The Worth of Glass Content . Today I met an Orc who was far more conversational than most . One good thing I can say about Orcs ( and trust me there are few ) is that they keep to themselves . They know their place , and they ' re about as trusting to those outside their kith as the Dark Elves . Good . That ' s how you survive . Though I am always aware of my superiority to other races , I am not above a conversation . Any fellow traveler may one day be met again on the road , and it ' s often pertinent for them to hold a good view of you . Many of my fellow Dark Elves would do far better if they knew when to smile , especially my compatriots who refuse to cling to the cities like babes to a teat . This particular Orc introduced himself to me as Morbrogug as he sat beside me . The cornerclub that night was uncommonly crowded , and I was unable to maintain my usual lone table . Still , I smiled . I fought the urge to take my meal elsewhere , and held my breath against his odor . I even asked his destination . He easily admitted that he wasn ' t sure , that he was just seeking a steady wage . His skills were limited to his strength , as is common among Orcs . I suggested mining or quarry work , tasks I ' ve found wherein his breed often excels . He was hesitant to accept my suggestion , instead describing his supposed prowess as a warrior . I simply nodded and conceded the point , though I knew he was more than likely to end up doing physical labor than find work as a mercenary while in Vvardenfell . It was at this point that Morbrogug pointed out my armor . I noticed he had been eying it intently as we spoke , his eyes almost glittering at its sight . Yes , I do pride myself on taking proper care of my armor , but I suspected he had never seen its like before . Surely enough , he soon asked me what it was made of , and I held back my sigh and told him . " Glass ? " he asked with a scrunch of his nose and a scratch to his head . " What , like what they use in windows ? " Another day , another ignorant member of the common rabble . " No , it ' s not quite that , " I replied with a forced grin . " You see , it ' s made from malachite , which has the appearance of crystal . It ' s quite hard , but light enough for easy maneuverability . Though a metal , it ' s commonly referred to as glass , as are the mines where it ' s harvested . Always causes a bit of confusion with outlanders . " Morbrogug rolled his eyes and banged his leather breastplate . " We Orcs know the true worth of leather and metal ! Give me that over your fancy glass any day . I bet I could shatter your armor with one swing of my ax . You ' ve obviously never been up against a true warrior . " Now , I do appreciate a sense of pride , but when pride turns to insults . . . I simply raised a brow . " A bet , is it ? Well then , I ' ll take you up on that wager . I ' ll give you my armor , which should at the very least turn you a pretty profit , if you defeat me in a duel . And if I win I ' ll have your leather armor . After all , fair ' s fair . " He stroked his wine stained chin and nodded . " Deal . I could use some gold for a new weapon . " The only details of the fight that I care to recall was that it was quick and effortless , at least on my part . At the end of it all I had a sobbing Orc , begging me to take back my sacred word , claiming he could never find mercenary work without his own set of armor . I could only shrug as I gathered the leather pieces in my arms . " There ' s always the quarry . " Yes , it is good to make friends while traveling . But it is far better to make a profit .