"Having seen how easily The Lady's agents are able to keep watch and then gain entrance to your home, I would suggest you make it far more defensible if you do intend on staying. But, I suppose if you were to make Kabel's Hill your home, doing so would likely prevent you from accessing the forest at all in future lest you break the treaty and I imagine she would be keeping a close eye on you regardless. Having had the pleasure of her company, she is not someone I would want to upset further if I could avoid it, keeping my own body parts together would be a bonus."
Turning then to any of the rangers around, "Do we have time to get back to Kabel's Hill today?"
Doozey nodded wherever seemed appropriate, but once otherwise had become quickly preoccupied fishing around in his pack for even a scrap of parchment. Eventually, he finds one of the used ones stuffed inside from the last time he played the messenger game, and after scratching most of the old words, he scribbles something down again before handing it off to Serelis.
Although a bit tricky in places to read due to smudging and the clear haste put into writing the note, the message precedes as followed:
I had not asked for its neither your fight or obligation. But, if you had been of a mind to assist, be in the fight itself or merely in keeping an eye on Old Gnawbones' activities in the forest, we would be most grateful. Either way, thank you for everything you've done. We'll be sure to pass along your message.
Also, while I agree with Ms. Denae suggestion, I won't be adding to the pressure any more than I might already have. Mr. Utar raises a fair point. Just know if there's anything /you/ need of us in the future, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Might take some time, but we'd be more than happy to help.
As the note is being read, Doozey turns and gives Utar a 'so-so' gesture. "Migh be 'ate, but more or 'ess if go mow."He side-eyes the villagers. "For vem, if moffim ehse."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"I'm also of a mind to leave now as well. We might be out of the relatively more hostile parts of the forest. But, who's to say it will stay that way for long."
"Your concern for my safety is appreciated," Serelis tells Utar without giving the half-orc a definitive answer on whether he plans to move. Nonetheless, based on previous answers to Neya and Denae, it is clear this half-elf is leaning towards sticking around. He then adjusts the half-fixed scarecrow and reaches for the note Doozey is handing over to him.
While he reads, Neya and Doozey share with Utar that they prefer to leave sooner rather than later. Denae agrees: "We are not far from the edge of the forest from here. The walk back to the town proper from there will add some time to the trek, but we should be able to reach Kabel's Hill by evening time."
Only then does Serelis finish reading the note. He replies: "I'll make note of any dragon activity I notice in the forest. I wouldn't expect a dragon to come to my corner at the end of the woods, but if I hear anything I'll let you know once you reach out." He hands the parchment back to Doozey and thanks the group again: "Also, thanks for agreeing to pass along my message to the town, and for offering help in case I need it. Fare you well."
"If there is nothing else then, let us go." Denae makes sure the two villagers are ready to depart and begins to lead the way down the narrow animal run. The quiet trek ends sooner than expected, as the party emerges from the forest into a wide grassy field of much clearer air and brighter light, even if dusk is not far away now. As Denae had promised, the easy walk back to town leads the group past farms and fields before delivering CRAP to the edge of Kabel's Hill as the sun begins to hide behind a distant hill. Ferguson is the first to spot the party: "Woah! you are back! I knew you'd be back. You all look so strong not even the evil fey can take you down!"
The forest had not felt oppressive in and of itself, but the presence of such powerful fey who could bend all aspects of their surroudings to suit their whims. While he had met and witnessed similarly powerful beings away from the fey realm, meeting Jeny Greenteeth and Lord Witchthorn unnerved him. Being outside of their domain, Utar breathes a sigh of relief.
Waving a hello to Ferguson, Utar continues to walk towards the town, calling out "Good to be back in Kabel's Hill!"
Doozey eyes shimmer a little from unshed tears from Serelis response, only to promptly rub them away while trying to both nod and accept the parchment back. "Fare wemm, Sir'rah." With that and a final bow, Doozey rejoins Biscuit's side and sets out ahead of the others to lead the way back.
Back at Kabel Hill...
