Aubrey too would assist those who would need that in any way he can before finding a comfortable place to rest among the others.

Meanwhile Furvus watches the area from above.
Perception: 17

Having barely suffered a scratch, Cosette would stand guard and watch over the others. Though, she could only stay quiet for so long. She'd eventually begin to hum soft, and low.

     Raqisat cannot help but tap his toe to the song Cosette sings, nor stealing glimpses at her dancing as he tries to keep watch.  He's not sure what this "Rock and Roll" refers to but Cosette makes it sound like a good thing.

     "Next?" he answers after her performance.  "Up to Aubrey, I suppose but I would be curious and investigating that roar a bit.  Hoping to discover it's source, perhaps from a distance to begin with...  Always nice to have some idea of what may be hunting you right back."

At first Aubrey simply watches, sitting leaned back by a tree, as Cosette a bit unexpectedly starts singing her catchy tune, and then he slowly starts to smile. There hadn't been much entertainment within the team and he had honestly not seen the need for it when on missions, but now he found the Half-Elf's performance quite invigorating and soon he finds himself standing, slowly swaying to the music, even hip bumping into archaeologist. What would the Emperors say? What would his father say? It didn't seem to matter much though, they both expected results but there was no harm in enjoying yourself while on the mission, assuming prefessionalism was kept when it counted. As the song stops he nods and smiles brightly in appreciation of Cosette's entertainment.

"I am fairly certain the roar was Deinochlorodon waking up in Castle Mastieri and I would strongly suggest we leave that to explore at a later time. The threat of the Vrocks have been dealt with now so I think we can instead turn our attention to the ruins of the manor houses now where we are more likely to find something rewarding for our effort here." Aubrey says, looking around at the others in the expedition team to assess if they are all ready to proceed with the exploration of Amnifortis.

Leelan takes few moments to bandage his wound. The Vrock's claws cut sharp, and he might not have faired too well had he been alone. He looks disappointed that his spell didn't seem to hold.

He finds Cosette's song entertaining. While he's never been much of a music aficinado, having the bard's presence in the group did manage to lift his spirit.

During the rest, he would take the time to compile information about the Vrocks, but also about what the trees mentioned prior to the encounter.

[Were we still needing the short rest activity from Grugga?]

An hour passes without threat or incident.  Indeed, the ruins are as quiet as ever, and you do not hear any further squawks or screams of Vrocks - is it safe to hope you got them all?

The conversation turns to 'where next?' and greedy historically minded eyes turn toward the row of manor homes on the other side of the street from this park.  All eyes, that is, except for Aubrey's.  Taking one last look behind you, his eyes fix on something... something that wasn't there just moments before.  On the edge of the nearest ruined fountain in the empty plaza, sitting casually as though resting, is the figure of a man.  By posture and what you can see of his body, he seems old, though not decrepit.  He is adorned in resplendent finery; green, brown and grey robes spun with hints of cloth-of-gold, hand crafted leather boots, and enough rings on his fingers to weigh down a body in the moors.  On his head, a velvet mask covers his eyes, nose and the back of his head, leaving only his mouth and jaw line exposed.  From what little you can see of his jaw and neck, his right side seems to be scarred over from terrible burns.

He makes no motion toward you, but from the orientation of his head he does seem to be looking right at your group, despite the mask covering his eyes.

 "I believe we have company." The young noble says calmly and quietly to the others in the team, discreetly inclining his head towards the old man resting by one of the ruined fountains. "If you could be so kind as to join me Ms. Cosette." He says to the charming Half-Elf before reverently approaching the mysterious old man.

"Greetings, I am Aubrey Goldentide, a descendant of the people that once lived in this great city. We are a group of explorers, mostly from the city of Bardstown to the north. How can we be of service to you?" He asks with a graceful and polite bow.

