"I'd love to enjoy your hospitality again, Romsan.  Swap a few stories, see off a few more of the townsfolk."

"That sounds lovely, helping so many people at once was certainly an exercise in management. At least until we got out of the marsh."

Over the rest of the day, the villagers get a chance to reunite with their families and begin treating their wounds more properly. Many go back to their homes after the initial stop at The Crossing Inn for a warm meal and a chance to really feel like they have been saved (some of them had been waiting until being truly out of the marsh.) Today, they thank you for saving their lives. Tomorrow, they'll start rebuilding their farmsteads.

Into the evening, only CRAP, Romsan, and the inn's staff remain. Romsan sees to your needs as he can but soon lets you enjoy some alone time. Your night is calm, comfortable, and filled with much more pleasant natural sounds than what you get back in Phlan's more urban setting. You wake up with your energy regained, and likely ready to return to your headquarters in the Moonsea.

(OOC: Is there anything else you'd like to do before departing?)

Refreshed and restored from the previous night, Neya breaks her attunement with her Cloak of the Bat and establishes one with her Necklace of Adaptation before meeting with the others in the main room.

In the main room, Denae spends her time cleaning each of her remaining arrows one by one. She is meticulous and comprehensive, as Neya knows her to be when it comes to her bow and associated gear, not so much when it comes to her own feet... their mud-crust being evidence number 1. 

"Your tricks have multiplied, Sister." She says, not only noticing Neya's vast collection of magical artifacts, but also referring to the skills she has observed over the past several days. "Estra and the People of the Silent Wood would be proud of you, as would Xarnan, I'd wager. He still brings supplies to the village once in a while, you know? No doubt, hoping to see you. I know you were picked as this decade's extended scout in a lottery, but I must ask: do you ever daydream of going back?" 

(OOC: Forgot to ask this last time, and it likely won't matter too much going forward, but did Doozey get the name of the halfling that told him about the redfoots? If not at the time necessarily, then at least during the remaining journey)

As much as Doozey might've meant to make good on his word about hunting dragons, or at least a certain dragon, deep down inside, knowing of the limited leads and lacking in "local" support within the swamp curbed in stray thoughts that found their way back to such tracks. So, he'd try to relax and quietly enjoy the remainder of the group's time at the inn. But it isn't long after Romsan excuses himself from the group that Doozey did the same, citing a need to get some fresh air. In reality, his intent was moreso to try and dig up some dirt on Romsan's activities on the sly over the previous day with the local wildlife using some absconded leftovers. As well as see if any caught sightings or sensed the presence of a 'great lizard' or kobolds in the area.

(@Lerus: Doozey would be willing to burn through his remaining 1st level that day and even burn his freebie casting of speak with animals the current morning for any follow-up questioning on the sly. And feel free to roll on his behalf if there would be any associated checks involved)

Was he being needless paranoid and/or silly? Yes. Did he care? ... a little. But even if in the end it was all for naught, he'd be ready to eventually depart when the time finally came to do so, and remain silent on his findings and activities until at least back at home. Though with his tattoo having a bit more color and life to it since once again secreting away the mask in its usual casing since returning to the inn the day before.

Animal Handling: 10.

Replying to Denae's question, "Yes, I do find myself wandering around home in my mind's eye. And creating a small, illusory facsimile of the Elder Shade now and then only does so much to alleviate homesickness." 

"As for Xarnan, I loved hearing the stories of his travels. Perhaps one day, I can repay the favor and tell him of my own adventures." She says with a fond, nostalgic smile.

Finding some nearby birds and squirrels over the night period but also in the next morning, Doozey learns that the small animals are quite well-informed about the local innkeeper, possibly on account of living near Romsan for most of their lifetimes.  Romsan lives a seemingly ordinary life these days, going about his daily routine with a friendly demeanor. He greets guests with a warm smile as they enter the cozy establishment. He bustles about, serving frothy mugs of ale and hearty meals to the weary travelers seeking refuge from their journeys. He engages patrons in jovial conversation, sharing tales of the village's short and uninteresting history, the inn's locally famous fireplace, and his own past adventures. His favorites are the ever-changing tales of how he acquired his scars, a few of which the CRAPers may remember from the first time they met Romsan some days ago. Sometimes it was from escaping from an illithid, others from fighting with a dragon in a distant land, and others are even more outrageous. He says he knows all adventurers' negotiating ploys and laughs when someone tries to use them on him. Maybe this is the reason one particular squirrel seems to mistrust the man. Or, maybe, it is because it can sense the innkeeper's dangerous past and adventurer's training. Or it could be something else.