A smirk blooms on the stoutling's face in observing the young half-orc's exuberance. Though as he thought's again drift back to Greenteeth and Witchthorn, the smirk soon transformed as a more solemn veneer takes its place. Seeming unaware of all this, Biscuit just happily bounded over to the bound to nuzzle up against him until he received the good head pats or wound up guided away by the youth. "We, uh... Brough' who we, eh, uhm... We brough' some home. O'ers, er were..."Doozey trailed off from there with a grimace, prior to then looking up pleading at Neya and Denae to take over explanations and hopefully suggest a town meeting being in need to report everything -- well, just about everything that happened in the forest.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"It was certainly quite a journey young one," Neya begins. "We can tell of what happened and of the pact of the with the denizens of the forest once everyone is gathered."
"Oh," Ferguson's eyes go wide with surprise. "Skir! Gos! I didn't see you there at first!" His smile opens even wider than his eyes: "Come everyone! I'll take you to the Leaky Bucket! Come! Come!" His eyes dart from Utar to Doozey and then to Neya, as each CRAPer says hello and delivers good news. Biscuit gets a few scratches as well, but more affection will have to wait; it is clear the boy is itching to go back to town with the good news. He is excited with the surprise he is about to bring back into the town proper. In his innocence, he doesn't notice that the return of two villagers spells out the demise of the others.
The party is back at The Leaky Bucket before you even have time to suggest any other stops. Hupe and Grinna Brightbell come running to the door, initially due to Ferguson's excited yelps, but soon because they realize CRAP has returned. As the boy disappears behind you, the opinionated lady of the house speaks first, as is typical in the Brightbell residence: "By Cyrrollalee's grace! It had been so long we feared the worst! Instead, you return with a larger group than the one you left in! This can only be a miracle!" The meeker husband speaks only after his wife pauses: "Skir, Gos, please, sit down... you must be so... hungry and cold. I'll bring blankets and bowls of stew!"
As Hupe disappears in the kitchen, Grinna accompanies the two villagers to their table. For a brief moment, you are left there waiting, standing in the middle of the tavern's open floor. Soon, you hear behind you the noise of the villagers of Kabel's Hill entering the tavern. Furguson wasted no time in running around town and delivering the message. The town is arriving at the tavern.
Assuming that the villagers are going to crowd around their returned number, Utar gives them plenty of space, finding a quiet looking table where he can sit quietly and wait for the debrief to start.
Despite himself, Doozey couldn't help but smile warmly at the interactions of the Brightbell: a most welcome sight after the past few days of stress. But soon enough, he quietly follows Utar's example, if but to put off being the one to tell the story. At least... for a ittle while, if nothing else. But as a precuation, if nothing else, he put pencil to parchment once more in anticipation of some questions. Meanwhile, Biscuit tries to follow Hupe into the kitchen, hoping to be given a treat or two on the sly while Grinna was distracted elsewhere.
-Biscuit Stealth: 23. (Meant mainly for inconspiciously avoiding Grinna's notice on the way)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Neya takes a look over the townsfolk to find out the general attitued. She will use what she gleans from that to figure how to best approach the main talking points.
@Utar: You find a spot at a bench by a long table, which very quickly becomes occupied by many residents of Kabel's Hill. Despite your attempt to remain quiet, the villagers are honing in on any and all CRAPers so they can feed on gossip scraps as much as they can. They ask about the fey of the forest, your deals with them, and about the lost villagers.
@Doozey: Like Utar's, your plans for momentary solitude are quickly thwarted by approaching villagers. They ask about your journey, what monsters you faced, how did you defeat them and many other questions. Meanwhile, Biscuit moves past the crowd and an yelling Grinna, who is trying to boss Hupe around even from a distance. She is criticizing how long he is taking to bring the stew and preemptively telling him that the food is not warm enough. In the kitchen, a stressed but welcoming Hupe fishes meat chunks from the stew pot and throws them in the air. The mastiff understands the assignment and leaps like a dolphin to claim his morsels.
@Neya: The villagers are curious and happy that some of the lost rescuers were brought back alive. Most of them had clearly started mentally preparing for the worst, so having a total of three out of six (seven if Halvin is included) missing persons returned is already surpassing expectations. More than this good feeling, however, the people of Kabel's Hill are here to extract every single detail of the story you are about to share. This is a small town. Gossip will fuel them for years to come.
"The stories about the forest are true, worse than that, those within them are real. The fey who dwell within are dark and terrible and have no love for those hail from outside their forest. Even those on their edges such as the fine folk of Kabel's Hill are not welcomed. That half of your number returned home is a miracle, be thankful and celebrate their return. Mourn those who did not. They died helping their family and friends and got an undeserved death. I hope it was quick and their spirits are at rest. You breed them brave here."
