Jarret also graciously accepts Renaer’s offer, taking any assistance he can. If Volo is around, Jarret will also attempt to collect his compensation before heading to bed. 

(Going for School of Divination so will roll Portent now.)

3 2

The party sleeps soundly for the remainder of the night. They wake up around 9 am in the morning, to a bristling Yawning Portal. More patrons fill up the tavern, as people are buying breakfast, ordering drinks, playing card games, or peering down the Yawning Portal itself. Everyone regroups in the lobby, all except for Mardak. Renaer speaks up "I spoke with him a minute ago, he said he had urgent business to attend to elsewhere. He wanted to say he enjoyed the adventure and wishes all of us well on our future endeavors." Renaer concludes, as he has Floon adjacent to him.

"Now, where's Volo?" Floon asks curiously, as they all begin to search the inn to see if Volo has emerged from his slumber. They all eventually spot a table in the far back of the tavern, a stack of books and letters. Volo's seated there with a young woman donning chain mail armor; she resembles an adventurer herself. Floon rushes over immediately.

"Volo! My friend, thanks for sending adventurers to find me! I would have died if it weren't for them." Floon and Volo seem eagerly friendly, and Renaer keeps his distance as the two rejoice.

The young woman, sitting at Volo's left, looked to be studying a book as the mustached man ate his food.  "Mr. Geddarm, your exploits are quite astounding!  I certainly do hope the antitoxin fares you well in your advent-" 

She pauses before looking up from the book at Floon's interjection, her big blue eyes widened in shock, thinking she is laying eyes upon a noble...  but upon further inspection he just seems to have a resemblance.  The woman had neck-length blonde hair, styled neatly around her head with thickened eyebrows, fair skin with the most color being noticeable in her cheeks and lips.  Upon her right cheek their was a very faint scar.   Traveling down her neck, one would notice an amulet resting upon the collar of the chain mail, it resembled a needle.  She'd let out a sigh, letting her nerves calm after eyeing Floon and gives him a friendly smile and a wave.  "Well, I'm glad to hear you are okay!" 

Rashar stays back with Renear as Floon and Volo rejoice. He raises an eyebrow at Volo's new associate but keeps quiet. Instead he leans closer to Renear while they are alone and whispers in the noble's ear. 

"I wanted to ask you about this before, but didn't find the time. You say you have friends in the Harper's- do they know what's going on in the criminal underbelly of town? Something big is stirring."

Krivnaar nods at Volo's associate, his usually trim suit still tatteres and mucky from the night's encounter. "It was a strange night, to say the least! Seems we have on our hands something that runs much deeper than a missing person's case...shadowy forces seek something called the stone of Golorr."

Aubree would peer behind to Floon's company and give a gentle smile and a wave to what looked like a raggedy group of adventurers.  However, with one glance to Renear, this time the paladin's face would go red, blue eyes growing wide.  She felt a lump in her throat as she quickly closed the book on the table, crossing her hands upon it in a swift motion and straightening her posture and trying to act as casual as possible as Volo and Floon have their celebration.  Her eyes would dart around to anyone but the noble.

Morgan moves over to stand next to Renaer, giving his peer a nod of greeting.  “I too would like to know if you learned anything since we last were together, or if it will take longer for your harper friends to get back to you.”  He glances aorund, the symbol on his surcoat showing the symbol of his noble family as he does so.

Volo invites everyone to sit at the table, Aubree included. "Ah, I was just talkin' to this fine lass about antitoxin, hope ye don't mind her company."

Renaer responds to Rashar and Morgan. "I would presume they are aware of the Xanathar's Guild and Zhentarim's feud, but what we stumbled upon is quite a development, and would sure be a key lead for an investigation that the Harper's would be more than inclined to conduct. I've not sent word yet, I've not the time do so. Perhaps I'll do that now, and let you all catch up." Renaer concludes, and backs away to make his departure.

Volo looks unto the others. "So, I see that Floon is fine; how'd the journey go? Did you run into any trouble?"

