Having expected a chortle or even a grin, Xemnez instead found himself taken aback by Zhuti's reaction to the jest. He lurched forward half a step and raised hand as if meaning to clasp her on the shoulder, but hesitated and stopped well short once their eyes met again. His eyes briefly widen in further surprise at her following words. But though tempted to interrupt at points, between his own hesitance and her later raising a hand to forestall any rebuttal on his part, Xemnez instead found himself simply folding his hands behind his back having listened and continue to listen patiently to the end.

At the unexpected punch Xemnez looked almost... rattled and conflicted for a moment, before then clearing his throat and adjusting his posture. "You need not thank me, as ultimately it was the brothers Jezun and Nuzej's magic I feel that assured preservation... or, so I assume. I am no mage or that learned in the way of arcane, after all." He says dismissively towards the end, before chuckling a bit. "Regardless, lets... say were even and leave the past to the past." He says, giving her a toothless smile and offer a hand to shake.

Back closer to the present:

As far as the "open mic" conversation between Nuzej and Toc, it is not one Xemnez paid much mind to, and even eventually tuned out altogether. When the time came he'd trust whatever spell weaving the duo had in mind. Just as he halfway figured there'd be a last minute update to the plan before their departure anyhow. And while initially he'd intended to find a spot to sit and finally begin the mind-numbing task of cleaning up his gear, his brother's boast about his culinary skills had not gone unheard. A meaningful look is leveled at the trio(Thyrius, Kitkat, and Tomas), and had he been asked, then any cleaning up would be more limited to just enough to be trusted around the found. Otherwise... he hadn't volunteered openly and was content to return his maintenace for the remainder of the prep time itself.

At Present:

As was tradition, it hadn't taken long during the meal for Xemnez to warm up to the idea of telling stories about his and his brother's ventures in Theros, of some of the vistas they seen, monsters slain, and even a hint at their relationship with at least the more nomadic races of the land. But some such story about wrestling a winged lion is put on hold in being presented the bow, which he intended to accept with reverence. "I... It would be an honor to accept this gift. And may when we next meet shall I have plenty more stories to share and add to its lauded history on your family's behalf." He replied to Catherine.

Meanwhile, Simaal gets none of the roast boar, tender and juicy 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 and so there is little joy in the moment.

Thyrius smacks his lips. "Who knew humans could rost a boar this well... Delectable!" 

Continuing some merriment, Thyrius insterrupts his brother's tales every now and then to ask for more: "Remember when you challanged a cyclops to a boulder-throwing contest? How about when you tried to ride a catoplebas? One of his favorite games is what we call 'reverse whack-a-mole'. That's when you fight a hydra and induce head-multiplication until the beast falls over from unsustainable neck-to-torso proportions. Xemnez here holds the record for most heads sprouted."

The afternoon meal turns into the sort of event one remembers their entire lives. A brief moment of pleasure, story telling, and safety in amongst an otherwise threat riddles existence. The food is filling, the company is lovely, and connections are made. Stories of over-weight bearing hydra bodies from worlds far far away entrance the audience and has everyone laughing with such abandon that it seems as if the weight of the world is temporarily removed.  For all his serious manner, a smile seems to breach the face of the elf wizard several times until at the end even he seems to be enjoying the moment. He also spends more than a few minutes conferring with Kyriani, the two of them smiling and laughing on their own. 

Eventually though the meal is done, stories are over, and Toc sighs heavily before regarding the crew and speaking into their minds, "I am reluctant to return us to the many decisions we must make. I have contacted Simaal though, and he says he is fine, but needs more time. It seems he is being very thorough interviewing the survivors...that he has somehow gained access to.  As such, I am going to suggest that we extend our time here a bit more. I'm afraid, to maintain the...security of our location, we may need to find comfortable places here in this tavern room, but..I suggest we take the time until tomorrow morning to rest, sleep, and clean up. I would suggest anyone from Waterdeep, and by that I mean Kyriani and Kit Kat also remain here in this very room where we're protected from scrying. I will secure an additional space that has...ahem.....proper facilities and perhaps a bathing area. No need to be barbaric. Tomorrow morning, hopefully Simaal has more information, and we can head back to Waterdeep to pick him up, before heading to Suzail.  I can also use the time to make the request of a military escort from Semberholme to meet us in Tilverton.  How does this sound to everyone?" 

