"Ah, well," the gnome doesn't look interested in the letter but takes it and looks it over quickly before handing it back. "Lord Protanther most definitely wants to hear from you. As for what has been happening here, the dragons of the Council have been discussing a great deal, though with no conclusion yet. I imagine you are here to push that forward? My advice would be to show respect, to listen, and not to show signs of impatience. Dragons are patient creatures, and hold this as a virtue." The gnome does not seem to want to hear news of the outside world, either because they are already well informed or because it holds no interest for them.

Titus, you can roll an Insight check if you wish. 

"If you would, please walk with us."

And you are led by one gnome, the other following in the rear, shepherding you along and up a mountain trail to the mouth of a large cave. On the way, you may notice there are several others within an hour's walk on the side of the mountain; you would guess the various dragons of the Council make their temporary dwellings in these caves when they are meeting for Council business.

There are stone pillars decorated with gold at the cave entrance; inside you see a tunnel, perhaps large enough for a smaller dragon to pass through but not a creature such as Otaaryliakkarnos, at least not in their dragon form. Inside the tunnel is brightly lit with magical lanterns glowing with a golden light set into the walls; it already feels warm compared to the outside. The gnome leads you further, until the tunnel opens into a large, impressive cave. A flat stone floor has been constructed, large slabs of a light grey stone and, at the edges, evergreen trees that grow in well-defined stone basins. There is natural light coming from above, though you cannot quite see exactly how. And ahead of you, sitting up, alert and in a formal pose, is a magnificent gold dragon, it's expression calm and difficult to read. The dragon regards you as you approach, led by the gnomes.

"Lord Protanther, the Champions of Waterdeep." the gnome says, bowing as you are introduced, and then withdrawing.

The dragon continues to regard you, waiting for you to speak.

Tobin:

Walking along in awed silence, Tobin bows when he sees the gold dragon.  Remaining silent, he nonetheless opens his journal and holds the quill, ready to take notes.  The title for this page..."Lord Protanther, Leader of the Council of Dragons, foremost among the Gold Dragons, former King of Justice and faithful servant of Bahamut".

Soar nods at the response, and then walks up and inside the cave with a small amount of reverence. Whether or not this place was designed to make humanoids feel small, she feels small. She thinks back to how she got here. How far she has come. It's hardly believable. 

But here she is. After triumph and failure. Loss and boon. And hope. Always hope. Even when buried deep, always hope.

She bows at Tobin's reminder. “Lord Protanther. As you surely know, we are the Champions of the Council of Waterdeep. I am Soar Jestalle. Thank you for seeing us. If you would like, here is our letter of introduction. It is an honor to be here in your awesome presence. We come with both an offer and an urgent plea in the world-consuming fight against the dragon cult. Things are coming to a crisis point, and it will take all creatures, great and small, working together, to face it. My good friends, Rhogar of Clan Jalt, and Bazavur, are better equipped to tell you more.” She says, in formal tone learned from reading out of a hymnbook in chapel. She really hopes Otaaryliakkarnos wasn't wrong.

Titus studies the gnome carefully as they speak (insight rolled in log 18) looking for anything they're not saying.

He walks along quietly behind Soar, staying close and listening carefully as they open a dialogue with the Lord of Dragons.

Titus, you don't get the sense that the gnomes are keeping secrets. They are behaving in a formal manner, as they have advised you to do. They don't notice your inquisitive stare, and both retreat to leave you with their master.

Tobin, the dragon casts an eye - perhaps curious - in the direction of your book, but quickly turns their attention back to Soar, and to Balassar and Jalt.

Soar, Protanther listens to your words, but does not seem to wish to take the letter. At your words, they direct their attention to Jalt and Bazavur.

"Soar is the talker," Jalt says gruffly, perhaps a little unnerved at the audience. "She speaks truth, and will do so better than I." Bazavur nods in agreement, indicating that Soar, Titus or Tobin can speak if they wish.

Soar nods in surprise and acknowledgement, and turns to the huge dragon with a look of respect. "I will do my best. You have seen far more of this world than I have, and I would value your perspective and wisdom. They bring strength at a time when it is sorely needed. Lord Protanther, I must assume you know of the cult and its assault on these lands. And their plot to bring Tiamat's wrath upon the world, which is the far greater threat. We have been fighting the Cult's minions for close to a year now, though it feels like more. A blue dragon assaulting Greenest while cult members tried to enact slavery and destruction, perversion and pillaging. We were able to stop some of it. We tracked the flow of riches across the continent, defeating some more powerful cult members, as well as Glazhael the white dragon who were trying to bring more riches to the Well of the Dragons. The attacks and plots grew more brazen. The blowing of the draakhorn, which I am sure I do not need to tell you about. More chromatic dragons have joined this effort. In opposition, some powerful figures joined together in a council to plan response and possible assault on the forces massing at the Well. Arauthator the white hunts us still after we disrupted plans in the far north. We have recently been attempting to find information about the different chromatic masks, which the wyrmspeakers, as they call themselves, have been using to cause mayhem and likely worse. Our group has recently suffered some setbacks and failures, which I take responsibility for. But we are committed to continue this fight and make up for our losses. We must. The Cult does not stop despite their own losses. The chromatic dragons are becoming more dangerous and rash. Two attacked Otaaryliakkarnos on the way here, and we helped to defeat them."

