Cosar had to admit this hero-thing certainly had its advantages! He’d never had much trouble charming a comely maid, but tonight they were literally falling at his feet in droves. He noticed Courynn slip away as soon as he could, clearly uncomfortable with the recognition, and Talice follow just moments latter; he didn’t quite understand what was going on between them, but he had a pretty good idea where they’d end up tonight. Rynard’s pompous, courtly attitude put off the locals, but the attention he was getting from the Princess was surely enough for any man, and the crowd allowed them a good measure of privacy out of respect for her, while Nymara had quickly drawn a group of star elves who seem intent on excluding anyone else from their caucus in a secluded corner. So that left him to bask in the glory of heroism; accepting pints from men he didn’t know while maid after maid cooed and swooned at his feet. Life was good! He’d told and retold the tale of their adventure over and over, casting himself in the role of gallant leader and dragon slayer, to the delight of all around, but as the hour grew late the locals started staggering off. It seemed that these Yuir-folk couldn’t hold their ale. Even his bevy of fawning maids was thinning, much to his disappointment, but there were still a few he’d bed in a heartbeat and he was about to take his pick when a beauty he hadn’t expected appeared at his arm; Dervila, who he’d learned was the leader of Talice’s order, the Masters of the Yuirwood, and defacto town sheriff. “I see you’re enjoying the hospitality of our little backwoods town,” she sniped in a mocking tone as she surveyed the gaggle of girls milling about him, all clearly ready and willing to spend the night with the heroic dragon slayer. “That’s good… you should be rewarded for what you’ve done for the people of the Yuirwood. But I’m sure you’ve already reaped all you could carry from the dragon’s horde, so you don’t have to try and lighten anyone else’s purse.” “I’m shocked that you think so little of me, my lady,” he responded with feigned offence. “I’m only interested in the… hospitality… of your charming town and its gracious citizens.” He ran his gaze around the waiting beauties, but then turned his eyes to her with a wicked grin; “But perhaps we should talk about my intentions somewhere more private.” “In your dreams,” she scowled. If she hadn’t believed he was just taunting her, she’d have knocked that stupid grin right off his face. “Stick to that lot. I’m sure you find any one of them quite… hospitable,” she grumbled disapprovingly, but then looked him straight in the eye and warned; “But be assured that my eyes are on you. Our people may call you hero… but a rogue by any other name is still just a thief!” “Well, I’m sure there are broken hearts all over town knowing that you only have eyes for me,” he teased as he eased himself away from the bar, “and if you change your mind I’ll be with one… or two… of these lovely ladies… feel free to join us… after all, wouldn’t that be the best way to assure that I stay out of trouble tonight.” Dervila seethed at his arrogance, snapping back; “You couldn’t handle me alone… and certainly not with anyone else to satisfy as well!” “I accept your challenge,” he taunted meeting her fiery glare with a roguish grin, “or was that just empty bluster?”