Quote from WhiteByakko >>

She looks to see her companions and make sure they are not hurt, then she nods to governor. "Thank you, governor. We came here with a desire to aid and protect the people of this village.

"...a town, if I may..." the governor Interrupted. "We may be far from such pearls of the cost as Waterdeep, Neverwinter or Baldur's Gate, but we are still a town and we take pride of it..." he laughed. 

(Please make an Insight check)

Quote from WhiteByakko >>

It was an honor to fight alongside Escobert and his guards, and to make a difference in this dark hour."

"The honor was ours..." interjects Escobert. "All of them..." he points to some kids slowly going out of the tower "...will tell their grandchildren about this day."

Quote from WhiteByakko >>

Looking down again, Swan says, "Cerau had discovered a group of people down there that seemed to be giving commands down there. I have a feeling they're connected to this attack of the dragon. If it's safe, perhaps we should go investigate." 

The governor takes some interest "A group of people?" he asks with surprise. "Well, any kind of attack must have someone who planned it and gave orders..." adds Escobert shrugging. "You think the dragon attack was ...ordered by someone? If so, this is most disturbing news..." He looks worried as his hand is rubbing his chin and he starts walking nervously.

"From the dragon's rumbling growls and the fact that it departed before destroying us all, that seems to be the case." Cerau says quietly but firmly. "Is there any reason the town could be the target of an attack? What would they have to gain?" She directs her question towards the govenour and steps after him as he begins to walk away. "I know we're outsiders to your town but we only wish to help."

The white-haired elven maiden moves to stand with her new friends, nodding and smiling shyly in agreement with what thay say, then looking down at their enemies in front of the keep to see what she might discern.

Perception: 19
Insight: 11

Tyto was still shocked after the attack of the dragon. He was certain that they all would have died, had the dragon not changed its mind. He needed a moment to calm down and sort his thoughts. When Mozilla came up to him and rubbed against his legs, he absent-mindedly fondled her ears. Then, when Cerau spoke, he looked up.

"There's no reason to know who is master and servant here - perhaps both the humans and the dragon serve a third party, yet unknown to us. I got the impression that the enemies belong to a cult of some sort... and that they're searching for something - maybe something of religious significance? I'm not too familiar with these things..."

@Sabynn:

The governor listens to your words and is looking more worried with your every idea. "This is truly horrific idea..." he starts his thought but is interrupted by a frantic voice of a young guard standing on a parapet below you. He points to the west of the gate and shouts "They are coming! They attack!".

As you look in the direction he is pointing, at first you see only faint smoke and dying fires, however, with passing moments you notice movement at first and details later. Although the creature is shaped roughly like a human, it is at least seven feet tall. It is covered in blue scales, its fingers bear wicked claws, and its face has the muzzle and reptilian eyes of a dragon.

The creature stops about eighty yards from the main gate of the keep and scans the walls. You can almost feel its gaze when the creature looks at you. A line of kobolds fans out behind it. With their spears, they prod four human prisoners into the dim light. You can make out a woman, a teenage boy in a blood-soaked tunic and two children. A small kobold comes to its side and hands him an object that turns out to be a horn. Its eerie sound gets attention of everyone inside. Then the dragonborn hails the keep.

"Defenders of Greenest! This has been a successful night, and I am feeling generous." Its voice is strong, calm and lofty and words are accented in a strange manner... "Do you see these four pitiful, useless prisoners? We have no need for them, so I will trade them back to you... Send out your best warrior to fight me, and you can have these four in exchange." 

For those, who speak draconian:

 The voices are silent. Everyone is aghast of the demand, however just moments later you can hear the talk of the two guards "Can you see who it is?" the curious one is asking "No... Wait, I know her..." the other one replies in terror. "It's the sergeants sister, Elena..." Both, as well as the governor and Escobert who heard this, take a look at one of the guards who tends to the wounded unaware of the situation. 

Swan offers a warm smile to the governor, appreciating his correction and the pride with which he speaks of the town. "Apologies, Governor Nighthill. I misspoke. Greenest has shown great resilience and spirit tonight. I am humbled to have been able to stand alongside its courageous inhabitants in this time of need." 

Swan's gaze narrows as she takes in the scene unfolding before her. Her heart sinks at the sight of the prisoners, especially upon learning that one of them is the sister of a guard. A mix of anger and determination fills her voice as she addresses the governor and her companions. "This is a despicable act, Governor Nighthill. Holding innocent lives hostage for a twisted game of manipulation is something we cannot stand for. I'm willing to face him, if you trust me." 

