Employment and the Lady Owens

Avan Pentos meets Talo'ta Daxe in Wineport's tavern after leaving Limsa Lominsa seeking new job opportunities. They exchange some words, carefully watched by lady Ari Owens, and to Talo'ta's surprise Avan hired himself into Talo'ta's service.

Ananta Kadru enters the tavern and seems to reminiscent memories of old. She claims to know Talo'ta but does not elaborate further. She leaves after she shared some chuckles with the lady Owens regarding the stupidity of men.

Since Talo'ta completely resents the thought to pay for anything so the fight about the salary is taken outside. A rather fruitless discussion evolves in which Talo'ta cannot convince Avan to let go of the idea of being hired. Ari steps in but much to her displeasure is brushed aside. Talo'ta sees his chance and makes sure that the lady Owens is constantly in between Avan and him but to no avail. Avan's idea of being hired does not vane. Cheap food and booze is Talo'ta's first and last offer since Avan agrees and claims the contract to be intact.

Upset by the childish squabble between Talo'ta and Avan, the lady Owens decides to give both hotheads a bath inside the nearby river. Unfortunately she tosses them inside the river fully clothed and Avan is about to drown because of his inability to swim wearing heavy armour. He clings to Talo'ta nearly drowning both when Ari with eyes rolling decides to help them both into safety.

Ari used this opportunity to sneak an expensive jewel into Talo'tas pockets without him realizing that.