Now when Fingol and Indranil returned they overheard Drago and Lorindel talking about sending messages and then:

“Greetings Sir Jankin, Sir Lorindel, and Drago. Talking shop?” asks Indranil.

“Hello, everyone. Has anyone found where they keep the ale?”

“No such luck,” sighs Lorindel. “Remember, no R&R,” he says sheepishly glancing towards his brother.

Drago grunts his agreement and his hood falls back off his head, “Meat too.”

“I’ll see what they might have salted away,” calls back Jankin as he heads out.

Indranil eyes widen slightly. He looks at Fingol with a slight grimace, then with a wink at Fingol he turns to Drago and says, “Would that be raw or cooked?”

“Doesn’t matter,” Drago bows respectfully. “If the Prince has any who have desecrated our ancestral mounds, they will do.” It is impossible to tell if he is joking or not.

Indranil looks vaguely irritated by Drago’s response, “Drago, I suspect you might have to reset your dietary expectations if you plan to remain with us. Humans do not eat their enemies nor find such talk tasteful. You are not so far from the egg not to know that so I caution you to watch your tongue.”

GM: At this point the argument begins – note that Indranil has Favored Enemy Reptilians and so he can’t possibly be ignorant of the fact that lizardfolk never let the meat of their dead enemies go to waste. So he should have known where joking about meat with a lizardfolk would lead. As GM I can chalk this up to Indranil having reptilians as favored enemy because he is ultra-wary of them and even feels dislike of them and is thus goading Drago deliberately.

In any case, Drago’s responses have been spot on for the role that Don is playing.

What does stretch credibility is that Fingol the supposed diplomat did not speak up to defuse this as Fingol knows that Drago is Chief Rahk’s emissary. Drago also has very good reasons indeed to feel a life-debt to Newt. Moreso in fact, since he would have become an undead if she had not risked her life to rescue him. This is in keeping with their culture as far as I the GM is concerned. So it is discourteous of Indranil to be taking the tack he is with Drago.

Also, you would not leave Drago while going off to get food and drink for yourselves – that’s discourteous too. Jankin at least would say something even if Fingol did not. At any rate, I decided that Jankin would already have provided for such and so amended that above.

And so, a bit of dialogue that got shunted aside I am going to put at the end like this:

Then turning to Drago, Lorindel instructs, “I recommend you fall in
line if you are to be considered a member of this party. Our mission
is simply too great. If you want to be trusted, you must earn it. Live
by your word or face the wrathful consequences.”

Indranil says, “Brother, you words are wise and I pay them heed. I do
find these punishments… extreme and would prefer other means.

GM: But think about this – would the three of you (Fingol, Lorindel, and
Indranil) really leave Drago with Jankin or by himself at this point?
And would you really say in front of him that you want to go and talk
behind his back about why you don’t trust him? That doesn’t make
sense. At the very least it would come across as very rude to Chief
Rahk’s emissary. So let’s skip this and likewise I will overrule
Drago’s response to it.

Now then to get back to the earliest thread of the conversation that
got shunted aside but which I will put here:

“Well, I see you are back to your more accustomed face. Have you
determined how it was changed earlier?” Fingol asks trying to change
the subject.

“Actually we were discussing some of the methods we employ to transmit
messages over great distances,” Lorindel explains. “I was letting
Drago know that we could contact Chief Rahk despite the long
distances.”

Drago replies, “Well, right before you arrived, these fine gentlemen
informed me that your human sorcerers can do so. Even animals can do
so. Then the thought occurred to me that perhaps a sorcerer can help
me learn to control what is happening to me. Is that nice human,
Aramek, around?”

Just then Jankin returns and says, “Food and drink are on the way. And
yes, we had been discussing how Drago could get a message to Chief
Rahk and back in order to corroborate his story about his rather
interesting family tree and hidden talents.”

Drago grunts his appreciation for the food, ale and Sir Jankin.

“I don’t think it is important to corroborate anyone’s story.” Fingol interjects “I am willing to take your word, until it is proven false. I do think it would behoove all of us if we understood your powers. Or at least were assured they are under your control. To that end, I would be happy to try to help you contact Chief Rahk. There are limitations on what I can accomplish, however. The clerics of Heironeous may be able to help you with more powerful magics.

