Yulya feels relieved the situation somehow diffused and follows Elmina into her house. Shes surprised by the splendor of Elminas mansion.
Pardon me for intruding! What a wonderful home! Are you not worried about thieves and bandits?

Elmina gives Yulya a sour look but remains silent.

Inside the mine I was subjected to magic that temporarily increased the size of my body - ,but unfortunately my clothes did not grow with me. My precious clerics vestments are ruined to my undergarments and I cannot show up at Master Edermaths party like this. Would you happen to have a full set of fine clothes for me? Including undergarments and shoes. There is also a more difficult issue - we also need an appropriate outfit for Cat - our Barbarian. She really is not fond of fancy clothes but it should at least be something more appropriate. I was hoping to have a little more time to prepare but Master Edermaths invitation came unexpected!

Elmina has to keep herself from laughing, but feels glad these are Yulya's most pressing troubles.
"Oh dear, If it is nothing else, this I can help with. Well, partly... Excuse me for a minute!"
Elmina disappears upstairs and returns with a stash of clothes.
"I am sure I have fine clothes that fit your size, perfect for Edermaths little party. But regarding your cleric's vestmens, you should also turn to Linene. She's not only a capable warsmith but also an expert tailor. I am certain she can fix your clothes or make you new ones. These fine clothes are probably not the right outfit for adventuring."
"As for your Barbarian, no chance with her size and body shape! Linene might be able to improvise something with those fabrics. But you should hurry if you want her to be finished in time! Go see her immediately when you are done here!"



Elmina presents a roll of red silk fabric, more than enough for a dress for Cat. For Yulya, she offers 3 sets of Fine Clothes in purple, dark green or dark blue. Before Yulya can protest, Elmina takes off her vestments, helps her doff her armor, strips her naked and then and dresses her up in front of a large mirror.
"You can use life magic? You are exceptionally clean for an adventurer, even a noble! Your skin is smooth, your hair is great too! And this straight out of a mine? What cosmetics do you use? I smell no perfume..."

Yulya is clad in exquisite lace lingerie, stockings and an evening dress with matching shoes.
"Yes, yes, this outfit suits you perfectly!"
Elmina claps her hands and appears to enjoy this sort of dress-up game as a welcome distraction. The prospect of earning a good amount of money adds to the excitement. When finished, she leads Yulya into the store to the others.

[Yulya needs to choose the color of her dress]

Meanwhile at the store...

Have you ever seen bandits inside the village? Do you think someone here could be working for them? I agree they were likely after the mine, but maybe not after the ore. Yulya said it - we're here to help you, but everyone in this town is making it a bit hard! I still feel we were sent to this mine to get rid of us!

Hobby winces as if in pain and tries to wriggle himself out of the question as Elmina enters the store with Yulya in tow, overhearing the conversation.
She stares down Alice, though barely larger than her.
"You are correct, there really is something afoul in this town. If you are as strong as you claim, I am willing to place my bet on you. Something has to be done. But understand this is a considerable risk for my business - and myself."

Hobby's eyes widen in shock.
"Elmina, you..."


Elmina closes the door tightly behind herself, sits own at the counter with a sigh and signals everyone to come closer.
"You see, the only really strong people in this town are Daran and Daylene. And as you rightfully said..."
She stares at Alice again, still unsure who or what she is
"...they don't really care about our troubles. If anything, the situation brings them a bit of excitement. No bandit or monster would mess with them, but they don't raise a finger subdue them either as long as it doesn't directly concern them. So when the pressure on this town increased - some people took matters into their own hand."

Elmina looks around and out of the windows as if she was searching for potential eavesdroppers.
"Specifically the Redbrands. They run a place called the Sleeping Giant. It used to be an inn like Stonehill's, less refined, but nowadays it's a gathering place of - the underworld, if you could call it such in this town. Their leader - Glasstaff Redbrand was a former mercenary, and with his sons he managed to get things under control when monsters started to appear around Phandalin. They're ruffians but at first we were glad someone dealt with the danger. But that is only when the real problems began. Shortly after, they started to charge us for their 'services'. Not many people were willing to pay, but those who didn't soon got a visit by bandits. Linene for example. She's one of the few left who refuse the Redbrands services, despite being looted repeatedly. We of course - have no choice but to pay."

