Although it pained him to do so, Salazar straightened out his back, and glared daggers back at the Nothic. Before Lark can say anything the Scholar a raised a hand, gesturing for the goblin to hold for a moment. "No... You did not. I may be tired... I may be weakened right now, but my words were quite clear. You were called to answer whatever obligations you held to Iarno... Whatever that might've entail.... but instead, /chose/ to force a deal without the other parties consent... and stake claim on that which was not owed... And if I had but the strength at the moment... to rid you of /your/ mortal coil at the moment, fiend, I would do so... in a heart beat."

He paused to let the words sink in, and despite the precarious situation refused to waver in the moment. That was the way the old Salazar. A more cautious and more cowardly spirit who might have willingly chosen to become one of the fallen if not for fear of loss. If not rend apart on the spot for the statement, Salazar continues. "... But what's done is done... Unless your intent now is to 'collect'... I will be taking these people home... and seeing to other matters. But as Oghma and Zalidar as my witnesses -- This..." He gestures to the marking. "Will be rectified in the future." He states and taps the butt of Glasstaff's staff into the ground at his side. "And before you spout nonsense about having spared my life... and there's as well" He gestures over to the prisoners. "... and being grateful... of it... being what would've been desired.... if you know what I am...." All but the whites of Salazar disappears and is replaced by a silvery light, and transparent angelic wings appears behind him for a moment. "You know that line of thinking to be no more than a lie." Once more he waits to see how the nothic might react. And if there's even a single hint of either aggression towards the prisoners, or a very clear attempt at attacking friend or foe with the intent to kill, he would release one desperate note to at the very least spite the creature.

The nothic's eye stares at Salazar with unhidden glee. And you chose to call upon a creature sch as me, with a demand, offering nothing up That I could not have collected by waiting for you or them to finish. Your 'offer' was the same as telling a riverbank you will bring it more water.. when the river is already doing so. You may try to rectify it all you wish. And should you succeed I will allow you to remain unbound. And I see you have found the coward. Perhaps you and your ilk are more utile than expected. The nothic then began to saunter its way out. Letting every undulation of it's grotesque body be emphasized. And unless someone chose to attack it, it would meander out slowly, leaving everyone in the room there alone.

If attacked, this would alter slightly.

Lark is startled by the Nothics presence, jumping backwards and almost landing on Droop's foot. Noticing Salazar's reaction he at least pretends to be calm. Straightening out his vest, Lark moves forward to join the conversation. 

Lark sharp intake of breath as he prepares a retort is cut short by Salazar's hand. He resigns himself to let them handle their own affairs. Lark is feeling the fatigue of the days exertions and is tired of being tired and scared. Splashing some cool water on his face, he watches the nothic slink from the room. 

"To the hells with this place, lets get you lot home," he says to the motley group. Once the group moves out of earshot, Lark approaches Salazar and says, "Was that a trick of the light or did you have wings just then?" Lark's face splits into a wide grin. "I liked you better when you were just a bookworm, THAT was terrifying." He laughs and moves to leave this place. 

Unless there are other ideas?

(Will wait to see Salazars response before posting. And will start recruiting today)

'Allow!?' Salazar screamed in mind incredulously and nearly lost what little remained of a veneer of calm. His hand started to faintly tremble at his side from temptation to strike, and may have gone through with it. But then he heard another voice from within, jolting him out of the fog of anger, and bidding him to wait for another time. Still, fist is clenched tightly at his side until the creature is well and truly out of sight. On the back of a heavy sigh, Salazar looks to Lark, listening with a look of confusion, and then faintly grinning over both the question and push to leave.

"It looks as if the Tressym is out of the bag." He chuckles. "Perhaps I'll say over a drink back at the tavern. My treat, of course." He motions to the other prisoners to follow Lark before the scholar himself took up the rear guard. Because just the Nothic had chosen to retreat for easier meals didn't leave out the possibility of it being a dick in the end. Over the course of the journey back, Salazar tries to study glasstaff's staff along the way, but otherwise keeps an eye out for any Redbrand's that might've missed the massacre. At least two had been guarding a different entryway last he check.

'Those poor souls... May Oghma grace you with the insight to see death only awaits now in that cursed place' He thought grimly. If it is still dark out by the time they exit, Salazar offers takes off and offers his robes to the younger woman of the prisoners to share with the younger kids, then strikes up a couple of torches to pass out among the two eldest of the prisoners as well as keep one for himself. Even if the moonlight was out in force, the warmth would do the group so good in the long trek back. 

