Nadaar hadn't stopped Nadia. The Dragonborn, if anything, appeared almost paralyzed by shock at the man's state. However, seeing him began to fade out from consciousness is enough to spur Nadaar back into action. He joins her side to try and help, or at least be coached through the process of treating the leg. Although not before saying, "Steady, now, steady." with such conviction and belief, the weave again took heed and began numbing the pain, if nothing else. 

(Casted a 1st level Healing Word on the guy.)

If that is enough to keep the man stable and perhaps conscious for a few while, Nadaar looks to Nadia. "Seems I wasn't wrong about survivors being here. Probably best we don't move this one just yet. I'll finish up at least setting the injury to heal -- I have a few nit nacks on my person that might help. But go ahead and join Zack at the main door. I will be with you two shortly." 

As your healing word takes affect you see the injured mans face visibly relax. His leg appears to have started setting itself and is no longer deformed. He is still unconscious, though you could likely wake him up if you wished. His leg still looks like it's going to be tender, another healing word might heal the leg completely but as it stands now he is in a stable condition.

Zack watched as the two went into the tower. It was clear that whatever was in there was no threat, or.. at the very least, not concerning enough to feel worry about as both went inside looking more afraid for something else than themselves. As Zack listened in on the conversation on the other side. Some sort of fight between two guards and the woman he assumed was Lady Nandar. If I recall.. that was the name of the owner of those stables... he thought to himself.  He moved over to the guardhouse, despite the natural curiosity of wanting to see where the conversation led.

Hey guys.... Ooh... That doesn't.. look fun. So, It seems we finally found some survivors, though you found one that seems in much more need than the others. I heard a small arguement inside the keep. So they're not far from the door, or they're just that loud. Either way, you two seem to have the situation under control here. I'm gonna get introductions started before they kill each-other. Seems like they're at the end of their rope. Gonna say I'm a mercenary.. since I am. But this time I'll let you all introduce yourselves however you want.

Offering them both a single thumbs up before letting them do what they intended to. Passively hearing Nadaar ask Nadia to follow. Regardless of whether she does or not however, Zack will knock loudly on the keeps door. Before shouting loud enough to make sure he was heard through it, matching at least the volume they had had before. Yo~ Uh, Probably best to sat this first, but I'm not the enemy, nor am I a thug seekign to ransack your keep. I'm a mercenary who came by about a diplomatic meeting with a few friends, and well, lets just say we 'found the town this way when we got here.'

I overheard you saw the fire from the night before. Depending on your perspective, I may or may not have been a cause of it. At the risk of giving away the goose.... he says, knowing there was a possibility of lady Nandar being allied with the zhentarim in some degree But it was actually caused by a red dragonborn. He got kinda pissed when we found out he and his enterouge, were Zhents. However, don't worry, the Seven Sissies are no more. Me and my friends here took care of them. Every goblin and Zhentarim we've met in the town is now slowly rotting above ground. At this point, he would pause for a moment, to allow everything he said to sink in before continuing And seeing as we've been looking for survivors who weren't  also ******** trying to kill us, I certainly hope for a warmer welcome at this fine establishment.

When you finish speaking a few moments go by with no answer. It starts to feel like you're being ignored before one of the voices calls out.

"What's your name, where did you come from and how many others are with you? If you still have the letter Lady Nandar sent out slide it underneath the door, maybe we'll believe you. What? Oh right. And uh, is Kaelen with you? Human male, should be in guards armor." 

"Sounds like a plan to me. We'll be behind you soon." Nadaar request before Zack slipped completely out of sight from the door. Afterwards, some further examining of the man at his feet his done before the dragonborn finally chuckles to himself. "Best this one is at least awake before being carried anywhere, I think." Although he could not see her, Nadaar still turned to where he sensed Wonder. "If he starts moving too violently, be sure to secure his leg."