With his head bowed submissively Drago hisses in Draconic, “A sorcerer to guide me would be most helpful.”

“That would be up to Guardsman Aramek, I suppose.” shrugs Fingol.

Drago’s head bobs happily, “Can you please send for him?”

“Well, maybe later I can take Drago over to the barracks and see if we
can find this Aramek,” offers Jankin.

“I believe Guardsman Aramek is dealing with a personal issue.” Fingol says “But I believe he’ll be summoned to the Keep on other business soon enough. So you shouldn’t have to wait long.”

Just then a harried looking middle-aged courtier approaches. Lorindel
recognizes him as Liam the Steward. “Good sirs, I have come to see
that our esteemed guest, Drago, is taken to his quarters. You are all
being put in the same wing, so you can all follow me and put your
things away and change. In fact, Sir Fingol, Sir Indranil, and Sir
Lorindel, you are being given the same rooms that you had before. I
think you will find that things are more secure here at the palace
than during your last stay.” Liam then leads the way to the guest rooms.

“Darn!” thinks Fingol, “I could really use more trail bars!”

Drago follows all orders submissively. He knows he is the bottom of this clutch.

Fireseek 23

Once inside the foyer of the palace, Sir Jankin says, “The Prince asked me to have you all brought up to his solar for a debriefing.”

“Very well,” says Ragnbjorn, “but first there is something we need to get straightened out first.” He then steps over to Drago and says, “Drago, please remove your cloak.”

When Drago does so, they all see that once again he is a lizardfolk warrior.

Ragnbjorn asks, “Drago, we need to know what is going on with you before I can in good conscience bring you before Prince Prospero. How is it that you made yourself appear to be human?”

Drago respectfully hisses in Draconic, “I did no such thing.”

Ragnbjorn raises his eyebrow, “You didn’t? Well, you certainly appeared to be human when that guard pushed back your hood. Are you seriously claiming that was not your doing?”

Fingol: “You neither resisted the guard as pushed back your hood, nor showed surprise at his reaction. So you must have known or been a party to the deception. Explain it to us, evasiveness is not going to win you the trust you will need to continue as Newt’s self appointed bodyguard.”

Drago blinks and ponders. Finally he says in Draconic, “Sir Ragnbjorn, before we left on your ship, Chief Rahk told me that such is the way with sorcerers and adepts in my family. Their powers appear without aware and without control. At least at first. For myself, I have seen no evidence other than your reactions to me. It is very odd.”

Indranil has taken a step back, pushed his cloak away and placed his hand on his sword’s hilt. His eyes have narrowed and he is slipped into his hyper aware state of readiness.

Fingol holds his arm out between Indranil and Drago. “Peace cousin. Let’s continue to see the Prince. Meanwhile, we’ll have the guard show Drago to a room here in the keep where he can consider how it was we all saw what we saw. Afterall, if his powers are not under his control, he can scarcely expect to be brought before Prince Prospero.”

Ragnbjorn nods, “I agree Fingol. I did notice that the guard reached out rather quickly and Drago’s hands were too wrapped up in his cloak to stop him. I did notice, Drago, that you were a bit surprised that the guard was not surprised. So I do believe you when you say this was not of your conscious doing. Still, we must be careful.”

Ragnbjorn turns to Sir Jankin, “If you will, could you please take Drago as our guest to where he can have something to eat and drink until we have talked to the Prince and quarters have been assigned to him? I know the way to the Prince’s Solar.”

“As you will my lord,” Sir Jankin replies. To Drago, “If you would follow me this way, I’ll see if the kitchen staff can prepare something for you. I have never met one of your folk before and would be happy to keep you company for awhile. I am sure there is much you can teach me about the lizardfolk and the marshes.”

Indranil: “We cannot leave an untrained sorcerer alone in the Palace if we send to one of the guest quarters he needs to be kept under guard by a warded unit or escorted back to the Javan Queen to await our pleasure.”

