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Bemused? Befuddled?
Her feet hurt. Her whole body laboured with the effort it took to keep her moving. She had to run, she had to get away from those Nadraks. Reidia was just defending herself, she was not happy that smelly Nadrak had tried to grope her. Little did she know that her dagger would pierce his armour and kill him. She ran as fast as her legs would carry her. Through the darkness she saw a light, it was the temple of UL. She shivered with fear as she waited for them to pass by. It was then she noticed a rusty gate in the far corner of the room. Looking around, she darted through the gate and saw a large building in the distance. Reidia made her way across the grass until she saw a large sign. As she stood there reading the sign someone had come up behind her. She jumped as the man said,
"Hello." She turned around to see a tall man dressed in the robes of a sorcerer. He looked at her with concern and asked, "Do you need help?" Normally, Reidia was not a trusting soul but there was something in his eyes that made her believe in his honesty. She merely nodded, as the events of that evening were beginning to catch up with her. The sorcerer chuckled " Ok, I'm Wylset. I am at your disposal my lady. " She giggled at the sight of his grandiose bow.
"Howdy, I'm Reidia. Nice to meet you," she said as she curtseyed gracefully.
As Reidia spent the next week with Wylset, she learned a new way of life. He introduced her to the clan of Adventurers of which he was a member. Those first few years were very busy for Reidia. She was learning how to fight, how to sneak, and how to communicate with her clansmen telepathically. It seemed to her in those busy times that she was destined to be single the rest of her life. It wasn't as if she didn't enjoy the company of men, she had not found the one to devote herself to. It was then she got sent to Rak Urga with Wylset She had grown to like the sorcerer as he trained her. He had always been respectful and watchful of her and was one of her closest friends. Little did he notice the way Reidia always seemed to manage to get herself assigned with him how they spent hours in the hall chatting about nothing at all. He didn't seem to notice the electricity between the two when they were together. Wylset and Reidia set off towards Cthol Murgos in high spirits. They chatted and joked with each other as they travelled. Their task was easily done and as they left Rak Urga both of their purses were considerably heavier. On the way out of town Reidia stopped at an inn and purchased a large bottle of wine.
The fire crackled as Wylset and Reidia sat near the fire. They had made camp a ways from the road. It was a warm autumn night and the sky was clear. They were halfway through the bottle of wine when Reidia got up the courage to confess her love for Wylset. The sorcerer sat there stunned looking at her. Reidia sat there scared at his reaction, she was afraid she had done something stupid. Suddenly Wylset crossed to where she was sitting and took her into his arms.
"I never would've thought you'd choose me. I am honoured." And he kissed her.

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Addition to my life
Reidia woke up in a surly mood. She did not get a bit of sleep. Her body rejected anything resembling food all night. And her darling Wylset slept through the whole ordeal. She glared at him, he looked sooo comfy and peaceful. He rolled over and smiled.
"Good morning hun! How are you?" It took him a minute to notice his wife's dark circles and scowl. "Still sick eh hun? Why don't you go see the healer? It's been 2 days since you were able to eat anything."
"I should, I feel horrid. Wanna come with me please? You know how I feel about doctors."
Later that afternoon, Reidia and Wylset were sitting in the healing room. After about an hour of poking, prodding and various tests the healer approached the two.
"I have some exciting news for you two, you're going to be parents!"
There was silence as the news sunk in.
"What? A baby? A BABY?!! How? I'm going to be a father?" Urmela, who happened to be walking down the hall, rushed in when she heard Wylset. Urmela giggled at the stunned Sendar.
"Well if you need to know how it happened, you're more befuddled that I thought you were, oh and congratulations!"
Reidia started to cry tears of joy. She hugged Wylset tightly " I love you" He kissed her soundly on the lips.
"I love you too my beloved"

Reidia absolutely had to have some lobster. The baby's life depended on it, despite the fact it was 2 in the morning. She tried to roll on her side, but managed to get stuck mid roll. Wylset awoke, seeing his wife trying to move sent him into peals of laughter.
"Ok this is all your fault, help me roll over and then go get me a lobster." Wylset laughed even harder. Reidia started to cry 'I know, I'm a huge whale. I can't even roll over.”
Wylset wrapped his arms around her. "You are beautiful. There's just one more month and the baby will be here ok?" Reidia nodded.
"Can I have the lobster now? "