He then proceeds to gently shake the man at the shoulder. If stubborn enough to remain unconscious afterwards Nadaar splashes some whatever from his skin into the man's face. "Come now. Your dawn father isn't going to wait forever for you to enjoy his sunlight." By the time the man comes around Nadaar is crouched at his side, but while being careful not to loom overhead. "There now. That was not so bad. The name is... Nadaar. Me and my companions are answering a missive sent out from here -- or were. But as things stand, well... There is much to discuss." He raises a hand towards the man in a universal gesture to 'hold on a moment' or 'stop'.

"I know. Perhaps you are not the one to speak to about important matters. But, I do believe in being thorough in my answering... Speaking of. My... compatriot has already gone ahead to speak with you and yours in the innards of the keep. Do you acquire assistance in walking? Or would prefer if I carried you?" Once Nadaar had a positive answer one way or another, he takes it slow, but makes his way back to Zack's side with the guard and maybe Nadia. If the door hasn't been open by then, he nudges the guard on to speak up.  

After giving the man a few shakes he slowly starts to come to. His eyes slowly open and puts a hand to his head and moans in discomfort. "Ugh, what happened?"

He then turns his gaze towards you and as he makes eye contact his eyes go wide and he let's out a startled scream. He tries to move away but is stopped by the pain in his leg. He grabs his leg with both arms and grits his teeth while waiting for the pain to subside. As he waits he listens to what you have to say, and once he regains his composure responds "uh, sorry about that. Don't see a lot of Dragonborn around these parts and, well, how did you get here? Never mind, Nadaar is it? I'm Kaelen Zam, town guard, not that there's much town to guard anymore. So, you came answering Landy Nandars call for help? Sorry to say, I don't think we'll need your diplomatic services anymore."

Kaelen slowly tries to get up but struggles. He leans on you for assistance. He is an easy enough burden to bare and tries to rely on his strength more than yours. "Thank you, I assume if you were bandits you wouldn't bother to wake me up, or heal me for that matter. Let's go to the keep, we can all talk there."

With that you both start making your way towards the keep. You arrive about the time  Zack gets his reply. Kaelen calls out to the voices within.

"Alara, just open the door already, my leg is killing me. They're not bandits so just open up."

After a few moments you hear what sounds like a barricade being removed before the door to the keep slowly opens, revealing three more guards. Up front to greet you is a stern looking human female, dressed in similar armor as Kaelen. She has short cut brown hair and a few scars visible on her face. Her hand is on the hilt of her weapon, not in a threatening manner but rather in cautious way.  To her left stands another human female also dressed in similar armor. She is smaller of stature and not nearly as muscular as her companion. Her armor is clearly lighter but otherwise identical in its design. She had long flowing blonde hair and her face is red and puffy, as if she has been crying recently. She has a bow strapped to her back and a short sword in a sheath but she makes no attempt to be ready to draw either, instead looks at you all with hopeful eyes. The final guard is a male human who opened the door. His armor is dented and broken in some places. He has short cut black hair and a bandage wrapped around his head and covering one eye. His hand is also placed cautiously. He eyes you all with suspicion and also keeps a hand on the hilt of is weapon.

As they take a look at you all and see their injured companion, the female up front steps forward to assist him. "Come, let's sit him down further into the great hall."

The other two guards make way allowing you all to enter and follow behind Nadaar and their friend. You don't travel far from the door before setting down Kaelen on a peice od rubble. The great hall itself is in a sorry state, mostly covered in rubble and debris. There is a large dining table set aside to one side of the room on which rests a white sheet covering something that seems to be shaped like a person. You dont fail to notice the smell of decay in the room.

The woman takes a few moments to look over Kaelen, once convinced he is ok she turns back to the group.

"Thank you for helping him, but what happened? He was supposed to be on watch, make sure no one tried to access the keep without us knowing. Ah sorry, I'm getting ahead of myself. Introductions first questions after yes? I'm Alara, the man you helped is Kaelen. That's Sydiri." She points to the other female guard. "And that's, that's Torem."She says this last name with a bit of venom in her voice as she points to the other male guard. "We are members of the town guard. Now who are you three, how is it you came to be here, and did one of you say the Zhentarim was in town and you killed them? We saw the fire and heard fighting last night but what the hell happened?"

