"Petunia?" says Gareth. "I think you're in luck, Big Al. We came across a cow and some horses on our way here. They were near the ruins of Conyberry. We tied them up not far from here. I can go get them for you."

He follows Big Al inside the farmhouse as he speaks and watches as he tends to his injuries. Eldrin cleans a chair with magic before sitting down on it, which causes the ranger to smile. It was just such an Eldrin thing to do. 

Meira gives Eldrin a slight grin at his very factual answer.  As others head inside, she follows. "I am certainly willing to help you clean things up, Big Al.  And yes, as Gareth said, your cows tied to the fence just the other side of your fields."  As Big Al and then Eldrin sit, her eyes glance up the stairs. "We are sure no orcs are left?" she asks. "With your permission, maybe we should check things out upstairs?"  While waiting for an answer she slowly starts to creep up. (Stealth: 11)

"Petunia?" Lyra asks once she follows everyone inside. She looks momentarily lost, until she realizes Big Al is talking about Daisy. "OH! You mean Daisy? I thought of giving her a name when Zephyros found her, but Petunia is definitely a beautiful name for your prize cow." She pauses for a beat. "Are the horses yours as well? They're Larry, Barry, and Harry. Though I guess you had other names for them, too?"

The cleric sits with the rest and asks curiously, "Might I ask… the butter skulls… how… I mean… why…?" She frowns, unsure how to put her thoughts into words, and finally blurts out bluntly, "What are they for? Are they, like, for eating? I mean, they're cool, of course! I've just never seen butter shaped into skulls before." She chuckles nervously.

Her tone grows more serious when she addresses Big Al's farm hand. "Of course we'll help. We'll bury them. Perhaps after you've rested and feel a bit better, we could say our farewells. Maybe before the sun sets—I'm pretty sure your farm will have a beautiful glow by then." Lyra pauses, "I am so sorry. I wish we could have helped earlier."

"Yes, checking upstairs would be wise. I can go with you." The seasoned warrior mentions, affirming the deft rogue's idea.

Zephyros then turns to Big Al and adds, "After that, I can help burn the orc bodies." 

Stealth: 8

Gareth,

Big Al finishes with his bandages and he raises his head towards you. "That's wonderful news! Yes, please. My barn was destroyed, but with a little bit of work we can secure the western pasture to keep the animals in. I have some nails here in the farmhouse and extra planks behind my smithy. Stinking orcs destroyed my smithy as well." He finishes his sentence while shaking his head. 

 Meira, and Zephyros,

"Thank you for the help, Meira." Big Al stands quickly as Meira suggests making sure the home is safe. "Good point. Yes, of course you have my permission. I can't believe I didn't think to do the same." He watches as Zephyros moves to join Meira and relaxes again. He nods at Zephyros as he offers to help burn the orc bodies. "Thank you... oh by the way, since you rescued me and my sweet Petunia, please help yourself to what you find in the secret compartment of my wardrobe."

Moving up the stairs, you first find yourself in a common room. Padded chairs and game tables are arranged about this room. Scattered on the floor are Three-Dragon Ante playing cards and wooden Dragonchess pieces. Moving down the hall, you see six doors, three to the north and three to the south. All of the doors are opened except the first door on the northern side of the hallway. Three of the rooms with open doors all look similar and contains two beds and two footlockers. The last room down the hallway has a large desk with stacks of papers on it, but is otherwise empty. There is a broom closet across the hall from the office. At the end of the hallway is a staircase leading back down to the first floor of the farmhouse. 

Presuming you open the door to the first room you passed...

Lyra,

Big Al smiles as you engage him in conversation. He moves to the dining room of the home where you see a huge mess created by the orcs who appear to have feasted and drank after their victory over the ranchers. He finds several untouched wine glasses in a partially broken hutch along with a bottle of wine covered in dust hidden on top. He wipes the bottle off and uncorks it. Pours a glass for you, Eldrin and himself. Drinking the glass in a single gulp, he pours himself another.

"Daisy huh... that's a nice name. I like Daisy. Yes, the horses are mine also. Their names are Argento, Scatto, and Spartan." The large man laughs heartily as you ask him about the butter skulls. "Of course they are for eating. Truth be told, I don't really know why I make my butter into the shape of a skull. I guess to just make them unique, and when something is unique you can charge more for it. Maybe I'm a bit morbid as well." He downs his second glass of wine and stares off as you talk about helping to bury the dead, "Yes, well you came in time to save my hide, and for that I'm grateful."

 Eldrin accepts the proffered glass of wine and swirls it in the glass, inspecting its runs. He takes a deep smell of the alcoholic beverage before saying, "Hmm... a fruity bouquet with hints of lavender." He looks at Lyra with the smallest hint of a smile as he takes the tiniest of sips, allowing the liquid to stay in his mouth for a moment before swallowing. "This wine is... adequate. Thank you." It's somewhat unclear to Big Al that this is high praise from the wizard, but Big Al nods.

"thank you sir," The fighter nods in appreciation to the rancher, then begins traversing up the stairs.

Immediately upon seeing the slumbering orc, the bear of a man holds his breath and tenses up.

Noticing the half-empty cask of ale, the veteran calms and relaxes.

"Dead drunk, I reckon." Ironheart shakes his head.

Zephyros subtly whispers to Meira, "Should we take him hostage? Or... dispose of him?"

"I almost feel sorry for this creature. Almost. But not quite." Ironheart quietly mentions, waiting patiently for Meira's command.

Meira looks back at Zephyros for a moment, surprised that he's given her the decision.  Knowing there is no rush, she considers a moment. 'Is the man testing me?' she wonders. She decides he isn't, just asking for her opinion.  Keeping her voice very quiet, she responds, "Let's see if we can take him prisoner. Maybe get some information." She swiftly gets the rope from her pack, holding it out for the man to see.  She then advances towards the orc being as silent as possible to see about tying him. 

(Sleight of Hand if needed: 8)