Shae would return in time for required discussions and the Professor’s lesson. She wouldn’t be shy to take a seat on the floor for it amongst the little ones. Although she listened intently and was captured by the visuals, she would be guilty of trying to coax Mushu to come to her for the story time. 

Berrus stays to the outskirts of the village   eventually he finds a nice spot and lays back watching the sky/stars depending on time of day

thinking and occasionally absentmindedly rubbing the bruised spot on his chest

With the group gathered Fang would discuss landmarks of the trail they could expect to see, maps not having quite as much detail as first hand experience. He would also make a rough line of the trail he intended to take on the map, if for some reason they were separated, choosing safer routes over potentially dangerous more expedient routes. 

Fang would stand behind the young ones during Glasses magic ‘lesson’, just as interested in it as they are, for magic of this nature isn’t something he has seen often. In fact the battle against the Hag was the first time he had seen it. He was most curious during the wind demonstration, since he was sure that was how he woke from that terrible dream he had, trying to figure out how it worked.

Mushu having been given scraps of meat from the latest hunt was contentedly resting in his pouch during the lesson. At least he was until Shae tried coaxing him to her with a few scraps of meat. Feeling the sense of longing for the fresh meat from Mushu, Fang looks at him at saying, “It’s fine, she’s a friend. I’ll be right here.” 
No sooner had Fang said those words the small red pseudodragon would take wing as quickly and quietly as he could manage to try and get the meat without being noticed. Fang then felt a sense of hopefulness from the pseudodragon, curios Fang looked for it and then realized it’s intent was to startle Shae again. Though being noticed wouldn’t have stopped him. 

stealth Mushu 12

either way Mushu would land on Shae’s left shoulder and curl it’s tail round the back of Shae’s neck for stability and nibble on the scraps until either Fang called it back or the lesson ended and it was time for resting for the long trek towards the water. 

Shae would notice Mushu’s hesitation at her temptation, so she would simply smile and look back to the Professor’s display figuring she hasn’t gained the little guys favour yet. Not that she was trying to win him over Fang in any way. She just liked creatures and she’s yet to have been able to commune with a wild one with much success. And how could any one not want an adorable critter cuddling on them?

“Eep!” Shae will squeak feeling something land on her shoulder. She’ll clap a hand over her heart and peer at her shoulder. At the sight of Mushu and feeling his tail brush up against her neck, she couldn’t help but let out a giggle. “Got me again!” She’ll whisper before reaching back into her pouch to offer him the treat she had for him. The warlock would make note to ask Fang what Mushu’s favourite was for next time. If the familiar allowed and liked it, she’d use one finger to pet his snout and/or behind the ears and under the chin.

Once the Professor completed his lesson, Shae would offer Mushu to return to Fang before she’d get up. She’d offer him a smile for sharing Mushu’s company. As the room cleared, Shae would approach Snively. “Thank you for sharing that.” She’d nod her head to the Professor. Waiting until the room cleared of the audience, Shae would continue. “Now that our route is established, is there anything else we should discuss?”

(Opportunity for her and Snively to discuss the dagger?)

OOC: The summoning time for the Mephit is only a minute, but since that would make a rubbish interaction, I'm extending it for the sake of this scene. And it is only afternoon, so you could either spend some time stocking up on more supplies, trying to find out more about local fauna and flora, traditions, or indeed discuss things amongst the party.

Professor, as you start talking in primordial to the mephit, it looks at you quizzically, before informing you that it's language is in fact Ignan or Aquan, two dialects of the primordial tongue, but with quite a few idiosyncracies that take some getting used to. It's own name translates to Whiff in Draconic, which gets a good chuckle from the crowd. Unfortunately, Whiff lets you know that it's entire existence is tied to the bubble pipe, and that it has no existence around it. It's at this point where Whiff becomes very confused, for it doesn't remember how or why it remembers its own name, or what the name for its languages are, but it is still certain of those things. Trying to avert an existential crisis of the summoned creature, the Professor is able to reason Whiff into the somewhat satisfying solution that it likely had an existence that didn't begin and end with the Professor's pipe, or at least didn't end after each casting. Somewhat comforted, Whiff then suddenly evaporates in a cloud of steam, as the summoning fizzles.

Shae meanwhile, you are startled to find a blur of movement snatch the meat in your hand, before a very mischievous and content pseudodragon curls up around you.

