Fionn returns to the inn

"Ahh there yiu are.   Are we ready to return that waggon yet. An have 1 less thing to worry about?

Cadence stops abruptly and turns to Fionn.  "Next time you are captured and full of fear, do you really want to hear that we all took the time to sell some gear?"

"Wheres whats his name,  he was supposed to deliver it anyways

Velda turns to FIonn, somewhat sheepishly. She had assumed that the Sildar would take care of all of that for them, perhaps somewhat naively. She had her mind set on mounting a rescue operation.

"Cadence and Fionn are right. We will need to deliver the waggon, but Gert is in trouble too. For my money, we kept Gert waiting long enough."

At the barn

At least Hugz didn't wonder off. He was where he was supposed to be. Nova would accept Hugz hug with a gentle pat on his back before he'd run off to eat his breakfast. She'd be lost in thought for a moment from the questions the goblin asked her. So many problems. So many things going on at once. It's so hard to focus on one at a time. So many things to solve. Realizing all the piling responsibilities, Nova's eyes would dart around, her mind spinning as she'd be in conflict with trying to sort out her growing priorities. One thing at a time. One thing at a time. She'd take a breath to steady herself before her eyes would focus back on Hugz and accept the plate for return. "I'll try to come up with something for you Hugz." She'd do her best to assure him. "Maybe I can try to find you a kit of disguises and then maybe a tent as back up for sleeping outside of limits. We'll use the buddy system with you and Borris. Keep each other safe." She'd muse. "And maybe, one day you may gain a good reputation for being different. Helping. For being you Hugz."

Back at the Inn

Nova would hand Toblen the cleaned off plate and offer him an awkward chuckle in response to his joke. She'd smile politely and thank him for his continued hospitality. With milk in hand, the druid would return to the table. She'd take a seat, fidgetting with her glass. The halfelf would take a couple sips before eventually crossing her arms as she'd listen to what Velda had to say. As the others continued to the conversation, Nova would begin slouching in her chair muttering inaudibly under her breath before she'd rub her forehead. So now we're in a hurry? Not when we woke up? How did Velda get by me!? I need to put a bell on her... Why get up early to go and to come back then? If we went as a group and it was clear then, we could have go together right? I don't understand... Her brows would furrow. The druid understood packs. But these lone wolves around her perplexed her more and more with each interaction. She was getting more and more insecure with how she fit into this puzzle.

Inhaling, Nova would put on her best smile before letting go of her head and looking up to Velda. She'd give her a salute. "Sure thing." She'd exhale. I can share what I overheard and was told later. Since they didn't seem to work as a group much anyway... "Velda and Cadence can go on ahead. Fionn and I will return the wagon." The druid would suggest, gesturing around the table with her chin. "We will bring the wagon far enough so you both can leave with Hugz and Borris in toe. While returning the wagon Fionn and I can grab any last minute supplies and catch up." It wouldn't be difficult to follow their trail once at the manor. "We wouldn't be far behind you."

"Finally a voice of sense"  he looks up  Yes my lady i just said that

Cadence does a twirl, "Our strength is in our numbers. Not going it alone, trying to be cool as cucumbers."  She shrugs, seemingly admitting that the comparison is pretty terrible.  With a smile she says, "Lets take the wagon then. Then we can go rescue Gert from those men." 

She stays with Fionn and Nova. 

Grumbling, Velda saw that her plan was defeated. "Fine, the waggon first. Then all of us together to get Gert out." She was irritated, not used to not getting her way. But then, she quickly changed her mind. Fionn was right, it would be something off their minds, and if things didn't go as planned, it was good to have friends in town. And Cadence was right too, they needed the numbers, particularly if facing them on their turf. She looked up from her empty plate, smiling. "You're right, this makes the most sense. I'm sorry."

Nova would sigh once again. Oh so now we stick together as a group? She’d pick up her glass, chug back the rest of her milk and place it down on the table. Without a word, Nova would get up off her seat and take her leave for the wagon. 

Velda was quick to follow: "I'm sorry Nova, groups can get... complicated... at times. I'm not easy to be around. It's not your fault." Then, in a softer tone: "We... I... need you all there when we get Gert. I was very lucky yesterday. And foolish. I am used to being on my own, but that's not strength..."

Nova felt her lips purse. Her brain was pingponging between being upset and sympathetic as Velda followed her out. These were all difficult emotions for her to process all at once. When she set out on this mission, there was excitement, anticipation to discover and learn new things. Nova knew things would be hard, she expected it. But like, maybe scaling a rocky cliff, or crossing a heavy stream. But this? Is this really what it was like in a people group? It was harder than herding cats! The fact that she 'lost one' when the others ran off to scrap... only for one to sneak off alone again... It was beyond maddening. From Nova's perspective, she was failing at doing what her instincts told her she should do: Keep everyone together. Keep them safe. How could she do any of that, if they didn't even want her present?

And here's Velda trying to reach out to her again, to explain and provide the halfelf with insight. Nova wanted to sympathize. But hearing the warrior waver and put herself down only saddened the druid more. It didn't feel right. And although those feelings and desires to understand were present, Nova was still filling to the brim with frustration, helplessness. And perhaps for selfish reasons. This shouldn't be about how she feels. It's supposed to be about getting Gert back.

