Jovvi, walking gingerly across the garbage-strewn streets of the slums, continued to trail after the others as they headed towards the Copper Coronet.  She eyed the decrepit building with sullen distaste, knowing that the raucous sounds emanating from within would not be conducive to restful sleep, something the party desperately needed.  Minsc took little notice of the structure for he was too involved in a conversation with the tiny hamster perched on his shoulder while Jaheira and Yoshimo simply waited, knowing Jovvi would eventually reach the conclusion that their strapped funds would not stretch enough for them to seek a less seedy hostel.

Minutes crept by while she continued to garner the resolve to enter the building.  Jaheira, as was her nature, took charge and reached determinedly for the door handle.  "This is our only option.  Let us waste no more time."  She strode through the entryway, the others close at her heels.

The interior of the building proved to be just as disreputable as the exterior had hinted it would be.  The dingy walls were covered with years of sooty buildup from tallow candles and the open fire pits.  Cutthroats, vagabonds, and thugs comprised the majority of the patrons, though a few nobles could be seen interspersed in the crowd.  Minsc answered the question as to where they would sit when he strode determinedly to the corner table across the room.  It didn't matter to him that the table was occupied, or that the occupants were disinterested in relocating.  He simply towered over them, hands lightly resting on his mighty sword.

Normally Jovvi would have been amused to watch the scramble of men as they vacated the table but lethargy and melancholy bore down on her too strongly.  She trudged over, haphazardly dropping her backpack to the floor, and lowered herself cautiously into a rickety chair, certain she would not have the strength to move again for several hours.  Wearily, the others followed her example and there they sat for a few moments in companionable silence.

Yoshimo was the first to stir.  "Shall I go arrange for beds and meals?"  Without waiting for an answer, he rose and meandered through the crowds towards the front of the hall.

Looking at Minsc with entreating eyes, Jovvi pleaded that he go make sure that baths would be part of the arrangements.  The massive man hesitated, looking around at the riff-raff seated at the nearby tables.  "Minsc should stay here until Yoshimo gets back."  He paused to listen to the hamster chittering on his shoulder.  ". . . but Boo says we are all very fragrant and in need of cleaning."  He gave a warning glare to everyone near the two women.  Few misunderstood the message – mess with the ladies, feel the bite of my sword.  Satisfied that nothing untoward would happen during his absence, Minsc headed off in the direction Yoshimo had taken.

Resting her chin on her palm, Jovvi turned to Jaheira.  "That Boo is one smart hamster."

Jaheira just snorted her derision in response.  She, unlike Jovvi, had never accepted the unusual bond Minsc had with his hamster.  All too soon, Jaheira's face assumed the expression that Jovvi had long ago termed the ‘lecture face'.

Uh oh, here it comes.  What is she going to harp on me for this time?  Jovvi steeled herself for the upcoming reprimand.

Speaking barely above a whisper, Jaheira said, "A word of caution.  This place is not a friendly one.  Be wary of who you deal with."

Startled by the comment, Jovvi snapped back, "These degenerates?"  She waved her hand in dismissal.  "They are no threat to me."

"Not just them.  As one of the Children, you are unique.  Others may try to take advantage.  You must never forget this fact.  As the person who was entrusted with your care, I feel it is my duty to warn against such things."

Jovvi began to bristle.  As if I need a reminder!  Does she truly think I can forget, despite everything I do, that people will think of me as nothing more than Bhaalspawn?  A creature that is feared, hated, and hunted down?  Jovvi clamped down on the angry retort that threatened to erupt from her mouth.  We're tired and hungry and all of us are feeling the sting of loss – Jaheira most of all.  This isn't the time for arguments.  Jovvi, incensed but unwilling to give vent to her feelings, responded with a single nod.

An uneasy silence fell over them.  Disputes between the two were not uncommon for they were both strong-willed and opinionated, but Khalid had always been there to intercede when tempers threatened to flare out of control.  Why did you have to die, Khalid?  Fresh waves of misery rolled over Jovvi as unwanted images of his mutilated body cascaded across her mind, stoking the flames of her fury.  You will be avenged.  No matter what, I will help Jaheira avenge your death.

Jovvi was startled from her thoughts by the firm hand Jaheira placed on her shoulder.  "I believe my old friend is still innkeep here.  I will be back shortly."  She waited for Jovvi's mute nod before departing.

Might as well make myself useful in the meantime.  Jovvi stood and began to move the piles of equipment to a more secure location behind the table.  The last thing we need is to lose anything to the prying hands of a . . . .  Jovvi caught sight of a pair of hands reaching down to grab one of the backpacks.  Without thought, she took firm hold of the straps in her hands and whirled around, slamming the heavy pack into the offender.  "Thief!"

Barely noting the metallic clatter that rang out as the man tumbled to his back, Jovvi's instincts took control as she released the pack.  Grabbing the dagger sheathed in her belt and dropping down to place a knee on the man's armored chest, she pressed the weapon to his throat.  Astonished amber eyes met her gaze and she realized that all might not be as it seemed.  Either this man's the most inept thief alive or . . . .