“I am sure we will be fine, Sir Indranil,” says Jankin with a smile, “I am confident of my ability as a paladin of Heironeous to handle one lone sorcerer. There are also plenty of other knights and clerics about. But if you think my company is not sufficient for Drago, perhaps one of you can be spared from the meeting with the Prince?”

“Hmm,” Ragnbjorn considers, “Sir Lorindel, would you be good enough to keep Chief Rahk’s envoy company?”

“Of course, sir,” says Lorindel.

Indranil bows, “Good Sir Jankin, please excuse my caution. I do not question your capabilities only to note that whoever does guard him needs to be a paladin or cleric themselves skilled in detecting and warding from
magic. We have had recent dealings with evil clerics and sorcerers narrowly escaping with our lives against great odds and to return to Westkeep under martial law. It is uncertain times.”

“No need to apologize,” I would be feeling ill-at-ease as well if I returned from the field to find the city as it is. In fact, I cannot honestly say that I do feel at ease with the present conditions.”

Jankin turns to Drago, “It would be best for your own safety and our own peace of mind if you were escorted until you have been formally introduced to the Prince and the court.”

“I don’t suspect evil.” Fingol jumps in “Please don’t take Sir Indranil’s words as an inference. But to bring one with untrained power before the Prince is a risk that cannot be justified.

“I am sure you will enjoy your time with Drago. There is much to be admired in the Malarat.”

The ever quiet Drago, dizzy from the accusations and the ramifications, finally says in butchered Keolandish, “Please, please, I would be happy to join this kind human, Sir Jankin and our friend Sir Lorindel. I too would not trust me. I too do not trust me.” Then looking at Sir Jankin, “But I trust you. I will tell you all I know.”

Still not feeling terribly safe in this hell hole palace the humans call home, he dons his cape once more as a disguise and walks with Jankin and Lorindel.

As Drago walks away, he appears unusually talkative with Jankin and Lorindel, but the others can’t hear what he is saying over the din.

Switching to Common to more easily express himself and lowering his voice an octave so as not to be overheard, Drago begins, “For me, it all began near the end of our battle to take the ancestral mounds of my people away from Deathwalkers. The wight Relikez paralyzed me and then drained my energy. The hatchling Newt rescued me or surely I would not be with you today. Chief Rahk believes that I was able to cure myself because of my ancestors. Only two days ago, he told me that our village elders believe that I descend from a copper dragon who long ago lived amongst my people. He said there have been many adepts and sorcerers amongst Kopep’s descendants ever since.”

Drago went on and on, hardly pausing to breathe, thankful to express at last what has been bottled inside him these last few days. He told them about the message to Newt that, evidently, he sent on the wind and repeated that he has no knowledge of the magic when it occurs. He only sees the evidence in human words and their faces, which he still cannot read well.

Sir Jankin exclaims, “What a marvelous story! So you are supposedly descended from dragons, or a dragon anyway, and now you find yourself a sorcerer? Is this common among the lizardfolk?”

Drago replies, “No, it is not common among our kind, although adepts and sorcerers are honored for what they can contribute to the tribe.”

Drago, that is quite a revelation,” admits Lorindel. “I have no reason to doubt such an account, and as you quoted Chief Rahk some corroboration can be established.”

After a brief pause, Lorindel says, “I meant no disrespect by that, it’s just that Sir Indranil is very strict on security, understandably, in this detail.”

After walking a few steps in silence, Drago says, “But Chief Rahk is far from here. Can humans send messages on the wind as well?” If they could see his face, they would see a quizzical and curious look. The human world is so much more complicated than he imagined.

“Yes, there are many who have the means to send and recieve messages over long distances,” explains Lorindel. “Some use arcane and divine powers, while others utilize animals and other creatures to relay messages.”

Fingol and Indranil return to the lower hall where Jankin, Lorindel, and Drago are waiting for them. They overhear Drago and Lorindel talking as they come in.

Drago ponders this for a moment and a light goes on in his dimly lit mind and he says softly, “Perhaps a sorcerer can help me learn about myself?”

“I don’t see why not,” responds Lorindel.

Just then Fingol and Indranil return from their meeting with the Prince. Ragnbjorn is no longer with them.

