselves.

Quote from xJoe >>

While Rose confers with their employer, Bell finds a spot within earshot to lean against a wall/tree.  She beckons root over.  “Hey big guy, got anything left for your pipe?  Let’s have a smoke.”

“Aye I think got bit left was saving it for a later time.” Root will pack the last of the halfling Herbs 🌿. Sparking it he takes a puff passing the pipe to Bell. 

Passing the pipe back in forth Root listening as Sildar explains the new plan. When Sildar gets to the end Root has a look of disbelief, he exhale a large smoke “Ah I am flattered but why do you need “US”. Now I understand Rose and Gwen but Bell Fallan and myself just meet you people. Don’t get me wrong I don’t mind helping out but I can’t just abandon my own village for people I just met.”

Sildar puts his hands behind his back, military style as he looks at the dragonborn. A fine question, but one that has already been answered. You may have only helped with the mine, but the mine was the lifeblood of the town in its day. And this is the only place on all of Toril where such a thing exists. The elves in silverymoon may have their massive arcane barriers (or atleast that is the rumor I've been told) and other such arcane cities, or locales have existed, but to the best of my knowledge, this is the only forge of spells.

Normally it takes a caster of some power weeks, months, or years of intense focus to craft a single magical item beyond say the more common bags of holding, and similar. Great artifacts can take decades or centuries short of some deity popping one into existence or some such.

With the forge, after some repair and recovery, as even it needs maintenence.. Will allow much faster creation of such things. It will still take time, but with it, Phandalin, or rather Thundertree... will become a hub of prosperity. 

You have aided in that. Do not put down your role in the efforts, I'm sue you put in just as much work as everyone else here.

Rose nods grimly to Sildar when he asks about Nundro but otherwise she remains silent. When Sildar makes his proposal Rise merely nods along before giving Gwen a look when Sildar asks about a new town master. Well Sildar, I'm always happy to help the town in anyway I can. But my Goddess often requires me to travel. For as long as she wants me to continue to help the town I shall but I'm afraid I cannot volunteer for townmaster. Perhaps one of the others or even Gwen?

Gwen had been staying near Nundro, keeping him company the entire time, so that others wouldn't have to unless they chose to. She was keeping a hand on his shoulder as he slept, so that if he woke up, he wouldn't feel alone, or atleast feel less alone. She was passively paying attention to the conversation going on with  Sildar, who seemed to always be a man of business-first, all else, second. Sildar listened to Rose's response, hands still behind his back military fashion. Hrm... Well as long as it's one of 'The Company of Heroes' it matters little who it is, so long as they're competent, and intelligent. What say you Gwenneth, do you feel capable to this task and the responsibility that will come with it? Or shall I look among the rest of the entourage?

Gwen seemed to pop out of a minor trance, she had been listening but she had also been thinking. Hu.. ah... become the leader of the town? Hmm... Gwen seemed to be seriously thinking it over, which seemed to impress Sildar, he even began smiling like some proud father, though whether Gwen was younger or older was another question entirely. She pondered for several, long minutes, with the occasional 'hmm' and 'ah'  before looking back up at Sildar with determination burning in her eyes. 

Aye. I think I will. I don't particularly want to..... but I can see many benefits from it. As a bard... it's my job to inspire people. And with me there, and having a home, though it will take some time to build...  When it is done,.. it will give Rose more reason to not die.. because she'll have a place she needs to return to...  she says winking mischievously at the halfling, though the intent is clearly missed by Sildar. 

Hrm that will do, so long as no one else seems overly excited to take your place. And the fact that you don't truly desire it only makes me want you for the job more. And, as one of the people who have aided the town, I highly doubt you will be unable to inspire them, that you are a bard is only a boon. 

It's not as though I don't have ulterior motives Sildar.. A place to call home for Rosorla to return to? That's hardly a... Yes yes....there's that, but... Rose and I had plans that may or may not involve rings... and ceremonies. So... If Rose isn't against it... we can plan our wedding for the day Thundertree is officially Revived...?

Sildar turns to look at Rose, one brow raised expectantly, though he did feel a need to say Unless of course someone else wishes to volunteer. And it is not as if the town needs to remain named 'Thundertree' as the towns-head, whoever it ends up being you all may rename it as you see fit. Just please do so within the next half-a-year.

