A/N: These characters go along with the some of the other storys I have written or at least are existing in the same world, Ugthbockth. This is sort of just the introduction of some of my leading male characters.

“Let’s save a damsel in distress!” Roc shouted as he slammed his empty mug upon the table. The big man then clasped a hand on each of his drinking companions’ shoulders and burst into laughter. “Would that satisfy your taste for heroic deeds Danny?”

The smallest of the three men lurched forward slightly from the force of Roc’s playful shove. “You would more likely save a girl only if she was pretty enough and you thought it would help to further your advances,”

“Oh, like you are one to talk. Every one knows how you Lords treat your woman, and you were quick to steal kisses even before you left us to go defend your family’s standing in the herd.” Roc retorted, giving Danny a solid punch in the arm.

The entire Tavern erupted into laughter as Danny was knocked clean out of his chair and landed on his side. With a quieter laugh then the patrons of The Gortner Inn, Xavier, the third man rose to help up the dethroned half-breed. “Honestly though, ever since we let you go home to settle your little family dispute you’ve been all honorable. Come on it’s a ruby the size of a man’s skull. It’s not like you killed that Unicorn who was stepping on your family’s toes so you shouldn’t be feeling all guilty about it. I mean what’s wrong with breaking his toenail before he stomps on yours?” Xavier asked.

“I have nothing against going after the Ruby, I just feel like there’s something else I should be doing and my family has nothing to do with it if I understand your strange toe references.”

“It’s that silver woman and the wizard isn’t it? Give it up Danny your not going to ever see her again so don’t go changing your way of life.” Xavier advised as he retook his seat.

“What! I’m not… I mean... I know… I’m not changing anything. I just want to know if there’s anything more interesting to do then steal some jewel.”

“Some Jewel!” Xavier shouted. “We’re talking about the Venus ruby.” The veins were starting to stand out on the blond haired man’s forehead.

“Okay, Xavier breath. I know the jewel is a big thing and if that’s what both of you want to do then fine we’ll do it, but there doesn’t seem like there is much work for Roc and me to do since you’re the one with all the sneaking talents. It’s not like Medusa is going to be on Green Mountain for Roc to run his sword threw or anything for me to shoot for that manner either.”

Roc’s eyes had light up at the idea of killing a gorgon, since he has never killed one before, but at the prospect of a quiet adventure he began to look very grim.

Xavier noticed Roc’s possible change of sides and began talking fast to regain the giant’s favor. “The Green Mountain is in the Cannibal Territories, a target rich environment. It’s an area we’ve never been to before. I hear tales of strange serpent beasts and flying demons with many tongues. Up north there are wide stretches of nothing but sand like one would find on a beach but with outthe ocean. There are dense jungles with so many things none of us here have ever laid eyes on before. How can you even contemplate not taking up such an adventure, I’m surprised we didn’t think of it before.”

Danny watched as Roc was quickly redrawn into the idea of marching into the north for this gem. “Remind me to never try and out talk a bard.” He mumbled into his ale.

It still wasn’t till the next morning that Danny agreed to this quest. As the trio left the shabby little tavern with just some rations, weapons, and a map, Danny heard the gentle tinkle of child’s laughter and couldn’t help but think that he and his friends where about to bite off more then they could chew.