Spinning toward the source of the deep, gruff voice, Aeron was surprised to find a shield dwarf warrior casually leaning on his great axe as he leered in the direction the breathtaking moon elven rogue had vanish with a broad smile on his thickly bearded face. Obviously, he’d been more distracted by her that he’d realized, having failed to notice the dwarf’s approach, despite not being known for their stealth. Tarl watched the moon elf vanish into the shadows with what seemed like unnatural ease, before addressing the human, who had the look of a forester, hunter or ranger based on his garb and bow, with a snide smile; “She’s a pretty little thing, but I wouldn’t give up my purse without getting well compensated for it… if you know what I mean, lad.” Aeron knew exactly what the dwarf meant, and he had to admit the thought of bedding the stunning moon elf had flashed through his mind, but he wouldn’t have acted on it. Charity for the expectation of reward wasn’t charity at all, and he really had given her the purse so that she didn’t have to steal someone else’s… at least not tonight. So he replied with a shrug; “She obviously needs it more than I do.” “You must be new in town, lad,” Tarl huffed with an amused smirk. From his travels he knew that coins weren’t that useful in the wilds… where most people had little choice but to live off the land. But this young human would have to learn their value here in the city or find himself living on the street in no time. Then he offered; “If you’re looking from a place to rest your head and some good ale to boot, the Bright Blade Brandished is just south-west down by the river… and, as you just gave your purse away, the first round’s on me.” Aeron didn’t know much about dwarves, having spent most of his life in the Moonwood he’d never encountered one before, but this jolly fellow seemed sincere, so he gratefully accepted; “I could use a room for the night as well as ale or two… so lead on my friend… and the second rounds on me.” Tarl started off toward the tavern, his short gait making Aeron have to slow his to keep pace, as he snickered glibly; “That was one damn fine-looking elven wench… if you like the skinny pointy-eared sort… which I have to admit I do just fine. I know most dwarves are narrow minded when it comes to mating, pretty much sticking to our own, but I say why not spread the wealth. Hell, I’ve been with dwarves and humans… I’ve even given a gnome and a hin a try… but I’ve never had the pleasure of an elf yet.” “You don’t know what you’ve missed then,” Aeron smirked with a wicked grin. “I’ve had that pleasure several times, and trust me… they know things none of the human women I’ve been with did.” “It’s a shame you let that little thief go,” Tarl teased almost wistfully. “We could’ve had some fun with her under threat of calling the Watch. Not to mention the purse you gave her for nothing.” “I’ve never forced a woman to be with me and I don’t ever plan to,” Aeron rebutted, his sense of honor offended by even the suggestion. “Easy lad… I’m just jesting,” Tarl retorted, realizing he’d gone a bit to far. “I wouldn’t take a woman against her will either.” “Its good to know you’re both honorable men,” a clearly feminine voice from the shadows startled them. ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************* Disclaimer: Some of the material presented here may be the property of Wizards of the Coast, LLC© taken from the Dungeons & Dragons® Forgotten Realms® Campaign Setting authored by Ed Greenwood & Sean Renyolds, the Dungeons & Dragons® Forgotten Realms® Campaign Accessory Silver Marches® authored by Ed Greenwood and Jason Carl and/or other sourcebooks registered to Wizards of the Coast, LLC©. This is unofficial “Fan Content” permitted under Wizards of the Coast, LLC© Fan Content Policy, it is not approved or endorsed by Wizards of the Coast, LLC©.