Minerva would cast a bored glance to the yawning man wondering off before turning her attention back to those who remain. She'd bow her head respectfully to Marblebeard and Auric before holding up a paw for the man to fist bump. It should suffice for the 'bipedals'.

When Auric would toss a slab of meat, the youngling's would perk, lunging after it. With a smooth leap, Maevis would snatch it out of the air right from her brother's reach. She'd land gracefully on all fours while Melvin would stumble, fumbling from his confusion of missing the meat. Maevis would prance with pride over her mother's side, purring up a storm. "I like that shiny one." She'd muse, going to munch on her snack. Then there's Melvin. He was a mix of grumbling and pouting. He'd swat at a pebble with his tail.

Momma Manticore would chuckle and smile. She'd nod her head to the group once more. "The agreement has been finalized."

"Don't worry, there will be no added responsibilities for you." Adabra would correct her posture, raising her head and smoothing out her clothes. "I always manage." She'd get to work and grab hold of the wagon to bring closer to the family of Manticore's. Grabbing hold of a slab, she'd slowly approach the pouty puss and with a warm smile, she'd coax him to take it from her as she'd introduce herself.

Meanwhile, Mr. Dark had taken his leave to work his way back to his bed. The others were able to handle the last of the details without him. As sleepy eyes and tired feet guide him along his path, he'd hear a familiar voice. "If it's free to fly, we're all dead." It was his.

     "Responsibilities for me?  No... what?  I just meant..." Kaemgen started but Adabra had already walked away.  Should he rush up and help with the wagon?  Try to explain that he only meant she and the others lived her and that, so far, he was just a visitor?  He thought about what to do... But thought too long to really do anything, he decided.  Sometimes the moments just pass and you miss your chance.  

     With a bit of a huff Kaemgen looked to the sky, trying to determine how much night was left as well as checking again for dragons... Which he hadn't even spied when it was here.  Otherwise he stayed on the periphery, not wanting to approach the beasts too closely but staying nearby in case something went horribly wrong.  If there was no other excitement this night he would eventually find his way back to the corner in which he had set his belongings and once again attempt to get some rest.

Mr.Dark shakes the echo of his own voice from his mind. He was tired, it'd be a long couple of days. Sighing heavily, he settled in to get back to sleep. His army days granting him the remarkable ability to sleep anywhere and fall asleep quick.  In minutes he was snoring. 

With the conversation amongst the group coming to a close, those who were done business would retreat back to their place of rest within Adabra's residence. It was a comfortable place to stay, as you were able to set up your space as needed and free to use anything as needed.

While her guests made themselves comfortable, Adabra continued to feed the family of manticores. She laboured on, emptying the rest of the cart while the beasts feasted. Kaemgen hovered to keep watch for a bit, but eventually he retired for the night as well.

The skies were clear, everything was incredibly still and the air was calm. There were no threats lurking in the shadows nearby. If anything, there was a sense of increased protection upon the hill and into the nearby forest. Not only were Manticores willing to agree to watch over the area, but there was a sense that another watchful spirit out there that was gained this day. Also, anyone paying attention to the balance of nature around Adabra's home one could come to feel that there were even more guardians hidden in the shadows.

The midwife would bid the manticores farewell and return the cart back up the hill to its place. She worked quietly as company slept, tidying up and preparing some things for the morning. It wasn't until she'd hear a howl off in the distance that she'd retire to her room for the night.

The night would pass uneventfully and without incident. Able to complete a full rest, the groups members would be able to wake up at their leisure. Dawn would break and anyone with a semblance of coherence may have heard the click of the door opening and closing as they were rousing awake. Fading in and out of that morning slumber, sunlight would soon be dancing against eyelids as a gentle reminder a new day has come. But it would the the aroma that'd waft through the air that'd be difficult to ignore. It held promises of a fresh hot breakfast.

Those entering the kitchen would be greeted with a healthy spread of morning helpings waiting, begging to be indulged before it got cold. For those who enjoy something light and fresh, there were fresh picked berries from yesterday, fruit from the local orchards, an assortment of artisan jams and juices.There was no denying the smell of freshly baked bread still cooling next to it. There was milk, yogurt and cheeses from Phandalin farmers. And for those hoping for a nice hearty breakfast, there awaited a steaming heap of beautifully cooked elk steak and eggs.