Persuasion to hopefully establish friendly relations: 16 Another roll should Cos assist him in some way: 13
Insight to determine intentions: 21
Perception to spot any insignias or other details that might reaveal anything about the old man: 15
History to recognize any inisignias spotted: 13

     Raqisat has his whip in hand and sword half drawn upon seeing the stranger.  He restrains himself from surging towards the stranger, noting that Audrey spied them first and is trying to take a more... tactful approach, he supposes.  Raq's eyes narrow when Aubrey invite Cosette to join him in his approach and he watches Cosette carefully.  Assuming she accepts the invitation Raqisat does as well, though one was not extended.  He follows a few paces behind and to the side of Cosette ready to.. Well, ready just in case.

[If Cosette (and based on the post above, Raqisat) also advance toward the figure, both of them should make their own History checks.  Raq's will be at a lower difficulty for this check.]

Raqisat History:  14 (if applicable)

Naturally when Aubrey draws her attention to the older man chillin’, relaxin’ all cool outside of the pool fountain, Cosette was curious. It was clear the young noble didn’t require her assistance in striking up the conversation, however she’d follow along, striding forward to see what happens next. Her eyes would take interest in his unique attire, specifically the mask he donned. 

History Check: 18 in log

     "This guy seems up to no good," Raqisat whispers to Cosette.  "Seems to be looking to make trouble in the neighborhood..."

As the trio approach the figure, and Aubrey makes his greeting, there is a long pause.  Over long, it seems.  The figure does not move or speak for nearly 10 full seconds.  And then...

The figure leans forward slightly, placing gloved hands onto its knees.  "Ah, Bardstown.  A town I'd not heard from in a long while... and then suddenly I seem to be hearing from them on a regular basis.  Tell me, then, Master Goldentide... shall I gather that you have come at the behest of the valiant Prince Vigor?  To gather intelligence on my demesne?"  He lifts a gloved hand and gestures over his shoulder toward the plaza behind him.  

As it speaks, your eyes are drawn to the figure's mouth.  While it appears, overall, to be human (or perhaps a well-built elf), its teeth are anything but.  In place of normal human or humanoid dentata, its mouth is instead filled with glittering green gemstones, filed to points.

He lifts a gloved hand and gestures over his shoulder toward the plaza behind him and sighs.  "I've danced this waltz before, you know.  Agents of Prince Vigor have scurried into my home like insects seeking warmth.  None have left to deliver reports to their master."  He pauses again, though not as long as before.  "None have managed to kill my birds, either."

Aubrey:

 Cosette and Raqisat:

     Raqisat turns his head to try to catch Cosette's eye and raises his eyebrow and tilts his head just a bit to ask if she is seeing what he is seeing... If she made the same connection.  But he tries to play it cool and not make any gesture or move which would tip off their visitor that anything at all was happening in Raq's head.

 "Yes, those sent here from Bardstown are indeed here at the behest of the Emperor." The young noble says with a calm and polite tone, taking a confident step closer to the old man. "We have no immediate interest in gathering intelligence on Castle Mastieri though if that is what you ask Lord Deinochlorodon. And I must apologize for putting down your birds but I'm afraid they were becoming a real nuisance to us you see." He continues with a quite courteous and respectful tone, intending to show neither fear nor weakness. "We might possibly find some common interest here though. We are aware there are other factions vying for control of Amnifortis and while you might not have a reason to pay them any heed there might be a time where they become a nuisance even to you Lord Deinochlorodon."

((All 6 hit die for 35 HP - leaving me at 36 HP))

Grugga is grateful for the rest; although it's still early in the adventuring day, he needs the time to put himself back in order. He has no doubt that his group will manage their quest, but every day is a challenge in this cursed city - his jagged wounds torn through the weak spots in his armor are proof of that! Using the same apparatus he uses for magical healing in combat, he staunches the wounds and wraps them in clean linen. After a a bit of down time to Cosette's awesome music, his muscles ache but he's ready to go.

When the strange man appears, Grugga takes an interest but does not approach too closely - not because he isn't intrigued or worried, but because he thinks that crowding this strange figure might be a bad idea. Instead, he stays just close enough to hear the conversation and waits to hear how this plays out.

There is another long pause before there is any response to Aubrey's words.   Then...