Fireseek 23: at the Gate to the Westkeep Palace

NOTE: What follows are excerpts from the narrative. Drago is genuinely unaware that anything out of the ordinary occurs when the drakonik power of Kopep to disguise himself first appears. His only clues are the looks on human faces.

Arriving at the entrance to the keep they see that it is flanked by gibbets, iron cages in which have been hung the corpses of executed criminals. Crows peck at the carrion and hover all about the palace. From within the courtyard can be heard a large crowd shouting and yelling, and occasionally gasping in dismay.

The guard at the entrance seems to be doubled. In addition to the pike wielding members of the Guard, a fully armored knight walks out to meet them. He flips back his visor to reveal that it is Sir Jankin who has come forth to greet them. He looks a bit pale and drawn however, though he makes an effort to be pleasant. “Hail Sir Ragnbjorn. It is good to see that you and the others have returned safely. Please follow me, and I will take you Fingol, and the Marinus and any other dignitaries who may be with you in to see the Prince. Sgt. Apone and the Guards may be go over to the barracks and report in to Commander Gorman.”

“Thank you Sir Jankin,” Ragnbjorn replies. “It sounds as though the executions are still going on. They haven’t finished with all the rioters yet?”

Sir Jankin looks quite downcast as he answers, “Yes, they are finishing with the rapists now. These,” he indicates the gibbets, “will be replace with the fresh bodies soon. I believe they are preparing the arsonists now. Let us please go now. It may be just, but it is not a sight I wish to see and I would prefer we are all within the palace when they start.”

Fingol responds, “No my friend, it may preserve order… for a time… but it is not just.”

“As you say, Sir Jankin, there is no need for us to delay. Indrani, Lorindel, Fingol, and I will come with you.” Ragnbjorn turns to Sgt. Apone. “Sergeant, please bring Adelina and Drago with you to the barracks. We will send for them later. And also see to it that Odric is put in the dungeons, but well away from the other rabble.”

“As you will,” Sgt. Apone responds.

Just then one of the guards manning the entrance comes over to Drago’s cloaked form and says, “Sorry sir, but we can’t let anyone through without getting a good look at ‘em first. Those are the rules, no exceptions.”

Before anyone can stop him, the guard reaches out and knocks back the hood of Drago’s cloak to reveal a tall handsome man with fair skin, close cropped blond hair, and cornflower blue eyes.

“Who is this then?” asks the guard. “Are you with them?” He nods towards Sgt. Apone’s squad.

“Yes, sir, my name is Drago,” he responds to the guard.

Indranil raises his eyebrows when Drago’s hood is cast back and utters an involuntary gasp. Then he turns to Lorindel and whispers, “Well that will come in handy.”

“Indeed it will, Brother,” agrees Lorindel.

Ragnbjorn looks quite shocked but then steps over to the guard and says, “Yes, Drago is with us.”

The guard nods and steps aside.

Sir Jankin asks, “Is everything alright, Sir Ragnbjorn? You look a little…”

Ragnbjorn waves him off, “No Sir Jankin. Everything is fine, but I think that Drago had better come along with our party after all. Drago, please stay with me.”

Drago knows enough about humans to wonder that the guard doesn’t recoil in horror from him. He also finds it curious that Ragnbjorn, Indranil, and others are looking at him so curiously.

Without further ado, Drago pulls the hood back over his head. He feels exposed. He wants to hide.

Once away from Drago Newt explodes, angrily venting to the Guard. “Can you believe him?! So what is he? Lizard or human? And WHO is he?! Oohhh! I’m SO ANGRY! How can we trust someone who presents himself one way then switches who he is just like that (she snaps her fingers)?” She is genuinely indignant at the deception.

Fireseek 23

NOTE: This was an open conversation upon the Javan Queen.

The Javan Queen finally arrives at the docks of Westkeep in the mid-afternoon. They could smell Westkeep long before seeing the levee-docks of the warehouse district. The next thing after the god-awful smell was the raucous cacophony of noise – at first a murmur at the edge of hearing then building to a loud buzzing like being inside a mill. Turning the final bend of the meandering river the levee-docks of the warehouse district came into view.

