Return

On the outskirts on Hommlet as travelers approach there is a group of four well armed and armored men. Their breast plates are decorated with sweeping vines with thorns. They stop the group, questioning their business in Hommlet. If things get heated, Elmo will show up to vouch for the party.   As they enter Hommlet proper they see several Black Thorn Mercenaries around the town. There are always about a half-dozen in the tavern, they are rowdy, but have plenty of coin. Elmo is very glad to have the Black Thorn in town. While they may not be the most pleasant of men, they are good at what they do and the town is exceedingly save with them around. He explains that the Black Thorn was sent by Lord Saxton to review security at the border of the barony and execute the purchase of the weapons. Their leader, Captain Pelliton, is waiting in Elmo's office.  

Reeve's Office

As the group approaches the Reeve's office there are three Black Thorn's standing guard. They nod politely at Elmo, but keep a close eye on the party. Elmo shows the group in. Sitting at Elmo's desk is Captain Pelliton. He is a large man, head shaved bald, but a thick black beard frames his face. He is wearing a full plate version of the Black Thorn armor and a Black Thorn Shield rests against the side of the desk. He gives a wide smile and stands as Elmo introduces the group. Elmo refers to the group as the 'Traveling Benefactors'. Pelliton is warm and inviting, but with a pompous undertone. He will ask about each of them, who they are, anything they are willing to tell him. He will eventually bring up the arms they have for sale. He will offer 50% of face value, but also with the promise that the barony will fund the rest of the Keep project.  

Druid Grove:

Jaroo meets the group in the clearing of the grove. He seems to be walking slower than on your previous visit. His grumpy face melts as a large smile crosses his face, "Hope, I am glad you have returned." It instantly returns to a stern look as he looks at Sparhawk, then the altar and back again. He doesn't stop until someone deposits an offering. Once an offering his made he perks back up, he takes Hope arm... "Come, come with me child." He ushers her over the the stone circle where he placed the shadowfell branch. Where before there was a grey, dying branch you now see a mostly an odd, mostly green, small tree with a small tuft of leaves at the top. Its only a few feet tall, but as you get closer you can see that it is made up of many trunks twisted together, most of the green, but a few still grey. You notice that it look a lot like Jaroo's staff. Once you get to the circle Jaroo motions to the tree, "This is for you." If grabbed the staff is easily taken from the ground, and Hope can feel her connection to the nature around her intensify.