Glasses:

Having slept well last night with the threat of the hag removed, Glasses works on stoking the fire in the morning using his firestarter clockwork device and his control over the elements.  Heating up enough water for everyone to have tea, the Professor visits everyone and offers them tea as well.  Afterwards, he takes his own steaming cup, sits cross-legged under a nearby tree, and works on his spells for the morning.

Night Before
(RP mostly to respond to Fang cause that was just too funny for me XD)

Shae's face would drop blank when Fang would communicate to her that her normally just eats his dinner raw. OF COURSE SHAE! She'd think to herself. She swears she could hear Kam's chuckling in the back of her mind. The warlocks cheeks would redden a little, but she'd try not to skip a beat, sensing his return curiosity. Once Fang finished skinning and quartering the protein, Shae would prep four servings for those of them who preferred cooked meals. Skewering the morsels, she will season them and set them over hot coals for cooking, explaining the best she could to Fang along the way. Occasionally she'd turn them until all was cooked through.

Now that their meal was cooked, Shae would top it off with a little dust of prestidigitation to give it a nostalgic taste of 'home', whatever that may be to each of them. For the most part she would divi up the portions equally, with the exception of sneaking a few extra morsels from her share into Berrus' to ensure their protector had extra fuel. She'll hand out the meals and even offer Fang a bite to try, though she truly didn't expect him to prefer it.

Although she had napped most of the day, now with a full belly, Shae was able to curl up close to the fire for the night and fell asleep in minutes.

The Next Morning

Shae thought she'd wake up pretty early considering how much she slept yesterday. But by the time she got up, it looked like the others had already begun puttering about. She'd take a few moments to get up and stretch the aches of sleeping before making her way outside where she'd find the others. Accepting one of the Professor's freshl brewed teas and now feeling refreshed, Shae will take a stroll around the area to do an herb sweep. It had been a while since she took the time to gather some ingredients to replenish her healer's kit, and maybe even expand her herb and spice repertoire. Either way, she did this for the first time out of enjoyment rather than just necessity. Occasionally she'll peak up from the flora to check to make sure she hasn't wandered off too far without realizing it. Of course she'd keep an eye out for any pesky threats like the yellow musk creeper they were all too familiar with. If Maxine was close by, she'd even wave her over to come gather some ingredients for her potion-making.

after breakfast and the tea Berrus attempts to untangle his beard and rebraid two braids in the beard and one between his left eye and ear.

he would also keep an eye on Shae during her herb gathering

Shae and Maxine, you find three handfuls of Sinda berries, one of the plants you learned about from N'ala. They are small brown berries that taste bitter when eaten, but when you consume a handful of them, they increase the immune system, making you more robust against disease. You also found five ounces of Menga leaves, which when dried can be brewed into a potion that has a mild healing effect.

Once you're done, and the plants are safely stored, you pack up your gear and head towards the grung village. It takes you only about two hours or so, since you're all familiar with the terrain and you know the path. As you get to the village, you're greeted by most of the grung population, and all of the crew of the Star Goddess, cheering as you enter the village. Gruk greets you warmly, and tells you that there will be festivities later in the afternoon, and that some of the lizardfolk will also be attending, but that he wants to give you some time to talk to the crew.

Once alone with the other travelers, the recovered catain, Falx and Brax, Zip, a slowly recovering Faekin, and the Professor's two porters Cliff and Bertrand greet you happily. Bertrand is more than honoured to receive the armour and the gauntlets, and Thasselandra happily accepts the folding boat on behalf of her crew. Despite the friendly welcome, you notice that Brax, the Captain, and Faekin are feeling very awkward, and lost for words, since they weren't there at your greatest hour of need. Particularly the Captain seems to be ridden with guilt, as she couldn't lead her crew, but is still being rewarded in their name.

You have about two hours or so before the festivities are said to begin. What would you like to do?

Maxine will spend some time with the crew, discussing with the Captain possible rout through the jungles and - it the boat works - probably along the shores to the nearest proper town.

Glasses:

Approaching Maxine, the Professor asks for her help, saying, "The cursed dagger the captain has caused her to be vulnerable to injury, but she seems reluctant to part with it.  Do you think we could remove the curse from it so she can use it safely, or if that fails get her to give it up so she is no longer cursed?  I have been looking through the hag's journal to try and figure something out, but I need help."

