Almost Home

The sun-warmed sweet rum, with a flavor like the coffee of the southern islands, went down smooth, a refreshing blend of taste and numbing alcohol. Lian smiled, the sun light and smell of salt water lifting his spirits. "Man I really hate the Underdark." He looked at a young boy who couldn't be older than 15 swabbing the decks. "Hey, boy, grab me more of this." Alcohol that had no chew to it really felt even better after any amount of time forced to drink Illithid liquor.

The boy looked around nervously before making his way below deck. The captain, a man with a thick brown beard, weathered skin, and a large tricone hat came up beside Lian and sat down. "Don't drink all my good stuff, it was a gift for some work I've done."

"So you stole it off someone's boat?"

"The things I take in my line of work are gifts given to me in assuring the safety of those I come into contact with while working."

"Oh, so they gave it to you so you wouldn't stab them." Lians fingers wrapped tightly around the top of the jug as he took another swig of the rum.

"Look, Li, I can't keep escorting you every time you decide to go world hopping. I run a tight ship around here."

"Gideon, friend, you know I'll pay you for your time, I always do. Plus you know me, I stand in line with your morals well." Lian reached into his pockets, trying to find the right talisman by feel before pulling out a small faux silver chain on which a blue gem stone was set, carved into a water droplet. "Praise be to Nu for bringing us together, right?"

Gideon rolled his eyes toward his sword, hidden in its scabbard for a moment muttering under his breath before looking back out at the vast ocean. It was a beautiful day, with favorable breezes and a calm ocean. If not for the extra cargo in the form of his rum drinking associate, he may have considered it a rather peaceful one. "Just let the lads work, alright? We'll have you home in 2 days time."

The captain got up to leave before stopping at Lian's beck. "One more thing, captain. Do yourself a favor, and avoid working with any of the King's men for a while. There are some rather interesting things at work in the capital. I'd share, but we wouldn't want you know who finding out"

The grizzled man sneered before making his way to the doors going under deck. "Lian, if you think it's interesting, the god's above and below know I don't want a damn thing to do with it."