"Vines holding...." Akyan shakes his head, "Whatever, as long as she's dead and the town is safe I don't care what happened...wherever she took me." He glances down at the collapsed tomb again, and suppresses a shiver. Then he turns and glances down at the half-elf man who you know may have guessed is William the blacksmith who went missing just before the old fairy woman.

With only one good arm at the moment, he has no choice but to wait for Kit before trying to pick up the man.

Twig, having pulled Telron's upper half into her lap, hugs him protectively as Kit approaches her once again. At first her singing seems to confuse the young orphaned half-elf, but after a few moments she seems to calm down. However, when Omen comes to scoop up Telron, she bends squeezes her friend tightly reluctant to let him go. After a few moments of coxing her, she eventually lets the bird-man pick up her friend.

Once Kit is ready, Akyan helps her pick up William, slinging one of the man's arms over his shoulder so that they can carry him between the two of them. William will probably have sore arms after being carried like this, but with Akyan's wounded arm there's not many other choices in how to move him. Not to mention sore arms is the last thing William will have to worry about.

Thar is easily able to carry his unconscious father out of the woods. When the group starts the trek back to Withermore, Twig scrubs the tears from her eyes, then walks directly next to Omen, staring between him and the child in his arms as they walk.  Akyan remains completely quiet, his usual frown back on his face as he keeps his eyes mostly on the ground.

The walk out of the forest is far more peasant than the journey in. The evening sun now penetrates the leaves unlike before, and most of the spiderwebs seem to have vanished. You easily make your way back into town just before the sun sets. Exiting the abandoned section and entering the still habited part of town, it seems just as you left it. Though that feeling of being watched is non-existant.

Carrying the unconscious body of his father, Thar sighs when they enter the town. 

"We come back victorious and yet... I do not feel much joy, for there were too many that we couldn't help..." 

Omen looks to The bug bear and gives a small nod. "I was kind of hoping for a parade." The kenku says with a sigh. "I suppose a quiet normal day will have to do. I suspect it has been a long tike since this town has been able to breath easily." He says as he realizes he no longer feels watched.

"Should we head to the tavern first or the mayor" The kenku eventually asks.

"The tavern," Kit says decisively, "Now is a time for homecomings. The mayor can wait."

Omen nods and leads the way towards the tavern

Thar nods too and follows the others towards the tavern. He doesn't want to say to his friend that his wife didn't make it... and still he has to.

Entering the tavern, unconscious survivors in tow, the few folks inside the tavern gasp upon seeing you and those you bring with you. They never before have seen anyone return from vanishing.

Bill rushes out from behind the counter, and motions for two other men to help carry the still unconscious people away, though none of them are able to aid in carrying Thar's father.

"Quickly, bring them upstairs. I have some rooms... You there run and get Miss Fellvor!" He says to a stunned tavern visitor. Thar would know Miss Fellvor as the town healer. The young man nods and rushes out the door.

Twig looks incredibly overwhelmed when so many people rush over to help, and is intent on not loosing sight of Telron. However, she becomes distracted as her three friends suddenly call out to her from the upstairs railing. Laughing and crying, the four of them reunite and follow a delighted Lilliana into the room designated for Telron. (Though Twig clearly still doesn't like the old halfling...)

As all this happens, several people voice questions and whisper statements...though not exactly directed at you.

"That's William the blacksmith!"

"And that Bugbear."

"Does this mean it's over?"

"Did they break the curse?"

"What about my daughter?"

"My husband? What about him?"

Bill does his best to calm them down. He's sure that you all did what you came to do. A few tears escape his eyes as Thar confirms his wife's death. "Please, I have already mourned her, and now what you've done will allow her to rest peacefully. You don't know how much it means to me knowing you put an end to this nightmare, and avenged her."

Eventually, Miss Fellvor enters the building to look over those you recovered. Though Akyan stubbornly doesn't let her view his arm until long after she looks over the others. Even then he's still reluctant. She determines that the toxins will fade soon, though Thar's father may remain in a comatose state for a while. Out of the three unconscious people, he'd been in the witches clutches the longest. However, she still believes he will recover. 