"You are welcome here anytime!" Romsan says to Utar and the others, before CRAP leaves. Taroo, who was absent in the previous evening, arrives in the morning to rejoice with the party. He is happy to see the majority of his fellow farmers back in town and has wasted no time in letting everybody know that he guided CRAP into the swamp so they could rescue everyone!

Denae smiles back at Neya, or perhaps she is just happy to see Neya smile a bit. She then stands up: "Alright CRAPers, time to head back to the city and report back on our success."

Unless there are any other concerns, CRAP departs and begins walking on the familiar road named Phlan Path. The environment is bleak at first, as the group is still surrounded by march-like areas and peat farms. After a couple of hours, however, the group begins to traverse a picturesque landscape. The road unfolds before you, revealing the occasional charming hut or cottage in the distance and rolling hills bathed in sunlight. With every step, you draw closer to your adoptive home.

(OOC: Please describe what you may do while traveling back to Phlan, or upon arriving at the city.)

At Denae's last words Doozey lets out a defeated sigh. "I.... I really think we should re-workshop that name one of these days." The stoutling said despite knowing his words would be met more with amusement than any genuine consideration. Biscuit certianly got a crack out of it in a couple of barks that sounded remarkably doggy chuckles.

Regardless, without any further personal concerns that couldn't wait for a while longer, Doozey brought up the rear in the departure, before taking his rightful seat on the back on Biscuit. He suggests along the way for Utar to send a message out to Rag and Thokk with the potential job in their future if they should be interested. But otherwise... Doozey was content to just enjoy a quiet return with a contented smile ever present. At least until the looming threat of the dragon has him spending the rest of the trip with a grim look and mind whirring and worrying about a means to contend with it.

Utar claps Romsan and Taroo on their shoulders by way of parting.  "I'll be in touch after a few days back in the city, see if any local militia has sprung up and if not, offer any help I can. Stay safe."

On the walk back, Utar picks up Doozey's suggestion that CRAP consider a re-brand, "But change our name to what?  We might undo a lot of the hard work we've done on brand recogntion. I feel like we've only just started to make our name, to change it so soon might invite uncertainty for investors and for those who might engage our services..."

Once that conversation falls away, Utar spends a few moments discussing the messages to send to Rag and Throkk, agreeing to utilise his divine magics to contact the halfling and half-orc.

Once Danae peels off, Utar lets his feelings on their mission flow out, "Despite what will be reported to Danae's superiors, I hope you realise that you've achieved a stunning victory here today.  Your quick wits and understanding of what the lizardfolk are about prevented further bloodshed and likely denied the Cult of the Dragon a powerful ally that would further boost their numbers.  I have never been more impressed by you, Doozey Redfoot, nor more humbled to call you friend."

(OOC I will only agree to change the group's name from CRAP if it can be soemthing suitably toilet related.  I can't wait to hand Ekmong a card which reads: TURD, the new name for CRAP.)

Before parting ways with Denae, Neya says with a smile "It was wonderful working with you. I look forward to any other opportunities."

When it comes to the topic of the group's name, "Yeah, now that I think about it... " She struggles to keep a straight face and stifles a laugh. "We had an entire city chant our collective name!" and loses that battle.

She somehow finds the will to calm down, "That aside, yes, you were instrumental in our success, Doozey. Everyone was able to return home, thanks to your efforts." 

A flustered Doozey sputters and mutters until in needing to take a breath, he finds the words and a measure of composure. "They would've still returned home thanks to all our efforts -- w-which is still was, by the way. I-I just happen to have, uhm, put into practice some recent, uh, negotiation tactics I picked up while I was a way for a bit t'is all!"  Biscuits snorts as much as a dog can do as much, further flustering the halfling, and compelling him to double down on giving everyone the silent treatment for the rest of the journey. Yet despite it all, the warmth such praise given does wanders in dispelling the weight of heavier thoughts later on, and allowing a contented smile to at least return well before the group reach the gate of the city.