He pauses, and then says, "Oh, and....Simaal says that the enemies we fought have gone to the Anauroch ahead of us."  

Zhuti enjoys the boasting and the story telling, and shares some stories of her own, including the time she tried to soothe the King of Feathers (a magical tyrannosaurus rex from Chult) only to remember too late that it wasn't a normal beast. She shows off a scar on her arm from that encounter. As the drink flows, and the room grows warm with bodies and friendship, Zhuti loosens up a little, her forked tongue slipping out more often, instinctively tasting the air. Still, she never stops watching, noting interactions among the others, smiling to see Kyriani and KitKat enjoying themselves.

When Toc breaks up the evening, Zhuti regretfully declines any offers she may have received to sleep elsewhere, recognizing the importance of keeping the group safe. Seeing as she is still without her things, she must beg again for supplies, but eventually she finds a corner of the room to settle in. Sitting with her back to the wall, she lights a candle, then murmurs to herself and the candle's light dims to something akin to twilight. Then she prays, quietly. After half an hour, she will unfold herself, blow out the candle, and get ready to sleep.

If anyone wants to talk to her, before or after her praying, she is more than willing to engage. She is used to flying solo, however, so it doesn't come naturally to her.

Xemnez playfully scoffs at a few interruptions, but almost just as often leaned into furbishing such tales with greater details, if not turning things back on Thyrius in goading him to share his own. For as much as brother was like a shadow to him, a grateful Xemnez rarely if ever ignored opportunities to bring the Leonin's heroic deeds to light, or add special emphasis to Thyrius part in others, which would've ended in catastrophe were it not for his wisdom. He also makes a point of inviting others to share tales even if not pertaining to heroics; both to give his maw a chance to try some boar and learn more about the world beyond the limited pockets of exposure.

Some of which were admittedly giant repository of knowledge but failed to hold his obvious interest nearly as much as a spoken tale! Yet for all of his merriment and amusement, the news shared eventually by Toc even led to Xemnez simmering down to more staged enjoyment while processing it all. 'It seems once again we will have our work cut out for us, hm? ... But no matter. We will rise to this challenge just as assuredly as we've done the rest and render unto those dark delvers and their minions their long awaited due.' Xemnez frowns. '... I also feel like I've somehow said that before and might've had too much to drink' He messaged the others before letting out a chuckle. 

Idle musings aside, Xemnez at least offered little in the way of resistance to Toc's suggestion, though occasionally grumbled whenever a rogue thought roamed towards reminder. And with that mild frustration hanging overhead, an earlier retirement for the evening seemed to be the Leonin's preference, as any arrangements that needed to be made quickly became his next priority. And yet... somewhere in between finding that rest and bidding good night to others did he pause in noting Zhuti in prayer. But after a long moment of watching his courage waned to the point of his simply following through on retiring for the evening with his new bow kept close. 

(OOC: Last post of the year, Baby~)

Thyrius enjoys the relaxed evening and good company. It has been a while since he could do so, he thought. Xemnez's stories, even if prodded by Thyrius himself, are all fond memories he enjoyed reliving. When asked to share some of his own tales, Thyrius did so too, but even those were more of Xemnez's than his own. The golden lion was always there, leading the charge, and rightly so. The tales where Thyrius was alone, well, those were not worth sharing and neither was he truly alone... he never was.

With that thought, Thyrius excuses himself for a moment when it is opportune to do so. His thoughts were never truly private, he suspected. It had been some time since he checked in with his most invested ancestor. It was time to do so again. He started with a direct question, not knowing if he would get a response.

@NPizazz:

Zhuti is visited by Toc before the night is done. The elf seems content though simply to stop and say a few quick words, "I apologize if we've inadvertently drawn you into our problem. But..I do want to say thank you for agreeing to join us. I hope that with you at our side we may be able to accomplish what has thus far seemed elusive." With nothing else to add, he nods and heads to his own spot in the tavern where he's laid down a mat, and sits cross legged on it, pulling out a book. 

