Their arrival in front of The Adventurer's Mart elicited a loud sigh from the squire.  If Jovvi is anything like Moira, we'll be here until well after dusk settles.  His sister, he well knew, could spend three hours on the simple purchase of a single pair of gloves.  Anomen stifled another sigh as he followed the others into the darkened interior of the store, depositing the load he carried before moving off to inspect the rows of armor.

His fingers longingly traced the contours of the highly polished metals.  Anomen's own ill-fitting armor was little more than cast-offs.  Unlike most squires, he did not have the benefit of a proud, loving father or supportive patrons to pay for the expensive gear.  Forced to accept charity, the cost had been extreme.  Payment had not been in the form of coin but rather the burden of enduring the snide comments, spiteful jokes, and condescending attitudes of his fellow squires.  He had tried to bear their disdain in seething silence but far too often his temper would flare, creating fodder for more ridicule.  Someday I will have the gold to purchase a magnificent suit of armor and no one will laugh at my expense again.  He fleetingly ran his fingers over the cool metal one final time before returning to Jovvi's side.

With an efficiency that surprised the squire, Jovvi set about her dealings and before long had purchased everything on the list she had drawn up that morning.  He noted that, despite the fact she had gained a sum of gold most commoners would not see in a lifetime, she hesitated to purchase anything beyond minimal necessity.  It is obvious she needs a great amount of coin, but for what purpose?  Annoyance flared again as he added this latest question to the rather lengthy list of unanswered ones swimming about his head.

"If you've quite finished glaring at me, you might want to grab some of these things so we can get out of here."

Startled from his ponderings, he found the dark-haired woman smiling indulgently in his direction.  "Of course, my lady."  He knelt down, packing away the items she held out.  "I meant no disrespect."

Velvety laughter pealed from her lips.  "None taken, Anomen.  I know a shopping expedition certainly wasn't what you had in mind when you offered your services.  Now that we're properly equipped, we can begin seeking employment.  Perhaps even find a venture or two that will bring you to the notice of your superiors."  She graced him with another indulgent smile before turning her attention to packing away some of the supplies.

"My lady, I hope you realize that is not my sole purpose for traveling with you.  I will do everything I can to aid you in achieving your objective . . . whatever that might be."

She straightened with surprise as his words sank in.  "I guess I haven't told you anything yet.  Sorry about that.  I was too exhausted to think clearly last night."  Tears misted her eyes as she quietly added, "And the events were too fresh, too painful to speak of.  Now that we're finished here, we can return to the Coronet and I'll tell you everything you need to know."

If only we had returned here directly.  If only Minsc hadn't wandered off to see the circus.  If only . . . if only I knew what I have done to anger her so.  Anomen glanced towards the stairs, hopeful, yet apprehensive, Jovvi would be standing there.  Why does she prolong this?  Since their return, he had been sitting in a shadowed corner of the tavern, waiting for the inevitable moment when Jovvi would descend from her room to tersely dismiss him.  Helm, why did you guide me to this place?  To her . . . them?  Was it to prove that I will never become a full member of the Order?  Are you trying to show me I should just give up?

Perhaps I should.  That would make you happy, wouldn't it, Father?  Anomen's hands tightened into hard fists, whitening his knuckles as Cor's voice sounded in his mind.  Pathetic whelp!  You'll never amount to anything but a worthless failure.  Fury, bitter and hot, welled inside.  I am not a failure!  I did my duty.  She cannot deny this.  I showed skill in battle, even after those creatures sapped my strength.  Did I perchance miss someone's injuries?  No.  Jaheira and I tended everyone's wounds.  Of this, I am sure.  Helm's teeth!  I did everything I should.

"May I join you?"

Trepidation mounting, he looked up to find Jovvi standing pensive and hesitant near the table.  "Of course."  Before he could rise, as proper manners dictated, she lowered herself into the chair across from him.  Several moments passed while he stared at her and she gazed at the mug clenched in her hands.  With a steadying breath, she sipped from the cup, grimacing at the bitter taste.

"It's cold."

Desperate for any activity that would postpone the unavoidable conversation, Anomen sprang to his feet, nearly shouting, "Allow me to fetch you a fresh cup."

"No, this is fine.  Please sit, Anomen.  We should talk."  She took another steadying breath while he settled back into the chair.  "This isn't easy for me.  I rarely find myself having to . . . ."

She does not relish this task.  Be a man and save her the pain.  He gravely rose and bowed to her.  "There is no need for this, my lady.  I will gather my things and be gone within the hour."

Her response was so quietly uttered he could barely hear the words over the din of the tavern.  "I'm sorry you feel you must leave.  I had hoped to convince you to stay, but I understand your reluctance to travel with our motley group."

Convince me to stay?  "I don't understand.  Were you not going to dismiss me?"

"Dismiss?  By the gods, no, Anomen.  We need you."  With a hesitant smile, she added, "I would like you to stay, if you're willing."

Immeasurable relief flooded him.  "My lady, nothing would please me more."

"Good.  Now, if you'll sit down, we can discuss what happened earlier."  As he complied, she chuckled.  "Two misunderstandings between us in as many days.  I hope this isn't a sign of what's to come."

"Nor I, my lady.  I was convinced you were going to ask me to leave."

Her humor melted into seriousness as she leaned forward.  "I'll admit that I nearly did.  Minsc suffered an injury all because you left him undefended at a crucial moment.  What I need to know, what we need to discuss is why that happened."

With all the scenarios he'd considered, it had never occurred to him that this would be the cause of her fury.  So certain in the rightness of his actions, Anomen didn't pause to consider his response.  "My lady, I was only doing my duty.  In truth, the responsibility for Minsc's wounds lies with you."

She stared at him for several moments before icily asking, "Would you care to explain how it's my fault Minsc was injured?"

"It is obvious, my lady.  Had you not foolishly drawn your weapon and attacked our foes, I would not have been forced to leave his side to protect you from harm.  You are of the fairer sex and a mage.  You have no cause to be in the thick of battle."

"Foolishly?"  Jovvi's eyes glinted with dangerous ferocity.  "You listen to me, squire.  I am not about to stand idly by while friends and companions risk their lives.  I will do whatever it takes, even drawing my dagger if necessary.  If you can't accept that, you'd best reconsider traveling with us."

She furiously pushed away from the table.  "We need your skills, Anomen.  That I cannot deny but you will have to adjust your attitude if you plan to stay.  Think on it and we can discuss it later."

Without a backwards glance, Jovvi stalked off.

Father was right.  I am destined to be a failure.