"We shall wait for your return then!" says Romsan, accompanied by a nodding Taroo, as they wave Utar and the others goodbye.

The tranquil trek back to Phlan turns out to be quite enjoyable. The party has some fun and kills time by pondering on a possible rebranding.

Hours later, upon arriving back in Phlan, Denae signals she needs to report back to the Red Plume first and foremost. It is clear that you are not expected to accompany her. That said, any farewells are met with a see-you-soon instead. "We'll see each other soon," Denae reminds the Neya and the party. "For I had promised to follow you into one of your next quests should you follow me in mine. You see my world, I see your world, remember?" Waiting a bit for a response, she exhibits some rare niceness: "It was good working beside you again, Sister. Your friends are strange, but they are not that bad." She looks at Doozey and Biscuit with a doubtful but playful look.

As she goes on her way for now, CRAP's discussion turns inward again as the adventurers pass around some worthy recognition to each of their members. Maybe the city of Phlan is right in chanting the names of their new local heroes to the winds, as unorthodox as that name may be. This is quite the capable group after all!

(OOC: Before wrapping this up, what are the exact messages being sent to Rag and Thokk?)

Quote from Orileo >>

 He suggests along the way for Utar to send a message out to Rag and Thokk with the potential job in their future if they should be interested.

(OOC: Going with the general theme indicated above rather than specific 25-word sentences in this case.)

After receiving their respective messages, Rag and Thokk agree and welcome the potential job offers in the near future. The half-orc gladiator-turned-adventurer is more vocal about his acceptance. As usual, the halfing thief is on the quieter side, responding with a simple "Sounds good".

Now back at their headquarters, CRAP takes a moment to settle in and rest. Sagin is a bit annoyed that no word was sent ahead of CRAP's arrival, robbing him of a chance to prepare a welcoming meal for his patrons. Although it took him a little while, the unsophisticated kobold has found his true vocation in homemaking, and he is proud of it.

Although it is not surprising given distance and recency of departure, Graxx has not yet returned from his solo personal adventure up north.

"It feels so quiet without Graxx here doesn't it? I hope his jouney goes well." Neya says.

"It does," Sagin agrees as he begins to prepare a meal. The kobold simply can't imagine a world where he doesn't welcome you with food, be it prompt or delayed.

With nimble fingers and keen eyes, the now well-trained kobold skillfully chops and slices the ingredients on a worn stone countertop. A large pot soon begins to bubble and emanate a rich scents, as the kobold adds a blend of aromatic spices from a small, meticulously organized collection of jars. Mushrooms of various colors, roots, and herbs combine quickly to form a simple but aromatic soup. Sagin sets the steaming bowl on CRAP's rough-hewn wooden dining table, adorned with mismatched but well-loved utensils and crockery. "I hope he is eating well," Sagin adds, still thinking of Graxx.

(OOC: I now invite you to make any closing post to this adventure you'd like. In the next couple of days, I will be officially concluding this episode.)

As someone used to traveling long distances and at great lengths of time without expectations or personally ability to reach out for others, beyond of course missives that could take weeks to reach their destination, Doozey paid not nearly as much mind to the barbarian's absence at the house. Graxx would return in due time, or... not at all, having embraced a new role for his people and remain with them...

In any event, after a moment of sheepishness after Sagin's initial reaction, Doozey meant to leave Biscuit to his customary watching of food prep in vain hopes of catching some fallen scrap. But instead...

"I wouldn't worry too much about'em. Not with the bunch he's got at his back at that." He paused in step to look back and assure. But though he turned again to carry on his way, there's a moment's hesitation before he holds up a finger and says, "But I doubt he'd begrudge a certainly a half-orc checking in on him, if he should feel the need." With a smirk following that note, he carry on, devesting himself of most of his gear in his room, and making sure no unfamiliar scents found their way there in his absence; only to return before long, eager to have a warm, homey meal after so long out and about. Though if talk persists about Graxx going forward, a sense of guilt over his more pragmatic view eventually led to Doozey murmuring a worried note about "Villie". 

"We can certainly check in on Graxx, let him know we're still here, that were thinking of him. Provided it's done in 25 words or less!"

"Considering his current company did not have a high opinion of him last time we saw them, I think he would appreciate a friendly voice,"  Neya nods.