There's a note.

"I've gone to inform the farmers.

Enjoy your breakfast.

PS. Don't be fooled. They've been fed."

- Adabra

At the sound of movement inside the house, the person to read the note would hear a slow creak and some serious huffing. They'd be able to spot two snouts poking into the doorway from outside, curiously sniffing and being nosey.

     Kaemgen wakes early but well rested.  He wanders into the kitchen and helps himself.  He grabs one end of the bread off the loaf and quickly scoops out the warm, soft center... As he chews on it he uses the new formed bowl to hold various fruits and berries, as well as a couple wedges of cheese.  He nods and grunts at any others who have awakened but otherwise doesn't interact, instead going out the front door to slowly pick at his meal as he wanders around the front yard.  He could understand the appeal of this life...  Quiet... Simple...  Happy.  It'd be a far cry to what he was used to but could be quite serene...

     Yet I cannot, he thinks.  I've promises to keep and much to gather before I can lay down my burdens...

     He quietly munches his breakfast bits and eventually washes it all down with the bread bowl he had created.  Yes, this could be a good life... But it isn't his.  Not yet, anyway...

Mr.Dark wakes up. The smells throw him into confusion until he remembers where he is. He slips into the kitchen with the intent to sneak some food, but then sees the situation and just goes straight at it. He eats with little finesse, shovelling food into his mouth until he sits back with a belch.  "Wow...that was amazing.  I haven't eaten that well since......"  he loses himself in thought for a bit.  "Never.  Never have I had a meal like that."  

Grabbing a bit of bread with jam, he walks out and checks out the snouts that are sniffing about, looking at the eyes carefully to make sure he's not interacting with a person-animal. He kicks around until the others are up, giving people their peace. He suspects they may not get any more like this for a while.....or perhaps not for the rest of their lives if things don't go well. 

Auric:

Waking and stretching languorously, Auric performs his morning ablutions and joins the others for a hearty breakfast.  Sensing the special nature of this glade, he breathes deeply and intones, "Good morn unto thee, companions mine.  Our parley was well done last night, and forsooth, nature itself applauds our efforts."

After breakfast, he spends some time meditating and focusing on his Dragon Orb while sitting cross-legged under a shady tree.

Scott enjoys his food in much the same way as Mr Dark does. The quality is very similar to some of the banquets he has partaken in before amongst the elite of Neverwinter, though presentation here was more simple and less... uptight. 

Once he’s finished eating he heads outside and keeps an eye on Kaemgen, he his after all, the reason Scott is out here. Doing his best to keep him out of trouble...

Xenophon enjoys his breakfast and thanks Adabra for it before heading out to see Mr. Dark. "So what's the plan now? Help Adabra hunt for food to keep the "little" manticores fed or go out there an' pursue that dragon?"

Auric:

”Our small company has completed two of the three tasks we set upon afore we debarked Phandalin—the Dwarves are warned, as is the healer.  Our next mission is to contact the Gnomes, with a warning and a plea for help, as the mayor hath suggested the industrious creatures may have a weapon with which to lay low the dragon,” responds Auric, looking up from his meditation.

”Let us examine the map and make our way forthwith to the dwelling of the Gnomes,” he adds as he stands and readies himself for travel.

Mr.Dark glances from Xenophon to Auric, though looks a little uncomfortable being put in the position of deciding their next actions. He seems relieved when Auric speaks, then shrugs, "What he said. We can't just sit around here feedin Manticores for the rest of our lives. We gotta finish the job, then get back to town and give the dwarves their share of the treasure so we can split things up, get that stone of sending, then figure out what's next in takin this dragon down.  The more I think on it, the more I think we gotta find where it lives and engage it indoors....find a way to trap it there so it can't fly away. But that's later. Gnomes first I think. And I'm about ready to go when you lot are."

“I thought we were headed back to town to meet up with the dwarves, collecting the reward for the tasks we completed already and then going to see these gnomes... I’m fine I suppose if we are ready to go to the gnomes now.”

