Human cities were quite interesting. Not as grand as Draconic cities nor as elegant as elven ones but they certainly had a particular charm that Amnetas found fascinating. The sheer diversity present in most pleased him to no end, such intriguing things to observe. Even at night they had certain sort of character to them and Metrea was no different. Splendid example: somewhere nearby was what sounded like a collection of dwarves singing one of their folk songs. What a catchy tune it was! Amnetas found himself silently singing along.
In this part of city the roads, alleys and walkways had no uniformity. One could walk down a cobblestone road, turn to find a brick one and end up on an dirt path before they even realized it. The architects of Athero and other great Draconic sprawls would have a mild fit at such randomness; Amnetas considered it great fun to see what came next. The sprinkling of light here and there was not enough to illuminate this part of this city but that didn't bother Amnentas, he didn't even need his night vision. No, the Bored Sage had his own light source.
Born from the zenith of his mage's staff, warm white light set awash over his person and his immediate surroundings as he traversed the outskirts of Metrea. Just as much for the benefit of others as his own. Many races didn't take to well to running into an 6'8" bipedal reptile in the dark. Dragonborn tended to intimidate the smaller species of Chrome with their sheer size and build. Amnetas was taller then average for his kind(not the tallest Dragonborn around. Oh, no indeed, Master Rakha was seven foot two. Now that was a tall Dragonborn!) so he tended to frighten other races even more. Which was very irksome. Amnetas meant no harm in these lands, at least not at this present hour, and he very much wanted to interact with other species at a closer level. He didn't need to scare the objects of his interest away just by standing there, now did he?
How tiresome...
"S'cuse me, m'lord." Pulled out of his inner ramblings by a voice distinctly lower to the ground than himself Amnetas looked behind him to find a - what he could only assume to be - young halfling standing just inside the radius of light cast by his staff. He figured the little creature was maybe in his mid twenties but he couldn't be sure, Amnetas still had trouble judging the age of other species. "Greetings, little one," came Amnetas' polite acknowledgement.
"Pard'n me, m'lord. If Oi could 'ave a momen' 'f yer toim?" The halfling said, seemingly unafraid of Amnetas' immense presence. How very fitting it was that the smallest of creatures seem to show the most courage!
This one's accent was strange to Amnetas even by the standards he was used to hearing from other races. He had heard verities of this dialect before but even still it took him a moment to translate. Nodding his mighty head in acknowledgement after a brief pause.
With a bit less spunk than before the halfling bowed his head in what Amnetas has come to recognize as, in this case, a sign of respect, "If ye wou'd, may...may Oi wal' wif ye for a spell?" Amused by the little creature's choice of words but deciding not to bring it up the Kaitos Des of Essim cocked his head up and to the side, peering down on the halfling. Realizing this was likely scaring the little one by the way its eyes widened, Amnetas let out a warm chuckle(laughter was universal across almost every species Amnetas has found). "My dear friend, if I might answer your query with another: why do you seek my company?"
Looking positively ashamed of himself the halfling spoke just barely loud enough for Amnetas to hear, "This is terribly 'mbarrassin', m'lord, but Oi 'ave a dreaded fear 'f th' da'k. Ye were th' firs' person Oi've seen wif loit 'eadin' this way fer nearly an hour."
Amnetas let out a puff of air from his snout in deep amusement. How ironic that the being before him could stand up to a Dragonborn without fear yet felt dread by the coming of night! All a matter of perspective he supposed. Admitting a deep rumbling, good natured chuckle, "My friend, I believe I can help you with that," he proclaimed with mirth. Cupping his fingers to his palm and bringing the hand to his lips, Amnetas took in a breath as he channeled some of his magical energy. Blowing into his fist for a good five seconds as he watched his hand began to glow. With some gusto he flung out his hand releasing a ball of warm orange light. It floated down to hover above the now amazed little halfling's head.
"By my honor this will see you home," boasted the Dragonborn with a good amount pride.