Everyone begins to leave, torches alight, and former prisoners in tow. The group leaving through the alternative exit, which Salazar knew was the true exit. The path down the tunnel was uneventful aside from faint screams coming from behind them that ended relatively swiftly after they had began. Salazar likely choosing the much longer trek north instead of south, knowing that's where the creature would like be.. or have been.  Eventually making their way back into town as the sun began to rise, on an otherwise frigid morning. Giving Lark flashbacks of his recent bout with near frostbite. The free'd prisoners in tow, but clearly shivering as they only had rags on their persons. Their bare feet touching directly with the snow during the long trek. 

You will all arrive near the Sleeping Giant Inn.

(Seeking a replacement for Alyn now)

In spite of the cold, or perhaps even because of it, Salazar found his focus growing sharper once the group is on the move. Soon enough, despite knowing frostbite would inevitable nip at skin after having exposed more to give up his outer robes, he moved with enough resolve to stop and offer the gnome child a lift onto his back. Whether the offer is accepted or not, he made a mental note to keep a closer eye on the rescued party. Be that as it may, as he saw the Sleeping Giant come into view, he became unfocused for just a few moments. A vague notion creeped in mind, warning him of... something. But what?

Ultimately deciding to trust his angelic guides rather subtle warning, Salazar brushed aside even the notion of entering the place. "Where almost there. Stonehill won't be much further now. Soon as we're inside, we c-can worry about all else. Just a little further, o-okay." He said in between the occasional chattering teeth, and then smiled reassuringly. But mid-turn back to focus on the way ahead, he shoots Lark a hopeful look; wishing the goblin might further keep up people's spirit.

If after the pass it by he hears or notice the other young boy slow, Salazar hands off his torch to another and scoops the kid up as well in his arms before continuing on to Stonehills. Once there he motions for either the Mayor's wife or some other knock on the door if it appears locked at all. 

Lark is feeling pretty exultant at the moment. Anyone who looks at him would see him with a tired grin, but his golden hued eyes dance with the fires of creation. Looking around him and finding no one else is such lifted spirits, and catching Salazar's eye,  he asks,

" Does anyone else feel..I don't know.. alive? Everything is so clear, the smoke of my own breath; Echoes, ripples, buzz’d whispers, love-root, silk-thread, crotch and vine; My respiration and inspiration, the beating of my heart, the passing of blood and air through my lungs; The sniff of pine leaves and dry trees; The sound of the belch’d words of my voice, words loos’d to the eddies of the wind; A few light kisses, a few embraces, a reaching around of arms; The play of shine and shade on the trees as the supple boughs wag; The delight alone, or in the rush of the streets, or along the fields and hill-sides; The feeling of health, the sun rises and WE emerge from darkness to meet it.

It was hard, I will admit, and a few have given their lives, and their innocence. But time dulls the jagged edges of memory. Yet we live on ,now, we have no choice; We have sworn an unspoken oath by surviving through such destruction."

Lark falls into silent contemplation. He speeds his gait to match Salazars stride, he stifles a yawn with the back of his hand, and quietly asks, "How long should we wait before we go poke the hornets nest? I for one, could sleep for a tenday. But not until I have a bellyful of food and mug of steaming cider."

"Whoever is left in town will not be many in numbers, Mr. Lark. More importantly, they are liable to go looking in to their missing fellows, and find their hideout far less welcoming then before. Thus, so long as Bashaba or Tymora decide to interfere in matters, we should be able to rest for at least a few hours unperturbed by any more of the brands." He looks and smirks at Lark. "Or  were you referring to the hornets nest that would be the Townmaster's office? " He chuckled and shook his head. But as he looks back to the townmaster's wife, some levity fades from his face. 

"What say you, Mam? At the very least we'll have to stop at Stonehill anyhow to see if they can grab some clothing for you and the rest h-here. Think you can hold off on a reunion with your husband for a while more?" 

One of the others takes the torch so that Salazar can carry more of the burden. Assisting more than just the one and allowing its new bearer to be just a little closer to the fire. As everyone approaches the door, while everyone is in fact frigid, shivering, and otherwise uncomfortable no one has gotten bitten by frost, perhaps by virtue of the sun abating some of the cold, though not much. Everyone was, shaking violently from chill though. And The townmasters wife nods her assent when asked about 'waiting' to see her husband. Putting the needs of the group over the wants of herself.

The land was covered in white as far as the eye could see, as winter deepened slowly. A few people were milling about but the town was otherwise 'more' dead than usual, very likely due to the weather. Some children were still brave enough to play, throwing snow at each-other. A few passerby's took notice of the group, though due to her dishevelment, no one recognized the wife. Once at the door, without bothering to knock, everyone rushed in, the children Salazar had bore until now, climbing down and doing much the same. Each barreling into the Sleeping Giant Inn. The massive Fireplace was full of logs today, the heat radiating within the entire establishment. All of the former prisoners clustering around it, much to the surprise of Old Torben Stonehill.

