The whole group, guided by Crannoc and trailed by Miesha, proceeds back to Aoswell.

Upon your arrival, you see that the Lonsvells are directing citizens around the town in preparation for an event.

Jasper rubs his paws together eagerly and says "well, nice knowing you all, it's time for some more fun!"  He winks at Magwyn who knows Jasper we be up for a good time all night long.

Crannoc smiles despite himself at Jasper.  A dissonance, however small, in Temuth's skein had been set aright just now, so why not celebrate?  Still...

To the group:  "Should we approach these Lonsvells to speak of what has just happened and the state of their lair after we defended it and rescued them?  And to decide on the fate of Osboran and his follower who aided us, but were part of a terrible plot, though perhaps somewhat against their will?  I also have a sense that some of you may be expecting compensation from the Lonsvells or townsfolk, though perhaps I am wrong about that.  I am more interested in understanding the larger situation which remains unclear to me, but I had understood the city definition of a 'job' as one in which 'money' or other items or considerations are exchanged."

"Compensation for risking our lives to save their hides does not seem like too much to ask. As for Osboran and his lackey, I do not care what becomes of them. I say leave their fate up to the ones they wronged."

     Miesha nods at Kass’ statement.  “We shall speak to the Lonsvells and turn these two over, if they do wish.  Let the aggrieved decide if they have more to answer for or not…”

      Compensation is nice, as well, but Miesha would never allow herself to seem like she is asking or in need of such.  A hero must keep the proper decorum.

Maggwyn smiles at Jasper and gives an exaggerated sigh.  As the other discuss the two cultists, she heads right to the Lonsvells and interrupts what they are doing, "Good, you all made it here alright.  I suppose you'll be doing your city duty now?" she looks around for the one they 'dubbed' the leader before they left, finding him, "Now, for the subject of our payment?" she looks at him with hard eyes, not wanting anyone to waiver on this subject.

Vara Lonsvell looks to Maggwyn and responds. "Yes, we are currently organizing something of a celebration in your name. Its as good as we can muster. It'll raise the spirits before the envoy's arrival in Aoswell, tommorow. Now if you'll excuse me, we can talk more in the revelry in a few hours."

It takes a while to locate the citizen that you appointed, as they are just one of many hurrying through the town making both celebration and inspection preparations. When prompting them for your payment, they look around nervously for a moment, "Now, I don't have much in the way of coinage to give to you at the moment, but I think you could wait until the end of the celebration and there'll be something more for you in that department."

Kass joins Maggwyn with the Lonsvells. "A celebration? Hm. Very well. This envoy, who or what are they?"

     With no direction on the matter and with all who would seemingly be in a position to decide scurrying off to other things, Miesha decides her best course of action is to bind the hands of the two cultists behind their backs and then tie them both together back to back around the nearest convenient pole.  Once the prisoners are taken care of Miesha will declare "I need a drink!" and with a nod of her head will invite those who fought alongside her to join as she headed to whatever local place sold such things.

Crannoc observes the preparations the cityfolk are making for the celebration with interest and curiosity, just as he would study the behavior of any strange new wild creature.  He muses over the differences in his companions, with Maggwyn and Kass interest payment in return for their services, Miesha's focus on justice for the two cultist allies and Jasper's eagerness to play and have fun.  Even within a pack, there is always variety - in fact, this is a strength in Temuth's eyes.

At Miesha's suggestion of a drink, he perks up further.  Perhaps there is a nice clean brook nearby to wash up a bit and slake the party's thirst.  Surely that is what the bronze warrior means.  He follows her happily.

Maggwyn eyes the townie, "I'll be finding you afterwards then." making sure he understands, then leaves him be as she hears Miesha suggest a drink.

"Ay, let's do that.  Need one to help erase the image of that gnoll creature transforming.  That was uh, something." 

Kass - Vara seems to know the answer to your question instantly, as she's likely been giving it substantial amounts of thought. "This envoy is from Neldfield, the capital of North Vexcall. I believe it is helmed by one of the President's Council members, likely the Director of Interior-State Affairs. She's coming to examine Aoswell and proctor a vote on the official Mayor of Aoswell. If we didn't have any candidates then they would put one in for us, one from the city."

Miesha - With some hesitance, the two cultists allow you to tie them to a pole. Aalsan elects not to go with you to find a drink and to instead stay and watch the two cultists.

Most (or all) of the party heads to find a tavern of some sort. In such a small city, the best you find is a pleasant little building labeled the "Busy Rabbit Inn." Stepping inside, you see a middle-aged halfling woman preparing the inn for some portion of the evening's festivities. Seeing you all, she perks up. "You're the group that found the Lonsvells, huh? Welcome to the Busy Rabbit Inn, its a pleasure to have ya! Can I get you anything, it's a bit early but there'll be festivities either way so why not start now?"

(Those of you at the Inn can take a Short Rest prior to the evening's events.)