Eventually even Mayor Mickael enters the tavern. Though he still gets several glares, he ignores them and sets a heavy looking bag of gold on the table before you. This seems to mostly shut up any more whispers, as the motion speaks for itself. He finally paid someone. That means the job is done. They are safe.

As expected, Bill offers you free food and lodging. The townsfolk also seem to warm up to you, some of them going as far as leaving to grab trinkets and other items to give to you as gratitude. Bill provides you and the town with a feast...though the festivities are bittersweat. You saved those left in the town, but still there were many lost.

Within the next day, Telron wakes up. He seems plenty well...but now the children must decide on what to do with their lives. Twig absolutely does not want to live with Lilliana in this tavern...but she may have to do some serious convincing to get the others to leave.

Akyan, quickly packs up his belongings, clearly not intending to stick around. Though before he leaves, he approaches you. "Thank you." He says, the words sounding a bit strained like they aren't one's he's used to saying. "If not for you I'd probably be dead. If we ever cross paths again, I'll...buy you drinks or something."

William the Blacksmith and Thar remain asleep. So Thar will have to decide if he wishes to remain in Withermore while his father recovers and send a letter to his mother, or return to his mother and bring her back to see him.

All of you are now known as the Hero's or Withermore.

(You may make closing statements for your characters now! Thanks again for accompanying me on this adventure! :D)

"Hey, you don't have to stay here if you don't want to," Kit says without preamble as she sits down next to Twig.

"There's a whole world of adventure out there waiting for a spirited girl to come find it."

Watching the other children play, she places a hand on Twig's shoulder, "They're happy here, and that's okay. It's scary when you have to leave the people you love behind, but some souls were made to wander."

"...I...have a wife back in Baldur's Gate, Eila. She's loving and kind. We've always wanted a daughter..."

"It's a humble life, but an interesting one. El's an Ilmateri healer, I do street performances ... and Uncle Omen always has an adventure under his hat. We'll teach you whatever you want to learn. You can become anything you want to be."

Nodding to herself, she stands up slowly. She won't give her the hard sell, though the gods know she wants to. Twig should grow up free...and that starts by giving her an honest choice.

"You don't have to decide right now, but I hope you'll come with us."

Omen would enjoy his time spent celebrated as a hero... even if only for a short while. The kenku felt awkward having this many eyes focused on him, especially since the attention was for doing something good. When the townsfolk brought trinkets and mementos for them as signs of thanks, Omen quickly scooped them up with a beaky grin. He was sure to inspect each of them closely before thanking the individuals and sliding them inside his coat. 

While he was eating and drinking his fill, he made a point to keep an eye on Kit and Thar. When things slowed down and got a bit more quiet that evening, the kenku would seek out Thar. Removing his hat with his gloved hand, he would look up to the large bugbear and give him a long nod. "Thank you. I apologize for not getting to know you better. Kit and I would probably be dead right now if not for your help. I want you to know that for a long time... Kit was the only person in my life that I trusted." The kenku lets out a small sigh and looks up to lock eyes with the bugbear. The flickering torchlight illuminating the fresh scars on his face where his new feathers have yet to grown in. "I now have two people I trust. Don't be afraid to seek me out if you ever need anything. I promise I will give you the friends and family discount." Omen adds with a beaky smile before putting his black hat back upon the top of his head.

**Later**

Omen would try to give Kit some space as she spoke with Twig. He could see what she was trying to do, but he knew it was up to Twig to make up her decision on her own. At the right time, Omen would move to stand beside Kit and Twig. He would give the young girl a nudge with his elbow before offering her the jeweled dagger that he had "acquired" shortly after arriving in town. "Whatever you decide to do... I want you to have this. I know some folks like us have a hard time staying out of trouble." He says with a wink. "I want to make sure you have a way to protect yourself once we are gone... but!" He pauses with a smile and holds up a gloved finger. "If you come with us I'll show you how to use it properly." He adds while making sure to avoid any glares from Kit. "Like Kit said, it's up to you... but if you do choose to come with us... it's hard telling what other trinkets uncle Omen might "find" on his adventures... and when you're older you might even get to tag along!" He says before shooting a beaky grin to Twig and Kit. He then excuses himself before there is any chance of Kit lecturing him on giving a child a dagger... 

