<div align="center"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 18pt;"><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: andale mono;">A Not-So-Old Flame</span></span></div><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">“Thank you for the memories, especially about father.  He was gone often, so I didn’t get to see him much before.  I knew he was an experienced adventurer, but it’s good to hear the little things too.”  He sighed.  “I’ve already gotten deep into his history and altercations, I don’t think I can stop now.  Do you need me to help with the crystal?  Because I am ready for anything at your word.”  Working closer with the alien spirit Horishkad sounded disturbing, but Kleris would do anything to find out what happened to his father and where he was now.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>"I need no help, I have contacts. We can even go to the Embassy tomorrow and perform the rituals there. Does that work for you?"<br/><br/>At this point Retario was done with his meal. "Ah, that was quite filling. Say, if you're not in a hurry, would you care for a game of Three-Dragon Ante? I'd rather not bet real money; we can use tokens in lieu of gold."<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Skill-based Gambling</div><div class="spoiler_body">Skill-based gambling games require a Profession (Gambler), Bluff, or Knowledge (Architecture &amp; Engineering) roll.  The higher the result, the more tokens Kleris wins at the payoff.<br/><br/>10 or less: lose your bet.<br/><br/>11-15: break even.<br/><br/>16-20: double your earnings.<br/><br/>21-25: triple your earnings.<br/><br/>26-30: quintuple your earnings</div></div><br/><hr/><br/><div align="center"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 18pt;"><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: andale mono;">Night with Rachel</span></span></div><br/>As Kleris headed to meet with Rachel, her door was slightly ajar. Before Kleris could even knock or touch it, it flew open by a cantrip. The room itself was rather tidy, with thick black and gold curtains covering the windows and a red chest with patterned white doves at the foot of her bed. There were no books, ink bottles, clothes, or anything for that matter on the study desk, but instead scented candles already lit and two silver goblets next to a wine bottle.<br/><br/>Rachel was there, her form covered by a blanket going up to her bare shoulders, lying on her side and reading a book titled "The Reign of the Wind Dukes." Kleris' appearance caused her to lift her head from the tome and smile.<br/><br/>"Welcome Kleris, make yourself at home. Do you prefer Cabernet Sauvignon, or shall I get you another drink? Alas I have not discovered how to turn water into wine; perhaps you can teach me?"<br/><br/>Rachel rose from the bed, the white sheet still clinging to her front as she held it to cover herself. And then she willed the door behind Kleris closed with another cantrip.<br/><br/>"I want to get to know you..." she whispered in Kleris' ear. "What makes you tick, what brings you joy, so I can better bring you joy as well..." She moved to kiss him on the lips, letting the sheet fall...<br/><br/>She was clad in a black lace bra and panties, and she guided Kleris' body on top of her back onto the bed. But sex did not come.<br/><br/>"But before we get any further, let me know more about you," she said. "I'd rather you tell me right here instead of going about prying in your mind again. What do you like to do?"<br/><br/>Even without mind-reading, the telepathic connection was strong enough that Kleris somehow knew what she meant. Oddly enough, the succubus wanted to know what he did for fun around Redhurst, short and simple.<br/><br/>"Believe it or not, us demons don't have a lot of free time in the Abyss," she whispered as they lay together. "Too much time plotting, scheming, watching over inferiors seeking a knife in the back to ascend the demonic ladder, and avoid attracting the wrath of your betters. Sex is my best release, but it doesn't have to be the only one, now does it?"<br/><br/>She giggled after this last question. In the back of his mind Kleris could hear Horishkad's voice.<br/><br/><em>Resist. Humor her, sure, but do not let her gain power over you.</em><br/><br/>Then Rachel kissed Kleris again. "I saw you in the Redhurst Play. You were quite the skilled actor. Is it something you did on your own accord, or was it part of an obligation?"<br/><br/><hr/><br/><div align="center"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 18pt;"><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: andale mono;">Day 84, the Riedran Embassy</span></span></div><br/>Located in the upper reaches of Sharn, the aptly named Ambassador Towers was an upscale, heavily patroled place. Flags of countless nations fly from buildings, hanging on front of monumental embassy blocks. The crowds were people of many different races and ethnic backgrounds, but all seemed well-dressed and busy rushing on some errand.<br/><br/>"There it is," Retario pointed out. "Riedran soil on Khorvaran ground."<br/><br/>The Embassy itself was a grandiose affair, with slanting roofs and vertical runic scripts on signs. The flags waving proudly in the wind displayed a crystal surrounded by a red ring circle with black and white stripes.<br/><br/>(https://i.imgur.com/fdLjbjU.png)<br/><br/>A pair of guards with polearms and immaculately polished breastplates stood guard. They both had a dull stare, not looking at the visiting pair but not entirely unaware of them either.<br/><br/>"What is your business?" they both said in unison.<br/><br/>"I am Retario. I wish to make use of the facility's attunement crystal to help out this lad. I received word from the ambassador that this, along with similar duties, fall within reasonable requests as has been previously agreed."<br/><br/>He produced a small envelope written in a script unknown to Kleris.<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Comprehend Languages and DC 20 Perception to read enough of it in time</div><div class="spoiler_body">This is an official letter treating Retario as an honored guest in Sharn, and allows him to perform a variety of typical management tasks relating to the embassy's nature.</div></div><br/>The guards did not give any sign on their face, but eventually one of them spoke. "You may come in." And with that, the gates opened.