Initially, I had stationed two guards with the cashier, more to protect her from the gamblers than to guard the money. I was joyfully surprised to fin... that the two guards were totally unnecessary, and one guard was more decoration than necessity. The patrons were unfailingly courteous to the female cashier, and she even received the occasional tip! We seemed to attract a pleasant and civilized clientele, a fact that made my job a lot easier.Our first pirate encounter happened between New. The natives had no need of shoes. Their soles were hardened from years of walking.Kristen kept stepping on rocks and pebbles and sharp twigs. She hopped and whined and cried out in soreness. Mbinga kept tugging on the rope to encourage her onward but she kept falling in pain. Finally the column stopped and Mbinga went back in exasperation to examine her feet.One examination told him that her feet were like the soft city people. He could not understand this since she hadn't been wearing any. Several of the Dwarves shifted slightly at that, but not the captain. Aran felt into her heart and read her emotions. Determination and courage conquered the small amount of fear that wormed in her belly. She was a strong woman, for sure. One who would do her duty. Another emotion flickered briefly before being pushed back down; hope.“Er pir snotr til vita gaetinn,” Aran said into the tense silence. “Erfior aevi ru a bu heimr.” All eyes snapped to Aran as he began to speak in the Dwarven. The windshield wipers are going full blast by the time we arrive at the mall. I pull up to the main entrance, drop Cindi off, and look for a parking space. Fifteen minutes later, I shake the snow off my coat, push open the revolving doors and look for Cindi. She's watching a line of children waiting to tell Santa what they want for Christmas."Thinking about talking to Santa?" I said as I walked up and stood next to her."Do you think he'd bring me a new vibrator?" I don't know. Do you want to.