Wyslet woke to the sounds of his wife singing. She had a lovely voice but in the last couple of months her mood had not been one to encourage singing.
"Good morning hun! How are you? I feel wonderful!" Wylset looked at his wife oddly.
"You ok hun?" Reidia spent the remainder of the morning tidying up the nursery. The dining hall was packed for lunch. Reidia and Wylset were enjoying a nice lunch with Urmela and Ordici when the contractions started. Reidia was chuckling at a joke when she stopped suddenly and gasped in pain.
"It's time."
Urmela and Wylset stood up immediately. Ordici looked confused.
"Time for what?"
Reidia shook her head. "The baby's coming, Ord."
He jumped up and yelled to the hall "Clear the way! Reidia's having the baby! Clear a table! Boil some water!"
Wylset, taking one look at him cast a spell and put Ordici to sleep. Reidia giggled. Through the rest of the day, the hall was quiet as everyone awaited news from the delivery room. Wylset was surprisingly calm. Ordici on the other hand was nervous enough for ten people. He paced and worried until Wylset put him asleep again. It was about midnight when there was a loud wail. Wylset dashed into the delivery room.
A few minutes later he was sitting near the bed holding a small wiggly bundle. Reidia looked weakly at her husband.
"He’s beautiful isn't he? He has your eyes."
"Yes he is, he's amazing. He has your dark, curly hair." The two parents looked lovingly at their newborn son. "Welcome to the world Rhyrmon."

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What to do with her?
When I woke up, my neck was hurting from sleeping in that chair. As I looked around I saw the little girl I had just rescued. She was sleeping peacefully, it looked as the knot on her head was smaller. On the other side of the bed I could barely see a lump of blankets on the floor. I got up and walked to the pile of blankets.

There I saw the dark curls of my son's hair peeking out between the folds. I began to giggle, it seemed he knew I was home and sought me out in the middle of the night. Wylset and I were used to him wedging himself between us in the middle of the night. I gently picked him up and laid him on the foot of the girl's bed, making sure he didn't wake. It was still early, so I walked to the kitchen to grab myself a cup of coffee.
"What was i going to do with this little girl?" I was thinking. Then I remembered a conversation I had with Shinara. She had expressed interest in taking in a child to raise as her own, to teach. I thought that possibly this little girl would be just what Shinara had been hoping for. Finishing my coffee, I walked into my personal apartments. I could hear the regular breathing of my husband in the bedroom as I sat at the desk composing a note to Shinara. Sealing it, I stood up ready to take it to the clan courier when a wave of exhaustion came over me. Laying the letter on the desk, I walked over to the bed and snuggled next to Wylset, boots and all.

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Leaving...
Reidia woke up in her room. There was noting but a bed, all of her belongings were packed in storage. Today was the day she was to leave. There was no room for sadness, only regrets. As she walked through the halls, no one could bear to look her in the eye, it was too uncomfortable.
As she saddled Lily, he walked up to her. Not a word was said. She couldn't bear to look at him, things were just so messed up. The details were not to be lingered on, it's just that things changed. She handed him her journeyman's pin without a word. She got upon her horse and started to ride out of the stable. At the hall’s doors a few of her closest friends stood, silently saying 'come back, don't leave.' She will be back she assured them. Just right now it had to be this way. She started on the road to Sendar. She had to go see her son.

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The Merchant
Reidia felt exhilarated by the events of recent weeks. She had made a plan, and with Czrel's partnership, she was getting back in the game. It was slow going at first, she had to reacquaint herself with contacts she hadn't seen in years. She may be out of practice but she found her mind was still nimble. It felt good to her to be busy again. The worst thing was the travel. Lily was getting portly and sedate, however they needed to travel the first few weeks and the grey mare soon got back into shape. Reidia soon found herself shaping back up. The weight she had put on melted off and she felt fit. She would never be as thin as she was when she was young, childbirth altered her too much. Her general outlook was brighter and more positive. The excitement she got in manoeuvring her way into large profits showed in her general demeanor.

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A deal
Reidia looked at the Nadrak with a weary eye. She never liked Nadraks, she thought, as she absently rubbed a scar on her leg.
'Seventy gold per item is way too expensive, Dovek. Keep in mind I have to smuggle them into Mallorea.' She spread her hands wide. 'I do not want to endanger the uneasy peace my King has with 'Zakath. He is still displeased about Thull Mardu, and to be caught with Nadrak items... Well... Id deadly. I'll buy at 20 gold a piece. '

Dovek shook his head. But Reidia, your connections are well hidden.I know of your success in the Mallorean market. Things of this nature are easy for you. I'll cut you a deal at 60. ' Reidia shook her head.
‘Did you not hear of my disfavor in mallorea? It seems as if I had offended some minor Melcene noble. He managed to get a bounty for my head set up.' It was all lies, but you gotta do what you have to, she thought. The Nadrak looked thoughtful for a moment.
'Ok, I'll sell them at 50 gold a piece, but I will go no lower. '

Reidia tried to conceal her joy, the market in Tol Honeth was currently at 100 gold a piece.' It will be a meagre profit for me but in my situation, I guess it will have to do.' They shook hands to seal the deal.

Reidia smiled as she walked away, this has been a profitable day.

