Lady Eve respectfully listened to each of the guests who introduced themselves, regardless of their own manners. From Carnation's cursing, to Erin's distracted attention, to Ross and Mallaidh's simple statements. However when it came to Devyn and Elizabeth, who went on asking more questions without introducing themselves to their host, the Lady crinkled her nose in annoyance, paid them full attention, then made a concerted effort to not only ignore them, but make sure they knew they were being ignored and why. Just as she was about to answer the others' questions, the man with the facial scars spoke up for the first time.

"The name is Alonzo. Just Alonzo," he said, crossing his legs as well as his arms. "You have my attention, but in the interest of fairness, I'll ditto the questions of these two ladies."

Lady Eve nodded in understanding. "Yes. Well, let's see. So many queries, where to start? Miss Erin, I believe you asked about the sharing of information? Why yes, that is the point of this endeavor. I will share with you the rumors, the evidence, the hearsay and the goings on that I am able to locate, in the fullest that I can provide. In turn, you will investigate these matters to the best of your ability so that we might draw a conclusion. I believe that also answers one of [i]your[/i] questions as well, Mr. Alonzo?" Lady Eve took a moment to sip her cup, then continued. "Pleased to meet you, Miss Mallaidh. To be perfectly frank, I cannot state with absolute certainty how long exactly this arrangement will last. My hope is that together we can see it through to the end and uncover all the mysteries plaguing my city of home, however long it might take. But of course, you are all free to leave at any time you wish. The nature of this work is certain to be dangerous."

She then brought her eyes back to the man now known as Alonzo. "Let's see if I can remember everything. Oh dear. Well you are all welcome to make this as public as you like, but the public tends to take quite poorly to the events of the unseen, so I don't recommend it. I'm well established as a 'loonie eccentric,' if I were to quote the papers, so my name being attached to this endeavor means nothing. The police I cannot imagine understanding the situation. Chances are more than likely that we shall need to indulge in activities that are, shall we say, less than judicial? As for accommodations, I have prepared a few rooms in my manor which you are free to utilize at no cost. Sadly I had no idea how many guests to expect so I am a couple rooms short, unless anybody would like a bunk mate. Terribly sorry."

She paused for a moment, clearly thinking. "Have I missed anything?"

"How will we be paid," Alonzo suggested, counting off on his fingers. "And will any of us who happen to be foreigners be working illegally, or be able to get VISAs?"

"Ah yes," Eve acknowledged with a finger wave and a smile. "As for your income, I am able and willing to provide it in any manner you see fit. The same goes for your status as an alien. If you might prefer to be official, taxes and all, I have setup a company name for government auditing purposes. Should you prefer to remain anonymous, to perform duties under the table, I am quite flexible to such arrangements. Now, with all these questions answered..."

The mistress of the house finished sipping her cup and waved the butler to come gather her china set and clear the table. Any drinks that were left unattended were likewise taken away. "We still have two introductions to go, then we shall move on." The Lady gave Devyn and Elizabeth a moment to introduce themselves properly this time, then immediately addressed the group as a whole. "Now, you shall recall in my previous statements that I had claimed to only ever know of one other individual that had my level of devotion to occult studies. As you all seem interested in continuing, there is one test I require you complete. So that I might gain some insight into your personalities, approaches, and general dynamic as a group, I request that you find the plant in the room." She gave a wide, yet somehow gentle smile. "One of you did not get my summons, because one of you is a close personal friend of mine. A bit of paranoia to spice up the event, no? You have until the clock strikes one to determine who does not belong. During this time I shall be monitoring you from the corner of the room, and should not be approached as though I were invisible."

Lady Eve stood tall from her chair and, just as she had declared, moved to the far corner of the room. "Please, begin your deliberations now if you would."