The few other patrons of the establishment taking more or less note of it. It was commonplace for beggars to rush to the fire, and while it didn't make the Innkeper happy, he allowed it if only out of pity. No whats all this then? Where did you lot come in from? You all look half starved. But I can't feed you for free. I'll let you warm yourselves by the fire, but don't go begging... was all Tolben would say before going back to cleaning dishes and counters, while waiting on customers to serve.

One of the patrons in the far corner from it, saw all this. A small, but stout Halfling female.

Droop was hanging out at the back-end of the party, trying (24) quite sucessfully to not be seen by the townsfolk, since, unlike Lark, he has no idea how they would react. He kept quiet, and diminutive. And was almost a shadow.

"By hornets nest, I meant Cragmaw. Our traveling there is quickly becoming inevitable."

"Master Torben, a few mugs of warm cider for this lot if you please. The bite of winter cuts to the bone I dare say. I was just telling my cousin Droop here... Droop? Where did that scallywag get off to? No matter," Lark shakes a gold out of his pouch and lays it on the counter. 

He then wanders over to join the group near the fire. Offering a nod in greeting to the mysterious halfling. 

"You know some people say that fire was a gift from Lathander, the god of light. Some say that dwarvish gods brought it up from deep within Toril. Still others say that it was stolen from the Nine Hells. If it was, I say a goblin did it. Only goblins are crafty enough, stealthy enough, and stupid enough to undertake such a task." Lark laughs trying to spread the mirth. 

Torben nods, pocketing the currency, and he shouts a few words to the back, wherethe other serving people who worked for him were. A few resplies and a nod from Torben lets you know they're on the way. Indeed it does. T's why i spend so much coin to keep the fire roaring on days such as this. And why I don't turn away those less fortunate from its warmth. Karma mostly... Should I ever find myself disheveled and homeless or in some other dire straight, I hope the small kindness will get me something in return! he says with a laugh. Still cleaning various dishes, that seemed to be in a never-shrinking pile. Torben was passively but intently paying attention to larks story. 

The rest of the customers seemed to have gone back to their meals, though whether or not the Stoutling in the corner had changed in any way was still up to her.

Droop, heaving heard his name called a bit earlier finally works up the courage to reply H-Hey der. Didn't mean to dissappear.. I mean I did.. but.. like.. I didn't... I've been mulling over your uh .. proposal, and I might.. give stayin here a try. But .. I'm gonna stick witchu guys until I meet the guy where i can become a secretary or whatever you called it.

Torben, upon completion of the tale, looks to Lark and says Hmm? That so? I always thought Lathander put it here... But I suppose either of your stories could also make sense. But I'm just a humble innkeep. Matters of philosophy and phelogeny are out of my range. But I do enjoy a good story. Did you ever hear about some folks who came out of the abyss over a century ago?

Rose enjoying a warm drink at the inn while while waiting. Her instincts telling her she was in right place, just needed to be patient. When the group barrelled in she immediately took note. She gripped the amulet around her neck as she eyes the group. Yup, they are the ones, she thought to herself. She spends a few moments examining them, taking special attention one who looked near the brink of death, when the Goblin spoke. Rose got up and approached, returning the nod, offering a smile and speaking in the Goblin tongue "If such a gift was stolen, let's hope the devils don't try to take it back. Afterall, how many tales start with the heros sitting around a fire at some inn?"

Rose turns her attention to the injured fellow with white hair. Speaking in common she says "You look like you're about to fall over sir, please, allow me to help." If there is no objection she rests a hand on his leg, a faint glowing of healing magic eminating from her hand as she mutters a quick incantation. (Cure wounds 2nd level for 13 )

"I hope that feels better. I trust whatever or whoever did that to you is not in a position to do it again. I'm Rosorla by the way, but please just call me Rose. A pleasure to meet you." Rose extends a hand out in greeting.

rose is a young looking halfling with brown hair, tan skin, and bright lavender eyes. She is short even for a halfling, only measuring a few inches over 2ft tall. Despite her small frame she wears heavy chain armor covered by furs and which is worn over dark colored clothing of modest value. She has a sheild strapped to her back as well as a Warhammer that seems almost to big for her. Over her armor, resting on her chest is an Amulet depicting a pair of eyes surrounded by seven silver stars.

Salazar gaze lingers on the halfling woman for just a few seconds before shaking his head, and brushing her presence aside. "Sleep soon." He mumbled to himself. Although he eventually acknowledges Lark with a raised brow after, little more is forthcoming out of the scholar. At least not until he could take up a place by the fire, and spend a few seconds warming up his hands through his gloves. "An interesting tale is there I'm certain. Though with so much magic and other realms in existence, to Outsiders, coming and going from an Abyss is as common as taking a trip to Baldur's Gate from Candlekeep." He comments on absent-minded while staring into the flames.

