((Will update this later tonight since shopping seems to be more or less done))

After the meeting ,and a good, decent breakfast where Stella was in and out periodically, allowing plenty of chances for Cirrus to say anything to her if he wished, but eventually the group getting to business, and hunting down supplies of various types. While the town lacked in any special items, everything you sought was there. The breast-plate was hard to wrangle from the Lionshield Coster, but eventually you convinced her to give it up. As much as she liked the idea of your money, she didn't like the idea of selling her last piece of it. Convincign her that as a hero of the town, you would use it for the greater good.

She did however convince you to allow her to keep it till the evening so she could make a special adjustment to it. With that out of the way, Paavu spoke to Barthen at Barthens asking about Thunder Tree, he is told that there are no more maps of the area as it's been abandoned for almost a hundred years and no one cares to resettle there. He does however  tell you he used to have a grandparent that lived there before it fell. And he had been there for a while, so he could give you a crude map if you could give him some time to draw it up, and the cost of 10 GP for materials and services rendered.

Both vendors promising to deliver it to your inn room before the end of the night.

All purchases have been made, and most of the day is gone by the time you all retire. Gundren having paid for your room and board up until the morning meaning you can just enjoy a fine meal, in a warm place, and one last good nights sleep before hitting the cold, road. Everyone now has their winter underclothes, so the cold should prove to be less of a problem, and Gwen now having both wintrized armor, and clothing to fill in the gaps the armor didn't cover before. Both of your purchased horses are stabled comfortably in a covered stable and your sled-cart is tucked away in the corner, awaiting to be loaded in the morning, as some of you experienced some thievery before.... and made the group act more prudent this time around.

As promised, when the night came, Linene Greywind and Barthen both Visit Paavu not long after everyone finishes the leftovers of the 'Bear Special' that Paavu provided a few days ago. Leading to a filling, meaty meal with potatoes, gravy, corn, and other delicacies from the local farm. The armor that Linene gave to Paavu was a different color, and after a moment, Paavu realized that the armor was now emblazoned with the Lionshield Costers Insignia. But the way it looked, it almost looked like Knights Armor. And Paavu was likely smart enough to understand why she did it.

Barthen bringing the crudely drawn map of the area, and handing it to Paavu having already collected his gold. The map wasn't special, but it was better than nothing. With a nod, the pair left to retire for the night. 

With everything more or less settled, you all eventually retire to your rooms. Gwen and Rose sharing one.

If there is any RP you wish to conduct before 'tomorrow' occors, this is the time to do it!

Paavu is quiet at first, appearing only to want to focus on the work at hand. While he had been receptive of Burgee's earlier offer to share in the costs for preparing horse and carriage, it's not hard to pick up lingering uncertain from Paavu regarding the Kenku's presences. "... Yes. Back when Paavu was soldier for time for nothern minor lord." He stated, revealing if not in tone then in simply speaking a change there.

"And again as Mercernary... and again as Gladiator... Paavu once even rode Bear for a time as Gladiator." The faintest bit of a smile eeks out before quickly vanishing behind his usual stony visage. "Trick is to be patient with them, and hard at other times. You learn instinct over time if keep at it." He admits as much. "As for why Paavu's here--" He looks down to Burgee. "It is to die in way that ancestors will forgive Paavu... for his past transgressions." 

Rose purchased her gear quickly and supplies some gold to Burgee to acquire the mounts and sleds before leaving with Gwen to get her outfitted. Making sure she had decent weapons and armor as well as general supplies and covering any costs for her as needed. Whenever they had finished shopping, as they walked back to the inn, Rose would say I'm glad to have you with us Gwen. Seeing you all freshly equipped brings back some memories, it'll be good to have you along again. Rose smiled at her genuinely before her grin turned a bit more mischievous. So..loosing an entire dragons hoard huh? That's quite the impressive feat! You'll have to teach me your ways oh wise master! Rose bowed to Gwens glory before giggling at her own teasing. But seriously, a dragon! And I missed it! What kind of dragon? How big was it? How did you get a large rock to fall on its head? Did it sleep under a boulder? Not a very bright dragon if that's the case! It's clear Rose was eager to hear the full tale, but she would likely have to wait until the inn despite her eagerness to hear it.