Elmina stares at the floor.
"I have no proof the Redbrands are in cahoots with those Cloaked Wolves bandits. They have fought and even killed all those who attacked the town, be it monster or human. They've also never showed interest in the mine. They are all about fighting and collecting money. There are rumors they have taken over the ruins of Tresendar manor east of Phandalin and are rebuilding it as their stronghold. Nobody knows what they're doing here. And certainly nobody dares to ask. But all the money they collect appears to go there. They look and live like commoners, if not beggars. That's all I can say. Maybe Linene can tell you more. But be careful! These people have their eyes and ears everywhere! Now hurry if you want Linene to finish your clothes in time! In case she says she can't make it in time, I'll take the fabric back!

After a short pause, Elmina adds, almost shy
In turn for my generosity, I also have a favor to ask. I'd like to meet up with you and Su- Miss Summer at Stonehill Inn for dinner. There is still a lot to talk about! Would you be able to arrange this for me?

SELL:
OliveSoap   4   40
WildDogPelt   4   24
WildDogPeltPatched   1   2.5
Waterskin   5   8
Flint   1 10
---------------------------------------
Total: 84.5 sp

BUY:
Fine clothes 150
Fabric for Cat's clothes 100
Spices 10
Mason's Tools 80
----------------------
Total: 340 sp

Amount to be paid: 255.5 sp

Hobby thanks you for your patronage and Elmina ushers you out.
"Careful not to dirty your Fine Clothes until you make it to Edermath's Miss Yulya! No adventuring for today!"

[Time: Monday, Spring 31, 08:30, 0C, light wind, sunshine]
Please proceed to Linene Greywind at Lionshield Coster ASAP to have Cat's clothes tailored. Of course until now she has no idea about this assault on her and you'll likely have to convince her. If impossible, Elmina will take the fabric back for the full price.
Yulya is wearing the Fine Clothes, her old clothes and armor are in her pack.
You are to meet up with Summer at 9:00 at Stonehill Inn which is in 30 min. This is not a realistic time, at least for your entire party.
You should also visit Harbin soon.
Remember to be at Edermath's orchard by 14:00.

Alice smiles proudly as if acquiring the soap was her achievement.
I'm glad we have at least something to sell to you! I actually don't remember where, but we kind of found this! I guess the bandits must have lost it as part of their loot. Do you remember where we got this from, Cat?

Cat pretends to think hard but doesn't
Nyaa I think it was somewhere on the road Nya...

"This is bandit equipment, am I correct? We are not an armory and we cannot afford such trouble. Please take all weapons and armor to Linene Greywind at Lionshield Coster!

Cat is a bit disappointed but nyaas knowingly, remembering Linene.
Nyaa you're right Nya guess we'll go there Nya!
She packs up the loot Elmina and Hobby aren't buying and follows into the store, leaving most of the the talk to Alice.

While walking he speaks with a hushed voice
"Is this really true, my friends? An Ancient Dragon? I've heard stories from Edermath but thought this was just his humor. You really want to tackle such a beast?

Oh the dragon Nya you know we saw it Nya on the high road Nya but it was dark Nya so not a lot of it Nya it ate an oxen Nya! Reeeally huge and frighting Nya! But we were newbies back then Nya we're much stronger now Nyahaha!

"You are lucky, thanks to Miss Summer we just got at least a small variety of spices from Triboar. Not that I could offer anything fancy even if I wanted."
He laughs bitterly and presents a small spice set for 5 sp (enough for 10 meals) and a medium spice set for 10 sp (20 meals)

Nyaa this is more than sufficient Nya I'll take the medium set Nya! That should be enough for a while Nya!

Hobby rummages around in the back of the store and returns with a set of carpenter's tools.
"I normally sell those for 100 sp here and they're in high demand due to the construction and mining going on, but after all you've done and experienced, you can have them for the usual price of 80 sp. Just don't tell Elmina! My apologies, but I don't have smith's tools. You should try your luck at Linene's as well!"

Cat gratefully accepts the kit
Thanks Nya we'll do Nya! Where's Yulya Nya?

Elmina's eyes suddenly pop open in anticipation, but inspecting the loot, her mood drops.
"This is bandit equipment, am I correct? We are not an armory and we cannot afford such trouble. Please take all weapons and armor to Linene Greywind at Lionshield Coster! She has previously been robbed by, as I assume, the very same bandits. I am sure she will appreciate your goods."
Elmina inspects the clothes, but backs off in disgust realizing they were looted from corpses.
"You might want to clean those and sell them to Linene as well.

