The Dragon's Jaw Inn

[Zildrax]

"Well, story telling is not my forte. I was taught in the military to give factual reports, so that is the kind of reports I give. However, I am sure Peter here, being a bard, can take such facts and turn them into a intresting story. It is not, however, my talent." He says with a modest smile.

He orders another ale, and then stands up. "Perhaps we could go speak now, then, assuming none of my companions object."

 

[Eroria]

"I'd like a room please." Eroria says, grateful for this once, to be noticed. "A private room."

 

[Northman]

Peter rises, "Sure, but let's not be gone too long. Oh," he speaks louder so all the adventurers can hear. "In case you don't know, it is customary for to buy a round of beer for the house after slaying a dragon."

Several people cheer as the common room fills up and becomes standing room only.

"Just looking out for you there." He winks and smiles.

Fat Tom, now very busy, says, "Of course, Lady Eroria. And when my daughter returns with something for you to wear, I'll send it up immediately. Also, I'll have a bath drawn for you in your room."

"Stefany, take Lady Eroria to her room. It's the corner room with the church view at the top. And fetch anything else she wants. She's a dragonslayer!"

Fat Tom takes what gold Eroria gives him at this time with a smile and a bow, still sitting on his padded stool.

 

[Eroria]

Eroria turns scarlet from her throat to the roots of her hair. She manages to stutter out a quick "My th--th--thanks", before scuttling hurriedly upstairs after Stefany.

 

[Aguirre]

Left alone at his table, Walfilbalf sighs, then raises his mug to his lips and gulps down the rest of it's contents.

 

[Northman]

The room begins to get rowdy, some people calling for their free dragonslayer drink. A man with a pipe begins to play a few notes. Someone calls out for a song about dragon slayers. Another man, with a salt and pepper beard, stands on a bench and begins singing. The short man with the pipe begins to follow with a tune to match.

"In the year twelve of the Age of Kings,
On fair summer's day
Up on the hill called Haden's Hoch
A dragon there did lay.

He was covered in scales as green as the grass
He was as long as sixteen mules.
He ate every man that ever did see him
Be it warrior, king, or fool.

Then one day up to that hill
Did walk Sir Velveriene.
His sword was in hand and armor shone bright
He blade and wit were keen.

He cried out aloud to the dragon that lay
'I have come to claim your hide!
Na'er again will you eat a man
Today sir you will die.’

Oh the dragon he rose up and spit on the earth
And said, 'Can this be true?
I've eaten a child, I've eaten a priest,
What will stop me from eating you?'

Sir Velveriene raised his sword up high
And said, 'Dragon you are not the first
I've slain eleven of your kin
And you're not even the worst.

Well this rose his ire, the dragon he snarled
And narrowed both his eyes.
'You may have killed a few of my brethren sir knight,
But today you're going to die.
Today you're going to die.'

(the tune changes slightly)
And the dragon sprang down on the small armored man
And the rage of the battle was heard through the land
Tooth claw and tail, yet the knight wouldn't sucum
Even when dragon breath turned his arm numb

And they fought all the day
Neither had their way

(the tune changes back)
When darkness did fall and the stars came out
Both fell exhausted to the ground
The panting of both and the wheezing of breath
Was the only sound

'You Sir Knight have fought valiantly.
You've given me your best
May I know your name so that I can tell the others
That you are the best?'

'My name is Sir Velveriene, from Dumbledein,'
He said as he bowed his head.
Then the dragon rose up as the knights eyes were down
And bit off his head.

There are many things that a knight may do
If he reaches deep down inside.
But its death to any that challenge a dragon
To a contest of pride

To a contest of pride!"

The commonroom erupts in a roar of cheering and laughter. One man, seemingly already half drunk calls out with a frustrated look on his face, "That wasn't a dragonslayer song!"

The crowd buys a drink for the singer and the pipe player.

 

[Zildrax]

Zerash smiles in response to the song, before escorting Peter up to his room, and closing the door behind them. He speaks solemly, his voice laced with regret.

"I will not keep you long. I will get straight to the point...I made a promise to the dragon, as he died. He wished his name to be known and feared, and I said it would be. I would like it if you could, in the tale you write, make him a creature to be feared. I realize this also may portray us in a bit of an exagerrated light since we slew him, but most bard's tale's tend to do that already, so it should not seem unusual. I just request that you make Razak a name to be feared, since he had not the chance to earn such in life. I hope this is not an unreasonable request."

 

[Northman]

Peter blinks three times.

"Uh, sure."

He sucks his teeth.

"That's fine. I'm sure he was a ferocious beast. He was a dragon after all."

Peter smiles.

 

[Zildrax]

"Thank you. I know it must seem odd to you, but a promise is a promise." He gives a faint smile and then opens the door.

"Let's not keep everyone waiting." He heads out and back down, and sits down at the bar, drinking another ale, doing his best to try and drown out his feelings of guilt quietly.

 

[Northman]

A few people are audibly grumbling about dragonslayers and how they are supposed to buy a round of drinks for the house. Someone else says he doubts they really did kill a dragon. That's why they won't buy the beer. No dragon, no treasure, no beer. Other agree. Probably found the dragon head...

A segment of the crowd is changing from cheerful to rowdy as desention spreads...