Staring at the ball of light with wonderment, the wee one tentatively reached out his hand to touch it as if believing it was all in his imagination only to to draw his hand back the instant his fingers brushed against it. The halfling slowly stepped back outside the radius of of Amnetas's light only to watch in amazement as the little ball bobbed it's way after him, casting its own glow. Summoning up his courage the creature ran a good forty feet away before turning to watch with delight as the ball not only stayed with him but cast a comfortably large radius of light.
Running back to the Dragonborn and putting a thankful hand on the upper knee of one of Amnetas's digitigrade legs, "Th-thank ya, m'lord. Thank ye! Yer koindness moves me!" Exclaimed the little halfling in gratitude. Amnetas simply chuckled in merriment as he watched the little man scamper off.
-----
Approaching his destination Amnetas thought to the curious note currently nestled in one of his pockets. Whoever wrote it spent a great deal of time to get it to him. It was quite obvious that it came to him through some form of magic, equally as obvious was the enchantment that came with it. Indeed it was the 'smell' of the arcane that woke him up on that fateful night.
After days of discussion, debate and study with his Order Amnetas was ready to set off. As he prepared a member of the Council of Dracan themselves came to give Amnetas her blessing, truly a great honor indeed. If the old Deadiilus didn't think important events were transpiring before, he did now. Obviously the Council knew more than he was told but that didn't matter much to Amnetas -- he was there to observe, to act and to speak in the Council's name as all Kaitos Des have done.
He was Their will and would act accordingly.
Still, he found it positively delightful how much effort the mystery letter sender went through to get the message to him. And to think they could snare him with their little enchantment. Please, he was a 362 year old Dragonborn wizard. You honestly think he'd be swayed so easily? Ha! Well...he was still here. So it didn't matter if the enchantment worked or not they were getting what they wanted. Hm...
Well played, good sir or madame!
Ah there it was: the Outlands Tavern. The place practically oozed character. Even from here the sounds of chatter, fighting and singing met Amnetas's ears and the smell of blood, sweat and cheap mead permeated the air. Amnetas liked this place. 'Blowing out' the light of his staff as he approached the door the exciting sounds of commotion became ever louder until, finally, he entered the tavern.
Ah what a sight: members of almost every race intermingling without a care. The tune of five different songs competing and clashing against one another. Oh and let's not forget the actual clashes. Looking around some people shied away from him in fear, some gave him a look of challenge but most...most showed him no acknowledgement at all. Oh, Amnetas really liked this place!
Tracking down his table by the obvious magical presence in the tavern, Amnetas approached only to be stopped by a drunken elf that fell off his chair to the Dragonborn's taloned feet. Looking down at the drunkard amusedly, "Pardon me, my good man." Fluttering his eyes open the elf looked up at Amnetas and after a pause...screamed, stumbled to his feet and scurried out the door.
Grumbling to himself, Amnetas approached the table, catching sight of the man in white. Cloaked and under shadow the person's features were impossible to make out by Amnetas' vision. He expected magic to have a hand in that but he didn't care enough to extend his senses and attempt to peer through the haze. All would become clear in due time.
As he looked about, observing each of the individuals present, the old reptile couldn't help but think how excellent of a collection as gathered! Such a party could offer him an assortment of opportunities to watch interracial interactions! Look, there was even a Minotuar. Splendid! Amnetas tired of being the tallest individual around.
Most interesting however was his fellow Dragonborn sitting quietly on the far side of the table. Not expecting to see one here Amnetas' mind was flooded with thoughts of home. Wishing to deliver a traditional cue of greetings but thinking better of it, Amnetas opted to connect to her telepathically. It felt good to speak familiar Draconic again even if it was only a mental whisper, "Honored greetings, my sister. Helm has smiled on us this day."
Preferring to stand, Amnetas walked to the far corner of the table near the being in white. Making sure to remain a respectful distance away. Looking over the rest of the party once more and with a nod of his head, "I am Amnetas kes Jaagon of Essim and I offer you all my greetings."
This should be interesting.