In the weeks following the demise of the Black Spider, the group all enjoyed a small respite in Phandalin.
Barry left to pursue his faith further. Arvard spent some time as a civilian. Vogen retreated into the forest and meditated. Cu spent time milling about with Qellin and attempted to strike up business deals with enterprises in Phandalin. I don't think any took the bait though.
As for myself, I'd rather die than talk to Daran again, so I spent most days rising early to go work with Gundren in Wave Echo Cave.
The Forge of Spells is a rather peculiar item. To my understanding it was built by the Phandelver's Pact, a collective of humans, dwarves and gnomes who wished to utilize this mine and magic to enchant weapons and armor as a business. Upon first look it seems like a large workshop with a massive stone pedestal in the middle of the room. A small brazier is perched atop it and it's ever-glowing fire crackles with green, glowing flames. Gundren tells me that once at item is tempered in it's fires it is imbued with supernatural powers. Gundren wishes me to study it with him, and I will oblige.