"Cormyr can be difficult for those tagged as adventurers," Zhuti notes, with a glance around at the motley crew. "And we will cause a stir there, sure to be remarked upon and remembered. But I suppose it is no secret where we are going, to those who want to stop us." She shrugs. "This is fine."

Thyrius begins cleaning up from their unannounced appearance and the group finds themselves with a few moments of quiet. Kit Kat finishes the soup and offers Kyriani and Zhuti a weak smile as some color seems to return. The golden dragon huffs and closes its eyes as it rests its long neck and head on the floor. The bartender and Tomas both come out and quickly give Thyrius a hand, nodding their thanks and mumbling, "Oh...that's not necessary..." in a friendly way. 

Then the door to the tavern opens and a soldier in liveries steps into the room. He glances about, making eye contact with Tomas. Tomas stands up straight and salutes, "Sir." 

The soldier nods to Tomas, seems to assess the room, eyeing each of the group, and then steps out of the door for a moment. Then he steps in, followed by two more soldiers and a woman nice black riding pants and a fancy purple jacket.  Her long hair is bound up into a knot and tied back with pretty blue ribbons. She appears to be in her 40's, though has aged well. She smiles at the group, noting mostly Jezun and Toc.  "Welcome back hero's."  To the rest she nods and says, "My name is Catherine Lancaster. I am ruler of port Llast. Your allies are known to us, and we owe them a great debt. It would be my honor if you would come and stay an evening at our home." 

Toc glances about at the rest of the group, trying to get a sense for their reaction before making any sort of response.

Zhuti sizes the woman up—which is no different than she has done to the rest of you—though for what you’re not sure. She moves fractionally closer to KitKat and Kyriani but doesn’t take her eyes off the woman and her entourage. She comes off as pretty cool towards them all, and even though her clothes under her cloak are torn and burned, she shows no concern for that at all.

"That's quite the unnexected string of good news," Thyrius speaks softly but loud enough for others to hear. "So many... friends." He looks at Xem before adding: "I'm starting to suspect another boot will drop soon enough."

 Thyrius hands the last of the fallen tableware to the helpful bartender.  

A subtle but confirming nod had been Xemnez answer to Toc. But just as he about looked thoughtful about something or other -- the same look as one who clearly has forgotten something, he's ultimately shaken from his thoughts and reflexively had a hand hover near the axe as new arrivals began bustling into the tavern. "Ah... guards," He murmured and relaxed his posture, though still held a look of wary interest that only grew with the more fancifully dressed woman's entrance.

"Hmph... No doubt, brother," Xemnez later replied softly just for his brother's ears and with a smile to his voice. His demeaner than returned to the more serious as he studied the woman, trying to discern in her words and posture if there was yet more to her invitation.

-Insight: 6.(17)

"It goes without saying that we most certainly appreciate the invitation Lady...er, Cath-erine. But though /this/ location has been secured at the moment by Toc here, I fear that we are not in the best position to remain in Port for much longer. Our prior business, that which compelled our sudden arrival, has yet to be fully concluded. And it would behooves not needlessly endanger you or your people further than necessary by delaying our return that business." He looks over to Toc and Nuzej. "Especially when we yet need to pick up another of our members at that, and one who must be quite concerned at this point given the lack of communication since parting." He further explained.

"But, you are the Ruler of this Port as you say. So, if you must insist, then.... I... /I/ at least do not wish to undermine you or strain relationships. Especially given the good work on faith Tomas here has done on our behalf already."

As for as Xemnez can tell, the woman appears to be on the level and both gracious and offering a proper kindness. 

Toc nods respectfully in agreement to Xemnez, "It is good to see you well Lady Catherine.  My ally is indeed correct. We must depart immediately I'm afraid."

The woman nods, "I am only glad I was able to greet you and make a kindly offer. Certainly do not let my hospitality keep you from your tasks. I am sure they are of the most dire nature. Regardless, it is good to see your faces". 

Toc gives her a nod, and she smiles.  Then Tomas speaks up, "Um...ma'am. A small kindness. I know your late father had a magical bow. I believe this great warrior here would find such a thing tremendously useful. If you could see anyway to....."

The woman makes a thoughtful face and then nods, "It is the very very least we can do to help you, after all you've done for us.  Marko, please fetch my fathers bow."  

Toc meanwhile says, "I think we should reinvigorate our mental bond, in preparation for returning to Waterdeep.  Zhuti, I will let you in on it as requested. You must all stay within 10 feet of me while I complete the ritual."   He begins walking around the group as magic begins to sparkle near his finger tips.