Heading to the bar, Utar heeds no further questions on CRAP's journey into the forest, he simply says that he has said his piece already. Slapping his hand down onto the bar, he looks for Grinna or Hupe.
"Drinks for the folks of Kabel's Hill to remember the lost and welcome the returned home."
Taking his hand away, Utar reveals a small pile of gold coins indicating he intends to cover a portion of tonight's bar tab.
"Some of you were worried about the pact between the forest and communities around it, including Kabel's Hill and Phlan," Neya begins. "We do bring good news. We were able to preserve the pact. However, it was more of the fey who was involved with the pact looking the other way rather than a restoration of trust."
Neya notices that she's still hesitating to say Jeny Greenteeth's name out loud and concludes it's for the best.
"It was a dangerous negotiation, and I highly doubt that a success like that would work again. A second chance has been given."
Where there are 'yes' or 'no' questions, Doozey is at least willing to oblige. But beyond such matters he tries his best to redirect the villagers to his fellow compatriots with monosyllabic responses. Yet should the more over enthusiastic ask pry into his change in speech, Doozey gives up the ghost in opening his mouth open wide to reveal his tongueless new state, then gives the questioner a warning look not to pry further. As for Biscuit, with his mission successful, he gives his best doggie salute before weaving his way past the throng to Doozey's side. Try to, in any event. If, however, he had to be a bit more forceful in his squeezing past folk to get to Doozey however, that's very much what he tries to unless called to heel by the lady of the house.
Utar is the first to begin answering questions, although it is clear the cleric is only willing to share so much. When it looks like the villagers are about to pressure the half-orc further, he instead finds his way to the bar and a returning Grinna. She does as requested following the cheer of the crowd and begins to pass around drinks to everyone who wants one. A more understanding tavern owner would likely have refused Utar's money given the celebratory circumstances and CRAP's role in them, but Grinna is business-savvy and is not about to refuse gold.
@Utar: A mug of common ale is fairly cheap here, likely based on some bulk discount Grinna is willing to offer. There are a lot of people around though. If paying for the whole tab, please deduct 35gp from your wallet. If paying for part of it, pick a number lower than 35.
There are some dubious responses to Neya's news update at first, but once she confirms that negotiations were successful and the Pact stands, the folks of Kabel's Hill are ready to resume their celebration. The wisest among the villagers focus on the idea of this being a second chance and there not being room for a third, but most villagers are choosing to focus on the good portion of the news.
Denae catches the overflow of villagers' questions directed at Doozey. She answers them but only briefly, without giving much details. It is clear the gossipers want more, but Denae is content with simply giving them more reason to celebrate at this moment. A few villagers catch a glimpse of Doozey's tonguelessness as he wishes to reveal it. One of them is the girl, Alma. Biscuit successfully but somewhat forcefully returns to his master's side.
After helping the two returning villagers, Hupe makes his way to Utar and hands over a heavy leather bag: "Here is Kabel's Hill's coffers. One thousand golden coins, as promised. There is no better use for it than to mark the return of some of our own and the success in keeping the pact alive. Please keep it."
In the background, Grinna yells at those trying to get a second mug of ale from her.
There's no quibbling over prices, Utar leaves the full amount, takes his own mug and sips. The ale is earthy and nutty and has a slightly sour aftertaste, although that might be the memory of their encounters in the Quivering Forest.
As Hupe come over with the town's coffers, Utar puts out a hand, pushing the money bag back towards him. "Three families are missing husbands, brothers and sons. Rerk will need help for the rest of his life. I won't leave this town poorer than it already is."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Doozey hadn't meant to let his gaze linger on any individual for long least he invited more questions and conversations. Yet where it came to Alma, things were... a bit different, for in a few ways she reminded him of Elisande. But whereas for little Eli there was simply no getting back entirely the innocence of youth, the same couldn't be said for Alma. Or so he hoped, in any event. However, was it possible in his frustration he'd incidentally traumatized the girl even further?
Or might he had further instilled caution where it came to the fey in the youth? Curiosity and concern would lead him to searching her face to try and get a read on her. But eventually...