Bell takes a deep puff from the pipe and passes it back to Root.  She speaks before exhaling, smoke wafting out of her mouth along with the words.  "I'm not quite the type to be organizing and makin decisions for others... and I've got no intention of settling down permanently anywhere around here.  I'll be sticking around for at least a little while though, and even I won't be spending too much time in the town... it'd be nice to have a place to come back to for rest and recuperation."  The Satyr then exhales any left over smoke and lifts her alchemy jug to her lips for a gulp or two.  "Gwen seems like she'd make a great leader."

At the mention of ceremonies and rings, (and Rose's response-will edit if necessary) Bell leaps in to the air. 

 "Oohhhhheeeee!!  That's amazing!  We'll need to throw the biggest festival!  YES YES! Congratulations you two!!"

Although she has been listening quietly to all that had spoken to the group, Fallan continues to stay a bit removed, and watching the cave... Until, that is, the "Oohhhhheeeee!" and jump by Bell. It was enough to get the quiet halfling to slowly push herself up to stand on her hairy feet. Edging around the perimeter of the group, she worked her way over to the Satyr and Dragonborn. "WE'RE not doing this 'run the town' thing, are we? I'll go wherever YOU go - you know that. I appreciate your protection and allowing me to be part of your group." She gave the two of them an almost pitiful, puppy dog eyes look to see what they have to say. "Oh, and I didn't MEAN to be such an outburst about the rations, though rations may feed the body, but good FOOD feeds the soul - and my soul needs all the feeding it can get. ESPECIALLY now that my "rations" are gone too. Again. Sorry."

Root will pat Fallans head "No but i dont mind helping out until they can support themselves. Since Gwen will be leading I dont seeing us staying here long. Well Sildar as you can see most of us arent too keen on staying but well help you till the town can support itself."

Sildar nods, though he does actually manage to crack a smile and nod as everyone more or less pledges their at-least, limited support with Gwen being a likely candidate for leader. That is fine. None of you, except the one who chooses to take on this mantle. Which the option of 'no one' is still available if in the end you choose not to, but it will be a boon to both us and your group in growing your names, and attracting people to Phan.. Thundertree, or.. should you choose to recrown it, whatever you would name it then. Either way, we have a long way ahead of us, and you don't need to be actively involved in the recreation, you are free to do as you please, the notion of your support, and .. if you can aid financially.

I apologize if I haven't explained this clearly. Your intent of support, and 'existence' within the town will inspire the people. Your names, which I well personally help grow, if only for the towns sake, will draw in people coming to see the 'new up and coming legends.' and it has additional benefits which I have already explained. Such as you  will have free lodgings, once they're repaired - You will almost assuredly be given discounts as local heroes.

And by din't of your existence, the town will become famous, drawing people in, thus funding the mine... so on so on and so on. It's a mutually beneficial thing. I am doing it for the town, and you simply are reaping benefits by being involved at all. You are not nor will you ever be 'required' to return, or even visit. Sorry this is all.. bureaucracy and other such things. However I can assure you, that you will be welcomed warmly.

Now onto less pressing matters... Congratulations Gwenneth, and Rosorla. I hope it is a celebration to be remembered! And I apologize for all the 'business' chat when apparently there are warm tidings.

Not long after Sildar said the last of his words, Nundro finally woke up, between the sudden shouts, and continued talk, it was inevitable. A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he slowly crawled over to the corpse of his brother, frozen against the wall but due to the constant fire had become only 'cool' to the touch. Sildar started to move towards the dwarf, but he had apparently recovered enough to put up a hand in a way that signaled 'let me be.'

As he got there, he pulled the shoes off of the corpse, and began methodically brushing off any snow or ice. Reaching inside each to make sure nothing untoward was in there. He seemed sad the entire time he was doing so, but after a minute or two, he placed the boots on the floor in the center of the group.

His voice was cold, sorrowful, and weak as he spoke, but he began... My saviors... I have no family left in this world, but knowing Gundren, he offered ye a reward. I have nothin worth anything. I have no money, or trinkets to give ye. And I Nundro, do not worry friend.. I have alr-- Save yer blatherin Sildar. I'm giving this to them, no matter how ye or they feel about it.

These were me brothers favorite pair of shoes. They were apparently forged 'ere in the .. forge centuries ago. 'tis how we found out about this place. They are called 'the boots of springin' and stridin'' they.. put a bit more pep in yer step. I have no need for them, and them being buried would just be a waste. Please, I beg ye, accept this on behalf of Gundren Rockseeker, through his last living relative, Nundro Rockseeker as reward fer yer assistance.