She takes a slow breath, trying not to rush.

"Much of this I assume you know. But back to the plea, and the offer. We can offer the pragmatism and the strength in numbers brought to bear by the martial and arcane forces of the humanoid factions to take on the cult forces. The Platinum Cadre at the van. Our plea is that you work with us, join us, to fight the chromatic dragons or other foes Bahamut chooses. The cult members may seem weak or ineffectual. Not worth your time. But there are a lot of them, and they are gaining powerful allies. And they are meddling with forces they likely do not understand. There is a real risk that even such small threats could stumble across arcana that brings Tiamat here. We need you to help to defeat their ultimate goal: prevent the Rise of Tiamat, and all the chaos and destruction and evil that would bring to both of our worlds."

The paladin adopts a ready stance, hands clasped behind herself. The years of fighting and adventuring have taken a toll on her in the form of scars and dents, a world-weariness to her eyes that was not there when Greenest was assaulted. But her back is straight, and her eyes also contain a determination to give her all to stop this disaster from happening. She pauses, waiting for the lord of the dragons to offer his wisdom, ask his questions.

Tobin:

Writing furiously as Soar finishes her speech, Tobin looks up as he has an idea.  Not sure that he truly has permission to speak, he nonetheless steps forward and offers in a small voice.

“Greetings, Lord Protanther, Leader of the Council of Dragons, foremost among the Gold Dragons, former King of Justice and faithful servant of Bahamut.  I am Tobin the Librarian, scholar from the Academy at Waterdeep.  I can say very little as I just joined this effort, but what I can say is this:  When we were alone in Daggerford, we were able to drive off Arauthator the White but not end his menace.  When we worked together with Otaaryliakkarnos the Silver, we were able to dispatch two enemy dragons.”

Not presuming to draw a conclusion from his factual statements, Tobin bows and backs away respectfully to his former location.

Titus chimes after Soar and Tobin, careful to observe decorum and present himself as formally as possible 'I have seen much of this world - at least much for one who's days are as short as mine - and I say to you truthfully I don't think we can meet this threat alone or unaided. I've assessed my new comrades here - their strengths and weaknesses, their foibles and faults.  They mean well, and they have the heart it takes to meet the challenge ahead - but I fear we don't have the weight it will take to deliver the blow needed to bring this to an end.'

Protanther waits a good long time after you have finished speaking. It is becoming a little uncomfortable, when finally the golden dragon releases a sigh. "Elves and humans, once again. So often the cause of such harm, such evil within the world. And now you stand before me, a half-elf and a human, and ask me to aid you. I have no doubt that the chromatic dragons serving Tiamat are a threat, but the Cult of the Dragon - well, they are only as dangerous as their masters. I am reluctant to support any action that diverts our attention from the dragons that control the Cult. Otaaryliakkarnos has sent word of the attack - a serious blunder on our enemy's part, a sign of rashness. A rashness I do not wish to share. Elves and humans." A cool, unfriendly eye regards both Soar and Titus, ignoring the two dragonborn for the moment.

"But you," and the dragon looks straight at Tobin. "A gnome and a scholar. Both are are welcome in my court. Your folk's weaknesses are merely the follies of youth, and little harm have you brought to the world. I would hear more from you. What aid would you have from us? What would an alliance mean to you?"

Tobin:

Gulping and moving back to the speaking position, Tobin feels very small in the presence of this magnificent dragon.  He bows, wills himself to look up at the awesome creature, then says his piece.

“Thank you, Lord Protanther, for your generous assessment of my kind.  As you say, I am a scholar, and perhaps that colors my view of what is needed here.  I see an alliance first and foremost as the sharing of information—we share with each other what we learn about the cult, each being better prepared to deal with our own challenges because of it,” begins Tobin.

”Being small and unthreatening myself, cultists may overlook my presence and let slip plans of import in your battle against the dragon leaders of the cult.  Similarly, from your lofty position of great authority and power, you may learn of cultist activity far beneath your notice, but be able to inform us so that we may weaken the cult from the bottom up,” he continues.

”In addition, we seem to have been noticed by at least one enemy dragon who yet lives, and perhaps coordination of a more tactical nature would be beneficial to us both in that situation, but I leave such discussions to the warriors among us,” he finishes, bowing again and returning to his place with the others.

Soa's mouth tugs into a bit of a half grin at Tobin's speech. First in a long time. She was certainly lucky to find herself in the company of such magnificent people.

