6 Grayson House Guards, Wyla, a small wisp of an assistant arrive, following Keely.

Keely gets a beautiful hand-painted silk autumn leaf in incandescent colors from a simple wooden chest.

Udell steps in from outside, an affable smile on his face before he peers about, seeming to find a spot relatively out of the way to sequester himself after selecting a trinket from the chest.

Udell gets a beautiful hand-painted silk autumn leaf in incandescent colors from a simple wooden chest.

The Softest is resplendent in blue and gold - and silver, too - tonight, holding court near the harp as guests filter into the shrine. "Welcome, welcome!" he calls, his honey-bright voice ringing out within the unfinished walls. "Thank you all for coming." And to officially bring the gathering to order? Well -

"Tonight as faithful we gather - to rhyme, or imbibe, if you'd rather; But I encourage you - rhyme! You'll have a great time; Just don't work yourself to a lather."

Keely lingers in the doorway for a time as she looks around somewhat timidly. After a bit, she stirs into motion, following after those who have collected a party favor from the chest and doing the same. She seems to scan for familiar faces, a relieved smile on her own when she spies Fairen and allows her boots to carry her in his direction.

Fairen has joined the Emerald Couch.

Loitering a bit before everything begins, Fairen had done a little nosy checking of stuff out ahead of time, like the chest and its surprises. "Whisper Cesare, I'm sure this will be rather amusing. Good to see you again." Wandering to the emerald couches, he takes a seat and when he spots Keely after she spots him, waves her over with a smile.

6 Proscipi veteran guards arrives, following Cassiopeia.

Cassiopeia gets a beautiful hand-painted silk autumn leaf in incandescent colors from a simple wooden chest.

"Softest Whisper," murmurs Keely with a warm smile and gentle tones, dipping her chin as she nears. "Thank you very much for holding such a fun-sounding event. I only hope your other guests do not get lost in the fog on the way here." She continues on past after the greeting, her smile lingering and transfered to Fairen as she accepts his gestured invitation and settles on the couch beside him.

Keely has joined the Emerald Couch.

Island time. Things probably run differently in the Saffron Chain, because Cassiopeia is always late. It might also be due to the fact it's easy to get lost in the city. The young woman slips in, dressed in vibrant red silks and accompanied by six, very tall and very chiseled guards. There is a curious look in her azure blue eyes, as though she's never set foot in this place before. It's very possible, she takes everything in with wonder and excitement. A small smile forms on her lips, though there are some nerves there, tugging at her bare shoulders. Easy, long-legged steps take her deeper in, offering warm smiles to all those she pass by. One is especially wide for Cesare and she stops to greet him, "Softest Cesare," she offers a kiss to his cheek, "I am sorry I am late, but I did not want to miss this. I cannot profess any ability in limericks, as you know all of that was inherited by my cousin, but I am curious to listen and learn."

Udell turns the stem of the painted leaf in his gloved fingers to admire its workmanship before the speaking begins, drawing his attention as he secures it carefully away.

"Indeed, I'm very pleased to be able to find myself here to watch such a thing.", he says to Cesare, inclining his head from his place.

Udell puts a beautiful hand-painted silk autumn leaf in incandescent colors in a soft pouch with a silver acorn charm.

Marigold, a cheeky pygmy goat arrives, delivering a message to Cassiopeia before departing.

Fine, fine. Nobody laughs at Cesare's limerick because they're all without humor, but it's fine. He bows his head to each person who enters and returns Cassiopeia's cheek kiss. "I hope someone other than me will compose something," he says wryly, gesturing to the table which has not only refreshments, but also parchment and quills available. "The rhyme scheme is quite simple! A, A, B, B, A. Often these poems are humorous, but they don't have to be" He turns a faint smile to Udell. "Archlector, we're honored by your presence. I've been told the Queen is quite fond of laughter, so I hope we can evoke some tonight."

"The weather's shifted, to be expected, but not the weather, that's affect - or - effected. I suppose. I really do dislike rhyming verse, it's an irritant - it's a curse." Without a trace of rancor, just dispassionate - droll. After a drink - with alcohol - and a cookie, he finds a place to settle in order to study a garland of leaves wound around a pillar. Pewter eyes narrow, the edge of his smile twitches upward - and he starts to pick out a couple of the more interesting leaves to save, and this source of his hyperfocus keeps him present, only just.


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As thick fog descends on the city, there is an uptick in activity throughout the wards. The Iron Guard complain that they can hear voices asking for help from the fog, but there is no one there when they move to answer their calls. Individuals all across the city claim that they can hear voices that are strangely familiar calling in the fog, that they can never quite find. The Mercies of Lagoma are deeply concerned after discovering a rash of these obviously ill victims all claiming that they hear the voices of their dead loved ones.

People who stumble into the Lyceum Ward find that no matter which way they turn in the fog, they all find their way to just one place -- the Velenosa Estate.
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As the fog starts to thicken, Cesare looks around with concern. "I'm sorry, everyone," he says. "We'd best cut this short for the evening - I will reschedule it another time. Please travel in groups so you can find your way home safely!"