Hurry back to town

"I'd rather not stay here any longer than necessary" you state plainly. The others nod in agreement, the only minor complaint coming from Bruce

"That's alot of walking to do, on top of what we just did. Would hate to break down in the middle of the wilderness because we couldn't hack it. We'd need to be walking all through the night and all of the next day in order to reach the Rusted Dragon, and it would still be dark by the time we get there"

"Oh come on you old man," James interjected "it's nothing we can't manage. Sooner we reach the city the sooner we can get paid."

Swigrod joined in "we carry Elf if need be" and in one fluid motion, lifted you off your feet, hoisted across the shoulder. This was met by resounding laughter, albeit short lived. The point made, you are put back on your feet. The group scrounges up some gold and worthwhile junk off the goblins before departure, and start the hard march back.

The journey back was uneventful, and the five of you were able to return to the tavern much as Bruce had predicted. Surprisingly, you're not nearly as tired as you thought you would be despite having been constantly on the move; the rest of the party seems in good spirits as well. Still, there is always need for food and drink, especially after a hard march, making the Rusted Dragon tavern the perfect stopping point for the evening. Drandee is, as ever, happy to have returning guests.

"The intrepid treasure seekers have come back! Have your endeavors born fruit?"

"Yes they did Drandee, take a look" as you showed him the relic. The dwarf was strangely quiet as he stared at it "My, that really is something special, and whoda thunk it was hiding but a few days from here?" He stroked his beard in contemplation "I'm having a superb idea. This be coming from a temple, right? Than we be having a merry feast to celebrate the beloved goddess." The offer is met with claps and cheers from the party, eager to join in revelry.

It is a small mystery how Drandee, who never leaves his tavern, is able to get word out so fast. In no time, the atmosphere transforms from quiet and sparse into crowded and jubilant. You notice that the Dowton brothers were somehow able to find twin ladies themselves and becoming quiet familiar with them. Even Bruce, the seemingly morose soldier was having a good time, though far less flirty; simply having an entertaining chat with a lady.

Looking around, it seems as though everyone has partnered with at least one other, and begun touching, holding, and kissing each other as though on a romantic date. This seems a little out of place for a place frequented by so many strangers, but wholesome. The only person alone is you, at least for the moment...