"Ramious, we don't hold anything against you, that happened while you held the axe." Leon says with a solid pat on Ramious's back. "After all I believe you hit me hardest with the thing, and I am still here."

"Leon's right, you were forced to behave a certain way against your own will.  We can't hold that against you.  However, I understand that sometimes doing something to make amends makes people feel better.  So, we get back, you buy dinner and a round of drinks and we call it good," Bernard says with a smile.

As Alyssa stared out in silence, her eyes would fade away into the distance. Maybe it was too little too late. She knew she was free of all curses, but still felt as though a parts of her crumbled and fell away with the structure, forever trapped to wander those corridors to relive it all until the end of time. The cycle of thoughts made her stomach ache and her mind numb.

The elf’s body would tense at the unexpected group hug, but it would pull her back to present. Alyssa’s pupils would dilate back to focus. She’d glance up and around. After a few blinks, she’d pay attention, listening to the words spoken. Blue hues would shift with an exhale. Leon and Bugs pretty much summed it up. Rami couldn’t be held responsible for certain actions while under the influence of the axe. That was certain. There were things beyond his control, and they all understood that. “It’s true.” She’d add quietly to the end of Leon and Bernard’s words, doing her best to pull her lips into a reassuring smile.

Alyssa was already starting to drift away in her thoughts when Ramious would add praise with a squeeze of her arm. She’d open then close her mouth, unsure how to respond. Her eyes would glance down. “You guys are a great team.” She’d nod in agreement, finally finding some words to add, tugging her lips a small smile.

On the walk back, Alyssa said nothing, especially quiet during any talk about what happened in the temple. She would chew on her lip instead, eyes focused on the path back. The scholar would of course lend an ear to genuinely listen, but would not make any comments to add or contribute to what was said unless something specific was directly asked of her. The rest of Ramious’ ramblings were lighter on the ears and easier for the archaeologist to listen to. His stories filled the air with images Alyssa could picture. It kept her mind from zoning out for the trip. Alyssa would remain in the present to actively listen to lend Rami an ear, whether he was hoping for one or not. It was a personal story shared that she believed must have had a level of importance to him to have told them. Although, the elf still kept her words to herself, she’d exchange an honest smile this time to indicate she heard him and appreciated the share.

However, Alyssa remained quiet and detached for the ceremony. Only when it was over and the others accepted everything from their hosts, would she move forward. Keeping her head down, Alyssa would step in behind the others into the teleportation circle when were ready to go. 

If Mitzli got any wind of existence of that head, the scary trophy would not be allowed within the city perimeter. Not that this anyhow change the reaction of authorities to party's deeds - respect and praises were genuine - but the curse had to be be kept outside, even defeated.

Teleportation itself went smoothly, with usual nauseating guts turning feeling that ended as suddenly as begun and you breathed in cold (warm by any standards but Maztica's) air of a Waterdeep mansion. Sam and Will were standing right there, outside of the circle as if they never leave the spot. Will's face was the very definition of relief but Sam, though chatting as usual, was looking each one up and down too seriously to believe he was not concerned. "See, Will? Back, safe and sound, tanned," he looked a bit closer, "well, some of them, with all rewards and spoilers (do not forget your taxes, folks). They all good!" He made his usual wide welcoming gesture "Welcome back! Hope you enjoined you little trip into the tropical paradise. Bet you have some stories to tell! Should you need some medical attention," he sized everyone again, "or more spiritual one - second door to the left. Otherwise your quarters are waiting, rest and join me for a drink - would love to hear all about it!"

Will, who could not stop smiling with his a bit shy but most honest smile, only nodded to every word Sam was bubbling unable to speak and just staring at the group (mostly Alyssa). Finally he found a few words "So glad to have you back!" He obviously meant every word.

And at some level Sam was definitely right - you have returned, you were alive and even healthy, with some stories to tell, and though now that extremely normal life around you was something to get used to again - would not all of it be a good reason to celebrate? Only you could tell, of course, but here you were.

Finally back, Bernard visible relaxed a bit.  "You want stories, we got them.  A tale of an ancient temple housing an equally ancient evil, cursed objects, magical sporting games, traps galore, warriors, mages who could decipher ancient writings and a gorgon too," he explains with youthful excitement.  

"But first, I have a head here that should be checked for curses and safety.  Oh no, not mine but this one I took from temple.  Thought it our contract might want it but nope so then thought it would be worth something but it's its cursed maybe they can purify and destroy it.  Anyways, Alyssa, would you like to accompany there?"

Leon took in a deep breath of the air inside the mansion. He nodded then, happy to have retruned here safely. It still smelled off to him, as no place on this plain was truly home for him. He felt a draw to return to his true, native, homeland, but knew he had much more to do in this one before he could go home.

"Stories we do have." Leon agrees with Bugs, patting him on the back with a powerful hand. "Bugs here can fill your heads with the places we have seen, and likely won't even need to add in any lies to make it truly amazing."