**When they set off for home**
As Omen and Kit head for home (with or without Twig), the kenku would look to kit with a slightly nervous look upon his face. "Hey... do you mind if we make a quick stop on the way back? I... I have something I want to show you." Omen says with a rather serious tone. it is a tone that you don't often hear him use, at least not with you. It somewhat reminds of of how he spoke to you when you first met at your home many moons ago...

**assuming you agree**
As you travel, Omen seems slightly distracted. He acts like himself but seems to drift away in thought as you make your way closer to his destination. As you travel, Kit begins to recognize more of the countryside and before long, you are at the gates of a small village. The village is small and quiet as Omen leads the way down the main street. Although it has been a long time, Kit instantly recognizes the village as the place where her old adventuring companions were laid to rest. The kenku is silent as he makes his way down the street... seemingly focused on making his way to his destination. Occasionally he looks over his shoulder to make sure that Kit is still behind him before strolling into the cemetery. Once inside the cemetery, Omen heads straight towards the two headstones marking the final resting places of her old companions. A moment later, Omen moves to reveal a 3rd headstone placed directly next to the other two. This headstone is engraved with the name "Katiara Skye - First Daughter of house Skye". "I told your parents that lady Katiara Skye was dead. She had been killed by bandits and her body had been badly burned. I actually told them only a few months after meeting you Kit." The kenku removes his hat and holds it tightly in his gloved hands... squeezing it as though it may try to escape. "I... didn't want to tell you at first because I feared that you would leave once you didn't need me anymore." Omen says with a heavy sigh. "I used the money your parents paid me to "acquire" the bones of an old half-elf woman that died of natural causes. After charring them I buried them here in case your family were to ever decide to investigate your grave site... I even forged a death certificate to provide your parents. I also made sure that the Heir to the Duchy of Karakos heard about Katiara's demise as well. I spent the last of the coin I had to acquire and forge proper birth certificates for Kit Forthall. I took the liberty of making this village the place of your birth. I though it seemed fitting since it was Katiara's resting place" Omen says as he looks up from his hat and locks eyes with kit. Tears begin to run down his face. 

"I'm sorry for not telling you sooner. At first I was just waiting for the right time... and then over time I started to think of you as a daughter and feared that you might not have need of me once you knew you were free" He admits as he wipes his eyes with the back of his gloved hand. " But...I have done everything I can to ensure that Katiara Skye is dead. Now with the gold we earned from the WIthermore job... Kit Forthall is free to do whatever she wants with whoever she wants... Kit can live whatever life she sees fit." Omen pauses for a bit longer before giving her a shaky smile. "I just hope that you still want me to be a part of that new life."

Twig tilt's her head at Kit, pondering her words. Then her eyes widen when Omen shows her the jeweled dagger. She reaches out slowly to take it, a wicked grin spreading across her face. "Alright then. If those three bozzos wanna stay in this boring in then it's their loss. Hehehe, I'll go to this Baldur's gate place with you. Getting out of this boring place sounds great! You say you want a daughter? Hah! Well just don't expect me to be a good little girl...cause I'm not! haha." She spins the dagger in her hand, and slides it through her makeshift rope belt alongside the old beat up knife she usually carries. You get the feeling she sees Baldur's gate as a fine opportunity to hone her pickpocket skills.... You'd also probably note that she said THREE bozzos staying... she has four friends right?

"Oh and one condition." She chuckles. "Telron's coming too."

"Uh, yeah. I'm going wherever Twig goes." The young elf steps out from around the corner, a stark contrast to Twigs overconfident personality. "The others are happy here, but I want to stay with Twig! She's practically my sister!"

Then she sidles up to Omen, "OK Uncle Bird-man. You better take me on all of your adventures....even the shaaady ones. hehe. We'll split all the loot equally! haha. I sure ain't staying home and washing dishes or whatever. I never do that kind of stuff. hehe."

