"Much appreciated." Aura waited patiently for Bull to get the cart and horses ready, having an idle mental conversation with Hawk as she waited. Anything to distract herself honestly. She wanted to get back to the group as soon as possible. After what felt like forever of waiting, but was probably only about a minute she sent Hawk back toward where she had left her companions. The pseudodragon landing on Rala's shoulders as Aura began to speak through him.

"I got us a wagon and two horses as well as a week's worth of feed for them. I will head to you guys as soon as I have everything." The a little quieter toward Rala in particular. "Got this weird feeling I was being watched but couldn't find the source, just keep an eye out." She knew having an extra set of eyes out would probably be a good idea and at least it would make Aura feel a little better about the situation. Aura waited only a few moments to see or hear Rala's response before pulling back into her own senses and continuing to wait.

Not long after Aura rejoined the party, Cascade returned too! She stowed the two pots of powdered silver and one pot of Princeling Glue away, while she carried the tents in her arms. She greeted the rest of the party as she approached, "I'm back! Sorry for wandering off like that. But I got us tents! They're big enough to house two people in one, so I got three!"

Rala was more than glad to accept the bottle from Jormund. His interest in the brew was alluring so she quickly downed a hefty gulp of the drink and begrudgingly parted her lips from the drink with a satisfied gasp. As much as she wanted to guzzle the drink herself, she made sure not to take too much. Jormund was right, the whiskey was delicious, though it was strong enough to make her throat burn. Trying her best to keep face she refused to cough or react, even as her face went red with the struggle. Luckily for her, Jormund's interest was elsewhere, and even better, he had left her with the drink. Rala took another sip, this time much more carefully than before.

Just as Rala was preparing for another sip, she was caught off guard by the talons of a pseudodragon landing on her shoulder. In a flash, Rala's hand was on her dagger and it was brandished at the pseudodragon. Luckily she caught herself in time. It was Hawk, Aura's familiar. Rala breathed a sigh of relief as she set her namesake dagger back into its sheath as the little dragon spoke. The concern was evident on her face and Rala scanned the crowd anxiously, her eyes darting from person to person. She wasn't sure who or what she was looking for but she knew that she would know when she saw it. They had made enough enemies, between the witch, the djinn, and her own private enemies. It was only a matter of time before it caught up to them.

15 on perception

Flicker had remained quiet while they followed Jørmund and Rala on their little shopping trip, as their mind was going over the not-quite-argument they'd had with the rest of the group. As was usual, they'd gone from being upset with others to being upset with themself for not handling their emotions better, and were starting to worry if the others, particularly Aura, were holding it against them.

When Cascade and Aura eventually rejoined them, Flicker raised their head to look towards the air genasi, trying to size up whether she held any bad feelings against them.

@Cao the Exiled
"We're as confused about 'im as you are." One of the highwaymen said in regards to the svirfneblin that had pried Plasm from her shell. "Certainly weren't one of ours."

"As for your gear, you'll find it over there." The other highwayman said while gesturing over to a nearby table on which lay Plasm's belonging. "Some of your things may be a little crispier than when you last saw them, but are otherwise unharmed. We saved what we could and replaced what we couldn't. I don't think anything of sentimental value needed to be replaced, so have no fear on that front."

---

@Lurking Krog
"This Warforged Officer Unit bears the numerical designation 670237 and is referred to colloquially as 'Grocer' among humanoid comrades." The warforged ground out in response to Jørmund's greeting. "One such comrade is one Paxton Truter. You may recall saving his life in the opening stages of the battle. This unit counts Paxton as a closer comrade than most. Though this unit knows that you have already been paid for your efforts, this unit feels the need to reward you further. This unit has brought you a chest enchanted to ensure any foodstuffs stored within its confines remain clean and disease free no matter how long they are kept for. This unit believes the chest will bu imminently useful to you as it will allow you to keep the fruit you intend to purchase fresh for as long as you desire."