Biscuit's insistence at nudging at the mug that found its way to the stoutling's hand broke the stoutling's focus long enough to peer bemusedly at the drink that somehow found its way to his hand, before setting it down and pushing it away. "Chimama Koi-ya..."He murmurs, before then perking up hearing the exchange over the reward. His chest soon swells with air as he crossed his arms and nodded approvingly at Utar.
Hupe looks at Grinna for a response, as he likely does whenever he is in doubt on how to proceed. She takes the purse containing the coins after Utar pushes it back toward the couple. She opens it, reaches inside, takes out some coins, and begins forming a pile. She repeats this task a few times and then pushes the smaller separate pile back towards Utar. "You are a good person. Too good for this world. Your kindness deserves recognition. What you did for us deserves recognition. Feel free not to call it a reward if you don't want to, but these 100 golden coins here should at least cover yours and your companions' expenses and the additional wear on your gear. There is plenty left in the bag for the people of Kabel's Hill. Let it not be said that you saved our town and we made you do it on your own dime."
Hupe is flabbergasted. You suspect that he has just witnesses one of the rarest sights in his life: his wife willingly gave money away, even if it was just 10 percent of the original amount. He then asks: "What's a dime?" but a stern stare from his wife silences that line of questioning.
Far from this interaction, in another corner of the tavern, Doozey starts to feel a bit of regret in showing something potentially traumatizing to the young girl who so recently went through ha separate traumatizing event. To his relief, Alma seems genuinely interested. The curiosity that comes with youth is still there and, in this particular case, it was satisfied when the halfling gave her the opportunity to see his most recent wound. Her previous trauma seems to be playing no role in this interaction, although Doozey does notice that she has been quieter than he remembers, which is likely to be expected. In the end, Alma will be just fine, Doozey concludes.
One of the villagers approaches Neya: "Will you be celebrating through the night with us? Surely you don't mean to leave town this evening, right?"
Utar nods as Grinna sets out the terms of the new deal. "I can live with that, although speaking of expenses, we'll need lodgings for the night and fed tomorrow too."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
"Having seen how easily The Lady's agents are able to keep watch and then gain entrance to your home, I would suggest you make it far more defensible if you do intend on staying. But, I suppose if you were to make Kabel's Hill your home, doing so would likely prevent you from accessing the forest at all in future lest you break the treaty and I imagine she would be keeping a close eye on you regardless. Having had the pleasure of her company, she is not someone I would want to upset further if I could avoid it, keeping my own body parts together would be a bonus."
Turning then to any of the rangers around, "Do we have time to get back to Kabel's Hill today?"
Doozey nodded wherever seemed appropriate, but once otherwise had become quickly preoccupied fishing around in his pack for even a scrap of parchment. Eventually, he finds one of the used ones stuffed inside from the last time he played the messenger game, and after scratching most of the old words, he scribbles something down again before handing it off to Serelis.
Although a bit tricky in places to read due to smudging and the clear haste put into writing the note, the message precedes as followed:
I had not asked for its neither your fight or obligation. But, if you had been of a mind to assist, be in the fight itself or merely in keeping an eye on Old Gnawbones' activities in the forest, we would be most grateful. Either way, thank you for everything you've done. We'll be sure to pass along your message.
Also, while I agree with Ms. Denae suggestion, I won't be adding to the pressure any more than I might already have. Mr. Utar raises a fair point. Just know if there's anything /you/ need of us in the future, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Might take some time, but we'd be more than happy to help.
As the note is being read, Doozey turns and gives Utar a 'so-so' gesture. "Migh be 'ate, but more or 'ess if go mow." He side-eyes the villagers. "For vem, if moffim ehse."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"I'm also of a mind to leave now as well. We might be out of the relatively more hostile parts of the forest. But, who's to say it will stay that way for long."
Extended Signature
"Your concern for my safety is appreciated," Serelis tells Utar without giving the half-orc a definitive answer on whether he plans to move. Nonetheless, based on previous answers to Neya and Denae, it is clear this half-elf is leaning towards sticking around. He then adjusts the half-fixed scarecrow and reaches for the note Doozey is handing over to him.
While he reads, Neya and Doozey share with Utar that they prefer to leave sooner rather than later. Denae agrees: "We are not far from the edge of the forest from here. The walk back to the town proper from there will add some time to the trek, but we should be able to reach Kabel's Hill by evening time."