You all can't help but be charmed by the very different outlook on life and death that the lizardfolk in this village have, and how their lives are a lot simpler for it. Seeing the amazement and wonder about useful knowledge, you begin to understand what drives Fang to stick with you, particularly since you spot a very old and tattered copy of a book poking out of his satchel.

Berrus shifts a little.   Then places his shield against a rock facing west.  Takes off chain and inspects it. Then rolls it and places it next to the shield. Then after stretching a bit he sits back down with his back leaning on the shield watching the sunset

Shae would feel an almost overwhelming sense of giddiness coming from Mushu as he realizes he has startled her again. Mushu would almost ravenously devour the scrap of meat after gently taking it from Shae. Having finished it he would lean in to, almost like a dog would do, to any affection toward him that she showed.

After the demonstration from Glasses, Fang would look at Mushu, “Time to hunt for dinner. You coming?” Then Fang looks at Shae, “Or are you staying with your new friend?” Fang then quickly turns around and, without waiting for Mushu, sets out for a quick hunting trip to gather just enough for the five of them plus a bit extra for Mushu.

Seeing Fang start walking away and knowing that it liked the words ‘hunt’ and ‘dinner’ Mushu begins looking very quickly between Shae and Fang almost like it can’t decide what to do. Fang makes it about 10 ft from Shae when you get a sense of sadness followed by a comforting sensation. You get the sense that the little creature has taken a shine to you and is sad to go, but doesn’t want you to be sad that he’s leaving. After feeling these emotions wash over you, your shoulder suddenly feels a bit lighter and you see Mushu has taken a similar perch on Fang before crawling his way down into his pouch.

(Assuming nothing crazy happens during his hunting trip) Fang returns shortly after his departure ladened with his latest kills and gives Shae the rest of the groups share and keeps his portion and Mushu’s.

Seeing Berrus off by himself would walk over, “You are welcome to sleep in the village. Might be more comfortable than the earth and it could be some time before you can sleep in a bed again. I have a spare in my hut.”

"I thank ye fer the offer an ma take ye up on it.  But for the now i am enjoyen the stars. Tis not often i ken just look at them"

Is there anything else you want to do, or are you bedding down for the night?

Maxine was entertaining curious younglings with the stories about cities and all the wonders of the continents (not that she travelled a lot, but she read enough), asking in turn about that part of the jungle (more specifically - the direction the party was about to move). But other than that - just used another "last safe spot" to get desired rest.

Shae will smile politely and bow her head to Snively, "Enjoy your evening, Professor." She'll take her leave and make her way to where she last remembered seeing Maxine. Eventually, stumbling upon her still with some curious younglings, Shae would hang back for a moment. She'd watch Maxine interact with the little ones and although Shae could not understand any of it, she didn't have too. The expressions, giggles, energy and attentiveness shared by both parties said it all.

After spectating for a few moments, she'd use her magic to try to enhance Maxine's stories. Shae would wiggle a few fingers and blow in her hands to send puffs of wind to dance around them, whisking Maxine's hair to add dramatic effect. She'd make lights dance and twinkle and even hum a soft melody or the sound of deep tribal drums, all in hopes to support her friends storytelling.

Shae would wait until Maxine was done interactions with the locals before approaching her. "Hi Maxine." She'd smile. "A copper for your thoughts?" The warlock will ask if she'd want to go for a walk outside or remain here and rest.

"I have some things I wanted to run by you..." Shae would look to Maxine.

"Sure thing, what would it be?" The travel was light, the company good and the evening lovely - Maxine felt well rested and eager to do something.

There was plenty for her to want to gush about to Maxine, but... "I'm hung up on the dagger." Shae would look to her friend, hoping she isn't about to spoil her night bringing it up. "I don't think it's as easy a situation as the Professor thinks it is. That, or I'm overthinking it." She'd sigh. Although they travelled today, the warlock still felt like she needed to pace or move as she'd talk. Shae was happy and enjoying the evening but she still felt anxious. "If we're going to actually do something about it, I know I'll need you by my side again."

"Again - happy to help," Maxine was sitting on the ground following Shae's impatient moves with her eyes, "but ... you might be overthinking it. So, what if it makes our Captain an arrow magnet? We can put her in the shielded place, when it's getting too hot, and when everything is over - she emerges safe and sound. Like a bait for insects, you know? And once we reach a real town here, we can find some temple, pay .... Ok, not sure with what but we can think of something, and get this cursed thing un-cursed. What's the big deal?" 

