“Good point. Perhaps we should return to the surface.”

Eidren turns to face his companions, the magic fading from view. He looks to be his old normal self again. 

“Shall we? Or did you want to tempt fate a bit longer?”

"Escaping the tallest tree in the forest falling on our heads was enough excitement for one day. I say we depart before this cave has a chance to reconsider"

As the party departs Gothazar will continue to keep himself between the giant toad and the rest of the party.

You make it to the village without a problem. You find Orm, as instructed.

Orm: Oh, oh! You're back, They're back! How was it? Are you okay? What is the Elven Tear?

Leif slowly puts his hands at the elder's shoulder as he makes a grim face while delivering an ominous prophecy.

"It housed an ancient curse created by the gods to signal the beginning of the world's inevitabe end.

It was too late before we found it out. Fortunately, the maker of the jewels left a message for humanity that contains a hint on how to survive Ragnarök.

The person said it was written in an ancient collection of forgotten texts. Do you know anything about it?"

The sea-elf stares at him with seriousness as he tries to hold his expression from falling apart.

Deception 19

vs

Insight 7

Orm starts to pace back and forth. He starts to mumble in a nervous voice.

Orm: Uhhh, this isn't good, can't be good. I do not know of such texts. Did it give any description?

Leif halts the elder from moving and attempts to calm him down.

"Do not worry elder Orm, I merely jest to lighten the current tense situation. We succesfully gained the jewels and there were no world ending curse inside of it.

Still, I am looking for these texts that contain forgetten tales of ancient gods and heroes. Perhaps, you've seen a group of people passing through here long ago with the same motive."

Orm: Eh, I would supose so. I have seen many travelers throughout my days. Perhaps if I dwell on it, I could tell you more. Anyhow, the gods have given me more news. They have told me of undead on the East. Go to the village of Tipborrow. They say you will learn more there. Oh, and before you leave, I have something for you.

"Forgive my curiosity Elder, I do appreciate your wisdom and any aid you can offer our group, but exactly which gods have you been in contact with?"

Orm: No worries, I understand that having to recieve messages from the mighty thrpugh a middleman can be uncomfortable. Well, mostly the Aesir. Odin is the most concerned, but Thor is the loudest voice. The Vanir aren't as concerned, but Freya and Freyr do show a bit of interest.

“You said you have something for us. Should we discuss that so we can be on our way?”

Orm: Of course. Just give me one second.

He retreats to his hut. You hear him rummaging around before coming back out.

Orm: I know it's not much, but it's what we can get you. I have informed the shaman at Tipborrow of your arrival, he will help you from there. If this is my last time seeing you, thank you and good luck.

He hands you a bag of 300 gp (75 gp each, that I have added to your character sheets)

“Thank you, that is very generous.”

To the rest of the group, “Should we stay the day and depart first thing in the morning, or head out now?”

"As I recall the local tavern has an excellent selection...."

"Well..."

Leif looks at his purse filled with gold and speaks to the group.

"We only took a short rest today, I think we can stay here for now to get ready for tomorrow morning where we will depart. Travelling and camping at night is quite dangerous."

Leif talks back to the elder Orm.

"I'll probably spend this day looking for ingredients to create a potion of healing or two. Could you guide me where to procure them?"

Orm: Ah, yes, my garden should have all of the necessary plants and herbs. The rest is in my hut.

Leif gives his advice to the rest of his companions.

"I do not know that much on what to prepare against undead creatures, so bring what you think would be effective against them.

I'll be harvesting ingredients at the elder Orm's hut and spend the rest of the day making a potion of healing.

If there's time to spare, I'll take a swig of ale before going to sleep. So don't exhaust this village's supply of alcohol Gothazar."

The sea elf makes a playful wink at the goliath eager to drink before he heads out to his destination.

Eidren wanders he town for an hour or so before the Elven Tear begins to call to him. He sneaks back to his room and studies it trying to make contact with his family again. 

Gothazar gives Leif a now familiar wicked grin before grabbing Asgrim's shirt and dragging him in the direction of the tavern.

As Gothazar and Asgrim enter the tavern, they see it is quite empty, with just one patron sitting at a table. The bartender doesn't seem to notice them as they walk in.