Sleep did not easily find Paavu. Although the meal and company had eased his spirits, once others began falling asleep, a melancholy fell upon the Goliath's spirit. He would spend a few more minutes staring out the nearest arrowslit and just sit listening to howls on the wind. It isn't until he heard a heavy thump at his side, giving him a bit of start and grabbing his attention. "Ah, so that's what you've been up to, Yue." Paavu chuckled at the sight of the snow white wolf(?) -- virtually ignored during all the earlier shenanigans -- seated at his side.

She nudges the torn off arm of a hobgoblin closer to Paavu with her nose. Both Goliath and wolf lock gazes for a tense moment. It wasn't so long ago that she'd been left the sole survivor of her pack, and somewhat pressed into tagging along with the group. But what was a wolf without a pack? And what was a goliath without a clan? Eventually, he held his hand out, and after a tentative few sniffs... She didn't bite the hand at least, choosing instead to start gnawing at the arm, seeing as he didn't eat it immediately.

With another chuckle, Paavu found sleep easier, and new inspiration within the dreams...

Paavu would snap awake the next morning, and can be seen etching a new set of runes into his shield. Not with a dagger or some other cutting edge, but rather, wherever he traced his finger over the shield, the metal reshaped itself as if carved and original designed in a new way. "There is no hope. It simply shall be. We have not come this far to fail now." He'd state simply without looking up from his work. Yue continues to sleep over what was at that point but the bony remains of an arm.

Earlier...

Unable to ascertain much more about the item found on the floor, when Burgee and the others make it back to the room, he offers Gwen the item with her name carved into it. He looks at Rose "Hope you can get some rest Lass. You were as big as the giant over there on this day," he says to her as he nods with a grin towards Paavu. He looks around at the others. "A good day all. I'll take first watch so you can all take what rest may find you."  He looks for a warm corner, but not before walking past Paavu, and though no word is spoken aloud, he bows his head humbly to the goliath offering his thanks. And in his corner with an eye toward the door, he relaxes finally for the first time in what seems like weeks, finally falling into a fitful sleep once another takes over the watch. He sleeps uneasily, pulling his coat tightly around him, he seems to be frigid to the bone. His dreams are of the castle frosting over and the grounds covered with ice as the ice approaches through the entrance of the castle and creeps toward the door of the room where the party is camped... 

This morning...

Burgee startles groggily as he hears Paavu talking. He looks around but sees nothing to be alerted about. He stretches and shakes off the cold as he straightens himself up. But he feels, somehow, the cold has become a part of him. 

Looking over to Paavu in a questioning manner. He wonders what the fascination is with the shield, but gives it little thought and begins gathering his things to make ready for the morning to come. "Did you rest well?" he asks Paavu quietly as he walks toward the fire to stoke it before the others awake.

When Burgee and Paavu enter the room, Rose is with Gwen in corner of the room that would still be warm from the fire but offered some small amount of privacy. Rose was huddled next to Gwen, with a big frown on her face. Never had she come so close to dying before. And while death itself did not scare her, it was the thought of leaving Gwen behind that was bothering her. However she did not communicate these feelings verbally, and merely stuck close to Gwen, using their body heat to keep warm as an excuse.When Burgee brought over Gwen's viol, a small smile formed across Rose's lips. Thank you Burgee. Well Gwen, at least we found something of yours huh? 

The meal that night helped warm Rose up from the inside out, bringing back some of her vitality and chipperness. Once she felt she had the strength, and with Gwen's help, she removed her armor and would slowly start Mending it. Given the size of the hole, it would likely take several uses of the spell and some time, but she kept at it anyway. The hole only served to remind her how close she was to losing Gwen, a thought she would prefer gone as soon as possible. Once finished, she curls back up with Gwen and slowly starts to fall asleep.

The next morning Rose wakes up shivering, wishing the fire had stayed lit but grateful it wasn't even colder than it could have been. She gets up, stretches and slowly starts to put on her armor before joining the others. Good morning everyone. So, a new day, and it seems we are all okay more or less. Are we ready to push through to town or is there something else on the agenda? 