The governor looks to Swan with gratitude in his eyes. "My lady, I would trust you with not only my own life but even my kin..." he speaks sadly but turns to Escobert "Do you think we can ...trust his words?". Doubt is clearly sensed in his voice. "Unless proven otherwise..." he takes a look at the creature standing on the field in front of the keep "...I don't think we have any choice, however, I'd like to keep the guards near of the gate... just in case.". "Do so." says the governor who then approaches the wall. "We accept your terms! Our champion will meet you!".

The dragonborn tells something to the kobolds who light up and put the burning torches in the ground in a big circle "Good, I'll await the champion and it's party, but have in mind, I will not let any treachery go unpunished..."

OOC: What are your actions next.

The white-haired elven maiden watches intently, her elven longbow ready, as the blue draconic humanoid approaches the keep and calls out his challenge. She knew in her heart the challenge needed to be answered and yet her heart almost stops as she hears the blonde warrior accept it, eliciting a whimper of protest over her lips as she steps closer to the brave blonde woman, wanting to stop her but realizing this was a fight Swan would go into even if she had to pay the ultimate price, instead laying an encouraging hand on her armoured shoulder. "I...I......be careful Swan, I fear you will face a formidable adversary." She says, struggling to stay collected as her emotions run rampant, then briefly stepping closer to give the blonde warrior an embrace, about to whisper something but then stepping back again, looking away and blushing, her hand clenching at her elven longbow as she looks down on the fearsome draconic warrior below.

 "I...I......be careful Swan, I fear you will face a formidable adversary." Cerau offers a worried smile to her compatriots. "May you rise to the challenge," she says as optimistically as she can muster, bestowing her Vigilant Blessing on Swan.

"Do you need any healing before you go? Maybe I should go to the gates as well, I don't want to be too far in case you need help..." Cerau continues to mutter with nervousness. "Perhaps we should have a backup plan... Someone should at least be down there to guide the prisoners back..." 

Escobert came to Swan quickly checking her armor. His moves are precise and full of experience when he checked straps. "Do you need anything? A shield? A backup weapon?" he asked looking up Swans eyes.

Meanwhile the governor Nighthill was studying the challenger from the distance. "Perhaps I should go and check the terms of ...this challenge?" he asks out loud and looks to Cerau, Sabynn and Tyto "Would you like to accompany me?" however Escobert looks to the governor and hisses "My lord, I don't think this is a good idea... In case... " it's clear he struggles to find the right words "...Please, allow me to go."

As Swan stands there, her resolve firm and her heart heavy with the weight of her decision, she appreciates Sabynn's concern and comforting touch. The embrace from her elven friend reminds her that she is not alone in this daunting task. Swan meets Sabynn's gaze, offering a small, reassuring smile.

"I'll be careful, Sabynn," Swan replies, her voice steady but tinged with the gravity of the situation. "We cannot allow these innocent lives to suffer. Someone needs to face him, and I will do everything in my power to protect those who need help."

She returns Sabynn's embrace, holding onto the brief moment of solace and support before stepping back. As the elven maiden looks away, blushing, Swan can sense the mix of emotions within her. She understands that Sabynn wants to say something more, but there is no time for words now. Instead, Swan leans in closer, her voice a whisper meant only for Sabynn's ears. "Thank you, Sabynn. I'll be back, I promise."

Feeling Cerau's gentle divine power descend upon her, Swan nods appreciatively. The touch of Cerau's blessing fills her with a renewed sense of strength and resolve. "You're right, Cerau... I should heal myself before I go." Placing a hand on her own chest, Swan taps into the wellspring of her own inner power. A soft, radiant glow emanates from her palm, enveloping her body with a soothing warmth. The healing energy flows through her, mending her wounds.

"I am well-equipped, Escobert," Swan replies with a grateful smile as Escobert's expert hands quickly assess her armor, ensuring that every strap and buckle is secure. "My armor and weapons are sufficient for this task."

"I fear we don't have much choice, even if we know it's a trap." She agrees with Escobert, "Please, governor, stay here, and we can go check the terms of this challenge, and make sure the dragonborn will hold up to his end of the bargain."

"She is right, Tarbaw..." the castelan speaks quietly. A brief surprised look appears on the governor's face with hearing his name in the open but then, he only nods silently. Escobert then calls for two of the guards. and speaks to them. "Unless I give you a specific order, the gates are to be shut close and the sergeant kept locked and the key is to be given to the governor. Do you understand?" They simply nod and rush downstairs.