Bellerain looks to Rose and Gwen for one of them to receive the reward, feeling like it’s not her place to claim a reward such as this due to her late arrival to the endeavor.

For a moment Rose let herself forget her surroundings as she thought of the ceremony and Gwen in a newly rebuilt town. Belles excitement seems to spread to Rose but all that was quickly dashed and her mind brought back to their current situation at the sight of Nundro. Her smile turned back to a frown as she regarded the poor dwarf and listened to him speak. Of course Nundro, you don't have to but I appreciate and accept your reward in his memory. I'm sorry for everything Nundro, if there's anything we can do you need only to ask. Rose takes the boots and puts them aside with her stuff for the time being with only mixed feelings about taking a dead man's boots.

Nundro was too absorbed in his own thoughts to notice Rose's conflicting feelings. Nundro, had managed to recover in the last few days thanks to the rest but he still wasn't 100% just yet. As the boots are put aside Nundro shuffles against the wall to continue resting. Sildar, hearing that everyone here had more or less ran out of food, went back outside, though he clearly wasn't fond of the idea of going back into the chilled air. It took him several long minutes, but he returned with a small sack full of them, giving each person three, which would be just enough to get back to Phandalin, where the people still were.. for now.

Once back, Sildar warmed himself by the dimming fire, as Gwen recasts her bonfire spell to get the flame going once more, as everyone, including Nundro ate delicious, tasty Rations. The party in differing degree's informs Sildar of what they know about the mine, and other things involving the town, the mine, and whats happened.

Eventually, conversations turned back to the eventual wedding plans, and then general conversations, before eventually, with the help of Sildar, Halia, who's eyes were heavy upon the large sack the party had acquired. Nundro was loaded into the cart, as the horse(s) were attached and all was loaded up. The weather was extremely cold, but it didn't seem pre-blizzard or any such thing as you all began the several day Trip to Phandalin, while Sildar, Halia, and the two others with Sildar, who wore similar armor, indicating they were fellow members of the lords alliance - though they never spoke, you got the feeling that they weren't 'bad people.'

This marks the end of the tale of the 'Lost Mine of Phandelver' but the journey itself .. is never ending.

Please check Discord for more information as we proceed into the 'real' campaign. Many many things will be going on over the next few days before we officially proceed. Sorry if this was abrupt and if so, feel free to say so, I just felt we were getting to that point. I hope you enjoy everything I have planned for you all going forward!

After returning to Phandalin, the group had received a warm welcome. Though there was always an aura of sadness at their loss at the outer edges. Sildar had given you all a large sum of gold, on behalf of the Lords Alliance. His two associates and Halia had stayed back in the mine, likely to explore, meet with Mormesk, and assess the damages that would need to be paid to various workers to get the mine running again. Luckily for everyone the Lords Alliance was more than willing to fund the mine and the Forge within it. It was several weeks before they returned to Phandalin, where the group had been waiting for word. Upon his return, the villagers were taken to Thundertree with an escort and for varying reasons, the party split, but promised to return  in a little over a year.

For Root, after his blunder in the mines, his fancy footwork having failed him, he parted ways to go train his mind and body. After some weeks of inquiring, he found where some hostile wildlife had been, ultimately finding some known owlbear territory. Root was cautious enough to only attack one at a time, but he traded blows with them in mortal combat. He spent a year doing this training, eventually gaining enough confidence to knock them out, instead of outright killing them. Through this repeated combat, his own endurance and the fluidity of his strikes, though taking damage himself and in need of constant healing, he learned how to use the chakra within his own body to heal some wounds.

Rose however, feeling for the people (and, wanting to stay near Gwen as much as possible) and as the others went on their own paths for the time being, Gwen, Rose, and Ja'Ree assisted in the initial cleanup of the detritus, clearing the creeping vines, clearing the roads, both to the main, used roads, as well as the path to the mines, and other locations. The work is hard and heavy, and very little of the rubble is still usable. Gwen, Ja'Ree, and Rose had to fight off the ash zombies that had taken up room and board in the old inn, and it was a hard fight but they managed to pull it off. A few twigblights got displaced and routed and others fled. The spiders, including the gargantuan one that had pressed Rose's group before, was almost pathetically easy, though Gwen chose to not participate, for obvious reasons. 

