The Forum Scrolls I

*after finishing my meal, i stand up slowly* "you havent seen everything little one" *i say from the booth, and i begin to walk over to the group of adventurers*

Beau shrugged. "I can kill things. And I'm great at parties. Oh yeah, I'm also kinda rich."

"If you're already rich, then why risk your neck for more gold? And I guarantee that you haven't seen everything either." I say turning to the man walking toward the table.

"It sounds like fun. That's why."

"How good are you at fighting? I don't exactly want someone that's just gonna hold us back."

"Good." Beau stares stone-faced, not elaborating, while laughing childishly on the inside.

My eyes narrow, trying to read this vague man. He is either telling the truth, or he is a very good liar. Either way, he's valuable to me. "Ok. You're in. But I'll be watching you." I turn to the other man. "And what makes you worthy to come along?"

*i reach the table looking at the little gnome* "i know of you little one, ive herd the stories from your land" *i rest my equipment on the ground as i kneel*

"Oh really. This is an interesting development. Tell me, what did the stories say about me? I'd love to know."

"i hear of a 'small' female gnome, that one does not just walk on like the rest, this one who comes from the royal family, taught the arcane magics and has a short temper. they say if i were to come across you, kneel to her and she'll not burn you to a crisp,..." *i begin laughing at my little joke*

"but in all seriousness, they say you are one to not to make fun of"

"Well you found me. Congratulations. And my temper is worse in the stories, but it is, let's say, explosive. I only incinerate my enemies and those who threaten my friends. People call me Fireball for a reason. You want to come with us? You're in. You know who I am and approached me anyway. That takes guts."

Beau chuckled. "But it's so easy. Half-stepper, little one, kid-hands. See? You try!"

I jump off my chair onto Beau's chest and hold onto his shirt. I put my palm right underneath his chin and light a blue fire in it. "You wanna run that by me again? I can and will burn you beyond recognition. Do you still want to test me or do you want to take that back?"

"Burnt beyond recognition? Pffft, I can do that." Beau uses his chameleon ability to make him look horribly burned. "See? Extra crispy."

"I don't like you one bit. I'd rather have half the people I sent away than you here. But that ability makes you valuable to me. You breathe a bad word about gnomes and I will end you. Are we clear?"

"Nope." Beau pointed to his face. "I'm charred and junk. Fairly opaque."

I hop off Beau's chest. "You don't have my vote. You may be able to change your shape but I despise you beyond belief, and that's impressive considering I just met you. So far, you've been vague to me, insulted my people, and disregarded everything I've said to you, so you'll have to impress everyone else at this table before I'll let you come with us. What, besides being rich and that power, makes you valuable to me?"

*i pick up the little gnome and rest her on my shoulder* "calm down, he is just a lizard, they all seem to have an ill manner about them"

Beau chuckled to himself, resisting the urge to say "I can reach things on the top shelf." Instead he motioned to his sword. "I stab things." Held up his hands. "I can screw with people's minds with magic." He shrugged. "I'm still great at parties."

"See? Wasn't that easy? Screwing with people's minds with magic is useful, as is stabbing them. Just as long as you know what side you're on, we'll be fine. I still don't like you."

Beau smiled charmingly. "Love you too."

"So we have five now. That should be enough. We should probably wait until morning before we leave though. I suggest we all get a good night's sleep and try not to cause any trouble between now and tomorrow." I give Beau a hard stare when I mention not causing trouble.

Beau nods. "Right, that's what we all need. A little rest. A short nap. Do us all some good." Beau immediately walked away, headed for his room.

"so if i may ask where is everyone resting their head tonight?" *i say looking around the small table, as i stand up with gidge on my shoulder still*

"I have a room here at the Inn. I've been staying here for quite some time."