Page 35 of Dating and Dragons

I expect Logan to retort immediately. Instead he lifts one shoulder in a shrug, still avoiding my eyes. Because we sit across from each other, he has to angle himself awkwardly toward Sloane and the others to do that. “If that’s what the rest of the group wants. I’ll only point out that we’re unarmed and Level 2.”

“I’m not leaving without my weapons,” Kashvi repeats fiercely. “They’re elven made and priceless.”

Sanjiv rolls his eyes. “Nothing is priceless. Especially when we’re back in prison again.”

“Then we’ll use my priceless weapons to bargain for our release.”

“While the party discusses, one of the crew members shifts and moans,” Sloane interjects, and mimics the sound.

“We can take ’em!” Mark cries. “Wait until you see how fast I can hack and slash!” Everything about Mark changes when he’s playing Rolo. Usually he seems like a pretty chill guy with sloth-like vibes. But as Rolo he practically bounces in his chair with excitement.

“Fine, I’m nonconfrontational, but I’ll agree with my halfsister…and possible half brother,” Sanjiv says. “I’m casting a skill bonus on each of us so we can search for our equipment.”

There’s a flash of frustration on Sloane’s face when Kashvi’s roll is successful. “All right, Lasla, you see the chest of weapons. However, it’s far down the beach and the waves are washing it back out into the ocean. Given the distance, none of you will be able to get to it in time.”

“Then we should depart before the crew wakens,” Logansays.

Kashvi and Mark groan, but I’m busy flipping through the manual in front of me. “Wait,” I say. “I want to use my new movement spell to get me to the chest before any of the other players can.”

Sloane meets my eye, and I can see the emotions warring in their expression. Clearly they had another plan for the campaign, but they also know I’m not wrong. I should probably let it go, but I still feel like I’m proving my worth in this group. I want to get those weapons back for Kashvi.

“A hill dwarf is going to sprint down the beach faster than the rest of us?” Logan says in his haughty character voice. “I’ve never heard of a dwarf who could move that fast.”

“Just because you don’t have moves doesn’t mean I don’t.”

The others chuckle and I keep my focus on Sloane. After another moment, they shake their head. “Fine, yes, you use your spell to bolt down the beach so fast you kick sand in the faces of the rest of your party. You do reach the chest and manage to pull it out of the waves.”

“Lasla races after Nasria like she’s seeing the love of herlife,” Kashvi says. “My swords! My babies, myloves.” She mimes hugging the nonexistent swords. I love the commitment to character.

“I’m your brother, Lasla,” Sanjiv says, “and I’ve never gotten that kind of embrace.”

“You’re myhalfbrother and you don’t shine like the sun after polishing.” She rubs her hands together. “Now that we have our weapons, how about we go question a few sailors about their intentions?”

“At that moment, you all hear screaming coming from the jungle. A dozen men, dressed in matching uniforms with swords at their sides come onto the beach,” Sloane tells us. “You!” Sloane’s voice drops lower to mimic a soldier’s voice. “Stop right there, by order of King Thalun!”

“Well, that didn’t go as planned,” Kashvi mumbles after we log off.

“Not as you planned,” Logan replies, his gaze cutting to Sloane. “I think it went exactly the way Sloane was planning.”

They grin and shrug innocently. “No comment.”

It turns out Logan/Adrismighthave been correct about escaping while we could. Our group put up quite a fight, but we were no match for the soldiers. Now we’ve been arrestedagainand taken to this king’s palace for sentencing. I was twitchy with guilt by the time the game ended since I was the one who insisted we interrogate the crew. Plus, I went against Sloane to get our equipment back. I wouldn’t blamethe others for being pissed, but everyone seems surprisingly chill about it.

“Remember that Natural 20 I rolled before they got me?” Kashvi asks the group with a self-satisfied grin. “One hit and I sent that soldier flying into the ocean!”

“Hey, don’t forget me,” Mark says. “Halfling fighters are no joke.”

“Your character is so weird,” Sanjiv says.

“People don’t watch us for boring characters.”

He shrugs. “Do you all have to get home or can you stay longer?” Sanjiv asks. “We don’t have anyplace to be today, and we still have some pizza in the fridge.”

I glance around to see what the others are thinking. Personally, I’d love to hang out more. I know if I go home right now, I’ll be put on packing, painting, or cleaning duty. Mom and Dad didn’t have any plan when we got here, so there’s still plenty to do at the house despite being moved in for three weeks.

“I can stay longer,” I reply.

“Maybe we could make a list of shops in town where we might be able to sell our stuff?” Kashvi asks.

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