Only then does Serelis finish reading the note. He replies: "I'll make note of any dragon activity I notice in the forest. I wouldn't expect a dragon to come to my corner at the end of the woods, but if I hear anything I'll let you know once you reach out." He hands the parchment back to Doozey and thanks the group again: "Also, thanks for agreeing to pass along my message to the town, and for offering help in case I need it. Fare you well."
"If there is nothing else then, let us go." Denae makes sure the two villagers are ready to depart and begins to lead the way down the narrow animal run. The quiet trek ends sooner than expected, as the party emerges from the forest into a wide grassy field of much clearer air and brighter light, even if dusk is not far away now. As Denae had promised, the easy walk back to town leads the group past farms and fields before delivering CRAP to the edge of Kabel's Hill as the sun begins to hide behind a distant hill. Ferguson is the first to spot the party: "Woah! you are back! I knew you'd be back. You all look so strong not even the evil fey can take you down!"
The forest had not felt oppressive in and of itself, but the presence of such powerful fey who could bend all aspects of their surroudings to suit their whims. While he had met and witnessed similarly powerful beings away from the fey realm, meeting Jeny Greenteeth and Lord Witchthorn unnerved him. Being outside of their domain, Utar breathes a sigh of relief.
Waving a hello to Ferguson, Utar continues to walk towards the town, calling out "Good to be back in Kabel's Hill!"
Doozey eyes shimmer a little from unshed tears from Serelis response, only to promptly rub them away while trying to both nod and accept the parchment back. "Fare wemm, Sir'rah." With that and a final bow, Doozey rejoins Biscuit's side and sets out ahead of the others to lead the way back.
Back at Kabel Hill...
A smirk blooms on the stoutling's face in observing the young half-orc's exuberance. Though as he thought's again drift back to Greenteeth and Witchthorn, the smirk soon transformed as a more solemn veneer takes its place. Seeming unaware of all this, Biscuit just happily bounded over to the bound to nuzzle up against him until he received the good head pats or wound up guided away by the youth. "We, uh... Brough' who we, eh, uhm... We brough' some home. O'ers, er were..." Doozey trailed off from there with a grimace, prior to then looking up pleading at Neya and Denae to take over explanations and hopefully suggest a town meeting being in need to report everything -- well, just about everything that happened in the forest.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"It was certainly quite a journey young one," Neya begins. "We can tell of what happened and of the pact of the with the denizens of the forest once everyone is gathered."
Extended Signature
"Oh," Ferguson's eyes go wide with surprise. "Skir! Gos! I didn't see you there at first!" His smile opens even wider than his eyes: "Come everyone! I'll take you to the Leaky Bucket! Come! Come!" His eyes dart from Utar to Doozey and then to Neya, as each CRAPer says hello and delivers good news. Biscuit gets a few scratches as well, but more affection will have to wait; it is clear the boy is itching to go back to town with the good news. He is excited with the surprise he is about to bring back into the town proper. In his innocence, he doesn't notice that the return of two villagers spells out the demise of the others.
The party is back at The Leaky Bucket before you even have time to suggest any other stops. Hupe and Grinna Brightbell come running to the door, initially due to Ferguson's excited yelps, but soon because they realize CRAP has returned. As the boy disappears behind you, the opinionated lady of the house speaks first, as is typical in the Brightbell residence: "By Cyrrollalee's grace! It had been so long we feared the worst! Instead, you return with a larger group than the one you left in! This can only be a miracle!" The meeker husband speaks only after his wife pauses: "Skir, Gos, please, sit down... you must be so... hungry and cold. I'll bring blankets and bowls of stew!"
As Hupe disappears in the kitchen, Grinna accompanies the two villagers to their table. For a brief moment, you are left there waiting, standing in the middle of the tavern's open floor. Soon, you hear behind you the noise of the villagers of Kabel's Hill entering the tavern. Furguson wasted no time in running around town and delivering the message. The town is arriving at the tavern.
Assuming that the villagers are going to crowd around their returned number, Utar gives them plenty of space, finding a quiet looking table where he can sit quietly and wait for the debrief to start.