---

@LostDestiny
Aura would not need to wait long for Bull to return with the purchased wagon and horses. "One two horse open wagon ready to roll!" The minotaur declared.

"A swift worker as always, Bull." The leader of the highwaymen said. "Help the adventurers load up their things, then take a break for an hour before rejoining the clean up efforts."

"Right right." Bull said before turning to Aura. "Climb on. I'll have you back to your friends and ready to go before you know it."

---

@Birdboy
Rala looks about her, but can see no sign of anything out of the ordinary.

---

The fact that the intruder was not of this band was quite unsettling. Pair that with a deranged cultist... There was much to ponder. Shaking their head to prevent them from slipping again, Plasm would look to their gear and walk over to it, assessing damage and putting their gear on. Once their robes and mask was donned and pack placed on their back, Plasm would cast Encode Thoughts, creating a Thought Strand on the info she could recall on Juiblex for later study. Once created, Plasm would absorb the strand inside of her geniculate body and walk to the Highway-men and bow. "I appreciate all you've done with guarding my weakened form, thank you". They are about to leave before Plasm pauses, "It just occurred to me that I do not have any idea where my friends may be. Would you have any clue? I imagine somewhere where the consumption of alcohol is prevalent"

The cleric nodded as the warforged gave their designation and name they often refer to. The matter of Grocer considering Paxton one of their closet comrades was something that Jørmund had not expected. "I'm glad to have been there to help, though much of the memory of that early skirmish is a blur from the alcohol last night. The Zing made the rest of it fairly clear. Regardless, on behalf of my companions I accept your offer. We will make good use of it I am sure." He paused for a moment looking over the chest then back to Grocer. "How is Paxton fairing after the battle? He did not sustain to many or crippling injuries yes?"

Aura climbed onto the wagon beside the minotaur and nodded to him. She normally would have some sort of snarky banter but she was lost in thought. There were many reasons why she felt like she was being watched, paranoia, someone was sneakier than she was, someone was magically keeping an eye on her. No matter the reason she hated it.

When Bull and Aura made it to the rest of the party she managed to shake herself out of her thoughts and look to the rest of them. "Tada, a wagon, are we ready to go?" She questioned as she motioned to the wagon she pulled up in.

Rala's mouth began salivating at the idea of a refrigerated chest. Road rations were abysmal meals: dried meats and stale bread. To have fresh meals on the road was worth more than the gold in her many coin purses. Of course, Rala said no such thing. She merely added her simple thanks along with Jormund. Cascade had brought tents, and Aura was on her way now. The group was gathering. Having to share a tent was not ideal for the swordswoman, but she had grown to appreciate this group of elemental warriors.

As Aura returned she locked eyes with her. There was a firm scowl on her face as she nodded in affirmation that she had gotten the message. Taking a final glance over the crowd she moved in to inspect the cart, holding her dagger at the ready now. Rala's eyes scanned the area wearily. Aura was smart to choose the shifty-eyed rogue to keep watch, as she was already paying attention to the crowds.

"I think this is everything," She said idly as she started to check the back of the cart.

Finally, satisfied the cart was to her liking, Rala sat down on the back and gazed at the highwaymen's tents. They would be gone soon, and she held a strange sense of fondness for this place. The people here had been kind to them, and she had made a difference for them. It felt nice to feel like a true hero once more. It was a shame it left them missing a member.
"Do you think Plasm will ever catch up to us if he recovers? I mean, we have a wagon now"

While Aura didn't seem to harbor any ill will towards Flicker specifically, the fire genasi could tell she wasn't entirely happy either. Whether she was mulling over their conversation from earlier or was bothered by something else entirely, they had no idea and they didn't think right now was the best time to address it. Maybe once they were on the road or even once they reached Cascade's village. However, they did resolve that they would at least try to talk to her at some point. Perhaps over a tasty meal of some kind.

That last thought was like a light going off inside Flicker's mind as their introspective gloom seemed to almost immediately melt away, giving way to various plans of what kind of things they could cook for their companions.

