She feels some apprehension being back in the Dragon's Cradle... even if, not that long ago, she was here with Ulrich. The possibility of her people finding her— the danger that it brings to her and the people with her— remains at the forefront of her mind with every moment she is here.

She stifles a sigh, closing her eyes as she listens to the distant rumble of thunder; the Dragon's Cradle is perilous, but she knows it well... this is her home, after all. Was her home. The caravan relies, partially, on her own experience to get them through to the Frost Gale, where the merchants hope to make certain trades, and the strange travelers...?

Leni-Aura sits on the driver's seat to the decorative, covered wagon of her employer, Orym. A human man is shaking Orym's hand aggressively, brown eyes glinting with relief, after the merchant caravan agreed to assist in their travels across the Lightning Field.

The group of three— a human man, an elven man, and a tiefling woman— are odd, seeming mismatched to her... so, something feels not quite right about them, especially when they will not divulge why they wish to cross The Waste into Frost Gale. She had voiced her opinions to Orym, quite loudly the night before— but he had just smiled, and told her that, 'So long as they don't hurt anyone, people are allowed to have their secrets... I spoke with them over dinner, and they are quite nice... They want to transport something important back home.'

The old halfling man is far too kind for his own good, trusting people so easily.

Leni-Aura sighs over-dramatically, closing her eyes as a little figure shifts around in her arms. Nimbus pops his little head up over her forearm, opening his mouth in a wide, squeaking yawn. She blinks, looking down at the drake as he drifts into clicking purrs and drowsy chirps. "Well... nice to see you'll be awake for the journey." Nimbus squeaks sleepily up at her, tail happily thumping against her arms before it nestles back into the crook of her arm.

"...Or not... Are you a drake, or are you a cat?" Although the look she offers the little beast is fond, it is also exasperated; is she doing something wrong in raising this little thing by herself? Is she turning it soft? While she's caught up in that particular train of thought, Nimbus drowsily opens its little eyes— noticing something quite familiar past the green-covered caravan nearby...

Nimbus suddenly perks up, wide awake, and squawks towards it.

"—- Hey! Nimbus!" Suddenly, the drake is scrambling— having bounced straight out of her arms, and off the edge of the driver's seat. Leni-Aura jumps to her paws, panicking as she spots Nimbus crawling quickly beneath the green-covered wagon, and out the other side. She jumps off the driver's seat, bounding around the horses, to spot Nimbus squawking— pacing excitedly back and forth— next to one very large griffon, and one very familiar beast man's wagon.

Beist had been travelling through the Dragon's Cradle once again. It was a dangerous place to travel through, but it was unavoidable if he wanted to reach Frost Gale without having to somehow get his wagon onto a boat. However that could possibly be accomplished. The only remaining option would be to leave the wagon behind somewhere, but that didn't sit right with him. It was his home and store, even if it happened to be on wheels.

Thankfully, another group was also headed from this area to Frost Gale. He was on his way right now to seek out the leader of the caravan and ask if they wouldn't mind him tagging along. He hoped they would be welcoming, but he also understood that his wagon stood out some, and he himself stood out even more. He would be sad, but not surprised if they refused him.

He pulled his wagon up behind the caravan and told Dora to wait for him for a moment with a few pats before walking up toward the group. As he started on his way, he heard a little squawk and noticed a familiar tiny baby drake dart out from under a wagon and start pacing back and forth next to Dora.

Dora looked down at Nimbus and lowered her huge head closer to the tiny drake with a short screech. The two began to play as much as Dora could while being harnessed up to pull the wagon. She crouched down slightly as if she was about to pounce while Nimbus took on a similar stance. Beist walked over and saw Leni-Aura hopping over to them. He gave a small wave as he approached her.

"Ah, Leni-Aura, it's lovely to see you again. And you, Nimbus. So this must be your caravan, yes?" he said with a smile as he reached a hand down for Nimbus to jump onto. He lifted the drake up and cradled him in his lower arms while he pet him gently with one of his upper arms. He held his walking stick in his fourth arm and turned to Leni-Aura again.

