Roric's mother had always told him the best way to get to a man's heart is through his stomach. His father countered that statement by saying he always found an upward thrust through the rib cage to be the most direct path and that's when Roric was removed from the room so a shouting match could occur. This advice and fine example of the benefits of marriage taught Roric one thing. Absolutely nothing.
Still the ambassador eventually figured out everyone has to eat and when you offer free food you can often generate conversation. Words were the weapons of his trade so a party bringing together many walks of life in Ketra was like opening an arsenal to the silver-tongued Thanati agent.
No holidays were close, but Roric wished to reestablish his presence in the city and reaffirm ties with old contacts. Figuring he could kill two birds with one stone the ambassador had the brilliant idea of having a Thanati cultural festival.
All throughout the morning hired hands brought in products from the market from his native Thanatos. Mangoes, yams, rice, all of it preserved with wily trader techniques. Having a renewed and expanded stipend after his first report the ambassador wasn't so afraid to throw his coin about. You have to spend money to earn it of course. As the workers finished their deliveries Roric spoke with the house staff about the importance of the preparation of these dishes. Recipe books from his personal library were laboriously looked over to select a series of dishes that were bound to show off Thanati culture and all the deliciousness it had to offer.
Satisfied the message was received, the ambassador attended to the decorating of his stately home. Inherited from his predecessor, Roric had added little to the accommodations besides some shift in furnishings. While the interior was mainly the same Roric did take great care in the design of the garden. A sprawling lush space of bamboo and native trees, Roric hoped his finely maintained garden could be representative of Thanati Adelan relations that the two nations might grow together in greater harmony. Looking over the expanse of greenery now only dispersed by crafted fountains of dragon riders and Thanati sailors, the ambassador smiled as he attended to his final preparations.
Entertainment was acquired by a roaming band of performers. Skilled musically and theatrically the troupe had taken to Roric's instruction in such a fervent manner that the ambassador swiftly put them on retainer for future events. Within a weeks notice the actors had created a masterful play about a love affair between an Adelan and Thanati youth. After seeing the performance's dry run he saw their wasn't a dry eye in the house. Perfection.
Satisfied with the party Roric attended to his thirst with a glass of fine rice spirits. This drink had been tucked away in the ambassadors private larder for many years. Aged to perfection it would wet the whistles and loosen the lips of the drinking public allowing the ambassador to turn fists into palms and frowns into smiles.
Looking over the mainly vegetarian faire that even now was being carried about on serving dishes as guests slowly arrived, the Thanati official beamed as he approached the main hall eager to see the festivities commence. As he witnessed a few nobles enter he gave a polite bow which was swiftly and eagerly returned. Others having seen this cultural greet quickly began imitating it to Roric's amusement. Cultures were like a candles flame, when they're shared you lose nothing yourself and both of you live in a warmer lighter world. That was the ambassadors most cherished belief. It had been tested over time, but like a rugged rock upon the sea it weathers on.
