The road back to **Phandalin** was quiet. No one spoke much; the crunch of boots on the dirt path was enough. When the weary adventurers finally crossed the town’s threshold, a wave of _cheers_ erupted from the gathered townsfolk. Word of their triumph over Nezznar had travelled faster than they had. Children darted between legs shouting their names, and the townspeople pressed forward with flowers, loaves of bread, and tear-bright smiles. But amid the celebration, joy could not fully take root. Their hearts were too heavy. **[[Ellette|Ellette]]**: “He would’ve hated all this attention.” **[[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]]**: “Aye… but he earned it.” **[[Karrut Styk|Karrut]]** said nothing, staring past the crowd toward the mountains, his hand clutching the charred remains of **[[Rock, the Silent Fighter|Rock]]’s cloak**. Inside the **Traveller’s Tavern**, warmth greeted them: a roaring fire, the scent of roasted meat, the comforting din of mugs and laughter. Yet even here, joy carried an edge of sorrow. **Ger**, the tavern keeper, hurried over, beaming. “To the heroes of Phandalin! But… where’s your quiet one? [[Rock, the Silent Fighter|Rock]], wasn’t it?” The words stilled the room. **[[Ellette|Ellette]]** lowered her eyes. “He stayed behind… to save us.” A hush fell like snowfall. Then Ger lifted his tankard high. **Ger**: “To [[Rock, the Silent Fighter|Rock]], then. A hero’s name, spoken and never forgotten.” Mugs rose in unison. The clink of glass rang soft and solemn. After a time, **[[Zara Blackwood|Zara]]** stepped onto the small wooden stage in the corner. Her black hair shimmered in the firelight as she adjusted her lute. “This,” she said, voice barely above a whisper, “is for one who spoke not with words, but with courage. A song for [[Rock, the Silent Fighter|Rock]]. I call it _A [[Rock, the Silent Fighter|Rock]]’s Lament._” She began to play. ![[A [[Rock, the Silent Fighter|Rock]]s Lament Acoustic.mp3]] The melody drifted through the tavern like a prayer. Her voice told of a mute warrior who stood against the darkness, who met death with open hands and unshakable faith. Each verse painted [[Rock, the Silent Fighter|Rock]]’s quiet bravery, his steadfast loyalty, and the final, selfless act that saved them all. No one moved. Even the fire seemed to burn more gently. When the final chord faded, the silence that followed was sacred. Then, softly, applause swelled — not raucous, but reverent. **[[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]]** set his mug down and took up his knife, whittling a small figure of [[Rock, the Silent Fighter|Rock]] from a scrap of oak. When he was done, he placed it upon the mantle above the fire. ![[Chp19.1.jpg]] **[[Ellette|Ellette]]** rose and lifted her glass, her voice steady though her hands trembled. **[[Ellette|Ellette]]**: “To [[Rock, the Silent Fighter|Rock]]. For all he was… and all he gave.” The toast echoed through the tavern, a chorus of voices bound by respect and grief. Later, when the fire had burned low and only embers glowed, the party lingered by the hearth. Outside, stars shimmered over Phandalin, and **[[Zara Blackwood|Zara]]’s** soft tune drifted once more through the still air — a quiet promise that his story would never fade. That night, for the first time in days, the heroes slept. And somewhere beyond the veil, perhaps [[Rock, the Silent Fighter|Rock]] finally rested too. [[Chapter 20. The Rise of Zargathax]]