The prior night Cont -

The goblins watched with some amusement as the blue man used the rod, though it was more at the loss of their overlord. The stew itself was mostly liquid, as for so many people... and with so much meat being rotten, only Lark and the other goblins even being semi-willing to eat it, though even Lark showed reservations. But eventually, over time, everyone was fed, and through the constant contact with the stirring rod, Cirrus would eventually come to realize it was actually a rod or staff of healing of some sort. Something he would likely feel happy to have considering his previous exploits and dangers. He would fully understand it by the morning.

Gwen took the instrument with a smile, thanking the bird-man. Thank you uh.. Burgee. I didn't think it lost forever, however when we didn't find it on our way round the place, I had figured it more thoroughly lost. I'm glad I need not replace it, as it was a gift from Rose here. A shame we couldn't find my weapons, but they were nothing special, and easily replaceable. We'll do some shopping when we reach town. And yes flower, we did. She fell asleep during the time that Rose was mending her own armor, and it took nearly an hour to fix, in slow repairs as she sealed it slowly. The armor eventually becoming properly usable once more over that time.

Morning Cont -

Gwen reluctantly woke up, the cold making it difficult to want to leave any source of warmth, but she forced herself to once Rose herself did. Stretching, and  strumming the Viol to make sure its chords hadn't been tarnished or discordant. And much to her excitement, the goblins, it seemed hadn't touched it yet. The broth still left in the stew was still, ever so slightly warm, and could provide some succor for the cold, albeit temporarily.

Piyu walking up to Paavu and saying [Goblin] Piyu is going go with you, as will Bobara. Rest choose to go own way. So Piyu and Bobo come with you to where you go... rest go some-else. They leave already, before all wake up, and they take blanket with them keep warm. Piyu nodded in assurance to herself. Bobora also coming forward and nodding. Before they go back to the corner to share the one remaining blanket the goblins had had before.

Gwen piping in when Rose said what she did, Ja'ree and Dot more or less agreeing with her statements Well it seems we have two choices.... Depending on what you all wish to do. The drow whore ran off with our esteemed Gundrens map, and that seems to have some importance to some of you. Or to head back to town to resupply, restock, and the like as well as information gather and return Gundren himself to safety.

If we don't pursue the drow, we might risk losing the map and ... my parties riches that were stolen. But if we go in unprepared we may lose more than our maps and gold. I'm too tired physically to weight in, so I shall let you folk decide while I try to keep myself warm...

"Paavu is not dead." The goliath had answered with to Burgee. Whether this was a good thing or not was hard to tell from his tone. As for Piyu and Bobora, Paavu return their nods with an understanding one of his own. Although the loss of several goblins would leave him pensive for a time, it was enough a surprise and miracle as-is that two had stayed behind. His chest then swelled a bit, as admiration filled him for the goblin's bravery. Or perhaps... perhaps it was the infamous Goblin survival instincts? He would muse on this as he went about putting on his armor once more.

Ultimately, he scoffed quietly, brushing aside the thought as attention turns to Gwen. "Paavu's choice remains unchanged, such as it is. You waste time on bringing it up. None of you are prepared enough to make journey and survive beyond it, let alone face who or whatever current keeper of map seeks out." Paavu stated gruffly. "If wish to die so badly, Paavu grant more honorable death. If not, we go to town. And if the weather favors us and not our foes, we will meet them yet soon, or find yet other clues to pursue." He stated more firmly before turning to Cirrus. "Besides... Some of us are in need of some enlightening. And that, is something cannot be forestalled for reckless advance." Yue stood up on that note, taking the end point as her cue to bark in agreement.

"I agree with Paavu," Cirrus says, "I don't know too much of this map, but I won't feel comfortable going after it unless I know that Gundren is safe. And maybe if we're lucky the slow will have slowed down this drowse as much as it did us?"

As they make their way out of the castle, regardless of the plan, Cirrus will strike up a conversation with Paavu, "I like your wolf. Until a few days ago, I myself had a pair of loyal hounds by my side. Yours has a much whiter coat than Robin's, and it's the polar opposite of Ronin's. Yessiree, rescued those two lovely creatures from Klarg and his abusive subordinates. I could tell they were quite happy to travel with me for as long as they did." He says that last part a bit wistfully. Why does this guy keep saying stuff like that? Paavu wonders. Making vague mention to something in his past, like he's expecting me to be so enthralled that I'll beg for more of his life story. I've experienced more in the past week than he has in his whole life! 