Zack had been considering exactly how to respond when Nadaar came up with the guard, and after a small exchange, everyone was allowed in. He simply shrugged and chuckled, thanking the man for his assistance before making his way in behind Nadaar, offering help if the guard needed it, until they sat him down. He took in the place, as anyone in a new, large location tends to, though his glances were cursory rather than inspectory. Well, My name's Zack. My draconic friend here is Nadaar, and the lady who may or may not be right behind us... Is Nadia. Sorry for always taking away your introductions guys, but eh.. As I said, I'm a mercenary for hire, though not your typical. I'll take on any job as long as it pays well. I charge extra for cleaning jobs though. he said, emphasizing it with a wink, and whether he was serious or trying to throw some levity out into the air was hard to tell.

And I understand your caution, but, we don't mean any of you any harm. Especially not the extra cute guard there~ giving the blonde one (Syldri?) an flirty wink (Charm: 11) before refocusing back onto the more immediately relevant things. I dunno what happened to your friend here, better to ask him. It was Nadaar and Nadia that found him. And he was like that when we found him, we swear! he says attempting to toss out another charming smile though this one more directed at the group. As uh.. Torem was it? As he assumed, we got the diplomatic missive from some guy running past our camp .. perhaps two to three days ago? Somewhere in that range. And we've been in the town just over a day. 

When we first came in we noticed the rock... uh, the meteor thing was missing. Killed a pair of worgs. Nadaar here, managed to charm a few Goblins -and yes, goblins had been looting the place for a while it seems- but as I was saying, Nadaar charmed a few goblins into being an extra pair of eyes, which just goes to show how useful he is, and I mean that as a sincere compliment - It shows utility. We did have to fight and kill most of the rest though. 

A little after nightfall, we discovered someone named Kella, claiming to be a travelling monk though she was actually a Zhent operative, which Nadia was able to spot almost immediately. We played along with a little ruse for a bit, and just as we were settling in to the stables over that way...  he says pointing roughly in the direction the stables were located .. the goblins Nadaar had charmed blew a horn, which I'm sure you heard. We went to investigate, and discovered several riders, who turned out to be more Zhentarim. They called themselves the Seven Snakes.. or the Seven serpents. One of those. Realizing the situation would be bad if we were to attempt to fight them, I played into their desires, and feigned interest in joining their organization and then proceeded to do what I could to split as many from the group as possible, isolate, and then execute them as swiftly as possible.

They were ... very tough, but we won out in the end. Everything Zack was saying felt simultaneously like a soldiers report, but also seemed to be playing everyone in the group up as very skilled individuals... trying to sell his friends as quality fighters, and tacticians and increase the groups value in the eyes of everyone there, especially the cute blonde guard, whom his eyes did dart back to every now and again. An unfortunate collateral was the stables themselves being burnt down in the confusion. One of the Zhents was a red dragonborn. Though we did manage to get the horses out before they were engulfed. And Aside from Kella, and this  feline Rillex... you're the first people we've come across in the town despite doing a thorough sweep.

He would sigh, taking in a deep breath as he seemed to relax... Old habits still lingering in his reflexes of standing at attention as he delivered his report. And I hate to press, but we've gotten vague idea's of what exactly happened here, so if you could inform us... it would help give us a better understanding of the current situation. Then there's the other business... The Zhents had plans to take over this town he says, explaining in as much detail as he could remember their plans in the entirety... Though he intentionally excluded the part where they were paid, or even offered payment.

 So I suppose all that remains is "What to do next?"

A little bit earlier:
Nadia was taken aback at the guard stirring into consciousness, and when he was out again she looks up to Nadaar. When the dragonborn gives the guard magical healing, she watches as his leg heals and listens to Nadaar's request, getting up from beside the man then looking to Nadaar. Seeing as there wasn't much here in the first place (aside the man), she nods in response.  "Very well. Just... Be careful." The elf advises, just in case, before rushing off to join Zack.