Once at the inn Rose enjoyed what would likely be her last good supper in a while. The best part about adventuring, in her opinion, was getting to relax with a meal and drink right after a successful foray. The second best feeling however was the final meal before hand. As such, there wasn't a bite left over and she even allowed herself to indulge a bit on the drink though not too much. If Gwen took this time to tell her tale, Rose would listen with wrapt attention, much like the first time she heard Lark tell a story. Stories of adventure were almost as good as actual adventure and always excited her. The fact that Gwen was the one telling it was just icing on the cake. When the story was done, or if not told at all then when dinner was finished, Rose would get up and stretch her tired limbs before heading up with Gwen to their room for the night.

Burgee listened to Paavu as they headed back to the inn for dinner. As they walked in the door and the aroma of the bear special filled the air once more, Burgee replied, "I dont know what it is you seek forgiveness for," he takes a deep breath enjoying the sent of the meal to come, "But your provision toward this meal should pay the debt! I for one thank you. I cannot wait to have another taste." He looks up at his towering companion and gets a serious look on his face. "You have my thanks for many acts over the last few days. You are one of honor good sir and your ancestors should be proud." 

As the warmth of the inn and the thought of a good meal sink in, a more festive mood comes over Burgee. "Now, for tonight, forget your woes. 'Tis time to drink and eat our fill." He raises a mug, "To the hunter who provides and the chef and his knives!" He let's out a large chuckle and downs another ale. He rounded up Cirrus, Rose and the others and began recanting old tales of the sea, asking about their past travels and filling himself with the night at hand.

Burgee enjoys his meal, and conversations with his companions. He drank and feasted, but as he promised Rose, did not take it as far this night as he was  prone to do. That little one was special, and he'd not let her down.

Cirrus tries to avoid looking at Stella, save for one moment he must speak with her so he can request a meal with no meat. He also takes the opportunity to clarify that Gundren and Sildar do not know what they are talking about, Halia is not his "lover."

I don't know if Cirrus heard what Paavu said about past transgressions, but if he did it certainly caught him off guard. Perhaps the Goliath understood the genasi's situation more than Cirrus realized.

During the meal, Cirrus is going to ask the party if anyone knows exactly what thunder tree is? A location, obviously, but is it a town? a ruin? Simply some sort of landmark? He also tells the party that he's going to see if he can get any information out of the local fauna, if they have any suggestions of what to ask, he will listen.

Since it's dusk and we're about to take a long rest, I'll burn as many slots as I need to and do rituals if needed to ask the following questions of numerous different animals using speak with animals.

• Where is Thundertree (using the visual description I receive from the rest of the party. If there's none, I suppose I won't ask)
• Have you seen a woman with black skin, red eyes, and white hair?
• If so where did she go?
• Maybe there are some bats and/or rats who have been to a Cave that Echoes with the sound of Waves?

Gwen smiled and nodded, raising her arms and spinning 'round to show off her new attire, and while it unfortunately covered up most of her skin, including her hear if she chose to wear the hooded portion, at-least Rose could be secure that Gwen at-least wouldn't die of cold. After her pirouette, she stopped, and put her hand on her hip, and tilted ever so slightly, as was her wont when she wasn't occupied with other things It's good to be back. Though I will miss those two lunkheads. You wouldn't believe how much trouble Dot almost got us in after we found that hoard.... she leans in conspiratorially and whispers into Roses ear for no real reason as she says ..In fact it was dot's big mouth.. y'know when she actually decides to speak, that let others know we had the treasure in the first place! she let out a sigh at the thought of having lost so much gold after an otherwise song worthy victory, even if the end result was  a tad anticlimactic. 

And as soon as you left for your own thing, Ja'Ree started hitting on me! Not that I mind it much. But I did firmly tell him my heart only belongs in one place. 
At Roses questions once back at the inn when asked - on exactly how it all came to be, likely prompted by her momentarily earlier admissions, Gwen was thoughtful for a moment, and decided to try telling it in song, though with no music, as she hadn't quite finished weaving the entire strand.  Adventure seeking trio be, the lost legends of yore. Slumbring 'neath mountain top, old Ban'Dorei did snore. 