"Emperor.  Yes.  Pardon my mistake.  It's an easy one to make, as one typically must acquire an actual empire, before one acquires the title.  Though no doubt that very iniquity is what tugs at your master's pride and has his eyes set on this city.  Take heed... The throne he seeks is now nothing more than a rusting relic, a tarnished memory of past grandiosity.  It is mine now, earned by favor and paid for with back-bitten blood.  I have warned him once now for these trespasses... he should heed well my reasoned response.  He knows my work and should know I've had a mortal lifetime more to refine it.  Push me further, and he will get to see firsthand all that I have been working on these last hundred years."

The figure raises a gloved hand and rubs it with the other, as if pained.  "I offer you a morsel of advice, little players from Bardstown. Turn your backs and scurry away.  Abandon your quest, lest you find yourselves entangled in the threads of a destiny far darker than you can fathom.  The path you tread leads only to ruin, a destination well-worn by those faithless humans who have claimed this city before, and dream of claiming it again.  It could be a tragedy worthy of the greatest poets, but I have no patience for it."  Then he waves his hand, as if in resignation or futility.

"You slew my Vrocks and are no doubt riding high on endorphins and self-satisfaction.  You are slaves to your own central nervous systems, and could not take my advice even if you had the sense to.  But you should not mistake this momentary boldness for enduring strength."  The figure rises, and in doing so it seems to grow slightly larger.  It stands taller than even Rohuzar would have, if he were here.  "You have stumbled into an interesting temporary solution, though, Master Goldentide.  You see, I'm inclined to provide you with a diversion, a task suitable for beings of your particular capabilities.  It will allow you to continue to feel like mighty heroes... and it should simultaneously keep you off of my lawn.  There's a matter of some significance developing at the nearby university grounds.  More strangers have arrived, though I know not why.  Their presence here disturbs me more than your own, as they have not previously taken an interest in my domain."

"Consider it a quest, bestowed upon you by a benefactor who deigns to grace you with purpose.  Find out what these far travelers are doing, and either drive them out or confirm they pose no threat. Do this, and I will forgive your trespass and allow you to continue to fail upwards through this endeavor.  I will even be so gracious as to instruct the next Vrocks I conjure to grant safe night passage to you and your vessel.  Ignore this suggestion, or further pester me or my pets, and my patience with you will expire."

     "We're on land," Raqisat says in a whisper just loud enough for Cosette.  "How could we be riding dolphins?"

     Besides his confusion over a misheard word he doesn't know anyway, Raqisat listens to the monologue patiently.  It occurs to him that any person or being as powerful as this one is trying to portray themselves wouldn't need to scare them away or distract them off their course but rather would just wipe them out.  Obviously Mr. Greenteeth here is in a more precarious position than he lets on.  With that in mind Raqisat is ready to strike out and try to take this thing down quickly, now, rather than give it time to gather it's strength or... possibly heal?  As such, Raq keeps his eyes closely upon Aubrey waiting for a signal that violence is indeed his answer...

The young noble listens attentively to the words of the old man by the ruined fountain. He clearly knew much and there seemed to be no point in trying to decieve him. They needed to know more about this Deinochlorodon before they made an enemy out of him. His words arguably had some truth to them, his Emperor did indeed not rule the vast lands once part of the Empire, but Aubrey more than most knew that his Emperor would rise, and with him those who supported and was loyal to him, not even one as powerful as this Deinochlorodon would be able to oppose him in the end.

Aubrey does not let the old man's words wound his pride. While certainly proud over his heritage he was foremost a practical man who would strike up those alliances he needed to survive and thrive, that was the way of politics, both in Bardstown and here in ancient Amnifortis. "You are most generous Lord Deinochlorodon and your hospitality knows no bounds..." He says with a graceful bow, sounding quite sincere. "...we will do as you say and trust we will have no further encounters with your servants during the rest of our stay in Amnifortis."

Grugga waits to ensure that the conversation is over before approaching the bulk of the group - but he wants to remember to point out that this man - the Deinochlorodon according to Aubrey - knew Aubrey's name... ((this post is basically just a reminder to myself to being it up IC later)).