A dozen small riverboats are docked and in various stages of loading and unloading. Stevedores swarm everywhere, carrying cargo up and down the ramps leading from the levee-docks down to the warehouse lined thoroughfare called the Riverway or else loading or unloading larger crates onto large wooden cranes. Shouting and whip cracking rises above the noise as masters and supervisors drive the predominantly Olman workers to new levels of toil to speed up the work. Here and there atop the levee-docks can be seen groups of Cuthbertian militia wearing crumpled hats and white tabards emblazoned with the ruby starburst of St. Cuthbert. In their belts or held menacingly at their sides are the clubs they use to preserve order. They seem to be watching over everyone and checking all the incoming cargo.

The Javan Queen is poled alongside the central wharf extending out from the levee-docks. Two of the crew jumps ashore and begin securing the bow and stern lines. A Cuthbertian patrol hails Captain Olman and they begin walking down the wharf.

Uglash says to Varkgrub and Drago, “You two had better stay below for now until Captain Olman and Sir Ragnbjorn have talked to the dock inspectors.”

“Varkgrub, this isn’t quite the city we left. It might be better if you did stay below for now.” Father Wat grimaces at the Cuthbertian patrol and says to Varkgrub, “It is not entirely clear I can get us both safely to my brethren just this second. But soon…”

Drago is torn. His senses are assaulted by his first glimmers of Westkeep. He looks from Newt to Uglash to Wat, finally grunts his agreement and silently follows Varkgrub below deck, but looking over his shoulder at Newt.

“What?” Newt says, realizing what that look may mean. “I’ll be okay. And besides, I told you, you’re not bound to me.”

Group chatter and warnings from Indranil follow, finishing with, “Rain, Adelina must never leave your sight and she is not to leave the palace under any circumstances without permission from the Prince, Sir Ragnbjorn, Sir Fingol, Sir Lorindel or myself. He looks directly at Rain and asks, “Is that clear? It is a shame Drago cannot join us, his added protection would be valuable.”

At that moment, Drago comes up into the deckhouse and from inside he calls to the others in Draconic, “I don’t want to be left behind where I cannot protect Newt. I have found camouflage.” With that, he pulls the hood over his snout, tucks in his tail and steps onto the deck, covered from head to feet in a long cape. “I hope you don’t mind if I borrow this, Uglash,” he adds in Common to the tall half-orc.

Uglash, who has come back aboard with Captain Olnut after speaking with the Cuthbertians, snorts and says, “Be my guest.”

Captain Olnut says to Ragnbjorn, Indranil, Fingol, and the others, “You’re all cleared. They understand that you are the King’s Rangers coming back from a mission for the Prince.”

Indranil looks at Rangbjorn and nods his acceptance of Drago joining them. After all the Malarat are now allies and he likes the idea of Newt having a second body guard.

Newt just sighs again, but much more quietly this time. Her face shows classic teen ‘But I’m an adult! I can take care of myself’ emotions. But she doesn’t make a fuss. Besides, the big city has too much to see for her to be troubled with trifles like bodyguards.

Ragnbjorn smiles and rubs his jaw thoughtfully, “I suppose that will do. Okay then Drago, you help Rain guard Newt. I am sure that the Prince will also be happy to meet one of Chief Rahk’s fine warriors.”

“Thank you, Sir Ragnbjorn, best friend of the Malarat,” hisses Drago in Draconic.

NOTE: While this was a private encounter, nothing new is revealed here.

Fireseek 21

Chief Rahk motions to Drago to follow him. Together they approach Ragnbjorn. In Draconic Chief Rahk says, “Sir Ragnbjorn, I would like to speak with you in private.”

“Certainly Chief Rahk,” Ragnbjorn responds in Draconic. “In fact, I wished to speak to you about the disposition of the spoils.”

Chief Rahk shakes his head, “That is no concern of mine. We have the mound and have revenged ourselves upon our enemies. We shall take their weapons, but not their armor. You are welcome to the coins and other items. After all, we have no stores. What would we buy with it? No, I must talk to you about another matter.”

Ragnbjorn nods and the three of them walk up the riverbank away from the others, their path lit only by the moons and the stars.