Rose steps up to Paavu and glares up at the puny giant. With a stern voice she says Paavu, I'd be more careful about what you say and to whom. You might find yourself on the wrong side of Selûnes wrath. Gwen was simply stating our options. If you threaten her again I promise you the next thing you'll feel is several of your bones breaking. Rose stares down Paavu long enough to hear a reply If there is one before saying In any case, I agree, the wisest corse of action is to return to town. We need to resupply, and we can't rightly go traipsing into enemy territory with Gundren and these extra goblins in tow. It's starting to get crowded. Let's gather ourselves and when everyone is ready we can move out.

Dot had backed up Rose in giving Paavu at least the stink eye while claws dance over the pomel of a weapon. It's hard to see past the shadow of his helmet, but his eye roll is followed by tired sigh. "Little Flower still tired. See offer as threat, when it is simply offer of more honorable death in battle than reckless pursuit and death only by elements. But, small ones have cotton in ears. Never fully listen to Paavu. Much as little one has already been reckless in the coming here without heeding Paavu's /last/ warning about weather." He replied flatly, as he stares Rose down in turn.

Whether he got his point more plainly across or not, he doesn't bother with a third attempt. After decades of dealing with half listening people, the Goliath knew better than to waste breather further on it. As an otherwise final means of preparation, and some coaxing using his personal rations and words spoken in strong german accent in giant-ish, Paavu convinces Yue to let the goblins ride her back at least.

Whether after a short word to them about it they accept it is something he does not force upon them....

Once the group is out of the castle on what was leaning more and more towards a course for Phandalin, and Cirrus made his statements, the Goliath is quiet for the first few moments before saying, "Paavu saw no hounds in town." That's it. Straight to the point, and in some ways with unintentional cruelty in further denying Cirrus' hope. 

Cirrus is clearly not surprised by Paavu's response.

Piyu & Bobora Cautiously ride the wolf when given it as a mount. Goblins were no strangers to using wolves but they were wary of ones they didn't raise themselves.. after murdering their parents and raising them from a young age. Regardless eventually they became accustomed to it. When the group itself made their way outside, the world was blanketed in white, with only some of the tree's left showing green. It took an hour to dig out the snow from their chosen exit.

The sun however was warm on the flesh, the day fighting back the winter more vigorously than it had recently. The snow in a slow melt where the shadows didn't shade it. The frozen corpses of hobbs and gobs  half buried being discovered as they had been attempting to make their way back to safety. And elsewhere, the snow was roughly a foot deep, making general travel harder, and slowing progress. However due to the blizzard the night before there seems to be almost no wildlife at all around, likely all hiding in whatever shelter they could find, or, having died in the attempt.

Ultimately, travel over the next four days is made easy. No person, or creature is seen in the whitescape along the road other than yourselves. Each night you setup camp, and trade shifts, but nothing harasses you during the next four days even at night. Gundren is mostly just quiet during this entire trip. Likely worried that his life's work was going to be lost forever. Gwen and Rose talking about their past, as well as Ja'ree and Dot, though she rarely spoke much according to mehmen.  

You now find yourselves on the outskirts of Phandalin, the citizens having shoveled the snow to the outer areas of the town, though there seemed to be a magical barrier over the farmstead, keeping the crops safe from winters spite. The town seemed to be going about their business indoors, outside of the few knicknack shops that had no other choice.

The sights and sounds of the town lightened Burgee's step. "A warm meal and a real bed would do for a change," he said with a smile on his face. Though his purse was light, there was enough to get a fair room. And ale. His smile lengthened. "And then right to work, but a touch of that golden malted nectar might warm me soul a touch!" And he let out a chuckle. He looked over at Rose. "But I'll try to cut off a'fore me legs quit carryin' me this time lass," he adds recalling the previous stay at the inn. "Though I shan't try to hard, just the right amount I will."

But then the days prior came quickly to mind and he looked to the others, especially Gundren. But first business. "We have to help you find your friend dwarf," he says to Gundren. "Sildar was it, Rose?" he asks.  "And that map you've mentioned. We've got to make plans on that." He looks back at Rose and the others. Tracking a drow wasn't something to look forward to, but if this map was of great importance, they'd have to keep an eye out. But there was other work to be done too.

