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Speed dating at Blacktusk Inn - Part 8
🕑 Added 2025-09-22 14:00:14 +0000 UTC“I can see the utility behind producing gold out of inexpensive materials”, you reply, “but the quotidian inconveniences that come with it sound overwhelming to me, the more I think about them. What made you choose to undergo this procedure?”
Balthazar sighs. “We all do stupid things when we’re 100, I suppose. I was young and reckless, on the verge of a breakthrough but running out of funding, I figured if I got things right the research would literally pay itself. I was right, but I had a lot of kinks to iron out. You can imagine.”
Balthazar pours himself more wine, not spilling it this time. “But what’s done is done, and funds have not been a concern to me in a really long time.” He looks up from his glass and back at you. “And the same can go for you too, Taro, if you’re interested. It’s not often I meet someone I’m compatible with, and I don’t just mean someone I’m able to touch.”
He reaches for your hand, once again overjoyed by the tactile sensation, and continues. “You seem like an intuitive person, and are knowledgeable enough about my craft to hold complex conversations. I would very much enjoy getting to know you further...”
He leans forward. “...in more ways than one. I’d be more than happy to leave the venue right now, because to be frank, the rest of the event will be a mere formality for me, and I expect it will be for you too. How about…”
Balthazar is cut off by the loud noise to the side of your table. The bartender is standing next to you, clearing his throat. “Not how this works, mister.” He looks around the other tables before lowering his voice. “Leaving the event early is disrespectful to the other patrons.”
The minotaur scowls at the puddle of water on the table, resulting from Balthazar’s display. “And you should respect the work that goes into keeping this place clean, while you’re at it.”
Balthazar sinks into his seat and looks away, as the bartender pulls out the bell and leather bag, once again addressing the whole bar. “Gentlemen, the second round of dating is up”, he says as he rattles the leather bag. “Let’s see what we’ve got.”
The bartender pulls out a pair of marbles, which you recognize as Balthazar and Charlie’s. The dragon slowly gets off the table, shooting you one last prolonged glance as he walks towards Charlie’s table, playing along for now. You sigh, knowing the gnoll is probably not going to enjoy the following fifteen minutes, and anticipate what the little leather bag will seat in front of you next.
Comments
Nanoff
He's wearing a fundoshi down there
Zeke Red
I guess I noticed before, but is Taro just going pantsless without his cloak?
Zeke Red
Damn, it’s going to be REALLY hard to choose who he ends up with at the end isn’t it? I really like both these guys and I don’t doubt the last 2 will have their endearing moments too.
