Zaf double blinks, and cocks his head to the side for a moment. "My name is not Bird Person. This one is Zaf." He said, genuinely sounding confused. Then, there's a short and awkward bow at the table out of the owl boi. "Forgive me for not properly appropriately introducing myself.  Also, I do not drink the alcohol, except on very special holidays." He admits, smiling with his eyes, before looking over the rest. "The Jasun does bring up a good point. Might we have your names as well?" He asks of the others, apart from Seraphina.

"Ha!" Jasun laughs, paying attention to the free food comment. "Wonderful! I can't complain about free food and drink. Most generous of you, ma'am." He takes a dignified gulp, turning to the rest. "Yes, indeed. Might we be honored with knowing what we should call you? I don't believe all of us have been properly introduced officially."

"If you're not going to drink it, give it to me," Sera tells Rose as she takes a healthy gulp of her ale with a nod to Kale. "Good stuff." She listens attentively to the group introductions as she finishes her food quickly.

"Do you want something sweeter, honey?" Kale asks Rose.

"I-I said my name was Rose..." She says to Zaf, trying to now let frustration show on her face as she slides her drink over to Sera then looks to Kale. "Just... Um... Do you have sweet milk...?"

"Sure thing, honey!" She comes back with some milk that's been sweetened.

--- Earlier ---

It was not a simple piece of litter that Jirel picked up. No. It was as if a piece of fate just rolled onto her path, and she accepted it the moment she picked it up. Because as soon as she did, before she could even get a chance to inspect the letter in detail, a group of strangers converge on her. And if one of them didn't just bump into the goliath, she probably would not have even noticed them. Jirel's honey-brown eyes would initially dart suspiciously to the middle-aged woman as she introduced herself, but they would soon grow in alarm as she'd become quickly overwhelmed by the sudden group chatter. She would make a hand gesture pointing to the new individuals, then to herself before tilting her head as if confirming the councilwoman was speaking to them. The blonde would open her mount a couple of times to try to find the words to speak but would close it to just listen to the others navigate the conversation.

Jirel would stand there blinking for a few moments as she'd come to the conclusion that she's expected to follow them to the apothecary. Just as she was about to take a step forward, the little sheep would address her with doey eyes, "I-uh-oh." She'd remember the piece of litter she picked up, looking to it in her hand. The goliath would feel her cheeks go pink in embarrassment when Rose would emphasize how personal this piece of paper was to her. Jirel will quickly clear her throat to put on a tougher face to hide her giving in to this adorable little creature. She'll jut her chin with a soft grunt, handing the letter over.

--- Apothecary ---

Jirel will follow at the far back of the group on their way to the apothecary so she could keep an eye on this adopted group that fell into her lap. She'd grip the hilt of her axe to adjust it as she motions around with her other hand to complete a headcount. She was making sure not to lose sight of the little one. Be careful not to step on the flowers Jirel. Even in memory the goliath could still hear their plea...

Thunk. Ow. Jirel bonks her head on the way into the establishment, knocking her out of her daze and landing her back in the present. She'd rub her head a little bit, hoping no one witnessed it. It was a not so gentle reminder that this world was not built for her and why she preferred the rugged wilderness. The goliath will pick a spot at the back of the room, near the doorway, with her back against the wall. She'll stand in silence with her arms crossed as she studies the chatty ones and observes the silent ones, and only occasionally would she shift her body weight to the other foot.

The blonde's eyebrow would raise at the suggestion of a new blade. Although it may not be an axe, she would not turn down a bladed weapon designed for battle if it were presented to her. Jirel's eyes would glance over to the other warrior in the room, should she not deem it suitable to her tastes, then she will accept it. The barbarian would be eager to get going until the sun of Halifax would mention a warm meal. He wouldn't even be able to finish his question before her stomach would betray her and let out the loudest, and longest growl to ensure it's opinion was heard. It was probably the most noise the groups heard out of her at this point. Her cheeks will flush, she'll clear her throat and turn on her heel to walk out. Jirel will stammer abruptly, remembering to duck this time before she'd usher herself out of the apothecary.