It was at that point Aura seemed to acquire the group a cart and asked if they were ready to leave, to which Flicker quickly raised a hand. "Ah, one thing," they said. "It's just occurred to me that I haven't had time to try out the new cooking utensils I bought. If nobody minds, I would like to go get us some fresh ingredients so I could possibly make us something nice along the road." They're already starting to take a couple of steps away from the group even as they're speaking, not seeming to register Rala's words and question... or perhaps, are actively ignoring any mention of their injured comrade.

@Cao the Exiled
"I appreciate all you've done with guarding my weakened form, thank you".

"No need to thank us." One of the highwaymen said. "After what you did to help out during the attack, there was no way we could've just left you to it."

"It just occurred to me that I do not have any idea where my friends may be. Would you have any clue? I imagine somewhere where the consumption of alcohol is prevalent"

"At the very least they haven't left the camp yet." The other highwayman said. "The boss wouldn't let 'em go without payin' 'em. And I imagine they'd want to shop for a few supplies before leaving too. If that's where they are, you'll find them at the merchant stalls near where you first arrived at the campsite."

---

@Lurking Krog @XxFellsingxX @Guardian Angel Haruki

"How is Paxton fairing after the battle? He did not sustain to many or crippling injuries yes?"

"Through a combination of rest and healing magic, all of Paxton's injuries have been healed." Grocer answered Jørmund's question. Grocer then waited patiently as Aura arrived with the wagon and the party spoke among themselves. When Flicker announced their intention to purchase fresh ingredients, Grocer spoke up again. "If it is fresh ingredients you seek, this unit will have what you want." The warforged said before looking over at Cascade. "Furthermore, this unit has been told that you wish to purchase fruit? If that is so, then this unit will also have what you seek as well."

---

Plasm would look in the direction of the merchant's row and back to the highwaymen, they felt they had been away for too long, days, years, time is a curious construct of one's mind, how one perceives it. Plasm once more slipped away into their mind as they lose to the curious ponders of time. To them, they felt the distant, lonely blackness of time and nothingness that felt like days, months, years... a life time even... a shutter came through their gelatinous form. To feel the loving embrace of family, friends, spend the evening with beloved friends, consuming fermented poisons and dancing the night away, and hours feel just a moment. To the throws love making and primal lust, and an evening becomes day in a blink of an eye. To spend but a few unnerving hours in the darkened hell of nothingness, with just their splintering mind... Those hours, they turned to a lifetime of crippling loneliness.

It was becoming too much to bear and it seemed their mind hand taken hold once more. The tendrils of loneliness had started to wrap around them, embrace them... dig into their gelatinous flesh. Plasm begin to think of their party, can they call them friends? They've traveled a bit together, fought and killed along side them, but is friend the proper term... no, not friends, seems Plasm lacked those. Their party was more allies, affiliates. Plasm would lay their life down for them if need be, but would they necessarily do the same? Hells, for all the warlock knew, they could be planning to leave them, cut the weakness, cull it from their ranks. There was a cruel logic in that. Logic, Plasm could understand... No! The other's aren't like that! No! They do care! Plasm may not be a friend, but certainly a valuable asset! A weapon, tool, yes, logic, there was logic in that as well!

Plasm stood up straight, freeing it's self from it's internal prison of it's mind. Without word, Plasm would pull two gold pieces, slight surprised no one stole them from her, and placed them on one of the highwaymen's hands. With determination, they would bow and silently walk on in search of their traveling companions. Out of fear of the culling, Plasm had vowed to her mother and the dark mistress of her contract, that they would serve a better asset to their companions. Deep down, a warmth resonates as it further thought on this, hopefully, their allies will grow to become friends as well.

