With Lilly on lookout, the dwarves take point and lead the way back. By this time they were familiar with the path so were suitable guides for the return trip back. During the groups journey Lilly had nothing to report along the way. Actually, it seemed as though even berries were a bit scarce, or at least challenging for her to find. It did seem like things were a little dry. Maybe the area just needed a nice rain. Having found two berries, Rasmus helped himself to one while you searched.

The groups hike trek back didn’t take any longer than expected, having you arrive back in Phandalin before sun down. 

(@DirePilgrim: I noticed Onu at lvl 2. Gentle reminder you should be level 3.)

No objections would be given by Demetrios at the dwarves wanting to tag along with them back to Phandalin. As Lilly said, the more the merrier! And the more eyes to keep a look out for any potential threats they may encounter on the road. 

When it came time to set out, the paladin was willing to assist with directions, while also keeping an eye out for enemies and the berries that practically saved his life.

(I believe KD has the map, if I'm not mistaken, so take that juicy advantage!)

Perceppy: 20
Nature: 17

(Fudge! Didn't notice the update til I posted lol)

Demetrios takes in a deep breath. "Feels good to be back, and in one piece." He turns back to the others. "Shall we head to an inn to rest up and meet with the townmaster in the morning?"

KD spends a bit more of the journey interacting with her small steel primate contraption. She almost forgets about the map and almost too late weighs in with pointers to Lilly and Demetrios. Her ability to always know where north is continues to be helpful. The monkey robot starts dashing off ahead into the trees and grasses, beginning to scout almost, and at first seems pretty bad at it. But as the journey progresses, KD adjusts things and the forays begin improving. Perhaps this interaction is a reason why Lilly found it difficult to locate good berry bushes.

Once they get closer to town, KD's social awareness perks up and she recalls the reason for their forays. "So we had a long list, and we've accomplished a lot of it. All of it, I think. We've got a lot to discuss with the town master. But doing so after some relaxation, some libation, some celebration.... all sounds good to me. Well done everyone!"

Lilly was torn between two options. Rest in a normal place (aka a god inn, nothing is more comforting and relaxing!) was well deserved and desired. But finishing off the tasks completely... She hated unfinished tasks, they had a bad habit to accumulate. They did get a lot of money and some stuff to sell (that pink stone was really pretty!) so, no hurry in that regard but... Ugh! Tough decisions are tough decisions. "Guess, the report is not that urgent..." slowly and uncertainly said she out loud. "Rasmus, want some rest?" They could as well ask the bird.

Onu was eager to get back to town and happily followed the confident dwarves' lead.  He chatted a bit with Lily and the paladin on the way and admired KD's new coat and checked in her progress with her new companion, but mostly found himself lost in quiet contemplation.

These people were special.  Meeting KD at the academy had changed the course of his life, but the running from scam to scam was exhausting.  And they had made more coin - and actually done some good - since joining this little band.  As he walked, his hand drifted repeatedly to the shiny blade that KD had fashioned for him and his mind wandered to the various encounters this merry little band had faced along the way.  Somehow this charlatan had found himself facing down monsters and fell creatures - throwing himself into the heat of battle and striking with blade and boot. 

As he reflected on those moments, the same clarity of purpose he felt when he rushed the Chimera or the Mimic washed through him.  The blade was an extension of his being, a part of him, his very soul stretched out into the physical world. 

As he walked and wondered, a vision came to him.  A vision of himself in the swirl of battle, blade and boot and ...... and bolts...... flying.  Calmness radiating from him.  The vision was clear.  Strange, but clear enough that he needed to get out of his head and onto paper. 

Hearing KD and Lily begin to debate next steps, the monk speaks up, overtaken by his own needs 'I, for one, could use a moment's stop to resupply myself a bit and then a little quiet time would be good.  I believe our update to the Town's Master could wait until we've all had a hot meal, a wash and some sleep, don't you?'

As the group entered Phandalin, the sun hung low enough in the sky to cast a beautiful array of colours which streaked amongst the clouds. Smoke rose from chimney tops which were accompanied by the promising smell of a hot home made meal and a hint of freshly baked goods.

