"Yes, that the best course of action at present."

Doozey’s shake of the head and promise of bringing only tools for now is a bit of a truth-stretching exercise, but it seems to dissuade the people of the plaza from doing anything more than staring. Many of them are bound to recognize CRAP on sight now, so that also has its effect.

Neya, Utar, and Raist then agree to a quick stop by the Helm shrine. It is just a hop away so CRAP soon finds itself right in front of the small doorless building. All are welcome in the shrine despite it being in the vicinity of the most guarded area of town. There is little inside apart from a small altar with an oversized gauntlet in display. There is no sitting arrangements, only the standing room for no more than six or eight people. Inside, the shrine attendant, a fully armored tall human man with his helm being held on one hand by his waist, welcomes you in. “How may Helm protect you today?”

"It is a bitter duty that brings us here today. We are recently returned to Phlan but I am saddened to report that on our travels we encountered the remains of a Helmite named Gavriel. They are outside, in our wagon, magically protected, until we were able to return him to your care. I am sorry for your loss."

Despite having encouraged the pit stop, Doozey remained by the wagon alongside Biscuit, if but to make sure no locals got too curious despite his claims. Yet his ears stayed ever open, and even from afar -- despite all the other ambient noises in the area -- he caught enough to bow his head in solemn solidarity. Seeing this, Biscuit tilted his head to the side in confusion, but then bounded over and placed a comforting paw on Doozey's shoulders. "... This used to be easier, Brother. And dare I say, I... almost long for those days when it was." He whispering. "Brye ro... Brye ro..." Biscuit said(?) and nodded along in agreement.

"How noble," the armored attendant exclaims. "Is he one of ours, a resident of Phlan?"

The question is answered a moment later once Utar and the shrine attendant agree on a way to bring the corpse into the shrine area. While outside, he nods solemnly to Doozey and others who may have also be waiting outside.

When back inside, he explains to Utar: "No, Gavriel does not have a face I recognize as one of mine. Know that Helm will protect him in the afterlife, and that I, as his instrument, will ensure that he receives the proper rites and is interred accordingly. I would be honored to do so right at our very own Valhingen Graveyard, here in town. That said, if you happen to know where Gavriel hails from, we could arrange to send him home instead."

Utar shakes his head. "I am afraid we do not know where he hails from, but I can find out. I'll return later today with news. Returning him home would be a deserving last kindness."

"Very well," the attendant replies. "May both Helm and Torm protect you."

Utar leads CRAP out of the shrine area and toward the Leadstopper Residence. 

(OOC: Any other stops before reaching HQ?)

CRAP's short trek through the streets of Phlan is met with many curious eyes. The boldest among the populace shout questions at the wagon: "Any food in there?", "Did you take the Iron Route?", "How did you pass by the bandits?", "Spare some food?", "Did you get them? Did you save us again?"

Villonah is waiting just outside the residence, the front door open behind her. "Took you long enough. It is not very gentleman-like to leave a lady waiting." She winks at Doozey after that second sentence. She enters the building while CRAP is still bringing the wagon to a stop.

Inside, Sagin has prepared a veritable breakfast feast (a "breakfeast?") if not in variety, then in quantity: almond bread, oat bread, soft cheese, whey cheese, morning vegetable stew served cold, fresh cabbage clippings, boiled eggs, overnight-roasted parsnips, and duck pâté. It is clear to see that the little kobold is proud of his spread, but perhaps also a bit concerned that the smell may attract hungry folks from outside the home. He wouldn't want his food to be the cause of trouble.

Villonah has already started serving herself. "It's been a while since I slept in my own bed, ate food at my own table. Thanks for taking care of our place in my absence, and hiring this handy fella right here. I could have used the warning, though. I almost stuck a blade in his ribs when I arrived yesterday." Looking at Sagin, you now notice he has the kobold-equivalent of a black-eye and an apologetic-yet-frightened smile.

Utar's eyes go wide, "Apologies to you both, I should have mentioned this in my messages.  But everyone is still whole, right?"

Pausing to let Villie and Sagin, Utar goes on, "You should know, Gavriel's remains have been taken to the shrine of Helm within the city.  There is an option to inter his remains at Valhingen, but if he would have preferred his remains to be returned to his home, they can be.  Villanoh, were you aware of his wisshes, or know who might?"

Following Utar's first question:

"Right..." Villie shares an apologetic grin.

"Right? Right." Sagin convinces himself.

Utar shifts the conversation and Villie's expression turns to one of sorrow. "Thank you for getting him out of that awful place and bringing him here. He hails from Mulmaster on the other end of the Moonsea. It is not a short ride, but neither is it impossibly long. If you find it in you to finance that trip through the Helmite faithful, it would be a grand gesture, and one I can only repay with the gratitude of myself and the Order of the Gauntlet." She takes a deep breath and explains further: "But I reckon this is a tall order. Valhingen is already an upgrade on hanging on a tree branch by the Iron Route. Should Valhingen be your preferred option, I'll be sure to send word to his home so his relatives know where to come to pay their respects."

