Love Among Thieves DNDHAT Simon X Oc

06

As they ride through the forest most of them engage in their own conversations. Avery talking to Doric, Xenk starts talking to Edgin while Simon and Quinn talk about nonsense. Quinn is riding on Simon's horse because A. She's lazy and B. She gave hers to Avery so their conversation is quieter than the rest (Avery was riding with her before.)

"So, you had any other interesting courtships?" Quinn asks the boy infront of her

"No, Doric was the only one, that didn't work out but it did make me realize something. What about you?" Simon answers

"So you're just gonna end that sentence at "something", okay then. I haven't had any real romantic ventures except my usual cons." She says in response

"Maybe you'll have some luck with super awesome Xenk." He mumbles rolling his eyes

She thought about telling him that she wasn't interested in Xenk but that wasn't any fun so instead she says "A girl can dream... and trust me I will dream." She says in a fake blissful voice

"He's old enough to be your father! Stop it!" He complains. Quinn just smirks and waits for him to realize what she's thinking and it doesn't take him long. "Not like that! You're so dirty minded!" He scolds

"How'd you know what I meant, though? You're just as dirty minded as I am!" She calls him out

"I am not! I just know you." He corrects her

"Mhm sure." She roles her eyes

Before they start talking again, Edgin shouts out to the group "Can someone else ride next to this guy!" after Xenk continues inquiring about his past

"Gladly!" Quinn pipes up "And then maybe-" She starts only loud enough for Simon to hear

"No, no, no, absolutely not. Not happening. Don't finish that sentence!" He shuts her down immediately

"-I could get to know him on a personal level? I am insulted by your lack of faith in me!" She puts her hand on her chest dramatically

"Uhuh, that's totally what you were going to say." He rolls his eyes sarcastically

Eventually they stop somewhere in the forest and Xenk grabs a rope

"Follow me to the orifice." He ties the rope to a tree

"Huh!?" Avery looks confused

"Pause. The what!?" Quinn says skeptically

"Excuse me?" Simon asks, concerned.

The three of them share a look of "what the fuck is he talking about?"

"The Under Dark has many entrances, this is one of the less conspicuous." He explains before falling backwards into a hole. The rest of them gather around to look into the entrance

"I'll go last." Simon says

"I wanna go next! This is awesome!" Quinn declares before grabbing the rope and sliding down. She almost falls but Xenk catches her "Thanks." She smiles awkwardly.

Once everyone is down there, Xenk leads them to a cave thingy "It's a day's trek. I've chosen a path to avoid the populace. Stay close and quiet. Whatever you've heard of this place is merely a fraction of its true danger. Should the way become too dim, you may take my hand, and I will lead you." He briefs them

"I'll tell you right now, I'm not taking his hand." Edgin grumbles

"Quinn, don't even think about it." Simon gives her a look

"Don't worry Simon, if I get scared, I'll take your hand, not his." She rolls her eyes playfully. That shut him up, he's so happy it's dark enough that his tinted cheeks aren't noticeable.