Rasmus had puffed his feathers and tucked himself in for the journey, having snoozed while carried. So at Lilly’s prompt, eyes blink open groggily and the bird would chirp. They’d flick in and out of consciousness until they’d finally focus in. Another few blank stares, then he’d squawk, “Piece of candy?” 

Rubbing his belly Norbus would chime, “Chow time!” And with some pep in his step he’d head straight for Stonehill Inn. “An’ all I ken drink ale!” He’d jingle his pouch.

Dazzlyn would offer a polite smile. “We wish you safe travels on your journey adventurers.” With that, he too would excuse himself and take his leave for Stonehill Inn. 

A proper wash and sleep sounded way too tempting to hesitate any longer. "You will get your candy!" Assured Lilly the sleepy bird and nodded to everyone's decision. "Hot meal sounds too good to pass. Let's go?"

Now with enough money (wow! thous adventures really pay! Nevermind the risk that was already almost forgotten) Lilly not only ordered a new room (she personally checked and choose the one quiet yet with a good view of the street) but a big meal of the finest, most expensive (overpriced, but guess in frontier Toblen had right to ask anything for service) and most extravagant the humble inn could master. She did not need that much (it's a myth that halfligs eat non-stop), but she was not alone and wanted to celebrate. Dwarves were invited too, should they want to join.

Onu smiled to himself as the town came into view, happy to be back in the relative safety of the town after their extended adventure.  As the group makes their way into the village the monk slips away and ducks his head into the Lionshield.  Approaching the counter, the dapper half-elf sketches a half-bow and addresses the proprietor.  'Good afternoon madam, I'm hoping to trouble you for some supplies, I find myself in need of .....  paint and perhaps some paper.'

Once fortified, he joins the rest of the party at the Stonehill Inn and secures his own quiet room.  Asking for whatever food that can be sent up, Onu immediately sets to work with brush and paint, desperately trying to capture the vision that hit him like lightning on the walk back.  Blades and boots and bolts.  Swirling shadows.  The poetry of movement, the peace in the swirl of chaos.

Working deep into the night, the images begin to crystalize, clarify, almost materialize into the physical plane.  After finally collapsing into a fitful sleep the monk wakes in the morning with a start, gathers up the sketches and scraps and sets out in search of KD. 

Rasmus chatters happily when Lilly would secure the promise of candy. With that, Lilly and the bird whisk off into Stonehill Inn while Onu excuses himself for some quick shopping before the end of day.

The monk would poke his head into Lionshield Coaster five minutes before close. Although her was that customer, the man was all too charming for Linene to turn away. She couldn’t help it. It wasn’t every day a dapper half-elf adventurer walks through her door for a list of supplies. Onu was served with a smile, charged his coin, and sent on his way once he obtained all the items on his list. 

The dwarven warrior Norbus was already plenty of pints in when Onu would join Lilly and any of the others back at the Inn. Pink cheeked and slurring his words, Norbus was trying his own hand at trying to shmooze the barmaid. He was met with polite smiles and encouraging giggles. Having accepted the halfling’s invite, Dazzlyn, and eventually Norbus, would join their table for a few round drinks. They didn’t have to pay for brew thanks to Norbus with his generous tips for frequent service. Of course the group wouldn’t go hungry either. They were served hot strew made with fresh manticore meat, local vegetables and freshly baked bread. 

Rasmus would pace around for a bit before pausing. His head would tilt and his eyes would focus in and out on each of you. Then with a squawk and flutter, he’d skip over to start climbing all over Demetrios, occasionally chirping at his reflection in the mans new impeccably shiny armour. “Pretty bird! Pretty bird!” He’d always circle back to Lilly, tucking under her arm or pecking at her pockets, continuously pestering for shinies and snacks. “Ou piece of candy! Ou piece of candy!”

Once the group had their fill, they’d be able to retire to their selected rooms that were secured earlier for them. 

When Lilly would retire to her room, Rasmus would hitch a ride. He’d fall quiet and calm for a bit, watching her settle into her room with curiosity. And when the halfling would take her eyes off the bird for just long enough, it’d unlatch and open her window. He’d fly off.