Eventually the reconstruction itself got underway, partially funded by the Lords Alliance, though some degree of gold was put in between Rose, Gwen and Ja to help with additional fortifications. Rose wanted to help the businesses get going, but based on the history of this place Rose likely felt it was better to shore up its defenses, so that the town would have the time to grow. The rest could be dealt with later. Though it wasn't all piety, she also funded the construction of a church to Selune, and Sildar had made an agreement with her that as the heroes of the town, and finding the Forge and Mines.. he would take her on her word for an IOU, thus, working a deal out to have it built.

During this time she honored Selune and showed her faith, and dedication, eventually feeling Selune bless her with the wisdom of the heavens. Ja'ree's light had faded, and Gwens was ever dim, like the coals in a dying fire. Gwen would always be a apart of Rose's life, but she would remain here. Rose got to watch as a town quite literally came to life. As the bodies of the various monsters and animals that had taken up homes within the ruins of Thundertree eventually cleared out and Appa returned at some point, aiding in the cleanup, revitalizing the plantlife and even bringing a tree to life and granting it intelligence to assist with any heavy lifting.

Three months before the promised day, Ja'Ree had discovered a group of Dragon Cultists skulking in the south-eastern most building, but with herself, Gwen and Ja, they were dealt with swiftly.  Afterwhich She finds a chest with three diamonds (100 gp each). Also finding a single potion of flying. On the cultist was a note that said "The great Lennithon seeks to claim Greenest as his own lair. We should be ready to move in four months. But first We must seek to bring Venomfang into our fold. I have supplied you with several gems with which to appease him. Do not fail."

Bell and Fallan traveled together during this time. Fallan not wanting to fight owlbears endlessly, for one, but also not wanting to be locked down or left alone. Bell wanted to try to find any leads for her lost family heirloom, and for most of the time she was left either empty handed, or with a single noodle of information that didn't connect to anything else. Each time a lead failed, Bell lost heart and returned to the town, aiding them for a few days before setting out in a new direction. During the visits, Fallan offered her 'services' to test the defenses of the fortifications, locks, and other such things. 

During her outings, she challenged people to friendly duels, in an attempt to better her own skills. During these outings, Bell eventually came to the realization that Fallan could assist her in perfecting her finesse and so the pair would hear tales of treasure or other tantalizing things to help perfect that craft. Sometimes listening in on a deal only to go for it with Fallan themselves before the others could do so (which Fallan assisted with enthusiasm despite...) 

--

Fallan herself was just glad to have someone with them, and while normally each day was fine, the voice in her head continued to haunt her. The shadows always seemed a little darker at night or seemed to stretch toward her until she looked. Whenever certain things happened around her, she noticed the voice, and the presence would abate, proportionate to the event, sometimes even disappearing entirely for a while. No matter where she was, she couldn't seem to get away except when it chose to leave - and it only ever chose to leave after a lot of death happened around Fallan. The loss of life around her, seemed to make it vanish or wane. Most often when it was the lives of people, that were taken. 

Unfortunately for Bell, every single one of her attempts to get behind the backs of another they were almost always caught, leading to a fight. Through it all though Bell gained speed and confidence in her skills, and had begun to truly fine-tune them. During her most recent attempt though, she had overheard that caravans were being attacked near Silverymoon, North of the grandfather Tree, and south of the Evermoors. That they had heard of an instrument of similar description in the hands of a rich trader with a small entourage of guards.

Fallan had been doing her own investigating during these times trying to find out happened to a certain person from her past, and the stories were mixed, and far between. As the town Fallan had been in where she was hadn't had many travelers of late, as there had been stories and rumors coming from it, such as people simply vanishing from sight, entire groups of people, though it never seemed to effect the town itself - Few people dared leave once they entered and learned of it, and even fewer people dared try to go there.

With most of Bells attempts to sneak a reward or a prize away from their rightful (or unrightful) owners grasp, Bell and Fallan make their way back to 'Thundertree' as does Root, who's training is finally over. Rose, Gwen and the townsfolk obviously already being there.

Sildar was long gone, having Alliance business to deal with, but he promised to try to promote trade between the cities and this budding town. As Bell, Fallan, and Root return, they come back to a moderately fortified location. With only enough funding to make three walls, Sildar had suggested using the natural terrain, and placing the ends of the side walls against the mountain. While it made it so that there was only a single entrance, additional roads were made from the main entrance, leading out to the other roads, but it made the place secure.