The Professor will also make a point to thank the captain, Brax, and Faekin for beefing up the village's defenses while many of their warriors went off to fight the hag.  He will then give Gruk a detailed rundown of everything that happened at Hero's Rest and emphasize the bravery of B'ark's actions.

"Would not know anything about curses," Maxine was cool and collected, "We shall ask some priest in the first town we come across and until then keep Captain away from the fights".

 Berris spends time showing Bertrand how to properly wear the armor.....and gives him his old shield

Shae was in good spirits feeling refreshed from so much sleep and spending what she felt like was a nice relaxing morning picking with Maxine. She'd walk with a little bit more bounce in her step and even some humming to herself as they travelled the now-familiar path to the grung village. Her heart would well with the warm greeting from Gruk, stealing a side glance of pride to Maxine seeing him settle into his role.

Noticing Berrus had primped and tamed his beard this morning, Shae would smile at him as she spectated his honourable handing off of gear to Bertrand. Maybe she's become soft, but her heart felt like it could burst, she was so filled with emotions of relief, pride, admiration, adoration, etc. for this ragtag group of strangers who have come together as... as a family to her. The scholar would clutch her hands together, grinning from ear to ear and blinking back tears while she stood back and watch everyone interact.

Taking a breath before breaking her silence, Shae would pipe up to echo Professor's praise for those who remained here to support the village and tend to themselves. She'd be sure to add in her admiration for the medics who braved the battlefield and tended the injured. And of course, on that note, she'd click into medic mode, although she knew they were well taken care of, Shae would sneak closer to check in on those travellers. She'd even offer Faekin the fresh berries her and Maxine picked if she believed it would help speed up his recovery even a little bit.

Hearing the Professor ask for Maxine's assistance, she remembered he had asked her to help prior to the fight with the hag. She had not entirely forgotten about the request but she was guilty of not focusing on the task either. Once she was done reviewing the team, Shae would excuse herself to a corner of the room to sit on the ground. She'd take out her tomb, lay it over her lap and open it to the back where Kam and her last written communication was. The warlock would place her hand on the page, over his true celestial name and close her eyes to picture him in her mind. Their communication has changed over the time they've been here. With the elimination of the hags, Shae wondered if she could commune with him regularly again. Kam, is there a way to separate a curse from an object? To free our captain of its vulnerabilities?

Bertrand beams with pride as you pass him your old shield, Berrus. He's very eager to learn from your instructions.

Maxine, you sense that the crew seems relieved at your renewed focus on getting out of the jungle, and they seem particularly pleased at having a map and a plan for a likely route.

Professor, Gruk gives you a grin, and just nods along, before saying: "Gruk is sure that B'ark will show HER gratitude as well tonight- she has something special planned, and has been working away in her hut with several of our priests for most of yesterday to get it ready."

Shae, focussing hard on the book, you start to hear Kam's voice in your head, directly. "My champion. Not giving yourself any rest? Well, curses are powerful and dark magic, usually tied to strong emotions and significant sacrifice. Removing the curse placed on Thessalandra is not that difficult, but breaking it is a different matter altogether. The very creation of the wepon has the malevolent energy within, it's as much part of the weapon as the steel it's made from. It's not altogether impossible to break the curse, though it will likely require similar sacrifices and toils that went into making it. I don't know what curse lies upon the object, but if you understand it's history, you might find a way to break the curse."

You all snap out of your various activities, when Gruk approaches, bright yellow, green, and blue patterns painted onto his red- and golden-flecked skin and wearing a large feathered headdress and other ceremonial garb. Fang, you can tell by smell that several of your tribal warriors have arrived as well. Gruk looks to you all: "Please, join me, the festivities are to begin."

Shae would smile at the sound of Kam's familiar voice echoeing in her mind. Heroes never rest. She'd play on his question. It was a little strange to accept being called a champion or even referring to themselves as heroes. It's such a high in contrast to her lowest low. But it felt good. Praise felt rewarding when they've all worked so hard. It was okay to bask in the sunlight while it shined, right? As long as she remained humble. Shae would thank her patron for sharing his wisdom. Should she have the opportunity, she would try to share Kam's information with the group.

Noticing how beautifully adorned Gruk was in his ceremonial outfit, Shae would look over herself quickly. She realized she hadn't taken the time to primp herself and may still have had a little bedhead. As quickly as she could, she'd use prestidigitation to clean herself up from playing in the dirt this morning, making sure to get what she could out from under her nails. She'd then finger comb her hair to try to tame some tangles as she'd follow Gruk and the others to the festivities.

