"No shame in it. We all got needs afterall. Physical and mental. If you're lucky, you can find someone who you can share in fulfilling them with."

"Okay that's fine. I'll save up for one of the special bourbons later."

He smiled happily, forking over some cheddar for the beverage. Watching closely as she prepared it for him.

"What's your name miss?"

"Most expensive..."

He looks at his pile of chips.

"Could I afford a glass with this? If not, the lucky martini sounds good enough. Especially if it's a common favorite. It must be good."

"Okay! Yeah, I could use a break from playing."

He scoops the pile of chips into his cape, making a makeshift baggie out of it and walking to the bar

"What do you recommend?"

"I sure am miss!" The young man seems to have quite a bit of luck, coming out ahead in most of these games of chance. He's acquired quite the sum of chips

"Is there anything else to do here?"

"You will? That's great! I was a little worried going about it alone..."

He wiggles excitedly in her fluffy clutches.

"I was tasked with taking out an orc bandit gang."

a person is holding something in their hands that looks like a glowing object . ALT: a person is holding something in their hands that looks like a glowing object .

Here you go

*sneezes*

"Small...? Youthful...? You don't seem that much older than me."

He is quite short. Only 5'4"

"I was...looking for a quest...yes."

He looks into her eyes. There is a fire behind them. A bright destiny lies ahead of him.

"But... I'm new to this region and I don't know where to go..."

"Yo-You think I'm cute?" He's caught up on that statement.

"Ah-! Mmm..." he looks down, visibly embarrassed

"You're right...I apologize..." the young man frowned, cheeks turned a light red.

"Thank you still...for the opportunity..."

His bliss was abruptly cut short, much to his surprise.

"Weh?! H-hey! What gives?"

While assertive, there is a timidness to his voice.

"Thank you miss!"

He smiled brightly, slowly reaching out to pat one of the fluffy appendages.

"Oooo...so soft..." he pats it more vigorously, running his hand along the fluff.

"They're so...pretty..." losing his composure, he embraces the entire bundle of tails, nuzzling his face into the plush

"12!" He smiles

"Not super new, but I still have a lot to learn. The quest given to me was to clear out a hobgoblin den. They said between the two of us, it should be a good test of our abilities, but well within our capacity of achieving."

"Y-You're a kitsune right?"

He was only slightly taller than her, 5'4"

"Would...it be okay if...I felt your tails?" He pointed to the mass of fluff.

"I heard it was bad luck but...maybe if I had permission?"

Quietly sneaking up to her side, he lightly tugged on the woman's shirt.

"Um...e-excuse me..."

"The guildmaster sent me to find you. I'm new to the region and he requested you go on a quest with me to help myself get situated with the local monsters."

He hands her the document.

"I'm sorry to be a burden...but I promise, I can hold my own in a fight!" He flexes an arm and smiles brilliantly

I'm told it's a legendary dungeon with lots of treasure and traps.

Pulling the petals off a flower he plucked from the roadside.

He's sitting on a dilapidated stone fence as he does so while mumbling to himself.

"Where's the Tomb of Whorers at?"

It DOES zap him, dealing a bit of damage.

"I didn't say I was an expert at this, you're just strong, I'm only weak by comparison."

The sudden slamming of papers startled the lad, but he didn't miss a beat, leaping back and throwing his hand out, a stream of lightning connecting the guildmaster to his hand.

"Well... I'm handy with a blade, and I can use some forms of magic. Mostly offensive and defensive spells though."

"I'm not exactly a newbie, but I'm new to these lands."

"Even more brilliant than the stars above..."

@grandmastervictor.bsky.social

"Hello sir!"

The young man waved to the white haired cyclops.

"I'm told you're the guildmaster of this establishment. Are there any openings for a part-timer in your ranks?"

@esotericblade.pennedbypassion.net

Staring at the foxkin from a short distance away, his eyes fixed on her many swaying tails.

"Hmmmm..."

With narrowed eyes he inconspicuously made his way closer.

The young gentleman greeted with a warm smile and wave

"My name I William! A pleasure to meet you miss!"

@naivelancer.bsky.social

Since she has quite the reputation of showing newbies the ropes, the guild thought it appropriate Argos, the pride of the guild was tasked with partnering with their new recruit on his first local quest. An easy dungeon clear job to get familiar with the area.

"Hello!"+

*sighs in relief*