Alice tilts her head.
Linene who?
Ohh! The lady who gave me warm clothes! I like her a lot! Alright, we'll bring this stuff to her.

Elmina spots the olive soap box and picks it up like a treasure chest, sniffing the scent of pure luxury
Ohh where did you find this treasure? I will certainly buy this! It's been ages since we had decent cosmetics in this outback here! I will pay you the double price!

Alice smiles proudly as if acquiring the soap was her achievement.
I'm glad we have at least something to sell to you! I actually don't remember where, but we kind of found this! I guess the bandits must have lost it as part of their loot. Do you remember where we got this from, Cat?

Hobby nestles with his beard and leads Alice and Cat into the store which is a separate building from Elmina's house
"I'll see what I can do! Come with me!"

Yes please, the cold out here is killing me!

While walking he speaks with a hushed voice
"Is this really true, my friends? An Ancient Dragon? I've heard stories from Edermath but thought this was just his humor. You really want to tackle such a beast?

Alice rolls her eyes.
Actually no, but Summer has some obsession with becoming a dragon slayer. Well, I also need this cold to end for personal reasons, but I have nothing against the dragon itself. I guess somebody's gotta do it.

And my condolences for losing your team-mate. She was one hell of a negotiator. She surely would have become a great trader!"

Yeah a shame. She took the easy way out. I still can't believe she's gone for good.

"About the bandits - yes, we have heard about such groups but it's all gossip and hearsay. I feel bad for not informing you better, but there's not a lot I know. The attacks have been frequent but I did not know it was one organization! With a drow leader? I can only think they are after the mine. Why else target a simple village like Phandalin?"

Alice shrugs.
No idea. Their leader was kinda incompetent but we have no idea what he actually wanted to achieve. But it had something to do with the girls from Phandalin he kidnapped. Have you ever seen bandits inside the village? Do you think someone here could be working for them? I agree they were likely after the mine, but maybe not after the ore.

He appears uncomfortable with discussing Gundren's brothers and Sildar.
"I-I don't want to blame anyone but you know dwarves! I cannot imagine they had any malicious plans. I've known them for an eternity! Without their ambitions to re-open the mine, this town would have no future! But uhh, Gundren and his brothers are a bit - carefree. Even for dwarves. Let's call it that. Got them into a lot of trouble since they were young. Always ended up in peril. Zero preparations and at best some makeshift plan made up along the way. I hope they're alright! As for Sildar, never had a lot to do with him. He occasionally worked for Gundren and the other dwarves. Can't say I'm fond of him but he's never done anything bad either. But I'm just a little shopkeeper..."

Alice sighs.
Ahh, this confirms my suspicion. They did a lot of dangerous and irrational things right from the beginning. And they went to lay siege to the goblin king's castle while sending us to that cursed mine. I really can't if that's blatant foolishness or ingenious malice. But I guess it's the first. You guys really need to organize this town better. Everyone does whatever and ends up in trouble. Daran doesn't care at all and treats everything like a joke. Yulya said it - we're here to help you, but everyone in this town is making it a bit hard! I still feel we were sent to this mine to get rid of us!



While talking, Alice browses Hobby's hauntingly empty store, but finds nothing useful.

Yulya finds herself in a lavishly decorated mansion, not overly large but stuffed with antiquities, paintings and expensive furniture, more than adequate for rural nobility. Despite the cold, the house is comfortably warm and decorated with a variety of flower arrangements. Elmina gracefully sits down on a luxurious futon and gestures to Yulya to sit next to her.
Oh my, I guess I do owe you an apology. It really has been tough lately. But I had no idea it was that tough! I knew something powerful was causing this cold but an ancient dragon?! So Miss Peace Cleric Dragon hunter! What can I do for you? I hope it's not more bad news?


[Yulya: Interaction with Elmina required]

M-miss Summer of Leilon is her full name!
Yulya adds - with a perplexed expression as she had assumed Elmina and Summer were acquainted as fellow nobles.
As for the cold - preparations are on the way with Miss Summer - but as the source of this weather appears to be an Ancient Dragon...
... I hope you understand this issue is not resolved while passing by. To say the least!

