Lost Mines Gr-A

Rose gives Droop an understanding nod and doesn't press the matter further, letting him go to do his own thing. As she is lost in thought she is brought back to the moment as the others laugh at a joke she clearly missed, though judging by the look on Sildars face she assumes it was at his expense. Rose listens to Salazar with interest, especially as he mentions the monster beneath the hideout. While curious, she doesn't press for details. Afterall, if he was not marked, then her help wouldn't be needed though it didn't stop her from wanting to. Still she decided it wasn't her place to interfere, and as of yet she was still figuring out this new group. Rose's releaxed expression turns to one of minor shock at being presented with the pouch however. She looks inside and quickly looks back to Salazar and gives him a knowing smile. "You needn't worry, wherever my charges go I'll be there to see them through any darkness. Your friend will be safe." Then, remembering he hadn't met Paavu yet, she says in much less serious tone "Oh right Paavu! Came in little while ago. Pretty sure he's half giant, or maybe quarter giant? Tenth? Regardless he should be in the kitchen. Don't touch his bear if you go back there!"

Rose would go through the contents of the pouch later, and although she wouldn't be able to understand the note, she would assume/hope it was a word of encouragement as she would've likely done the same. And if not she would remain ignorant to the words. 

(Salazar has given Lark a Staff of Defense, that comes with charges of mage armor that regain charges per day. I forget the exact details at the moment, but I will PM them to you)

Sildar nods as he chews on the last bit of ham on his plate. Then you are welcome to stay nearby. An extra hand will be of great help in the coming times, as breif as they will be. You can meet me in the townmasters hall in the evening after supper to discuss further.

Paavu gets a mixed reception. Some eager to 'try' bear, while others disgusted at the thought. The ones who seemed more eager came over, pointing at this part or that, but never asking for very large pieces, and if offered, they refused.  Those who were willing, assisted in the preparations, but whether just begin naturally good cooks or them taking it as 'the same as any other meat, just from a bear' it didn't take long for the kitchen to be in full motion and the bear to be little more than various piles of cooking meat. The other detritus being taken to their dumping pile for later disposal, unless they were parts Paavu wanted. 

 (Burgee can introduce himself at any point and in any way of his choosing.)

Lark looks at the pouch given to him by Salazar confusedly, looking back and forth between it and the scholar. "I think I am missing something. Are you not continuing onwards with us?" 

Turning the staff over in his hands, Lark contemplates it for a few minutes, before placing it with his gear,  promising himself to look into it later. 

Lark is content to let the rest of the evening shape up whatever way it will. He is unusually quiet and occupied with the idea that the first two friends he had made in this wide world are leaving or dead. He will scribble a few notes down onto the few scraps of vellum in his possession. 

"That's assuming I'm even allowed back there at the moment, Miss Rose." He replied alongside a short chuckle. "But, thank you for the warning. I will certainly keep that in mind when I see this Paavu." Salazar assured her alongside a warm grin. Returning his attention to Sildar, he simply nods and makes a mental note to be there for at least a final breakdown of things. Finally, his attention returns to Lark. "You had the right of, Lark. Even if we gathered the numbers and the creature is somehow slain, it is no guarantee what it did will simply go away. And even /if/ it did, I feel that--" He winces.

"It's... hard to explain. But, I feel I must remain behind to aid in the town's protection and renewal. A-at least until things stabilize. Not as adventurer, and perhaps not even as a proper guard. But something close to the latter, at least." He tried to explain. "Even if a volunteer force is in the works, it will take time. And frankly speaking, next to Sir Sildar, and maybe one or two others in town, they will not be enough should any other thus far unseen threat to the town decides to take advantage of the situation." Salazar then pats Lark on the shoulder, and gives him one more apologetic smile before returning to the meal. For the time being, he tried to stay content polishing off a plates worth of various meats and veges. Once the celebration appeared to wind down, he would then ask if it'd be simplier to go along then with Sildar and the townmaster for their discussion, or hold off for a little later.

Meanwhile....

Aside from any bones not left apart of cooking meat, the Goliath is content to let the rest be taking to the dumping pile. Those bones he takes is cleaned and kept in a satchel. If any are bold enough to ask about it at some point, he'd simply reply with, "What Paavu not keep for making tools later. He buries in forest where proper words of thanks for essence and challenge can be spoken in full." At some point during the work, he does ask about a known tanner in town to possibly speak about turning the bear's remaining hide into a mantle. Although he bore one at the moment already, it has clearly seen several years of battle and harsh weathers. The fact that it smelled tolerable at all was a miracle in itself.