Now:
She's silent as Zack gives a briefing to the other group. Aside the flirting, it literally felt as if he was giving them a soldiers report of sorts, which was fine, the elf just found it a little funny. Can't take that part away from him, that's for sure, she laughs mentally, her dark brown eyes gazing over the guards individually to get a read on them. She could understand their caution at how their hands were readily at the hilt of their blades, and she only hoped that they didn't think they had ill-intentions, especially since the fighter was giving them the run down of what they had been through. When she looks to the blonde with puffy cheeks, and if their eyes meet, she tries giving her a hopeful smile, indicating they were only here to help with whatever was going on.

When she was done looking their group over, she settles her gaze on the female at the forefront, Alara, and waits for her to respond to Zack's report.

Insight (just in case): 18

(Sydiri - phone keeps trying to make the first i an l but yes you're referencing the correct character) 

As you mention Kaelen they all turn to him to ask what happened. "I think the ladder broke while I was climbing it. It's still a bit fuzzy, I mostly remember a lot of pain in my leg and head and then waking up to these folks. I'm pretty sure my leg was broken and one of them healed me. Thanks again by the way."

"I wouldn't have been out there to relieve him for a few more hours." Torem says. "We would have had no idea until then, so yeah, thanks for helping him." 

They listen to the rest of your story without interruption. You can see all they faces turn grim with the mention of the Zhentarim having come to town, but it's replaced with relief knowing you managed to take care of the problem. 

"Was a smart thing, splitting them up like that, sounds like there was, what 8 of them? And only the three of you? You folks must be skilled fighters to beat those odds." 

"Sure, but you risked your lived for nothing, Zhents can keep the damned town, there's nothing left."

"Torem shut up for once please, I told you help would come and here stand three capable warriors who've pretty much took the town back from Goblins and Zhents."

"Are you deaf Alara, they're Mercs who came here for the mission about the Elves, they weren't sent here to rescue us. That means your letter to Waterdeep was ignored or never made it. Either way the Lords of Waterdeep haven't or couldn't be bothered to see why there's been no word from Lady Nandar or Nightstone for so many days. At best they are ignorant, at worst they left us here to rot." 

"They didn't come here to take back the town but they did even though they weren't prepared for it, I would say that shows a certain level of talent. And we could really use the help."  As she finishes that sentence the gives you each an appraising look and smiles. "But you had questions about what exactly happened here yes? Kaelen, you saw most of it care to inform our guests?"

"The entire thing was unexpected. About a year ago the elves of Ardeep forest attacked the town, they killed Lord Nandar in that attack. Ever since then everyone has been on edge, worried about another attack. Security has never been higher, the keep wall was fully manned and most of the towers along the town wall were staffed throughout the day. We thought we were ready if another attack came but, we weren't prepared for an attack from above. About 4 days ago I was on patrol, it was a sunny day like today, we were keeping an eye of the edge of the forest, looking for any signs of activity as always. Suddenly the sun was blotted out, I thought it was just a large cloud at first but when I actually looked I saw a Giant castle, just floating in the sky above us. I didn't know what to make of it at first, then the boulders started falling. You could see them, Giants, just tossing over huge hunks of stone like they were nothing, aiming it at the keep. Me and most of the guards close by started running towards the keep. I remember two of the guards behind me were....were crushed when a boulder landed on the bridge. Suddenly the keep was cut off from the rest of town. We thought they were going to just target the keep, and we were determined to find and protect Lady Nandar, but once the bridge was out some of the giants started throwing their rocks into the town square. People were killed as their homes collapsed on top of them, others were crushed by boulders or falling debris. It was absolute chaos. Normal town procedure was that in the event of an attack, the citizens were to flee to the keep for protection. Without the bridge that wasn't an option. There were a few guards still out there but we couldn't fight them, they were well out of range of even our best archers. With the bridge out and no where to hide in town, they lowered the drawbridge, the surviving villagers and guards fled North. Once the village was empty, four pale skinned giants came down from the castle, they went to the village square and uprooted the Nightstone. If you're not familiar, the Nightstone is - was - a massive Megalith of Obsidian that was here before the towns founding ten-years ago. It's the towns namesake, it has some odd glyphs carved into it and was supposedly magical in someway but no one knew how. As far as most people were concerned it was just a interesting bit of town history and nothing more. Certainly nothing worth destroying the town over, not sure why the Giants wanted it. But once they had it they took it back up to the Castle and then the whole thing Drifted off to the East. Just like that it was over."