--- Silver Stoat ---

Jirel succeeds in entering this establishment without hitting her head. Though, all the eyes on them from the patrons made her shift uncomfortably. She tried as hard as she could to stifle a growl in her throat. Her grumbling wouldn't cease until Jasun would address the woman for ale and pie. The tall woman would pull herself up to stand unnaturally close to him, hovering over his shoulder while he places an order small enough for a child. She'll reach out and start grabbing at his arm, feeling for his biceps. A huff will leave her nose before she lets go of his arm. The goliath will then hold up her hand with her fingers spread and looks to the middle-aged woman in all seriousness, "5 pies." She'll nod firmly to indicate she was satisfied with her order, giving Jasun an enthusiastic clap on the back of his shoulder. "Thanks for the grub!" As if remembering something she'll look to the barmaid again, "Keep the Ale's coming!" And she'll stalk off to find a table to plop herself down at to await her snack. Now seated, she would watch their bird companion with about as much curiosity as he had for this tavern.

The goliath's eyes would go wide at the second generous offer of food, being sure to order extra pies for the road if she could. Jirel would purposely take bites of her food during the luls of the conversation in hopes to stall her introduction a lot longer. These people were a lot more interesting and she'd rather gather information on them before giving up information on herself. Though, at this point, they have mentioned their names, some of them a couple of times now. Her honey eyes would glance over to Jasun as she reaches for her ale and proceeds to chug it back, figuring he may be hinting to her. Jirel will not break eye contact, plopping the now empty mug back onto the table and wipe the foam from her upper lip. "Jirel Nalakekali. I was in need of some work anyway." She'll say simply.

Jirel: Jasun could literally feel Jirel's body heat, standing so close to him, but it didn't make him uncomfortable. Quite the opposite, actually. Then she grabbed at his arm, which he didn't mind either, however curious he was at the behavior, and was about to turn and look up to her and say something about returning the favor. Jirel was clearly larger and taller than him, and he noticed how much food she was about to pack down. So, all he did was smile at her with a look of wonder on his face. 

While they ate, he decided to take a chance and speak to her. Of course, he swallowed his food and made sure his face was clean before he did so. "Very nice to meet you, Jirel. I must admit, I am impressed by your..stature. Back home, I spent most of my time in the Academy - before I was expelled - and I feel I would be negligent to not compliment you on your appearance. Meaning, we do not have many people at all like you back where I come from. I am glad fate has decided to have our paths meet this cold day." 

Kale and Menander share a look of awe as Jirel asks for five pies. He goes in there and whips up five pies for you. "You must be really hungry miss." When you request two pies for the road, he comes out with two boxes containing pies. "Anyone else want some for the road?"

"Thank you," Rose says as she gives Kale a sweet smile when she hands her over the cup of milk. As she takes a sip, her bangs once again cover over her eyes, the firbolg using the opportunity to observe the group further without them being weirded out at her staring. For all they know, she was looking down at her pie while she took a few bites, when in reality she was looking at Jirel, surprised at her healthy appetite. Rose was a tall girl herself, but heavily lacked the muscle the goliath had, so she had to assume with big muscles came with big hunger... Right?

However, when Jasun mentions his schooling, Rose's attention is diverted to him with a tilt of her head. "How did you get expelled? ... I-if you don't mind me asking of course."

Jasun wiped his mouth. "Quite frankly, the study and research of a forbidden subject such as the Elder Gods of Darkness was deeply frowned upon during my tenure at the Academy. You could say that my curiosity about them was borderline.." he looked around in thought, looking for the right word. His blue eyes sparkled, settling on one. "..unhealthy." he finally said, smiling mischievously. "Needless to say, my contract was terminated. And, here we are."

"I am fine, thank you, Kale. The food and drink was delicious."

Sera listens to the various introductions before glancing at Kale. "I'll take a pie for the road, thanks."

The goliath's brow would raise a little in suspicion of Jasun's charm. Jirel was accustomed to being ostracized and grew wary of compliments, for flattery could only lead to manipulation. Right? Regardless, her heart would leap at the attention. She'd shift in her seat to help herself to more bites of her pie, chewing slowly, attempting to digest the academics intentions.

Jirel's glance would be stolen by the arrival of their hosts' generous packages of goods. Her eyes were expressive and gave away her genuine disbelieve and gratitude for the generosity. The goliath would correct her posture to respectfully address Kale and Manander. She'll swallow, glancing down, then back up to them before putting on a firm expression. "It's not every day I get the chance of a homecooked meal made with care." She'll clear her throat and check her posture. "I have no coin to offer. And I care not for it. I work for mutual benefit. If there's a warm meal in my belly and something to wash it down with, I'm satisfied." As if practiced, Jirel would dip her head in a formal bow to the pair. "Your generosity is appreciated. I'll be sure to check in when the task is completed." And then she'll release her formal posture and return to working on her meal. A smile would crop up on the corner of her lips when Rose's inquisitiveness would pipe up for the both of them. Jirel would eat and listen to Jasun divulge a sliver of his history.

