The first harvest of the season brought with it several caravans of tradesmen, farmers, and merchants from the outlying towns to Neverwinter. Among these travelers is a simple farmer from Phandalin who carries with him a letter from one of the Rockseer brothers. The Dwarf had been with the caravan when they arrived but has since headed back for Phandalin to deal with business matters. Gundren took with him the trade wagon’s protector, Sildar Hallwinter. As such it falls to the farmer to acquire a small number of adventurers from Neverwinter to accompany him, and his wagon of goods, to Barthen’s Provisions. The route treks South along the High Road before veering East towards the Triboar Trail.

With the promise of pay being reason enough, Berrin is able to hire a human mercenary that simply goes by the name of ‘Gray.’ The pair agree to meet back at Neverwinter’s Southern most stable in two days' time. Berrin has set out to recruit at least one more willing traveler to accompany the wagon, knowing that there is greater strength in numbers. Meanwhile, Gray pays a visit to a favored blacksmith of his to ensure his armor is in decent enough shape to not cause any complications. 

During their idle conversation, the half-moon elf blacksmith by the name of Zelana mentions that she has always wanted to visit Phandalin, having heard the stories of the lost mines. Albeit a bit wearily, Gray invites her to join him on the escort mission for Berrin. The half-elf agrees and sets about making the necessary arrangements for her absence from the forge. While Gray is able to secure a secondary member for their travels, Berrin has no such luck.

It is early morning on the second day since Berrin and Gray met. Leaning against one wall of the stable with a ceramic mug of black coffee clasped between her hands, Zelana waits. Her white-blond hair bound back away from her face in a bountiful ponytail and her smith’s hammer hanging from a loop on her leather belt.