"Why, I was just about to ask for permission to tag along with this caravan to cross the waste to get to Frost Gale. To think it happened to be yours. Is Orym here as well? I would love to hear anything new he has found in his research. I haven't seen him since..." Beist's smile faded a little and his demeanor became a bit awkward. He hadn't seen Orym since before his most recent potion and the changes that it had caused. What would the herbologist think of his new, even more monstrous appearance?

As Leni-Aura rushes to the other side of the wagon, she sees a familiar sight. Her shoulders relax, and she breathes a sigh of relief. Beist offers her a small wave in greeting before lowering his arm to let Nimbus jump up onto him. She waves in return. The little drake wiggles his rump, momentarily trying to play with Dora; but he is quickly distracted by Beist's presence. He squeaks up at him, turning to leap onto his arm.

 Leni-Aura slows her bounds, comforted by the fact that Beist at least has a hold of her rogue, toddler drake.

By Avasha's grace, she is so tired.

"Beist," she greets, and nods her head in response to his question. "Yes, it is." She looks over her shoulder towards the decorated merchant's caravan, then back to Beist; he cradles Nimbus in his arms, who is more than delighted to receive his attention. A weird, clicking purr rumbles from deep in the drake's chest; he pushes his head into each pet that Beist gives him, squeaking on occasion. "You are also crossing the waste to Frost Gale?"

She slows to a stop as she approaches the Beast Man, ears perking up. "Ah, yes, Orym is..." Well, she can't see Orym from this angle. She makes a wide gesture towards the covered wagons. "... over there, somewhere. He is speaking with some travelers who will be crossing the waste with us." She looks back to him, taking note of the way Beist's smile fades, after being so previously enthusiastic about meeting with the old Halfling. For a moment, she doesn't understand; but after watching him a second longer— towering far above her, four arms busy— she realizes why.

She looks to Dora for a moment; offering the gryphon a friendly pat on the neck, and greeting her softly, before looking back at Beist. "He has been working with those acorns you gave him... the screeching oak?" she adds, hoping to settle the older man's nerves in a way that is a bit round-about, but... she has never been very good with sympathy. She still tries. "He mentioned a while ago that he would like to meet you again, so he could talk about what he's found of it so far. I think he would be happy if you joined us across the waste; I can take you to him, if you would like. He will be very excited to see you again."

She gives Dora one last fond pet before hopping past Beist, throwing a look over her shoulder to gauge whether the beast-man would follow her.

Beist hesitates fore a moment, but decides to follow her. He gives Dora a quick pat on the head before walking over with Nimbus in his arms. Maybe it would be better if he hid them at first? Try to introduce his changes to Orym in increments instead of all at once. But, the little drake seemed so comfortable. Well, hopefully it doesn't make a big difference.

They walked together past a few wagons until Beist could see the old Halfling herbalist sitting on the back steps of one of them. He seemed to be reading something, not noticing the approaching trio. Was he busy? Maybe this wasn't the best time. He should try asking later. No, he was just making excuses. He was nervous about what his friend would think of him once he saw his new appearance. Beist had to admit he was a bit frightening even before he had gotten even larger and more beastly.

"Ah, Leni-Aura. Maybe you should go on ahead and tell him I'm here. Perhaps it might be better if he sees me from more of a distance first, like you had." he said, leaning down toward the Rabbitaur in front of him and trying to whisper despite the distance between his mouth and her ears still being quite far thanks to their heights.

Nimbus squirmed in his arms as he bent down, apparently a bit uncomfortable from the shift in his bed. He climbed from Beist's arms into his robe, causing it to hang down like a hammock. Beist looked down at the lump in his robe and realized his mistake.

