Nodding a greeting towards Madame Freona, Utar is somewhat disappointed by the turn out in the room. He is especially disappointed he doesn't get to see the look on Senetir's face, he was hoping to use any look of surprise to get a read on the intentions of the aarakocra.

Looking around the room, Utar decides to check in on Dornal and is strangely relieved to see Harper up and about as well.

"How are you holding up, and what do we know about tonight's gathering? How have the nobles been since you arrived?"

Graxx looks around the room and seeing that it doesn't seem like a trap lets down his guard slightly.  He looks to Utar and thinks about sticking beside him but decides with so many guards an assassination attempt is unlikely.  He approaches Olisara.

Graxx puts a fist to his chest and gives a slight bow.

"Hail, Olisara."

Graxx rises back to full posture.

"The story of you riding griffons into battle has not left my mind since you told it.  We Sky Ponies always have had dreams of riding a Sky Pony into battle.  I saw first hand why having the gift of flight is so important when I was almost useless against the dragon being bound to ground.  How fares the griffons now?  Have they bonded to you and became your battle mounts?"

Neya gives a quick read of the room to try and sense if anyone is surprised the sight of any of CRAP as they move about the Tea Kettle.

Insight: 18

Neya approaches Zern and strikes up a conversation, "How has the day been treating you? Honestly, for me, it feels as if the battle had happened today. I needed to find some distractions to get my mind off of it."

She looks around, "The attendance of this meeting, in terms of familiar faces compared to the previous one, has noticeably decreased. Keefe's absence is understandable and regrettable, but I have yet to see Chaab or Caah."

Even though she found a fraction of a second to be a welcoming host, it is clear that Madame Freona and her daughters are quite busy. Doozey has no problem passing by undisturbed, and Utar's politeness is met with a brief but graceful nod.

At the tavern floor, CRAP wastes no time in taking in their surroundings and mingling, as invited to do.

@Doozey: Despite momentarily shutting off every other audial and visual distraction in the tavern, distance becomes your worst enemy when trying to listen to the brief whisper between tiefling and noble. You are simply too far away. Nonetheless, although you are not trained in lip reading, you think you pick up the word "they" in the short communication. Having to settle for other clues, you notice that the tiefling is well dressed in cream-colored robes and plenty of jewelry on his fingers, wrists, waist, horns, and neck. Satisfied for now, you move on and approach Seranolla, She greets you warmly: "I have to admit I do no spend a lot of time in the city proper, but it is always a risk worth taking if I am to meet with decent folk like you and your companions." 

@Utar: After your brief disappointment, you hover over to meet Harper in conversation. Much like you, he looks like he tangled closely with death but lived to tell the tale. He is bruised and speaks painfully. "It'll be some time before I come out of the shadows again, but I'll survive. As for tonight's meeting, all seems in order. I doubt the goal of the meeting is to plan engaging with the green dragon so soon after yesterday's fight. I expect we'll get paid and be told to enjoy the evening. That said, the nobles seem a bit more fearful tonight, but that is understandable. Lord Valero just realized his family's nemesis is much closer than he thought, after all."

@Graxx: Olisara's attire is as elegant as always, as is her poise. She welcomes your approach with a smile: "Indeed, that is quite the tale. Not many will believe me when I tell them I rode into battle on the back of a griffon. I can see why you and your people strive to join battles in that manner. It was exhilarating. I guess I have you to thank for that opportunity, since you placed me in the team sent to investigate that area. As for the beasts themselves, I am afraid they simply did us a favor after we freed them, and even then, only because Brother Keefe calmed them down so quickly. They have since flown away, likely back to their nests." 

@Neya: The only person that seems to be surprised by your arrival is Dornal Whitebeard, and even then, only because his entire face was covered by a large mug of ale since before your arrival. So, by the time he lowered it, CRAP had not only arrived but had already engaged in conversation with others, including you with Zern. The officious-looking and well-dressed half-orc has a neutral expression when engaging you in conversation: "I was expecting more attendees myself. Caah was pummeled in the fight, so I cannot blame her for not being here. But I'll never understand the Zhentarim. Why would Chaab join the fight and not show up to collect his dues. that is quite unlike his greedy organization. I hear he was quick to disappear from the battlefield too once our victory became imminent." 