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Rei's Journal
The fire crackled as Reidia added a dried log. She sat there lost in thought. In her hand was the leather bound journal Czrel had given her as an Erastide gift. She had told him months earlier she had been feeling sad about missing Rhyrmon. The last time she saw him he had grown noticeably. His training had been going well, he had even settled a bit for Shinara. She looked at the blank pages; Czrel had suggested that she write down her thoughts. She opened the pages and thought of what she wanted to write... Poetry? ... Nah. Well, maybe, she WAS feeling melancholy. Reidia shrugged, the sound of the pack horses began to lessen as the night wore on. She lay on the furs inside her tent looking at the blank pages. What to write? She wanted to write everything and nothing. She had so much to say and yet nothing to say at the same time. She fell asleep with her pen in hand, her mind filled with ideas.

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Rei's first journal entry
She thought about her journal for three days, laboring over what to write. Staring at the blank pages, so many things ran through her head. On the third evening, she finally got out her pen and started writing. At times, she laughed at her own words, and there were times the pages were soaked with tears. This went on for three nights, Reidia bared her soul to those blank pages.
She had seen much in her 32 years of life. She had felt much, and lost much. As she lay down her pen on the third night, she wiped a tear from her cheek. She had filled 20 pages with words, poems and even drawings. She sighed as she looked at the journal, for she knew there was the key to her heart, her soul. And only the one who knew how to read that book would hold the key. She looked out towards the land around her towards Camaar. There she had some unfinished business.

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On the way to Camaar
She was out of her mind. She knew it. There was no way he wanted to talk to her. But, she had so much in her heart she needed to tell him. She had reinvented herself, she was now a successful merchant and her partnership with Khuldir and Czrel had made her rich. She had a new purpose in life, and was moving along. However it all seemed hollow. She knew she'd have to humble herself for him, she was the one who made things a mess. She felt, incomplete... Sad... Without him. She knew, no matter what he would say, she had to tell him. The closer she got to Camaar, the more her stomach churned with fear. Her mind was filled with 'what if's. Her normal defences were crumbling, she no longer felt confident, self-assured. Here was the secret she held, He was the only one who really knew the true Reidia. By the time she rode into the gates of Camaar, she was a mess. Tears flowed down her cheeks, her hands shook. She stopped at an inn and rented a room for the night, she knew she had to compose herself. As she lay in bed she recalled Athawe's words.... Be strong.

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Working up the nerve...
After a fitful sleep in the inn, Reidia woke, sandy-eyed. The inn had facilities in each room for a bath, so she arranged for hot water to be brought to her room. As she lay in the water, she closed her eyes, trying to not think, trying to calm her tension-ridden body. She knew she had to face him, she knew she had to tell him. But that did not make things easier. She dozed lightly in the warm water. Her muscles slowly relaxing as she meditated.
Rhyrmon had been supportive of his mother, he knew the ins and outs of both his parents. Reidia smiled, her son was a wise person for being so young. When the water was no longer warm, Rei grudgingly got out of the tub and wrapped in a towel. Sitting on her bed she chanted more words of calmness to herself as she brushed her hair. She stood in front of the mirror, nude, examining all her problem areas, all her wrinkles and saggy spots. Chuckling she came to the conclusion she looked fine and proceeded to get dressed.
She put on her favorite outfit, her white leather Nadrak pants, vest and boots. Her shirt was of the finest Mallorean silk in a lovely shade of lavender. She wore a silk sash with a dangerous looking dagger sheathed on her hip. She put on her favorite perfume and looked at herself in the mirror. She looked ready, but was she?

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Reckoning
Striding down the street, Reidia looked more confident then she actually was. Inside her head her thoughts were reeling and her hands shook. She had known she had messed up all this time, but to regain her confidence to speak with him again, that was difficult. She had fallen from grace. Reidia lived her life to the fullest and she had fallen down hard. She could face anyone, except him and now she strode down the streets of Camarr to see him.
He probably already knew she was on her way, they held a strong bond. The streets were familiar to her: she had once lived here. She walked under the familiar arch that was the entrance to the hall. There he stood, by the marble fountain. His hands were clasped behind his back, his blue eyes were a mystery. Startled glances looked at Reidia, then to him. Some avoided her gaze. There was an audible gasp as he walked to Reidia and took her hand.
"Let's talk outside." Wylset said. Reidia mutely nodded. A familiar face smiled encouragingly at her. Walking outside, little was said between the two, their hands remained clasped around each other. Reidia broke the silence. He listened as she poured out all she had been holding in.
Reidia talked of many things: her regrets, and her apologies. When she had finished speaking, to her surprise, he told her there had been things on his mind too. They sat in the park, sometimes talking, sometimes just looking at each other. As the sun fell, Wylset wrapped his arm around Reidia's shoulder and led her through the streets, just enjoying each other. Her hands no longer shook, her mind no longer tumbled through emotion. Laying her head in the cook of his arm she knew she was where she belonged.

