Kazri pets Oli's head. The Young Owlbear waddles to Xerophon, and starts to lick his hand. "Oli here will guard you, and Ms. Harpell as well."

(OOC: Just prior to taking the short rest)

-Expending 3rd level warlock slot to regain 3 Sorcery Points, bringing total up to 4 of 5.
-Spending  2 Sorcery Points to gain a 1st level spell slot(represented as rufueling a slot for simplicity sake).
-Expanding last 3rd level warlock slot to regain 3 Sorcery Points, bringing total back to 5 of 5.

As the others make ready to take a breather, Rhogar stepped off to the side but for a brief few moments. Anyone watching him at the time would see him coax and make faintly visible strands of the weave intersecting his chest, and appear to cycle the energy within before gently letting go of it looking somehow... renewed in spirit. Afterwards, he's happy to spend the short rest putting his culinary skills to the test turning some simple rations into well seasoned meal for all to enjoy.

(OOC: If anyone wishes to spend more hit die, they may heal an additional 1d8 from Rhogar's Chef feat)

"There's a good chance those dedicated to Abjuration and Necromancy is kicking around in some form or another. But be that as it may, we will manage as we've always have and will." He says to the group, then turns to Xerophon with a toothless smile. "As for your request, I'm with Master Krom on this one. To do otherwise would be needlessly cruel, especially with there yet being no doubt other dangers lurking about these ruins-" He frowns. "Such as those Drow that yet entered before us.... Oh! Also, what can you tell us about the arboretum? We'd originally planned to head there for answers half-figuring we might come across another helpful Dryad or two."

"I almost forgot those Drow, I wonder if they are after something in particular or they are just raiders." says Krom while having a big mouthful of food "By the way Rhogar, you are an amazing cook, this is really delicious."

"Finding another helpful Dryad would be a great boon for us." continues after taking another mouthful of food. "If Tymora smiles on us, we may also find a cache or two of ancient magical artifacts while searching for those hidden towers."

(OOC Before taking the short rest, I'll spend 1 charge of Channel divinity for Harness Divine Power regaining 1 1st level spell slot.) 

"I know of no dryad living there.  There is a tree called the Nether Oak that grows at the heart of the arboretum. Netherese mages crafted their wands and staffs from the wood of this oak. I know nothing else about it.  An interesting place to be sure." Xerophon answers Rhogar's question.

Chill settles in near the entry and take some food with the others.

"So we have a massive puzzle to put together.   This might take some days.  I'm up for it."

"It will be indeed a task that will require a few days to complete it." says Krom while finishing to eat. "Shall we start then? Maybe a quick visit to the Arboretum first? What do you think Rhogar? We might find a staff or wand still laying there."
The dwarf gets up and adjusts his gear as he prepares to leave.

"I would like to visit this Nether Oak, and after that perhaps whichever is the closest closest tower. By the way, which school of magic would that tower belong to?" Kazri and Oli are ready to leave.

(Eventually Kazri will need a long rest to recharge her abilities)

"The Tower of Divination is just past the Arboretum so we can stop at the Arboretum on the way to the first tower." Xerophon says in reply.

When you are ready to move on he leads you that direction.  Soon enough you arrive.

Y10

A canopy of golden leaves crowns the trees inside a sunken basin. The trees grow in stark contrast to their bleak surroundings, their branches swaying even though the air is deathly still. The grove is nestled in a hollow in the city floor. Vents spaced around its perimeter wall emit puffy gray vapor, which rises above the treetops and disperses as rain. An illusory hemisphere above the arboretum projects a false sky; now malfunctioning, the vista flickers between a wild storm and a vast field of stars.

"This groove must have been a magnificent sight to behold before the fall of the city." says Krom as the group enters the groove "It's still impressive, all things considered, but something is off, it somehow lacks its natural touch."
The dwarf scans the area looking for something out of the ordinary.

Perception 18 + Guidance 4

Kazri goes to check the trees.

Nature: 20

Rhogar winces at the illusory hemisphere. "Unsurprising, Master Krom. Not to doubt the resilience of nature, but without some measure of tampering from arcane or occult or higher power beyond at its roots, such a place would not have last in such condition for long after the crash." He expresses solemnly.