Carrying on his chat with Harper:

"Hmm that's we're hoping too. To go from no guards to some guards makes me think either they're on edge about the dragon or about something else. Do we know who the tiefling is? Or where the others are? Chaub or Senetir?"

"True, I did tend to Caah's wounds. She is more than likely more than sore from the ones I saw and from those I didn't see." Neya nods. "But, never before had I heard of someone fleeing in the face of victory on a battlefield. I cannot fathom any circumstance where that makes any logical sense. Perhaps if we ever cross paths with him again we might ask him about that."

"Speaking of unanswered questions, there are many hanging over this entire situation. Hopefully, we will find some answers in the near future."

Though Doozey lips part, they quickly close once without a word as the stoutling seemed to mull over her words a second time. Which in turn oddly led to him looking away and rub at his neck a little. "I'm not so sure if I necessarily qualify 'decent folk', but the, uhm... compliment is appreciated." Clearing his throat, he meets Seranolla's gaze again and musters at least an akward smile. "On another note, you have not seen either Caah or Senetir around recently, have you? If I understand correctly, I know former was rather roughed up following that Dragon fight, but I half figured she might still have limped her way here all the same as that one cloaked over there." He gestures briefly over to Harper.

"Oh, and did you learn anything more about that pool I mentioned last time? I know it's only been a day or so, but I thought I'd ask ahead of time as well -- A-and one more thing... uhm..." He casts a wary eye briefly over to the tiefling. "That one does not happen to be some type of cleric would they?"

Harper to Utar: "I don't know about Chaab, and as you know, I don't like not knowing things. Let's do ourselves a favor and keep each other informed, should we hear anything regarding that elf. As for the tiefling, Olisara tells me he is one of Lord Valero's advisors, just like Senetir. It is likely not that unusual for one advisor or another to accompany their master at any given outing, don't you think?"

Zern to Neya: "Regarding Chaab, keep your eyes open. It is unlikely that he is the only Zhentarim agent in town. Maybe we would have some more answers if we knew who the others may be. Now, if you excuse me, I should go talk with my subordinate." He politely excuses himself and begins heading toward Villonah. 

Seranolla to Doozey: "You are better folk than you give yourself credit for. As for Caah, perhaps she was hit harder than the half-elf? I have not seen her tonight, or Senetir, since you asked." she pauses to let the stoutling continue and then answers: "No, I'm afraid I do not know more about Pools of Radiance today than I did yesterday. Regarding your last question, I have never seen that tiefling before, but then again, I do not venture into the city very often."

Aleyd sees that Zern is approaching Villonah and leaves her to it. The Black Fist captain starts making her way to greet Dornal. 

Utar mulls Harper's response, everything seems to make sense and maybe he's letting his own paranoia get in the way.

"Agreed. If I hear anything, I'll keep you in the loop. I just wonder what is so important to take Senetir away at such short notice? Anyway, it is good to see you up and about, if you don't mind, I need to speak to someone about the help we received in the battle from the Fey."

Stepping away from Harper, Utar insinuates himself into Doozey's conversation with Seranolla with a bow.

"I hope you don't mind if I join you both, I had some questions about your mission to the Fey Lord if you might indulge me? You both are a tad more versed in things natural and forested than I am and I would appreciate any insight you could offer?"

After her conversation with Zern had ended, Neya goes and speaks with Lady Silmerhelve, "Good evening. The atmosphere seems tense. But, I suppose when there's a large, enraged and embarrassed dragon not too far away, that's to be expected."

OOC:  Apologies for not posting yesterday.  Life stuff.

Graxx stops daydreaming and snaps back to reality.  He gives a smile followed by a frown to Olisara.

”If Brother Keefe had to perish I’m glad he went out in such a battle for the ages.”

Graxx looks around.

”There are many less people here than the last time we were in this room.  I know some were lost and injured.  Have you talked with any of the others?  I’ve mainly stuck with my warband.”