"Hey I want to go on adventures too! I want to be able to help people like Omen, Kit, and Thar! ...but...I'm also ok helping at the house... I don't want to be a burden." Telron interjects.

Assuming you accept Twigs condition, the two children say farewell to their three friends before heading off with you all.

***earlier when Kit asks Twig to live with her***

"Look kid, I gave up all that thieving stuff long ago... but I do manage to "find" all kinds of things laying around while i'm performing my totally legal investigations... You wouldn't believe all the nice things that burglars, kidnappers, and murders leave just laying around the place." Omen says with a wink and a wide grin. "As for taking on two kids... well that is up to Kit... although I would imagine with the pile of coins we just earned that she could probably afford to take in all kinds of strays." The kenku adds before giving kit a slight nudge with his elbow. 

"If Kit wants to take on two kids, well then I suppose I'll just have to line up twice as many jobs. kids have little hands and can fit into all kinds of small spaces... you could be very helpful in my investigations." Omen says with a grin and wink. Kit knows that while the kenku is joking... she can see the gears considering the possibilities of having two innocent looking young kids helping him to collect information..

'She's going to be no end of trouble...'

'So were you at that age.'

'Springing one child on Eila is bad enough, but two...'

'As soon as she hears their story, she'll insist they stay.'

'It's going to be a lot of work. A lot of sleepless nights.'

She looks at Omen and smiles.

'But you're not alone. You have a family...'

The first night and day Thar is at his father's bedside and it takes Miss Fellvor about an hour, helped by Bill, to convince him to go and get some rest. 

He finally seems to relax a little bit about his father's health and is able to even take a bath and enjoy some of the gratefulness of the villagers, but he is visibly awkward about receiving so much attention. 

When Omen speaks to him he looks deeply moved. He puts a hand over the kenku's shoulder. 

"I am honored. And I am proud to call you friend. Me being... me " he smirks "makes really difficult to have a safe place to be, and I am not talking about a roof over your head, I am talking to be among people that doesn't judge you, support you and allow you to be yourself. Even with all that was happening in the village and the dangers we were in, I felt that way with you and Kit. And that's something I will always treasure. Thank you Omen " he says his voice carrying the weight of his feelings. " If you ever need me, you just have to call." 

Later he oversees in silence the interaction between his friends and the kids and as they walk out the inn making jokes and plans he remains seated. In silence. 

At the morning that Kit and Omen, along with Twig and Telron, are going downstairs from their rooms to get ready and leave they find Thar there, with some items arranged in one table. There are two small wooden boxes, but there are two more bigger packages. 

"Good morning " he says to all with a smile " I have some presents for you. Twig, Telron " he starts without giving them the chance to reply and pushing forward the bigger packages "Here you will find some traveling clothes. I've picked up something green and brown for you Telron, and you Twig cannot travel on those rags. I hope you find the black trousers and shirt comfortable and practical. You also have a couple of leather armors for yourselves. The road to Baldur's Gate could be long and dangerous and despite traveling with such experienced adventurers as Kit and Omen, you must keep your eyes open. " he reaches down the table and produces more items for the two boys. " Now, here are a short bow and some arrows and a hand crossbow and some bolts for it. Choose whatever you want but be careful and allow them to teach you how to use it. You should help providing food during the journey. Telron, I also got you a dagger in case you need it. I know that you have that covered " he says to Twig with a wink. "You also have some basic items such a backpack, canteen, blankets to sleep... now.. take it, go up and dress up but do not take much time. Now.. go go..." 

Once the two kids had gone to dress he turns to Omen and Kit. 
"To you both I've made this " he gives them the little boxes, but this time he seems a little bit embarrassed as if he fears that his present is not entirely appropriate for his friends.  Inside they find a wooden pendant, with a black leather strap they are shaped in a circle they had two runes each carved. "It's not as fancy as new clothes but... I hope you like it." He says as they open the boxes.