"Oh, my apologies. Would you like a candy?" he said quietly as he pulled a pouch of red strawberry flavored candies from his pocket and gave one to the drake who ate it, a happy chirp sounding from inside his robe. This drake really likes hiding there, doesn't he? Are hammocks that comfortable? he thought to himself. In actuality, the cold-blooded reptile just liked being against something soft an warm and Beist's fluffy forearms and torso were just that. The hammock of his robes mattered very little.

Leni-Aura hops alongside Beist towards the wagons; she is not at all shy, but she does recognize some of Beist's reluctance to continue once Orym comes into view. He seems to be reading now, no longer talking with the travelers— in fact... she doesn't see the travelers among those who have gathered at the entrance to the wastes. She doesn't have much time to entertain her quizzical thoughts on their whereabouts, when she hears Beist's voice— it's quieter than usual, but not much of a whisper to her ears.

"Hm?" she asks, looking up to Beist as he leans down— and then to Nimbus as the little drake takes the opportunity to wriggle into Beist's robes again. She breathes a puff of an exasperated laugh, and shakes her head. "If you would like, I can do that." she agrees— hoping to at least ease some of his nerves with agreement. She watches Nimbus pop his head out from the robes for only a moment— long enough to snap up the offered candy— and then he disappears back into the robes.

She rolls her eyes fondly at her troublesome beast.

"I will be back, then." she assures him with a nod; and hops towards Orym.

Whatever he's reading has his attention until Leni-Aura has cast a shadow on his smaller figure. "Hm?" Orym looks up, adjusting his round spectacles on his nose. He smiles warmly. "There you are— is everyone almost ready to go? We're just waiting on our travelers to gather their things from the inn. They should be back soon." The old man closes his book and sets it on the step next to him, looking pleased as Leni-Aura nods.

"Most should be ready; but we may have one more friend who wishes to join us."

Orym cocks his head quizzically, though a smile remains on his face despite his confusion over her statement.

Leni-Aura nods over her shoulder; and Orym follows her gaze to where Beist is standing.

The halfling's eyes light up at the sight of a recognizable friend.

"Ah!" he exclaims, reaching for his cane. The old halfling takes Leni-Aura's hand as she extends it to him, helping him down off the back steps of the wagon. "My, if it isn't Beist! What are the odds that we would meet you again all the way out in the Dragon's Cradle, of all places?"

Leni-Aura hops back towards Beist with Orym in tow. "Our Leni was just mentioning that... oh my, have you gotten taller, or have I gotten shorter?" He laughs good-naturedly; seemingly noticing the height discretion at least, from his distance, as he approaches.

Beist watched nervously as Leni-Aura and Orym approached, but his nerves calm as Orym laughs and asks about his height. They seem to be perfectly calm about Beist's changes. He may have been worrying over nothing. Still, he was embarrassed to be showing such a drastic failure of his potion making skills to his friend. Oh well, it wasn't as if he could lie about it. He had already told Leni-Aura the truth and trusted Orym not to mock him for it.

"Not to worry about your height, I am indeed the one that has changed a bit. Ah, It's embarrassing to admit to a fellow potion maker, but I made and drank a potion that didn't have the results I had been hoping for. But I am in good health, despite my changes in appearance. How have you been, my friend?" he responded to Orym with a smile and a chuckle.

Even if he had been nervous to do so, he was happy to see the Halfling again. He wanted to talk about a lot of things such as those screeching oak acorns, but first he should do what he had intended to do.

"I came to ask, do you mind if Dora and I join your caravan to cross the waste? We are also headed to Frost Gale and would appreciate the company aa well as the safety of numbers. It would also be nice to talk again. And I assure you we will be self sufficient food-wise." he said knowing Orym had already seen his ability to conjure fresh food using magic. He could even provide food for the rest of the caravan if asked to.

Leni-Aura looks between Beist and Orym; but Orym is indeed, not too troubled by this change. He approaches Beist with sleepy eyes, looking thoughtfully up at him— his four arms, his new height— and he smiles warmly. "My! I can't imagine what you must have been making... but perhaps you should make me one." Orym shoots Beist a playful smile, "I could use a few extra inches on these old legs... maybe then I could reach the bar stools in the tavern, eh?" He laughs heartily, finding his joke quite funny; Leni-Aura rolls her eyes.

