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[h2][color=darkorchid][i][b]Victoria Belmont[/b][/i][/color][/h2][i][b][color=9932cc]Half-Elf, Bard, Level 5[/color][/b][/i]
[color=9932cc][i][b]HP:[/b][/i][/color] 33 / 33	[color=9932cc][i][b]Armor Class:[/b][/i][/color] 15	[color=9932cc][i][b]Conditions:[/b][/i][/color] N/A
[color=9932cc][i][b]Location:[/b][/i][/color] The Coach House (Taproom)
[color=9932cc][i][b]Action:[/b][/i][/color] N/A
[color=9932cc][i][b]Bonus Action:[/b][/i][/color] N/A
[color=9932cc][i][b]Reaction:[/b][/i][/color] N/A
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[right][img]https://i.ibb.co/k55RrWV/Victoria-Alt-4-2.png[/img][/right]
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	The duality of adventuring life was not lost on Victoria. They had participated in an event that had shaken the Township of Avonshire from its rough log walls to the cobblestones of its streets. They had battled back things conceived in nightmares and had their brains scratched by a power beyond their immediate comprehension. They were compensated for their time, though in Victoria's opinion not remotely enough. The Bard herself had several small ways to express herself artistically and socially, mostly in the form of music. As she was a bit of an extrovert, her social proclivities were sated by traveling to a new spot and meeting new people, even if it was just this one odd, ill-mannered Dwarf. But to the point of Victoria's train of thought on the situation unfolding, these were ways in which she unwound, whereas her new adventuring party saw fit to get hammered and flop about the confines of their lent vacation home. [i]By every merciful god in the heavens above (and a few that weren't), Victoria [b]hoped[/b] it would stay in the confines of their lent vacation home.[/i] For the life of her, she could not fathom the overall goal aside from just blowing off some steam. 

	It did appear that the responsibilities of negotiator and babysitter fell to her, which earned the rest of their group a raised eyebrow and annoyed look. Maybe two. But these she smoothed over, intent on getting back to the tasks set to her. [color=9932cc]"If I may, Master Urmdrus?"[/color] She used the honorific presented by Lizbeth first, unsure as to whether it had specific or general meaning in this land but hoping that, even if it wasn't appropriate, the attempt to emulate custom would be appreciated. [color=9932cc]"To your earlier address with Miss Lizbeth; her suggesting a course of action when she hasn't full accounting of the proceedings aside, how else will she learn? I do appreciate that you have no objection to her presence as we come to an agreement."[/color] 

	The blatant appropriation of a portion of their supper from the older, grey Dwarf was not missed. It was not a point worth arguing over, even if it was rather rude. The stony bastard was really pushing the phrasing of their earlier narrative, Victoria observed. [color=9932cc]"Perhaps another time, I might allow you to indulge in of some of my smoked pork. To be open, there has been an element of magic in its preservation."[/color] It was at this time that Urmdrus spotted Morty, standing as still as death in to the side of the room. He looked from the undead thrall to Victoria, who simply sat smiling with an otherwise neutral expression. To her surprise, the Dwarf nodded. It was not the nod of one accepting an offer so much as it was clarity of understanding. Nevertheless, Victoria continued as if it was precisely such an acceptance. [color=9932cc]"Excellent,"[/color] she almost purred. [color=9932cc]"I shall make sure to set some aside for you."[/color] 

	With what felt like the vast majority of the business talk out off the way and a better understanding of one another, Victoria looked to address the last of the points at large and make one more request. [color=9932cc]"As the only one on this side of the negotiation that is paying attention, I agree to your caveat. Or rather, I will if you will agree to one of mine."[/color] Victoria looked around at the minor spellcasting, fleet acts of manual dexterity, and demonstrations of alcohol-fueled shenanigans. [color=9932cc]"Make my armor second. Take your time; really pour yourself into it. I've heard tales of ...Duergar? Duergar craftsmanship. I should wish to see this for myself."[/color] Victoria topped off her glass of white wine and raised it tentatively toward Urmdrus, who raised his tankard and clinked his drinking vessel to hers. He began to drink. Victoria followed. 

	When their drinks were drained, Victoria refilled her glass once again, saying, [color=9932cc]"Now that we have come to an understanding, Master Urmdrus, I am curious about two things. One, would you like another ale? By all means, please serve yourself. And two, why do you need us to 'piss in the bucket', hmm?"[/color] More questions might follow, but these demanded more immediate attention. Especially that second one.