[Gideon] Talk to the Hands

Gideon waited as Kang Cheol and Vernice left the coffee shop, excusing himself to try the local pastries and tea. He casually observed Lady Martella's guests, noting their behavior and questions.

"You should try their honey cake," Lady Matella said as she waved farewell at the solider and diplomat. "I heard it's the Grand Prince's favorite treat."

"Too sweet for me," the dwarf muttered as he gulped down his cup. "I'd rather eat my fill when all this is over."

"Nervous about your mission?"

Gideon gave the noble woman a forced smile. "I've got it planned out. Although I would need some additional information."

Lady Martella lovingly caressed her brass cricket toy, tenderly fiddling with its tin legs. "What have you got so far?"

Gideon carefully pulled out a small sack from under the table. "It took me weeks to get the details and the finishing done," he said as he revealed a large wine bottle from inside. "I paid good money for this level of design."

The dwarf handed the bottle to Lady Martella. "So I will go to the Senate pantry and switch the real wine with this counterfeit bottle."

"That sounds doable," Lady Martella raised the bottle and examined its contents. "I must admit you did an excellent job with this forgery."

"Only the best for my lady," Gideon replied as he took back the wine bottle and gently placed it in the sack. "Perhaps you have other aides in the senate building who can help me make the exchange."

Lady Martella gave the dwarf and amused smile, as if he said something offensive. "I wouldn't have hired you if I have people to do this job. You should do more work little alchemist."

Gideon blushed and quickly bowed. "I am sorry, Lady Martella. I was merely asking."

"Do you think a woman of my status would know people who work in the buiding?"

"No, but..."

"Go talk to the servants if you must, I don't care how you do it, just make the switch discreetly."

[Vernice] Looking up the High Commander

Vernice looked around the inside of the church and it was empty of worshipers, just as she expected for this time of the day.  She moved to a confession box and entered.  There was a rough clearing of the throat on the other side.  She smiled at the familiar sound.  Father Piedro was always punctual and he didn't disappoint her, especially now that she was in a time crunch.

"Forgive me Father, for I have sinned," she intoned the habitual opening for confessions.  "It has been 12 weeks since my last confession.  I have been VERY busy."  She put a not so subtle emphasis on the last couple of words.

"It's alright, my child.  The Sovereign Host welcomes back all those who wander," the priest answered.  "Is there anything else troubling you?"

Vernice paused.  Father Piedro was always direct to the point.  She debated internally if she should be involving him with her situation but as she was pressed for time, she made her decision to trust him with her question.

"I'm meeting a high ranking officer today.  I would like him to have a good first impression on me.  I heard you were his chaplain for his division once.  If I may ask, can you tell me something about him, so I can get into his good graces and not embarrass myself."

There was a prolonged silence on the other side of the confessional, broken only by an occasional coughing.  Finally the priest replied.

"That would be a tall order indeed, but I'm sure someone of your personality can manage just fine.  He is a gruff warrior, schooled in the proud and traditional warrior ways.  The army is his life and he would like to see it restored to its former glory.  Military might and conquest and all of that."

"Truly a soldier's soldier," Vernice said.  "How about hobbies?  Surely he does other things during his spare time."

"Hmm, as I recall, he was very interested in athletics - racing and wrestling.  He was also very keen to study wilderness survival techniques.  I believe he even wrote a book about it," added Father Piedro.

Vernice and the priest talked about a few more things before she took his leave.  She thanked him for the information and turned to go, but he stopped her for a moment.

"A last word my child," the priest warned her ominously.  "I know not what you are planning, but you might be playing a dangerous game.  Take very good care of  yourself."

The paladin's throat went dry, but she had already resolved herself on this course of action.  She whispered: "For king and country."

It was only a few hours later while heading towards the Gala chambers did Vernice realize that the priest had given her a lot of information about the High Commander, but she couldn't recall ever disclosing he was the officer she was going to meet.

The Meet-Up

Lady Martella requests that you meet with her an hour before the Exaltation Gala to familiarize yourselves with one another, your missions, and answer any remaining questions.

You were given directions to meet at a small, smoky cafe several blocks from the senate building. It is a quaint little bistro, with two floors and several tiny rooms designed for private conferences.

Long, golden beams of the setting sun dance through the cafe's smoky interior, highlighting breads, cheeses, and wine bottles behind the only counter. Martella sips casually from a steaming mug, dressed in an elegant but reserved gown. A hand-sized brass cricket buzzes quietly on the tabletop beside her.

"I'm so pleased you could join me this evening," she begins. "Please order whatever you like; the fig jam is particularly lovely here. And feel free to speak candidly. I've taken measures to ensure our privacy."

She listens as you makes your introductions. After which, she hands each of you an old but shiny brooch. It features the symbol of a noble family.

"I am sure you are already familiar with your mission for tonight," she said. "This badge is your ticket to getting in and out of the Senate building without rousing suspicions from the guards."

Gideon examines the brooch, appraising it as if he wasn't sure of its authenticity. "Whose family does this brooch belong to? I am not familiar with this symbol."

