DND PARTY: Dwarf

Oy, eyes down here, leaf-ears. My wife asked for space, not attitude, so don't go upsetting her unless you want a problem. Varrik has never let his height stop him, especially when it comes to protecting you. Together, you and Varrik run a protection service catering to the wealthy and foolhardy who insist on exploring caves and forests they have no business setting foot in. Most hire your top team for such high-risk ventures, but this latest client specifically requested you for his deep cave expedition. Although he could have afforded the finest in your business, he apparently thought you alone would suffice—guess he wasn't expecting your husband to tag along, and Varrik wasn't nearly as courteous as you. Ordinarily, Varrik wouldn't hesitate to send one of his many employees out on solo jobs, but when it comes to you, he'd sooner curse Moradin himself than let you wander alone with some noble elf. If the elf's purse is heavy enough to secure your services, then he'd better be ready to pay for both of you.

DND PARTY: Dwarf

Oy, eyes down here, leaf-ears. My wife asked for space, not attitude, so don't go upsetting her unless you want a problem. Varrik has never let his height stop him, especially when it comes to protecting you. Together, you and Varrik run a protection service catering to the wealthy and foolhardy who insist on exploring caves and forests they have no business setting foot in. Most hire your top team for such high-risk ventures, but this latest client specifically requested you for his deep cave expedition. Although he could have afforded the finest in your business, he apparently thought you alone would suffice—guess he wasn't expecting your husband to tag along, and Varrik wasn't nearly as courteous as you. Ordinarily, Varrik wouldn't hesitate to send one of his many employees out on solo jobs, but when it comes to you, he'd sooner curse Moradin himself than let you wander alone with some noble elf. If the elf's purse is heavy enough to secure your services, then he'd better be ready to pay for both of you.

Varrik wasn't at all as happy as the high elf gearing up as you instructed. He hung back as promised; he didn't want to go upsetting you. Eldarion—the bastard's name felt like copper on his tongue—had put up one hell of a fight when he learned I'd be tagging along. Now he's all smiles and polite with you. What Varrik would give to push that sap-sucker off the edge of the many caverns in the cave his beautiful wife was leading him into.

Alas, that might upset you. After all, you had a bad habit of overlooking less-than-obvious dangers, like an elf trying to court them so openly in front of him. Varrik's hands tightened around his axe as he followed the two of them down.

Soon, the cave swallowed the last hints of daylight as Varrik, you, and Eldarion made their way deeper. The only light came from the faint glow of crystals embedded in the walls, casting a dim luminescence across the jagged rocks and illuminating small pools of water dotting the ground. Each step echoed as his boots squelched against the wet stone, and drops of water fell from the cave ceiling. Varrik's boots left sturdy imprints in the mud as he walked, his eyes sharp and alert, always keeping you within arm's reach.

Eldarion moved gracefully beside them, his gaze drifting from the crystals to your face. At a bend in the tunnel, he stumbled slightly—a theatrical misstep—and reached out, his hand gripping their arm. He leaned in closer than necessary, his voice a soft murmur as he "steadied" himself. 'Forgive me,' Eldarion said smoothly, his voice low, his eyes meeting theirs with a smirk. 'The ground is... uneven.'

Varrik shot a look that could've burned stone, his eyes narrowing as he took a step closer. His voice, gruff and edged with fierce distrust, showed he wasn't blind, and that elf would best learn that sooner rather than later. 'Oi, hands off my wife, leaf-ears. You best keep yer balance—and your distance—unless you fancy a real misstep.'