Lady Catherine, who clearly enjoyed all the stories and the evening, bids her farewell along with the guards.  If there are any hopeful onlookers outside trying to catch a glimpse, the magical veil about the place stymies them completely.  Eventually Tomas and the Bartender turn down the lanterns and put several out, lock the doors securely, and head upstairs....Tomas apparently being put up for the night, and the Bartender deciding to stay as well. 

With everyone settled into their own spots in the tavern and the quiet outside the room absolute, people fall into a well earned and exhausted sleep. Kit Kat especially seems to fall into a deep restful sleep, her body and soul exhausted from the days trials. 

The morning brings with it fresh warm light, but a continued absence of sounds from anywhere outside the room.  A light breakfast of bread, cheese, and porridge is provided by Tomas and the bartender as they are getting the Inn ready for the day, though with no sense of rushing you out the door.  Kit Kat has a chat with Kyriani and then delivers the news, "I think I need to take some time away from Waterdeep. I'm not ready to return to Selune's Smile yet. My apartment in the city will be fine...Tomas says he can arrange for some clothes for a few weeks and a stay here. Good luck to all of you. I hope to see you back in Waterdeep soon."  Kyriani seems quietly pleased.

After everyone completes their morning routines and has broken their fast, Toc goes through the motions of establishing a mental bond.  The ritual that is quickly becoming familiar to Zhuti....a ten minute affair that requires everyone to stay nearby, is completed with adroit expertise.   Then mentally he says, "Alright, Simaal is ready to meet us at the Yawning Portal Tavern in Waterdeep. As well, the elves of Semberholme are dispatching a force of elves to Tilverton. They will bring with them extra desert supplies, so we need not worry over those. If we are ready to depart, then...." he nods to Nuzej, "...if you'd do the honors of taking us to Waterdeep when everyone is ready." 

(Long rest?)

Zhuti wakes refreshed, says a quiet prayer, eats breakfast, and is prepared to go quickly. She doesn’t have many things, after all. She was just at Selune’s Smile for a drink, after all. ;)

She has a smiling conversation with KitKat, wishing her well, and gives Tomas an older sister stare until he blanches and promises to keep her from danger. Then she stands with the group, checks the hang of her sword, and asks over the link, Any reason we should expect danger on arrival, and prepare now?

It seems Thyrius did not get a response from his Ancestor. He was a bit disappointed but not necessarily surprised. 

In the morning, Thyrius seems particular fond of a simpler meal, sticking with the porridge. "It's about time we rejoin with Simaal. It is a pity he missed yesterday's festivities. Is there any chance we can take a chunk of last night's boar to him?" This is said the old fashioned way, not through the mental link.

The feline's morning routine includes an andequate amount of hygenic practices. These are kept to their functional best, no aesthetic grooming necessary. He would leave that to his shiny golden brother.  

Jezun replies to Zhuti sporadically, listening intently. "I'm glad you're here. You seem powerful. And fun. Thank you. Not much to me, really. I'm an open book. What you see is what you get. Well, half the time. Maybe you should know it takes a few seconds for me or Nuzej to change places. We try not to do it if we're fighting something. But sometimes we have to."

Nuzej returns easily when Toc speaks, and dives into arcane conversation. He notes that he needs to add private sanctum to his spellbook. He also asks if Seeming is in the archives to learn.

He's ready to move when he learns that they're sleeping there. He happily curls up with his spellbook, exhausted. 

In the morning, he stands, much better rested and spends some additional time with his spellbook. "I can take us a few places in Waterdeep, though it's been some time since I've been to the Yawning Portal. I have a destination nearby in mind that may allow us to arrive unseen. I helped out a stablemaster a while back, and I spent some time there, I know it well enough. And it should be relatively hidden. But we, I assume, will be watched. If there is anything to be done, apart from the private sanctum, to mask us from further assault, that would be helpful. Then again, now that I know about them, I almost want them to try again. Do we want to hide the stone more securely? Toc, perhaps in that hidden dimensional chamber of yours?"

