Adrian: Baldur's Gate

They rested in an in called Low Lantern that Tiax directed them to, literally a boat permanently anchored in the harbor. Despite it's novelty value, it wasn't anything special, but it was closest. They took rooms quietly and without fuss.

The next day Adrian led them to the Flaming Fist HQ. He didn't want to deal with the Fist, but he felt he should be on good terms with them, and do at least one job for them before wandering off on his own....activities. The other party members had grumbled, but agreed.

The Captain, Scar, was waiting for them in the main hall when they entered. "You have returned. You seemed to dissapear for a few days, there."

"Boat trip," said Adrian curtly.

"Fishing?"

Adrian smiled slowly. "You could say that," he agreed, and Tiax chuckled. "In any case, you have a comission for us?"

Scar nodded. "I do. The Seven Suns trading coster is one of the main competitors of the Iron Throne here in town, but lately they're started to exhibit very bad business sense, taking risky, unprofitable ventures. I've asked their paymaster, Jhasso, what's wrong, through the appropraite channels, and was told to get lost, in no uncertain terms. Which is unlike him. He's reasonable, for a merchant."

Adrian frowned. He was a warrior first, but business was what made monely flow, and throwing it away made no sense. He shared Scar's puzzlement. "So why us?"

"Because officially, my hands are tied. They're not done anything illegal, just stupid. On the other hand, an "independent" group could look in on their operations."

Adrian nodded slowly. "So a raid's not what you're looking for, then?"

Scar grimaced. "That depends what you find. But not without reason, no."

Adrian eyed the others. Edwin made a sour face, but shrugged. Viconia merely nodded. Kagain grinned approval. Xzar and Tiax didn't seem to care.

"All right, a trip to the Sorcerous Sundries for our mages, and we'll go."

"One other thing," Scar called after him.

Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Yes?"

"Although the Fist cannot officially act, I'd like to send one of mine with you, out of our livery of course, as an observer."

Adrian grinned, unpleasantly. "Don't trust me?"

"Let's just say I'm not taking any chances," Scar deadpanned. Then he turned and bellowed, "Officer Vai!"

Adrian recognized her; the feisty redhead from Beregost who had urged him to go after the Bandits. He nodded, she nodded back. She had changed out of Flaming Fist armor and plumage into something more sellsword-ish.

"Very well, but only when I'm doing your business," said Adrian.

"Naturally," agreed Scar.

Jessa Vai fell into formation as the party left Fist HQ.

Back at Sorcerous Sundries, after buying essentials, Xzar went upstairs to report to his masters.

"Yes," agreed Wheber, after Xzar was done bowing and scraping. "It seems a likely Throne gambit. Aid in whatever way you can. The Fist has as much reason to hate them as do we, maybe more."

"Excellent!" Xzar giggled.

Wheber sighed. "Oh, just shut up and get down there."

When Xzar went upstairs, Adrian held conference with Jessa.

"First of all, it's still Jessa, not Officer Vai, wether we're on your business or not," said Adrian.

"Not a problem. It's an secret mission for me anyway." Jessa was still the feisty spirit he remembered. He felt a grudging spark of admiration.

"Second, we do things my way, which will probably be messy."

"If there's a reason," she responded.

"Of course."

"What's the third?" she asked.

He smiled, and shook her hand. "Welcome aboard."