Orym calms eventually, his eyes squinting with his smile. "I'm quite good, my friend! How have you been? Our Leni tells me you met her in the Ash Lands some time ago; I was quite remiss to know that we just missed you then." he trails off, pausing as Beist pitches his request to travel across the waste with their caravan. Once again, Orym laughs good-naturedly. "Why, of course! Beist, dear friend, I would love for nothing more than to have you and your many talents to accompany us across the waste!" He nods, almost to himself. "It will be a rough journey, as it always is, but nothing we haven't done before. We also have a few... oh, here they are."

Orym smiles warmly, looking at something beyond Beist; from the large beast-man's side, arrives a trio of travelers. "Sorry for the wait," the human man apologizes; his companions slip by without greeting— each carrying one end of something that looks between a crate, and a chest. Leni-Aura narrows her eyes skeptically at them, ears tilting backwards as they head towards one of their wagons. "We've gotten the last of our things, so we're ready to go whenever you are."

"Oh! Yes, yes, of course. Ah, Beist— this is Koleil— he and his friends will be traveling with us. It seems that they have run into a string of bad luck since arriving at Skypeak, so... we'll be helping them to Frost Gale as well. Koleil, this is our friend, Beist. He will be coming with us as well."

The human man looks at Beist from the corner of his eye— unsubtle in the way he looks him up and down— he smiles, but there's something apathetic in the way he does so. "Hello."

"We will move shortly." Leni-Aura addresses Koleil curtly; the man looks at her, arms crossed over his chest. "Why don't you join your friends, and make yourselves comfortable in the wagon?"

Koleil laughs, snapping his fingers, and offering her a point that borders playful. "Good idea. Nice to meet you, Beist." he throws a half-hearted wave over his shoulder, and moves past Orym.

Beist watched the three strange people go into one of the wagons with their luggage and close it behind them. They seemed a little odd to him, but he decided he shouldn't be so judgmental. They had all seemed very accepting of him despite his appearance. Though, perhaps it would be more accurate to say they didn't seem to react to or care about him at all. It was strange.

Beist turned his attention back to Orym and Leni-Aura, but before he could speak he felt the little drake resting against his stomach start to wiggle around. Emerging from the side of his robes with a yawn, Nimbus looked down at Leni-Aura expectantly. Maybe it was his feeding time or something. Beist scooped the drake out of his robe with one hand and handed him back to the Rabbitaur with a chuckle.

"Here's your little Nimbus back." he said to Leni before looking at Orym, but spoke to both him and Leni.

"Thank you for your hospitality, my friend. If we'll be setting off soon, I should return to Dora and our wagon. Would either of you like to join me? I'd enjoy your company and I'm very interested in hearing about your latest research as we travel. Leni-Aura mentioned you've been working with those screeching oak acorns I gave you. I'd love to hear about your findings. But I apologize about that potion I drank, I don't think it would quite work for you. Designed for specific circumstances, that potion."

Leni-Aura looks up as Beist's robes start to move, and Orym looks quizzically at the lump; he laughs when Nimbus suddenly pops his head out from beneath the cloth. "Ah! There he is... I was wondering where your little one had gone to." Orym chuckles; Leni-Aura rolls her eyes as Nimbus squeaks at her, expectant for his dinner. "Thank you," she sighs, still careful as she takes back the little drake. Nimbus wriggles, bopping his head affectionately against Leni-Aura's chest; he makes that odd, clicking purr as she holds him. She softens up a bit.

Orym nods as Beist remarks that he should return, then looks thoughtful at the beast-man's offer. "Well! I would very much love to chat with you about my findings on those Screeching Oaks, actually... although, I would hate to be rude to our guests..."

