[i]"How quaint."[/i] A sarcastic titter was drawn from Margorie's lips as she watched the trail of people come in for the banquet. [i]"You don't have to be so cruel Margie."[/i] the mayor replied with his lips pressed to her ear, trying not to draw attention- but their affair had been not secret. He was old enough to be her father, but that didn't seem to bother them much.

Several round tables we're arranged around the room for people to sit and chat at. The food table was not as magnificent as imagined, containing only servings of herring, asparagus, and mashed potatoes. It wasn't the most generous offer but at least it was free.

Dave and Jenny Warbler had brought their selections of whiskey and vodka from their bar to share, propping it on the table next to the food. It too was lacking much excitement, but again- most things in Whittier were just that: 

Lacking in excitement.

As most of the residents arrived, the mayor cleared his throat at the front of the room to begin his welcoming speech. [i]"Good evening my neighbors and my friends."[/i] a wicked smile drawn across his face, [i]"I'm so thankful you all have made it and we are blessed and delighted for such.."[/i] he paused looking at the sparse table, [i]"fantastic food, and even better company." [/i] he looked towards every one to see their reactions before continuing. [i]"I don't tend to keep you much longer now, but some of our leaders have some announcements to make...so don't go anywhere!"[/i] he exclaimed, trying to be humorous. Margorie laughed alone, as the mayor and her quickly scattered to a seat.

Derek Yates and Daryl Davis both nodded at one another as they stood up and approached the front of the room together. They we're the head of the police department and fire station within the towers and fairly respected members of the community. Derek took lead in the announcement as he spoke with a slight commanding tone as he would to his officers, [i]"As we all know, tomorrow is the start of our annual month of darkness. These are hard times for us all. Please be aware of any suspicious activity in our premises and report them immediately. Thank you."[/i] he nodded and stepped away leaving Daryl on the floor. 

A warm smile swept along his face before speaking, [i]"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I won't keep you long from one another, but I just wanted to give you a friendly reminder that because of the increase of fireplace usage in the building during this next month to be extra cautious of your surroundings. We don't want another incident of last year do we Hubert?!"[/i] the man chuckled and a few of the residents laughed at the old man's expense as well. Even Hubert gave a faint smile as he remembered setting his apartment a blaze when he had left his fur coat too close to the flame and fell asleep. [i]"Anyway."[/i] Daryl continued as the crowd settled back down, [i]"Let's have a nice night, and a good, safe, and easy month here..Cheers!"[/i] he too then scurried away.

Rosemary Adams, the pastors wife and one of the two teachers in the towers piped up cheerfully, [i]"I also made my famous apple crumble cake for everyone to eat for dessert!"[/i] setting the pan down next to the food. 

Residents began helping themselves to the food and drink that had been provided.