Shae’s eyes would shift as she’d bob her head going through Maxine’s thoughts. Her friend was a lot more methodical than her scatter brained self. She did hit a point or two that could answer a couple of her questions, which solves some now unnecessary concerns. The warlock would stop and take a breath feeling a little silly. It wasn’t necessarily dire that they separate the Captain from the dagger now, right? Now that they know its effects? It’s not like Shae had the power to cure the captains curse herself, anyway. It would take a real healer to do that. She’ll pat a finger against her forehead as if she was chastising herself.

Remembering Maxine’s eyes on her, Shae would realize she was stuck in her head again. “Sorry.” She’d shake her head before starting. “Based on my interpretations of Kam’s words, we’re dealing with two parts here.” And with her track record, she could very well be completely wrong. “The dagger is crafted to be a cursed weapon. It curses it’s wielder. So both the Captain and the dagger are cursed.” She’d pause. Shae knew Maxine probably already figured that. “The Captain can be rid of the curse at a temple once we obtain a means of paying. And yes she would be fine.” She’d nod in thanks for that solution. “But I don’t believe it will be that simple for the dagger itself.” Shae’s brow would furrow and she’d start to pace again. This is where she hopes she understood or even remembered what she learned right. She’d stare up wanting to search her scattered memory. She was feeling rushed to get through her points. “It would need to be removed by a similar means in which it was created.” She’d look to Maxine, “It’s not as simple as just removing the curse from the dagger.” Shae would emphasize. “And it’s not just a simple dagger. It’s an ancient dagger. We would need to know its history and truly understand how it was created before even considering the possibility of removing the curse.” Now it was spewing out in less filtered thoughts. “If we choose to undertake this task, one of us would have to take the responsibility of being the ‘carrier’ and could fall to the curse as well. Someone could have to be that bait until we find a way to ‘remove the curse’” Shae would finger quote the last bit and look back to Maxine. “Depending on the power of the curse, it would need a matching force to rid of it, possibly destroying the object in the process.” She’d pause a moment for that to sink in. “I want to ask, what’s the worth of this dagger?” Her eyes would search Maxine’s, trusting her friend would understand beyond its material worth. “Is it simply this localized cursed object? It could be.” She’d shrug, not ignoring the possibility. “Do we want to go through all that trouble to potentially save ‘an object’?” Shae would take a breath, “Or more dramatically, is this dagger a tool being passed around to plague this land?” Shae would stop her mouth. Is it part of something darker, more sinister? She’d swat away that thought for now.

Her eyes would soften, and she’d genuinely ask her friend with no sarcasm in her voice. “Am I making it a big deal?” 

At the "consideration of the possibility of removing the curse" Maxine began to smile, by the end of the description of their future epic quest she laughed openly and wholeheartedly. "Oh, I am sorry," said Maxine wiping tears from her eyes, "it's very, very dramatic. Reminds me of the story of two hobbits and one wizard. You know, the one with the ring? Where they used the most excruciatingly torturing way to get rid of a simple object? Never mind. But ... Really? A dagger of "epic cursiness of the land"? Did Kam said it? Never thought unicorns have such a sharp sense of humour."

"Do you see some ominous shades following us around, trying to kill at every turn? Ok, there are enough things that are trying to kill us here, but all of them are pretty material. Too much even, if you ask me. Relax. We get to the city, we cure the Captain, and if you so worry - ask the clerics if they want to take care of the dagger. They might even want to take the thing as a payment." 

Shae would purse her lips, a little deflated. But if Maxine said so... “Okay.” She felt pretty embarrassed, trying hard not to let her face flush. “Of course. Sounds like a plan.” A sheepish smile would appear on her face. I guess it was really silly. Spending too much time with my head in the clouds. She would try her hardest not to make an obvious eye roll to herself as she’d close her yes before taking a deep breath and opening her eyes again.

The warlock would open her mouth a few times before closing it trying to move on to something else she meant to mention. Then she’d simply nod her head to Maxine. “Thank you. That helped clear my mind. Perhaps I should go sleep off that headache after a meal, huh?” She’d tilt her head with a force smile in an attempt to poke fun at herself. And with that she’ll excuse herself.

Bah! 

Shae will find her way to a cooking area in order to prepare a meal with the ingredients brought to her by Fang. She’d be sure to preserve snack sizes for Mushu while she prepped the protein for them. The warlock would zone in on focusing on busying herself with her task at hand, cooking a meal. That was simple enough task for her to handle without too much thought.