(Should Lilly look out her window, or anyone look outside towards the shrine would see:)

Rasmus soars through the air circling Garael’s house and the shrine. He’d eventually come down from the skies. Instead of returning to Lilly’s windowsill right away, he’d actually head for the shrine.

A cloaked figure would raise their arm up high, reaching for the bird. Their sleeve slides down, exposing their pale skin to the bright moonlight. From finger tips to elbow and beyond, they were covered in burn scars. Rasmus comes to land on their forearm.

Demetrios liked to wind down after a good day of adventuring and travel, so when the others had agreed to getting some rest, the paladin was very much pleased. He filled himself on the meals prepared for them and helped himself to the many pints that Norbus managed to schmooze coin free. After a few drinks, the group would notice him 'let loose' more than before, his hair now disheveled as opposed to his usual slicked back look. He'd even laugh and chuckle more, especially when Rasmus started to climb around on him, agreeing with the ravens constant compliments to themselves in a cringey baby voice. "Yes you are a very pretty bird, Rasmus!"

Thankfully the paladin knew when to stop himself from going completely over the edge into drunkness. He excuses himself from the table and bids everyone a goodnight. "I'll be seeing you all in the morning," He says as he bows his head to the other and departs (a bit wobbly in his step, but he manages on his own).

Once in his own room, he starts to work off his armor in silence and get ready for bed, all the while trying to refocus his mind. "Should've paced myself more..." He mutters to himself as he approaches the window to his room. A little fresh air wouldn't hurt... Wait is that-- Demetrios squints at the view outside, seeing a familiar bird with an unfamiliar person. Taken aback, he quickly heads outside in his down time wear (a simple tunic, pants, and boots).

"E-excuse me!" He calls out to the figure, had they still been there. "Sorry about Rasmus-- I, er, he's a very friendly bird. I hope he's not bothering you..."

Hearing someone call out to them, the hooded figure turns. Their head tilts in curiosity practically in tandem with the raven. The pair watch the man head towards them with a hint of a stumble as they apologized.

Moonlight would catch the inside of the figures cloak just enough for Demetrios to witness a small smile appear on their face, revealing a single dimple on one cheek. Before the paladin could study more of their visage, they turn their head to look back at the raven. Immediately the bird would puff out its chest as if presenting itself with pride. “Pretty bird!” He’d chirp loudly.

The cloaked figure would shake? No. Shudder? No… Giggle? They chuckled! “Rasmus you say?” That voice… It’s Rasmus’?

Rasmus then responds excitedly. “Pretty bird! Pretty bird!” No wait… That’s the figure’s voice?!

The cloaked person looks back to Demetrios. “He’s a dear old friend.” With their free hand they reach up to take hold of their hood to pull it down to reveal themselves. With a soft wry smile resting upon her lips, a woman with raven black hair and piercing violet eyes now stares back at the warrior. Hints of the same scarring from her hands marble a bit of her shoulders and also speckle some spots along her neck.

Lilly kind of hoped that Rasmus will stay with them and when the burd took off did run to the window, if not to stop battle friend, then at least to say "goodbye". She was mature enough not to call raven's reunion with someone obviously known to him as betrayal, but could not help it to feel a touch sad. "Oh, well, he found his master." Does not mean they could not be friends still. She did not leave the window, though, shamelessly listening the conversation between the woman and Demetrios.

Lost in his own thoughts and visions, Onu misses Rasmus' departure and reunion.  But as he paints, images of a hooded figure, slightly built but with a surging power within make their way into onto the paper.  Another figure, this one large and foreboding seems to stand behind her, wings flared and horns curled. 

The monk crumples the paper and tosses it to the floor - he'd lost the thread.  The vision he'd had on the road was so clear.  Gathering an armful of his half-finished paintings, he sets off down the hall to find KD, to see if she can help him make sense of what was trapped in his head.

KD spends her time in the inn slowly eating and drinking, thanking their new benefactors, but mostly focused on the small metallic monkey she's created. She produces a small jar of light blue (cyan) paint and begins painting highlights on different segments of their limbs and body. It seems to tickle, though they almost seem... happy to get some color onto the otherwise dark grey and black armor plates. Some of the color reflects well with the pale, dim yellow glow that emanates from the core of the creature.

