The man raises his eyebrows at Delg.  "I am Reidoth," he admits.  He looks around at the party suspiciously.  "Who might you be?  And who is this 'they' that is holding your kin?" he asks. 

"Ah well, yes, I do believe introductions are in order, as I would like my name remember before I am horribly mauled and eaten for lunch. I am Melkias Longfoot of Stories, the Savior of the One Hundred, Former Keeper of the Vampire Diaries, Hero of the Drama at Everwood, at your service", Melkias says with a deep bow.

Reidoth nods at Melkias, a small smile hovering around his lips at the long list of honorifics. 

"I am Delg Helcral. We thought he was being held by a group calling themselves Redbrands. But they knew nothing. In the Stonehill Inn we were told you might know the location of a castle where he is most likely to be."

"You're looking for a castle?" Reidoth asks.  "You probably missed it on the way here," he explains.  "Its about 30 miles south-southeast of here, in the forest.  Goblins have taken it over - and you think they have your missing relative?  Why would they want him?" he asks.

"I was sent to find him, but only given a location. I asked those I found at the location. Now I have been given another location." Delg shrugs and smiles. "I will go there and ask them."

Ajax removes his helmet and bows gently

"my name is Ajax, we were sent by Sildar of Phandalin. Regarding that castle, have you ever been near to it? Have you ever heard of the black spider?

And we have been told you are a druid, any chance you have some supply or potions to share?" 

Reidoth looks at Ajax.  "I have been near the castle, yes," he says.  "The black spider?" he asks.  "Is that a monster you saw?"  He shakes his head.  "No, I do not have any potions nor supplies.  I live off of the land, taking only what I need, as any good druid does," he says mildly. 

"Are you sure there are just goblins there? No humans? No mages?"  Delg picks up his warhammer and stands up from the wall. "Too late to go today, I suppose. But tomorrow is soon enough."

Ajax nods:

The good dwarf here is right. Can we rely on this house of yours to get some rest, druid? And...by the way...what happened to this place apart from the green dragon you mentioned?...

I mean, the buildings are in ruin and I perceive an evil presence not far away, as in undeads...

"The town was destroyed years ago when the mountain exploded.  I think that is when the zombies appeared.  Though right now the dragon is my biggest concern," he says.  "And as if that weren't enough, I think giant spiders have moved into the ruins at the base of the hill.  I also doubt the masked people are up to any good, though I have only seen them briefly."  He looks around at everyone. 

"My advice is to huddle here for the night - it's safe enough, and then leave first thing in the morning, before you all end up dead." He turns to Delg.  "I don't know if there are more than goblins at the castle, but there are certainly plenty of them.  I hope you find your friend," he says.    

((Yep, I'll take that bait))

Mulligan, from the back of the group, speaks up for the first time.  "You've mentioned the dragon a few times now - what do you know about it?"

Reidoth turns to Mulligan, his face somber.  "I know little, except that the dragon is a blight on the balance of nature.  He was not here the last time I visited.  I am concerned that his presence will further disrupt the balance, which was already disturbed."  His eyes turn calculating.  "Perhaps we can help each other," he says.  "A favor for a favor?  You help me rid the area of the dragon?  And in return you would ask what of me?" he asks. 

"That brings me back to my earlier question. What color be the dragon? And have you seen enough to reckon an age?"

Reidoth turns to Delg.  "He is green, in both color and age.  However, while he may be young, he will still be dangerous and cunning, as any dragon would be." 

"Young is often brash. It may be to our use. Do you know of what he will be, or does he visit you? And what have you to offer us?"

"Young does not necessarily mean stupid," Reidoth replies.  "I know not what he will be, other than a blight on the balance.  We have not 'visited,' as you say, or I likely would not be standing here.  I do not know what he wants, but it is surely nothing good.  As for what I have to offer, what would you ask?" he questions, one eyebrow raised. 

"You are only a name to me. I know not what you possess or what you are capable of. My goal is to find my kin. How you fit into that goal, I also do not know. Maybe my companions have thoughts."

Mulligan thinks for a second:  "Can the dragon talk at all? Maybe it can be convinced to go away."

Would we know anything about green dragons?

At Mulligan's words, the druid turns to him.  "Most dragons are not interested in talking.  However, I'm sure there are other . . . ways . . . to convince it to leave," he says seriously.  He turns back to Delg.  "I know not who your kin is, but I wonder what the goblins want with him?  Kidnapping is not generally their style, so it seems . . . odd," he muses.

((I would assume that most of you would know at least that green dragons are poisonous and that dragons in general can be a very determined foe.  You would likely also know that wisdom comes with age, and a young dragon can often make critical mistakes.))