We prepare for the wedding. We head towards the ferry docks while Ariza pops into visit with Kiff for the wedding present. Kiff is expecting her.
“Ariza! I’m glad you’re here – you look wonderful. I expect you’ll be completely invisible this wedding if you’re as good as we hope.” He hands her a beautiful leather bound book – an antique. “Sir Lao will appreciate this. Your mark is a wonderful device that Sir Lao has found the recipe for. On his estate is a safe in his room. We want you to get the device and a research journal; leave the ledger. We don’t want him to know how much we know about his affairs. You’ll have ample opportunity to get into his private quarters. Sir Lao is a bit eccentric and he loves his entertainment. There will be …and probably some gladiatorial combat. But be careful – he is very clever. There will be impressive guests there – the mayor will be there and other important personalities of Amber.”
“Do you know the total guest count?”
“A couple hundred. You should be able to blend in unnoticed.”
Ariza exits Kiff’s shop and shows us the gift. “It’s a book that Sir Lao will will appreciate. Ruth is working directly for the mayor now, by the way.”
We note that the book is neither magical or trapped.
Steady stream of people and carriages arrive. We flag down a carriage leaving and pay the driver (2gp) to carry us up to the gate. We ride the last quater mile to the wedding. We present our invitation and are welcomed to Lao’s estate. “Welcome representative’s of Kiff’s Emporium.”
Rem’e notes it’s a walled estate with a lot of land with orchards, gardens, hedge maze. It’s well to do. The estatei is two stories and large. The wedding is going to be outside on the lawns. The evening is coming on. There are torches and lanterns and magical lights. There are seats for the ceremonies. We are escorted to the social gathering inside the walls. Attendees are milling about.
Liadan notes that there are guards, but no one is on high alert. The guests are not sporting weapons. Rhun’s scimitar is comfortably tied with peace ties. Some guests nod, recognizing a priest of Serenrae.
Typus, the priest of Asmodeus is present, dressed in lavish and very expensive clothing. His ostentation is intentional to highlight his power and importance. Rhun can pay attention to very little else.
Liadan notes that people are being very civil; lots of business deals going on. Rem’e sees no other halflings here. Pretty much everyone here is a human.
Amongst some other notables: the mayor is easy to identify with his entourage. Wu is not here, being still in BB. The bride and groom are not present; nor is the officient, Nalia Li. The wizard, V. Sorenson, is here floating about between guests.
Rhun casts status on Ariza as we arrive, wanting to help keep a protective eye on her.
Rhun says hello to Vosa. Rem’e looks for the military folks and the Church of Abidar. Ariza looks for the servants and how they move trhough the hosue. A lot of food is ….
Vosa introduces Rhun to sgt. flyn day – who works through region. He is wearing chainmail – he’s the Battleman’s Bloodbrother’s head. He’s probably been on one too many campaigns.
Tudik Warsh is here. He cleans up well.
The ceremony is about to begin. The servants have placed our gift on the gift table. A trumpeter comes out, and everyone drifts to their seats or to the back (like us) where we stand to watch teh ceremony. The bride and groom come out stately – he is wearing specticles, a cane, fine robes. Ruth comes out finely dressed – no blushing bride, but fine as she is. The chief justice, Nalia speaks words on the importance of union and civiility — they tie the knot. Everyone applauds politiely.
Liadan and Ariza see the Ruth is satisfied. Perhaps more satisfied than happy. We get into the receiving line. Ariza wanders away.
Rem’e reaches Ruth and bows perfectly. Ruth sees him and recognizes him fondly. She’s eyes all three of us, but doesn’t seem to recognize there was a foruth. She’s so impressed with Rem’e’s bow – and introduces us to her husband. “Late from the Bluff, yes” — we sense that he has his finger on the pulse of the region. He knows about heroes at work, but perhaps just keeping in the back of his mind. Rem’e keeps us moving forward at exactly the right pace. Sir Lao notes, “please come down and enjoy the spectacle this evening”.
The feast begins soon after. The food is lavish, perhaps not as lavish as New Albion, but a lot of money has been spent.
Shakuhachis are out and elegant music is being played. Liadan notes that no one is looking at us peculiaraly. We are blended in. (cut to recording)