She doesn't not-talk to the other humanoids at the table. She banters and relives memories about the fights they just had. A bit stiffly, as if she's merely playing a part of what an adventurer should be, though she does try. 

She asks Demetrios where he comes from and how he learned to keep himself so clean.

She asks Lilly about her home, the inn she was raised in, and how it was different than this one.

Later she'd make herself available to Onu to hear out whatever ideas he might have, eager to look at sketches.

But for the most part, she talks to the small steel creation she's made. "Now really, we should get you a name. You've got excellent fingers, on your hands and feet, so we could go with Digits. No? Hmm. Squeak? No that would be a terrible name, and I'm going to fix that joint soon so you don't squeak at all." She lists through a few more names, each one denied with force by the small primate head. "Okay, something more traditional? Gerald? Persephone? Rutherford? Those are mouthfuls, I refuse. What about Halcyon. Hal for short. Memories of a better time. Hopes and regrets from the past, come to fruition today, and the chance to make something better. You do like that one? Good. Hal." She then begins working more with Hal, repairing some things, already starting to fulfill some mental schematics for upgrades and boosts. 

Later, she'd retire to her room and likely miss the observation of Rasmus' new/old friend. When Onu comes to find her, she says, "now, what's on your mind there? Seems you wrote it down."

'Yes, its' all here.  I mean, it's.... Not, no... words... here'  flustered in a way that KD would know to be unfamiliar and unlike the suave monk, Onu babbles and shoves a collection of half-completed paintings into her arms.  They were all variations on a theme - a shadowy figure, lithe and lean and graceful - in constant motion.  That was part of the problem of course, the still images simply couldn't capture the motion, the poetry, the delicacy. 

Each painting was different, from a different angle, attempted with different brushes, technics or mediums.  But all of them shared one thing - a blade, glimmering in the shadows. 

Longer, thinner and sharper than the sword Onu currently carried, this one seemed to almost grow organically from the figures form.  In the other hand was the wooden walking stick that the monk always carried.  The shadowy warrior wielded it like a shield, twirling it and spinning it to parry his attackers. 

Other images showed the blade tucked back into the wooden walking stick, carefully laid aside, or tucked artfully into a sash while the shadowy figure worked the complicated gears of some kind of bolt thrower.  Small, compact and cleverly designed it seemed ready to fold up and disappear into an innocuous package with a few simple adjustments.

'Can you...I need...I'm'  Looking into this friends face the monk stammered, unsure of what he needed or hoped for, but knowing he was incomplete without the weapons in his vision.

While normally quiet about his personal life, when asked about it, the paladin easily answers KD's questions with the ale in his veins. "Neverwinter, born and raised! Mother had always been on top of keeping the manor spick and span, which included my brothers and I. Cleaning my armor has always been... relaxing for me, I'd say... Though, with this new one, I don't really have to do that anymore! I should think about other hobbies..." He'd trail off, allowing the conversation to move onto something/someone else.

Speaking of someone else, Demetrios blinks in surprise when the figure pulls down their hood after that... interesting and somewhat confusing interaction (damned ale!). He does his best not to stare at them ("Staring is rude, Demetrios." He practically hears his mothers voice ringing though his intoxicated mind), cognac hues glancing between her and Rasmus before his brain then processed what she said.

"Oh?" The warrior perks. "Old friend you say? Well... A friend of Rasmus is a friend of mine." He gives the woman a soft smile as he extends his hand in greeting. "I am Demetrios. Pleasure to meet you..." Another trail off, this time hoping for a continuation on her end.

Returning Demetrios' smile with one of her own, she'd extend her free hand from her robes to accept his greeting. It was the same as the other that held Rasmus, scarred from finger tips and beyond. Her hands were delicate and surprisingly soft, but her handshake respectfully firm. "Fae." She'd say.

Rasmus puffs out his chest and chimes, "A friend of Rasmus is a friend of mine!" and then flutter hops to Demetrios' shoulder. It was a lot easier for the bird to maneuver around on him without his armour. Taking complete advantage of it, Rasmus clamours all over the paladin, eventually pulling himself up onto his head and settling himself on 'his' perch. "Aw! You are so helpful." He'd coo to Deme in Lilly's voice.