"You know that senators require a large retinue of staff to administer their duties," Lady Martella explains. "These senate aide badges belonged to Senator Moritt Voritas from the Vortias family."

The dwarf merchant scratched his beard. "The Voritas family? I haven't heard of them."

"Their family line died off a few decades ago," Lady Martella answered, showing off a more detailed and ornamental brooch pinned on her vest. "But we can still use these badges to communicate with each other during the event."

"Very smart," Gideon replied as he pinned the brooch on his shirt. "And I'm guessing that no one will notice that we are impersonating the staff of a long dead senator."

"No one will find out," Lady Martella quipped. "Unless you get caught."

[Kang Cheol] Meeting the Veteran

"It's been a crazy day! Can't wait till all the official ceremony is done so we can party!"

"We still have a lot of work to do," Kang Cheol answered as he helped his companion fix the banners in the Senate Hall. He had been staying at the Riedran Consulate office for almost two months now, acting as a messenger and errand boy for dignitaries. His work partner, a young half-elf maiden named Soneil, took the big sister role and spent most of the time guiding and teaching the newcomer.

"It's going to be awesome, I'm sure of it!" Soneil exclaimed, her eyes beaming proudly over the decorations they spent hours making. "Have you decided what to wear for tonight?"

Kang Cheol was about to answer when he caught sight of a tall eldelry human walking towards them. He quickly signaled his partner and both of them stood up. "Good afternoon, Lord Hiroku."

The Riedran diplomat gave the two young adolescents a quick disapproving look, as if he had caught them in stealing some white raven ale. "I see you have not completed your task."

"We are almost done with the hall," Soneil answered with a trembling voice. Lord Hiroku was a strict courtesean who hosted decades of ceremonies and parties for the highborn. He expected nothing but perfection among his subordinates.

"The house banners are not in their proper positions," the old man commented as he gazed over the sigils of Thaliost's noble houses hanging on the wall. "Make sure you fix that. And Kang Cheol, may I have a word with you?"

Kang Choel took a deep breath, wondering what he might have possibly done to attract the old courtesean's attention. He had not met or spoke to Lord Hiroku since he arrived at Thaliost.

"I hope you are doing well with you stay in the city," Lord Hiroku spoke as the two of them walked across an empty corrdior, heading the the diplomat's office. "Forgive me if I haven't had a chance to talk to you. As you have noticed, a lot of things have transpired in the past few months."

"I am only here to serve," Kang Cheol gave the customary reply.

"You can skip the formalities," Lord Hiroku snapped as he brought the young man into his work room. "We don't have a lot of time. The Senate will meet in a few hours. I need you to be my eyes and ears."

Kang Cheol nodded. "Has this got something to do Lady Martella Lotheed?"

The old man shook his head in disapproval, as if he heard the wrong answer. "Tonight's Senate meeting is an important historical event. Lady Lotheed is just one of the many players in this grand game. You still have a lot to learn."

"I thought we are working with Lady Lotheed?" Kang Cheol asked. "Why are you asking me to meet with her before the Senate meeting?"

"How much do you know of the Grand Prince Stavian III?"

Kang Cheol nervously cleared his throat, wondering if the old man was quizzing him about Thaliost nobility. "He is the emperor of Thaliost and all its colonies."

"And?"

"He has no male heirs, which poses a problem because only the sons can inherit the titles of their fathers."

Lord Hiroku's beady eyes looked at Kang Cheol, waiting for the young man to provide more answers. Unfortunately there were none.

"His only son, Carrius, died twenty years ago in a horse riding accident. Such a pity. Carrius was well loved by everyone."

"Is that why Princess Eutropia has been pushing for the abolishment of primogeniture and become the first empress of Thaliost?"

"Is that what you think or what you have heard?" Lord Hiroku asked with a stern voice. "There is a big difference."

Kang Cheol fell silent, unsure of what to answer.

"You still have a lot to learn," Lord Hiroku continued. "Tonight will be the perfect opportunity for you to prove yourself. I give you permission to meet with Lady Lotheed, mingle with the nobles, and perhaps get a chance to talk to the princess or the king. Learn what you can."

[Kang Cheol] Riedran Duties

Kang Cheol could not hear anything but he could feel the movement of the water all around him - enveloping him.  Submerged in the pool like this, he did not think of it as a luxury but as a means to which he can take the time to focus on the things that led him to where he was now.  He knew little of his parents.  He was born to a father who was a farmer and a mother who was a miner.  They were paired together by the Priests and as declared by Riedan custom.  He did not know if they loved each other but they were happy to fulfill their duty.  Not long after, Kang Cheol was born,  the Priests decided that the beautiful child has the potential to serve as one of the Chosen, a possible vessel of the Inspired.

As soon as he can survive without a nurturing mother, Kang Cheol was sent to be trained.  He learned the ways of court and at the same time how to take care of his body.  He grew up well both physically and mentally.  His daily life was spent in Riedran court and was recently assigned to join the envoy to Khorvaire.  Still he prepared for the day that he would possibly fulfill his duty to serve as the vessel for the true leaders of the land - the Lords Inspired of Riedra.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a voice within his head.