"Alora can handle them, surely." Leni-Aura offers, scratching Nimbus idly behind one of his horns while she speaks; one of Nimbus' back legs begins to wiggle, almost like a reflex. "They are not great company, anyways."

"Tsk— Leni," Orym scolds softly. The rabbitaur's ears tilt backwards, and she looks away from the Halfling as though she's in trouble; he shakes his head a little, rubbing at his chin. "But... I suppose you're right, Alora and the others will be riding with them— and, we only cross paths once in a while... Hm..." After a moment of thought, he offers Beist a fond smile. "Would there be room for the two of us on your wagon, perhaps? Although, Leni might need to go get Nimbus a few extra snacks, before he starts trying to eat her."

Nimbus seems to have taken to nipping playfully at Leni-Aura's fingers while she tries to handle him; fumbling around in her side-bag for something. After a moment, she pulls out a dried piece of jerky— which Nimbus excitedly snaps at.

Orym chuckles at the two, then looks back to Beist. "Ah, no worries... I'm afraid it might not work, anyways... I've drank a few self-proclaimed height potions in my youth." He laughs good-naturedly. "Not a one worked!"

"Ah, of course you wouldn't want to be rude to your guests, but Orym my friend, I'm a guest too, aren't I?" he chuckled with a smile and a wink. "There's plenty of room in my wagon for you. I'll even make some snacks before we set off."

Orym chuckled back and left for a moment to inform the others of the arrangements, letting them know where he would be and making sure everything was ready to go. While he was gone, Beist conjured up some fruits and vegetables, making sure some were smaller for Nimbus and the others to enjoy, and held them in his lower pair of arms. Once Orym returned, the group set off to the back of the caravan.

Beist had a wide smile as the two accompanied him back to his wagon. His tail swayed from side to side as they walked back, clearly showing he was happy to have them join him. Nimbus, in Leni-Aura's arms, watched the fluffy tuft of fur  at the end as it moved like a cat staring at a toy from over her shoulder as she walked next to Beist.

Dora gave a screech as she saw the group approaching, her tail swaying just like Beist's. The Beast Man walked up to her and started petting her. He scratched just the right place on her head and her back leg started to shake just as Nimbus's had. It was a comical sight to see on such a huge creature.

"I believe there'd be room for both of you next to me in the driver's seat, but you may be more comfortable inside. I'll open the window for you to speak through. Just try not to wake Bull. He's rather grouchy if he's woken during the day, but he's a fairly heavy sleeper so it shouldn't be too much to worry about." Beist said as he opened the windows on the front of the wagon, just behind the driver's seat. He then walked around to the back and opened one of the double doors to allow them inside.

He could trust them inside his wagon. All of his alchemical supplies were safely packed away so that they wouldn't fall and break while the wagon shook during its travels. There was no worry of them touching anything they shouldn't in there, especially from Orym, an experienced herbalist. The only one he might worry a little about was Nimbus, but Leni seemed to have him under control.

Orym hesitates for a moment at that observation, then bubbles into a hearty laugh. "That you are!" he agrees, "And, I would quite love that." He smiles up at the beast-man, chuckling softly. "Let me just go and tell Alora and the others and I'll be right back." He nods, clicking the end of his cane against the ground as he turns away, and hobbles back towards the caravan. The blonde elf woman, Alora, is speaking with the Tiefling Woman from the traveling group; she turns to look at the elder halfling with a cheerful wave.

Leni-Aura remains where she is with Beist, watching Nimbus happily chomp on the jerky. He has a little bit of trouble eating it, apparently; tilting his head at odd angles, as if looking for the sharpest teeth in his set; while Leni-Aura holds it for him. She looks towards Beist as he conjures up his fruit and vegetables; she wonders if he's always been able to do that? Or, how did he learn?

She makes a note to ask him later; but Orym returns after not too long. She looks towards the elder halfling as he comes wobbling back; carrying with him a couple of bottles in his free hand. He smiles up at Beist, and Leni-Aura hops alongside him as the beast-man escorts them back to his wagon. She keeps a hold on Nimbus while the little creature watches Beist's tail sway happily, noting the way he wiggles, as though wanting to pounce.

