The half-orc scratches his head and answers the dwarf.

"The Rockseeker brothers offered a payment if we did their job.

Thagakh doesn't think that it makes us heroes but Thagakh can say we are very good at doing chores."

“I am Bramstein Brothunder.  It is great to meet a humble half orc. “ he laughs as he slaps Thagakh on the back.  “We have been invited to Phandalin by Sildar to help the community rebuild and grow. He has told many of your bravery.  It is a pleasure to meet you all.”

Tyrus, wary of strangers in general, sticks to the background through this conversation and keeps a close eye on them, trying to gauge their intent.

Insight: 12

Though a Tyrus is wise to not trust a group of this size.  He is only able to detect merriment and hope from this group.

Thagakh scour through his memory of unceasing drinking and eating from the taverns and camps they shared with Sildar and tries to remember if he ever told us any information of the group he was in.

History 8

The only thing that Thagakh can remember is the term “Lord’s Alliance “.

After remembering something vague, the half-orc replies to the merry dwarf.

"Thagakh is also pleased to meet you all.

Thagakh see your group is very large Brothunder, are you one of those Lord's Alliance members Sildar mentioned when he was wasted after drinking copious amount of ale?"

“Randall and I are both LA.  Most of the others are just wanting to make a life in Phandalin.  You mentioned the Star Mountains.  What is there for you and you know it is the other direction? “. He points to the other way.

"We plan on going there from Neverwinter, either from the sea or land route.

As for why we're going there, our friend is going there for a religious pilgrimage and we're going there with him so he won't be lonely."

“Well served and best of luck.  Unless you need our assistance, we should be on our way.  I believe everyone has had an opportunity to refresh themselves and their animals.  When your adventure concludes, I hope to meet again.”  says Randall as they prepare to depart.

Despite his original desire to remain unattached from companions, Tyrus can't help but smirk at Thagakh's explanation.

"Careful Tyrus, you're on the precipice of real companionship for once," he mutters to nobody in particular.

As the train of citizens moves past, smiling faces from craftsmen, farmers, businessmen, wives, sons, daughters and many children greet your group.  Many of them reach out to Thagakh to shake his hand or pat him on the shoulder.  Only the livestock and pets shy away from the half orc.

Minutes later they are down the road and out of sight.

Your group is still 3 hours from Neverwinter.

Thagakh sits on the wagon and nudges the rest of the group.

"Let's move on to Neverwinter after we camp for the night so we can sell those things we haven't sold yet and buy things we need for the long travel."

Ian comes back from the woods to the wagon. To Thagakh “you did well with that group.  I am interested in going back the Black Hammer once we sell what we can and find lodging.”  Ian puts the pups back into the wagon.

Arafiel smiles at Thag.    "Well done indeed"

Boghadair snores softly,  sleeping through that entire interaction...

Neverwinter is a few more minutes ride before you.

Neverwinter is on the Sword Coast of Faerin.  Port city with new and old sections.  The old section or Old Neverwinter is to the south side of the city. This section was not destroyed by the primordial blast.  The southern gate is what you are approaching.  There is a long line to pass through the gate due to the Solar Eclipse celebration.

Ian is a little concerned about going through the gate with the Dire wolf pups.  “Hey .... if they make a big deal about the pups, I will catch up with you all inside later.”

As you approach the gate, you can hear the guards asking people “why are you visiting Neverwinter? Where are you traveling from most recently? What do you have with you? And what is your name?”  They have only turned away extremely poor and homeless looking people.

Who will speak for your group?  All should be prepared to answer the guards.

Since it is my wagon, I will walk in front guiding my horse.  “Good day Neverwinter guards!  The portends in the sky have brought many visitors to your fine city.”

The pups are asleep in a sack of my clothes next to the dragon skull.