She'd gesture with her chin to Sera, "Just wanted to say, I admire your blade. I'm keen to watch you use it." Jirel will look her up and down, appreciating a fighter when she sees one.

Jirel will take the last bite of her pies and chase it down with the last of her ale. Feeling satisfied with her meal, she'll slouch and pat her stomach. "Fueled and ready to work up a sweat!"

Sera gives Jirel a casual smile. "Thanks. Speaking of which, shall we go find the lost little lamb and get to that?"

“Indeed!” Jasun would observe Jirel. This one was tall and powerful, impressive in her own way.  “I must admit you have quite the appetite! Understandable, no doubt. Back home I would dine with the most elite from the Academy, and drink the finest wines, but a new chapter in my life has recently begun, so this food, while delicious, will have to suffice. Now, I know some of you are anxious to begin, isnt that right, my dear Sera, and while I do enjoy the new company very much, I am ready to depart when you are, pie in tow.” he nodded at them.

While he couldn't see her brow raise in question at his answer, he at least could tell that her attention was on him as he spoke. So... he has an unhealthy obsession with Elder Gods... She puts the last of the pie into her mouth and chews. No wonder... The firbolg merely gives him a nod in appreciation at his answer as she swallows, then looks to Kale and shakes her head. "I'll take a pie if it's not too late. Thank you for the meal." She gives her a crooked smile before putting the cup of milk to her lips and finishing the rest of her drink, saying soon after; "I'm good to go as well... Zaf?" Rose turns her head a bit to look at the bird person, noting how quiet he had been during their conversation. Perhaps he wasn't too much of a talker or... too enthralled in his meal?

After getting to know each other a little bit and filling up on pie, you head out to begin your investigation. You all follow the directions that you were given to the site of the massacre, which is a few miles south of Heldren. (Map in Discord) After a few hours, you start to close in on the scene of the attack. Near the forest, the temperature grows noticeably colder. The road ahead is littered with debris and the corpses of slain humans and horses. A carriage stands in the roadway, its team of horses missing or cut free, while another overturned carriage lies sprawled and broken next to the tree line. To the south, more bodies have fallen around what appears to be a statue of ice. A snowy trail leads deeper into the forest.

 Following an apologetic look to the firbolg before for forgetting her introduction, the owlakocra grew quiet, but remained attentive conversations. When not otherwise busy fidgeting with his scarf, idle sips of what little remained of his water are taken from time to time. The Elder Gods? He cocked his head to the side in particular interest. And yet, quiet remained the druid.

"Hm?" He perks up in his seat at Rose's question. "Ah, yes, sorry about that. The Lady Butterfly seemed to have teased my attention there for a moment. This one is good to go. We head to provisoner first for the clothing, and then... the site, I suppose, to seek out tracks. We should also keep an eye out for a White Stag when we're out there. Could be of importance, though I cannot tell you why, exactly." With that, he promptly hops out of his seat, and started waddling out.

Zaf's immediate instincts compel him over to the bodies to begin examining them for clues. Not necessarily for what killed them, but more exacting hows, and confirm the guard's explanation. The possibility of more of the winter-touched being nearby doesn't even come to mind during the process. He would at least go through the words and motion to call upon some 'Lady Butterflies' guidance at some point, as if to center himself. And after which, he wraps the prayer beads more firmly over hand and arm, and began to softly whistle something as others did their own thing.

The whole  time Zaf seems unperturbed by the sight, but rather intently focused on the task at whatever tasks was at hand at any given moment.

Medicine: 22. (Guidance included)

"Lady Butterfly... I like how that sounds..." Jirel would nod to their eloquent fowl friend. The goliath would get up from her seat, groaning loudly as she'd stretch her long limbs. "I've been told I can get a little angry when I'm hungry." She'd say in response to Jasun's observation, heaving her weapon over her shoulder.

While approaching the scene, Jirel would slow to a stop to pan the scene from afar. She'd investigate and keep an eye out from the edges in case this was a trap or an ambush.

Perception: 14

Jirel: "Ah, no doubt. Let us make sure you always have your fill, then. No arguments here." he smiled.

Jasun was no investigator, but stood close to the others that were most likely much more suited for this kind of job. He tightened the fur coat around him, was it his imagination, or was it colder here, now.

Perception, just in case: 11

"Great T'vauz, what destruction..." he would muse, half to himself, half to the others. He made a point to try and not to get dirty, if he could help it.