The long day and night, he slept away, unknowing of his mousey prey, observing and watching, and seeking of truth, bespied a rock along the way.

Climbing the hills and sallow mists, under cover of night, the purple drake, of middling age slept like a lazy midwife.

The trio found the ledge that that day, and the massive rock besides, with heave and ho, the rock did go, and crush'd the Ban'Dorei.

With treasure in hand, they left the land, spirits soaring high. They'd live the easy life they thought, a glitter in their eye! finishing it off with a bow. Having sung to a Giligans Isle tempo and beat. But to be clear, the dragon wasn't full nor was it a greenhorn, and it was verdant violet. He must have been hibernating or secure in his safety. But yes, we popped his head quite raucously. The single patron, as well as Tolben both clapping lightly at the performance.

The pair eventually retiring to their room. Gwen disrobing and Wrapping the little ball of moonshine in her arms, giving her a different set of pillows to rest on. However when they eventually awoke in the morning... there were more vigorous activities to be had. Gwen shifting above Rose as she kissed her quite passionately. Anyone within a room of them could likely hear the soft 'mmms' and 'Hmmhmms'  among other certain noises. Gwens fingers tracing along Rose's tiny body. Truth be told, the pair would likely be late for breakfast.

Cirrus speaking to Stella she smiles with a blush and a giggle. You don't have to be bashful, there are some younger men who enjoy the company of an aged woman! But I'll take your word for it since you seem so insistant, though I am quite curious as to why it should bother you that I am aware of your possible relationship? Trying to two time? I tease! hahaha but that is quite the robe you have there. I think I recognize it but between everything my minds a little muddled. Perhaps you can come over and I can show you my own handiwork! When i'm not working here, I'm a seamstress, and I'd love to pick the threads on your coat... to see how they were done. Hopefully cirrus would recognize it as a similar saying to 'bone to pick' among clothiers, in that she wishes to examine, as opposed to literally  dethread it.

When Cirrus decides to speak with as many animals as he can, for the most part he is left with the usual responses of a lack of understanding. Thunder Tree is quite far away, but a few birds do manage to have some answers.

No know what thunder tree mean, but kno of place , like you in now, with two leg animal here. No two legger there anymore. See black two legger, yes. Many light ago. Flying over. She go into place like you in, but she not go into two legger nests. She move through it quick along special dirt that two legger make. at the question of 'where' it was, one of the birds simply flew off, only to come back several minutes later. Apparently it had to get its bearings, but it faces a direction that Cirrus would likely assume was not too far to the right of where the Tri-Boar trail was, the same trail that had led them all to Cragmaw. Which lined up with what he already knew.

Givin the time, all he was able to speak to was rats of the other two, and they said they mainly stayed near their nest, which was near this town. 

((Sounds like Ja'ree is a dead man))

Even though Stella was joking about two-timing, Cirrus further explains, "no ma'am, it is simply that you were in the room when that lie was spoken. I only am pressing the issue because I would not like any false rumors to begin spreading around, for her sake." Cirrus considers her offer to visit her home. He remembers the last time he saw her craftwork, the whole experience dampened by her inability to make anything like these again, overwhelming him with guilt. "That sounds lovely, Stella, unfortunately I do have a duty I must attend to that will take myself and my traveling companions out of town. I cannot say exactly when I will be back, but perhaps if I am, I shall see you then."

Over breakfast, I provide the admittedly scare details that I got from the animals last night.

(So I assume I didn't get any information about Thundertree from the rest of the party? Otherwise I would've provided some visual details for the animals)

(To Bone: Woke up late, so couldn't post any sooner than this.)

Paavu had simply shook his head, and in the moment seemed far older than initially thought. "You are welcome, little Burgee. But the debt will not be paid in full for some time yet. Perhaps not even until Paavu's final watch." He stated simply, as if it were a foregone conclusion. But in spite of perhaps not uplifting the goliath's spirit as desired, Paavu patted him firmly on the shoulder in gratitude on their way into the Inn. All in all, the conversation is no secret one. So in catching the Genasi' momentary surprise from the corner of his eyes, old eyes are turned on younger ones with a knowings to them.

