Invaih will stroll around the area outside the plant growth as the party returns, looking to see if they got all the gnolls or if there was a scouting party still about.

The Amber Frog this evening is bustling with activity, you all get lots of pats on the back of congratulations. The deaths of the two mercenaries are celebrated, many toasts are made in thier names. You remember that you need to stop by the town hall sometime to pick up your reward.

Invah: You search around the gnoll campsite with little difficulty, even with the plants in the way. You find small hollows in the ground, most likely used to sleep in, there are as many as there are gnolls that you fought. You are sure you got them all.

(What are you going to do next?)

"Perhaps we should investigate these cultists out in the wood, before they take further nefarious action", suggests Artin

"Yes, but not now. We should rest for an hour or two before we head out."

Taking a short rest, you can regain hit points using hit dice if needed. If there is anything you want to do before heading out to the campsite, tell me.

"Come, friends! Let us rest at the inn for a few hours! Everyone deserves a drink at the inn after that." Dari says, an obvious mood shift, you think he is in the spring side of his personality. He leads everyone to the inn.

Artin follows Dari, ready for action against the cultists.

24

"Yes, a good meal and some rest and I am ready to stab Men in the chest again!"

Invaih readjusts his cloak around his shoulders as he follows everyone inside the establishment, staying wary to let the others enjoy their time.

Erik stepped through the doorway of the Amber Frog and looked around, dust from the road still clinging to his long coat. He held his staff and one hand, the other casually brushing back the hood from his head. Archimedes, a emerald green owl, sat atop his staff, head looking from person to person in the tavern, sweeping for anything that might raise alarm.

He stood for a moment, letting his eyes adjust. He was draped in long black robes, trimmed with green in something of a patchwork pattern. A pack was slung over one shoulder, and a mantle and hood covered the upper part of his robes. His clothes were well worn from travel, but didn't have the look of that of a peasant.

Archimedes flapped his wings slightly, maintaining balance atop the staff as Erik made his way to an empty table near the heroes, nodding politely as he passed patrons. He had only recently arrived in the town, but even he had heard of the famous heroes, as the town spoke of little else. 

He had heard of the pressing need of this town and, as he was already journeying this way, thought to stop and see if he could assist the villagers. His heart was warmed upon the news that others had banded together in the hour of need. He sat in an empty chair, and Archimedes gracefully alighted to the table, head still watching the tavern, swiveling one way then the other, unhurried.

He signalled the barkeep and said, “Some food and ale for myself and my companion, please. And a round for the heroes I have heard so much about…” His tone was warm and genuine. He figured a round of drinks was never in bad taste, and might even put him in good company.

(Ooc: just kinda figured Erik has come in a little while after you all started resting and drinking.)

Artin is sitting at his table, just finishing a large mug of mead, when the stranger walks in. "A round of ale? Well thank you kindly, stranger!", saying Artin cheerfully. The halfling waves the tall man over. "Please, sit with us."

As Erik sits down, Artin leans over, squinting. "Have we met before? You seem... familiar, somehow. But I can't quite place where this sense comes from."

Iradari nods to the newcomer "Well met!" but his gaze is affixed on the owl before him, in a small look of wonder.

Erik sits down and looks at the halfling who seems to know him from somewhere. He had to admit, the halfling looked familiar, but he was terrible with names and faces. "Hmmm..." Erik said thoughtfully. "I traveled with the Brother's Errick for awhile...perhaps you saw one of our performances...?" Erik offered.

Archimedes noticed he had an admirerer and preened his feathers for moment before slowly moving towards Iradari.

Dari looks away from the owl, now at the newcomer. "You've been traveling I see. Where from?"

"The Errick brothers?... Wait a minute.. Do you know my rascal of a younger brother Merrick by any chance?"

"Rascal... interesting. I am unfamiliar with that word. I do not know if I had asked this before, but what is your name? I am Iradari, though you can just call me Dari if you'd like." Dari extends his hand, attempting a handshake, which he realized he had almost never done that before.

"All over, I go wherever I am needed." Erik said matter-of-factly. "Why yes...he is quite a good friend actually. It is always well to meet kin of his."

"Rascal... hmm, well, it means like a troublemaker. A scallywag. Someone who doesn't look before he leaps, and tends to get himself and anyone around him in trouble. Usually his companions want to murder him."

Turning to Erik, Artin holds out both of his short arms for a big hug.

"Any friend of Merrick's is a friend indeed. I'm Artin, very pleased to meet you, Merrick's older, wiser, and more handsome brother. My companions here are Dari and Invaih, and the quiet one over there is Zeg."

Erik accepts Dari's offered hand in a firm shake. "It is a pleasure to meet you Dari." He embraces the halfling in a hug, "I can see all three qualities shine brightly in you, Sir Artin." He said with a slight bow of his head in respect. 

Archimedes hopped closer to Dari. "Seems you have piqued his interest, Sir Dari."