Milady Barthen!
We are doing our best to aid the town of Phandalin. Did we not bring you a cart full of supplies from Neverwinter even though that was not even our quest? Yet we are lacking something crucial - and that is not even proper payment for the quests bestowed upon us - it is information. May I remind you that we were lured here under false pretenses to begin with? Sir Gundren hired us for a simple escort mission for his cart - mentioning nothing of the valuable map of the mine he was carrying. Or a well-organized bandit army involving nobles, goblins, bugbears and a high-ranking drow sorcerer. Or an ancient dragon freezing over the land. And were sent to his mine  - I am certain - in order to perish there. The bandits awaited us in a fortification. It was a trap. Only by the intervention of the Gods did we manage to achieve victory - at the cost of the life of our team-member Ashley. May she rest in peace!

Yulya makes a dramatic pause and looks at the ground
Again nobody told us anything. Not of the monsters in the mine, not of the Forge of Spells or the Spectator guarding it. Very odd things are going on here that go way beyond a few marauders robbing traders. We still do not know what the bandits were doing in the mine. Or what the plan of their leader - the drow Nezzer was. But he had kidnapped 2 young girls from Phandalin for some kind of magic ritual.

Milady Barthen! You are a keen tradeswoman as well as nobility! You are well-informed I am certain. We cannot help you if you do not help us. Someone is playing a dirty game with us here. So please- what do you know about the bandit organization called the 'Cloaked Wolves' and their leader Nezzer the Black spider? And what is your impression of Sir Gundrens brothers and their friend Sir Sildar Hallwinter? Or any other odd behavior of residents of Phandalin. Any small detail could matter. I am not accusing anyone but I strongly suspect the bandits have someone aiding them here. Someone who is working against us - and thereby ultimately against you!

Elmina tries to process Yulya's sermon, evaluating whether she's being taken for a fool.
"Summer of Leilon? Are you implying she is of royal blood? Ancient Dragon? Forge of Spells? Cloaked Wolves?"
Elmina approaches Yulya and sharply glares up into her eyes, then at Hobby, and back to the shaking Yulya. After an endless moment of awkward silence, Elmina closes her eyes, takes a step back and shakes her head. Her expression turns from angry to sorrowful.
"No, you would not joke about such matters, Miss Peace Cleric. I know this much of people. Unbelievable! With this, what shall we do now? Aren't things already bad enough?
she mutters to herself and remains standing deep in thought with her eyes closed. For a moment Yulya wonders in Elmina has just read her mind, but she cannot sense any traces of magic and it is probably just her imagination. But timidly looking down at her, Yulya spots small horns protruding from Elmina's beautiful hair. Something she has never seen in a gnome. At least for now Yulya is left without answers.

In any case first and foremost we are here to trade our loot from the mine as Cat has said. Of course we offer it to you first.
Yulya points at the loot Cat has laid out  - then nervously nestles with her hands

Here's our loot we'd like to sell Nya but if you don't want it, I'm sure Harbin will Nya!

Elmina's eyes suddenly pop open in anticipation, but inspecting the loot, her mood drops.
"This is bandit equipment, am I correct? We are not an armory and we cannot afford such trouble. Please take all weapons and armor to Linene Greywind at Lionshield Coster! She has previously been robbed by, as I assume, the very same bandits. I am sure she will appreciate your goods."
Elmina inspects the clothes, but backs off in disgust realizing they were looted from corpses.
"You might want to clean those and sell them to Linene as well. As for the re-"
Elmina spots the olive soap box and picks it up like a treasure chest, sniffing the scent of pure luxury
Ohh where did you find this treasure? I will certainly buy this! It's been ages since we had decent cosmetics in this outback here! I will pay you the double price!
She seems genuinely happy and keeps hugging the wooden box, signalling to Hubby to deal with the remaining offer.
[Elmina is willing demands to buy the olive soap for 40 sp]

A-apart from that there is something else we need and I want to discuss this with Lady Elmina in private!
Yulya of course refers to the clothes including underwear she needs for herself and Cat.

Elmina uncomfortably looks up to Yulya again as if she had proposed something indecent, then sighs and waves at her.
"Fine! Please come in but keep it short!"
Elmina drags Yulya into her house and closes the door, leaving the others outside with Hobby.