"That one means Omen " he says to the kenku " And that one means Kit " he explains to the half-elf. At the other side both pendants had the same rune three runes " The upper ones means Blood Path, for we had followed one not only to help this village but to find one another...  And that one means... Family" his voice trembles a little bit. "I hope you don't mind... " he adds "I already told to Omen, but I would repeat it now. Kit you do not realize how much I appreciate our friendship. I thank you for helping me find and save my father, but I do thank you for making me feel like I belong...." he hesitates "I.. I would like to go with you and make sure that you and the kids reach Baldur's Gate safely, but... " it's obvious that he is struggling "I... I can't leave my father yet. Bill has helped me sending a letter to my mother and I must wait here for her and help my father recover.. I hope you understand... I.. I hope you understand... " 



Some time later, the sun rises in a cold morning painting with purples, orange and red the clouds that covers the sky and soon will shadow the light. Thar looks back to the inn, where his mother and father, who finally woke up, are still resting. He sighs and looks to the path before him. He touches a wooden pendant on his neck and puts his hood on. The tall figure of the bugbear, with his trusted glaive at his back, leaves the village taking the road to Baldur's Gate. Only a stray dog sees the towering figure disappearing in the ere hours of day breaking. 

Tears start to well up in Kit's eyes at the Bugbear's gift and then, without warning, she throws her arms around Thar's neck and squeezes. When she finally lets go, she gives Thar a very serious look.

"Five years ago I lost nearly everyone that mattered in my life. Then along came a stranger who, out of the kindness of his heart, brought them back to me so I could give them a proper burial. I've finally been able to repay that debt."

"Thar, I'm so glad your father is back. And I'm glad that he came back to you alive. But I'm even more glad that the debt that bound us to each other is finally erased. Because now you know that I'm here for you because I want to be."

"It would be my honor to count you as family."

"And I can't wait for your arrival in Baldur's Gate so I can invite you into our home and share a meal as family."

"I promise," she winks, "it will be good. I'll let Eila do all of the cooking..."

Omen nods to Thar and gives him a gentle yet firm pat on the arm. "Thank you." The kenku says before he places the pendent around his neck. "You know... I am rarely given gifts like this. Normally I have to "find" them on my own." He says with a smile before tilting his head and inspecting the pendant more closely. When Thar mentions family and Kit responds.. Omen would grin and reply "Watch out Thar... you could end up as Uncle Thar is you arn't careful." 

Thar smiles at Kit at her last comment "Thanks to the Gods..." he teases her.

"Uncle Thar hmmm? Doesn't sounds too bad... " he nudges at Omen.

"you say that now... but let's see how you feel when they start climbing you like you're a big furry tree." Omen says with a wink.

Quote from Wreckzors >>

As Omen and Kit head for home, the kenku would look to kit with a slightly nervous look upon his face. "Hey... do you mind if we make a quick stop on the way back? I... I have something I want to show you." Omen says with a rather serious tone. it is a tone that you don't often hear him use, at least not with you. It somewhat reminds of of how he spoke to you when you first met at your home many moons ago...

As you travel, Omen seems slightly distracted. He acts like himself but seems to drift away in thought as you make your way closer to his destination. As you travel, Kit begins to recognize more of the countryside and before long, you are at the gates of a small village. The village is small and quiet as Omen leads the way down the main street. Although it has been a long time, Kit instantly recognizes the village as the place where her old adventuring companions were laid to rest. The kenku is silent as he makes his way down the street... seemingly focused on making his way to his destination. Occasionally he looks over his shoulder to make sure that Kit is still behind him before strolling into the cemetery. Once inside the cemetery, Omen heads straight towards the two headstones marking the final resting places of her old companions. A moment later, Omen moves to reveal a 3rd headstone placed directly next to the other two. This headstone is engraved with the name "Katiara Skye - First Daughter of house Skye". "I told your parents that lady Katiara Skye was dead. She had been killed by bandits and her body had been badly burned. I actually told them only a few months after meeting you Kit." The kenku removes his hat and holds it tightly in his gloved hands... squeezing it as though it may try to escape. "I... didn't want to tell you at first because I feared that you would leave once you didn't need me anymore." Omen says with a heavy sigh. "I used the money your parents paid me to "acquire" the bones of an old half-elf woman that died of natural causes. After charring them I buried them here in case your family were to ever decide to investigate your grave site... I even forged a death certificate to provide your parents. I also made sure that the Heir to the Duchy of Karakos heard about Katiara's demise as well. I spent the last of the coin I had to acquire and forge proper birth certificates for Kit Forthall. I took the liberty of making this village the place of your birth. I though it seemed fitting since it was Katiara's resting place" Omen says as he looks up from his hat and locks eyes with kit. Tears begin to run down his face. 

