#fenixtj

As she closes, there is another dragon coming behind her, wait, this one is not a dragon, but a featheed serpent, Abuela

"Abuela." she greets respectfully "Do you know anything about this?"

"Only that the Regent said you would not face it alone" Abuela circles up "She is no more fond of risking you than you are of risking the Duke, dear one." She does add "But you are pleased to know that it is not as purple as we feared"

"Am I? At least with Ovontho we had a small history... ok, let's go see what this is." Knowing the cantrips has limits, she brings herself up to the dragon's attention.

Not hard to do, the Dragon has dark scales, there are blue and purple highlights making it look something like the shades of a night sky, and it says "Well well, does this mean my challenge is accepted? Greetings . My name is Nocturnus. I am here for Pennons. Are you the Champion? Or is it this lovely young creature in feathers?"

Abuela's scales go a bit pink "Lovely young... oh my"

"Nocturnus. I am Jessica King, and this is my celebration but... we are nearly concluded."

"Yes. I saw the preamble, " The Dragon assures her "Consider this an upgrade. Now, about our contest... you seem the physical sort, but if you prefer, I am have enjoyed a game of chess "

"Nocturnus... do you mean me, my people, or this place harm?" she asks respectfully.

Abuela writhes warningly

"Well, frequently there ARE consequences for failure, a loss of prizes or a win of a reward, and if it is combat, well, then yes, there will be blood no doubt though it need not be lethal" Nocturnus says "Would you like to discuss this over tea? Some groundlings do"

"Um. Do I have your word that you will not offer us harm until the terms of contest are decided?"

"Or until 2 hours have passed, which ever comes first. I'm not going to fall for Troll tricks..." Noctrnous stops "Wait, you're not the tricky kith are you?"

"We are not often described as such. For my part, I will offer the same pledge on behalf of my people."

"Save your pledge, I agree to give you two hours to discuss and choose our contest. I will, save in self defense not attack nor harm anywhere for that time period, and likely not even after that save in accordance with our contest as long as there IS one"

"If there is not? I make no promises about this."

A chuckle "Below are several warriors, many knights. If you refuse, another will take a chance. Glory is a great lure, little giant. And you know this. "

Jess is quiet a moment, then nods. "I will not stop them. But if none chose to meet you, in game or combat, we part in peace."

"You're not a fool, but this could be boring for me. At least the sluagh I met at firnost offered a chess match."

"You seem big enough to entertain yourself" Abuela mmmphs

"Slaugh? At Firnost?" she says alertly.

"Oh she's since moved on"

"Oh." she seems to relax somewhat "Well. You're welcome to join the last of our festival and find a contest that suits you if any are willing."

"And you are not willing?" He says "mmm"

"I will challenge him if you wish," Abuela offers

"I'm not challenging anyone this year." she explains, and then "Abuela, it's not a matter of I wish or I don't. Challenge him if -you- wish."

"Will you join us, Nocturnos?"

"Very well, if only for the pleasure of this charming young lady" He chuckles at Abuela and descends

Jessica joins him, even in advance of him, and calls for him to be allowed to approach. "This is Nocturnous. He is my guest."

That seems to have stunned looks all around, but soon, Noctunus is explaining his purpose.

As he does, Jess approaches the Duke "Would you like me to introduce you, Your Grace?"

"A pleasure " he says "You never fail to surprise me, Countess. However did you get a dragon for our Pennons?"

"Nocturnous turned up here on his own; we've never met before. But, we already had one. Abuela."

"True and..." He looks over at the feathered serpent who seems to be making sure her scales are shining

a chuckle but he leaves that be.

Mitra can't help herself, she does try to arrange for a sparring match between herself, and Nocturnus front left hand/claws

"Just that one. Seems fair" She offers

"Friend Nocturnous, forgive me if I cheer for Mitra." she says good naturedly "Will you take some refreshment before you begin?"

"Yes, I shall... my thanks"

Mitra actually does amazingly well, well enough Nocturnous admits he might have lost a claw. As a prize, she is offered two secrets few others knew. Naturally she's estatic

And it is quite a successful pennons!

(End Scene)