"Shall we?" he looks to Swan and the others and goes down the stairs, to the courtyard. As you move down, you can see the governor and many others go to the walls to witness the duel.

Once down on the courtyard, as you pass some of the townsfolk, you can see their looks given to you all, not only Swan. Some of the hands of the children try to reach and touch you. Some of the women and man alike give their blessings.

You finally meet at the sally. Two of the guards keep close to the gate and once Escobert gives them a nod, they open it. He takes a torch from a barrel and lights it. Cold breeze mixed with smell of smoke and ash fills your nostrils as you step outside. In the distance you can see a ring of light up torches and a tall figure standing inside.

As you get closer, you can also see the four hostages and a number of kobolds outside the ring. Once you get to the edge of the ring, the dragonborn speaks proudly in common.

"Who amongst you is the champion of Greenest?"

Sabynn follows Escobert and Swan in grim silence, her grip tight at her elven longbow, smiling weakly at the people they pass. As the dragonborn calls out for their champion to step forward she glances over at Swan, and then at the innocent townsfolk hostages. A quiet prayer to the Seldarine, seeking the resolve she needed to not interfere with what was about to happen.

Swan steps forward, her eyes fixed on the imposing figure of the dragonborn. "I am Swan Alexander, the chosen champion of Greenest. I accept your challenge."

She takes a moment to survey her surroundings, locking eyes with each of the hostages briefly, conveying a message of reassurance and hope. Then, her attention returns to the dragonborn, her amber gaze steady and unwavering. "Let us begin this duel. If I win, you will release the prisoners as promised. Know that I fight not only for myself, but for the safety and freedom of the people of Greenest. May honor guide our battle."

The dragonborn looks at Swan with mixed feelings. Unsure at first or perhaps surprised. This state however lasts only a blink of an eye.

"I am Langdedrosa Cyanwrath" he says walking slowly to the center of the circle. "I respect your approach..." he says with slight smirk and as he turns to the kobolds he shouts in draconic "Sherr'grett sin retthon..."

Translation if you know Draconic:

At this moment you notice the kobolds leave the spears and blades pointed to the two children and the boy.

"These... are free to go. As my gift for your... sacrifice." He speaks with hint of amusement in his voice "The woman however stays till the end of our combat and I will release her once we are done... or she will die if anyone interrupts our fight." He looks at the others, standing outside the circle.

The children are confused and cling to their mother crying, however she urges them to go and run to the keep. The eldest boy tries to get the girls but he struggles to do so as they try to stay with the woman.

Langdedrosa watches the scene and suddenly gives a loud roar that scares the children and forces them to run towards the keep crying. Chuckling he turns back to Swan.

"Shall we?" He asks getting his spear in both hands.

Sabynn grits her teeth at the cruelty of the blue dragonborn, her only relief being that if memory served her right the blue dragons were a proud but also fairly likely to keep their word, meaning that Swan would have saved all the hostages by bravely standing up to this fearsome creature, and yet, the heart of the white-haired elven maiden sank as she watched the massive draconic warrior ready with his spear.

The cries of the children on the wind brings back memories to Cerau. Her grandmother assisting a woman who was in a bad way, the young children screaming and crying as their little hearts sensed their mother's worry. A surge of protectiveness fills her chest as she breathes in and just like she did then, Cerau who had been quietly following the small procession, steps forward and holds out her hand to the children. "You can come and stand with me, your mother will join us shortly and she will be just fine," she calls to them, echoing the words she had spoken years ago.

Persuasion 17

Cerau's eyes dart between the children and Landedrosa. Waiting for them to come to safety, hoping that the dragonborn will not back out of his promise.

Cerau's gentle voice redirects the children to her. Both girls cling desperately to her legs making walking a bit difficult for a short time. The boy gently reaches to one of the girls and picks her up and speaks gently "Come on, Zoe. Let's go home...". The other one reaches her arms to Cerau to have her picked up, just like her sister. "This one is Zera" says the boy. Despite his appearance, his voice is still a bit shaky.

Cerau bends down to the girl’s eye level and makes an effort to smile at her warmly. “Hi Zera, my name is Cerau.” She picks up Zera and then looks to the little boy. “What’s your name? It’s going to be okay,” she says trying to keep her own voice steady, despite her nervousness for Swan.

Guiding the boy to stand behind her with her free hand, Cerau looks over to her friend hoping that Swan will prevail.

Tyto steps closer towards Swan, placing his big hand onto her shoulder and whispering to her in his deep voice:

"Remember: The bird is never afraid that the branch could break - it places its trust not in the branch, but in its own wings."