Despite himself, Doozey couldn't help but smile warmly at the interactions of the Brightbell: a most welcome sight after the past few days of stress. But soon enough, he quietly follows Utar's example, if but to put off being the one to tell the story. At least... for a ittle while, if nothing else. But as a precuation, if nothing else, he put pencil to parchment once more in anticipation of some questions. Meanwhile, Biscuit tries to follow Hupe into the kitchen, hoping to be given a treat or two on the sly while Grinna was distracted elsewhere.
-Biscuit Stealth: 23.
(Meant mainly for inconspiciously avoiding Grinna's notice on the way)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Neya takes a look over the townsfolk to find out the general attitued. She will use what she gleans from that to figure how to best approach the main talking points.
Insight: 26
Extended Signature
@Utar: You find a spot at a bench by a long table, which very quickly becomes occupied by many residents of Kabel's Hill. Despite your attempt to remain quiet, the villagers are honing in on any and all CRAPers so they can feed on gossip scraps as much as they can. They ask about the fey of the forest, your deals with them, and about the lost villagers.
@Doozey: Like Utar's, your plans for momentary solitude are quickly thwarted by approaching villagers. They ask about your journey, what monsters you faced, how did you defeat them and many other questions. Meanwhile, Biscuit moves past the crowd and an yelling Grinna, who is trying to boss Hupe around even from a distance. She is criticizing how long he is taking to bring the stew and preemptively telling him that the food is not warm enough. In the kitchen, a stressed but welcoming Hupe fishes meat chunks from the stew pot and throws them in the air. The mastiff understands the assignment and leaps like a dolphin to claim his morsels.
@Neya: The villagers are curious and happy that some of the lost rescuers were brought back alive. Most of them had clearly started mentally preparing for the worst, so having a total of three out of six (seven if Halvin is included) missing persons returned is already surpassing expectations. More than this good feeling, however, the people of Kabel's Hill are here to extract every single detail of the story you are about to share. This is a small town. Gossip will fuel them for years to come.
Utar looks off into the middle distance.
"The stories about the forest are true, worse than that, those within them are real. The fey who dwell within are dark and terrible and have no love for those hail from outside their forest. Even those on their edges such as the fine folk of Kabel's Hill are not welcomed. That half of your number returned home is a miracle, be thankful and celebrate their return. Mourn those who did not. They died helping their family and friends and got an undeserved death. I hope it was quick and their spirits are at rest. You breed them brave here."
Heading to the bar, Utar heeds no further questions on CRAP's journey into the forest, he simply says that he has said his piece already. Slapping his hand down onto the bar, he looks for Grinna or Hupe.
"Drinks for the folks of Kabel's Hill to remember the lost and welcome the returned home."
Taking his hand away, Utar reveals a small pile of gold coins indicating he intends to cover a portion of tonight's bar tab.
"Some of you were worried about the pact between the forest and communities around it, including Kabel's Hill and Phlan," Neya begins. "We do bring good news. We were able to preserve the pact. However, it was more of the fey who was involved with the pact looking the other way rather than a restoration of trust."
Neya notices that she's still hesitating to say Jeny Greenteeth's name out loud and concludes it's for the best.
"It was a dangerous negotiation, and I highly doubt that a success like that would work again. A second chance has been given."
Extended Signature
Where there are 'yes' or 'no' questions, Doozey is at least willing to oblige. But beyond such matters he tries his best to redirect the villagers to his fellow compatriots with monosyllabic responses. Yet should the more over enthusiastic ask pry into his change in speech, Doozey gives up the ghost in opening his mouth open wide to reveal his tongueless new state, then gives the questioner a warning look not to pry further. As for Biscuit, with his mission successful, he gives his best doggie salute before weaving his way past the throng to Doozey's side. Try to, in any event. If, however, he had to be a bit more forceful in his squeezing past folk to get to Doozey however, that's very much what he tries to unless called to heel by the lady of the house.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Utar is the first to begin answering questions, although it is clear the cleric is only willing to share so much. When it looks like the villagers are about to pressure the half-orc further, he instead finds his way to the bar and a returning Grinna. She does as requested following the cheer of the crowd and begins to pass around drinks to everyone who wants one. A more understanding tavern owner would likely have refused Utar's money given the celebratory circumstances and CRAP's role in them, but Grinna is business-savvy and is not about to refuse gold.
