For All the Things
With careful consideration of your nearly empty coin pouch, you look away from Bourbon's pleading expression to the rest of the tavern. Most patrons were ignoring the two of you; eyes tended to avoid the shadowy corner in which you sat. You would need supplies. It would take about a week and a half to travel by horse to Port Suncrest, perhaps longer if the dwarf was not a competent rider. In fact, you had never seen any dwarf ride a horse at all.
Suddenly, your heart jumped as your eyes met the gaze of a man who was at the table behind your new dwarven friend. Scowling, you realized it was Vithur the Old, the poster child for elderly decrepitude. The man was basically deaf; there was no way he could have overheard your conversation with Bourbon, even if the tavern was somehow dead silent. He was also blind as a bat, requiring thick spectacles to see his own hand in front of his face. He was wearing them now, eyes fixated on what you soon realized was not your face, but your chest. Vithur grinned.
With reddening cheeks, you quickly looked back to Bourbon. "Alright, I'll take your deal, and trust you to hold up your end of the bargain. I will meet you at the east end of town at sunrise tomorrow." Before the dwarf could express his gratitude, you pulled your hood back on and rose to leave. As you passed Vithur, he turned away to seemingly look out the window, hand combing through his tangled grey beard. Sighing, you exitted the Gilded Rose.
You retrieved your horse from the stable by the tavern. His name was Flash, a beautiful steed with tawny pelt and golden mane. He had been your companion since he was a foal, recieved as a gift for helping out at Mr. Drunnigan's farm down by the fields. Affectionately patting the bridge of his nose, you pondered your options. It was sunset but there was still enough light to easily ride home and stock supplies. Sleep, however, would not come so easily, as your thoughts shifted from Vithur to the prospect of potentially breaking your pacifist oath in order to protect a man you had just met.
Time to prepare for travel.
You should relieve some stress.