"I'm sorry for not telling you sooner. At first I was just waiting for the right time... and then over time I started to think of you as a daughter and feared that you might not have need of me once you knew you were free" He admits as he wipes his eyes with the back of his gloved hand. " But...I have done everything I can to ensure that Katiara Skye is dead. Now with the gold we earned from the WIthermore job... Kit Forthall is free to do whatever she wants with whoever she wants... Kit can live whatever life she sees fit." Omen pauses for a bit longer before giving her a shaky smile. "I just hope that you still want me to be a part of that new life."

Omen's nervousness is contagious and it only grows as Kit begins to recognize their path. Still, she continues to convince herself that the way is just coincidental; even as they pass the place where her party has been ambushed by bandits, the burned shell of the 'cannibal' house, the valley where they had faced off against the wolf pack...

And then she's back. To her surprise, things had changed for the better. With Thar's help, the druid had been defeated, the mines reopened, and Kit's lost companions recovered. With the mines reopened, Heaven has once again become a place of prosperity and hope.

"They owe this to you, Thar," Kit thinks as joy and sadness mingle in her heart, "you finished what we started."

They pass other places as well. The footbridge on the path to the shrine of Kiltzi where she realized for the first time she was in love with Eila. The tavern where they had the first date that was meant to be a farewell. The inn where they held each other and cried over their losses while the exterior wounds healed.

The inner ones never did.

As they approach the graveyard, the fear strikes her like a dark beast inside of her clawing it's way up her throat.

If it was anyone but Omen, she would refuse to take another step.

And then they are there. Galen, her fellow Half-Elf. A son of mercenaries with the noble soul of a knight. He had sacrificed his life blocking the door until Kit and Elia could escape, traded his life for theirs without a moment's hesitation.

Next was the Halfling, Belton, every bit as stubborn and opinionated as she was. It seemed that if she called something white he would call it black just to spite her. They fought constantly.

She never got to tell him that she loved him like her own brother.

But the tears don't come until she sees the third headstone.

Every day since that one, she had told herself that she should have died there next to them.

Thanks to Omen, she had...

"You're free," she thinks to herself, "finally, truly free."

Sobbing, she nearly collapses into the Kenku's arms. He could have turned her in. He could have lied to her parents and kept the money for himself. Instead, he had given all and risked his very reputation.

For her. To give her a life of her own.

How can one ever repay such a debt?

You can't.

"Why now," she asks, smoothing his feathers on his face and wiping away the tears that have fallen there.

"Sure you did Uncle birdman." Twig says sarcastically. "You definitely didn't steal this pretty little gift you gave me haha." She unsheathes it and waves it in front of Omen. Clearly, your group is not the only group of travelers to come through the town that the young girl thought about stealing from. She definitely tried or at least thought about trying to steal it from Zale before the party even arrived in Withermore.

Twig and Telron both seem thrilled with their new clothes. Thar even seemed to pick the exact colors that they like. After leaving and returning clad in their new gifts. Twig grins at the group, her wild curly mass of red-orange hair standing out starkly against her new black clothes and leather armor. "HAHAHA! I'll be the greatest adventurer yet! I'll steal from the rich and make sure all orphans never have to eat out of trashcans again!"

"Um Twig, I don't think stealing is necessary anymore." Telron says quietly.

"No. But it's fun! And some people don't diverse all the pretty things they have!" Twig laughs.