Nova would let out another exasperated sigh, but wouldn't turn around. She understood that Velda was used to being solo. It was obvious, but at least she recognized it in herself. She deserved all the credit for being self aware. She cared enough to try to explain herself and comfort the druid. And Nova held a large amount of respect for Velda. Though, it wouldn't stop the words that would leave Nova's lips. "Yes. Lucky and foolish." She'd agree. It was the most neutral she's sounded. Nova had no emotion in her voice. More like a haunting shell in comparison to her usual enthusiasm.  "Both last night and this morning." She'd pause to let that sink in as they walked. But Velda returned fine, possibly even triumphant in her eyes for her successful scout. Nova wanted to be thankful for the information, but she didn't feel like they actually moved ahead in any way from it. Perhaps the opposite. But what did she know? "You're only on your own if you choose to be on your own." The half elf's head would finally turn a little to look over her shoulder, glancing back at the warrior. "I'm learning my place." She'd assure before turning her head to look back ahead again as they approached the stables "I understand my presence is only desired when it's convenient."  When I'm not a burden.

Nova would take a large inhale through her nose, closing her eyes for a moment. She'd reset, plastering the biggest smile she could on. The half elf would knock on the wooden frame to alert Hugz they've arrived. "Hugz it's just us!" Enthusiasm was returned to the druid's voice as she'd stride in, trying to mimic Cadence's buoyancy with her steps. "We gotta get going now. We're going to return this puppy!" The druid would give the cart a good healthy pat with her hand. "And try to find you a disguise to smuggle you out with us." She'd then pump her hand in the air. "Make haste!" Nova would skip to the other side to begin any necessary preparations to get them moving.

Velda would hesitantly try to reach out, before deciding against it. "That's not true Nova. You are a good friend and I want you around. You're right, I should have said something this morning..." She stopped, and started helping make the waggon ready, happy to be able to do something instead of tripping over words. She could feel the blood rush to her cheeks, and got angry at herself. Angry at feeling so silly, at feeling ashamed of having hurt someone. Angry at caring so much about the opinion of someone she barely knew. Angry, she couldn't stop blushing.

Nova's demeanor would waver, freezing her for that moment in time when she'd hear Velda's words. You are a good friend and I want you around. Her mismatched eyes would shift before glancing over to look at Velda. Did she actually mean them? Was she just saying that to gain her favour? She'd feel her ears get warm. "I'm just.. glad you're safe." Nova's voice was tender. She would feel herself exhale, allowing some unknown relief to pass through her. The heat from her ears threatened to travel further, so her eyes would fall back on her task at hand before she'd embarrass herself more.

As they worked on preparing the wagon, Nova's natural energy began to bubble up again. She'd begin to hum to herself as she'd pluck away in tune with Velda's work. They made quick work of the job, so the druid completed one last round of inspections on it, making sure everything was in place and Hugz was hiding safely until they could get the disguise. As the half elf approached her pass by Velda, she'd lock eyes on hers. She'd lean in a little, "Sneak by me again like that, and I'll put a bell on you." Nova would smirk, then playfully hip check the warrior on her way by to the exit.

"Next stop! We shop!" She'd point triumphantly in a random direction and puff out her chest. The druid would glance back and bob her eyebrows. Eh? Eh? I did it. I rhymed brilliantly. Cadence must be proud. Nova would muse to herself as her hands would find her hips. She was ready to usher the wagon and crew out the stables.

Velda couldn't help but smile. She had to learn to trust others, and to work with them. Include them in her plans.

Velda quickly returns to the others in the inn. "Nova and I made the waggon ready. Are we all good to go?"

"Lets be off then. The sooner this is done the sooner we can find our missing one" Fionn finishes with a lopsided grin

Nova would poke her head in the doorway of the inn after Velda makes her announcement. "To the Lion's Shed!" She'd disappear only to reappear a moment later. "Lion's Shield! Lionshield? That place that matches the insignia that's a lion!" And her head would disappear, this time the door would close.

The druid would wait by the cart rocking up and down on the balls of her feet, looking for the right direction until one of the others would come out to lead the way. She'd follow without skipping a beat.

Cadence wanders along behind them, glancing at rooftops, looking into backyards, and staring at rocks on the side of the road. 

Nova and Velda, As you leave the inn you hear Toblen call out in a cheery voice, “Have a great day! Come back safe this evening and stay with us again.”

Reaching the barn and announcing your presence to Hugz you hear a loud clatter from inside the barn. Opening the door you find Hugz on the ground along with a couple of crates. Hugz looks at you apologetically and begins to apologize but then sees Velda and runs to you for protection. Looking at the towering half-orc, “I sorries. I helps picks it back up.”

After a few minutes, the three of you have the wagon loaded and ready to go. Hugz eyes Nova wearily the whole time, thinking to himself that Velda doesn’t really like him. But doesn’t have much proof of it, so for now is content with simply watching to confirm his suspicions. Hugz chimes in during the wagon prepping “Yes please, puts a bell on the half-orcs. So’s I knows when to hides from it”. You’re unable to determine if Hugz is trying to make a joke like Nova did. Or if he still doesn’t trust Velda.

After getting the wagon ready to move you find a few scraps of old clothes in the barn and after a bit of effort have managed to disguise Hugz well enough. That viewed from a decent distance, he doesn’t look like a goblin. Though you close that is still very obvious.

Between Nova, Velda, and Hugz you very quickly arrive back at the inn. The blue shield with the lion catching your eye in the morning light as well as the sign for Bathern’s Provisions to the north on the road you entered town from. Where would you like to go first?

Cadence continues walking to Bathern’s Provisions.

Velda follows suit, making sure to push the cart. The physical strain gave her focus, and allowed her to settle the different thoughts in her head.