"The rest of us were in the keep when this happened. We had no idea what was happening, suddenly the roof just started to cave in seeming at random as the whole keep shook. I was in the Gatehouse before it collapsed. There were a bunch of us there, I'm the only one who made it out though not without injury. Alara here was in the keep, roof caved in on some servants she was talking with, some guards too. And Sydiri, well, she was with Lady Nandar.." 

You see the blonde haired guard, Sydiri, who had been keenly listening in to you're story, go pale white at the mention of what happened. 

 "It's okay Syd, you don't have to talk if you do-" 

"I was meeting with Lady Nandar for the first time as a guard. I only just joined up. She was welcoming me and showing me around the keep even though it wasn't her job. We had gotten to the far end of the Great Hall when a boulder came down on us. There was debris from the roof everywhere, her personal guard wasn't moving. Lady Nandar was...hit with the Boulder. Stuck under it. She was alive. I tried to help but I couldn't get her free, the boulder was too heavy. There was so much blood, I cried for help but no one could hear me or couldn't find us, there was so much happening at once. They only dug me out of the rubble yesterday. Landy Nandar..." Her eyes drift towards the white sheet on the dining table. On closer inspection you can see the side turned away from you is mostly red with dried blood. Sydiri's eyes start to well up with tears and she sits down and curls up to cry. The other guards turn away, not knowing what to do. 

"So yeah...that's pretty much the long and short of it. As far as we know, we're all that's left. There's no one of rank still left within the guards, here anyway, and our town is in ruins without a Lord or Lady to Govern it. I sent a message via carrier pigeon to Waterdeep informing the Lords Lady Nandar was closest with what happened, hoping they would send us help. Since you weren't hired by them, I can only assume my message was intercepted. If you say there were Zhents nearby, I guess that would make sense. We had decided to wait here for help, to protect Lady Nandar's remains until she could be buried properly, and to prevent any would be looters from stealing her things. As you've heard, some of us"  She glares at Torem "Have lost hope. To be honest, we've all been at each others throats since this whole thing started. This is unlike anything we expected. I can't really force the others to stay, but I'm hoping you folks may help us, the town can be rebuilt after all. If you all are willing, I'd have a task for you if you'd care to hear it." 

 Slight edit because I see there was post for Nadia while I was writing. 

Nadia, you see the blonde hair guard smile back hopefully and see seems to be very interested in Zacks story, especially the parts about saving the town from Goblins and Zhents. Though as it comes turn for her to speak you see her go pale and wide eyed as if reliving a traumatic experience before she tells you all her story. As for the others, you see that by the end of Zacks report they have let their guard down, seemingly convinced you are all being truthful You gave by looking at them that they are all tired and frustrated with their situation. It's clearly there's been infighting. Alara seems to have hope that things can be fixed but Torem reads as a man whose lost everything and has stopped caring. Sydiri seems like an eager go getter who unfortunately had her world taken from her all at once. Kaelen seems like a typical soldier, strong and stern. He tries not to make his problems, injury or otherwise, anyone elses problem and mostly only speaks when asked to, or so you've seen.

Earlier with Kaelen:

Nadaar smirked. "At least you got the race right. Unless stated otherwise, most have had the unfortunate tendency to mistake me for a Lizardfolk. Can you imagine it? Me? One of those swamp dwelling reprobates? The nerve!" He jokes on the way back.

