Episode 2

Kray definitely manages most of the talking and mingling with expertise. It does provide Bryn a bit more "off time" to non-chalantly look here and ther.

Thorn and Bryn shift around a bit, trying to get an understanding of the guard perimeter and overall security stance. The Holy Gilded Armsmen are thick everywhere. They are filtering some through the crowds, but mostly they are hanging out in the edges, forming something of an "outer limit" of permitted passage. When party goers start wandering down unapproved halls and stairwells, they are kindly turned back by the Armsmen. Thorn notices that staff, workers, and magistrates are being allowed past, if they are recognizable or have the right credentials to pass by to fulfill errands or work tasks.

Interestingly, Thorn notices that Palla Ba, Lok, Ra u nak, and Trece all have ability to pass the guard perimeter. Palla Ba and Nok work here in the palace full time. Ra u nak and Trece seem to work here frequently when asked to set up the mobile tea station. All of them seem to be familiar with the back rooms and more distant hallways.

After a time, all of the parties in separate sections are asked to consolidate to watch the main entertainment and also to receive the entrance of The Blessed Sar, Favord Yakud Enlightened.

The Holy Gilded Armsmen direct the crowd in towards a central room that is partially covered and partially open-air. Huge gold and red columns line the perimeter of this massive audience chamber. Mammoth stairs cut down the middle creating several levels of wide stages, at the bottom of which everyone stands awaiting the arrival of the Sar. The sun is setting, that moment in the edge of the day when there is a glow in the air just before darkness.

With great pomp and circumstance, Sar Yakud does finally make a grand entrance after a marching of troops, dancers, acrobats, and horn blowers. He wears heavy and elegant white robes. He carries a scepter and wears more of a hat than a crown, though it appears to be made of both fine fabrics and gold woven together.

In his name, rolling waves of dancers, entertainers, and elaborately clad women sweep through, gliding up and down the stairs in successive groups, all displaying beauty, grace, and skill as a team of harpists weave uplifting music in the background. As they earn his praise, he smiles and claps softly, after which everyone follows suit. The crowd seems delighted and fully engrossed in the celebration.

The intro parade ends eventually and Sar Yakud stands before the crowd. Everyone waits for his words.

Both of his wives are escorted in behind him. They are Bandecca and Sordamor, both extremely beautiful. The Sar nods to them as they sit in elaborate chairs to the right and left of his throne.

Turning back to the crowd, Yakud waits. Looking out into the crowd, perhaps for a bit too long for comfort. Finally breaking the silence, he speaks. His voice is so very quiet. Delicate. Those in the back can hardly hear him.

Some get it the first time, but others have to be relayed the message. "Peace to all of Gelshemish during this Late Moshe," said the King. "May we all prepare our spirits for the coming of Ruet and the beginning of the Shuvael, for Goldna ad Dasnish, our Righteous Patron, must guide my words even as I am commissioned to guide this Holy City ever towards His Intent."

He turns and takes a seat, after which the harps and horns begin anew. Everyone claps. Then the entertainment continues.

After a short series of flute and harp music, mighty horns take over. Soon the music has converted to the call of horns. A sound of assembly. Drums begin to beat. A military march.

A group of Holy Gilded Armsmen march out from the back hallways, passing by those already standing in a perimeter. Their helmets and armor gleaming. Their spears, shields, and swords immaculate. Their step and cadence, perfection.

The Armsmen execute an elaborate show of drill and ceremony on the lower stage, wowing the crowd with their command and precision using shields and spears, weaving between one another with expert timing.

Then, out of the background, another group of soldiers march in. These are also dressed in impressive armor and carry massive shields and spears, gleaming handled gladiuses hung at their side belts. There colors are reds and blues, each small group having slight differences in their uniforms one from another, but all matching in collective theme.

They are the Korvarans. The Iron Legions. And their skill at arms is apparent. They integrate their marching and arms display with the one already underway among the Gilded Armsmen. Soon the forces are integrated fully, and the level of expertise of the martial drills climbs higher and higher.

Soon all of the soldiers are sounding off in unison, calling out with one heavy voice commands, responses, and sharp shouts of field control. An air of intimidation and awe begins to fill the air.

In loud cracks of spear, locking of shields, and controlled barks of battle commands, the entire force ends the drill locked shield to shield, spears out, helmets gleaming dressed in perfect lines all around, and one final thunderous shout.

Their is a pregnant pause in the crowd. Some spectators look awestruck, others nearly terrified, but all captivated by the formation of war there at center stage.

Then Sar Yakud stands, throwing up his hands and smiling in delight. He begins to clap.

Everyone else immediately claps. Vigorously. Cheers go up. The mood lightens. Spectators seem to shift expressions to pride and satisfaction.

The soldiers, both the Gilded Armsmen and the Korvaran Legionnaires, shift from attention to ease and disperse through the enamored crowd as the music picks back up again.

Nasi Talel continues to be very interested in hearing about Alijan from Sizhen. He is truly enamored with the idea that Sizhen is actually from Alijan in the east, as in used to live there. He asks again if that can be true? He has always known Alijanians to be from the small communities that live in Kortella and Pylos on the Alornic, the groups that have lived here for several generations.

Once he becomes convinced though, he wishes to hear more about the story of how Sizhen traveled from the faraway exotic land of mystery.

Bryn sees that during this time when many of the guards are moving around after the show of martial prowess, there seems to be somewhat of a shift and laxity in the perimeter. Here in the main chamber, the legionnaires and Armsmen are shifting around in groups, talking to one another and with the crowd.

In the exterior rooms, that are all opening back up now, there seems to be some openings here and there as guards have either shifted or have not yet fully returned to all posts.

The side "Griffon Room" with the Seetan Tea Station, Bryn sees, is not as crowded. The guard that was once in the hallway behind that room is no longer there at the moment.

Trece, Ra u nak, and their Bishtu laborers are there at the station, managing the smaller crowd and setting out more cups expecting the crowd to return soon apparently.

Yashub watches and notices the Dannein called Bryn, whom he spoke with earlier in the night, drifting off from his group a bit, looking about in some of the side rooms, and lastly checking out the Griffon Room.

To no one else is this suspicious, but Yashub has come to wonder about these Yuorics and Danneins. They seem exceptionally skilled, like experts. Veterans.

Nasi Talel is truly fascinated with Sizhen's story as he presents it. He is clearly impressed, not just with the story but with how Sizhen seems to be legitimate nobility.

The governor asks more questions about what Sizhen's recent experiences have been. What are his goals here in the West? Will his house try to set up some sort of travel or cooperation back and forth between East and West? Will Sizhen be staying in Gelshemish for an extended time? Is he looking for a venue to bring Alijanian cooperative projects to the Sar's court here in the city? If so Talel wonders if Sizhen would be interested in joining his advisory team.

The Nasi helps the Sar organize foreign exchange. Someone with knowledge of Alijan and the Emperor would be a great addition to the court.

Nice touch.