The news has Doozey looking again back to the tiefling, and again with the gnawing temptation to be more direct in some inquiries. "If I did not know any better, I'd half expect him to be a follower of this one goddess, uhm... Walkey or something." He comments on idly, before then returning his focus on her. As he's struggling to consider more to ask, Utar's fortunate arrival elicits a small sigh of relief. However, in place of an answer he just looks between Seranolla and Utar, before settling on the former and making an after you sort of gesture.

(@Grx: No worries. Life comes fist.)

Harper clicks his tongue and responds to Utar: "I confess I don't know much about that birdman either, and I don't trust those that I don't know. But that is just part of my training. Watch your back, Tormite." Utar nods and turns to go talk to Seranolla next. The old gnome is patiently answering Doozey's many questions: "Waukeen, yes, perhaps. But I do not think there is a temple to such god here in Phlan. Not that it would preclude believers from coming or living here, of course." A second or two of pensive silence takes the air before Utar joins the conversation. After he asks about the Fey Lord, Seranolla nods and says: "Of course. What would you like to know?"

Just a few chairs over, Graxx continues to talk to Olisara. "I don't think Kelemvorites yearn for battle like Tempus followers do, but I understand the sentiment in your words. As for mingling, I have to admit that between tending to my companion over there..." She points to Harper "...and performing my duties as an advisor to Lady Dala, I have not had a chance to converse much since the battle ended." Graxx looks at Lady Dala as Olisara speaks, and notices that Neya is approaching the noblewoman. 

"Good evening, warrior." The Lady greet the monk. "Indeed, tense and dangerous with such an enemy roaming out in the wild. Green dragons are notorious for their cunning revenges."

At this point, the main meal begins to be served. You are welcomed to continue your conversations but Lord Valero is likely to start speaking soon, and you'd be expected to find seats for the duration of dinner. 

Taking the hint from Doozey, Utar decides to just set out his questions for Seranolla. If invited to take a seat for dinner, he will seat himself close to Seranolla to allow her time to come back.

"I'll come straight to the point. During the battle we were aided by the appearance of a large fey creature that directly took on the dragon. I doubt many of us would be here if they hadn't, and I can only assume that your team secured their intervention, so you have our thanks. On departure, the creature asked us to 'Find him when we were ready'. I can't help but feel that any enemy of our event should be our friend, but in this instance I have no idea about anything fey, who our benefactor was, or how we might even go about finding them. I was hoping you might be able to fill in some of the blanks for me, or point me towards those that might?"

Graxx observes that the dinner is about to start and does not start a new conversation.  He breathes in deeply and exhales and he settles in to eat.

"Outside of the battle, I have no other experience with green dragons, so I will take your word on that." Neya replies. "All the more reason to destroy it."

Neya then thanks Lady Silmerhelve for her time and goes to take her seat.

Apart from a somewhat defeated sounding soft sigh upon hearing Graxx's request, Doozey is content to let things play out. Though, he half expects to receive some kind of admonishing word or look for perhaps not being thorough enough in passing along word.

Either way, once Utar had his answer, Doozey drifts on to take a seat with the rest of the group. Taters, of course, beats him there; but, he at least has the wherewithal to wait perched atop the stoutling seat until he got there. As time goes by Doozey cannot help but contemplate the mask, and the potential story they'd need to tell in the event its whereabouts come up despite their security measures.

Neya and Graxx wrap up their respective conversations with Lady Dala and Olisara and find their seats as the meal is brought out. Utar and Doozey (and Taters) do the same, though the cleric continues to converse with Seranolla while going through the motions. 