Present:

Whoever is first to reach Nadaar is who the Dragonborn passes the burden. Albeit relunctantly, and with only Zack and Nadia really understanding or at least suspect as pride rearing its head. For he could handle a little extra weight for hours if need be! Be that as it may, he finds the closest column or still furniture to sit on while Zack and Nadia took over negotiations. Although if the only one available happens to be the same one the covered body laid upon, he stays standing behind his compatriots with hands folded behind his back, and gaze intently focused on seeking out duplicity from the guards.

Every time Zack mentions the word charm and 'Nadaar' in the same line, the corner of his Nadaar's eyes twitches and expression fell from neutral to mildly annoyed before long. Yet he held his tongue to the end, having mutely chosen to prioritize seeking signs of duplicity. Still, any thanks are answered with curt nods of acceptance, and in being reminded of Rillex, Nadaar's expression softens after looking to the shoulder cat. "I believe I can already guess what two of those tasks might be." He turns back to the gathered and beleaguered guard with pleasant smile. "Before then, a couple corrections. One, I did not charm anyone. I was simply civil. A rare commodity in these days... Secondly, I am not a mercenary. Simply... a kind and curious soul. Imply /I/ am what I am not again, and you will see just what else I am." The last part he says while staring flatly at Torem.

"...But for what little it may be worth, you have my condolences. Good leaders are hard to find. The fact that she invoked such distress in her passing is in part proof of her abilities... Missteps in employing the weak-hearted not withstanding." Again, he glances to Torem, though only briefly before focusing back on Alara. "This all aside, you wish to request we look for these fled villagers who made there way northward, and see them home correct? If so, I..." He glances over to Zack and Nadia. "Cannot speak for my compatriots. But if it is possible to find them, I will see to it. And if not, report back here. All I ask in return is to be allowed to keep these until at least the completion of my mission." Nadaar casually gestures to the longswords currently at his side. "We could also see to another delivery to this waterdeep. Though without being able to at least temporarily conscript from the local populace to protect the town, I fear any hand delivered missive would be too late. If these Zhents have such an interest in the place, it will be only a matter of time before more of their agents arrive."

Alara Nods at Nadaar's assumption and says "Half correct. I only ask that you folks find our missing villagers and make sure they are safe. If they wish to return I'd ask you bring them here safely. After all whats a village with no villagers. I will take care of contacting Waterdeep, but first we need to set up a way across the bridge and bury Lady Nandar. Now that we know the village is clear of enemies we should be able to keep it secure from anyone trying to get in. Even if left unmanned the city walls are difficult to scale, four of us can watch most sections of the wall. If any Zhents do try to come back they'll find no easy conquest. Once you return with the villagers I'll arrange for a messenger to be sent to Waterdeep. If there's no one left then...I suppose we will have to abandon Nightstone."

Torem, who up until this point has been eyeing Nadaar with cold hostility after his comments, speaks up. "If you do look for the villagers, you should keep an eye out for Morak, the Inn Keeper. To hear him tell it he was a bit of a warrior in his prime. He's Dwarven, the only one in town, so he should be easily recognizable. As Kaelen said, the villagers went North, only place I can think that may have served as shelter from the Giants is a cave set into the hills there. We call it the Dripping Caves, on account of the sound of dripping water from the stalactites there. No one has really explored the entire cave system, not a lot of reason to go there, unless you're trying to hide from giants throwing rocks from a flying castle."

"He's right, can't think of anywhere else nearby that would offer protecting from the bombardment. But the villagers haven't returned, I'm afraid some manner of beast or maybe bandits have taken up refuge there. Or maybe the got lost in the caves. Whatever the reason, I'm afraid they may be in some type of danger. I don't believe all of them would just leave and never come back. Morak was a real man of the people, if anyone could lead those poor souls and keep them safe it would be him, and I suspect we'll need him if we intend to rebuild. So, will you folks search for them? I'm afraid with everyday that passes we lose the chance of bringing them home safely. "

Zack felt horrible suddenly, his smile fading to a more neutral pose after having essentially hit on a girl who had a traumatizing experience like that. He had assumed she was just stressed before but it was clearly much more. Regardless, he listened to everything they said, finally having a relatively clear understanding of what happened which, despite the tragedy, was a relief. The picture was finally in focus. And he was glad that atleast some of them could see the trio was useful, even if the minority doubted. perhaps I can finally get my life started...  he though, referring to his dream of becoming a hero of sorts. 