No words are exchanged. Nor did any need be for the time being. If with some understanding made then, Paavu at least knew that more experience would need to be Cirrus' teacher now. Until then, the Goliath would keep an eye out for the wayward son of another world. Paavu does at least pipe up on the matter of Thunder Tree, marking it as ruins a few days to the north, judging by the number of dissertations of various sources. He also had been in the process of having commissioned a crude map of the town just as Barthen and Linene came in with their delivers.

The former Paavu thanked without hesitance, offering the dwarf a hand shake with one hand and a firm pat on the shoulder for the other. With Linene, however, his brows furrowed at the insignia. Although after a long pause he simply sighed softly, and at least nodded his thanks while accepting the 'intent' of it. But all too likely his next pay day and trip to Neverwinter would be to replace it. Nothing against the brand or Linene herself. Mostly. But during the long pause, it was easy to read from his troubled brow furrowing that feelings went deeper than simply astethic.

In any case, revelries are short lived for the Goliath in the end. He ate hearty, drunk lightly, and listened respectfully to stories told by Burgee for a time. But the time soon came for him to depart, bidding the others a fine evening while he took Yue outside for an hour or two of practice with her knew iron jaw contraption. Between experience and the supernatural nature of his new rune, he felt progress was being made. But, it'd be some time before there was comfort in using the contraption. 

Afterwards... the party do not see Paavu for the rest of the evening, if they should retire at the Inn. But in some nearby clearing just barely outside of town, one large bodied figure can be seen having camped out alongside some clearly dog-like companion.

Burgee wakes to a clear head. "Thank you Rose!" he says to himself. "The drink was good, but the advice was better." He dresses and gathers his things and makes his way down to breakfast where he finds the blue man sitting and gets through all of the good mornings, and other pleasantries and sits across the table from Cirrus and stares for a moment.

Finally, he just blurts it out. "So what is it like where you come from? Do you have my kind there? Do they still have the power of flight?" Burgee's emotions start leaping as he thinks about soaring through the air and a gust of wind blows over his shoulder and down the table strewing anything light enough that was not held down. He catches himself and controls his emotions. "Pardon me, I've just never met anyone like you before, and the possibilities of a different place may help me find the answers I seek."

(Goin to lay down for a bit, then post, haven't slept. was busy unlocking *spoiler* in ff7 re

"I do hate to disappoint, but not only have I never met any bird folk before, I have not heard any tales of a Kenku flying. I won't say it's impossible, but I would be surprised to hear that anything from my last world is better than this one. I was hoping to meet some bird folk during my travels in the hopes that they might know anything about travel to the elemental plane of air."

((Don't feel pressured to post, Rai. This game is about fun, you don't have to push yourself needlessly for our sake.))

Stella looks at Cirrus a bit confused with his explanation, less about what he was saying and more about why he was saying it.  Ah.. uh ok? haha. You act like I'd be mad at you for doing it. Like a man who's been caught with his pants down! It's fine. But if you insist so much I'll take your word. And do be careful out there Mr. Cirrus. The redbrands may be gone but there's plenty of other dangers out there. And try not to ruin that amazing coat before you return!

No one in the party could really tell Cirrus much as they all knew very little themselves. The animals cirrus had found ,he'd been lucky to find, considering Thunder Tree was half-a-week-away, and the chance of even one heading in this specific direction was slim. That and animals are simple creatures, that don't understand the world of man, so many concepts escape them.

Eventually morning comes, and everyone at some point finds their way down to the inns main hall, with a small, but warm fire ever burning. Lark was sitting in the corner, seeming like he was waiting for something. And when Paavu would finally arrive, Lark would accost him. Getting up from his seat and rushing over like someone who forgot just that one last thing. Hey there pal, I forgot in my haste the other day, but we never did find out what this did..... but it's still supposed to be a healing potion, right? Well seeing as I'm not going to likelybe gettign any fatal injuries, though I may suffer in agony from boredom hitherto... I think It best left in your own hands. And.. y'know... You could still always test it on Yue!