At Gruks announcement Berrus follows along behind Shae

Saying quietly  "ye look fine lass"

Glasses:

If Shae and Snively had time to deal with the dagger before Gruk came to them, great, but if not it could certainly wait until tomorrow.  The Professor follows along in Gruk’s wake at his invitation.

Fang is a bit uneasy with being in the frogs village since he has never been there before. He is comforted slightly by the arrival of some of his kin. He sticks close by to his new companions, Shae in particular since he feels he owes his life to her and wants to return the favor should the need arise. 

Shae's cheeks would flush.

Stepping out into the main square of the village, it is lined with grung all adorned in ceremonial garb. You're met with a sea of feathers, pelts, jade, and bright colours. Several of the green grung are beating fast and wild rhythms on large drums, while the priests and elites are croaking in unison, forming a large choir.

With Gruk sitting in the middle at the far end of the place on a large throne, the travelers, lizardfolk, and grung warriors slowly move up towards Gruk, B'ark marching on Berrus' side, and Bertrand walking next to Bertrand. The moments feel endless, and you all feel like you've grown several inches from pride, and all the pain and aches of the battle are gone.

As you reach within ten feet of Gruk's throne, he rises, and all the drums, the choir, and the cheers fall silent. Then, with a clear command, Gruk bids B'ark, Berrus, and Skinny forwards.

"We all learned of the threat of the horned lady thanks to outsiders, and we were only able to meet the threat with their help. It was the vision and the tireless efforts of Bro-fasser or Glasses who made this success possible, and who secured a future for all our peoples. All of the fallen are heroes and will be remembered as such, but the people before you are living proof of what is possible when different peoples are united by a common vision." 

With that, he motions three of the guards to step forward, each holding something wrapped in cloth in their arms.

"As a way to remember the battle fought, and the victory achieved, B'ark had the idea to fashion these four horns from the defeated hags. One for each of the peoples that stood side by side, and that will do so again in the future, should they hear the sound of these horns."

With that, the three horns are revealed, and handed to the three commanders. The twisted horns are each tipped with a golden mouth piece, and the horns bear incantations and runes along their sides. Holding one in your hands, Berrus, the horn feels warm to the touch, as if it had been lying in the sun for an afternoon.

Gruk continues:

"All who shall hear the sound of these horns shall be strengthened by its sound, reminded of what is possible when allies stand together. They shall be a beacon of hope in the worst of situations, and a constant reminder of your triumph and your friends."

After handing you each your horns, B'ark gives a deep bow, and when Gruk asks her to rise again, the crowd erupts in cheers and the beating of the drums and the choir begins again. Taking the horn to her lips and giving a full blast from the horn, you feel a wave of positive energy wash over you. Shae, for you it feels very similar to when Kam touched you with his horn. Then, she takes a torch and lights it on a nearby sconce and, leading the procession of grung warriors and the crowd, steps to the edge of the village where the funeral pyres have been erected, touching  the base of each to the rhythmic beating of the drums.

Once all the pyres are set alight, almost like beacons shining the path to the future made possible by the sacrifice of these grung, the entire procession and the guests are invited back to the village, where the throne has been joined by a large banquet, with dozens of specialties from sweet cooked bananas and other fruit to grilled guinea pigs and steamed tortoises, all served with sweet mead and other fruit spirits. The food tastes delicious, and the atmosphere is jovial, everyone present seemingly determined to turn this into a celebration of live and the new possibilities.

Berrus bows deeply to B'ark when gifted the horn

"At yer service n your families" he says quietly

after the ceremony he will inspect the horn, admiring its craftsmanship.   then thinking more he goes in search of B'ark or Gruk to request a favor

B'ark is quietly enjoying some food and the sweet wine. At the sight of the warrior approaching her, she lifts her head and gives Berrus a quizzical look. with a few words of common she has picked up over the last couple of days, she asks: "What can B'ark do?"

Berrus leans close and whispers the request in her  ear?

then  backs up slightly and gives her a salute saying loudly  "Hail B'ark a mighty warrior, and well met"

then he raises a mug

B'ark gives Berrus a questioning look, before doing as he asks, and then raising her own cup and drinking with him.