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The Torch
Reidia sat at a desk, reading over the latest report from Czrel and Khuldir. They had gone to meet with a Tolnedran, she couldnt remember his name. She decided to stay behind in Boktor just to make sure the paperwork was caught up. There was a soft knock on the door.
"Enter" She said.
A messenger walked in with a box in their hands. "I have a delivery for a Lady Reidia Daylan" he said.
Reidia chuckled at the irony of that title. “I Am Reidia." The messenger handed her the box and left silently.
Looking at the box with curiosity, she opened the brass latch. The lid popped up and Reidia looked at wonder at the object that was inside. It was a small metal torch. There was a letter folded neatly on top. She opened the letter and read:

Hi Rei,
I want you to have this, I’m going to be away for a while.
Ordici

She sat there in awe; this was indeed a precious gift. Ordici treasured his torch, he had gotten it from Mortiris before he left. She gingerly took out the torch, it lit the moment she held it in her hand.
The engravings on the handle were intricate, each of the seven gods were on there. You could almost see Mara's tears and Nedra's face shone like gold. Belar sat on a chair carousing with a bunch of Alorns and Torak seemed to look on her with disdain.
She brought her hand close to the flame but there was no heat coming off of it. She took a piece of paper and tried to set it on fire but it passed through the flame unharmed. She stared at the torch for quite a while, entranced by the engravings on its handle. With a smile she went to put the torch in the box. The fire went out as if it knew she didn’t need the light anymore.
Her eyes widened, and with great care she closed the box and locked the latch. She crossed the room to the safe and locked the torch inside.
"Thank you Ordi for such a precious gift. I will cherish it always." she said.

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Rei's journal #2
Well, Czrel came back yesterday with this Nadrak merchant named Maldrek.
I really do my best to ignore Nadraks but since we are bring this guy into the business, I thought to give him a try. That was the biggest mistake of my life. Well, he started going on about how much Alorn women are worth, then went on about taming Dryads. And the more ale he drank, the worse it got. He fancies himself some big player, well, we'll soon see.
I am alarmed at Khuldir's absence. What worries me is he's done something stupid. I just hope he's ok. Athawe, well, she's still missing. I worry about her too. I pray to the gods she's ok.
I just got a letter from Wylset, Urmela has passed on leadership to him. The poor guy is now swamped with stuff to do. I may just make a quick trip to Camaar, and bring some of his favourite wine from Tol Honeth. And well, I haven’t seen him in weeks, maybe I should start packing up Lily and just go.
I miss him greatly.

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Rei's Journal #3
Well, I’m on my way to Camaar. And what is so exciting is, I got a letter from Xanya! I haven’t seen her in such a long time, I am so glad I am going now to visit. Wylset has no clue I’m on my way. And I hope I’m a pleasant surprise.
Well, Khuldir still is gone, and I have a bad feeling about Athawe. I do my best and keep a positive face, praying that she and the babies are ok. The winds across the moors are horrid this time of year, I am grateful that I met up with a band of Algars. I much prefer travelling in a covered wagon. Maybe I should find myself an enterprising Algar to join our little band?
Hrm...

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The crowded house
Reidia lay on her bed, flipping through papers, reading her latest profit reports. As she tried to keep things organized, she grumbled. Their group of partners had grown so much she had to sacrifice her private office to provide rooming for the newcomers. Along the wall were her bags, she was packed and almost ready to travel to Camaar. She finished her last minute paperwork, and with a flourish put all her reports in the fireplace. It was a good thing she had a good memory.
She got out another paper and began to write another note....

Dear Czrel,
I’m going to Camaar. If you need me just use those pins to
get in touch with me. I am so glad we decided to have the pins enchanted it makes things so much easier to keep in touch. Remember all you have to do is focus your thoughts on whom you want to talk to.... And then talk. I also will look into some contractors in Annath for stone suppliers. Keep up with me on the progress of the new Office's design. Also, if you need me to check in on any of our contacts, please let me know, otherwise I shall be gone for about a month, I’m booking passage on a ship so I’ll be in Sendaria quickly.
Rei.

She closed the note and got up off her bed. As she walked to Czrel's door she heard a high-pitched giggle. Reidia blushed. She slipped the note under the door. As she walked away she chuckled. It was nice to see Czrel so happy. She kept bumping into new, eager faces as she walked down the hall. She could not wait till construction was finished!

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A dream...
The alley went on forever..... The footsteps followed her, nearing every second she ran. Her life, it held loosely, relying on the speed of her running. Gasping for breath, she looked back. There they were, pairs of eyes, angling for her death. Arms reaching out to grab her. She wanted to scream for help but she had no voice. Suddenly, there it was the gate to sanctuary. A pair of friendly blue eyes looked to her. As she reached the gate, it would not open, she tried in vain to pick the lock. The footsteps neared. She cried for help as hands grabbed her.

Reidia sat up in her bed, covered in sweat. She had this same dream for years, and every time she did she never made it through the gate. Rubbing a scar on her side absently, she tried to calm herself. She tried to remember she DID make it through that gate years ago. That was difficult thing to do, sometimes your dreams affect you more than your reality.