Jasper had set about town, his cloak billowing even when no wind was present, greeting the villagers, especially any particularly attractive ones.  Upon arriving at the Busy Rabbit Inn the tabaxi replies to the halfing woman "now that's the right attitude!"  He also immediately orders some sort of creamy, boozy beverage akin to a 'white russian' if possible, licking his lips thoroughly after the first sip.  "I think I like this town!  Maggwyn, how much was the pay?"

Hit Die: 7

Maggwyn not caring what's served, asks for whatever Jasper is having, then joins him.  "Funny you ask... they all avoided the subject of payment.  They say after the festivities, but I am not holding my breath.  Any ideas?"

Hit die: 14

     “It’s a small town, they may need to pool their resources to try to come up with something that don’t fear will be insulting…Whatever they can muster we should be gracious and honored to receive,” Miesha instructs in a tone of leadership.  “If you wish to make a living this way you have to get the coin up front or settle for what they give after.  The more gracious and humble you are about it the larger your reputation will grow.  And nobody wants to shortchange a legend.  Do well enough and each adventure will bring out grateful citizenry looking to heap on greater rewards than the last…”

Crannoc thinks about Maggwyn's suggestion that a drink might erase the memory of that foul transformation of the gnoll leader into an avatar of this Lord of Savagery.  Clean water from a bubbling stream can indeed have a cleansing effect but he wasn't sure if he would ever be rid of that image...

As the party heads to the "Busy Rabbit Inn," where Crannoc does not see any rabbits, busy or otherwise, he finally realizes what the others in the party mean by "a drink."  Embarrassed, he orders what Jasper orders since the cat-man seemed intent on having fun, as felines often are.  He thinks he agrees that those in the party seeking compensation such as Kass and Maggwyn do have a point.  Since payment based on metal coins is the way of cityfolk, fair is fair for restoring the city's leadership and saving the Lonsvells' den and hides from some demonic ritual.

Yet he finds himself also agreeing with Miesha's admonishment to project strength through graciousness.  A pack leader who must always fight and yowl to get what they want will soon be replaced as soon as the next worthy contender comes along.

Self-satisfied at this sage thought, Crannoc takes an initial sip of his drink from the cup and his eyes go wide with the intense sensation.  It is not unpleasant, yet he almost spits it out reflexively has he feels the burn down his throat.  Gulping ungracefully and feeling a little dizzy, Crannoc sits back and closes his eyes for a moment, equilibrium spinning a bit.  Is this fermented milk?  When he opens his eyes again, he swallows and resolves to try not to shame himself in front of the city-born, least of all his new companions.

When Maggwyn says she's not holding her breath on payment Jasper looks disgusted and downright offended.  When she asks for ideas he grins, extends his claws, swirls a dagger before starting to clean his claws with it and says mischievously "a few".

When Miesha states that they should be gracious and honored to receive anything at all Jasper initially laughs thinking that it's a joke.  Realizing Miesha is serious he looks at her quizzically.  When the bronze skinned paladin shares her philosophy on reputation and becoming a legend Jasper does consider the thought for a moment before questioning "is that what they tell all of the penniless adventurers who perish long before this legendary status can be tested?"

As others order Jasper's creamy, boozy drink the tabaxi looks amused.  When Crannoc takes a sip Jasper cheers, taps his glass to the nature cleric's and then takes another sip.  His hairy upper lip is soon covered in the beverage but he joyfully wipes in clean with a wide lick of the tongue.

     “If coin is your concern, wouldn’t a wise kitty see the sparkle and ensure the number before doing the job?” Miesha replies, trying to have the words a bit sharp but still friendly.  “If you do the job before even asking what the payment is, you gets what you gets.”

(If you would like to continue the above conversation, you may, otherwise we can skip ahead to later in the day.) After a while of waiting and drinking, Reida Lonsvell, one of the two children rushes into the Inn with a broad smile on her face. She proudly says to the five of you, “Come on, the party’s ready!” She turns to exit the way she came, expecting you to follow her. The halfling, whose name you likely learned in your time at the Inn to be Stira, smiles at Reida as she turns to leave. She looks to you all and says, “Drinks are on the house, loves. It’s the least I can do for the saviors of the Lonsvells.”

If you follow Reida out into the street, you see that some decorations have been thrown up around Aoswell. Most people appear to be heading to the center of town where you first saw them earlier today. There in the center, a series of large tables have been assembled and some carnival games have been set up. Sitting on top of the largest table is a closed chest.

Maggwyn - As you walk down the street toward the center of town you see a symbol that catches your eye. “⌘” It’s on a the doorknob of a building labeled “Birgon’s Apothecary.”

Jasper raises his eyebrows up and down in excitement, adjusts his crimson hat and sets his cloak to billowing before striding after Reida.  "Lead the way young Ms. Lonsvell!  Come Master Crannoc, there is often an even better party to be off to before the cream curdles on the one you're at!"

(OOC: Also going to use Arcane Recovery during this break to regain one lvl 2 slot.)