@Utar: A mug of common ale is fairly cheap here, likely based on some bulk discount Grinna is willing to offer. There are a lot of people around though. If paying for the whole tab, please deduct 35gp from your wallet. If paying for part of it, pick a number lower than 35.
There are some dubious responses to Neya's news update at first, but once she confirms that negotiations were successful and the Pact stands, the folks of Kabel's Hill are ready to resume their celebration. The wisest among the villagers focus on the idea of this being a second chance and there not being room for a third, but most villagers are choosing to focus on the good portion of the news.
Denae catches the overflow of villagers' questions directed at Doozey. She answers them but only briefly, without giving much details. It is clear the gossipers want more, but Denae is content with simply giving them more reason to celebrate at this moment. A few villagers catch a glimpse of Doozey's tonguelessness as he wishes to reveal it. One of them is the girl, Alma. Biscuit successfully but somewhat forcefully returns to his master's side.
After helping the two returning villagers, Hupe makes his way to Utar and hands over a heavy leather bag: "Here is Kabel's Hill's coffers. One thousand golden coins, as promised. There is no better use for it than to mark the return of some of our own and the success in keeping the pact alive. Please keep it."
In the background, Grinna yells at those trying to get a second mug of ale from her.
There's no quibbling over prices, Utar leaves the full amount, takes his own mug and sips. The ale is earthy and nutty and has a slightly sour aftertaste, although that might be the memory of their encounters in the Quivering Forest.
As Hupe come over with the town's coffers, Utar puts out a hand, pushing the money bag back towards him. "Three families are missing husbands, brothers and sons. Rerk will need help for the rest of his life. I won't leave this town poorer than it already is."
Doozey hadn't meant to let his gaze linger on any individual for long least he invited more questions and conversations. Yet where it came to Alma, things were... a bit different, for in a few ways she reminded him of Elisande. But whereas for little Eli there was simply no getting back entirely the innocence of youth, the same couldn't be said for Alma. Or so he hoped, in any event. However, was it possible in his frustration he'd incidentally traumatized the girl even further?
Or might he had further instilled caution where it came to the fey in the youth? Curiosity and concern would lead him to searching her face to try and get a read on her. But eventually...
-Insight: 27.(23)
Biscuit's insistence at nudging at the mug that found its way to the stoutling's hand broke the stoutling's focus long enough to peer bemusedly at the drink that somehow found its way to his hand, before setting it down and pushing it away. "Chimama Koi-ya..." He murmurs, before then perking up hearing the exchange over the reward. His chest soon swells with air as he crossed his arms and nodded approvingly at Utar.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Hupe looks at Grinna for a response, as he likely does whenever he is in doubt on how to proceed. She takes the purse containing the coins after Utar pushes it back toward the couple. She opens it, reaches inside, takes out some coins, and begins forming a pile. She repeats this task a few times and then pushes the smaller separate pile back towards Utar. "You are a good person. Too good for this world. Your kindness deserves recognition. What you did for us deserves recognition. Feel free not to call it a reward if you don't want to, but these 100 golden coins here should at least cover yours and your companions' expenses and the additional wear on your gear. There is plenty left in the bag for the people of Kabel's Hill. Let it not be said that you saved our town and we made you do it on your own dime."
Hupe is flabbergasted. You suspect that he has just witnesses one of the rarest sights in his life: his wife willingly gave money away, even if it was just 10 percent of the original amount. He then asks: "What's a dime?" but a stern stare from his wife silences that line of questioning.
Far from this interaction, in another corner of the tavern, Doozey starts to feel a bit of regret in showing something potentially traumatizing to the young girl who so recently went through ha separate traumatizing event. To his relief, Alma seems genuinely interested. The curiosity that comes with youth is still there and, in this particular case, it was satisfied when the halfling gave her the opportunity to see his most recent wound. Her previous trauma seems to be playing no role in this interaction, although Doozey does notice that she has been quieter than he remembers, which is likely to be expected. In the end, Alma will be just fine, Doozey concludes.
One of the villagers approaches Neya: "Will you be celebrating through the night with us? Surely you don't mean to leave town this evening, right?"
Utar nods as Grinna sets out the terms of the new deal. "I can live with that, although speaking of expenses, we'll need lodgings for the night and fed tomorrow too."