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A letter from the Syndicate
The messenger was dressed in the finest clothing. He looked straight at her. There she was and soon his job was done. He walked right for her, pushing aside workers and assorted people mulling around the construction site. Reidia stood there overseeing the construction. The Sendarian architect outlined the task for the day. Pushing aside an errant curl, she looked at the parchment, trying to decipher the odd shapes and such on it.
Suddenly she could feel the messenger's eyes on her. Turning around, she saw him walk purposefully in her direction.
"Excuse me for a minute," she said as she excused herself. "May I help you?"
The messenger silently handed her the sealed parchment and left. Reidia stood there in the Boktor sun looking puzzled. She examined the message as she walked back to her tent. It was of the finest parchment, dyed a light grey. The wax seal was impressed with a large S on it. She broke the seal carefully and opened up the message.

Merchants,
Congratulations on your recent successes. This letter is a friendly overture from a group you may find beneficial to keep in their good graces.
signed,
The Syndicate

Reidia looked at the paper, trying to fathom the threat. "The Syndicate? I may have to look into that a little more."

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The Strongarm
She sat there, just thinking. Who was the Syndicate? Why did they make it a point to seek out the Merchants? Those were questions she was afraid to have the answers to. She had to find Maldrek, he knew of people that could help them.
She stood up and walked across town to the tavern where the Nadrak merchants favored. She stood outside the door, breathing deeply, trying to calm her panic. After a few minutes she worked up the nerve and barged into the tavern Looking around she found him with a few of his cronies. She gave him an urgent look and he followed her out into the street.
A few days later she was riding to Yar Nadrak, to look for a man by the name of Gurgar.

Reidia grumbled as she sat on the deck of the ship. She had travelled all the way to Gar of Nadrak to find this Gurgar person was training in Sthiss Tor. He had joined up with a group of warriors to for some sort of Legion. Reidia wasn’t too sure of the details. The heat was oppressive as the ship sailed along the serpent river. Swatting a bug, Reidia pulled a comb through her hair to get out any insects; she had to twist it off of her neck and cover it with a scarf to keep out the dangerous nasties.
The slow progress of the river was getting to her nerves. She knew it was necessary, but still, she had important business to attend to. It was early the next morning she first saw the garish spires of Nyissa's capital. A large man was at the bottom of the gangplank as she left the ship. He ushered her into his office and forged some important documents for her to gain entry to the palace. A fellow Drasnian, he was able to provide her the key to the Legion's front door, for a hefty price of course.
Walking through the streets, she kept her hand near her daggers. There were shaven headed eunuchs here and there, engaging in feminine chatter. A drugged up man or woman shambled here and there, while children copied the manner of their elders in their games. The whole city was filled with psychedelic color, and the air was saturated in lethargy. Reidia's Alorn nature automatically cringed in the atmosphere but yet she was strangely fascinated by Sthiss Tor. She never had the chance to fully absorb in Nyissa until then.
She walked towards the palace, showing the guards her (forged) documents, they let her in. The walkway to that palace was filled with eunuchs, she wandered among them until she came to a large door hidden in the shadows. She unlocked the door quietly and quickly closed the door behind her. There she stood in a small alcove, before her a large iron door with the letters LoN engraved on it. She took a hold of a large rope and pulled down to hear a dull gong. There she waited.

Leaning against the wall, Reidia waited. The heat was oppressive in the small room. It seemed an eternity when finally the door opened. She silently handed him the paper Maldrek had given her. As the guard looked over the letter, he glanced at the sweating Drasnian. "You can come in," he said gruffly. As she walked into the next chamber she breathed a sigh of relief, it was much cooler. The guard motioned for her to sit on a padded bench along one wall. "I will go get him, you shall wait here" And he walked down al long hallway.
Reidia fidgeted as she waited for Gurgar. She was unnerved by this whole ordeal. Why did the Syndicate feel the need to contact the Merchants? They were just minding their business, she didn’t think they'd made quite an impact. But they must have. She sat there lost in thought, absently twisting her a random curl around her finger when she felt eyes on her. She coolly looked up to see a tall Nadrak staring at her.
Her gaze was returned by a pair of cold grey eyes. She stood up, never breaking eye contact. She extended her hand "I am Reidia, my associate Maldrek recommended you to help me with a problem. " His eyes opened slightly "Ahh I see, if you would follow me we can begin to discuss how I may help you. " Reidia was a little unnerved by his brusque manner. She silently followed him through the dark halls of the building. She could swear he heard the faint signs of battle down one hallway.
He motioned for her to walk through a thick wooden door. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the brightness of the room. When she could finally see, she was shocked by the interior of this room. She had expected sparse furnishings and little light but was pleased to see a well lit, comfortable room. Gurgar motioned for her to rest on a comfortable chair. He sat down opposite her and poured her a glass of water
"Please have a glass of water, you can be assured it is not poisoned, and you look parched" Helooked thoughtfully at the Drasnian as she cautiously took the glass. Reidia was completely unnerved by now. She had always been afraid of Nadraks, she sat there in front of the scariest person she had ever met. She absently rubbed the scar on her thigh she had gotten so many years ago from a Nadrak knife.
Reidia finally worked up the nerve to speak "I need your help. The Syndicate has taken notice of a small guild of Merchants I belong to. They will be looking to us in the future to become associated with them. This is something my colleagues and I do not necessarily want. It will come to a time where we will need to resist their offers. They will not appreciate that. In that time we will need warriors to guard our assets. You were recommended by my colleague Maldrek to be someone who can help us in that manner. " She sat back to await his response.
Gurgar sat back, his eyes looking interested "Do you have gold?"
Reidia smiled and tossed him a large bag of gold. "We have been getting the blessings of Nedra. We have plenty of gold. " Gurgar looked at her, she seemed as if she could deliver more gold. He could use a break from his training at times. "Ok Merchant you have a deal, I will be the strongarm for you. You have bought my loyalty, now where do you Merchants live?"
Reidia smiled "Boktor."