Auric:

”Such a course of action would also be quite acceptable, Mister Marblebeard, though for myself I am well-rested enough and our erstwhile healer is apparently not in need of escort to town.  If thou wishest to settle with the dwarves and perhaps reprovision, let us proceed to Phandalin first,” reasons Auric, feeling magnanimous after such a restful and filling morning.

Mr.Dark shrugs, "Yeah, I don't quite have a sense of where these gnomes are compared to us and Phandalin, I say whatever is closer...mostly cause I'm lazy and like to cut down on my walking."  He grins.

"If we're all good with supplies, let's head to Phandalin now. If there's anything that any of you all think we might need first, let's go to the dwarves and get those rewards."

Kaemgen being the first one to walk out would have been greeted by two excited wolves. They looked like mirrored imaged of each other. With the noble being too distracted to notice them, they lose interest and return to the door.

When Mr. Dark would walk out and check on them, they’d woof and pant, tails wagging with exuberant energy. The moment he opened the door just enough, they’d slip through and start bouncing. They’d each take turns shoving their snouts places and pouncing at your legs. Then, while one kept the man distracted, the other would sneak slices of steak off the table. 

Eventually the twin’s distraction moved out into the yard. With full bellies, the wolves trot along at Mr. Dark heels, sitting on his feet any time he stops to stand still. They’d tilt their heads and give big dopey looks any time their looked at.

As the group discussed some things amongst them, each time Phandalin was mentioned, the pups perked. And when it was mentioned a third time, the pair would peel off leading the way back to town. Should you follow them, they’d bring you to the door of the familiar Stonehill Inn.

Auric:

Contentedly following the wolves, Auric is at the Stonehill in before he even realizes it.  If not for the magnificent breakfast he had this morning, the sight of the squat stone structure might have made his stomach rumble.  Instead, he moves in, looking for the dwarves of their recent acquaintance whom Mister Dark is so eager to pay.  Belatedly he realizes that perhaps using the sending stone might be a more efficient method of securing their company at the inn--which he will suggest if the dwarves are not to be seen nearby.

     Before departing with the others, Kaemgen tells the others he’ll catch up and stops back into the house.  He lingers a bit, thinking of Adabra living out here alone, making life on her own terms, and cannot help but smile.  He’s not one for housekeeping but he does what he can to tidy up the kitchen from the meal and the eating and the most untidy of adventurers.  Then, before departing to catch up with the others, he’ll look around for a pen and done paper so as to leave a note…

     The note thank Adabra on behalf of the entire team and wishes her and the locals every luck and fortune in their hopefully long going pact with the Manticore and its brood.  “In truth I am more used to slaughtering such threats rather than bargaining with them, but if the deal holds perhaps this threat could be more to those who would interrupt your tranquility here…”  He adds the inn they met at as a way to get word to the party if need be.  

     As a post script he adds a more personal note.  He notes he would be flowery if he could be but words were never his strong suit.  Instead he simply states that he was quite impressed with her and her life out here.  That he wishes he could spend more time sampling that life but for now it is impossible.  But it won’t always be so, and he intends to visit again, if visitor she’ll have.

     Note written and secured on the now straightened up kitchen table, Kaemgen will take his leave and head off after the others.  He won’t rush much, he knows where they are headed… but he does aim to meet catch up well before then.

Scott follows the wolves shortly after Auric. He’s eager to get back to town and collect on their jobs before someone else does. That and he has a sneaking suspicion that these wolves seem familiar somehow...

Mr.Dark smiles down at the wolves, but...doesn't pet them or scratch their ears. For all their playfulness, they're still wild animals. And he needs all his fingers. 

He waits outside with the others for Kaemgan to complete his affairs inside, and then heads off following the wolves and leaving behind Adabra's home with entirely pleasant memories. It was rather a special little place. A bit of amazement seeped into him about normal life. But...that wasn't for him yet.  And so, he followed the wolves back to Phandalin. 

He nods to the two wolves as they drop them off at the Stonehill Inn, "Thanks for the help." He says to them. A bit worried about people panicking at wolves running about the town, he says, "Lemme escort you out of town, so noone gets...unnecessarily aggressive."  He escorts them out of town and then heads back to the Inn.

He walks into the place and glances around. If he doens't see the dwarves just sittin around he'll ask after them with the Inn keeper.