Groth, still near the window, stirs slightly as the door to the Whispering Woods opens wider to let in a breath of fresh night air. He feels it brush against his skin, carrying with it the scent of pine and damp earth – a poignant reminder of home. As the conversation in the room fades and flows around him, Groth remains mesmerized by the scene outside. The village of Elderglen is nestled on the edge of the forest, the twilight casting long shadows on the cobblestone streets. Elara approaches silently, her footsteps almost whispering on the wooden planks. She pauses beside Groth, following his gaze into the increasingly dark world. "The forest speaks tonight," she murmurs, her voice a soft contralto that carries the cadence of the wind through the leaves. Her words are not meant to intrude, but rather to acknowledge the unspoken connection they both share with the wilderness. Groth nods, his eyes never leaving the horizon where the last rays of sunlight leak into the dark sky. "Yes," he murmurs, his voice as deep and firm as the earth beneath them. "It whispers of change." There is a pause, a shared understanding in the silence that follows. Though very different in appearance and behavior, they are united by respect for the natural world.
Before Elara can respond, the tavern door bursts open with a sudden, shrill force, slamming against the wall with a resounding bang. All eyes turn as an exhausted young woman stumbles in, her face flushed and breathless. Her clothes are simple, but her eyes are wide with urgency, and a palpable tension fills the room as she struggles to find her voice. "Please," she sighs, her hands gripping the doorframe for support. "I need help. My brother... he's trapped in the old mines. There's been a collapse." His words hung in the air, heavy with despair and fear. Thorbek was the first to react, slamming his mug down. "The mines, you said?" he asked, his brow furrowed with concern. "Yes, those tunnels can be treacherous." His gaze briefly shifted to Elara and Groth, seeking their advice. Pippin, curious and always ready for a new story, climbed down from the bench and joined the crowd. "Sounds like an adventure," he said with a smile, though there was a note of seriousness underlying his usual levity. "Count me in."
Pippin, curious and always ready for a new story, climbed down from the bench and joined the crowd. "Sounds like an adventure," he said with a smile, though there was a note of seriousness underlying his usual levity. "Count me in." Elara's expression softened as she looked at the young woman, her own resolve hardening. "Well, help," she promised, looking at Groth, who gave a solemn nod of agreement. The Orc's taciturn nature hides a heart that feels deeply for those in danger. As the adventurers exchange glances, a silent agreement occurs between them. Though each is drawn to the quest for different reasons, they are united by a common purpose: to help those in need and, perhaps, find a piece of themselves in the process.