“Wait, we’re going back to Waterdeep right now? We’ve been here little more than an hour! Don’t you think they’ll have someone watching the temple?” Zhuti is clearly surprised by this plan.

”Is there even a plan? Or did you all already discussed this in your heads?”

Toc laughs, “No. Quite right.  We haven't discussed it properly at all.  Im sorry, we may he stuck in reactive mode.  Here’s what i was thinking. I will use a sending spell to tell Simaal where to meet us in Waterdeep. Then we use teleportation circle to return to the mage guild’s circle there. We go from there to some location to meet Simaal. Maybe the yawning portal tavern?  Then, once we meet him, I will cast another teleportation circle to take us directly to Suzail. There is a circle there on the castle grounds we can use. Finally, once there, I use a sending spell to request an elven escort meet us at Tilverton. Im guessing we stay a night in Suzail to rest up. Id cast another ritual to secure our rooms from scrying when we find a place to stay. Ok, thats what i put together based on everyones input. Thoughts?  What needs tweaking? “

During Tocs description of his plan you hear the black cats stomach make a distinct grumbling sound two times. 

Zhuti, mollified, nods. “Yes, that sounds sane. If it helps, I can take up to six people to… well, to the temple of Selûne in Waterdeep, so perhaps that’s not the best option right now. It sounds like a meal is in order,” with a grin at Thyrius. “The Yawning Portal is a good spot, safer than most, what with the ‘adventurer’ traffic.” She nods her approval.

Thyrius places a paw over his stomach. "Perhaps we can discuss this plan for a little longer... over supper? I have been quite efficient at unwillingly emptiyng my stomach of late. It would be good to fill it up a bit for a change. This would also give Mr... Marko... time to fetch the bow... I'd be lying if I said I was not intrigued, though I am not sure which one of us was being referenced by Mr. Tomas with the term 'this great warrior'... "

Xemnez raises a brow ridge in mild surprise at Tomas. But in seeing the woman agree soon after, he regarded the man once more with an appreciative look and gave a small nod in thanks. For a moment after, the golden Leonin looked even thoughtful about something, but then found his attention returning to Toc at the mention of preparations.

"Oh you know full well who he meant, dear brother. I might've bargain a few memories, but I still recall plenty enough of our adventures to think none too less of my abilities!" Xemnez chuffed and even full on laughed before long. "But... a fair point. If in this message Simmal can speak of being able to confidently hide out at length, then... eh... No. Let us hope Marko can be swift enough in his return before long."

With that said, Xemnez shifted positions as needed to make it easier on Toc to continue casting his spell, but would say to Zhuti in the interim with arms crossed and eyes slightly narrowed, "'Adventurer' traffic? Do other heroes of the lands also frequent this place?" He asks, but almost as soon as the words leaves his mouth, the Leonin grimaces and crosses his arms. "On second thought, perhaps it's best we not push our luck. Between a previous 'ally's betrayal and our foes preparedness to set up an ambush, best we limit any, uhm, recruitment to more trusted sources... my concerns about other agents of the Lich before notwithstanding." He expressed. After a moment's pause he bowed his head slightly to Zhuti and said, "You are owed an apology for before. Back in the temple." 

With Thyrius and Xemnez lightly wrestling over whether the former gets food here or in Waterdeep, Zhuti spares another glance at the woman, Catherine Lancaster. If she makes eye contact, she'll flash her a dazzling smile, but return her attention to Xemnez when he addresses her.

"The Yawning Portal is named such for a well into the Undermountain, an old, some say ancient, dungeon of sorts, created by the archmage Halaster. The well attracts many who seek their fortune, some competent, most not, but occasionally a real hero, as you say, shows their head. The owner, Durnan, is more than capable, but won't be taken away from his tavern. I just meant that, should your liches attack us there, they will find a lot of eager foes."

When Xemnez suggests she is owed an apology, she cocks her head and narrows her eyes at him, waiting to see if one is actually forthcoming.

Thyrius laughs along with his brother, extending the natural decline of the genuine laughter a bit into "forced" territory so he can mask another growl of his stomach. 

-> Deception: 29 

(OOC: Is this the best use of a deception roll you have ever seen? Yes, yes it is.)