The gnomish woman replies: "The extent of my knowledge regarding the archfey is as follows: over a hundred years ago, King Witchthorn had a relationship with a local noble family that was neither of the two represented here tonight. For decades the family sent its firstborn child of each generation to pledge an oath to King Witchthorn. The children performed an unknown service to the king by their eleventh year and in exchange the noble family's businesses and their homes were protected by secret fey guardians. This arrangement was unknown to all but the eldest son and daughter of each generation. Not so strangely, the organization I am a part of, the Emerald Enclave, supports such symbiotic relationships between those of the woodlands and those of the cities of men. So, when we caught wind of this relationship, we did what we could to support it. However, I have to admit that our efforts were marginal at best. I have spent many years in those and other regional woods, and yet, King Witchthorn and his court were ever the elusive bunch. I only met them when they wanted to meet, and I was never made privy to their true intentions. Ironically, it was this fight against the green dragon that brought me the closest to King Witchthorn as I have ever been. I now have sworn some type of unknown pact with him. That was the price paid for his aid in this fight. He demanded it even thoug hhe wanted the Quivering Woods rid of the dragon as much as we did. If you are planning to meet and potentially allying yourself with the archfey, heed my warning: these are fickle, powerful, and dangerous folk. He will not hesitate to use you to his own gains. Use my experience as your guidepost. I recommend seeking Princess Ishaldra. We met and saved her, and she seemed to have a calming effect on him, balancing his evil inclination with her good nature."

Plates of several aromatic foods are placed on the table by various halfling ladies:

• Slices of red beets fried in lard and served with a mustard sauce;
• Platters of green peppers stuffed with a medley of onion and spices;
• Bowls of savory cream of broccoli soup with dumplings, onions, and turnips;
• A caldron of thick stew with scallops, cubed potatoes, peppers, and onions;
• Several braised rabbits with a ginger marinade served over rice and spinach;
• Two large herb-crusted turkeys in a cream sauce on a bed of brussel sprouts.

A multitude of drinks:

• Cowardly Troll Pinot Noir
• Yellow Whistle Gewürztraminer
• Blue Drum Porter Beer
• Sculpted Lute Stout Ale
• One-Eyed Carrot Hard Cider
• Leaping Demon Rum

As she pecks some of the stuffed green peppers, Seranolla adds: "As for reaching them, I believe your best bet would be to roam the woods until they find you and let you in. If you were truly invited, this shouldn't take long. Of course, you may run into the dragon or her followers, which could be lethal. An alternative would be to look for the mythical back door, though I know little about it other than legends telling of a secret but lost doorway leading into the King's court."

At this point, Seranolla notices that Lord Valero is about to start speaking and stops talking. The nobleman begins: "Esteemed guests, I thank you for joining this celebratory dinner. Although not absolute, our victory was significant. Yesterday we banished whatever army or cult that vile dragon had been forming in our backyard, and certainly set their plans back several years. For that I congratulate and thank you! Please enjoy your meals knowing that you shall each leave this tavern carrying a hefty purse as recompense for your invaluable aid. Cheers!"

Graxx looks down at his food and suddenly loses his appetite.

Graxx looks down at the Hard-Cider as sweat from anxiety starts to bead up on his forehead.

He has a flashback to the Drow offering their help.

“I will not be used as a pawn by an evil being.... Not again.” Graxx thinks to himself.

Graxx recollects himself and puts on a show for the Nobles.

Graxx smiles lightly.

”Cheers” Graxx says as he raises his glass.

Doozey ain't got much of a mind to resist the temptation of food. If there's poison laced among their helping, then that just meant the old latent dwarven fortitude would have to earn its keep. Only the drink is allotted any avoidance during the mean. Though in the case of Taters, the hunter had to keep an eye on the little beasty. Taters might have had enough sense of mind to not behave as biscuit when tearing into a meal, but this didn't mean all was completely well. What patience was there allowed Doozey to pass along part of his meal to Taters with little issue. But, Taters chewed and tore with new sharpened teeth into it all with a ravenous spirit. Even the rabbit meat was not safe for him now! 

Taters slight cannibalistic taste aside, Doozey listened passively to Utar and Seranolla's exchange, but seemed in part more concerned with watching the movements of both servers and bling bling wearing tieflings alike. It takes a little effort, but seeing the Lord working up to speak, the stoutling more directly held Taters in check towards the end. After which, he mirrored Graxx' gesture, but is quick to return to the meal at hand or paranoid glances about from time to time until right and truly stuffed for the evening!