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Back to Boktor
She sat and talked over details with Gurgar for an hour. After he led her out into the streets of Sthiss Tor, Reidia walked back towards the harbor deep in thought. Gurgar suggested training some of her partners in advanced battle techniques. It was an interesting idea, but she wasn’t sure whom to choose. As she approached the Drasnian enclave, she motioned for her companion to stay close. Gurgar had sent along one of his friends to become a guard at their new guild building. The guards allowed the Drasnian and the large Nadrak through with little hassle.
As the boarded their ship heading towards Boktor, Reidia breathed a sigh of relief. She knew now the Merchants interests were safe. Not knowing anything about the Syndicate, she wasn’t sure if they were hasty to confront. She made a mental note to make a trip to the Academy when she got back home, there were several people there who owed her a favor. Wiping away the sweat on her brow she bid the city of Sthiss Tor goodbye. She may come back three is the future.

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Reidia's Journal #4
Well, I got us some mercenaries. Czrel thinks it's a hasty move but then, I think we need to be prepared for the worst. I'm on the ship back home, I hate sea travel. It gives me too much time to think. Well Rei's gone and one it again. Oh well I cannot be any more then who I am I guess. Like always, I shall persevere.
That Nadrak, Gurgar, he bothers me for some reason. No, not like my normal fear of Nadraks, this is different. He seems to just look right through you. And well, he seems to think his friends will be willing to work for us. I find myself lingering a bit on him. I gotta stop that, it confuses me. Why do I have the need to figure a person out? Can’t I just let them be a mystery? Maybe it's my natural curiosity, or my desire for a challenge.
NO clue on that one.
I need to get back home. All this self-examination is driving me batty.

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Athawe
Reidia took the final, step off the gangplank and set foot on the flagstones of the Boktor harbor. Her Nadrak companion followed her through the streets as they headed towards the market square. With a gasp, Reidia beheld a wonderful site... Their new home. Czrel was standing at the entrance to the guild and a smile crossed his face as he spied her. "Rei! Welcome back! It's almost finished! The architects said we could start moving in, there are some more rooms to be built but the main hall is finished. " His face was alight with joy. Reidia looked around and saw many familiar faces bustling their belongings inside. There was one she did not see. She began to speak but a warning from Czrel's fast moving fingers told her to be patient. She started to respond in the secret language when Czrel then noticed her companion. She figured he had reason to be discreet so she introduced him to their new guard.
Sitting in Czrel's study Reidia sat there, listening with a tear in her eye. She cried for the pain of those children and their parents. Czrel softly recalled the fateful story of the broken Ranlien family, as Reidia cried. Fereia crossed over and handed the sobbing woman a napkin, her own eyes moist with tears. Khuldir had been immersing himself in his work but Athawe, she was drowning in her sorrows. Czrel had last heard Athawe was on her way to Rheon to visit with some friends. After Rheon, she was coming back home, to Boktor.
Reidia suddenly stopped sobbing, an idea popping into her head..... What if? Czrel and Fereia both looked startled at her sudden change in mood. She quickly began to outline some of the suggestions Gurgar had made. She knew that Athawe would need purpose, would need something to fulfill her, and maybe she had the perfect idea to help her friend.