Jezun, still processing everything slowly, speaks up only a few times  He looks around at the group. He’s a bit surprised to realize he has been with Toc longer than anyone here. He gives Toc a friendly smile and a look that is more awed superfan than fellow adventurer. He feels very, very much like the new kid in class. To that end, after Zhuti returns from her foray outside, he finds a time to go over to her and introduce herself. “Hi, I’m Jezun. I think you met Nuzej earlier. I know it’s a bit weird but sometimes I take the reins and sometimes he does. We help each other. It’s a lot better now. We used to not be able to control who was in charge and also I sort of forgot a lot of things? But now we can, and I catch up quick. Thank you for helping us back there and sorry for wrapping you up in the whole dead guy trying to break the world thing. His friends are really mean. And they smell bad. We do what we can to mess up his day. I totally understand if you, like, don’t want to come along? But you really seem to know a lot. You helped Kyriani and Kit Kat. That was nice of you. Can I ask you more about yourself? Where do you come from? Were you just hanging out at the bar and it exploded? What have you been up to lately? Anything I should know if I’m going to be traveling with you?”

When it comes to planning Jezun is happy to go with the plan as stated. Nuzej, when he steps back in, says he is able to teleport the group once more. But he will need a rest. He has a long discussion with Toc about blocking divination and also masking the group’s appearance given how much they stick out visually.

(OOC: Based on wording of the above, I assume Nuzej/Jezun's bit is prior to the whole xemnez/planning phase and semi-private. So, nothing to add there from Xem.)

Xemnez grimaces at the look having clearly half hoped a mention of apology alone might be construed as one well enough. After taking a moment to awkwardly clear his throat, he briefly sidesteps the issue in saying, "It sounds then as if the Yawning Portal will be an excellent meeting point. Things may yet become chaotic, but I doubt it will be nearly as much so as the time me and brother ran across prisoners in that one minotaur labryinth." He chuckled a bit, before his face falters into a small frown. "Or more recently, the time we ran into those Liches, Thayans, and would-be Lich Hunters while trying to secure that one place." He admits with a crooked grin.

"... But such matters aside, I am -- I /do/ apologize for having suggested to my fellows over our unique... connection at the time, to leave you to your fate at the temple, and absconding with all others, seeing as you seemed so adamant about standing ground and protecting it. It and what poor souls had not already perished in that initial attack. And while there had been some tactical reasons for suggesting it, I would be lying if personal bias did not color it... a little." He admits. "There's a story there of course, but it is one for another time. Regardless, again, I must apologize for that, and for...*sigh*... coming off a bit harsh in my insistence in bringing the one known as 'Kitty Kat' along." He says while trying to keep a straight face. 

-Performance: 7.
(The roll being just to flavor well he keeps a straight face will saying kitty kat. And YES, I'm burning a superiority die for commanding presence)

Once Toc completes his spell, Zhuti feels an every so slight mental presence in her mind. It's as if a thread was connected to the others in the group, each of them individually. She instinctively feels that she is able to mentally converse with any of them, alone or in any combination, as easily as if talking. Likewise she feels an ability to block out those connections should she choose. The flexible mental link feels most natural to her.  (note, OOC, we try to use italics to represent mental chatter...as best we can remember...default is to everyone, but you can talk directly to any sub-group or individual with complete privacy....unless someone around is using detect thoughts. *wink* )

Toc goes and confers with Nuzej regarding the magical arts, standing close but conversing in their heads, though he lets anyone listen in should the so desire,  "That Seeming would be quite handy, but I'm afraid I've exhausted all of my higher level abilities for today. I can do three teleportation circles before the day is done. I can shift us across planes but..." he glances Thyrius' direction, "...that type of trip can be bumpy, and is not precise and best used for an emergency only.  Also, Tic is back in Myth Drannor. I can always ask him to assist with some planar tom-foolery to get us an additional jump somewhere if we need, but that'll leave me out for the following day. As for securing locations, I think we should get in the habit of casting private sanctum any place we plan to spend more than 10 minutes. If the Lichs are tracking us, I don't want to make it easy for them." 

Then Toc takes a few moments to cast another spell, and after a few seconds he addresses the group, "We should eat here. Simaal says he is busy for a while in Waterdeep. He says he's gathering additional information about our enemies and not to worry over him.  I'll keep checking on him." 

Catherine claps her hands at this mention, "We have a boar that's been roasting for two days. I will have a large portion brought here immediately." 

The bartender nods, "I have some lovely provisions I can break out for such an occasion. I promise you, it'll be a meal fit for royalty." 

A sudden swirl of activity begins as people begin preparing the tavern for a grand meal.  Kit kat stands up and goes to help. Tomas is first to her, and though he tries to shush her back to sitting, she pushes him away, "I need to do something, to keep my mind in a good place...please...let me help, it's what I know."  He reluctantly stands aside as she heads to the bartender to get some tasks.

It's perhaps 45 minutes later when the group is finally presented with a large table filled with food. Roast boar, tender and juicy is served with smashed, boiled potatoes, smothered in salty butter, thick slices of a pungent cheese, several loaves of warm bread and mugs of tasty frothy beer.  The group is largely used to eating very well, but this meal seems somehow more enjoyable thanks to both its non-magical nature...but also due to the terrible, exhausting events that led to it. 