With little to no desire to field more questions, Doozey thought to ignore hounding of the bold as they passed them by, least something slipped that was better left unspoken. Yet with no outlet to speak of during the remaining journey, his head became heavier from feelings of guilt, whether warranted or not.

By the time the party finally arrives home, the halfling could hardly keep his gaze high enough to keep an eye on the road. But then... But then, he hears her, and suddenly he's looking up just in time to see Villonah. "... S-... Sor-..." He started to say, but with Villonah quickly disappearing into the building, the words die in his throat. Even so, Doozey sat up in his seat well after, and with far more enthusiasm saw to bringing the wagon into place. Biscuit is already running inside by the time the wagon is brought to a stop, eagerly taking his place at the table!

"Darn it, Biscuit! I-aww... uugh... Ya'll go in ahead of me. I'll, uh, be a minute. Gonna set an alarm around the wagon just in case." He says to Raist and Neya, before hoping out and getting to work see to both the wards and making sure the Oxen were tended as best as possible. Once all that is dealt with he finds his way inside just in time to catch maybe the last tidbit of Villonah's part of the exchange. "I think we aughta be able to swing it if, ehh, certain recent, uhm... 'things' are handled well enough. But, uhm... A-are you, uhm... of course, uhh.. w-what I meant to say is, uhm, glad to see you made it back alright Villie." Doozey only just manages a small, but relieved smile before it suddenly turns to alarm seeing Sagin's face.

"Sagin!? Wha-wha-what happened?! H-Hold on-" He hustles quickly over to Sagin, rubbing his hands together until the palm of one began glowing a gentle green light. "H-hold still, buddy. This aughta help with the swelling, if nothing else." He assured the Kobold, and if allowed placed a hand on Sagin's head and released some restorative magic.

-Casting (1st level)Cure Wounds on Sagin. (Doubt healed amount matters, but I'll put it in for posterity's sake, if nothing else: 17-2..

Utar mulls over Villie's comments.  "I think the Helmite's would prefer that we attempt to return Gavriel home, I cannot claim to be familiar with all of their customs, but if it is possible, we should try. We can but try to find the finances for such a journey and your gratitude is more than recompense. We should all be so lucky when we eventually meet our own ends."

Realising his last turn of phrase is a massive bummer for everyone, he attempts to steer the conversation back towards what the Order of the Gauntlet were up to and to provide Villie an update on CRAP's actions.

"Not to be all business about it, because  but is it worth debriefing each other on our actions after our last encounter? Did the other prisoner's get home safely?  Did Sirge? What will the Order do next?"

While he waits for the others to ask their own questions, Utar busies himself with some oat bread and soft cheese, maybe a boiled egg. Between mouthfuls he asks, "Sagin, my thanks for this meal.  You have done well to keep us so well provisoned. But, how have things been in the city while we have been away, have the markets been better stocked of late or are things still dire?"

Raist tries to suppress a small smile as he watches Doozy's discomfort 

To no one in particular and perhaps a bit absentmindedly "should be able to arrange transportation for the cleric"  he then asks Sagin for some hot water when he is able.

Neya just watches the conversation. Mostly thinking of the ramifications of the failed mission.

BEFORE ARRIVING AT THE LEADSTOPPER RESIDENCE

The people of Phlan are left without any answers as they chuck questions at a passing wagon.

IN THE LEADSTOPPER RESIDENCE

Despite arriving late to the conversation inside (alarms properly set), Doozey is quick to catch up. Like Raist, Villie smiles at Doozey's sweet but shy words, although her smile carries a bit more in it than the elf's. Then, Sagin winces and later relaxes as Doozey heals him: "Ouch, Ouch.... Ohhh.... Thank you!"

Utar turns the conversation back to the topic of the Helmite, confirming his preference to honor the man as best as he can afford. Raist mutters a potential alternative, but is not yet sure if his words were heard by his colleagues. Villonah agrees with Utar's grim statement but then seems ready to follow up on his offered suggestion. "Yes, yes. That sounds like a good idea. Let me start. The situation on the Iron Route was beginning to affect more Moonsea cities than just Phlan. Our commanding officer in the Order of the Gauntlet, Zern Xerskil, you've met him, told us we ought to worry ourselves with greater concerns but, before too long, we got word that the bandits were taking more than just goods... they were taking some innocent village folks too for some nasty sorcerous sacrifices. After that, Zern told us to prepare for a rescue mission. My orders were given in person, but Zern sent Gavriel's in a letter... you found the letter, right? Our goal was to save the people and not worry about the goods, as those can be replaced. Gavriel and I were given that mission and pointed at the Iron Route. We stumbled upon the King's Pyre by shear luck... or lack thereof. A patrol of kobolds spotted us. We could have taken them but the sorceress happened to be with them. She was quite powerful. Gavriel fell to give me an opportunity to complete the mission. I ran past the kobolds and managed to lose them in the caves only to then fall into one of their stupid traps. They captured me and placed me in a cage next to the people I had been sent to rescue. That's when I met Sirge and realized he would come in handy should we get a chance to escape. Then, well, you showed up."

