The aroma of roasting meat and ale assaulted Lucian's senses as Kainith pushed open the creaky oak door of The Merry Mussel. Inside, a cacophony of laughter and lively chatter echoed off the low-beamed ceiling, a stark contrast to the oppressive silence of Hell and the tense journey with Kainith. A motley crew of adventurers filled the bustling tavern, their boisterous energy washing over Lucian like a wave.

At a table in the corner sat the two figures Kainith had mentioned during their journey. A burly warrior, Rory, with a thick beard that framed a scarred face, perpetually cradled a tankard of ale in his hand. Beside him sat Rance, a wiry rogue with a mischievous glint in his eyes. His nimble fingers constantly flitted through the air as if manipulating invisible objects.

"Ah, Kainith!" Rory boomed, rising to his feet with a thunderous thud that sent shivers down Lucian's spine. "And who might this be you bring to our humble gathering?"

Kainith gestured towards Lucian. "This, my friend, is Lucian. A traveler in need of a night full of rest and relaxation." Kainith then looks towards Rory. “I know you are gonna miss the parties big guy but we have a mission now. So get your drinking done tonight because this little demon born has a new mission for us!”

Lucian offered a hesitant nod, his gaze flickering between the jovial warrior and the enigmatic rogue. Despite himself, his stomach tightened with a nervous flutter. Rance, with an impish grin, leaned forward, his voice a conspiratorial whisper. "Mission, eh? We specialize in a little of everything around here: lock-picking, monster slaying, the occasional daring heist." His eyes flicked to Lucian, a glint of amusement dancing within them. "Though I wouldn't recommend the last one for your first outing." Rance sat back up and held his hand out. “I’m Rance by the way and the big guy, well he’s Rory. Kainith makes me babysit him sometimes.”

Rory leaned over, “More like it’s my job to make sure this one,” he pointed at Rance, “stays out of trouble and maybe even has a little fun.”

Kainith laughed out loud, “Rance I’d be careful with this one I think a heist is just a day off for him!” Lucian, why don't you tell them a little of what you told me.”

Lucian forced a smile, the playful jab doing little to ease his apprehension. Lucian took some time explaining his heist of a mysterious and powerful gemstone. As he recanted his tale, he had all of Rory’s attention and Rance flipped a dagger while he listened.

Rance then spoke up. “Lucian, that is a great story but I have a problem with it.” Rance leaned back. “You worked for a huge, and from the sounds of it, a well-respected thieves clan. That means you must have been good, and well good thieves don't just lose treasure.” Rance’s smile turned deadly serious. “I won’t agree to help you until you tell us why you no longer have the gem.”

Kainith, sensing his friend's unease, nudged him gently. "Don't worry, Lucian. These two are the best in the business, or at least that's what they keep telling me." He winked at Rory and Rance, who both chuckled heartily.

Lucian once again sensing no way forward spoke in barely more than a whisper. “I made a deal with an archdemon. You guys have no idea how powerful they are. He trapped me and gave me two options. Work for him to retrieve more gems or be nothing more than a scorch mark on the ground.”

Kainith coming to a sudden realization said, “that’s why your magic was imbued with hellfire.”

Lucian nodded to Kainith. “The demon’s name is Vornath, and he told me of another gem and he would give me more information on it when he had it.”

Rory looked to Lucian. “If this demon is so powerful, why doesn’t he get the gems himself? It seems a little risky trusting someone else with the knowledge of them. Not only trusting you but also giving you a portion of his power.”

Kainith glanced over at Rory. “That is a good point. I guess on top of stopping an archdemon we will also have to deduce his motive as well.”

Rance glanced over at Lucian “See that’s all I wanted to know. I will happily lend you my aid. I know you are not a huge fan of being beholden to a demon but help us use the power it gave you. We will find any gem that he tells you about and we will find a way to break you out of the pact if you want it.”

Lucian glanced over to Rance and then to Rory, “Why are all of you so willing to help me?” Lucian points with his thumb to Kainith, “I get why he would team up with me to get here. I mean it makes sense to travel in numbers, but why, now that you guys are all back together, do you want to embark on a dangerous journey to help me give gems to a demon?”

Rory laughed out loud. “We are professional adventurers and the well is running dry around here. Hell, that’s why Kainith was out and about he was looking for work. It looks like he found some.” Rory said with a smile.

“I can’t pay you though,” Lucian sighed.

This time Rance spoke up again. “That’s okay! I’m sure there will be plenty of treasure along the way. We are going to help you seek powerful artifacts. They are never buried alone, ” Rance said with a smile conspiratorially.

As the evening wore on, the warmth of the tavern, fueled by ale and boisterous camaraderie, chipped away at Lucian's apprehension. He learned of Rory's unwavering loyalty and unwavering strength. His booming laughter masked a surprisingly insightful mind. Rance, despite his mischievous demeanor, proved to be a cunning strategist with a sharp wit and a knack for getting out of tight situations.

After what felt like no time at all the tavern keep shouted at the remaining patrons. “All right. Everyone finish up and get out, I’m done serving.”

Kainith looked at the group and said “Let’s go to bed shall we? We have an adventure to get to.”