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"Where did you get the money?" the old man drew back rigidly, and repeated almost harshly "where?!" Angered, he punched the table "A girl don't go around earning money, ye hear me! And there be no thief in my house!"
Startled by his rage, you couldn't find a word to reply.
Looking at you, a regretful expression took over. He stared over you for a long moment, and you did not dare to move. Then with a bitter smile, he shook his head "Come over here, girl."
Fearfully, you inched close to him. Gentlely, the old halfling put you in a warm hug as he said "I am sorry for getting so mad, it ain't at you." Then he let you go, and hold your arms while he spoke wearily "what can you do, girl? what can you do?"
Before you found a word, he continued with a great sigh, as if talking to himself "There is nothing you can do. So many places aint even hiring a strong man like ye pa. Those outsiders, dumb and stupid adventurers took all the business on themselves. I am not one step slower or weaker, they say I am old." desperately, he asked "am I getting old?"
Again, before you could answer, he continued, stroking your hair "and those damned dirty thieves, their pathetic little war did much good to us then!"
Suddenly, you felt the grip on your arm tightened, the old halfling lowered his head, not looking at you "I am sorry, girl, I am sorry. ye don't deserve a life like this, it is my fault, it is all pa's fault. I am sorry..." Choking lightly, as if something stuck in his throat, he couldn't continue.
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