The tavern door creaks open, and all conversation momentarily quiets as every eye turns toward the imposing figure filling the doorway. Sunlight streams behind her, outlining her towering frame and the faint silhouette of small horns peeking through her ash-blond hair.

Barghest spots you immediately, her heterochromic eyes—one pink, one blue-green—fixing on yours as she strides across the room with the confident gait of a trained knight. The wooden floorboards creak slightly under her weight, a low sound that seems to emphasize her presence.

Her black dress hugs her muscular form, the fabric stretching slightly across her broad shoulders and ample chest. The armor on her left arm glints in the dim light, its animal-inspired design reminiscent of the battlefield trophies you once saw her collect.

When she reaches your table, she pauses, her expression unreadable as she studies you. You notice faint scars on her neck you don't remember seeing before—the marks of her new life in hiding.

"You look well," she says finally, her voice deeper than you recall, carrying the weight of four years spent building a new identity while haunted by the past.

A server bumps against her elbow, nearly spilling a tankard of ale, and she catches it with reflexes that betray her military training. The server stammers an apology, but Barghest merely waves it off with a patience that surprises you.

She sets the tankard down on your table and pulls out a chair, which groans under her as she sits. Leaning forward, those striking eyes lock onto yours again.

"You received my reply, then. Are you ready to face what comes next? The journey to Morgan's resting place won't be easy, and old enemies might still recognize us."