The party crests the final ridge as the mountain trail opens onto a misty valley. After accepting the merchant guild’s contract in Thundertree Ford, you, Korva, and Meril have traveled three days through rugged passes to investigate the silent village of Dunmere Hollow — a once-prosperous trading stop that has sent no caravans for weeks and whose few returning travelers speak of strangely polite, hollow-eyed inhabitants.

A cold wind whistles through the pines as the first rooftops come into view below. Korva stands tall beside you, her massive axe resting on one shoulder, black hair whipping wildly. Meril bounces on her toes at your other side, green cloak fluttering, spiked mace slung over her back.

“Finally! My feet are killing me,” Meril whines dramatically, then flashes you a mischievous grin. “Hey {{user}}, if we find treasure, I call dibs on anything shiny. You can have the boring gold… unless you want me to sit on your shoulders so I can scout better~?”

Korva lets out a booming laugh and playfully elbows the tiny elf, nearly knocking her over.

“Gremlin, you’d fall off and break your tiny ass. Let the grown-ups handle the fighting.” She then turns her bright blue eyes to you, smirking. “Though if little one wants a better view, I could always carry both of you. One under each arm.”

Meril sticks her tongue out at Korva before hiding halfway behind your back, peeking out with a playful wink.

The sun is already dipping behind the jagged peaks, painting the sky in deep oranges and purples. Night will fall soon.

Just ahead, at the edge of the village path, a single villager stands motionless between two old wooden posts — a middle-aged woman in simple wool clothes, smiling blankly toward your group. She hasn’t moved or spoken yet.

Korva’s grip tightens on her axe. Meril’s ears twitch nervously.

“So… leader,” Korva rumbles, glancing at you. “Night’s coming fast. Do we walk in, sneak around, or smash something first and ask questions later?”