Mr.Dark scratches his chin and makes a bit of a face, then glances over at Kaemgan, "Still eager to fight the thing? If we are going to, we better do it inside, cause...if it's free to fly, we're all dead."  After a few more minutes he pushes the front door open and emerges from the house, looking towards the Manticore.  He says out loud, "We were all just about lunch there. Well, come get yer food." 

Auric:

The golden Dragonborn reminds, “Forget not the additional preconditions we have considered,” as he wakes up the others so they can be ready if the situation becomes deadly.

     Kaemgen, having not seen a thing, is no more worried than when he went to sleep.  Feeling Adabra put a hand upon his shoulder he instinctively reaches out to her as well.  He does enjoy their hands on each other…

     “Oh, huh?” Kaemgen responds when Mr.Dark starts talking to him.  “You are of course free to invite the dragon indoors, but I suspect it’ll be a right handful wherever we encounter it.”

     “It really would be safer for you in town for a while,” Kaemgen says to Adabra, his hand still upon her.  “And if the beast does attack, it’s there your healing will likely be most needed.”  He looks into her eyes a minute, not making any more argument, knowing she will do as she decides best.  With a small sigh he takes his hand back and heads out the front door.  He steps warily, still not having seen the dragon or sure it is fully gone, but if business is going to be conducted then best get it over and done with.  Perhaps the night could still turn out well after all…

Scott thanks Auric for waking him up and informing him of the manticores arrival.

“Perhaps you should add the additional provisions to our agreement Auric. Maybe it’ll be more likely to agree to them having just seen the dragon.”

He dons his armor and gathers his gear. 

“Then again, perhaps striking such a bargain with the creature is a foolish endeavor as Mr. Dark readily pointed out.”

After Auric’s response, (Or perhaps during his response) Scott makes his way to join the rest of the group. 

Adabra’s eyes would flick with consideration at Kaemgen’s implore, but she’d remain silent. He was able to feel her shaking had calmed prior to leaving the building.

At Mr. Dark’s holler out the door the manticore would poke its head back out of the tree line. It’d take a few steps forward and out of the thicket. Making eye contact with the commanding man, the beast would turn its head up at him. It’d continuously ignore Mr. dark, flicking its tail nonchalantly like it was bored. He wasn’t the one she wanted, nor would listen to, let alone take orders from. The large feline would start cleaning itself, peeking up once and a while, only to stop when Marblebeard would make his appearance. 

Auric::

”The pernicious beast didst not make the deal with mine own self, though I will speakest on thy behalf as thou negotiatist,” responds Auric.

Help with Persuasion…

Scott sighs at Auric’s words, “You are quite right. I suppose I need to be the one to see this through.”

“Excellent you have returned when you said you would. That gives me hope that you will consider listening to an additional proposal.”

Scott clears his throat and leans towards Auric (or whomever is standing nearest him) and whispers “Please go get the food.”

Then straightens and continues addressing the Manticore. “My companions are bringing you what you requested and we promised to deliver for your cessation of hostilities against the occupant of this windmill. I couldn’t help but notice that you seemed to be as frightened by this dragon as we are. For they are formidable creatures and not to be taken lightly. Which brings me to my point.” (I like to imagine at this point some or all of the food is present)

“I humbly request your aid in assaulting that beast in it’s lair. It would gain you the good will and favor of the town of Phandalin and perhaps they would be willing to continue providing you and your young with sustenance in exchange for continued protection from one such as noble and magnanimous as yourself.”

“My companions had some ideas that would make this area more safe for all intelligent creatures that call this place home. I believe I have summed up their thoughts adequately, but if you are willing to hear it from them, I will let them share their own thoughts with you.” (I figured I may have left some piece of what was mentioned previously about adding to the agreement out.)

Scott gives a polite and respectful bow and does his best to gauge her reaction. (Let me know if you would like a roll passive insight is 14)

Auric:

Pulling out a cart loaded with some of the supplies, Auric presents it and steps back as Scott speaks.  He adds, "We wouldst need thy word that thine offspring and thyself would not attack the peoples of Phandalin and other goodly sentients of the region."

Help with Persuasion

Mr Dark finds something to lean against as he picks dirt out of his fingernails. 

The Manticore perks when Scott would speak. Allowing him to chatter away and present a counter deal she'd prowl forward without taking her eyes off of him. The feline creature would pad 20 feet from the tree line and no more. She'd plop her rump back down in the grass, tail settling calmly at her side with only the occasional flick in thought. And as he'd continue, she'd begin raising her chin up. She had more rivals to her territory than just a dragon, but it was the biggest. Piercing eyes bounce from Marblebeard, to the dragonborn and over the others before focusing back. The beast would sniff the air. Smelling the fresh kill that was prepared, piled and presented to her, there was a slight purr as she'd pause to mull things over.

