Just get some old book from a tomb in some ruins, nobody ever got hurt doing that, right?

Q’rin chuckled, “So you can read, half-elf ranger? Marvellous.” He sipped on his wine, “Hmmn, you see: the old dwarven city of Brakehollow, deep beneath the Greysaw mountains to the north, was abandoned by the dwarves when the vein of electrum ore they were mining had been exhausted.” He shrugged, “Or so the story of the city ends, much of the history of the city has been lost since. We recently found out that the last ruler, Grunnud Half-Beard, had a history of his people and his reign written, sealed with him in his tomb. That’s what we would be looking for.”

Ariane glared at him, not believing what she was hearing, “Dwarven history? Did you change professions while I was away? That’s hardly your speciality.”

“I’m not doing it only for myself. Your old master Coleb was interest in it too, but he is too frail now to make the journey himself,” Q’rin explained.

“And you are doing it out of the kindness of your heart?” Ariane scoffed at him.

“Obivously I can keep whatever else I find in those ruins unless it has significant historical value,” Q’rin smiled, “Call it a… mutually beneficial arrangement.” He turned to the others, “One which would benefit all of you as well, you can keep whatever loot you find.” He eyed the gloves Lex was wearing, a smirk on his lips, “And maybe buy yourself equipment that’s more than cheap parlour tricks.”

Lex coughed, “I-I couldn’t afford much more.”

“But why do you need us? This doesn’t seem like the most dangerous expedition,” Mira said and then looked back to the heavily armoured paladin, “You have all the help you need.”

“My dear, Mira was it? I know better than anyone what lurks in the depths of the earth and an abandoned dwarven city is an invitation to most of those creatures to make it their home.” He leaned back and looked at everyone with a stern gaze, “Believe me, it will be plenty dangerous, maybe even too dangerous for a band of young adventurers like you.”

Khala was annoyed at him dismissing them that easily, “We can handle it!”

“Yeah, we’ve dealt with underground tunnels before,” Mira said, “How bad can it be?”

Q’rin chuckled, “It’s good to see you so eager, but you might regret your words in time. So we are in agreement? Will you come with me to Brakehollow?”

Ariane sighed as she saw that everyone seemed to be in agreement, “Alright, fine. We will accompany you. But I will keep my eye on you, Q’rin. I know you are hiding something and I’ll be damned if I won’t find out what it is.”

“Good, good,” Q’rin smiled, “We leave first thing tomorrow morning, equip yourself for a long journey under the earth. I took the liberty to book you rooms at the Cat’s Cradle Inn just down the street.” He grinned, “I didn’t know how many friends you’d bring, so you’ll probably have to share.” He pulled out a golden coin and gave it to the paladin, “Ser Bismarck, be a doll and pay my expenses inside for me, will you?”

The man grumbled, “Very well, Mr de Fhar.” He headed inside the tavern and emerged again shortly after, standing at the dark elf’s side again.

“Now, if you will excuse me, my dears, I shall take my leave. We will gather tomorrow at first light at the northern gate. It might not be the worst idea to leave your horses here in town, they cannot come with us down to the ruins,” the dark elf bowed to them and left them sitting, the paladin following him swiftly.

“I take it you don’t trust him?” Mira asked Ariane.

“No, I don’t. He’s a snake,” Ariane frowned, “Keep your wits about you with him. He might talk fancily and act courteous but there’s only malice in his heart, I promise you.”

“He didn’t seem so bad, but if you say so we will be careful,” Khala nodded.

“Now then, should we go shopping or head to that inn?” Lex stood up from his seat.