Snippet #1962698

"You're a cheat!" exclaimed a heavyset man with a hand at his hip and cheeks glowing red. Before him sat a man in his early 20's with an easygoing smile

"Please. You are not the first to suffer through a losing streak. I myself have had my fair share of losses. Come. How about another game?" Aedan asked nonchalantly. He knew he was in no danger. Despite the man's girth and short temper, he was still a store owner. He owned a butcher's shop, if Aedan recalled correctly. The man had more to lose by shooting Aedan than the winnings were worth. A seasoned gambler was not so easily perturbed by an angry opponent.

"But no one wins seven games in the row," the man grumbled. Aedan's smile widened. Just as he thought. It just going to be talk and Aedan was fine with that.

"Oh, some do. It just takes skill and a little luck. These were honest games, see?" he asked, rolling up his sleeves to reveal bare arms, no contraptions or cards to aid him in the game, "I tell you what. Have another couple shots of whiskey. On me."

He waved the bartender over and slipped him a couple of bills and, sure enough, the man took the shots and left the saloon at least partially mollified. Aedan sighed slightly as he left the table, which had accumulated a few too many bottles for his taste, and sat in front of pretty-looking woman.

"You don't need to cheat when you're paying for your opponent's drinks," he told her.