Chief Rahk indicates Drago and says, “This warrior is Drago. He is courageous and honorable, but he has long wished to see the world beyond our nests and hunting grounds. Also, his life was saved by that child that you call Newt. He owes his life and very soul to her and would continue as her protector. In addition, I would like him to guide you through the marshes to this lost city you seek as a representative of the Malarat tribe. He does not himself know the way to this city, but he certainly knows the marshes better than any human possibly could. Also, if you run into other lizardfolk, he may be able to negotiate safe passage for you. Will you do me the honor of taking him with you?”

Ragnbjorn considers this. “It is certainly a reasonable request. Yes, I think it might be good to have one of your warriors with us. Drago, you are welcome to join us, though I must caution you to cloak yourself when we get back to Westkeep. Things are a little tense there, and outside the palace I cannot guarantee your safety. Inside the palace I am sure that Prince Prospero will see that you are made comfortable until the expedition to find Thracia embarks. I will introduce you to Sir Fingol, the Marinus brothers, and Sgt. Apone and let them know you will be joining us. Then we will find a place for you on the boat. You should probably stay on the boat tonight as we will be leaving first light.”

Drago remains quiet during the conversation, looking from one to another. After Sir Ragnbjorn’s agreement, Drago bows deeply and then butchers his Keolandish, “Thank you, milord, for allowing me to serve you.”

NOTE: This was a public conversation.

That night Chief Rahk and the Malarat warriors host a farewell feast for Ragnbjorn, Fingol, the Marinus brothers, the Guard and the captain and crew of the Javan Queen.

At a certain point, though, Chief Rahk and the lizardfolk named Drago (the one who had been teaching Draconic to Newt and Rain) and Ragnbjorn all take their leave and walk off.

Rain spends her time with the squad, mostly in a melancholy mood. At some point during the feast, she will find Lt. Ahsk and Lt. Raz saying to each in common, “It has been an honor fighing with the Malarat warriors”, then in Draconic, “Goodbye and until we meet again.”

Newt is back to her cheerful self not long after her interview with Sir Ragnbjorn. At the feast Newt makes general conversation, mostly with the other commoners. She is the quintessential social butterfly, happily moving from person to person, enjoying the company of each.

Later in the evening, Newt asks Hex, “So, Guardsman Hex, will you teach me to play Three Dragon Ante?”

“Certainly, I’d be happy to,” Hex says. I could show you a few things now. He breaks out his pack and begins acquainting Newt with how the game works.

Aramek is just happy to be with his friends. He knows difficult times lie ahead but for now, he just wants to enjoy what there is to enjoy.

Gar seems relaxed but is still keeping to himself. He watches everyone and tries to have a good time. He hangs out by Rain and Newt. However, since he’s not talking, he’s probably drinking more than the others, trying to kill the dull ache at the center of his soul.

Indranil partakes of the feast but not the drink. He appears distracted and periodically gets up to walk the perimeter and speak to the guards. At times he actually walks into the river and stands still listening and feeling. Later on in the evening, he whispers to Fingol and Lorindel concerning his anxiety and asks them to be alert.

Fingol says, “I am already anxious enough, thank you.”

Fingol is also suspicious of why Chief Rahk, Ragnbjorn, and Drago have skulked off. Although the time when Ragnbjorn is gone, is the time when Fingol is most at ease all evening. He eats and drinks lightly, but spends time with Lt. Ahsk and Lt. Raz making an effort to make the most of the evening. He makes jokes about falling in the quicksand and any other embarrassing moments.

Lorindel gives Indranil a reassuring clasp on the shoulder. Unlike his brother, for the first time in a long while, Lorindel is finally at ease. He eats his fill and enjoys a few tankards. He then walks over to Adelina and her bodyguard.

“I’m glad she’s on our side,” he says to Rain. “Adelina, stay close to this one,” instructs Lorindel while motioning with his head towards the guard. “We need to keep you safe.”

Newt replies, “Yes, my lord. For my part, I too am glad to be on your side. Rain, did you hear how many Sir Lorindel alone slew in the mound? And I would never want to be on the wrong end of Guardsman Rain’s blades!” She lifts her tankard in a toast to the two of them, and then goes to refill it.

