Chapter 3: The Tavern
They arrived at the tavern within a few minutes. Snake wasn't too fond of the place, preferring his drink alone, or maybe with just one or two friends. He didn't like the air, which was filled with the smoke of exotic weeds, and the breath of dozens of drunkards. He didn't like the people, while some were just sitting and enjoying a drink and their friends company, most were arguing, fighting or gambling. Drizzt didn't seem too happy about the area either, which made Snake wonder why they were even there.
They sat at a rather isolated table at the back of the bar, which made Drizzt and Snake happy. A barmaid came by with drinks for the three of them, and Drizzt tossed her a gold coin. She thanked him and went on her way.
"You know her?" Snake questioned.
"We come here from time to time." Drizzt answered, gesturing to his wine. Snake thought it odd that she came with three different drinks, when none of them had yet ordered, but Drizzt answered that question too. Snake took a swig of his beer, never one to turn down alcohol. His addiction really started after the Zanzibar Land incident, but that didn't matter.
"So what brings you to Baldur's Gate, anyway?" Wulfgar asked after a few minutes of uncomfortable silence. "One from so far away as yourself?"
"Well, an accident really. You see that belt I was holding when we met was what brought me here, but with it busted I can't get back at the time." Snake answered, a bit more rudely than he intended. Drizzt was still a little more than curious, but decided not to ask. If Snake wanted to tell them, he would in good time. Wulfgar, on the other hand, was perfectly satisfied with the answer, assuming there was nothing more to it.
After a few more minutes of uncomfortable silence, everyone sipping their booze, Drizzt was the first to speak up.
"Well, I suppose we should get going." He said as he got up and walked to the door.
"Where to?" Wulfgar asked, "We've no place to go."
"Sure we do." Drizzt smiled, "We can't leave our new friend stranded here. We gotta help him back home, considering it was you fault the belt was broken to begin with."
Wulfgar blushed. "Well, I guess so. It's the least we can do."
"Any clue where to start, Snake?" Drizzt turned to Snake, who was just gulping down the last of his beer.
"Not a clue." He stated flatly. With the belt broken, he wasn't sure he would ever get back. But then, like a bolt of lightning, Raiden dashed into the room. At first, Snake was glad to see him, until he remembered why he was there in the first place.
"Dammit!" He growled as he overturned his table for cover. Drizzt noted his reaction and drew his blades. His trusty scimitars, Twinkle and Icingdeath. Nobody even saw the scimitars come out of there sheathes, they seemed to simply jump into Drizzt's hands.
Raiden instinctively drew his gun, aiming it at Drizzt's head. Drizzt, not recognizing the weapon, was more than cautious. He stood still, guessing easily that the weapon was a projectile one.
"Snake, I came to apologize," Raiden started, not taking his eyes off Drizzt. He noted the charcoal skin. "and warn you, Ocelot is searching for you."
"Ocelot!?" Snake growled. He understood immediately. Ocelot tried to brainwash Raiden once, during the Big Shell incident, it wasn't so far fetched that he might try again.
"Yeah, he's trying to kill you." Raiden said grimly, still only taking his eyes off the elf a moment. "He probably has some plan up his sleeves, and needs you out of the way to do it."
"Makes sense. I have stopped him on multiple occasions." Snake laughed.
"Not so. Ocelot always seems to get what he wants; it was Liquid and Solidus that we stopped." Raiden replied, finally taking his eyes and gun off the elf. Drizzt sheathed his swords as well, realizing the man was not hostile.
"True, maybe it's just a precaution. He saw what we did do the other Snake's, maybe he's just worried we may do the same to him." Snake said, his tone taking on that of casual conversation.
"No, that's not Ocelot's way. He would just have defence measures set up, and probably try to keep his plot covered up. He wouldn't just try to kill you." Raiden went on.
"Well either way, we need a plan." Snake started. "We either need to run, or fight him head on. I have no weapons, so the latter may be out of the question."
"We'll think of something," Drizzt began. "Let us sit, drink, introduce ourselves, tell us who this Ocelot is, and think of a plan."
And they did.