a Codex-aligned narrative snippet showing Mel, Daka, Krummar, Lorin, and Melodia interacting within the tavern after a long journey — woven with emotional fallout yers, Axis dynamics, and presence tension:?Interior – The Tavern – Late Evening(Wood creaks under soft boots. The air hums with vender, firelight, and steam-ced tea. A low melody from the lyre drifts, barely a whisper.)

  Lorin adjusts a vase of wildflowers near the hearth, posture fwless even as her sleeves are rolled just past the elbow — the ritual has begun. She senses before she sees.

  Daka barrels through the doorway like a one-man festival, shirt off, belt shining, pirate hat slightly askew.“Guess who suplexed a troll and flirted with death? This guy!”He throws his arms wide. No one asks. He tells them anyway.

  Mel, quiet in the threshold, tracks mud with her boots, a pressed feather in her pocket. Her eyes flick to Daka, then to the hearth. She doesn’t speak — just melts to the corner seat near the ferns, her fingers brushing bark chips she didn’t remember pocketing.

  Krummar, behind them, sets his mace against the wall with reverence. The tarp — always the tarp — is unrolled near the coals, a flower sewn into the edge catching the firelight.“You did suplex it. But only after I blinded it.” His voice is warm, teasing. His smile — reverent glow.Daka grins like a child. “Teamwork. Divine punchline. Same thing.”

  Melodia, barefoot now, floats across the wood like starlight incarnate. She passes Daka without touching — but her freckles glow faintly. She leans by Lorin, voice barely breath.“I kept a pastry in my garter. I saved it… for you.”

  Lorin pauses — a beat of stillness. The faint scent of pressed linen and tea leaves sharpens.“You remembered?”Melodia nods. And for the first time since the party returned, Lorin smiles with her whole face.