After completing her morning prayers, Viera left the Pantheon of Many and headed towards the Grand Vault of Abadar located in North Point. She intended to keep her word to Ishani and meet with him to talk more about the theology of their respective deities. With her only duties at the Pantheon of Many being to tend to Iomedae's shrine, she felt like an actual priestess. Additionally, Viera was hoping to distract herself from the troubles with her friends. It was difficult to know that Alexander was stepping back and she hated how distant Takota had been since joining the Sable Marine Company. She still had hopes that they would be able to adventure together, but even with Zellara's warning, it looked as though the group had

It wasn't too difficult to find the Grand Vault of Abadar as it towers over the other buildings in the area. Viera passed by it a few times when out and about the city but never stopped to visit. The temple was made of gray marble that reflected the sun to stand out. The priestess knew that alongside being a temple, it was a bank where numerous citizens of Korvosa stored their life savings. The followers of Abadar were so trusted by the city that it was also where coins were minted in Korvosa.

However, despite being a temple dedicated to a god of law, Viera was confused to see clerics in gold armor holding back dozens of citizens from entering the Grand Vault of Abadar. Most of the crowd appeared to be the working class of the city although there were a few merchants involved as well. Viera was confused as to why the temple was turning people away and approached the back of the crowd. She wasn't going to let the crowd keep her from her meeting with Ishani and pressed on.

When Viera saw the face of one working man, she gasped in surprise to see familiar red sores on his face. He took notice of her garb and grabbed hold of her arm.

"Please, I need healing!" the man begged. "If you're a cleric, you have to help!"

Although the man was rather forceful with asking for aid, Viera didn't have it in her to turn him away. "I can't remove the disease but I can restore some of your strength."

Viera grabbed hold of the man's arm and channeled divine energy to help the man, much like she did with Brienna. The priestess hadn't realized she made a mistake until more people in the crowd turned to her with wide eyes.

"There's a healer over here!"

"Save us!"

A few moments later, Viera found herself surrounded as part of the crowd broke off from trying to enter the Grand Vault of Abadar to swarm her instead. The priestess fought off their hands in defense, looking around in alarm.

"I can't heal everyone!" Viera called out over the crowd. "Please! I need space!"

"You have to heal me!"

" "No, heal me instead!"

"Why aren't you helping us?!"

With how many people were after her, Viera had to protect herself by covering her face with her arms. Although she wanted to help, she knew that she had her limits with her magic. It was impossible to save everyone and she realized why the followers of Abadar had to turn everyone away. Viera couldn't move and it was a struggle to stand against the crowd's might. She tried to push her way forward, but with how stubborn the citizens of Korvosa were, she couldn't make it any closer to the temple. It was even difficult to try to escape altogether. The priestess had her longsword holstered across her back but she couldn't work up the courage to pull it free against innocent people, even to scare them away.

A hand grabbed onto Viera's wrist and pulled her forward. Unlike the others in the crowd, whoever was able to grab her didn't need healing. Rather, they were intent on making their way through the crowd and proved to be more forceful, pushing people aside with long arms. Viera couldn't tell much about her savior between the thick robes of dark cloth they wore. Even the back of their head was covered with dark leather. It wasn't until the two finally made their way to the line of clerics holding people back that Viera recognized the muffled voice.

"We have a meeting with Ishani Dhatri. Please, let us through."

The clerics stepped aside allowing for the two to enter with Viera looking in shock. "Falenas?!"

The elf looked over his shoulder at Viera with his mask hiding his face. "What were you thinking? You nearly incited a riot that would have torn you apart!"

"I just wanted to help," Viera admitted softly, unable to meet the elf's gaze.

"Viera, you can't save everyone," Falenas told her and looked aside. "Trust me. I had to learn that lesson myself."

Viera nodded slowly. "What are you doing here, Falenas? I wasn't expecting you to want to meet with Ishani."

"As it happens, Ishani sent a message to me this morning and requested my help," Falenas told Viera and looked back at the crowd. "Remember our conversation yesterday? We're going to have to contend with a plague unlike any other this city has seen."

