“No it is fine,” Root will place his hand on Ja’Ree’s shoulder “Please worry not, i let my hubris get in my way. Next time I won’t underestimate you.” 

Rose was so taken aback at how quick it all happened that at first she didn't even realize Root had fallen until he was already getting back up. She had known Ja'ree had been training hard but she hadn't expected him to get so much stronger so quickly. Shaking her head and snapping out of it she rushed to Roots side. Are you okay Root? Come on let's go take care of those wounds and patch you up. You're sure you're okay?

Seeing at how everyone continues to ask him if he’s okay keeps Root in a depressed mood “I said I am fine, I don’t want to keep repeating myself.” Root will follow Rose away from the party to wherever she takes him.

"Yeah, what DID we find out?" Fallan asks the assembled group. "Honestly, I only found out what I already knew - that the best things in life are keeping friends you can rely on around you. But then, Rose and Gwen you already knew that too. Soon enough, you will be connected for life." The smile on the halfling's face grew bigger. "Right? How soon till the ceremony?"

Rose takes Root off to the side to look at the wounds though seeing everyone else had already helped the monk Rose nods approvingly. Yes so it seems. Still Ja'Ree got a little carried away there. Next time don't go easy on him 'k? Rose gives Root a wink before returning to the group. The ceremony is tomorrow evening Fal, I'm sure I don't need to say this but you are of course all invited. But we have learned something interesting while you were all away. We had a little run in with some Dragon cultists. You may have heard of them before. Usually they aren't much of a threat but, well they seemed to have designs on a town to the south and of here. Greenest, I think it was called. Sounded like the town could be in danger though I don't have much more information than that. I was going to send word to the Lords Alliance and see if they could send someone to check on it but I have a feeling they would just ask us at this point. 

Root nods too Rose’s word as he sits and contemplates where he went wrong during the sparring sessions. He meditates different scenarios in his mind. After a while Root joins the others drinking and enjoying himself for the evening.

Waiting for others to post anything they might have to say before 'ending' the day. Now would be a good time for your characters to atleast share what they discovered on their yearlong time away, or if you would rather do it the day of the wedding, please say so so I know to 'end the day'

Headbutt: Attack: 11 Damage: 4

Seeing Root looking more and more depressed as the others continue to worry over him, Bell walks up and headbutts him with her horns. The strike glances off his scales, not even doing damage.  "See?  He's fine.  Root's a tough fella, he'll walk it off and bring the heat next time.  Right?" she asks, patting him roughly on the back.  (Root, your character sheet shows 5hp but Gwen healed you for another 8, so you should be at 13)

To Fallan and Rose as they ask about leads: "Hm... the guys at the gate seemed to not be too worried about the cultists, but since they aren't here in full force, maybe it's just not on their radar.  I've got a lead on my family heirloom, but I think that can wait until after we deal with the cultists in greenest, if you think it's worth checking out ourselves."

As bell gives Root some much needed male-morale-boosting, and passively comments on what she found, everyone ultimately decides that it would be best to leave heavier subjects for after the morning or after the honeymoon night, and thus the night goes on into celebrations until late in the evening when everyone starts to pack up the leftovers and waddle their way home. Ja'ree and his students sparring in what Root likely meant  both to keep them in practice,  and provide a decent show for the celebrants until then. A few Familiar faces were at the party, Carp and his father, The alchemist trio after having put their supplies in the building that Bell had pointed out. Tolben, the innkeeper, and Barthen from the general store. Occasionally the guards would show up during their breaks to partake of some of the food, and if their duty was done for the day, some spirits as well.

The night was comfortable, warm, and bright under a full moons light. All of the nightshift guards, which were mostly dwarves - likely assistants of Halia and her mining guild - while most of the day guards were human. Once everything had settled down and everyone began settling in for the night it passed comfortably in the warmth of the towns hall. Other than a few guards passing through every few hours, the sounds of crickets, and night birds, and the occasional distant howling of wolves, which Yue would occasionally join in on, likely much to the chagrin of anyone really close to her.

Eventually morning comes, and the sun rises to another day, partially cloudy but otherwise comfortable. In the main hall, normally a conference area, breakfast was already on the tables. Each plate a mirror image as Ja'ree set them out apparently quite the chef himself, not that it was any surprise to Rose or Gwen. But each plate consisted of an intense helping of eggs peppered to perfection, several strips of bacon with a pinch of oreg flakes, a flagon of goatsmilk, with warm, buttered loaves, still steaming in their creamy richness.

Ja'ree sitting at one of the sides of the table. Gwen, having had duties, already sat at the 'head' of the table, with just enough seats for each of you. Good morning all. Ja would say once everyone had entered the room. Gwen sitting silently, though a small, eternal smile tugged ever at her face as she awaited everyone's arrival, though her face was covered with a black cloth that was clearly not see-through.