The woman would stifle giggles, tilting her head slightly at the change of voice. It was new to her.

Rasmus would jerk his head towards a window at Stonehill Inn, then he'd adjust himself on Demetrios' head to face it. He'd caw once, then add excitedly, stepping all over the mans hair. "Someone is in there! A person!" He was bringing attention to Lilly's window where he flew from earlier.

Finally, Fae would let a soft chuckle leave her lips. "He's rather fond of you all." She'd tilt her head to look up to where Rasmus was chirping. "And he very much prefers the name Rasmus." She'd say with warmth in the small smile that rested on her lips. The raven even puffed himself up with pride when Fae said his name. "He's a curious and mischievous one. Can get into plenty of trouble on his own." She'd muse. "He is very much at home with adventurers such as yourself and your companions." There was this calm all knowing sense about this woman.

Demetrios would eventually recognize that Fae must have been the hooded figure the group saw in Stonehill Inn when they first gathered. Actually, come to think of it, she collided into the barmaid and bumped into Lilly. Didn't that fourth Quest card show up around then?

"Fae," Demetrios repeats with a smile and a nod as they shook hands. As he pulls his hand back and Rasmus clamors about his stature, he can't help but chuckle a bit. With his armor on, he never had felt the claws of the raven whenever he decided to climb about, and it turns out it tickled! Though when the bird decides to perch atop his head, he lets out a relieving chuff. Wouldn't have wanted to get into a giggle fit in front of this lovely stranger!

The paladin blinks when Rasmus brings their attention to the window where he would spot a certain redhead eavesdropping in the conversation. He would give her a sheepish grin and wave before turning back to Fae when she speaks. "Oh, well, I'm sure Rasmus had missed you plenty though, right?" He would ask the bird, giving it a little scritch. "And saying he's curious and mischievous might be an understatement! Quite the little troublemaker he is! ...D'awe I'm just kidding, he's been an absolute pleasure to have."

After a brief pause to think, he speaks again. "Now that I, um, think about it... You look rather... familiar... Were... were you the one who snuck those cards into Lilly's pocket? And if so... may I ask why?"

KD places a hand on Onu's shoulder, trying to extend calm to her friend. "Breathe. I got you. We got this," she says, inhaling and then spreading out the painting and cataloguing them first at a glance, and then metliculously, adding some extension lines and frameworks here -- looking at Onu with a questioning look confirming or rejecting -- and going through a sheaf of her own papers there, pulling out something that might add to the ideas. After some time, she stands back. "I understand the gestalt, the general idea. I think. The specifics, we'll get to. I can infuse another weapon if you have one, and that one's not working well. I can also try to start working on something more complex. Hal can help, actually. Hal?" The metal monkey's head rises and nods, and begins helping to organize papers. 

"Do you have a bolt thrower? I had an idea for some modifications to make it a lot faster to reload..."

"He checks in quite often." Fae nods to Demetrios as he gives the raven attention.

When Demetrios would recognize her, Fae would offer an apologetic smile. Though, it was his follow up question that was met with a bit of a forlorn look. The woman would inhale a breath and her eyes would look from the man, then through him as if seeing someone else. Her lip would twitch with the smallest of sentimental smiles before her violet hues would drift off to stare at the moon high in the sky. "When your group gathered that day... I felt..." She'd exhale her breath. "Hope." Her eyes were bright, twinkling with nostalgia. Absentmindedly, she'd hold a well worn journal to her chest. "Each one of you reminded me of some friends I hold very dear to me." A soft chuff escapes her nose as she reminisced fondly to herself. "We came together at that very inn, some strangers, some not..." She'd remember a certain charismatic half-elf; a wildly talented and curious artificer; a soul of pure light and joy; and the most diligent protector...

Fae caught herself hugging her journal with pink cheeks and her eyes welling up. She'd swallow and clear the lump in her throat before blinking herself back to the present. After another breath, the woman corrected her posture and expression. "There was an air of excitement and a thirst for adventure your table that day." She'd smile warmly once again. "A gambling fan would say that I placed my bets on you adventurers."