She takes a small break from talking to listen to reactions, and then continues when given the opportunity: "I know not if Sirge made it back. I hope he did, but would expect him to be busy debriefing his own faction. As for mine, I'm afraid I am needed out of town once more. I must return to Melvaunt to report in person. Unlike the Harpers, the Order of the Gauntlet's presence in Phlan is minimal."

When brought back into the conversation, Sagin explains: "Not much to buy nowadays, but our storage well provisioned. Markoth at the Laughing Goblin helped. Good man, him. He says food in town is low but some goes to taverns. Said something about avoiding hoarding or fighting in the streets. That's what Markoth said. He did."

Through this conversation, Neya's mind seems preoccupied with other hard conversations to come.

Though fleeting in the heat of the moment, Doozey's cheeks had grown a little flushed seeing Villie's smile, before ultimately getting wrapped and distracted tending to Sagin. "Mn. No problem, my friend. I think I get what happened, and, uhh... yeah... sorry..." On that note, it was with an apologetic smile and a few pats to the shoulder that the halfling soon left his kobold compatriot to his own devices in favor of taking his seat at the table.

As eager as Biscuit had been about getting to the table, but ever the "gentledog", he sat waiting and wagging his tail until he saw Utar begin setting up his plate. At which point he tried to do much the same. But while his fey touched being allowed a greater degree of mutability, he yet struggled to fill up his own plate before Doozey quietly stepped in to help. Even as the halfling went about his work, the occasional twitch of the ear or absentminded frown or nod gave away that he remained very much attentive of the ongoing conversation.

"Well on the Sirge front, it ain't nothing a sending from Utar won't be able to confirm. Though -- and you can correct me if'n I'm wrong, Utar -- but, uhh, I believe ya already reached out to one of'em Harper agents, yeah? And they s'pose to swing by later this evening or something?" He pauses there at least long enough for an answer before pressing on with more of his own two cents. "As fer the bandit situation-" He looks to Villie. "I s'pose ya can report that it's a bit of a mixed bag. On the positive side, Jerella's forces were so decimated so thoroughly that any further banditry on her part aughta be next to none for a good long while. And that's assuming the cult she's all wrapped up in don't kill her for her failures." Doozey's sighs.

"But while we think we got at least a couple of possible good means of discovering where she went to ground, it doesn't change the fact that she slipped the noose. But, not for long.... Not if we can help it... *ahem* Uhh, a-as for the Greys, well, most of their forces are intact. And though we tried to, ehh-mmn, 'encourage' them to go about things a bit differently, Krulek is a stubborn bastard. So, if nothing else, even if he had some contingency in place for if that meeting of his went sideways as bad as it did, it aughta be at least a few days 'fore he's reorganized and settled enough to harass the Iron Route again. Which aughta give us enough time to track down Jerella." He further explained, before looking to Villonah. "You know, VIllie, uhm... If there's no big hurry to make that report though, uhm.. I-I would love--ER, uhm, w-w-/we/ could use the added help in all this, if'n yer up for it." 

Utar nods, "I can contact Sirge and also Harper, see if we cannot use their presence in the city to aid our causes."

He then steps back from conversaion while he composes his magical messages.

Message to Sirge:

 Message to Harper:

Sagin nods along with Doozey and moves on to take care of his responsibilities before long. In the meantime, Villonah pets Biscuit a bit as a reward for waiting patiently for his food.

When the conversation resumes, she listens to Doozey's additions before responding to his comment on the bandits: "Well, it is good to hear the sorceress's band was thoroughly defeated, even if she herself found a way to escape. If you had to pick only one of the groups of outlaws to destroy, I am glad you picked the one also involved in human sacrifice. As for the others, the Iron Route will always have to contend with highwaymen. Perhaps with less banditry competition now, trade can resume and the share of it that is lost to outlaws can return to an acceptable rate for the merchants. Like Zern said, it is only goods."

Villonah then smiles again when Doozey awkwardly asks her to stay for a while longer. Is she... Is she blushing a bit too? Once her cheeks turn to normal again, she asks: "Hmm... Could Utar send word to Zern as well? That shall buy me some time."

Utar had turned his attention away from the conversation when Doozey referenced a few more messages. He gets his replies soon enough.

From Sirge:

From Harper:  

Coming back into the conversation having received quick replies from the Harpers, Utar smiles, quietly pleased with own joke, "We've some Harpers coming for dinner, and a representative from House Cardona coming along later, we are quite the social butterflies!"

Catching the end of Villanoh's request, he adds, "Happy to message Zern on your behalf.  What do you want to say? Twenty five words or less, mind."

"You folks are becoming quite the beehive of activity . Sebastian if you please.   He hands a folded note to the Raven that appears.   Take this to the mistress.