The walls themselves were ten feet high, and made of stone, imported both from Wave Echo Cave, as well as the nearby goldmine, and a few other locations. It was all off-white stone, as was the rest of the town giving it a con-formative look. A large church rose in the eastern half of the town, leading from the square that was made of fine woods, and though it stood out, that ultimately caught travelers eyes as it was the only thing not uniform in the town aside from the Alderleafs Farmhouse in the southwest -and enough room was left for expansion of the farm. The buildings were pristine and beautiful, if a bit bland. But with the town mostly made of stone, there was little worry of a fire being a problem.

As the saviors of the town, most people had began to follow Selune that lived there, and regularly attended any meetings and the like, though none so far had stepped up to be clergy just yet. 

Elmar Barthen had setup shop near the towns entrance. And though his supplies were low, an he rarely had everythign needed in stock, he was working on connections outside the town but having trouble, even with the help of Sildar. The fact that 'Thundertree' was being revived was met with a lot of doubt and disbelief.

The rest of the town were simple villagers, with little in the way of trade skills. Some had joined Ja'Ree in training, so they wouldn't have to face another "Phandalin Massacre" which had become rumor throughout the nearby world. About five of the townsfolk became disciples of the Fist. 

It's early spring, and two days away from the planned wedding between Rosorla Brightmoon, and Gwennith. The town square is abuzz with a small festival that's been going on since the beginning of  the week. The smells of meats permeate the air, as well as steamed vegetables, seasoned to perfection by the Alderleaf family, Carp having grown quite a bit in the last year, hitting puberty at some point. Halia was rarely in town, being part of the miners guild, her focus kept her there most often. Mormesk had kept up his part of the bargain, helping the miners, which were mostly dwarves that were part of her guild. Though a few humans and halflings were there as well, including a few elves who were interested in studying the forge itself.

Most of the villagers were out and about today, either helping with preparations, feasting, celebrating and the like. The town had been 'done' for about a month, but now, with the walls up.. it felt complete.

Rose and Gwen were there too but the villagers insisted they rest though it didn't stop gwen fro mplaying music with several others fro mthe town with lesser knowledge of instruments, coming together into an upbeat, festive tone. There were benches around the central statue of the hero of Thundertree in its original orientation -Palien, who supposedly defeated several monsters in Neverwinter Wood when Thundertree was first founded, a fact Sildar mentioned during a visit. The statue had been repaired and maintained since. The townsfolk wanted to add Bell, Gwen, Rose, and Root to it but thus far the group had refused, as some didn't feel they 'deserved' or 'had earned' it yet.

As this was all happening, Bell and Fallan make their way into the town for the first time in several months. They had seen the buildings inside, but the walls were new. They were thick enough to be walked on though they weren't thick enough to allow two going opposite directions to pass. There was a portcullis gate, and while it couldn't support boiling oil or anything fancy, it still allowed delayed passage should something come to attack. And the wall curved around the town to the edge of the mountain with a few small area's that allowed for expansion - though not much.-

The walls were made of the same white stone as the rest of the town, though the townsfolk had gotten together to add some color to the inside, drawing various patterns along the top of the wall itself to add some uniqueness. The central tower, which was nearish to the gate, which was in the north-east pathway stood high above even most of the tree's in the area, providing a panoramic view of the area - Atop it were three archers of some kind, scanning in three different directions. As Bell and Fallan walked through the portcullis, the smell of the many varieties of food hit their noses.

And then see the many villagers out and about in revelry, including a few familiar faces. Tagging along with Bell and Fallan are a group of young folk, wearing robes over their heads, and generally skulking about, yet seeming no more or less threatening than the average villager. Rose may or may not have been present for. However, in a small cart behind them are several crates of off-color potions, reminding Rose of that odd healing potion that's been passed around but never used.

And a woman whom was full of muscle, wearing an apron that instantly gave them away as a person who works with metals, at the very least. Not more than ten minutes later, Root also follows the same path, joining the others in the town. 

"Hiiiyaa!" Bell greets Root with an enthusiastic wave, skipping up to chat with him.  "Don't ask about my heirloom.  No luck yet, though I may have a lead in Silverymoon.  How'd your training go?"

Coming through the portcullis Root remembers leaving while it was still in ruins. Coming back to lively and festive town Root can’t help but smile. Root still shirtless now has few gnarly scars he didn’t have a year ago. A few main ones are a giant claw mark across his back and  bite mark on his upper left shoulder. 

Looking around he spots Bell and Fallan “Ah Friends!” Root gives them a big hug “It’s good to see you again. My training was great! Nothing like staring death in the face that gets the blood pumping! Hahahaha!”