"Tea sounds lovely," he replied. He glanced at the back of the shop with interest, his bare feet against the cool floor. "Well, it's been quite peaceful," he admitted. His fingertips brushed against the furniture and the trinkets the man had acquired over the last five years. So much can happen in one's life in five years. Hell, look at what Vox Machina had been through in that time.
Tearing himself away from the wizard's items, he searched for a place to set. "The group sort of went their separate ways," he began as he settled on sitting on the end of the chaise by the man's feet, leaning a bit to prop himself up by the edge. "We gathered for a visit to the Air Ashari's home so that Keyleth could complete her aramentai." He wore a proud smile. "She was given the mantle of her people, and ascended to chiefdom. Kind of a big deal now." He chuckled a bit.
His expression grew somber. "Afterward, we felt it was a good idea to take a vacation from adventure. A rest well earned, don't you think?" He brushed his fingertips along the nape of his neck as he tilted his head back, gently scratching an itch. "Grogg has never done well with settling in one place, and he spends most of his time trying to pick a fight. You know how he loves a good fight." He chuckled with fond annoyance. "Pike, herself, returned to the Temple of Sarenrae but also created her own shop with my sister and a new friend of ours named Taryon." He leaned forward. "You would've liked him, Gilmore," he said, "he arrived shortly after you went back to Eamon to re-establish your shop."
With a deep sigh, he brushed some of the hair that remained over his eyes back. "My sister has embraced her title that Percy has bestowed upon her, and she's been defending Whitestone from the perils of all sorts of nasty creatures." He grinned. "And, of course, busying herself with the new bakery she's opened and with Percy himself who has taken on more responsibilities to help out his sister." He glanced away and stared at himself in the mirror. "As for myself, I spent the year between Whitestone and with the Air Ashari. I gave myself a year of happiness before both Keyleth and I knew I'd have to devote myself to whatever direction the Raven Queen led me."
Glancing back at Gilmore, he straightened up and let his hands flourish in a way similar to Gilmore -- if only to put on a show and perhaps tease the man a bit. "And here I am," he said. "I hope I've not ruined things for you much." His brow furrowed. "I know how much unwanted guests have a habit of souring whatever bliss you might've achieved."