Trouble in the Tavern

You return to Drez empty handed, but confident. Joan's behavior can be contemptible at times, but you'll concede that she does have an optimistic aura about her. Quitting isn't an option, and neither if feeling down on one's self, and that seems to have a spill over to you as well. Despite having run for your life, the thrill of escape overrode any sense of failure or trepidation. Following her through the guilded city, she leads you to a seemingly familiar tavern. The Dripping Sap was crowded, teeming with seeming adventurers of all sorts, likely exiting from the various guilds that populate the area. The feeling inside is gregarious and warm. Some of the guests recognize Joan and greet her with a smile and a raising of their drinks. Some even do the same for you, despite being complete strangers. It's certainly a welcome change from having been alone and on the run for so many weeks, or even the calculated stuffiness of the kingdom of your childhood.

"Alright Joan" You ask quietly as you slowly walk in "There's a lot of folks in here who seem like they could help us out, what's your move?"

"We don't just want someone to help us Silve. We need a teammate, a friend, a partner."

You start to worry about Joan's motivations. "Sounds like you've already got someone picked out."

"Of course I do" The drow said with a smile, gently poking you in the ribs. She starts by ordering two beers, and heading to a table with a solitary and stunning figure. A voluptuous redhead, who could be ready for the bedroom just as easily as she could be ready for the battlefield.

"Clodagh" Joan says sweetly "it's been a long time, I hope you're doing well."

"Better now" She said as she slowly took the pint of ale "I am a little surprised to see you again, especially with such handsome company. Trouble tends to blow in with you, Joan."

"Well" She said with a shrug "I like it that way, and deep down, you do too."

"Only when it's your kind of trouble." She said with a wink, leaving to wonder exactly what their past has been. "I take it you've got that sort of trouble with you."

"Nothing so exciting, at first. This charming devil has a lady friend, a princess" Joan began to gently stroke your shoulder "he bravely rescued her from a life of matrimony and monogamy, and now we're trying to set her up to be a wizard. In exchange, we need to retrieve a relic, which is surrounded by draugr, which is where you come in."

"A favor for a favor for a favor than" She said

"One of many to come, I would hope." Joan continues "There's bound to be danger in the future, and we could use someone like you who knows how to punch through problems"

"Traveling the world to be big damn heroes, exploring caverns untold and fighting enemies no sane being would dare speak of?"

"Don't forget the booty" Joan added coyly

"Of course" Clodagh's eyes drifted slightly, causing you to wonder "Normally I would say yes simply for the asking, but I have a situation. You help me, I help you."