Jarret will join the party, but stands a foot or two back, pouring over his spell book— not paying too much attention. Obviously deep in thought. 

Grykham grabs a mug of ale for breakfast as he comes downstairs.  "Put it on Renaer's tab, he said he's buying.  I'll need a full plate of eggs and bacon too please."  With that done he sees the others with Floon and Volo.  He heads on over, mug of ale in hand.

"There ya be Volo.  You promised 100 gold each for finding your friend here." he motions to Floon with the mug.  "As you can see the jobs done. Time to pay up."

"F-Farewell...!"  She quickly stands as Renaer takes his leave, showing her respect toward the Lord.  She quickly sits back down, posture still wooden.   

"H-how do you all know...  Lord Neverember..?"    She looks to Volo and everyone now beginning to sit around the table, her face red and mouth agape, unable to find the words with the sudden introduction to so many people and information.  "...Aubree Fallenguard...  Or just Bree, like the cheese...."   She manages to squeak out softly, still overwhelmed.

"Our families go way back." Morgan says with a shrug, glancing to Aubree. "Though his family has fallen quite a ways in the last while." He shrugs again, the symbol of the Amcathra noble house, a shield with a red field, light blue flames and silver stars, on the front of his surcoat.

She studies Morgan, fluttering her eyes.  "I see...  so you are also a noble!  And I have seen that crest before, I believe my family buys wine from your family!"  She gives a bright smile.  "I don't normally share the company with such important people.  Please excuse my behavior."  She bows her head toward Morgan and the others around her.  

Morgan just nods and glances to Volo. "So what about this reward..." He says.

Rashar smiles at Volo. "Didn't you agree to grant us a signed copy of your famed Guide?" 

He nudges Jarret, who's engrossed in his spellbook. "Here's another one to add to your collection..." 

Volo's slides a signed copy of his famous book, Volo's Guide to Monsters, across the table for them to retrieve. His expression waivers however, knowing that he owes them a reward and the adventurers were expecting financial compensation. “I confess that I have but few coins to spare. But never let it be said that Volo reneges on a promise. Allow me to present something much more valuable.” He holds out a scroll tube. “The deed to a remarkable property here in Waterdeep! We’ll need a magistrate to witness the transfer of ownership. I’ll arrange a meeting with one after you’ve inspected the estate and deemed it satisfactory.”

Rashar's smile hardens. He ignores the book and the deed and places both hands on the table, leaning over to stare Volo in the face. 

"You're telling me that you lied to us when you promised us gold? That after we risked our lives to do complete the job, you're going to cheat us? You know, in the mercenary business, bad things happen to employers to do that." 

Rashar wasn't going to back up his threat with action, but his rage was apparent in his cold stare. 

"Now, let's get the jokes out of the way. Where's our money?" 

Aubree raises a hand.  “If I may interject...  but are you angry for doing such a kind, noble deed as to save a life, because you did not get the payment you were hoping for?”  Her eyes dart to Floon, then back to Rash.  Suddenly realizing her place, she’d clear her throat and nod her head.   “Excuse me, it is none of my  business, but I’d rather be happy with gaining a piece of land and look to the future as opposed to a life and image as a cold bullyblade. Please rethink your threat.”

Krivnaar taps his chin, considering. "Aubree is right...as a long term investment, property is far more valuable. A one fifth stake for a hundred gold - why a steal! And I could use with some office space..." The pale dragonborn extends a scaled hand to Aubree. "Krivnaar, by the by. Advocate. If you ever find yourself in trouble with the law or a noble's false aspersions, well, I'd be glad to assist."

Grykham lets out a snort. "I'm with Rashar.  You promised us gold Volo, not some house that's likely falling apart.  Probably got to pay taxes on it and upkeep and all the rest.  That'll cost more than the 100 gold ya promised.  I'll take my promised payment thank ya very much."

When Aubree interjects he glances over at her.  "Not sure who ya are but I didn't risk my beard out of some noble gesture of goodness and stuff."  He looks back at Volo with a hard look in his eyes.  "I did it for the gold.  Now pay up."