Nadaar.. You're fretting like a nanny over the small details. Whether you convinced them or charmed them is irrelevant.. the fact remains you proved yourself to be a swift thinker at an opportune moment. And it was meant as a compliment man... he said, his eyes closing and brows raising as he faced the dragonman, giving him an awkward expression while rubbing through the back of his hair. Eventually allowing his hand to fall back to a relaxed position. Also holding back a quip about 'not being so friendly and kind' in quite a few cases. He had held back a snicker at Torem making a 'water is wet' level statement, but his face was clear that he was holding back.

Anyways guys... everyone... I think we'll all agree that finding the villagers is likely the priority. Peoples lives are always the priority. So seems we're heading north? And don't worry Alara, Whether its beasts or bandits, we'll take care of it. Hopefully it's just Morak playing village cheif, but I've always learned to be prepared for the worst. So yeah, Unless Nadia objects? I'd say.. give us some time to rest here over night... we .. haven't really had a chance to sleep since we got in a few days ago... and a nice.. solid rest and perhaps some warm food if you all have any to spare...? If not we have some rations we can split.  Speaking of which... Are there any general supplies you guys have that might be of use in scaling the mountain? Carts? Sundries? Tools? Etc?  I don't mean to fleece ya, but any thing that might improve our odds..

Alara frowns slight, saying "Right, of course you need to rest. Sorry, I shouldn't rush you off like that, I'm just worried is all. But yes of course take your time to gather your strength. We were running low on food ourselves, most of it was buried under rubble when the kitchen collapsed. But we can share what we have, you may also check the Inn, Morak usually kept his Larder full. As for supplies...you may want to check the trading post in town. The Lionsheild Coster owned it and had all sorts of goods. If there's anything left consider it yours. The proprietor Darthag is likely with the missing villagers if he is alive. He probably won't like you taking the gear so if he gives you problems tell him to take it up with me."

Torem's cold hostility is met passively by a cool and belittling look in turn. That is, until he spoke of a dwarf, earning a raised eye ridge of interest and a subtle nod. 'Or goblins' Nadaar thought before long, a grim frown tainting his features. Such contemplation the dragonborn keeps to himself, and pushes aside to listen more closely to the conversation at hand.

"It /is/ relevant, Zack. Words carry far more weight for my people. And though you 'meant' well, there was no compliment there from my perspective.... Not in this instance. Not given my own...." Nadaar trails off there and looks away as his countenance went from deep annoyance to melancholy in over a few seconds. In spite of appearances he still listened to what followed the brief exchange, and even glanced over once at one point or another before letting gaze fall elsewhere altogether.

"Personally, I rather be off sooner than later. Last night's... discomforts is hardly be enough to warrant another extended rest just yet. But, depending on how long it takes to supply ourselves for the trip to these caves, I would not be wholly against it, if only to avoid traveling at night." Having said that, Nadaar stalks off a ways to one of the longer looking tables and looks it over before turning to the rest with a grin. "These tables perhaps might do for a makeshift bridge? Or might you have any ladders in the keep? If neither, we can check the Lion Coaster has such a thing to build at least a temporary bridge."

Torem stands up to respond, giving up is look of hostility to one of someone who is focusing on something. "We thought about the tables but lacked rope to secure them. If you have some we could probably make something suitable within the hour. And the cave in question is only a mile away. If you folks don't take to long you should be back before nightfall. The day is still young afterall, how much rest could you possibly need?" The last of his words are directed at Zack with very little attempt to hide the disdain behind them.

"Why do you think I'd object, Zack?" Nadia questions, keeping her tone leveled to not give away her irritation at being singled out. "I want to help, and unless these people are faking us and hiding the fact that their Zhent's, then I'm fine with finding the villagers." She folds her arms in front of her chest, and takes a moment to shake off her agitation. "Anyways, I agree with Nadaar here. Better to do this sooner than later. We've been lucky to not have come across something that's needed to be taken care of as of yet, and are fairly healthy. We can spend an hour or so searching around for useful items, but then should head out."

