3. Wyrm's Crossing

Ida stands her hight not much higher then the young girl. She looks at the child "We will not leave you until this matter is settled." She reaches out her hand and gestured for the girl to take it. looking at the flaming fists she says "I will be accompanying this young maiden until it is clear she will be well taken after. She has already gone through more then any child should." Ida glances over at dieter the girl reminded her of when she had first sat with the boy. Lost and afraid. Tulfgar had been that hand of strength and kindness to the young boy while she had been cold and not understanding of her cousin’s decision. She wanted to atone for her actions past and resolved to be that warm hand to this girl now. She now remembered the horrors the world offered as she once again began to venture out into it.

As the group heads to Wyrm's Rock, Stella distracts herself by furiously takes notes on peoples and places of note, eye-stars teal with a mix of curiosity and caution.

After a few minutes moving through the impressive edifice, the group arrives at Scar's office.

The man, second in command of the Flaming Fist, is built like a grizzled old bear. He stands to greet the party, extending his hand respectfully to each member. "Greetings, friends. Or, at least I hope that we may be friends. Call me Scar."

Once introductions are made, Scar moves back behind his desk and picks up a sheaf of papers. "You've been busy. From what I understand, you put an end to the plot tainting iron ore in the Nashkel mine, took out an entire camp of bandits and slew their leader, and located and destroyed a secret mine in the Cloakwood. All while dodging and dealing with assassins after your own heads."

He gestures for the group to sit in comfortable chairs lining the room, then settles down into his own seat. For all his brutish appearance, the man's eyes are sharp and discerning. "My first question is this: Why have you been looking into these matters? Half of you aren't even from this region. Why come all this way to look into the Iron Crisis?"

Aiwë doesn't sit, and instead leans casually on the back of Stella's chair. She seems more comfortable that way.

"We came to sight-see, and have a break from the snow. We were to spend a few weeks in Candlekeep, but were chased out by assassins. We need to figure out why we've been targeted, by whom, for what purpose? So far it looks like Rieltar Anchev, on behalf of a Bhaalist cult, in relation to whatever it is they are after with this Iron Crisis." Aiwë shrugs. "And... it's hard not to want to help."

She watches him carefully to see how he takes the news. Is he in on this, or not?

Dieter doesn’t sit either, he stands with his back to the wall in an "at ease" position leaning deceptively more towards the ease portion as Dieter is anything but relaxed…ever.

Wip

Stella lets Aiwë explain, occasionally glancing up and scratching some notes. Was that rude? She looks to Aldous. He likely knew the right way to act in these situations. She tries to mimic his posture.

She narrows her eyes when Scar mentions the secret mine. Former slaves and Iron Throne workers fled and could have made it to the Gate, but how did word about their group, specifically, reach the Flaming Fists? If they had a description, that meant the assassins certainly would too...Might as well ask and find out, she supposed.

"Secret mine?"

Ida holds tightly to the small hand in hers and helps ward off the throng as she moves through the crowd. While they have some time Ida asks the girl her name and asks about some of her favourite things like her favourite animal, and favourite colour.

When they do finally make it to the office Ida situates herself on one of the side walls of the room and helps the girl sit. Ida still holds her hand and takes a seat next to her. She pulls out a piece of parchment and and quill with her free hand and passes it to the young girl and asks if she likes to draw or if she would like to learn a little bit if writing.

Scar nods once in respect and affirmation. "Officer Vai recounted as much in her report. She was wise to seek your help." He frowns down at his papers. "Though she said nothing about a cult of the Lord of Murder." His penetrating gaze rises to the party. "You're sure about Anchev being a cultist of Bhaal?"
Scar taps the papers on his desk with two fingers. "Not so secret anymore, thanks to you. To think they've had access to an iron mine for years..." His frown makes his scars look deeper. "We'll make sure the Iron Throne pays for what it's done. Sooner rather than later, if we can continue to count on your group for help."

Koveras clears his throat. "Yes, sir. I have witnessed this personally for the last twenty years."

The half-orc stands at attention, jaw set hard, eyes focused on the far wall.

Scar tilts his head to the side slightly as he eyes Koveras. "The young Anchev himself. I didn't think you'd ever be one to side against your father."

Koveras stiffens further. "Rieltar is not my father. Sir."

Scar nods slowly, eyes still on the half-orc. "As you say. I'm sure any information you can give us on the Iron Throne's inner workings will be invaluable."

He looks to Aldous. "Your father is most relieved to hear you're not dead, Lord Aldous. No doubt you'll pay a visit to Duke Entar and assure him of your safe return."

Aldous runs a hand through his hair, which has grown a bit longer in the months since he left home. "Of course! We'll likely put up in the Silvershield estate, at least until all this business with the Iron Throne is settled."

The young noble leans over to Stella. "At least, I assume you all would prefer to be my guests than pay for a tavern..."

Aiwë steadies Koveras with a brief hand on his shoulder blade.

"You have our assistance, sir," she tells Scar. "Its why we came. What is to be the next move?"

Stella nods, satisfied with Scar's answer."Assuming your security against assassins is better than a tavern, then I think so!" she murmurs back, jokingly. "Although...we...may want to find out whether your father has hired anyone new you met us...Except...well...how long ago did he hire Ajantis?" she asks, growing concerned. She holds her arms around herself and her tome, eye-stars shifting to indigo.

Ida smiles warmly down at the girl, in a low voice she responds "I can teach it to you no problem it's a very good skill to know how your name is spelled." Ida listens in to most of the conversation happening with the flaming fists and the rest of the party but ensures she gives the time and attention to the young girl as she teaches the her how to hold a quill and practice the letters needed to write her own name.

Scar nods in thanks to Aiwe's pledge of support. "News of your party's efforts have reached the city, but I doubt anyone outside the Flaming Fist would recognize you by sight, or even by name; tales and rumors change with every telling, as you're aware. We can use this to our advantage."

He rotates a large map of Baldur's Gate around on his desk to face the group, then points at a large office building marked as The Seven Suns. "A friend of mine, Jhasso, is the head of this trading coster, and one of our most important contacts among the merchant guilds. He's sent word that there's some sort of trouble brewing there, possibly caused by the Iron Throne."

Scar taps the map. "He asked discretion, so I can't send any of my men in uniform. That's where you come in. Find out what's going on in the Seven Suns, and report back to me." His seemingly-customary scowl returns. "With any luck, you'll learn something we can use against the Iron Throne."

"My name's Tenya," the girl says, then looks on eagerly as Ida demonstrates the quill and letters.