Dora screeches as they approach, and Leni-Aura waves cheerfully at the great big bird; Nimbus squawks back at her, although he is significantly less impressive in volume. "Mm, thank you for your generosity." Orym nods, following Beist around to the back of the wagon. "Who is Bull?" Leni remarks, ears tilting forwards.

The old man notes a little figure inside the wagon, and chuckles to himself. "I see— don't worry, we'll be quiet as a mouse." He points out the sleeping bat to the rabbitaur, and with Leni-Aura's assistance, the old man climbs inside.

Leni-Aura hops in after, keeping a hold on Nimbus as the little creature wiggles; curious about Bull... but... she knows once they approach the windows on the wagon, he'll be more interested in Beist. For now, she pulls out another piece of jerky to occupy the little guy; and he squeaks, snapping contently. "Your wagon is beautiful," Orym remarks as he walks towards the front, where Beist had opened the windows. "Just lovely; your supplies are so well-kept and organized! My, we might have to have you come and reorganize our stores... ah! That reminds me, this is for you." Before Beist can walk back to the front of the wagon, Orym holds up the bottles with a light smile.

"It's just a few things that I've made with your Screeching Oak; you may have them already, but I thought I might bring a few samples just in case you might like to keep it for your work. Would you, ah, like me to put them somewhere before we head off? Might be a bit of a bumpy ride!"

"Well, thank you! I do try to keep things organized. It helps make it easier to find what I'm looking for. Of course, I'd be happy to help you organize your own collection if you'd like, though I'm not sure my system will exactly work for you."

Beist took the bottles that were handed to him and held them up to his eyes for a closer look. One was filled with a lbluish liquid while the other was filled with a bluish powder, both made of the acorns presumably. He smiled down at Orym before handing them back.

"Yes, I'd appreciate it. That chest there should be suitable. These bottles should fit in there. I'll close up the wagon now. If you'd like some water, it's in that container there with the spout" he pointed out the chest and water container in the wagon along with some other odds and ends the two might want to use before closing one of the double doors. "Oh! Goodness me, I nearly forgot." he chuckled as he emptied his arms of the fruit he had conjured into an empty basket that was near the door. He usually uses this basket to take with him while harvesting plants, but it worked well for holding the fruits in a pinch.

"Forgot they were there for a moment, the extra arms I mean. I'm still getting used to them, but I must admit they can come in quite... handy. Well then, see you in a moment. Help yourself to the fruits." he joked, gesturing with his second pair of arms.

He closed the other door after keeping one of the large vegetables and one of the large fruits from the basket and handing the rest to Orym. After making sure it was properly closed, he went around to the front of the wagon and gave Dora a pat before throwing the meaty vegetable for her to catch. He checked the harness was secure before taking his seat on the wagon and starting to eat his own snack as the caravan began to move forward, Dora pulling the wagon along with it.

Orym laughs softly, "Well, we do have more lower shelves than you do." he remarks with a smile, "But we also have a ladder in the back, for the more... vertically challenged among us." Orym lets Beist take the bottles without resistance, moving both hands to rest over one another while he leans on his cane. "Unfortunately, bit of a hassle when things get misplaced... having to move that little ladder around. It's on wheels, but it gets stuck now and then— ah, thank you." He reaches up to take the bottles as Beist gives them back.

The old man follows his gesture, nodding as he moves to put the bottles away in the chest he'd pointed out.

"Nimbus—" Squirming out of her arms, the little reptilian goes bouncing towards Beist as he drops the fruits into an empty basket. Enthusiastically, he snuffles his nose over them, sniffing loudly, until he finds one he likes; he chomps down on it, pulling it out from the pile with much effort. "Ugh." The baby drake lets out a squeak muffled by a fruit far too large to actually fit in his mouth.