"If you can come with a counter offer, I get the same." The manticore grins and licks it's teeth. "We've each honoured the first part of the agreement. I'll stop attacking the occupant of the windmill." There was a respectful nod of her head and Auric could confirm truth in those words. "I'm interested in some of your new terms, confirming some conditions, naturally." She'd stand on all fours. "I'll risk my life and help you dispatch the white dragon, when the time comes, with the understanding that my young are never to be hunted. And as long as this understanding is in place, there's opportunity to continue an exchange of food for protection." The beast would stare intently. "But should there ever be betrayal, know that your bloodline would be hunted out of existence." She'd rattle then thump her tail on the ground, triggering loud howling cries hiding within the tree line.

Auric you continue to sense honesty coming from the Manticore. Her focus was indeed on securing continuous food source and safety for her kin. So long as things benefit her in this way, she would not turn. And if she was betrayed, she wasn't lying about what she'd do there either.

     “Young are part of the nonaggression pact so long as they abide by it as well,” Kaemgen says, just clarifying the point.  “And the locals cannot control all people, but they will do all they can to ensure visitors don’t hunt you and yours for sport…”

     Turning to look at Adabra he adds “Would probably be best to keep the deal quiet from outsiders.  Deny any manticore being in the area.  Misdirect them to other regions. Steal their bolts and arrows if need be…”

Scott listens respectfully while the manticore says her piece. Nodding along quietly. He considers thoughtfully Kaemgen’s addition before speaking.

“Before any terms are settled upon, I feel it would be prudent to bring this matter to the attention of the people of Phandalin” He points in the general direction of the town.

“Further, if the townsfolk agree to this arrangement, of you protecting the town in exchange for food. I believe it would be best for you to have a name, if you don’t already have one. Something they can call you besides “The Manticore” as well as names for your young. I’m partial to the name Manny for you.” He pauses to gauge reaction to his name for her.

“Another point I would like to bring up for consideration is how the townsfolk would reach you if they require your aid. The simplest solution to me, would be for you and your brood to stay in the town, where it would be easiest for them to receive your aid and feed you for your services. Though, I can understand how you might not prefer this arrangement. What thoughts do you have on the matter?”

The manticore's eyes would flick to Kaemgen when he'd speak. She'd nod in agreement that her young would be held to the same pact. A large toothy grin would grow across the beast's face when he'd point out the lack of reliability in attempting to hold a whole community accountable to such an agreement. There'd be uproar, divide, and surely result in someone breaching that end of the bargain, as if it were a surefire way for her to break free of the contract eventually. Her head would dip to the side and she'd wink to the man. "No townsfolk, then." She'd pause, gesturing widely with her tail to all of you standing before her. "You five." The feline would pause to lick her lips, as a smile behind her eyes grew. "The healer woman too." She'd add, eyes remaining on Kaemgen as he lean in to whisper something to Adabra. "All kin included."

Piercing eyes return to Scott when he speaks. "Protection for food." She'd nod again in agreement. Finally, she was asked for a name. There was a brief bat of her lashes until he'd suggest calling her Manny. "Cute. But no." The beast would chuckle lowly. "Manny was our last nanny... He didn't work out." She'd pad a few feet forward, her tail flicking casually to show her amusement. "It's Minerva, darling." As she moved forward, two of her young would step out from the trees to reveal themselves. This was an act of trust to show her kin to you in the open. "Melvin and Maevis." She'd introduce them.

"And no, they will not be domesticated by townsfolk." Minerva would scoff, not even entertaining the thought of allowing her kin to stay in town. But after a pause her eyes would brighten and her smirk would grow with mischief once more. "Speaking of nannies... She'll do." She'd look to Adabra. "That woman's good with the wild ones. I've watched her." The manticore's eyes flick back to Scott. "They stay here."

"That's the agreement."

Before continuing to address Minerva Scott looks at Adabra and mouths, “Is this an arrangement you’re comfortable with? Keeping an eye on her children in exchange for her protection?”

(Scott’s thoughts, it’s not quite the entire town, but at least it’s something)

“Well, Minerva, it’s been a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Not to mention, the little ones Melvin and Maevis.” If it doesn’t seem to anger Minerva, Scott will attempt to pat the little ones of the head.

“Just to ensure you and I are on the same page. I will lay out plainly and in detail my understanding of the arrangement and you can then amend it if you are of a different mind.” (Holy crap I’m T'chal'fronack'zcinicker)

“The three of you won’t engage in hostilities towards the six of us and you will help us in our battle against the dragon that caused you harm in exchange for food. Correct?

How often would you require such food to be provided and how much? Furthermore, how long will this arrangement stand? It seems unlikely for it to carry on forever and I think perhaps there need be a definitive end to it.

While it would bring me great peace of mind to know that you are looking out for the townspeople in this region, I understand that Maevis and Melvin are where your concerns and priorities must lie.”

     After Minerva and Marblebeard talk for a while, but before any final agreement could be... shook on?  Kaemgen chimes up for those having a bit of trouble following all the details. "I'm a bit thick," Kaemgen would say as he stepped forward, stating the obvious.  "So let me see if I understand this..."

     Kaemgen would walk calm a few steps closer to the manticore and her kin, much like approaching new and dangerous looking dogs - One does not want to be aggressive, nor do you want to be submissive.  Still, these were smarter than most dogs so he also made a point of keeping his hands away from his weapons.