"If what you say is true, then the plans I made with Ishani can wait," Viera said and stepped alongside Falenas. "Thank you. I don't think I could have gotten out of there without any help."

"It's no problem at all, but while we're on the subject, I must remind you to not touch anyone for the time being. If Brienna didn't infect you, those in that crowd could have."

Although Viera accepted his advice, she wondered if she was actually infected. She felt fine after interacting with Brienna and didn't think she caught whatever disease she had. The crowd shook her up but she believed that she was unharmed. With Iomedae to protect her, she felt that she could rely on her fortitude to keep her healthy.

The two healers entered the temple, entering the lobby. The first floor of the Grand Vault of Abadar mainly consisted of banking services with only a few shrines in sight. There were several acolytes tending to the shrines and the bank stalls and Viera couldn't help but notice their suspicious glances. To them, they were outsiders, possibly infected. Falenas led the way, and figuring that he knew where exactly to meet Ishani, Viera followed after him.

Eventually, the two arrived at a meeting room in the western wing of the table with a long wooden table and a dozen chairs inside. Ishani wasn't seated and instead paced around the room. FalenasWhen he turned toward the opened door, his eyes showed relief and surprise.

"Falenas, thank you for answering my summons," Ishani said and turned to Viera. "I… I'm sorry but I wasn't expecting you."

"We did agree to meet last night but I think Falenas' purpose takes priority," Viera told Ishani. "I will help however I can."

"We should get started," Falenas said, took a seat at the table, and pulled off his mask, letting his blond hair fall free. "How can we help you? I imagine that it has something to do with the crowd outside."

Ishani remained standing even when Viera took a seat before he explained further. "I'm afraid Korvosa has a problem. After I returned from the Soldado's house yesterday, I discovered that three other clerics were sick with symptoms similar to Brienna's infection. I had a chance to talk with them and found out that none of them interacted with anyone who was sick. It didn't make sense to me hence why I sent word to Falenas to see if there was something I missed."

"Intriguing," Falenas tapped his chin in thought. "I don't believe that this disease can be transmitted through the air. Not only was Brienna's family uninfected but it looks like that several of your clergy is safe, including yourself."

"What do we know about the disease?" Viera asked.

"Some of my fellow priests are calling it blood veil," Ishani revealed with a frown. "From what I can tell, most of the patients we've treated so far are from Old Korvosa or here in North Point. It seems to spread quickly through the lower classes."

"That's not a surprise," Falenas said. "The working class is more vulnerable to disease than nobles. I don't see what I can do to help."

"The only way to stop this growing infection is to get the entire city involved," Ishani told the two, his tone determined. "Already, Archbanker Tuttle and several of his assistants are pursuing alliances with the temples of Sarenrae, Pharasma, and even Asmodeus, but that won't be enough. From what I've heard over dinner last night, you two and your companions have worked with the Korvosan Guard in the past."

"That we have," Viera nodded. "I imagine that we may need to do so again given the circumstances."

"In that case, since there's little we can do about the disease here, I'd like for you to introduce me to Field Marshal Kroft," Ishani requested. "I'd go by myself, but as you can tell, it isn't safe for a priest to travel the streets alone anymore. In exchange, I'm willing to offer both of you two hundred gold for the escort."

"No payment is necessary," Viera told Ishani, earning a smile from the priest. "I'd be happy to escort you to Citadel Volshyenek."

"I've seen that for myself already," Falenas said and Viera looked away in embarrassment. "Very well. I'll come along with, and unlike my more virtuous companion, I'll take the gold. You'll understand that I need to make up for keeping my business closed for a few hours longer."

"Thank you both," Ishani bowed his head. "We shouldn't wait any longer. We'll take the back door out to avoid the crowd outside."

