[h2][b][i][color=008000][center]In This Fine Town Of Arkham[/center][/color][/i][/b][/h2]
[h3][b][i][color=008000][center]A Night At Wilde Hall[/center][/color][/i][/b][/h3]
[hr]
[center][img]https://s3.eu-central-1.wasabisys.com/devonilx7/2020/04/forest_path_dark_150398_1920x1080-1536x864.jpg[/img][/center]
[hr]
[center][b]"The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown"[/b] - [i]H. P. Lovecraft[/i][/center]
[hr]
[center][@Lady Selune][/center]
	Not all those that are travelling to Wilde Hall decide to take the streets. Perhaps it is caution, or perhaps it is an appreciation of the relative peace, but as the night draws in [b][color=#cc00cc]Renee Bellerose[/color][/b] is to be found walking along the edge of the Wilde Woods. The city barely reaches out this far, only the occasional building serving as a reminder of civilisation, and in the peace, Renee can almost believe that she is back in France, back before the war, before all the horribleness that consumed her peaceful corner of paradise. Almost, but not quite. The past is behind her, for the better or for the worse, and Renee has not made it this far by wringing her hands together and fretting. No, she has made it this far by putting her best black-clad foot forward. The invitation clutched in her hand gives her purpose, and besides, she is not the sort to turn her back on good drink and pleasant conversation. And considering the wealth that the Wildes have no doubt accumulated, the drink should be good enough to make up for any lacking conversation.

	Renee has almost reached the point marked on her invitation when something catches her eye. The few gas lanterns that reach this close to the woods cast only dim light, but Renee has always had a sharp eye, and in the half-light, she makes out a gap in the trees. Curiosity getting the better of her, Renee walks closer to this gap, instinctively treading softly as she approaches. A narrow path, little more than a deer trail, dissapears into the darkness of the woods, but as Renee leans to get a closer look, she can see that there are fresh footprints in the mud, leading deeper into the depths of the forest. A local going for a late evening walk? The idea seems hardly likely, especially considering the dark reputation that the Wilde Woods has gained, but whatever reason, someone has come this way, and moved through the twisted trees. The footsteps are clear, even in the half light, and it would be no great task to follow them, but then again, the Wilde Woods does not have its reputation for nothing, and the party is waiting...

[hr]
[center][@psych0pomp][/center]

	The path that follows the edge of the Wilde Woods is proving to be a popular route, although the reason that [b][color=ac2100]Moses Reaves[/color][/b] is taking the more scenic route is perhaps more obvious than the one that sees Renee taking the same route. Anyone in the line of business that Moses inhabits develops an aversion for streetlights, and for the curious glances that the streets of Arkham had in abundance. Heavy jacket pulled tight around him, he takes long strides through the shadows. Wilde Hall is an opportunity, and Moses is not the type to miss an opportunity, especially one that presents itself in the form of a fancy invitation. And then one of the shadows moves. 

	Moses stops in his tracks, eyes straining against the half light. A figure, close to the edge of the forest. Moses has no shortage of enemies who could be lingering in the dark, but the figure doesn't seem to be looking at him. Instead, it seems to be focused towards the woods themselves. With the soft steps of a man that is no stranger to the rougher side of the law, Moses moves forward. As he gets nearer, he realises that the figure is smaller than he first though, standing a good few inches shorter than he does. Not only that, but the figure is a woman, dressed all in black. Moses is wise enough to know that that fact doesn't make the figure any less dangerous, but they seem to be fixated on the trees, or rather a gap between the trees. By the looks of it, [b][color=#cc00cc]Renee[/color][/b] hasn't heard Moses approaching yet, but every step risks alerting her. Is it a trap, or a curiosity? 


[hr]
[center][@DruSM157][/center]

	Walking through the dark streets is far from the typical evening for [b][color=#0077be]Alvin Fennel[/color][/b], but then what is university, if not a chance to get out of your comfort zone? Even so, the shifting shadows put the student on edge, and he quickens his pace. And yet his intended destination is no more familiar to Alvin. The inevitable opulence that Wilde Hall promises is a far cry from what Alvin is accustomed to, and the idea of crowds of strangers does little to settle his nerves. But then, that is not the only thing about the invitation clutched in his hand that puts him on edge. Trying to push the thoughts from his head, Alvin pushes onwards.

	Turning the last corner, Alvin can make out the black carriage that sits at the edge of the Wilde Woods. Two figures are already standing by it, but by the looks of the coachman, they won't be waiting there for much longer. If he picks up his pace, he could probably reach them before they set off, or perhaps it would be better to wait. After all, Alvin has never been one to turn his nose up at the prospect of having time to think. Besides, other guests should be arriving soon, and they may look less intimidating than the hulking silhouette of [b][color=red]Drachen[/color][/b], the other man's frame making [b][color=f49ac2]Rosanna[/color][/b] look like a doll beside him. Pick up the pace to join the unusual pair, or take his time, and wait for the next ride?