((Apologies, i forgot to remove the editing. Assume if it says editing for more than 1 hour, that it's just a mistake))

"Paavu believe you made suggestion last time, and Paavu's answer remains same." He said, giving Lark a somewhat bemused look. "But, Paavu will take this potion, and keep for absolute emergencies. But promises no more than this... Also, Paavu remembers saying he helps with Piyu and Boobara. Here. Coin to help mitigate any expenses from there." He passes over a small pouch containing fifty gold. A bit excessive, perhaps, but only in certain ways was the Goliath stingy about coin. The care for others certainly did not count as such.

As the exchange is happening, a familiar face (to all but Cirrus) enters the establishment. There were new bags under now fully pupiless white eyes. But between a fresh set of outer robes and silver hair done up once again in braids, the man looked far less defeated than when he last seen. While still obscured by left hanging bangs, the strange symbol on his forehead remains as prominent as ever. Although he spares Paavu a nod in passing, it is the others breakfast table of the others that he beelines it for, and sets his hands down on. "You're all back! I mean, of course you're back. Just... *ahem*... Sorry. It's been a busy few days. Still, I'm glade I was able to catch you all before you left." Salazar pauses to take one last calming breathe.

"I'm sorry that I still cannot join you. I've already met with Gundren, in case you wonder. Not a very pleased that one, but even told of the larger stakes--" Salazar catches himself, and just shakes his head. "In any event, I would like to relay a request, in the event you all find yourself heading in the direction." He fishes around in the inner folds of his robes for a few seconds before finally producing a jeweled comb, and offer it to Rose. "Further along the Triboar Trail, and just north of Conberry is the lair of a Banshee. Now, so long as you don't immediately attack her, and fairly.. good with words, for lack of better ones, you should be able to trade the comb for information."

"Specifically, information on the whereabouts of a spellbook possessed by someone named Bowgentle. The priestess here is seeking the information." He glances around warily, and then leans in closer. "It took me sometime to re-secure that, and I have no way of replacing it. But, given the Banshee is fairly vain, and if you play your cards right, you could get more information for another trade of something like that coin. Perhaps even, if your trip to the other place falls through -- not that it will -- But /if/, then.... you could ask her what she knows of the you know what." A still standing Salazar leans away on that note. "Food for thought, but certainly a last resort."

Rose wakes up the next morning positively glowing. Not wanting to get out of bed, Rose debated about spending the rest of the day just lying there with Gwen. Unfortunately duty called and, not wanting to be the cause of any delay, Rose reluctantly got out of bed and started to get dressed. When Gwen started to stir Rose would walk over and kiss her. Good morning beautiful, sleep well? Rose would engage in idle talk while getting dressed and dawning her armor and assisting Gwen with hers and finally making their way downstairs.

Rose stuffed herself with food knowing this would be the last time in a while before the party would likely have a meal that wasn't rations. She listened to Burgee and Cirrus talk about flight with casual interest. She didn't know much about Burgees kind and was a bit curious but just as she was about to say something Salazar entered the inn and approached the table. Rose looked at the comb a bit confused at first but as Sal explained she understood. I see. Well it is certainly something we should check out at somepoint. Thank you for letting me know. Are you okay Sal? You look much better than last I saw you. Rose looks at Salazar with concern, last time she saw him he seemed at his wits end. Just because he looked better doesn't mean he was and she didn't  like the idea of leaving him troubled.

Lark chuckles with a wry grin, though Yue was likely not in sight, he looked elsewhere as if to insinuate she was in that direction AH well, would be a good way to find out if the potion was nasty or some secret magguffin -by intent or accident- Just let me know what happens if it's used, okay? You have no idea how curious I am. And thanks for the money, It'll help keep the quickly growing staff fed for a month or more if I slick the coin with a little wit! And thanks again Paavu, you're a good guy! With that, Lark bows, humming a tune as he makes note that he must be getting back to his duties in the manor, and that he really wants to gather some writing supplies, now that he can afford them!