(Long rest achieved.)

(Indeed, Thyrius' patron gives no response. Not unusual in the slightest.) 

As preparation to leave is underway, Toc and Jezun chat.  "Yeah, Seeming is in the library. It'll take you a full day of study to learn it." 

Kit Kat makes a 'care package' for Simaal, of some chopped up pork, bread, and white cheese and hands it to Thyrius with a smile. 

Finally to Jezun's question about location and the stone, "I don't trust dimensional chambers in this scenario. We're talking about hiding something that others have seen and powerful undead wizards who could have ways of tracking it down. Let's keep it on us. Last time they got the drop on us because they knew where we'd be and were waiting.  This time, they'd have to track us, then transfer themselves and a force to us quickly....I think as long as we keep moving, and then private sanctum if we're stopping for more than a few minutes, we should be good. Also....I'll be keeping an eye out for invisible magical eyes watching us. A stable sounds great." 

Without further ado, the group stands in a circle. Toc casts a quick spell and his eyes flash briefly with magic. He winks at Zhuti.  Then Nuzej pulls out a small bit of hay and looks about making sure everyone is ready. He says one powerful mystic word.  The universe lurches beneath everyones feet as if they were stuck in place and the entire world beneath them just rushed past in an instant. Stomachs lurch. Then the world stops moving and you are all standing inside a quiet stable.  Horses snort in surprise at the groups presence.  Your noses are filled with a fragrant scent of manure and hay. Outside you hear the familiar sounds of a bustling city as a wagon clacks by and people shout and chatter in a small market area. Brief glints of light and a view of the city streets can be seen through the cracks in the stable boards.  Everyone glances to the upper beams and stable attic as if expecting it to be filled with assailants, but all is quiet.  You've arrived.  

Toc looks around and mentally says, "We're not being watched....at the moment."

While Xemnez had certainly appreciated the simpler affair, if time had yet permitted it, then he'd see to taking things that extra bit further in getting some well-seasoned and bite sized biscuit wrapped left boar bits for the road. Which he of course shares with others as an added pick me up for later if the desire arrives... or just for any feeling peckish in general. (Chef Treat Feat - 1 Each, grants 6 THP until depleted or next long rest)

Between the act of such "frivolity" in preparing the snack and last night's impromptu dinner, the golden furred Leonin appeared in far better a mood that morning since Mirica departure. And just as eager to be on the move again to their next destination without mudding the waters of conversation with needless questions, counterpoints, or the like. Though once they arrive at their next destination, Xemnez cannot help but snort and comment, "Reminds me of the Mogis worshipping centaur camp... *sniffle*... Though less iron-ee smelling." He rubs at his nose, then looks to Toc. "Good to hear though. Would be rather embarrassing for all parties if we fought here and some are made to incidently eat horse shit for brunch." He adds, cracking a wiry grin before looking about. "Anyhow, I assume we're close to the Portal then. So let's not keep Simmal waiting." 

Zhuti arrives in the stables with a hand on her holy symbol and the other on her sword grip, but relaxes both when Toc declares the group safe. She moves to the door(way?) and peers out to ascertain where the group is.

-> Thyruis lurching stomach check: 19 

Thyrius is happy to keep hold of his stomach's contents this time, and even happier he didn't sully the care package that KitKat so caringly prepared for Simaal upon request. He secures the delivery package upon arrival, smirks at Xem's quip about consuming horse excrement, and prepares to move on. 

The group emerges from the stables which Zhuti figures must be in the South Ward near the southern gate. The run down warehouses filling the area are definitely part of the trade business that occurs in Waterdeep. Thyrius, his stomach still full, but grumbling glances about at the place, glad that his brothers well made snack has managed to stay where it is. 

Toc, chewing on the pork bits still, and making little, "mmm"..  and "ahh...yummmm" sounds, glances about, before giving the all clear for the group to head to the tavern.

Kyriani stops here, "Thank you, I can manage my way myself now. The tavern is north and the tavern is west."  She turns to address Zhuti, "With you along side this group, I have faith that Selune will grace you with success. Be safe."  To the rest she says, "Be well, I bid you luck in your quest...we all do..."  With that, the priestess heads off down a side street that runs off the main byway called "The Way of the Dragon".  