"Today's work shift is done.  Everyone is to gather at the communal halls for the evening meal.  You have done well, children of Riedra.  Follow the Path."

Kang Cheol smiled as the Soothing Voice of the hanbalani finished.  It was comforting that even far away from Riedra, the voice connected each one of the members of the delegation in Thaliost.  There was no monolithic hanbalani altas in Thaliost - those grand monuments which dotted the land of Riedra - but a similar focus was located in the center of the compound which allowed the projection of the Voice.  The Voice provided news, encouragement and intructions to the Riedran people; reminding each one that they belonged to a greater whole and that each one had a duty to fulfill in it.

'Work is prayer', the Path of Inspiration instructs. 

Kang Cheol stood up and emerged from the center of the pool.  At six feet tall, the water reached up to his chest. He walked up towards the edge of the pool to where two Riedran commoners were waiting for him; water dripping down from the body which was carefully taken care of.

"Everything is ready Chosen Kang Cheol."  The closest Riedran stated as he patted him dry with a towel.   The other one stayed silent; focused on drying the Chosen’s ankle length hair.  "The envoy will be leaving to meet with the Lady Lotheed after we are done the evening meals and prayers."

Kang Cheol nodded and allowed his aides to do their tasks - taking care of his body, which may one day serve as an Inspired vessel, was part of their duties. Soon he was dry and wearing the customary set of formal Riedran clothing.

“Follow the Path.”  Kang Cheol bowed his thanks and let the way to where they are to oin the others with the evening meals.

[Gideon] A Friendly Warning

Most merchants and guild artisans consider the Day of Exaltation as one of the most busiest days in Thaliost. Goods from far flung corners of the empire have been flooding the city gates for weeks. Local and foreign customers were on the street, hunting for exotic treasures and bargains.

This was Gideon's second year in Thaliost and his first time to experience the Day of Exaltation. As a young guild artisan, Gideon was assigned at the alchemist warehouse, monitoring the inventory and making sure the rare chemical ingredients were always well-stocked and properly secured.

It was late afternoon when one of the guild masters, a middle-aged human named Terah, came to visit the warehouse. She was a veteran alchemist who mentored the dwarf and introduced him to the guild.

"Finish your work and get ready, I know Lady Lotheed hates latecomers." Terah said with a stern voice. She gave Gideon a scrutinizing glance before reviewing the ledger on Gideon's desk. "Don't make me regret choosing you for this assignment."

"I won't disappoint you, Master Terah." Gideon responded as he quickly cleaned up his workspace. "Thank you for choosing me. This is really an honor."

The dwarf's eager response somehow softened Terah's tough facade. The master alchemist closed the ledger and gave a soft sigh. "I hope you understand the severity of this situation. As far as everyone knows, you will be offering your services to Lady Martella as a free agent."

Gideon tighten his lips and nodded. "Yes I understand. I will be working outside the guild's jurisdiction."

"You should know that Martella's family, the wealthy Lotheed clan has been one of our major business partners for many years. We cannot let them know we are working with their bastard daughter."

Terah wanted to say something more but hesitated. She wondered if the young dwarf was ready to know the truth about the guild's businesses and the source of the Lotheed's wealth and prestige. Gideon was young, enthusiastic, and a bit naive.

"I will be discreet," Gideon replied. "Don't worry. I won't let you down."

[Vernice] Word in the Barracks

It took Vernice less than an hour to prepare for the upcoming festivities at the Senate house. The thought of attending such a prominent event, hobnobbing with nobles would frighten and dissuade most commoners. But Vernice was no ordinary commoner.

First of all Vernice was a warrior and a soldier of the crown. She cared little for polite etiquette and petty talks of the high born. The insignia in her armor and sword would bring her the respect that she deserves.

"So you are going to attend the party," one of her barrack-mates said. Vernice looked at the young half-orc and grinned. "It's just some business that I need to do."

The half orc approached Vernice and adjusted her chain mail armor. "I would stay away from those damn nobles," he muttered. "They are devils and they only care about themselves."

Vernice shook her head. "Not all of them are as bad as you imagine."

"I hear the emperor is going to exalt another one of his savage bodyguards like he did for Baron Vinmark. Last thing we need is another barbarian from the far colonies to lord over us."

Most people know that the Grand Day of Exaltation is the one day every year when Grand Prince Stavian III elevates a commoner to the ranks of nobility. Such individual must possess some unusual skill or service that promotes Thaliost ideals and culture. It would be strange for the emperor to chose a savage warrior as the recipient of this award.

"The Grand Prince is crazy. Paranoid crazy, if you ask me." The half-orc muttered as he checked Vernice's sword. "Hiring foreign soliders to protect himself from the people around him. His very own family and people."

"You should keep your voice down," Vernice advised her friend. "You can get into trouble for the things you are saying."

"Okay I think you are ready to go. Show these wimpy nobles what a real Thaliost soldier is made of."