To Love A Thief (Horatio x zombierooster)

[Horatio]

Dodger's smile grew at the elf's reluctance, so he was most definitely intelligent. Which meant Dodger had nothing to worry about.
"You say you are a great thief and if you know of my background, you know about my...strained family relationships," it was common knowledge amongst most Ferelden nobility about Dodger's disgrace, but not amongst commoners. "There's something I left behind at Rowling castle and I would like it back," he shrugged loosely. "You may decline, I will still help you regardless, I would just like to test your skill," he smirked challengingly.

[zombierooster]

Venidin considered it a few moments before nodding and smiling, sticking his hand out finally to close the deal. "Acceptable terms, Ser Dodger. I will steal your item from the Rowling castle, you will help me into Duke Burke's estate, and we will split the profits in the end." He smiled like a shark, but it was kindly all the same. He was genuinely happy to have Dodger's help; he certainly wasn't the only access Ven had to the estate, but following Dodger in was much easier than any alternative.

"Perhaps we can get more comfortable to discuss what you need from Rowling castle. There's a lovely tavern nearby."

[Horatio]

Dodger accepted the handshake warmly, smiling back and visibly relaxing. Ven helping him get his keepsake was intensely gratifying and was instant progress towards him trusting the elf. Plus he was attractive and quite interesting. He'd be fun to work with.
The archer shrugged loosely, "Sure, drinks are on me," it was the least he could do if Ven would be stupid enough to get caught at Rowling castle, it may be the last drink he ever had.

[zombierooster]

He smirked, starting to walk out of the dead-end alley and grabbing Dodger's sleeve to tug him along as he passed the man. Eraad watched them, always quiet and rather pensive, but smirking slightly as they approached. "Did ye hear that then, Eraad?" Ven was grinning, and the hulking man gave a questioning hum. "Says the drinks are on him!" He cast a good-natured gaze to Dodger as Eraad began to chuckle in one low, cavernous note deep in his chest. It was practically hysterics for him.

Both seemed all the more eager to go to the tavern now that it was Dodger paying, and Ven wasn't about to let him back out of that for a second. Venidin pushed him into his tavern of choice, which did good food and better ale. Ven kept pushing him all the way up to the bar and finally leaned up to mutter at him, "You order; they hate me. He'll need a steady flow, mind," he jerked his thumb to Eraad, who stood behind them but looked with interested at a few cards games going on to one side of the floor.