Gwen stretched her lengthy, sinuous legs, Her dark mocha-latte skin exposed in quite a few places, though the blankets were enwrapped around her curves as she did. Hngmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm she mewled out as the stretch felt exceptionally good before finally joining Rose in in leaving the comfort of the middle-teir inn. Partially making the bed back up and affording Rose certain angles, though that wasn't her intent so much as to make the staffs job easier.. or was it? Regardless, she eventually spins around in her glory and joins rose in re-dressing. Making sure to wear both her winterized underclothing, and her winterized armor. Unfortunately covering her entirely aside from her face, or her long silver-white hair.

Morning to you too moonbeam. And Indeed I did~ you produce a lot more heat than one your size would suggest, especially for someone who follows Selune instead of Lathander or some other sun patron. It feels amazing. And speakign of morning, we should make sure the others remember we need to pack our stuff onto the cart soon after breakfast, and ready the animal(s). And hoo I can't wait to eat... The food here isn't cuisine but it has so much flavor.... she would say just before they left the room, their supplies in hand, moving down and out to meet with the others for their final warm meal for the forseeable future.

Interrupted from their discussion as Salazar comes in to talk to Paavue, Burgee turns to listen. He'd not met Salazar formally so watched the others carefully as they interacted. As Salazar finished talking to Paavu though, Burgee leaned over towards the goliath with a charming accent and simply said, "Words, we can handle!" And he gave a nice grin as he patted the big guy on the back.  Burgee looks up at Salazar and goes into his best car salesman pitch, "Pardon my intrusion sir, we've not yet met. I'm Burgee. I have had the fortune of traveling with these fine folk for the last few days. Quite an impressive crew they are. Seems we both have good taste in friends here eh?"

With Paavu

Paavu raised a disapproving brow at Lark's slight insitence on using the potion on Yue. But knowing the goblin meant well, he at least let out an amused sounding snort before long, and nodded. "Paavu will be sure to make note of event. Be well." He said in goodbye. As he started to turn away leaving, realizing Yue wasn't at his side, a heavy sigh leaves his mouth as he stepped out for a minute to go wrangle the wayward wolf. Who by the time he did so, had found herself a snow hare. Likely the same one that taunted her when the duo had first made the clearing their campsite for the evening.

With Salazar & Friends

Salazar licked his lips, and looked askance at Rose's questioning. But only for a second or two before turning back to her with a tired nod. "A fair bit. Keeping busy has helped. But, until I remove this mark, or see to the creature responsible end... it has been unpleasant being bound as I am, knowing what I know of what I am." He confesses, appearing to almost age a few years in the telling. "But my problem can wait." Salazar gives her both an appreciative yet faintly serious look, as if politely asking not further broach the subject for now.

"... Ah. You must be the fourth that Lark had come across. Sorry, I forgot to properly introduce myself last. The name is Salazar. Salazar Falone, and it is a pleasure to meet one of the avian races." He smiled, spirits lifted at the change of directions. "I've learned a few words and... *ahem*... Oof. Sorry. I almost lost myself in tangent. Either way, it is a pleasure to meet you, and I do apologize for interrupting your breakfast. Please continue with it. I've spoken my piece, and -- O-oh wait, uhm, there will of course be a reward for any intel you find in regards to Bowgentle's spellbook. A few potions, if I recall correctly. A fair bit hard to come by in the region without extraordinaire luck."

Salazar gives one last quick bow. "If you would excuse me. There is other work I should see to. But, if -- er, when you come back, and if you might acquire some magical trinkets, I can inspect them for you. Just seek out the manor or the townmaster hall. I'll likely be in one of those two places." On that note, the Aasimar Cleric made to leave, just in time to pass Paavu on his way to the table. The former opened his mouth in likely an attempt to repeat his words; but, he is abruptly cut off by a "Paavu has ears", as if it were explanation enough. As wounded by the abruptness of the statement, Salazar briskly carried on outside without another word.

(To Penguini: I'm not sure if its just a miswording there, but Paavu is talking to Lark, and Salazar is talking with the rest of the group. :) Paavu got intercepted by the goblin)

Rose nods in understanding to Salazar saying Of course dear. If we didn't have to leave so soon I'd help but, well that is not the path laid out before me. But you are strong, you'll be able to handle whatever problems come your way. Rose offers him a friendly smile before returning to finishing her meal. once everyone is more or less finished Rose would help pack the cart and get things ready for the group to move on as soon as everyone was ready.