Meanwhile, Zhuti knows the straightest route to the Yawning Portal is straight down the Dragon...as they call it. The busy street is packed with activity and the group finds themselves easily lost in the shuffle. The smell of baking, metal work, wood work, and animals mixes into a potpourri of city life. Sizzling breakfast meats cook on street side stalls, while people hawk eggs and vegetables.  Eventually you turn off of 'The Dragon' down Soothsayer's Way, cutting down a couple side streets before arriving at the Yawning Portal. 

The Yawning Portal, the famous inn and tavern located near the eastern slope of Mount Waterdeep. You enter the place and find a raucous environment that seems filled with metal, leather, ego and mischief.  It's immediately clear how the Inn derives its name, as the entire establishment centers around a 40-foot-diameter well that descends into ground. Located in the center of the taproom, the well seems as if it was once the outer shell of tower. The wells sheer walls are made of old mortared stones. Next to this gaping orifice hangs a winch with a simple rope-and-pulley mechanism. The rope is stained with old blood. 

The place seems alive with activity, and a heavy set man with a handlebar moustache seems to be in process of using the winch to lower someone down below. 

Some more private seating is available in booths around the edge.  Toc picks one and says mentally, "Simaal knows where to find us, hopefully he'll be here shortly."

It's a little after you've gotten your drinks, when a robed reasonably tall man wearing a breast plate and chain approaches, but despite some dark eye shadows and a nose which appears bigger is still recognizable to those that have known for these past weeks. "The floors were collapsed but managed to get in a room, and I believe these to be yours." as he pulls a large backpack from under his cloak and hands it to Zhuti. "Well hopefully, there was a lot of wreckage." He seems thoughtful for a few seconds and then snaps his fingers dramatically "ah yes, your armor as well." He also pulls out a large sack and passes it over. It's a lot flatter than one would expect for most armor. He reaches in and pulls out a copper underwear that barely covers the bottom torso, and a top that likewise covers little also out of copper.

He sits down afterwards drink in hand. Mind wise he speaks to Toc "if you would add me to the group talk it would be appreciated, we should figure out the next step." Out loud without skipping a beat "Well there's much travels that I've obviously missed, should we eat while we're here or finish our drinks and move along".

After group mind talk is enabled "The warrior is still in Waterdeep, and there is a chance I could figure out their lair in this city where maybe we'll encounter more of them. We may or many not learn anything new if we do go but may reduce their reinforcements by a bit. What thinks the group, move along or track down their lair here?"

As the crew enters the place, Zhuti glances over at Durnan, making eye contact and exchanging a nod. They don't know each other well, but Zhuti is not unknown among certain persons in Waterdeep after that business with the lich in the jungle. She follows Toc to the private booth, and settles in, giving her new companions the seats they prefer (using her abundant insight to figure out who needs their back to the wall and who wants an outside seat for a quick escape).

She'll offer to pay for the first round of drinks, and flirts mercilessly with the waitstaff ("What? I have a reputation to uphold."). When Simaal shows up, she accepts the pack gratefully then her eyes narrow as he produces the chain bikini, but her mouth quirks in a smile. She accepts the pieces, but shakes her head, "No, that's for the marriage ceremonies, though it was kind of you to procure some, as I'd lost my set. I need the plate armor, and my shield, for where we're going."

Simaal thinks thoughtfully again... "Hmm there's always a chance things got mixed up in the whole tavern being collapsed, while on fire, with smoke all around and hunted by asassins and guards... Lovely time... But I do vaguely remember a shield as well.. would this be the one?" He pulls a shield after some effort off his back, and it's definitely not yours, but he continues to work at it and reveals another shield strapped to it that is potentially yours." Hmm... armor you say..." he searches around his backpacks, and pulls out a tiny suit of chainmail that would barely fit a small child... he holds up and looks at you, then looks at the armor..."hmmm.. probably not..." he puts it away and goes back to searching... then starts pulling out familiar looking pieces... "I think these are it, but what do I know."