The moon's silver glow bathed the jagged peaks in an ethereal light as Sir Tomas Waverly descended from the night sky atop his majestic griffon. The beast's powerful wings beat against the air, sending ripples through the darkness as they approached the dragon's cave. The ride had been swift, urgent—Tomas knew he had only moments before the rest of the party arrived.

The griffon landed with a soft thud at the entrance of the cave, its talons gripping the rocky ground as Tomas swiftly dismounted. The creature’s feathers gleamed in the moonlight, and it watched its rider with intelligent eyes, sensing the tension in the air. Tomas patted the griffon’s neck in silent thanks before turning his attention to the foreboding cave ahead.

With quick, purposeful strides, Tomas entered the cave, the darkness swallowing him whole. The torch in his hand flickered, casting dancing shadows on the rough stone walls. The air inside was cool, damp, and carried the faint, ancient scent of the dragon that lurked deeper within. He moved cautiously, his senses alert, the weight of the moment pressing on him.

Just before he reached the dragon’s chamber, Tomas found a small alcove, hidden from the main path yet close enough to the dragon's lair. His heart pounded as he set down the torch and began to cast Tiny Hut. His voice, steady and commanding, echoed softly off the cave walls as he invoked the spell. A shimmering dome of force formed around him, enclosing him in a protective sphere. The air within the dome was warm and still, a stark contrast to the chill of the cave outside.

Tomas allowed himself a brief moment of relief, knowing that the Tiny Hut would keep him safe from the dragon's immediate wrath. He adjusted his armor and took a deep breath, preparing himself for what was to come. Then, with a voice that carried both authority and respect, he called out into the cave:

"Aryvistarax! Ancient and wise, I, Sir Tomas Waverly, seek your audience!"

His voice echoed through the cavern, growing softer as it traveled deeper into the dragon's lair. He stood ready, the protective dome around him his only shield as he awaited the dragon's response.

As the echoes of Sir Tomas Waverly's voice faded into the depths of the cavern, a low rumble reverberated through the stone walls. The air grew heavy with the presence of something ancient and powerful. Moments later, the massive form of Aryvistarax, the ancient Brass Dragon, emerged from the shadows, her scales gleaming with an ethereal light that seemed to pulse with the rhythm of the earth itself.

The dragon's eyes, filled with both wisdom and the intensity of millennia of life, locked onto Tomas as she approached. Her gaze was piercing, her presence overwhelming, as she loomed just beyond the protective dome of the Tiny Hut.

Tomas felt the weight of her scrutiny and knew that the moment of truth had arrived. With a deep breath, he commanded the Tiny Hut to go clear, revealing the scene within. The shimmering barrier dissolved into transparency, and Aryvistarax's eyes immediately fell upon the chest beside Tomas. The chest that held her precious egg.

The dragon's gaze narrowed, and a low growl rumbled deep in her throat. But before she could speak, Tomas raised a hand, his voice calm but firm.

"Aryvistarax," he began, his tone carrying the gravitas of the moment. "My quest is complete, yet the debt between us remains unpaid."

The dragon's eyes flicked back to his, curiosity mingling with suspicion. Tomas continued, his words measured and deliberate.

"I came here with vengeance in my heart," he confessed, "Malice for you, for the death of my squire, Shirley Templar. My intention was to destroy this egg, to make you feel the pain you inflicted upon me."

Aryvistarax's growl grew louder, but Tomas pressed on, his voice softening.

"But as I held this egg, as I thought of the life within it, I realized that my feud with you pales in comparison to the good of the Realm. The unborn dragon does not bear the sins of its parent, and it deserves a chance to live."

The dragon's growl ceased, replaced by a silence that seemed to hang in the air, heavy with unspoken tension.

Tomas straightened, his resolve clear. "I propose a trade, in faith. First, I offer your child a home in Merrydale. There is a small cave complex there, a peaceful place where the villagers will welcome the wyrmling. My wife is the mayor, and she will ensure that your child is cared for and protected."

Aryvistarax's eyes glinted with interest, but she remained silent, allowing Tomas to continue.

"In return for the egg, I offer the horde to my party. They have earned it through their bravery and loyalty. I, however, will forgo my share. Instead, I will use my portion to help rebuild Merrydale and establish your child with its own small horde, a foundation for its future."

The dragon's gaze softened, her posture relaxing ever so slightly. But Tomas was not finished.

"There is one more thing I ask," he said, his voice growing stronger. "In return for this trade, I seek your aid, Aryvistarax. The armies of Ket threaten the Realm, and I need your strength to help defeat them. I ask to ride you into battle, as my companion mount, to strike fear into our enemies and secure victory for Bissel."

The dragon's eyes widened slightly, but Tomas met her gaze with unwavering determination.

"And during that battle," he added, a small smile playing on his lips, "I wish to perform a song I have composed, over the battlefield. A song that will not only lead us to victory but will prove, beyond doubt, that I am the greatest bard in all of Greyhawk."

The cave fell silent, the tension between man and dragon palpable. Tomas held his breath, waiting for Aryvistarax's response, knowing that the fate of many hung in the balance. The ancient dragon's eyes, filled with wisdom and understanding, met his once more, and she began to speak.

PS - this is the song he is going to perform. Since you have gone this far, you get to see it first……its an unlisted video, but if you agree to this I would love the group to see it when it goes down. They will not know what is going on, just that a deal was struck.