He shivered a bit as the thoughts crossed his mind, but not about the thoughts themselves. It was a different kind of chill. Maybe just the storm, he thought. He shrugged it off and continued on towards town.

If the others thought the travel troublesome and tiring, few would as much as Paavu. As eager as he had been to leave, it took time every morning along the way to strap down all the excess gear found along the way. The more knightly of which he had hoped to acquire a plenty penny, in spite of the blood on some of it. Nothing a bit of spit shine won't cure, or so Paavu repeatedly reminded himself to stay motivated in the journey.

Ultimately, Paavu breathed deep, enjoying a moment of respite as phandalin came into sight. He too found himself chuckle at the mention of a warm meal and ambrosia that was a solid drink. Then he felt the ache of old bones once more, eliciting a tired sigh. "Gwen and her party to Inn then to settle in at least?" He asked of the trio. To which, Dot at least snorts and crosses her arms. In spite of the bracing cold, she was among her group the most use to roughing it. But one look at Gwen and any lingering scarring one her face changed the quiet Tortle's tune a fair bit quick.

"Piyu. Bobora. You stay close to Paavu for now. People... not too unfriendly. But, both youz and Paavu know how quickly humans are to change." He gently reminded in [goblin]. "Paavu head to town hall first. See if leader -- Old one from last that gave mission is about. Direct him to Inn for more confirmation and comfortable talks, he thinks." On that note, he at least continued the march into town with a wary Yue practically hugging his legs. On the occasion the Goliath has to say something sharp in Giant to keep her from growling overly much at any passerby along the way. But for the most part she is a "good girl".

Rose kept close to Gwen for most of the trip but also spent time catching up with Ja'Ree and Dot even though she was a silent one. Each day they got closer to town Rose's spirits would raise until finally the town was in sight. Upon arrival Rose breathed a sigh of relief and a smile returned to her face once more, those who bothered to notice would have notice a distinct lack of smiling from Rose since she took a sword through the chest, but it seemed she was back to normal for now. 

At the mention of the inn, the wonderfully warm inn, Rose would nod heartily in agreement. Aye let's get everyone in the inn. Warm fire, warm, fresh food and cold drinks. I'm sure Gundrens friend will be there anyway. Once we are settled though we should see about getting provisions and warm clothes last we make the same mistake twice. And don't worry Burgee, if you do go overboard again I'll see to it you make it to your room again. Just don't go to crazy.

Rose then turned to regard Cirrus. She remembered his odd story and issues with his memory. And maybe we can finally settle the matter with what happened here. I'm sure Sildar can recount the tale of the rebrands to you Cirrus.

"When last I talked to Sildar he was in the Townmaster's Hall, so that's where we should check first." As Cirrus goes into town he notices that the statue in town in not defaced as he had last seen it. It's understandable that they would want to clean it up, Cirrus rationalizes, no sense in keeping such a gruesome memento of that tragedy.

Though not visible, Burgee blushed. "Thank you Rose," he added as he filled with warmth. "I will behave with constraint this evening, for there is more work to do.  But hopefully in the near future we can all let our guard down a little and relax." He pointed ahead to the town, "Especially the fine folk here in Phandalin. They have had their share of troubles lately. I only hope we can help restore a normal life for them all."

This post will take quite a bit, as there is a lot to account for. Please be patient. And don't post in the thread until you see a {DONE!} on the bottom!

Back in Phandalin

The cold of winters touch coated every house, and every inch, aside from the aforementioned farms crops. The group walking in each having small discussions with each other as they returned to the central town of their adventure so far. The roads were cold, but clear of snow, due to the towns-folks diligence. Smoke rising from the chimneys of every building that has a single resident. The few sellers outside having their warm campfires close by like a good friend though they didn't hawk their wares verbally. A few carts and pack animals moved through town, some new travelers most likely, from Neverwinter just passing through. They offered nods and greetings but didn't stop. Some heading to Barthens, others to the Lionshield Coster.  Others simply passing through or around. The town seemed.. busier though the weather limited how much of it was outside.