During the meal a guard walks in with a longbow. Its arc shines of bright metal and jagged symbols are etched roughly along its length. Catherine takes it from him and walks it down to Xemnez.  "This was my fathers bow. He was a great warrior and his bow was part of many of his stories. It has been in my keep, waiting for another to call upon it. It seems fitting for those that saved his daughter, his entire family, and his city...should take it and help save the world. You would honor me, and his memory by taking this bow."   

Thyrius watches Tomas and KitKat interact and the twinkle in the man's eyes. He laughs to himself.

Knowing this dinner idead is being put into place mostly to appease his own stomach, the black-furred lion-man follows KitKat in helping serve the meal as needed. "I shall lend a paw as well. My brother is the famous cook of the group, but I am not too shabby a tray-carrier."

Thyrius enjoys an ill-advised serving of the boar, plenty of pungent cheese, and mugs upon mugs of frothy bear, though not enough to lose control of his senses. 

When the bow enters the room, Thyrius can't help but jest: "Would your lady mother also happen to be a famous archer willing to donate her legendary weapon to the cause?"

(Catching up...)

Re: Jezun

When Jezun approaches her, it clearly takes Zhuti a moment to realize she's talking to someone else, not Nuzej. But she nods along at the flood of words, finally putting a hand up to stop him. "Wait, yes, I will come along. Selûne has seen fit to involve me, and I've not refused her in a long time. So, yes. And yes, I'm a cleric of the Moon Maiden, that was her temple that was just razed, and I was just there to have a drink. It's not home, but it's my home away from Chult, where I am from. Kyriani is an old friend, as much as she is anyone's, and KitKat is... well. She is important to me." She unconsciously glances over, not at KitKat, but at Xemnez.

"And, what was at the end? Oh, yes. I have of late been studying, because someone," she rolls her eyes and looks heavenward, "Thought I needed to balance out the stabbing and, what did the herald say, 'loving with affectionate abandon' that I have been doing under the moon's blessed twilight." She does not blush. Ain't no shame in her. "But she was, as always, right. I did find some measure of wisdom that had eluded me. And it put me on a path to meet all of you."

She pauses a moment to recall Jezun's rapid-fire questions. "Ah, and is there anything you need to know about me, as we will be companions? Yes. I do not flee. I will not abandon an ally. I will not brook idiots, but I will acknowledge my errors. I know my role and I will fulfill it. I'm not afraid to die, but I won't die stupid."

"Oh, and," she adds with a smile, crinkling up her snake eyes, her forked tongue slipping out between her teeth, "You'd best lock up your daughters when I come to town."

"And you? What should I know?"

(Catching up one conversation at a time...)

Re: Xemnez, a fair bit after the conversation with Jezun.

Zhuti listens as the lion prevaricates for a while, but finally gets around to the apology. She receives it with equanimity, until the very end, where he mentions KitKat. Her face falls, and her eyes drop. But only for a moment. She locks eyes with him again, and says, "On that, I was wrong. I am grateful to you that you did bring her. She is important to me, and though it may have been her time, Kyriani disagrees, and KitKat's soul returned willingly. I... I forget myself sometimes, I forget that I am not an arbiter of fate. And so, I too apologize, to you, Xemnez, for thinking less of you in that moment, for thinking I knew better than you did."

She drops her eyes again, and pauses, but raises a hand to forestall him from speaking. After a few seconds, she turns her head to fully watch KitKat. She takes the woman in for a few moments more, then looks back at Xemnez. "Thank you, for saving her." And she punches him not all that lightly on the shoulder.

(And final catch up)

Re: the wait before the feast

As it is announced that the feast will be brought here, Zhuti finally seems to allow herself to relax. She pulls her hair out of the bun, shaking its length loose. Feeling a little more comfortable, after her conversations with Jezun and Xemnez, she begs a shift or something simple of one of the serving women, changes discretely somewhere, and finds herself re-entering the room a little apart from everyone there. Snagging a drink, she observes the crew, eyes roving over her new companions. She smiles as Tomas flirts with KitKat, raises an eyebrow as Thyrius might be flirting with her, too, letting herself laugh softly. With a gentle raising of her cup in KitKat's direction, she blesses the girl's fortune in a quiet prayer, then looks about again. Spotting Lady Lancaster, she moves over to her and engages her in conversation. She is not obviously flirtatious, but they are clearly both women used to wielding enormous power, and she's always felt a kinship with women like that. And she's got a lot of really amazing stories to impress her with.