“The Baron will want to hear all about it. He, uh, ‘requested’ your company for dinner.” Joshua almost rolled his eyes at the pronouncement. “At least your should be well fed.” He smiled at Lenelle. “I’m glad you came back safe and sound.”

"I've not yet met him.  But based on what Cela and others have told me, I've been expecting something like this." She shrugged. "So be it.  I am hungry. And, he's got to be a better host than Granny was. I hope."

Just before they left to meet this Baron, Lenelle kissed the tip of an index finger, and placed it lightly and briefly on Joshua's cheek.

"Well, we should go," said Tara.  "Besides, if these are his lands, someone really ought to tell him what's been going on."

She hoped that it was going to be a pleasant conversation... it certainly didn't have to be, sadly.

"All we know of this Baron is that he is a useless fop.

If we must report to him, I suggest that Sister Mercion be in attendance, and perhaps Laredon as well. These are the people the villagers trust.

And while I was suspicious of Mercion, the hag's book has confirmed to me that she was noble in her intents.

I will owe her an apology," the warlock adds sheepishly.

The delicate touch of Lenelle’s fingertip nearly made Joshua melt. Lenelle saw a blush spread from underneath his beard to his cheeks. Sputtering, Joshua motioned Laredon over. “Sir, can you see Phoebe back to her folks? I’ll walk Lenelle—and her friends—to the Baron.”

Laredon nodded. “Aye. The girl’s mother and father will be grateful for her safe return. Though Miriam…I don’t know if she’s fit to care for Elise after what happened.” He frowned at Connie’s true form. “Who is that?” He looked closer at the pale green skin and warts, the ratted hair and claw-like fingernails. “Sweet Pelor, have you people brought a Hag among us?!”

Both men clearly agreed with Simon’s assessment of the Baron. Joshua laughed, and Laredon stifled a snort, trying not to think about the challenges of holding onto a Hag in their stockade. Simon commented about owing Mercion an apology.

“You brought the children back safely, so I will happily accept that as an apology.” Sister Mercion walked up in her full armor, bearing a gleaming mace. She looked through the group, happy to see them all back, but particularly relieved that Sundos was safe. She threw her arms around his neck. “I was about to come after you.”
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:58, Wed 29 Dec 2021.

“The Sun-Father smiled upon us today,” Sundos said, as he held Mercion in a tight embrace. While Sundos hadn’t known Mercion for long, he couldn’t deny feeling the beginning of a bond with her. Sundos ended the hug and looked into her eyes as he shared the group’s request. “Mercion, we think it might be best if you and Laredon joined us. Whatever the Baron wants, we’ve difficult decisions to make. First, I would urge the Baron to officially clear Sheila and Jason…Blackthorn…of any lingering charges or accusations.

The people trust you two the most.Your voice should be heard in any decisions we make. I would also gently remind the Baron of such.”

Mercion nodded. “I’ve persuaded the Baron when the occasion called for it before. I will join you to show our solidarity in these matters.”

Lenelle pretended not to notice the blush Joshua sported.   Though of course she did, and was gratified by it.   And glad he wasn't leaving them just yet.

She smiled slightly, sidelong, at Mercion and Sundos, her observations having told her that those two were merely a matter of time.

And she nodded in concurrence as Sundos spoke, agreeing with all of his points.

"Thank you, sister," she acknowledged Mercion, with an inclination of her head.

She then glanced to the seemingly reformed cynic, Simon, and smiled "On the subject of apologies, I'd say you probably owe Pockets a drink.   And, indeed, if you do buy him one, I think I'll be there too.  A friendly dialog between you two is something I wouldn't want to miss!"   

“Hey! Hey, Hey, HEY!” Pockets sidled up between Lenelle & Simon. He jerked a thumb up at Simon. “If he’s buying, I like the Dwarven stuff!”

"I should probably explain the contents of the book to His Lordship," said Tara, quietly.  "The whole plan is... monstrous, but it also will serve to show the truth of what's been happening.  He should know.  It's his lands."