---

When Flicker mentioned that they wanted to get fresh ingredients, Cascade was immediately closer to Flicker. She practically had stars in her eyes as she asked Flicker in revelation, "You...can cook?!" A wide, excited grin stretches across her face slowly as she answers him, "Flicker, brah! If you can cook, I don't mind at all! Let's go!" It's clear that as soon as Flicker mentioned they can cook, they instantly earned Cascade's adoration.

Anyone can see that Cascade was overjoyed to hear that Paxton had recovered from the fight and all of his wounds were healed. She comments, "That's great to hear!" When the warforged mentioned they had food and fresh fruit to sell, Cascade beamed and answered him, "Oooo! Yes please!" She then moved to see what he had, ending up shopping with Flicker.

Flicker looked a little surprised when Cascade suddenly moved closer to them. "Hah... yeah, I can," they responded, the slightest hint of nervous laughter in their voice. It wasn't too unusual for people to be pleased when they found out they could cook, but this level of enthusiasm was definitely not something they were used to. The fire genasi gave an embarrassed little cough as they attempted to compose themself before turning to the warforged. "Err, yes. What have you, err, got?"

Rala couldn't help but chuckle at the paladin's contagious enthusiasm for Flicker's meal. Even the most hardened soul wouldn't turn down the idea of a hot meal on the road, but Cascade seemed to have an aptitude for finding additional joy in mundane novelties. As Rala imagined the firey fist fighter heating a pan over their hand, she turned her attention back to the tents and camps around them. She was always watching, especially with Aura's concerns adding to hers.

"I think we'd all like to see what you can cook, Flicker" She said with her head turned from the party, but a pleasant smile on her face.
"We'll need something to go with all this booze"

@Cao the Exiled

As Plasm made her way through the campsite towards the merchant stalls, something strange happened as she passed through a quieter area of the camp. The skull in her head suddenly became three pounds heavier.

---

@Guardian Angel Haruki @XxFellsingxX

"Observe the shelves." Grocer said as it stood to one side and made a gesture of presentation towards the shelves that stood behind it. Each shelf was stocked with an assortment of different foodstuffs and culinary components. Everything from meat to fruit to candy to kibble. "You will find the cheaper groceries on the lower shelves. The higher quality items can be found on the upper shelves." The warforged stated as it allowed its customers to shop.

---

Plasm stopped in her tracks, panic coursing through her. That's odd, why does her skull feel heavier? Shifting it further down Plasm,she would reach into her torso and pull the skull from her chest to examine it

---

Plasm looked down at the small curious creature, as it retreated deeper into the skull. She would remove her mask, absorb it, then place the hole so it was looking directly at her, "What a curious specimen you are. You seem as lost as I am. My name is Plasm and you, my friend, are currently inside my mother's skull, which has been empty for a couple years now. Might I ask what you were doing there, and what your name is?"

"Glad to hear that Paxton is recovering well." Jørmund lifted the chest ready to follow Cascade and Flicker so they could lead their foodstuffs into it easily. Once they were done with filling the chest all that would be needed was to load the chest into the cart and secure it. "Of course Flicker can cook. Much better then the rest of us I think. I can make a soup or stew in a pinch. Tends to end up have little to no taste sadly. Edible but barely. Flicker's cooking, if they were to stop traveling with us I think that would be because some lord, noble, or whatever wants to have them as a personal chef."

The earth Genasi continued to ramble on for a few more moments before growing quiet. He was searching the crowd and the stands for anything interesting.

Flicker had been doing the calculations of what to get and how much when they heard Jørmund's compliments of the cooking and it threw them off for a moment. They gave an awkward cough as they did their best not to break into a very pleased grin. "Ahem, I, err, wouldn't go that far," they said quickly. They then handed 71 silver pieces and 10 copper pieces over to the warforged in exchange for thirty six lots of the comfortable ingredients. They had been somewhat tempted to go for even higher quality ingredients in hopes of showing off, but the more disciplined voice in the back of their head had warned them against it. After all, they were already buying quite a bit more than they probably needed, and they didn't want to completely lose all the money they had just earned.