I'm wondering about this quest line. I have to infiltrate some 'do' and have to hand over my things to Malborn or stash them somewhere unless it's something I absolutely need (dagger), but I'm wondering, should I stash everything apart from what I'm wearing in my place, or just take everything and Malborn will keep it for me until after the task is done. Do you get everything back if you go there carrying what you have?

When I did this, I passed on to Malborn my armor and weapons (I should have passed on some money as well though) if there is anything else you will need for combat, potions etc then pass it onto him. The rest Delphine kept safe for me. Once you are in the Thalmor embassy you will need to get your stuff back from a chest once you have got past the kitchen (it will be obvious where it is when you are doing it)

Take what you need - armour, weapons, potions, and so on - and give the rest to Delphine (she'll hold onto it once you're ready to go to the Embassy). You'll get it all back, but I'd recommend saving the game before you talk to Delphine, just in case.

So what's the distraction you need to create once you're in there? The only hint I keep getting is to talk to Malborn and he's just asking if I want a drink!

talk to people at the party. someone will create the disturbance. the simple way is talk to the guy who arrived by wagon when you did. he usually sits by the fireplace on the bench. get him a drink from Brelas and your golden.

You need to create a distraction so you can sneak out while everyone is focused on someone else. There are a couple of ways to do this that everyone will have access to. The first is to give the Redguard you meet outside a drink, and the second is to talk to the elven serving girl, who will ask you to talk to Erikur. Either of these will allow you to cause the distraction you need. You'll also have other guests you can ask based on the quests you've done. For example, if you complete Rise in the East, you'll have the option of having Orthus Endario cause a distraction for you.

As for your gear, it's very simple: anything you give to Malborn before arriving will end up in a chest in the Embassy, where you can retrieve it and use it during your infiltration. Anything you don't give him is taken from you by Delphine at the same time she gives you the Party Clothes, and you won't have access to it until you return to the Sleeping Giant Inn after completing your infiltration.

"Why don't you just walk around and look for yourself? You need someone to explain everything to you?" - Isolde, Oblivion