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Kenton wanders the stalls of Grandbridge's Gray Market, recalling his days on leave from the Taldan Horse when Oppara seemed the gateway to everything. Simpler times, when pursuing simpler pleasures.
He makes his way to The Sword and Shield, a merchant stall with a reputation for selling to soldiers when in town. Kenton doesn't recognize the first two people he sees working, but then...
Vanora?
Vanora Ravenbloom, proprietor of The Sword and Shield spins about, her eyes open wide. Kenton Bowe, by the blade of Iomedae! It has been a fortnight of months, at the least! Vanora embraces the lanky soldier as her new apprentices look on in some astonishment — this is clearly an uncharacteristic display from their normally aloof boss.
Kenton returns the hug with a smile. Too long, Vanora, indeed. How do you fare?
Good days and bad, she replies. Eloise left, don't you know, and yet here I am still.
Oh, I'm so sorr- Kenton begins, but is waved off by Vanora.
Don't be, it's for the best; she's not the lass who once stole my heart anymore. Vanora wipes a bit of grime off her cheek and changes the subject. And you? Still riding with the Horse?
No longer, Kenton says. Now I'm, ah...involved in politicking, of a fashion.
Vanora laughs. Of course you are, you sweet talker.
On the hunt for a different sort of foe. Which reminds me, actually, Kenton says, pulling out his rapier. What do you make of this? I came across it during my service — even my untrained eye can spot a well-crafted blade!
Vanora takes the rapier. Truly, nice workmanship. Not quite as good as ours, of course, but close. It's mundae at present. Shall we make a change on that?
If you're willing, Kenton says.
I'm willing...if you're paying.
Kenton grins. Of course.
Done, Vanora declares, handing it to a nearby novice with some direction. As she turns back to Kenton, she sees he is mesmerized by a hanging shirt of intricate silvery chain. She smiles broadly. You like?
It's exquisite, he says softly. A moment later he realizes he is holding his breath, and exhales. I've never seen anything like it.
And I daresay you won't again, Vanora replies, gliding over and taking it off the display. Try it on for size.
Oh, no no no... Kenton says in protest, even as Vanora deftly pulls it over his head. Despite his objections, he finds that the chain shirt fits like a second skin.
Looks like it was made for you, Vanora says with a smirk, though it, er, wasn't. I won't bore you with the details of how I came by this, but it clearly should be yours. Kenton shakes his head, trying to explain that he can't afford it, and Vanora holds up a hand. Eventually. I'll hold on to it until then.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
It doesn't take long for everything to go awry...
The liveried soldiers at the entrance to the opulent Commerce Hall inform the you that the baron is too ill to attend today’s meeting and that the Mercantile Council is hosting another guest, Earl Yander Merkondus. The guards introduce you to a liveried halfling official named Gregor Hamble to escort them into the audience chamber. Hamble is a gregarious and helpful sort, open to questions about Yanmass.
"Gregor! Well met!" Xavien greets the halfling warmly. "Do you have a relative by the name of Grigor, by chance? A cousin, perhaps? I met a fellow by that name years ago and helped free him from an ensorcellment by the empress of some dark tower. A fabulous sparring partner he was, and braver than anything."
"Anyway, we have just arrived as you can see. What would you say is the state of things in Yanmass? How are her people faring? Which way does the wind blow on Taldor's present troubles?"