Gundren looking hopeful though still downcast. The last four days, he hadn't said much, and everyone guessed as to why. The cold bothered him little, and he had turned one of the blankets into proper clothing before they had left - atleast enough to not be naked and bunk. However, he perked up enough when his name was mentioned and ever more at the mentions of his friend Sildar, and the prospect of relocating his life's work... Indeed Indeed. His name is Sildar Hallwinter. Me and him we're ambushed upon the Triboar on our way tae Phandalin. Liek I said, I hired some workers tae bring supplies here just fer it, but non of you seem tae be them.

Though If I recall, one o' ye said that someone here was of that crew. Why they didn't come to help has me a bit concerned. Since they were paid I assume. But this and that isn't here nor there. I was saved in the end, so I'll owe ye all a bit eitherways. My guess is Sildar would be with the Townmaster, or at the Inn staying warm. Those would be my guesses. At this time o' the morning, I'd guess the inn.

And I don't mean tae sound ungrateful, but that map is me lifes work. Had it not been allowed to be stolen in the first place.... it was clear this was a sore spot for him. But he huffed out, and regained himself. As such, all payments will be held until such a time as it is retreived, or discovered un-retreivable. I will still reward ye for saving me life. I won't be that stingy, but the reward will be far smaller - All things considered. At the very least, I'll pay for yer food and board for the next two days. I feel that's ample compensation for the now.

As they spoke and walked, in the distance Stella the seamstress is outside, knitting on her porch, clearly enjoying the cold weather as she quilts together some form of fabric. Cirrus noticing, one of the carts going by them has a halfling man that looked an awful lot like Carps father, and Carp himself heading to the inn with fresh vegetables in their cart. Several townsfolk Cirrus remembers having came with him to fight off the redbrands, are seen exiting the inn, with smiles on their faces, and distinctly less blood, and missing limbs.

Overall the town seemed.. happier than Cirrus remembered it. But. admittedly far less festive than the air of the arm wrestling had brought. As all this is settling on Cirrus, he rushes to the townmasters hall, and is greeted by a Goblin, who is rather well dressed, and looks exactly like the cowardly goblin from the redbrand hideout. Greeting Cirrus as he does Hi ho! Am yeemik! Secretary to Master Harbing! What for service can do you today? Seek Sildur? Sildur is not here. He has left for breakfasting in the inn! But may pass message to, if not have time to go there!

(Done)

Paavu said nothing, allowing Gundren to air his grievances. As much as some felt misplaced, the mercernary knew better to speak out until having retrieved his payment at the very least. Something that, in hindsight, might not have been promised beyond the bit of starter coin Lark and Salazar had turned out their pockets to pass along. But as he rumbled on about withholding it over the map -- part of  it anyways, with it gradually leaning closer to a bare bottom payment for only room and board at least, the goliath couldn't help but grind his teeth behind closed lips. That, and wonder idly if it would've been better to let the drow take his head...

His musings come to abrupt stop seeing Cirrus pick up the pace. Curious, he started to follow, only to have Barthen's suggestion lure him towards continuing on to the Inn instead to look around knight. And when spotted, he offers a salute as he made his way over with at least Gundren(presumably).

When Stella was in full view of Cirrus, any who paid attention would see Cirrus stop dead in his tracks, with a flabbergasted expression on his face, staring intently at her...hands? Specifically? Staring for an uncomfortably long time. After a moment Stella feels the eyes on her and looks up to catch Cirrus' eyes, who snaps out of his trance, averting his gaze and hurrying away to catch up with the rest of the group, only to be greeted by more confounding sights. Putting aside the fact that Yeemik is here with no explanation, so many villagers who were dead just yesterday are back to life with out any hint of trauma whatsoever. The impossible nature of what his memories tell him to be true, conflicting with what his eyes are telling him puts a great strain Cirrus' psyche.

Strange as it sounds, Cirrus is scared by the fact that the town is happy.

"So now you're negotiating?" Burgee says aloud before he could stop himself. He looks up at Paavu as he shakes his head and throws his hands up. But he says no more thinking it best to let things be. The dwarf had a rough experience and clearly the map was of great value to him. But all in all, he felt somewhat slighted. Not by the money mind you, just the slap in the face. Saving the map would have been easy, had we not saved your throat, he thought to himself. But at least he'd caught himself this time before just blurting it out.