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Apprentices
Reidia held her head in her hands, her temples throbbed. She tried to rub away the pain but there was no luck. Her boots made little noise on the posh rugs strewn through the Hall. The walls gleamed bright and new. Their new home was more than luxurious, it was decadent. Czrel hired the best architects and found the best contractors. The decorators brought in rich Mallorean carpets and Arendish tapestries, it was a beautiful sight.
As she open her door the light scent of flowers filled her nostrils. Reidia wasn’t the most feminine of women, she knew about her natural assets and used them when needed but she wasn’t what you called girly. Her room was the epitome of femininity. There were candles on every surface and lots of cut flowers in delicate vases. Her bed was covered in linens of varying shades of purple, her favorite color. Near the door was an elegant desk where she did her paperwork. She preferred to meet with her apprentices in her room, despite protests. Fasus hated her room. He called it "Rei's Smelly Room of Torture", and protested the most vocally about spending any time in there. She sat on her bed, Fasus alone gave her a headache.
Her first apprentice showed much promise. He was however, an irritant. She managed to catch a page walking through the halls. "I need you to go get Fasus and call him here please." The page nodded and walked away. She was hoping Fasus was in an agreeable mood, she felt really crappy. She lay on her bed, eyes closed as she heard Fasus walk in through her open door.
"No Fasus I am not waiting for you to ravage me so don’t get any ideas, I have a headache and I am resting. " She heard a wry chuckle come from the doorway.
"Would I say something like that oh lovely light of my life" he replied sarcastically. She sat up and glared at the laughing Sendar. She knew he was kidding of course; there was a twinkle in his brown eyes. She snorted in his general direction and walked to her desk.
"Ok we have a new apprentice and I want you to show him around."
"Let him find his way on his own! " Fasus objected. Reidia shot Fasus a look of death.
"I have a headache, go show him or I’ll make you clean the lavatories again" Fasus mumbled a few obscenities and walked away. Reidia sat down on her chair wearily. Why did he have to be such a smart ass?

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Business
Furrowing her brow, Reidia listened to the lame objections of her customer. The going rate for hams was 100 gold per half wagonload. He was trying to haggle her down to 80 gold. Fasus sat there with an incredulous look on her face and Tarkan looked as if he were trying to decipher some impossible mathematical formulae. Reidia spoke quickly with her hands.
"See how some cheapskates try and con suppliers? The best way is to stand firm." Her apprentices signalled rough signs of acknowledgement. Their proficiency in the Drasnian secret language was growing.
She stopped the simpering customer in the middle of a drawn out story of hardship and woe. "Bander, I feel your pain, really I do, however, the hams I have to sell are of the highest quality and I'm afraid they are not to be sold less than 120 gold per half wagonload. I know of another buyer who will be willing to purchase such high quality merchandise. Fasus, Tarkan lets take leave of this person."
As the three Merchants stood from their chairs, Bander started sputtering. Reidia looked back as the man pulled out a bag of gold. She smiled as she handed him an invoice for his hams.
The three stood in the sunlight, Reidia looked around. "Now boys, sometimes you have to stick to your guns, and always get the price you want, don’t settle for less."

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Reidia's journal #5
Well it's a dreary day. And here I am moping, feeling sorry for myself. Well, its because ive been missing Rhyrmon. I have missed him dearly, he's to be 14 soon and well, he needs to be here with his mother. So, I sent a letter to Shinara, and I'm hoping she understands. I'm getting ready to go to Sendar and bring Rhy back. Czrel said he was excited to see Rhy and everyone is excited for me. I just feel like such a horrible mother sending Rhy off like that. But he has done well at his studies. I have made many mistakes in my life and well, I am here somewhere stable. He knows he can always go to Camarr to visit. I'm just trying to make things right by my son. And well, maybe just maybe make things right by me. I dunno it's just crazy talk, but I'm just doing what I think is best. And I hope Rhy likes it here. He enjoyed his last visit here, maybe he'll like living here for good.

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Rei's journal #6
Well, I guess I have fallen in love again. I didn’t try to.. Far from that. And with Ordici, no less. I may have success in business, I am skilled at negotiation. But love, I am a horrid failure. I look at Rhyrmon's broken home and I feel failure. I look at the string of mediocre love and I feel failure. And yet my heart stumbles and fall for someone again.
But, this is.. Different... Ok I say that all the time. Stupid me it's become a joke, who is Rei with now? Even Czrel has said that to me before and well... That fling with the mercenary, Gurgar. God that was brief, it only took me a short while to fail at that one.
Yes I am disillusioned, yes I’ve been hurt. But then, so has he... He's told me about what happened to him in his solitude. And well, the age difference does bother me, seven year span is a long time. Besides, I’m old, divorced and well generally pretty disillusioned lately. But he looks at me and well, the light shines, the birds sing. I’m too old for this, I’m way too old...

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The elopement
Boktor, it was frighteningly cold in the winter, but in the spring and summer the temperatures rose and it was a rather lovely city. Reidia and Ordici had just gotten back from Sendar with Rhyrmon. The three decided that after two days of rest, it was time to get out and see the sights. Rhyrmon was ecstatic that his mom had found someone to share her life with. Especially being it was his uncle Ordi, one of his favorite people.
Rhyrmon was beginning to worry about his mother, she was just always so busy, and terribly lonesome. She had had a few flings but nothing serious since she left Camarr. He knew she needed someone for her to share her life with, but he had never thought it would be Ordici. It's not that it was a bad choice, he thought. He watched how they held hands and looked so lovingly at each other. Rhyrmon chuckled as he remember Ordici taking him aside to discuss the situation. Ordi was so serious and nervous, it was funny. His mom just sat down and cut to the chase in her forthright manner.