With all that business taken care of, he packs away what excess meat isn't taken for rations, and makes his way back around up front. Only this time, he takes off the helmet once inside, revealing the grey-blue skin of a goliath long scarred by burns. In spite of his fearsome appearance, the goliath smiled brightly to all. Even so, Salazar stares wide-eyed at the goliath. Ignoring or appearing to miss the gawking Scholar, Paavu locks eyes on Rose, and with an even bigger smile, marched his way over and asked, "So, little one intended to face Orcs, yes? When is that to be?"

Closest Head Representation:

Merry Festivus to all and whatever you guys celebrate! I am going to be really busy the next few days, my mother and her husband are coming to visit and NYE is THE busiest day of year for restaurants after Mum's day. So I apologize in advance If Lark is uncharacteristically silent. Cheers!

No worries I'll be busy most of the next few days as well. Plenty of doubles and holidays to me just mean someone sets their house on fire on accident, fights with their family or falls of a roof etc etc so busy busy busy. 

Hope everyone had a fun and safe xmas/holiday and a good near year to come.

(Holidays. Will be updating tonight/tomorrow)

(Sorry gonna have to delay a little longer... will make sure more is up later though)

(updatin now... reading)

The festivities continued for a while as everyone relaxed. Most of the townsfolk shuffled out, including the more prominent members. Sildar, ventually leaving himself to get back to his duties and if allowed, he would drag Salazar off with him. Eventually the food was gone and the mead was drown. The smell of Bear De Souflet slowly whisping into the air on the cold winter air, that was drown out by the warmth of the fireplace.

The day grew longer as the sun rose, and provided light succor to those outside, as the deep of winter grew towards its coldest time. Lark sitting in the corner, lost in his own thoughts. Droop, now full of food, had been sleeping by the fire until Harbin and his wife woke him up to prepare him for his duties as a sexretary. At this point the tavern was mostly empty except for the group who was gettign to know eachother. Torben stayed to himself, though he kept one stink eye on Paavu whenever the goliath was visible.

The Bear Soufflet seemed finished, when in walked the most unique looking creature....Surrounding this being had the aura of Selune, and somehow, the four primary cycles of the moon felt complete. This was the last. But just who was he?

(Burgee may introduce himself)

Rose was lost in thought as the Goliath approached her and didn't even notice him until he spoke, her mind focused on other, admittedly unimportant things. As the Giant man spoke however she came back to herself with a start and looked up at him. Though she only caught the question from the word "Orcs" that was enough and almost immediately a huge, excited grin appeared on Rose's face. "Oh yes! Orcs make fine sport and it seems they will need to be dealt with if Lark intends to keep claim this home he has been offered. Regardless,nif left alone the Orcs would certainly become a threat to the town and others. I'd say it's better to amputate the infection rather than let it fester as it were, so I would like to handle it soon. Unfortunately, I cannot leave town until.." Rose cuts herself off as the stranger enters the Inn surrounded by the familiar aura. A look surprise is quickly replaced with one of amusement. "My lady has certainly picked an eclectic bunch this time" she mutters to herself, though anyone next to her could have heard it if they cared to. Drawing her attention back to Paavu she replies "Well, it would seem the gangs all here as it were. So we shall handle the situation soon dear Paavu. Just need to get everyone on board."

 Although it took shaking the scholar or saying his name twice, Salazar recovers from the shock of seeing a goliath of all beings, and willing goes along with Sildar. Before taking his leave however, he quickly grabs Lark's attention for a moment and hands him off two more pouches. "One's for that Goliath fellow, if'n he's amiable about helping out. And the others if for a fourth, should you find one equally amiable to the task." He whispers, and following a few pats on the goblin's shoulder and a warm smile, he is off after the Lord's Agent.

Paavu smirked and nodded agreement. While not quite the same challenge as an Ogre, the thought of facing one made him almost appear hopeful for some reason. The Goliath's reminscing comes to an abrupt end upon realizing Rose stopped talking for a second. "Is small one okay?" Paavu asked while giving Rose a few pokes on the shoulder. Just as he thought to turn and look back, her muttering draws him back with a bemused look on his face. He then says to her, "Oh? Well this is good, I guess. Sooner we take care of Orc problem the better." 

A soft tap was heard as the avian creature's staff came to rest on the floor. The kenku's raven colored feathers highlighted by the bright red waistcoat that he wore. He shook his head and the motion carried through his whole body down to his tail feathers. His eyes blinked quickly as he looked about the room. And then a smile came over him and his eyes brightened. "What is that divine aroma?" he asked in the voice of a comforting old grandmother. "'tis been a while since I've had the comfort of a home cooked meal. Would there be just a bit to spare for a traveler?" He looked around the room for familiar faces but saw none as he approached a table.  "A room too would be of great comfort if one is available here or nearby," he added in a much younger and deeper male voice.