After the much needed head butt, Root will thank Bell as they drink and enjoy the festivities. He watches at the students begin sparring one another. Root gets up and does his morning practice before going the others for breakfast. “Ah good Morning Ja’Ree! Nice breakfast you’ve cooked!” Root begins to start eating.

*The day Prior*

Rose considers asking more about the heirloom but knowing Gwen would probably disapprove of discussing an adventure with the big day just on the horizon Rose decides to let the matter rest saying. We can talk about all this in more detail in a few days. For now we should relax and enjoy the celebration. Though I admit I'm a bit curious of this heirloom. Rose does her best to not let her mind wander too far towards the idea of an adventure with the wedding so soon, the idea of leaving Gwen alone saddening her but knowing her work would have to resume at somepoint. For now she contented herself with food and drink until Selûne graced the town with her comforting light in the sky.

*present* 

While the others woke and made themselves comfortable at the table Rose paced around in her room while getting dressed, the full force of her nerves finally kicking in. The thought of food disgusted her at the moment as her stomach churned but the growling of her stomach reminded her of her need to keep her strength up. Still, Rose paced the hall and didn't approach the table.

Gwen, though already at the table, was only picking at her food. She was apparently putting on a braver face than Rose but was suffering just as much, (not that her face could be seen due to the impenetrable veil) but likely Gwen felt she had to, as the towns representative, she couldn't be seen to show weakness even for somehtign like this, a responsibility that for Rose was luckily enough not something she had to worry about. Ja'Ree simply smiling, as he watched the room fill with butterflies.

Eating “Big day today! You excited!” Root can tell Gwen is nervous trying his best to comfort her.

"Now this is more like it. Waking up to cold hardtack and 'rations' just doesn't suit a discerning person's constitution. Or at least not a discerning hobbit's!" Fallan grins as she digs into the well-seasoned eggs and guzzles the goat's milk. "Should be an auspicious day for Gwen and Rose! I'm sure that other 'adventurous' discussions can wait until they are truly hitched. I mean, who wants to talk about 'vanishing people' or 'towns folks can't leave' when we're all here, safe and happy and anticipating a wedding that is SURE to be followed by a sumptuous feast  - maybe even showing us the extent of the culinary skills of the Alderleaf family! This would be a great advertisement to spread the word of why folks should visit this town, if only for the food!" She nods vigorously, though keeping her eyes on her plate as more plate shows and the food dwindles, hopefully sating her hunger for now.

Bell approaches Rose in the hall.  "How you holding up?  Nerves kicking in?"  

Rose turns to Belle when she approaches and nods. Taking a few deep breathes to try and calm down she says Yes. Its like it all hit me at once. So many things could go wrong and even though I wasn't worried yesterday now I can't get my mind off things. RRos's belly grumbles loudly and she puts a hand to her stomach. Plus I'm starving, but my nerves are such that I'm afraid to eat. Glancing at Belles alchemy jug Rose asks. Hey um...I know it's a bit early and all but...would you mind if I took a swig? She gestures to the jug. Just a little to calm my nerves so I can eat. 

Gwen's head turned to face Fallan though her expression wasn't visible, an aura of 'wait what did you just say' seems to exude from her for several moments before dissipating at the dismissal. W-well I'm glad you're enjoying it, but are you telling me that you only ate rations for the last year as well? But yes I'm looking forward to today as scared... well scared uh.. isn't the right word, but ... its the butterflies. Like when you're going to do public speaking for the first time, or when a spider is nearby or .. something....  she was clearly trying her best to describe it but couldn't form the proper sentence, and she seemed glad for Root's support but was trying to remain stoic - Ja simply chuckling to himself as he had never seen the bard so flustered.

And hey, you're discounting Ja's cooking right now Miss Fallon! We have atleast two good chefs in the town! But yes, Food is one thing we can use as an attractor, though I think more people will come due to the mine.

"Of course!"  Bell begins to unstrap the jug from her wrist bind.  "Seeing as I've never been married before, I can't say I know exactly what you're going through.  But... you got this!  It can't be any harder than escaping a collapsed mine and fighting demons!  You guys have been through a lot together.  You're strong... and you're stronger together than you are alone.  This will be a good thing."  Bell hands Rose the jug as he finishes her pep talk.  "Bottoms up!"

Rose nods to Belles words but they don't quite make the uneasiness go away. Grabbing the jug Rose takes a big swig before a look of surprise  comes across her face. She continues to drink before finishing and wiping her face. Handing back the jug Rose gives Belle a curious look. Has it really been honey in there the entire time? After getting her answer Rose can't help but laugh, her worries of a moment ago finally set loose. Calming down and with a big smile she says Thanks, I feel a lot better. Let's go get bbreakfast. With that Rose will head towards the table and take a seat across from Gwen, smiling her way before looking to fill the hole in her stomach. 

"Of course!" Bella answers, and then pats Rose on the back as they head towards the breakfast feast.