"And given the lengths their leaders have gone in pursuit of knowledge and power from even what little we know, well... I at this point just, uh, hope that hasn't been going for too, too long." He mentions and gestures up to the flickering ceiling, before focusing more on his attention/effort into getting into the arboretum for a closer look at things within it... assuming it wasn't as simple as stepping down a slopping pat into th ebasin.

Chill looks around at the trees. 

"Very impressive for this place to still be in the shape that it is.  These mages must have held a level of power that is unknown in these times."

Chill also looks around, searching for tracks and any indication someone or thing has moved through the area recently. 

Survival 24

You enter the woods and make your way among the trees.  Near the center you come across one that is clearly larger than the other.  Chill doesn't see any tracks that indicate anything has moved in the woods as you make your way through.  Krom sees nothing out of the ordinary.

Kazri sees the tree in the center, the Nether Oak that grows at the heart of the arboretum.  She can see it is no ordinary tree but is in fact a treant,  She knows that Treants are awakened trees that dwell in ancient forests. Although treants prefer to while away the days, months, and years in quiet contemplation, they fiercely protect their woodland demesnes from outside threats. It appears to be sleeping.  Fallen limbs and sticks are on the ground below the Nether Oak.

Kazri quickly raises her left hand in a fist, then she makes the shush sign so that everyone can see. She waves her arms for everyone to gather around. "There is a sleeping Treant here, don't touch anything." She says in a whispered voice. "Does anyone knows how to deal with such a creature, perhaps it can help us."

"A Treant? So the netherese wizards were cutting off branches from a living being to make their wands and staffs..." replies Krom in a low tone of voice "As for dealing with a creature like this one, considering your affinity with nature, I think that you should try to speak with this Treant." adds the dwarf. 

"I know little of creatures like this.  Did the mages ask for wood or did they cut it from the treant?  Do we need to speak with it?  What if it attacks us as we are not Netherese mages?  Perhaps we should let it be?" Chill responds to the others. 

"I can only concur with Master Krom, or offer the suggestion to leave them to their rest. But as far as knowing more about their nature or of the correct means to negotiate with one, I can but say but to choose your words carefully." Rhogar shrugs. "Which in itself is obvious advice, but even so, it is one that warrants a certain degree more of weight when it comes to such often ancient beings... Alas, such is the limits of my knowledge barring further research, as my own in this arena comes second hand from a cousin of mines." On that note, he turns to Xerophon with a speculative look, before then asking plainly, "However did your fellows go about forging these staves anyhow? Or were the more exact means outside your purview?" 

"I do not know.  I am no age and such secrets were not mine to know.  I just know this is where they came to get the wood for their wands and staffs. Whether the treant gives of itself or they just gather fallen wood, I do not know.  But I assume there must have been some sort of relationship, though what exactly it was or how it worked, I do not know." Xerophon answers. 

"Gentlemen, I have an idea." Kazri signals for everyone to leave with her arms. "Everyone, please leave the grove. I would like to try something, and if that doesn't go well, I rather not put anyone else in danger." Says Kazri as she also walks just outside of the grove herself. Once outside, she removes all of her equipment. She finds a place where she can change into the delicate floral dress that Rhogar gave her, for now what seems like a lifetime ago.

Once she has changed into the dress, she walks back into the grove. "Xerophon, how do you say 'greetings' in your ancient language?" She commits the response to memory, and she makes her way to the front of the Treant. Slowly, Kazri sits with her legs crossed in front of the ancient creature. (About 10ft) The Paladin closes her eyes, extends her left arm, and with her hand, she slowly gestures in the air. Spectral vines spring up in front of her, and slowly make their way to the base of the ancient tree. However, the vines do not harm the target, and instead, the plants gently envelop it, and then gives it a gently "pat (knock?) on its back". Kazri waits, hoping that she was able to awaken the Nether Oak from its slumber. If it does awaken, she says in a peaceful manner "Greetings" in the ancient Loross language.

"Be careful lass. If your plan doesn't go well, shout and we will rush to your aid." says Krom as Kazri walks back into the grove.
The dwarf pats the head of the war hammer nervously, ready to dash inside at a moment's notice.