Alyssa would hold her breath, as well as her stomach, in preparation for the teleportation this time. She braced herself for the quick wave of nausea to pass and to be rewarded with the cooler air of the Waterdeep mansion. The elf's eyes were kept closed, only fluttering open when she'd hear the cheerful sound of Sam's voice, blue hues landing on a familiar sight of Will close by. She'd give a warm smile with a small wave in return. They always provided a welcoming homecoming.

At Sam's the mention of a tan, Alyssa's brow would quirk and she'd give herself a quick glance over with slight concern before returning her gaze. Realizing the jest, her cheeks would redden and the tiniest of amused chuffs would escape her nose. Sam's overflow of infectious energy and rolling quips were hard to ignore. Alyssa felt the spirit in the room ease away some of her anxieties for the moment, even more so when Bernard would agree to tell of the stories. As long as it wasn't her, she'd enjoy hearing their perspectives, and any additional stories that'd be shared when the time came.

Alyssa had some other thoughts in mind she had been contemplating for some time when Bernard would mention her name. Her eyes would pull away to look Bernard's way before glancing down at the medusa head under his arm. The wizard would tilt her head slightly. A soft chuckle would leave her lips remembering him clarifying which head he wanted to get checked for curses and safety. "Okay. I'll come along." She'd nod, curious enough to be willing to go. 

Ramious asks the group if any of their reward is magical, and otherwise tries to figure out its value, and remember what percentage their fee was to the adventurer guild so they can get that all sorted out while he follows Bugs and the others, happy to hear the others talk for a while....he also finds out where in this darned place he can get a drink.

He's happy to be back in town, but is mostly worried about Alyssa. He'd always worried she was a fragile creature, but battle after situation she'd always proved him wrong. Something about their time in the temple had really affected her though, and he couldn't figure what.  It seemed to happen about the time they got to the cat statue room, and she'd tried to help him with the axe.  He listens to Bernards story, watching her closely for hints....but...was honest with himself...he wasn't a great people person.  Still though, he kept his eyes open, trying to make sure that his friends were all going to be ok. 

With that, Bugs turns to the others and says, "So, me and Alyssa will find a cleric to check this out.  Afterwards I'd like a bath, so can we meet up for a solid meal at supper time and we can go through the treasure?"

Once that discussion is done and he and Alyssa depart, he'd wait long enough for them to be out of earshot from the others and pull her into a side hug as they walked.  "Now I'm not a worldly man but I can tell when someone's got some internal struggles.  I'm not gonna pry, not gonna try to convince you reveal your secrets but I am gonna be your friend whether you like it or not."  He doesn't look at her as they walk side by side already figuring she'd be looking away.  

"If ya wanna talk I'll be there to listen.  If ya need a distraction, we can do that too," he says finishing the emotional support speech and releasing the side hug.  

A bath and a real meal sounded phenomenal right about now...

Alyssa would follow Bernards lead, quietly padding along. Then she’d feel him tug her into a side hug. The elf’s step would stumble a little unexpectedly from her slight surprise. She’d swallow, feeling her body tense up a little in anticipation for his words. It was a trap! She should have known when he specifically asked for her... Though, Bernard’s soft and kind choice of words would sooth Alyssa’s worry enough for her body to relax a little. She’d still shift uncomfortably for being put on the spot, and as expected, her eyes couldn’t find a comfortable place to rest. ‘...but I am gonna be your friend whether you like it or not.’ The smallest of smiles would tug at the corner of her lip, and she’d playfully bump against him in response. She was grateful.

This wasn’t the first time Bernard’s pulled her aside to talk to her. Rami’s checked on her too. So this gentle nudge, which Alyssa would appreciate, did have her feeling more embarrassed at that moment to still be carrying it with her. She thought she’d have time to just let it all pass after they got back.

Eventually though, Alyssa would exhale the deepest of defeated breaths and her face would sadden tremendously. “B... You know when I said I doomed myself the moment we got there?” She could at least try to explain... “Their ‘dated culture’ got in my head... I became hyper aware... or maybe sensitive... to gender equality... stereotypes...” The elf would kick a rock and sigh again. To be seen as an equal... To be heard as an equal... To be respected as an equal... “I have a hard time convincing myself that some things wouldn’t have been different if I was a man.” Admitting that out loud caused Alyssa to pause. She’d literally bite back her mixed emotions. The wizard had prepared a spell specifically in consideration to alter herself...

Bernard stumbled a little at the bump back, not quite expecting that.  He smiled though feeling that she was relaxing slightly.  He paused a moment when she thought that maybe things would be different had she been born a male.  "Gender stereotypes?  Things be different?  Maybe? but would you be where you are at now if you had been a born a male?  Maybe that's the point but everything you've gone through has brought you here."  

He let them walk a few steps as he thought about his next words.  "I don't know what goes on in that noggin of yours, don't know your history, but I think you'd be hard pressed to find someone else with your list of accomplishments.  I mean you found a lost dwarven strong hold, home to a master smith, fought off a dragon, then saved an enter kingdom from a cursed temple.  Not to mention make good chunk of money doing it.  I don't know many that could claim that."  