The three strolled through the streets, Reidia and Ordici holding hands and Rhyrmon walking closeby. The street vendors called out to the shoppers, and the small family stopped at certain tents and shops, buying assorted items. Reidia found a courier and sent him to deliver several bags of stuff back to her hall, as the three were on their way to eat lunch.
They chose a small cafe near the palace. As they sat and enjoyed the meal, the bells of the church across the street began to peal. A young couple exited the church, garbed in their wedding clothes and ran to a decorated carriage. The crowd following them tossed grain and cheered for the newly wed couple. Rhyrmon, feeling bold, said flippantly,
"So when are you two gonna get hitched?" Ordici had to pat Reidia a few times on the back to keep her from choking on the bite of food he had in her mouth. He looked lost in thought for a moment as he turned to look at Rhyrmon.
Looking very serious he said, "Well Rhy, would you give me your mother's hand in marriage?" Rhyrmon beamed and nodded quickly. Reidia sat there, her hazel eyes brimming with tears. Right there in the middle of the cafe, Ordici knelt on one knee and proposed. Smiling widely and tears flowing from her eyes, Reidia agreed to become Ordici's wife. Rhyrmon, looked across the street at the church. The priest was chatting with a few of the straggling wedding guests, and an idea formed in the teenager's mind.
After a quick whispered consultation, they all got up and paid for their meal. Ordici looked into Reidia's eyes. She smiled and with a wink to her son she said, "Ordi, lets get married now, the priest is there, it's just us, why not?" With the briefest of pauses, Ordici grabbed her hand and jogged to the church.
Some gold passed hands, and then with the blessing of Belar, they were wed.

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A shortened honeymoon
The knocking on the door started at 8 am. Reidia lay in Ordici's arms, completely ignoring the knocking. She had only been married two days, and was hoping for a third day of bliss. Maybe they were worried, since the two hadn’t come outta the room since being wed. Rhyrmon was staying with Fereia, being lavished in her attentions. At about 10 am she decided to answer the door.
Reidia untangled herself form he sleeping husband and strode over to the door. Opening it widely the pages stood there in shock. It had been a while since she answered the door in the buff. One page, who was obviously new, ran away blushing. The others chuckled and handed Reidia the stacks of letters in their hands.
She closed the door and walked to her desk, muttering curses louder and louder as she opened each letter. Ordici awoke and looked groggily at her, a question in his eyes as he gazed upon his wife, cursing and nude.
"Baby, I hate to tell ya but all hell has broken loose. My Merchants need me. I guess the honeymoon is over. I'm so sorry."
Ordici stood up and hugged her tightly "It's ok babe, I know. I have to go meet with Shinara anyways, I'll be back in a month, then we can resume the fun."
Reidia kissed her husband, thinking what did she do to deserve such a wonderful man. Dropping the letters to the floor she thought that the problems could wait another hour or such.

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Business
Reidia stretched and smiled. It was late afternoon now, and she was sure she should have attended to the pile of papers on her desk. But then Ordici was a much better distraction, and it WAS her honeymoon. They both dressed and with a kiss, Ordici left to run an errand in the market.
Reidia sat down at her desk, and tackled the pile of papers. After a few hours she had taken care of all but a few letters. The letters that remained were quite alarming. It seems that there was trouble in Mallorea. Nothing new, except for the fact their office in Melcene was ransacked and
the agent there, gone.
The last letter he had sent alluded that the new minister of trade was pressuring them for a larger percent of profit. The other agents in Mallorea had been keeping an eye out for that particular situation, just in case. It looks as if they were too late. Another page knocked on the door.
It was the page she had embarrassed earlier, he looked at her with relief, as she had dressed in her customary pants, vest and shirt. She dismissed him with a chuckle and opened the letter carefully. The paper held the seal of the Emperor of Mallorea. As she read, her brow furrowed. Their agent was found in a field on Peldane, his throat cut. The bureau of security had concluded it was a pack of bandits who attacked as he travelled. It was curious since they had no offices in Peldane and he had no reason to be there.

Sitting at her desk, Reidia scribbled a few notes to various key people and ordered a page to deliver them. It looked as if she needed to make a trip to Melcene.

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The Mark
The Assassin surveyed his quarry clinically. This man was clever. Delvadan was indeed a wary person and took precautions. The Assassin looked closely at the Drasnian. This man was as good as dead within the day. He could feel the weight of the gold in his pouch. The Assassin chuckled to himself "Berle, this is your lucky day."

Delvadan closed the doors of his small office, locking them securely. The Drasnian walked into the small apartment behind the office where he lived. Soon the smell of a delicious stew wafted in the air. A while later, Delvadan relaxed in a comfortable chair, his apptetite satiated. Drifing
off to sleep he didnt hear the faint click as the front door opened, it's lock having been picked.

The Authorities found the mangled body of a man in a field in Peldane. There was little left to identify him with except a keyring bearing the crest of the Merchants. Word was sent to Boktor about the death. The Authorities viewed the case closed as a highway robbery. What they didnt bother to investigate was the back room of the office.
There remained many clues to what happened, and many questions. They all waited for Reidia to discover them.

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