Coming back from the kobold cave with packs bulging from trophies and loot quickly caused a stir around town. First it was the children who were playing in the fields outside of Ashford that raised a cry, running back into town to get siblings and friends. Word quickly spread of the local heroes group coming back, more then a bit bloody and beaten but apparently triumphant.

By the time they had reached the town proper its seemed that most of the villagers had turned up and gave a cheer for their defenders. Mayor Osric was front and center and Pinna was quick  to make her presence noticed to her friends Talia, Yyr and Alyssa.

Soon the questions were pouring in like a flood: What did they see? What did they fight? Were there monsters? Dragons? Orcs? Were the kobolds all wiped out? Were they injured? Tired? Hungry? Did they break the curse?

The Mayor quickly waved the crowd back to stem the tide of attention and gave a pronouncement.

"Villagers of Ashford! I know how exciting this must be to witness the return of our genuine heroes who have faced the dreaded kobold menace but we must remember that these heroes have just fought bravely for us. They have hiked for miles and have shed their blood. We must respect their needs to get cleaned and cared for before we ask for their stories.

Tonight we shall set up a great feast in the Market Square. We can have the Reluctant Pig prepare a great meal for our guests and throw them a celebration they'll remember but until then we should give them the space they need."

When the crowd didn't immediately start to disperse he gave a great "harumph" and reiterated the last part about giving the heroes their space and finally the crowds went back to their daily business, or at least went far enough away to put up the pretenses of returning back to work.

Once they were mostly alone the Mayor turned back to the heroes and beckoned them closer.

"Sorry about that. Folks from this area aren't used to this kind of excitement. I'm sure they'll be talking about this for months to come. However first you should go see Father Beledrone over at the church. I'm sure he would be willing to provide healing services free of charge as best as he is able. Then please come to my manor with haste so we can discuss what you faced and see if it could have grander implications for the town's safety. I'll be sure to have Grover, our constable, in audience as well. There I can also give you your reward as well! Thank you again for your service."

He smiled warmly before pointing the party in the direction of the church and then heading back towards his manor to make preparations for their arrival.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:07, Mon 24 June 2019.

Almost immediately after Osric had departed Pinna came to talk to the heroes in hushed tones.

"Did you find anything out about the disappearances? Where has everyone been going? More importantly, why are they coming back saying nothing has happened?"

Shalimar sighed listening to the speech and talks of a feast, in truth h9e didn't feel much like celebrating but with the arrival of Pinna he stepped closer and kept his voice low, "Things went well enough, we found the kobolds, but we've found a spot of trouble that is best not spoken of in the open. Best let the folk celebrate and take this talk elsewhere."

The bard flashed a smile that did not quite reach his eyes as he glanced around carefully keeping his gaze alert for any that may be taking too much interest in the group beyond the celebratory vibe of the town.

"It's a bit premature to speak of triumph," the elf agrees. "But let the people have their fun. It sounds as if they've had little enough of it, of late." He accompanies the others to the temple as suggested.

Alyssa was uncomfortable with the acclaim. She skulked, trying not to draw attention, but came forward to meet Pinna. Her eyes were wide and she beckoned the young woman to kneel, so Alyssa could speak into her ear. "It's bad, Pinna. People are getting corrupted or converted or something. There's some avatar in a swamp. I think ... I think Father Beledrone is in on it now!"
___
When she had a moment, she dashed off to find her parents and let them know she was okay, but that things here were definitely not okay. "Go home, please," she nearly begged them. "Talia and Yry are going to help figure this out, but ... they need my help. I'll be okay. I promise. Just ... don't stay for the feast. Just go!"
---
When some of the others appeared to be moving off to take advantage of healing at the temple, Alyssa's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. "Yry! Talia! You gotta stop them! The temple ... is not safe!"

Celebrations are usually Yry's specialty, but this isn't revelry in a tavern. She's tired and her nerves need to be calmed with rest but she warmly thanks those that come up to them with congratulations.

When Alyssa brings up the temple Yry skews her lips, "Why don't we all go? If Father Beledrone acts out of line or is hiding something it might be worth being there."

"After that fight best we all go, those kobolds were alot more feral than I thought they'd be. Besides I don't think we have to worry about something happening in the temple for now, whatever is happening happens elsewhere not in town." Shalimar points out while again keeping his voice low for just the group to hear, the last thing he wanted to do was cause a panic or a witch hunt.

Alyssa looked doubtful, but she was willing to follow along with Yry.