"... Master Toblen? Have you seen Sir Sildar this morning? Or even Qelline? There's been a develop-ment...." Salazar trails off, confused and uncertain about the halfling. With a tight but apologetic smile, he shakes his head 'no' at the offer.  "I know not exactly what you offer, but it is appreciated. However, I am afraid I must refuse this time. Rest and time is all I need, Lady Rosorla." He nods and then after a brief moment of hesitation, turns to Lark and says, "Say Lark. Why don't you regale Lady Roso-.... Rosa with a tale of our horror night? -- Not all of it, of course. But enough."

If Lark looks up, Salazar meets his gaze with a warning look. Then Salazar's attention is back to Toblen. "Sorry. Uhm... Might you also have any forgotten clothes or left behind winter cloaks about for the people we brought in, Master Toblen? And a room or two to boot -- Just for a few hours. I have the -- where is -- ah... here. I have coin enough to pay for it all." He eventually pulls out a fair sized pouch filled with 50 dragons(gold pieces) and offers it to Toblen. "Whatever would be left over feel free to keep of course. Both for the good service, and..."

He glances around for a second, then tries to wrap an arm about Toblen's shoulder as he pulls him close for a more discrete few words. "Your keeping quiet about the arrival of these folks. Just for a few hours. The... Brand situation has been managed. But, in case there were any stragglers in town, we need a few hours rest at least before seeing to them as well." He whispers in a tone that brokered little argument, and was nothign less than serious. "Whatever you can to help the other people here 'forget' about them as well would be appreciate. At least until we've recovered or news starts to circulate about them. Understood?"

Rose politely accepts the refusal, the smile not fading from her face she takes to approaching the other people of this odd group, offering free healing if its needed. Once she has made the rounds, regardless if healing was needed/wanted or not she approaches the Goblin and says "If you are hurt I can help if you wish. If you don't mind me saying, you people look like you've walked through the nine hells and back again." She extends her hand to shake in greeting again, still with a warm smile on her face.  "Rose Brightmoon. Pleasure to meet you!"

(Will allow this Roleplay to continue for a bit. Also do you mean Lark or Droop? Will be finding a 4th for the campaign since mehmen has expressed concerns :x)

(Sorry lark I didnt even see your post and thought he was still hidden lol)

"Well, if the devils want it back they should have one hell of a time doing it," the sound of Lark's 'bag of nails' laughs cuts through the solemn air of the tavern, "we've become a might bit attached to the stuff."

"Pleased to meet you Lady Rose. You may call me Lark. Poet, writer, and student of the worlds." Lark bows deeply. He is wearing a puffy sleeved cotton shirt and leather vest, with a small copper-chained monocle tucked neatly in the pocket. Which Lark removes and centers on his eye, peering at the talisman Rose is wearing. "Ahh, I was just earlier remarking on the beauty of Selune. It's a shame you were not there, you missed a beautiful soliloquy."

Lark politely declines Rose's healing. "I was one of the lucky ones and did not suffer any violence last night." Lark continues on and informs Rose as to the incidents that took place. Leaving out some details but embellishing others. The bugbears are described much larger than Salazar remembers, and of course, if it wasn't for Lark's quick thinking and "sheer tenacity" of spirit the fight would have been lost.  Also in Larks story the skeletons attacked first. 

Salazar is only half paying attention to the exchange between Lark and Rosa once the former truly finds his groove. At most one "tasteful" edit from Lark penetrates deep enough to warrant a raised brow in the goblin's direction. But ultimately, the scholar's focus stays largely trained on Toblen and gauging his reaction to both request and news.

During this time... (12) someone else enters the tavern. 

(Wasn't sure about the timing, so holding off the intro of the replacement of Salazar for now.)

"A pleasure to meet you Lark. I'm sure your soliloquy was quite beautiful. I would have loved to have heard it, though I only just got into town myself." Rose's smile doesn't fade until Larks story starts. She listens with rapt attention, oohing and aahing at the descriptions of their foes, becoming tense and worried at moments of suspense, frowning at the loss of their companion(assuming that wasn't cut out otherwise strike that) and clapping with glee at the ultimate triumph. "It would seem you masters of disguise, to pit allies against eachother as such. And taking on such fearsome foes, even though you were outnumbered. You must be quite brave indeed. And might I add an excellent teller of stories to that description as well! Ah, but great success also came at great cost. I will mourn for your friend, may Selûne's light guide her path into the next life." Rose goes silent for moment in respect to the fallen (again if not mentioned then ignore related content) "You and you're people must be exhausted after such an endeavor. I will be in town until such time I am no longer needed, so please, if there's is anything I can do to help, do not hesitate to ask."