When the mention of using the tables to help repair the bridge, Nadia takes a second to rummage through her pack, pulling out some of the rope she had stored away. "Will this do?"

Torem grabs the rope and gives it a quick inspection. "Yes, this will do nicely. Thank you. I shouldn't need all of it but will probably use most of it. I'll return whatever is left but you should be able to find rope in the trading post. Like Alara said, Darthag won't like it if he finds out you took stuff from the store, even if it is used to save his life. Best just not mention it to him, save yourself the headache."

Torem stores the rope on his belt and starts moving one of the larger tables. "If someone could get the other end and help me move this outside please? And someone else get the door."

"I'll help." Sydiri dusts herself off and starts helping Torem move the tables while Alara opens the door for them.

 The three of them head outside to start a makeshift repair to the bridge, leaving you alone with Kaelen. "Hehe, sorry you folks got tangled up in our mess. So, uh, you three really took on eight Zhents by yourselves? You're either crazy or stupid...uh no offense. But it's pretty insane, glad you won." Kaelen coughs and looks away realizing he is firmly foot in mouth.

((Updating post... I didn't see DM's post...))

Zack's eyes closed in another awkward expression, looking at Nadia saying Well Nadaar had basically already guessed what they wanted, and I wanted to as well, but It's not my place to force decisions on you. I was trying to be tactful, though it appears I failed. Zack sort of had a defeated look between Nadaar and Nadia's barrage, and as tempted as he was to interject further on Nadaars argument, he chose not to for once.

He had initially intended to confront Torem on his 'woe-is-me' mentality. But as events unfolded faster than he expected. It's fine Kaelen. And I honestly can't say for certain if it was eight, but it was definitely no less than seven. And the leader, this ***** named Xolkin, took some potion that made him seem to take no damage, but I hacked him up hard enough with my sword, and between Nadia and Nadaar helping wear him down, we took him down together as the stables burnt around us. But man It was a hell of a fight. But it was the right thing to do, crazy, stupid, or otherwise. At which point Zack flashes the myriad of scars he received in less than a day to help emphasize the point, as though healed, they would still 'look' freshly healed.

Maybe I'll help train you some day if my plans work out huh? When I make my mark on the world. In fact you'd be helping my dream... If I may be so bold and full of nerve as to ask you to not be shy about spreading the word when the town recovers eh? hoping to get word of his (and his friends) exploits started early... a little boost towards his hero-dream.

Finally looking to the N-pair, he would say So, seems like the plan of action is look for some supplies to make sure we don't potentially plummet to our deaths if the cave is high and ... or.... if we have to scale down some deep pitfall, or climb up one once we're in the cave. Never hurts to be prepared. Though I do feel kinda bad about taking things. So I'll pay him back myself when I can. So All agree'd we take a quick stop at both the Larder for some food and the store for some provisions?

Don't let that downer get to you Sydiri. He would say as the group eventually 'left'

Nadaar looks ready to interject at one point or another. Although he stops mid-reaching out to do so, snorts through his, and settles back to let Zack tell the tale. After browbeating him so much earlier, letting soldier boy soak in the admiration and sell the name was the least they could do. 'The name...?' Nadaar thought, and begun tugging at his whiskers again. "Perhaps..." He mutters just loud enough for at least Nadia to overhear. "So is such the plan. But Kalia... My apologies. Kae-LEN, I fear I must warn you that --" Nadaar pauses, considering his next words closely, then nod to himself. "It is not pretty out there. I've noted a few locations of some of the bodies along the way. If you should or even can see to them, it should help."

From there he passes along brief descriptions of the buildings and locations he saw bodies to the guard. "There's... one more thing to possibly discuss to our search of the town. But it can wait for our return. Do be careful while we're away." He lingers on long enough for a reply before simply taking his leave to see how the bridge work was progression.