Glasses:

Satisfied that Shae, Kam, and possibly Maxine have the matter of the dagger well in hand, Snively prepares to bed down for the night, still marveling that his weary band of travelers might be welcomed in not one, but two jungle villages.  A few notes about the day in his journal and some sketches of a particular steam mephit later, the Professor drifts off to sleep by the fire.

Fang would walk over to see what Maxine and Shae were discussing as their conversation drew to a close. “I didn’t miss anything did I?” Mushu would quietly fly over ahead of Fang’s approach to the pair attempting to startle Shae again since he thinks it’s good fun at this point, he rarely catches Fang unawares.
Mushu stealth 12

Upon reaching the medic, Mushu would gently land on her shoulder and nuzzle her right cheek and then look expectantly at her for food, licking his ‘lips’ and smacking his jaw expectantly since he can smell that she has some. He would then sense that she was bothered by something and relay as much to Fang. Who would come closer to Shae “What troubles you Medic?” Putting his hand on her other shoulder. “You are all safe here tonight with my brethren on guard. Get some rest while you can. If Rings doesn’t use it, there’s an extra bed in my hut. Or if he does you can use mine. I’ll be saying goodbyes to my broodmates tonight and won’t be there this night. There are some I’m rather fond of.”

His thoughts would drift to his hunting challenges with Red, taking care of Crawler and supporting him when most of the rest of the village would have left him to perish. Then finally to Trala, whom he felt he would miss the conversations after hunting injuries with most. He’s never ventured very far or for any length of time away from his village nor their hunting grounds. Truth be told he was feeling a little apprehensive about the trip, yet excited, in a way, about the thrill of a new challenge.

When Fang would approach to ask if he missed anything, Shae would politely smile and shake her head. Nothing important.

(Passive Perception for this one 13 As she would not be mentally ‘present’)

Shae would be lost in thought, methodically moving her hands through the motions of cooking. She had shut out the world around her for barely a few moments when Mushu would plop himself on her shoulder again. “Eep!” The medic would have jumped out of her skin if it were possible. She’d drop whatever was in her hand, take a step back and clutch a hand to her chest again. Her heart was pounding from the surprise. Her eyes would glance over to her shoulder again to see a very excited Mushu. “I don’t know if you’re getting better, or if I’m getting worse!” After the initial shock, Shae would be able to giggle and give the familiar a chin scratch before he started smacking his jaw expectantly. “Yes of course. You deserve a special treat for that extra scare.” And when he’d hold his mouth open, she’ll give him something. A small smirk will cross her face. She’d trick him, giving him a pebble instead. Shae would chuckle as she’d watch Mushu go through the emotions of figuring out that she tricked him. Then finally, she’d offer him the real piece he was expecting, his actual treat before returning to her task.

When Fang would reach out to touch her shoulder, genuinely asking of her troubles, she’d side glance Mushu. “Giving me away, eh?” She’d tease. The scholar read about familiars and their bonds with those who call upon them. She knew they shared telepathic links. Shae would be smiling though. She appreciated him checking in with her, perhaps even showing concern. Finding it a little easier to communicate when she’s facing Fang, Shae will turn. “Thank you.” She’d nod, appreciating the reassurance for safety. The medic realized she hasn’t been concerned for her safety, since... She’d clear her throat and continue before Mushu could sense her emotions. She’d respond to Fang’s question. “I tend to overthink things and perhaps aspire for them to be more than what they actually are...” She’d offer a sheepish smile. Shae often got trapped in her own head, lost in her own thoughts, and could get ahead of herself. Before, Kam was a regular presence in her mind to help ground her, but that’s since changed and took some getting used too. “I’ll be okay after a good nights rest.” She’d assure. It was very hospitable of Fang to offer his home, his own bed, to them. He had already been so open and eager to join them on their adventure that she couldn’t bring herself to turn down the humble gesture. “Perhaps a bed could be the cure for this headache.” She’d joke, letting out a little awkward chuckle to her own poor joke. Her eyes would smile when Fang would share his plans for the evening, sharing his sentiments for his broodmates. “It’s important to spend that time with those you care for. Especially before you’ll be gone for some time.” She’d nod, thinking about the importance of goodbyes. “Be sure to clear your mind and heart of any troubles before you go as well. I do wish you safe travels and a good evening with them.“