Orym laughs, closing the chest gently after having put away the bottles. "My, thank you— it looks like he's already helping himself." he laughs. Nimbus chomps a little hole in the fruit as Beist closes the door behind him, leaving the three in the back of the wagon. Leni-Aura takes a moment to look around, ears tilting towards the sound of Beist's heavy footsteps just outside. The wagon creaks, shifting slightly as the large beast man climbs into the driver's seat.

"Try not to make a mess..." Leni-Aura sighs, hopping over to the drake as he wiggles his face into the hole he'd made in the fruit, trying to carve out the softer insides. She picks Nimbus and the fruit up as Orym takes a seat near the back of the wagon; it jolts, signaling the movement of the cart.

"If we don't run into too many obstacles, we could be through the Lightning Field faster than expected." Orym ponders, watching Leni-Aura as she uses her spear to cut the fruit into smaller slices. Nimbus wiggles his tail, diving into one of them as she sets it back down. "So tell me, what have you been getting up to?"

"Oh, just travelling and continuing my alchemical studies. I haven't been able to do as much with those acorns as I would have liked, so I'm very glad you were able to. I've been more focused on researching the few plants that are able to grow here, in the Dragon's Cradle, hence my presence here. They're quite interesting if not a bit sparse. Many of their adaptations are quite unique. You know, I found one plant that only releases its seeds when struck by lightning? Isn't that astonishing? There's not a lot of libraries around here, it seems, so I couldn't find a book containing the name for this plant. I've just nicknamed it Thunder Thistle for now. Do let me know if you can tell me its proper name, though." Beist rambled on it reply to Orym's question.

The wagon ride went very smoothly for a while ,braking occasionally to eat and allow the horses and Dora to rest, with Beist and Orym chatting away about the plants and animals that somehow managed to survive such a dangerous environment as this one. They rode on until the sky grew dark and the caravan stopped for the night to set up camp.

When it became night, Bull awoke with a yawn and looked around at the much more occupied than usual wagon. Or it may have been less occupied than usual, since the two guests definitely took up less space than the beast man. Either way, Bull looked at Orym and Leni-Aura with an upside-down glare of suspicion.

"Oh?" Orym hums, thoroughly interested in Beist's ramble about his most recent alchemical studies; and especially his research into the plants in the Dragon's Cradle. "Oh my, that is astonishing! I cannot recall if I have ever come across it before... were you able to take samples?" he inquires, then laughs softly. "Ah, that reminds me of the time we were in the Dragon's Cradle... My, we almost got blown away by the wind! But, I grabbed onto this tree... the Stoneroot Pine; it latches onto stones underground in order to remain rooted from the wind. I have samples of it back in my wagon; grinding the bark makes a very interesting powder, that I have yet to figure out what to do with..."

The two ramble back and forth among the wagon ride about every plant in the Dragon's Cradle, Leni-Aura is almost certain of it; but there's something pacifying about listening to them chatter, to the point that she falls asleep at some point. During her nap, Nimbus proceeds to crawl through the wagon window and join Beist in the driver's seat after his meal— with a mouth that's just a little sticky from all of the fruit. He's occupied by the driver's seat for only a few minutes, shivering against the chill, before making himself very at home within Beist's robes once again.

He is very warm, after all.

By the time Leni-Aura wakes up, night has already fallen; she wakes with a start, spooking Orym as he gets out of his seat. "Where's Nimbus?"

"Oh, goodness, Leni... he's with Beist." the halfling laughs softly, his cane clacking against the wagon's floor as he heads towards the back door. "We're stopping to camp for the... oh my, good evening." The old man notices Bull looking at them, and smiles warmly at him. "Bull, isn't it? I hope we didn't wake you."

Leni-Aura flicks an ear, nodding at the bat, before looking out the window. She pops over it, peeking up at the night sky; the wind blows on her face, carrying with it the smell of a storm. This is not abnormal for the Dragon's Cradle, but there's something... almost acrid about the smell of this rain. "It looks a bit like it might rain, doesn't it?"