He ran his hand through his hair and looked away.  A little solemnly he says, "Ha, don't know many at all... Truth time, outside my clan, I don't many people.  I know of people but not know, ya know.  I'm just the creepy bug guy."  Then he smiles, "But not to you and Leon and Ramious.  With you all, I just feel like I belong to something for once."

Alyssa caught herself opening then closing her mouth a couple times while Bernard did his best to provide her with comforting words. Though, she’d shift uncomfortably when he’d extend and apply her words to her life accomplishments. The wizard hadn’t extended her anxieties to those points, and wasn’t thinking that way until now.

‘I don't know what goes on in that noggin of yours...’ Her demeanour would drop again, feeling herself wanting to separate herself. She knew she could get stuck in her head... Alyssa had already felt embarrassed, and only felt more foolish trying to put things into words. Alyssa knew how silly or frivolous she sounded. She shouldn’t have said anything. Now more than ever, she wanted to slip through the cracks and hide. She was ready to go isolate herself in her room. Deep down she knew Bugs wouldn’t be able to understand, how could he? But he was truly trying... he was. That she did appreciate. 

“Yeah.” Alyssa would hang her head thinking on his words as she’d agree with them, dropping the subject. Instead she’d focus on his last share of himself. A soft genuine smile would tug at her lips. “It makes me happy to hear you say you feel like you belong Bernard.” It truly did. It’s important to feel like one has a place to belong. 

Of course there was a tavern - that was an Adventurer's Guld after all, and Sam personally walked you to it, with still happily smiling Will in tow. Though, a visit and a round (or two, or three - Sam was very generous here, after he collected guild's fees, 10%, 100 gp each) could as well wait until tired travelers were ready. But he would insist on a story, listening so intently as if he was abour to right a book about group's adventures. (Who knows, may be he was?) He also checked out Bernard's horrifying trophy, looking it over for quite some time. "Good specimen," finally commented Sam a bit too casually for and indifferent observer, "you did not embalm it, did you?" He sniffed. "Definitely not. But it looks like your medusa was not of a usual kind. Undead, if my senses serve right. You got lucky." (He did not add "to get out of there alive" but the notion was kind of obvious). "Mind if I keep it? We can add it to the Guild's trophy room, with your names on it, of course." He did not insist, though.

"Well, rest, look around, get whatever you need. Something tells me we will see each other again and more sooner than later. Wish the loveliest evening". Sam smiled one last time and let the party to spend the rest of the evening in peace and quiet (or in wild drinking frenzy - whatever adventurer need to unwind).

Bernard would pass the head over.  If it wasn't a true Medusa then likely not worth much at all.  If it could be saved as a trophy and someone else takes care of the process.  Great...

Ooc: what was the actual reward that we walked away with.  A nebulous amout of gold in a box and 4 bracelets un indeterminate functions?

(Official reward - a thousand gp each. Bracelets are not magical, but pure golden and can be sold for 50 gp each, their importance is not the gold itself, but the status associated with them - a sign of recognition on Maztica. Not that you are going back any time soon, of course)

So 1000gp oleach or 900 after fees?  Bigs would keep the bracelet/armband thing.

(After fees are paid - 900 gp each)

Before returning, Alyssa would take a moment to pause, looking to Bernard. "Thank you." She'd say genuinely. "For being a friend and checking in on me as you do." She'd give a sheepish but honest smile. The wizard owed them all more gratitude and a better attitude.

While Sam checked out Bernard's trophy Alyssa would chuckle. She'd nod in agreement, comfortable with him taking care of it and displaying it in the guild trophy case.

After the group is done their chat, Ramious nods, "Well....I'm going to go take care of a few things round town. Uh...I'm going to be staying at the Cat's Cradle.....it's over in the trade district...I got friends there. I think I could use a few days off...but...if any of you want to hang out, I'll be there most of the time. Other than that....uh....maybe you guys want to meet back in a couple weeks? Say...two weeks from today, we maybe meet at the Yawning Portal for a drink, say...round 7, and we can see if we're all bored yet?"  He grins, then heads out. 

Ramious is going to mostly relax, though he has heard of these fancy swords that warn you of trouble...and that seems super handy, so he's going to see if he can track down a necklace of adaptation.   +1 Rapier of Warning....and exchange his +1 Rapier....paying the difference.   Otherwise, he ends up spending a bit of time catching up with some army buddy's. He goes jogging with them in the morning, and trains with them during the days, harkening back to his soldiering days and sharpening his fighter skills.  He finds a few clever ways to tie those new abilities into the magical skills he's developed. Otherwise he hangs out at the Cat's Cradle most days.....enjoying just relaxing..and city life....though he also spends some time over at the Yawning Portal. 

"See you in two weeks." Leon nods to Ramious. he would give the other two a nod of farewell, then head off. Leon would spend his time at the Yawning Portal, but would head to the library or a wizard shop, maybe even Blackstaff Tower, wishing to invest some of his coin in spells to add to his own spellbook.