Rain sees Chief Rahk returning to the feast with Drago at his side. She quickly takes her chance to intercept them to say, “Chief Rahk, it has been an honor to fight with a great warrior such as yourself. I am pleased to know that I can call you ally,” and then in Draconic “Goodbye until we meet again”.

Then she turns to Drago and attempt to say in Draconic, “I want to thank you for teaching me Draconic, it made the walk back here go that much quicker. Farewell to you and I hope we see each other again in
the future.”

Chief Rahk responds in Draconic, “Actually, Drago will be joining you. He is to be the representative of the Malarat on your expedition to find the lost city of Thracia. He is also honor bound to protect you, Newt, with his life because you saved his back at the shrine of Thanatos.”

Rain responds in Draconic, having not managed to insult any of the Malarat yet “This is good news, I for one will be very happy to have him join the expedition. I am not sure of my orders yet, but also hope to be included.”

Newt chokes on her drink and stutters as she says “Wait… Hon…honor-bound?” She waves her hand as if to ward off Drago. “That won’t be necessary. Truly! I was glad to help. You are not bound to me. Truly you are not!”

Drago appears to smile at Newt, but otherwise remains silent.

Elsewhere, Ragnbjorn rounds up Fingol and the Marinus brothers and likewise informs them of the addition of Drago. “He’s over there with Chief Rahk, Newt and the others if you wish to talk with him.”

Lorindel welcomes Drago into the party.

Fingol brightens up upon hearing Chief Rahk’s news, “That is excellent!” he exclaims in Draconic. He then hustles over to Drago, (again in Draconic) “I hear you are to be a part of our expedition. I am sure you will be be a great help (glancing over to his father) to whomever is chosen to go.”

Completely unsure why, but after Fingol’s comment Rain playfully nudges him hip to hip. Afterward she clearly realizes she has made a number of protocol breeches, flushes red and moves into the back of the crowd.

“Thank you,” hisses Drago’s response, with his body in a submissive posture.

Gar smiles at Drago and his welcome announcement, but otherwise continues to keep to himself.

DISCLAIMER: While this was a private encounter between Drago and Newt, there is nothing secret revealed here.

Fireseek 21: an Afternoon Swim

While Drago is swimming with the other lizardfolk in the Javan River across from the ruins of Cypress Hill where Newt was discovered, he looks over to the boat about 90 yards away and sees the girl. His body shivers briefly in the water of his memory of the wight Relikez as he thinks, “You saved me.”

Astonishingly, Newt then doffs the necessary clothing and jumps in to dog paddle over to Drago.

When close, she speaks softly in Draconic to Drago, “I am glad I could help you. We must help each other if we are to be true allies and friends. But tell me, how did you speak to me from afar a moment ago?”

There are no others within hearing distance.

Drago blinks, “I did what? I was only just thinking about you….”

Newt says to Drago, “What? But… I don’t understand. Well the last few days have been full of strange events. Why should this one be different? Anyway, I am indeed glad I could help.”

With that she swims back and joins the others, keeping to the shallower water.

Drago does not have time to respond before Newt swims away. As she goes he thinks, “Oh do swim safe, my little primate. I’ll watch over you.” He trails not far behind her, deciding to go back to the boat too.

This time no message is sent, at least as far as Drago knows or could barely conceive. The power is still uncontrolled,  unaware and sporadic.

Unfortunately, Newt finds that the swimming has worn her out more than expected. She realizes she swam out further than she should have and she didn’t take account of the current. It is all she can do to make it back to shore.

Thankful to be on land again, she walks quietly back upstream to the boat, embarrassed by her inability to swim effectively. There, she rinses again in the river then climbs aboard (on the side closest to shore) to get dressed.

Shortly thereafter Drago, who has been following Newt from a short distance, also gets out of the water and begins to climb aboard after her, but he is intercepted by Chief Rahk. “Come, Drago, I wish to speak with you.”

“Yes, Chief Rahk, I was just thinking about speaking with you as well. Thank you,” Drago hisses with an appropriate submissive posture. “How can I help you?” Continued