The murderous bellow of rage issuing from Minsc cut off her thoughts.  She looked up to find mugs of ale flying in all directions as patrons dived for cover.  Minsc, sword in hand, was charging to her side.  By the gods, not now!  She paused before rising to look at the man beneath her.  "If you value your life, you will not move."

Jovvi slowly moved towards Minsc as she resheathed her dagger.  Speaking in a soft, calm voice, she tried to soothe him.  "Minsc.  It's all right.  Put down your sword."

Ignoring her, Minsc advanced on the man who was still sprawled on the floor.  "Get up.  Get up, evil one.  Stand so that Minsc can plant his boot heel firmly in your backside!"

When the man began to comply, Jovvi countered Minsc's demand.  "Stay where you are!"  Unsure which order to follow, the man froze in a half crouch.  Jovvi then turned her attention back to Minsc.  In as soothing a tone as she could muster, she continued, "Minsc, it's okay.  See?  I'm not hurt.  Please put down your sword."  Her words calmed him somewhat but he kept his sword at the ready.  Jovvi caught sight of Boo, quivering as he poked his head around Minsc's ear.  Time for a different approach.  Slowly, so not to alarm Minsc, she reached up to pet the tiny creature.  "Minsc, you're upsetting Boo.  There's nothing wrong.  It's all been a big misunderstanding."

Her words finally had the results she'd been hoping for.  Minsc lowered his sword and began reassuring the hamster.  Jovvi turned to Yoshimo and Jaheira, who were now flanking Minsc, their weapons in hand.  "Everything's okay.  Jaheira, take Minsc and let him buy a treat for Boo.  Go with them, Yoshimo."  She waited, enduring a "we'll talk of this later" look from Jaheira, until the two steered Minsc toward the front of the tavern.

Jovvi moved to stand in front of the crouching man.  "Oh, do stand up."  She couldn't quite keep the annoyance out of her voice.  While he straightened, she was finally able to get a good look at him:  tall, with brown hair, a short, neatly trimmed beard, and clad in armor shined to a gleaming perfection.

With a nod towards the backpack in his hands, she finally said, "Care to explain why you were attempting to steal that?"

"Stealing?"  Confusion and then shock graced his face.  "I was doing no such thing, fair lady."

Fair lady?  Oh great!  This one is as touched in the head as Minsc.  I'm plastered in dust and blood.  I haven't bathed in longer than I care to remember.  My tunic is torn in so many places that I'm probably indecent and he calls me ‘fair lady'.  Jovvi's mirth quickly extinguished when Jaheira's earlier warning rang in her mind.  ‘Be wary of who you deal with.'

"Really?"  Sarcasm abounded in that one word.  "Then tell me why you are in possession of my property."

Rueful eyes glanced down at the backpack.  "My lady, I was merely offering you assistance.  A lady should not labor with such burdens."  With just a touch of arrogance, he added, "Nor should you be in this place."

Jovvi's eyes took on a deadly glint.  "And why do you say this?"

Warming to his subject, the man took on the airs of one lecturing an ignorant child through an especially difficult lesson.  "It is obvious that you are new to Athkatla, my lady, and are unaware of the dangers to be found in this fair city.  The Copper Coronet is a place of immorality, filled with vile temptations.  I am honor-bound to protect all persons from corruption and evil and I say again, it is not the place for one such as you."

Of all the arrogant, pretentious, pompous . . . . Jovvi's emotions went into high gear.  Peevishness warred for control but in the end, mischievousness won the battle.  She grinned, saying, "And what if I said I was in the mood for a little corruption?"

"My lady, surely, you jest!"

Laughing at his scandalized reaction, Jovvi replied, "Actually, I am.  Now that we have that settled, can I have my backpack?"  She tried to yank it from his hands but he refused to relinquish his hold and a tug of war ensued.

"Nay, my lady.  Allow me the pleasure of seeing to this for you."

Exasperated, she flung her hands in the air.  "Fine.  Whatever."  She watched as he put the pack in the corner with the rest of the equipment.  "Well, you've done your duty, so you should be satisfied now.  If I need any help in the future, I'll let you know."  She began to turn, dismissing him completely.

He hesitated and then took a step forward.  "My lady, if I may be so bold . . . ."

Jovvi gritted her teeth.  "It hasn't stopped you yet.  What do you want now?"

"It is apparent that you and your group are not mere travelers, not with the type of supplies you carry."   He gestured to the pile of weapons and packs before continuing.  "By chance, are you in need of someone accomplished in battle and gifted in the healing arts?"

"It's possible.  Why?"

"I am Anomen Delryn, priest of Helm and squire of the Most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart.  I seek to be knighted and must prove my worth first.  If you have need, may I offer my services?"

Travel with a member of the Most Haughty Order of Meddlesome Prigs?  She paused in her deliberations to study him critically.  We are in desperate need of someone with his skills . . . but a priest of Helm and a bastard of Bhaal working together?  No, that would be ludicrous.  She was searching for the most effective way to decline his offer when she noticed Jaheira, Yoshimo, and Minsc had joined them.  Addressing them, she began the introductions. "This is Anomen . . . ."

Jaheira, her voice dripping with disapproval, interrupted.  "Yes, we heard."

That does it!  Jovvi's face broke into a welcoming grin as she turned back to the squire.  "Anomen, we would be exceedingly pleased to have you join us."