Ishani was too cautious during the trip to Citadel Volshyenek and remained silent. Falenas, again wearing his mask, walked in the rear of the group while Viera led the way. The priestess was silent, thinking over the elf's actions within the meeting room. She understood that Falenas was pragmatic but wondered if he crossed a line, taking payment to escort Ishani when the city was in crisis. Viera hoped that he only did so because he already offered the gold and that he wouldn't charge others for his services as a healer.

When the trio arrived at Citadel Volshyenek, Viera was surprised to see dozens of Korvosan guards, marked by their red-and-silver armor, already assembled in formation. They whispered among themselves quietly and faced Cressida, who was joined by four others. Two of the men wore dark overcoats and the same kind of mask that Falenas wore. In addition, there was a middle-aged man who also wore the same overcoat, but his face was revealed. He had short black hair with streaks of white to the side and Viera noted that he looked at the guards with a concerned frown. In his hands, he carried a large satchel.

Finally, joining Cressida was one of the new Gray Maidens who kept her face hidden by her helmet. Viera had mixed feelings towards the Gray Maidens. Although she disagreed with the queen's assessment over them being needed after the Korvosan Guard's failure, she knew that they would protect the city. In time, Viera imagined that she would look up to the Gray Maidens.

The field marshal's fierce tone silenced any whispers when she spoke. "Everyone here has been assigned to escort Doctor Davaulus and his physicians in their royal duties. As of now, they are few in number, but there are others joining their ranks in the future, which is why some of you will be on stand by until those new additions arrive. Remember that you are the Korvosan Guard. You will not balk when the city is in dire times. Korvosa needs these healers, and so, Korvosa needs you. Your patrol leaders have your orders. Dismissed!"

With the guards breaking up their formation to report to their patrol leaders, Ishani stepped forward to stand next to Viera. "It's good to see the field marshal is already taking this disease seriously."

"That it is," Viera nodded in agreement. "You'll find that she's reliable when it comes to the good of the city."

"I'm more curious as to who these physicians are," Falenas said, stepping behind the two. "They're heading inside. Let's catch up to them."

Cressida was walking towards the gates of Citadel Volshyenek alongside the three men in coats; the Gray Maiden left without a word, walking away. Although she was curious, Viera focused on the field marshal rather than the mysterious warrior. The trio weren't able to catch up to the group before they entered the guard's headquarters but there was no one stopping them from entering as well. When Viera stepped aside, she was already surprised to see Cressida and the maskless man talking to Griffin, who took notice of the priestess.

"Cressida, we're in luck," Griffin said. "Viera! And is that Falenas?! Come over here."

Viera, Falenas, and Ishani stepped forward with the field marshal turning to them with a smile. "Once we find Takota and Alexander, that will be all of you. We're going to need the help. And who's this?"

"Ishani Dhatri. I'm from the Grand Vault of Abadar."

"He wants to help," Viera explained. "Falenas and I agreed to escort him to meet you. We weren't expecting to see Griffin."

"Yes, seeing as how he dismissed my concerns," Falenas nodded.

Griffin sighed in defeat. "This morning, Tiran informed me of one of our merchants falling sick with the same red sores, and then I heard about what was happening at the Grand Vault of Abadar. I was already talking to Cressida about what we could do to help when we were joined by the leader of the Queen's Physicians, Doctor Davaulus."

"That would be me," the man by Cressida's side stepped up. "You're in luck, Ishani. I was about to meet with the field marshal to form a plan on how to protect the city and having someone from the Grand Vault of Abadar may be useful."

"The Queen's Physicians?" Falenas asked.

"We're a new organization," Doctor Davaulus explained simply and reached into his satchel for a piece of parchment. "Here's a written copy of Queen Ileosa's announcements, including what is expected of citizens."

"Expected of citizens?" Viera questioned, letting Falenas take the parchment to read for himself.

"Korvosa is facing a crisis, and so, it is expected for healthy citizens to aid us by performing simple duties so that we can work without distraction," Doctor Davaulus said and looked up to Falenas. "You'll find that there's one clause stating that impersonating a member of the Queen's Physicians is a punishable offense, and as much as I hate to tell you, your mask is very similar to what we wear. I'd hate for you to be mistaken by one of us."