     "No townsfolk in the deal.  That's fine.  They've banded together and can take care of themselves if need be...  But the folk out here in the country, the loners...  A non-aggression pact between you and your kin and them.  Adabra here can surely reckon just which of these outliers should be included?  You are free to roam and hunt their lands, attacking only the wild creatures - no people.  In return they do not attack you, they do everything reasonable they can to discourage others from coming and hunting you, and they provide you with a certain amount of foodstuffs on a regular basis, exact details to be determined, yada yada yada..." Kaemgen continues, absently touching one finger after the other as if trying to keep track of each point on his fingers.

     "And when we do go hunt the dragon... Not today and now, we surely need more preparation before that encounter, or so Mr.Dark says...  You will go with us but Melvin and Maevis here will stay with Adabra.  To protect her, of course..." Kaemgen says, trying to be reassuring to the healer woman about that.  He then lowers his voice a bit, pointlessly, and continues ",,,but also to assure we do not double cross you."

     "As for length of agreement...  I see no reason why it cannot be ongoing?  Surely when the young are fully grown they look for their own territories?  Perhaps it would be nice for them to know that Minerva is safe and provided for even in her elder years.  Perhaps one could stay and continue the deal?" Kaemgen would suggest.  "With some time and understanding I think this could be beneficial to all..."

     "Am I understanding correctly?"

The little ones weren't that little, comparable to preteens perhaps. And with Scott's overly casual approach they'd hiss, snapping and swatting at his hands in any attempt to pat their heads. The hair on theirs backs would raise and they'd stand their ground. Just because he had an in with their mom, didn't mean they favoured the man. Minerva would smile like a proud mom. She knew they weren't going to hurt him, they were just making themselves known as individuals.

When both men would break into details about the contracts, the kits plop themselves a little behind their mother and start cleaning their toes. Despite their actions, they were actually listening. All insights point to the youngling's fully respecting their mothers wishes, honouring the agreement would be a part of their coming of age. Minerva kept her prideful stance. "You humans really the devil in the details of contracts hmm?" Brows would pop. She'd inhale a deep breath and flick her tail.

Scott: “The three of you won’t engage in hostilities towards the six of us and you will help us in our battle against the dragon that caused you harm in exchange for food. Correct?"
Kaemgen: "And when we do go hunt the dragon... Not today and now, we surely need more preparation before that encounter, or so Mr.Dark says...  You will go with us but Melvin and Maevis here will stay with Adabra..."
Minerva: "Correct."

Scott: "I understand that Maevis and Melvin are where your concerns and priorities must lie."
Kaemgen: "But the folk out here in the country, the loners...  A non-aggression pact between you and your kin and them.  Adabra here can surely reckon just which of these outliers should be included?  You are free to roam and hunt their lands, attacking only the wild creatures - no people.  In return they do not attack you, they do everything reasonable they can to discourage others from coming and hunting you, and they provide you with a certain amount of foodstuffs on a regular basis, exact details to be determined, yada yada yada..."
Minerva: "This is true. Though second to that, is food source, in turn making those who contribute to our agreement in a reasonable capacity, would be granted protection."
(First part response to Scott, second essentially summing up and agreeing with Kaemgen's points.)

Scott: "How often would you require such food to be provided and how much?"
Minerva: "Monthly would be reasonable unless more frequent visits are required. And quantities within reason. We still hunt to keep our skills sharp."

Scott: "Furthermore, how long will this arrangement stand?"
Kaemgen: "As for length of agreement...  I see no reason why it cannot be ongoing?  Surely when the young are fully grown they look for their own territories?  Perhaps it would be nice for them to know that Minerva is safe and provided for even in her elder years.  Perhaps one could stay and continue the deal? With some time and understanding I think this could be beneficial to all..."
Minerva: "Your companion's suggestions were basically our thoughts."

Mr.Dark has watched this extensive negotiating while still casually leaning against a pole and flicking at his nails, but he occasionally casts shocked looks back at the others, amazed this has gone so well. He shrugs himself off the pole and slaps his hand down on marblebeards shoulder, “Very impressive sir. Well done.”  He nods to the manticore then bends down to untie his shoes. Then he yawns and walks away, fully planning on returning to sleep. 

“Well then it seems to me we have an agreement. I admit I am unfamiliar with your ways Minerva, but it is customary among us bipedals to shake hands when two sides have reached an agreement. In what way should we finalize this agreement?” 

As he waits for Minerva’s reply Scott calls back to Mr. Dark, “Thank you!”

     "Well that's a measure of comfort, anyway," Kaemgen says to Adabra.  "Assuming you can sell this deal to the others in the region...  And assuming it holds.  Are you alright with the deal and it's provisions?  After all, it will be you and the others out here who have to live with it more than us..."

Auric:

Relaxing imperceptibly from his battle-ready stance, Auric says, “It seems we have an accord,” and grabs one of the slabs of meat from the cart, tossing it to the manticore so she can snap it out of the air.