To Tobin: Protanther frowns. "Some of our chromatic foes would be foolish enough to think a small creature capable of nothing but service - or quenching their hunger. That much is true. But the sharing of information is difficult with allies of the type you propose. Look among the ranks of metallic dragons, and you will find no servants of the loathed Tiamat, however hard you may search. But within Waterdeep, within the ranks of those you have dealings with in that place, are there no Cultists? No betrayers? Can you tell me this with all sincerity? Why should I trust whatever I know to you, and to them?"

To Soar and Bazavur: "So, then, let the warriors speak. What manner of alliance do you propose?"

Tobin:

Quickly bowing once more, Tobin answers without guile, " Lord Protanther, I would make no such claim.  Indeed, with so numerous a populace the city must have some agents of the cult striving even now to gain position and information to their advantage.  I propose only communicating vital information through those vouchsafed for by Lady Silverhand or Otaaryliakkarnos the Silver--certainly they know much better than I whom to trust among the authorities in Waterdeep."

To Tobin:

"This I will grant. Otaaryliakkarnos spends much time among the folk of Faerun - too much in my view, but the choice is hers. And she knows of them well enough. If information needs to be shared, I believe this will be a sufficient conduit for such a purpose. I remain reluctant, however. When we meet the chromatic dragons and end their threat, it will be the metallic dragons - those who answer the call of this Council - who determine the outcome. However the risk is mitigated, there is still risk in revealing anything of my plans to the folk of Waterdeep. Much to lose, and little to gain. Perhaps nothing to gain."

It’s at this juncture that bazavur finds his tongue. “That is a great point me lord. But wouldn’t we all suffer if the cult were to succeed in bringing forth Tiamat in this world? I for one, wouldn’t be able to live with myself knowing that I could have done something to stop it and did nothing.” Bazavur pauses for a moment taking a steadying breath before continuing. “And how would it reflect on you, were this to happen and you could have done something to prevent it but didn’t? We are not asking for every minute detail of your plans to fight the chromatic dragons my lord. Only directions on where to strike to wreak havoc on their plans.” 

Soar, after listening to these exchanges, and favoring Bazavur with a kind expression at his contribution, speaks up to answer the query from the lord of gold dragons.

"I think what you ask, and what Bazavur and Tobin said, all together contain the answer to your very real concerns, Lord Protanther. This threat is gathering, and rising, cultists and chromatic dragons together. The armies and forces we are able to assemble to strike at the Cult are gathering. You said you will meet the chromatic dragons, which makes perfect sense.

I'm sure some people would like to gather together in one big group with a battle plan, but that does not seem fitting for the prerogatives of metallic dragons, or the idiosyncrasies of smaller folk.

So. If we can keep you informed of when and where we are to attack the cult, that can inform when you decide to strike the chromatic dragons. It seem beneficial to strike them when they do not have the backup of the cult's armies and spellcasters -- if they are kept busy by the forces of our council. That gives you and your brethren space to determine the outcome.

We just need a reliable, secure way to pass the Dragon Council information. Then we don't have to risk too much exposure to possible spies, and you can make your plans. And we all get the benefit of facing a distracted enemy."

She pauses to see how this idea lands.

To Bazavur: Protanther seems pleased at your contribution. "Directions, as you say. I might hope that the Council of Waterdeep would put itself under our command, to strike when we deem it most useful. If their forces have any value - which they might," he concedes. "I doubt they would agree though. However, if they are willing to accept our leadership, or at least our guidance, that would help matters greatly. Can you persuade them of this? Will they accept that we, not they, know best how to direct this fight?" He directs this to Bazavur, but anyone can answer.

To Soar: "For the passing of communication, I believe that Otaaryliakkarnos will take that role. For now, let us decide what manner of alliance you propose. What you, Soar, have suggested is rather different to your comrade; that you will direct your own affairs, and we should somehow adapt our plans to fit them. This is hard to accept. I fear it may make our movements more predictable to the enemy, even if that is not your intention. And I say plainly; I am not alone in my... lack of faith... in Waterdeep and its folk. For the humans and elves who have cost us so much, in years gone by. Do the Waterdhavians even understand the root of our mistrust? Do the elves and humans know their mistakes, their crimes? I think they do not; such small lives, and short memories."

Titus speaks up as the Dragon presses the questions of Waterdhavians motives and awareness 'You are wise to keep your own counsel, and wiser still to recognize that Waterdeep is riddled with spies and those who sell themselves for a few coin.  As your Lord undoubtedly knows, Waterdeep is too often consumed with its own concerns, petty alliances, and silly grievances. They can be fickle, and short-sighted and .... well incredibly foolish.  But they see this threat clearly and they are ... well Lady Silverhand is... focused on bringing all their resources to bear to break the back of this cult before events spin out of control. We..' a small sweeping gesture indicating the party 'are one such resource they have pulled together.  A tool they offer to you to use as you see fit in the advancement of a shared goal.'

Titus, Protanther frowns. "You do not fill me with confidence, human. So tell me: what need have we of such a curious tool as your group? Is there something you have in mind, some task you are offering to perform? Or would you like me to set one?"