NB: Computer recently upgraded to a Window 11 compatible Window 10 (I don't know what that mean, either). Suddenly several programs throw fits when I try to open them and every dox I saved look really weird. Guess it will take a few chapters for me to adjust.

Lost in Realm

18

Nhilva wasn't sure if she was hearing this correctly. First of all, the term "insurance" was not exactly unheard of in this realm. The merchant guilds of major cities actually had such a thing in place for some important jobs, although the policy wasn't as detailed as the ones she was familiar with in another world. There were no house and contents categories yet. At the moment, it wasn't just jobs, and whoever associated with. Also, the process of applying for insurance via the Merchant's Guild was so complicated and costly, only a few who could afford it actually bothered. Now this fella was telling her they put insurance on this job?

"A rich one?" she asked after a moment, her remark edged in sarcasm.

It was a rather confusing question. Yet, surprisingly, Bastian knew exactly what she was talking about. Inclining his head a little to the side, he grinned. "Quite."

"They could always seek help from the Arcane Brotherhood," she suggested nonchalantly. The Arcane Brotherhood literally owned a large portion of Luskan, and maybe several cities along the Sword Coast. The infamous wizard guild was very powerful. Even the Underdark had heard of them.

"My contractors are...put it simply, not a fan of them." The paladin made a playful grimace.

"Ah. I presumed they have asked Jarlaxle?" she asked. After all, the fellow drow was another powerful figure in this city.

"It is how and why I am here." Bastian pointed at their surroundings in the tavern.

"He asked you to come here?!" Red eyes widened in surprised. The drow certainly had a lot of confidence about his own place.

Bastian merely looked at her with a deepening grin. Once again, she felt this man was more of a scammer than a paladin. Look at him. She couldn't even see him blush.

"May I ask why your employers need these furs so desperately?" Nhilva inquired. "It is a lot of trouble for some hides that are almost impossible to get."

"I did not ask." The man shrugged. "I am sure there is a reason. But like you, I am in need of coin, more than most jobs offered in Luskan. I prefer not getting fired because I am nosy."

"Fair enough," Nhilva said. She began internally weighing options. She must admit the pay was a very important factor here. A job that was so important to be even posted on the board here in One-Eyed Jax, or anywhere else, must have a hefty bag of coins attached. Not to mention it was insured. Yet she could not help but doubt her own ability. Her magic power was stripped. Although during her job in Rat Alley, it somewhat stirred and returned a little, it was still not exactly combat ready. Klauthen Vale wasn't exactly a scenic location. Anyone going to that region should arm to the teeth and fully expect at least losing an arm or a leg. Why could they want to hire her as a member? Were they that desperate? Were those furs really that important? It wasn't that no one had tried it over the years. Stories of people who went into that region and never returned were rather popular in every tavern. Almost every night there was at least one ballad sung by the bard about those.

Yet, she really needed the coins. Not just for Bishop. This job would reduce her stress for travelling along the coast for some time. At least until she figured out what to do with herself in this realm.

Yes, she still wasn't sure about this whole waking up in a strange new body in an even stranger fantasy world thing. It took her up until now to come to terms with everything, as easy as she believed it have been, considering how familiar she was with this land. What she was going to do would be her next step. Of course, going back to the Underdark was out of the question. She, nor her original host soul, disliked the place. She doubted her house wanted her to return, either. After all, they tossed her out, did they not? Staying on the surface, travelling about while figuring out this world was the logical option.

Letting out a sigh, Nhilva looked at the paladin with a resigned tone. "I suppose I will have no choice but to join this mad...eh...expedition."

"You don't have to if you don't want to," Bastian's grin did not even falter one bit.

"R-i-g-h-t, after you've been practically glued to the board and harassing the living daylights out of me for the past hour? It will be such a cruel thing to turn you down, no?" She drow grimaced. "I hope you know what you are doing. Because I am really not as good as you think I am."

"From what we have conversed so far, I am quite confident." The paladin quirked a brow.

"Now what? Usually I take down the paper on the billboard and seek contact with the contractor, not representatives."

"I am the contact," Bastian pointed at himself. "We will meet at the North Gate and head out tomorrow."

"That soon?" Nhilva was surprised. "You don't need to acquire the gear and stuff?"

"Done all of that." The paladin waved his hand like he was batting away a fly. "You are the only thing more that we need."