Fraener will tell Norrin of the history of Goblin Town and how it was once the fairest of Dwarven realms, Carak Nur. He also agrees with the mighty warrior that the Dragon must be dealt with sooner rather than later. They do not make good neighbors. Geoff said: Atop one of the towers surrounding the Hall, Norrin finds quiet solitude away from the noise and the bustle. He found this place a few days ago, probably the furthest place away from the festivities, but still part of D'Ashe Manor. In the dim twilight, he leans against the parapet and embraces the chilly evening air. Aye, winter is coming, although winters in Damara will be totally unlike -- and most likely worse than -- the winters he's used to in Waterdeep, on the seacoast. Nearby, Ranger the hero dog is his only company, sniffing at some random scent. The dog has proven useful, herding the horses and chasing away a fox that found its way into the chickens. Yes, he's a good dog, and Norrin is glad to have him around. He takes in the evening as he contemplates the events that have gotten him here. Foremost in his mind is the beautiful woman who shares his bed, Barbara. They have only been together for a short time, as fate had thrown them together in a cataclysm of violence that almost claimed both their lives, but they both emerged stronger for it. One thing let to another, and now it seems their futures are intertwined with each other. He's heard that some of his friends think that she is ambitious, perhaps overly so. And what of that? He's ambitious as well, working toward a barony for himself, or maybe even a dukedom. And why shouldn't Barbara be ambitious? She worked hard to get to where she was, only to lose it all when her husband died in the war and had to sell her holdings to Gurzun, only to be betrayed by him, and sold as a slave. Were it not for Norrin, Jack, Einar and the others, who knows what would have happened to her? Regardless, she is smart and loyal, and a survivor. And he wants her by his side regardless of what the fates have in store. He grins into the darkening evening. She's ambitious, aye, but is she as ambitious as he? He's already made a name for himself in Carmathan and Arcata. Word is getting around about "Norrin, Son of Thorrin, Champion of D'Ashe, Slayer of the Ogre War-Chief Ulfe, Friend of the Yellow Rose" as someone to be reckoned with. Yes, that's what he wants. Fame and fortune. His name to be spoken with awe and reverence. His feats to be sung by firesides. He wants the evil beings of the Realms to quake in their boots at the mere mention of his name, and the goodly folk to know that they have a found a friend and defender in him. Ambitious? Aye. So what? But first things first. There's the matter of this dragon, Razing-Death by name. He feels they could have slain it when first encountering it. But they were ill prepared for it, and almost lost a few of their number. As it is, they lost some valuable horses, something that doesn't sit well with him. But if they slew the dragon there, then they wouldn't know where its lair was -- and dragons always have lairs, and those lairs are always filled with treasures. So, they will bide their time and wait, and hopefully word of the location of Razing-Death's lair will reach their ears. The second thing that's eating at him is Goblin Town. You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. They must be cautious. Although he's never been there, he's heard stories of Vigguz the leader. And Ostrikka the slaver was from there. As Lord of D'Ashe Manor, he dislikes having such a foul place as neighbours, even though Goblin Town is a very safe distance away. But if he becomes baron or duke, it's something that he will have to take care of eventually. A thought occurs to him. He wonders if they could have the dragon and Goblin Town turn on each other. Tell the dragon that Goblin Town lusts after his horde. Or alert the denizens of Goblin Town that the dragon is viewing them as its next target. Get them to wipe each other out, and then he and his friends move in, clean up the survivors, and claim victory. He chuckles to himself. Ambitious, indeed! His thoughts turn to his companions. A good lot, one and all, and he trusts them implicitly. He's glad to be able to fight alongside such a steadfast group, although he wishes Einar could join them. But as the new Lord of Ramvira, he has a lot on his plate now. He wonders what trouble the mage has gotten himself into these days. He hears a startled gasp from a short distance away, and turns to see one of the house guards looking at him. He remembers this one, good with a spear and quick with a laugh, but the name escapes him. "M-milord," the lad says, startled, "Forgive me, I didn't know anyone was up here." "It's alright. Just enjoying the night air, is all," Norrin replies. "Make sure you keep warm. It's going to be a cold night. C'mon, Ranger, let's go."