Torben looks a bit confused as Burgee walks into the establishment, in the fashion of one trying to figure out exactly what is going on First a goliath... and a Halfling.. Mister Salazar, who's nice enough but something feels off, a pair of goblins, and now a bird... are the divines testing me today? Having a good guffaw? he thinks to himself at the literal menagerie of various races and sizes that have entered his establishment only just after the defeat of the thugs who had been extorting and abusing the town. He sighed before finally laughin outright. Hahahahaha.. ah.... Oh my. Bears and giants and halflings oh my.. Today is definately a day. And I mean that with all due respect. he said to Burgee whom had ignored everyone else to slake his hunger and seek refuge. Well it's two gold per night if you need a room, and the Souflet will be ready to order in just another moment. you came on a most auspicious day si..ma... he hesitated, trying to figure out what gender to dress the kenku Fair traveler! For as you can see, we are in the middle of a celebration. Out town has been saved from oppression by some of the folks gathered here, though you missed the earlier party.

Most have already gone back to their business. But the Goblin in the corner there.. who seems lost in thought at the moment, is one of the very heroes who did so! And this Soufflet, a delicacy prepared especially for this occassion. Each plate will be five gold. The price is to help our fair heroes with their expenses.

"Well good sir, I suppose I happened in at just the right moment. A celebration would do my bones good! Heroes you say? Mmm... a bit of adventure could be fun," Burgee places 8GP on the counter, "I'll take the room please. And a flagon of ale to go with the plate if you would be so kind. What be the goblin's name? Perhaps I'll go introduce myself," he adds as he listens for the name but begins walking to the corner somewhat timidly. A group of fellow travelers would be welcome, but he knows that many tend to be wary of outsiders.

Unless either Rose or Lark are look intently in Burgee's direction, Paavu all but wholly ignored the grandmotherly voice, figuring it to have come from some grandmother. Even if they are, he is half lost in wonder over the strength of the Orc Raider's chief, and how might challenging them go before Burgee being a Kenku visibly gets a reaction out of the Goliath. Though at which point, his eyes narrows, and at least one hand strays near his own coin purse while keeping an eye on the Burgee; especially if/when he comes near the group. Although if Rose hustles on over first, the still wary giant-kin(?) of a being follows behind her like some sort of bodyguard. 

(just waiting on others.)

Rose gets up and approaches the Kenku, wearing her signature big dumb friendly smile. "Greetings friend!  My name is Rosorla Brightmoon, Cleric in service to the temple of Selûne in Silverymoon. And who do I have the pleasure of adressing?"  Rose pauses long enough for an answer before continuing. "Well it's a pleasure to finally meet you! If you wish to join us you're more then welcome. We are celebrating the successful adventure of our friend Lark and his friend Salazar, though the latter has since left the party as it were."  As Rose mentions Lark she makes sure to point towards Lark and then gestures to Paavu as Rose suddenly realizes he had followed her without her notice. "Ah and this is Paavu, he only just got here as well. Oh and please just call me Rose."

Lark, startled from his reverie, sees the approaching Kenku and removes his monocle from the pocket of his vest and affixes it to his eye. "Amazing, I have read many tales of your kin's talent with mimicry. I thought it would take more time to actually see it with mine own eyes." As Rose introduces him, he gives a little bow, doffing his cap, and says, "this puts me in good position i think. I am now not the ugliest, the smallest, or the weirdest" 

Lark gestures towards Paavu, Rose, and Burgee respectively. He laughs his little broken glass laugh, "Well, Oddfellows make the best heroes! Torben more drinks please! "

After a a while of merrymaking, Lark will fill Burgee in on the travel situation towards the mountains. "I have to admit I was not present during the beginning of this adventure, having only met Ser Sildar and Master Salazar once in Phandelin. But this town has been good to me, and Master Harbin needs some heroes, and I don't want to stand idly by and let someone else be heroic. This is the better story. Cragmaw castle has to know that Phandelin is out of bounds. So what do you say, want to help?"

"Well, it's a pleasure to finally meet you too," Burgee replies to Rose and Lark, trying to mimic Roses voice for the first part of his reply, but having only heard the sounds for the first time, it's a little off. He chuckles a bit and reverts to the sounds of old shipmates, "The pleasure is mine, the name is Burgee. I'm a sailor at heart, but a storm unveiled a few hidden talents," he said and as he was speaking he tapped his staff on the ground and a small harmless gust of wind blew through the party. "I've been traveling the roads a few days and heard there were some oddities in these parts. I've only just returned from the sea," his voice trails off a bit as he thinks back on that trip, hoping those others remained safe. "I am most appreciative to be invited to celebrate with you. I've not had a good meal in a while and the aromas escaping out into the road are what brought me in."

He turns to Lark, "I'm not sure I would qualify as a hero, but I would gladly offer what service I can," and as his plate and ale arrive, he adds, "Especially if such hospitality are the norm here!" He continues, "What problem is facing this good town?"