Morning spreads over Phandelver’s market square, gold on cobbles and awnings. Kynes walks with Bren, Slaan, and Nhal through the ordinary press of carts, crates, and haggling voices.
The Hall’s burdens feel far away for once. No ward-lights flare, no hidden chambers call, only bread, apples, and the smell of fresh-cut wood.
Bren
It is strange, how quiet peace can sound.
Slaan
Strange, yes. Useful too. I am beginning to trust it.
Nhal
I like this part. People are just people here. No one is trying to make me be a symbol.
A stallkeeper laughs nearby as a loaf changes hands. Bren slows beside Kynes, her posture easing as she watches the square with a small, relieved smile.
Bren
We could stay a while. No planning, no sealing, no holding anything together.
Slaan glances toward a fruit cart, then back to the others, her grin quick and bright.
✓ Quest Accepted
Keep the morning peace intact
“Kynes just gives Slaan a fatherly look that says behave”
Kynes lets his gaze settle on Slaan, dry and easy, the sort of look that says the joke has landed and the rest should be kept in check.
Slaan
That look is fair. I will behave, for now.