"Then perhaps you'd be willing to hire me?" Falenas suggested.

The doctor shook his head with an apologetic smile. "I'm afraid that I've already sent offers of employment to those I'm interested in employing."

Falenas sighed, pulled off his mask, and stashed it into his bag of holding along with the parchment. "There's no clause stating that I have to hand it over."

"We should head to my office for our meeting, Doctor Davaulus," Cressida said. "Griffin, feel free to tell your friends what I told you. I'm afraid that I'll have to cut our meeting short."

"It's no problem. Take care."

Ishani turned to face Viera and Falenas. "Thank you, Viera. I hope that we can have that conversation at some point."

"As do I," Viera said, smiling widely.

Ishani turned around and joined Cressida and Doctor Davaulus to head further into Citadel Volshyenek. Although there wasn't much she could do to heal others of their diseases, Viera was glad to have done her part to help. She trusted that Ishani would do well in his new role and that Cressida would listen to his advice to keep Korvosa safe.

Viera turned to Griffin, maintaining her smile. She was glad that he had taken the initiative to meet with the field marshal, and from what she heard, it looked as though he arranged more work. The priestess didn't think she had it in her to return to the Pantheon of Many when she could help out better outside of the temple's walls and wanted to know what she needed to do next.

"Falenas, I'd first like to apologize to you personally," Griffin said, looking up to meet the elf's eyes. "I hope that yesterday's debate won't affect our partnership moving on."

"I don't like holding onto the past for too long anyways," Falenas said, extending his hand to Griffin. "I trust that you will do what needs to be done."

"Of course," Griffin gripped Falenas' hand to shake.

"What can we do to help?" Viera asked Griffin.

"Although Cressida has no instructions or gold to offer, she did tell me that if I were to assemble our group, she would do what she could to aid us," Griffin explained with a smirk. "She's letting us decide how we handle the plague."

"I'll need more space for a lab," Falenas told Griffin, not wasting any time. "The only way we'll really stop blood veil is if we can cure it without the use of a spell."

"What about Takota?" Viera asked. "We need to let him know about what's going on."

"One thing at a time," Griffin chuckled in amusement. "Falenas, you'll need to talk to my brother about using our estate for a lab. Viera, you're right that we'll need to try to pull Takota away from the Sable Marine Company. Fortunately, Cressida might be able to help with that?"

Viera's eyes turned down when Griffin reached into his pocket to pull out a sealed letter. "Was she actually able to get Takota permission to leave and help us?"

"She strongly suggested to Commandant Endrin that Takota may be able to serve Korvosa best by helping us," Griffin answered. "And I imagine that once Tiran finds out we're getting the group back together, he'll send similar letters."

"I'm glad to hear that," Viera took the letter. "It'll be good to have Takota at our side. We're back together."

"Except we're not," Falenas pointed out, leaving a silent explanation as his friends frowned.

"I'll make one last attempt to convince Alexander, but truth be told, I don't think he'll be swayed today," Griffin admitted with a sigh. "We might have to give him time to see how Korvosa turns out."

"If so, then why bother asking him now?" Falenas questioned.

"I'm going to be at his house to bring Verik along," Griffin said with a shrug. "I might as well try. Maybe I'll be wrong."

"So, I'll go and find Takota, you'll talk to Alexander and Verik, and Falenas will meet with Tiran," Viera pocketed the letter. "Where shall we meet up again?"

"At my family's estate. I don't see any reason for why Tiran would deny Falenas' request. We'll come up with a plan."

"Perfect," Falenas grinned. "The sooner we put an end to blood veil the better."

"Then let's get to it," Viera said. "Korvosa needs us again and we'll protect the people of this city again."

A/N: This chapter took me longer to write than I expected. I wanted to finish it yesterday but I had plans that took longer than expected.

Fortunately, we're at 36,000 words. If I can make it to 40,000 words before the 25th, I'll be ahead of schedule. With the story getting ready to return to action, I have a good feeling that I'll be able to meet that goal.

Until next time.