[b]Chamber of Harmonious Arrangements![/b]

Piripiri stands against the wall as she directs the banquet. She's two steps behind and one to the left of Cathak Agata: if Giriel notices, the implication and parallel is clear. But Giriel would have to notice, and Piripiri fades into the background here. Faded red robes with a subdued pattern, a black veil covering her mouth and the delta of skin exposed by the robe's fold. A white flower sits in her hair, the most vivid part of the outfit. The sleeves drop just past her elbows, and black gloves cover the rest, flashing in signal after signal as she watches the room and orchestrates the servants just so.

Naji and Maid Confined move about the room together, clearing places and bringing new food. A long chain connects their collars and a dainty one connects Maid Confined's ankles, making sure they have to linger and be seen. Fine silk over their mouth ensures they aren't heard. Dominion power declared twice over in bound demons bringing roast duck and taking dirty dishes. Piripiri catches their attention and gestures, subtly, towards Lotus's seat. More stuffed yams there.

Three Bells circles by Piripiri periodically, bringing food as an excuse to exchange a few snippets of conversation, those things you can't do with clever handsigns. She relays who is to do what to the kitchen and the others. She also uses the movement to cover snagging a few bits of food for herself, the minx. Piripiri studiously doesn't notice: it's good to have the loyalties of the servants. Currently she's listening to directions to prepare Agata's cabin: a well-fueled brazier, a round table laden with food, silken cords.

Emli, one of the slavegirls, sits on a stool next to Han, smiling and suggesting various foods. "So you've never left the Flower Kingdoms? Please, try the piri-piri, it grows north of here in a place called Hymair." She's curious and genuine, guileless. She wants to learn about you. She's also insisting on pouring your drinks for you and making sure to get anything you can't reach, taking care of you. You've done so much already, just relax and let somebody care for you here. Emli is delighted to ease your burdens, she always is: that's why she was assigned with Han.

At the head of the table Cathak holds court, Lotus to her right, and Giriel to her left. She's radiant, laughing and charming and attentive. There's an endless flow of servers, Jali, Kun, Ophil, all bringing food and spiced-wine and chilled juices, in every color of the rainbow, from savory-sweet to mouthwatering hot. Srenjeh and Maru stand behind the two guests of honor, attentive to their needs. There will be no pouring of your own wine tonight, indeed.

This leaves Fengye, who has thus far politely declined a remarkable list of delicacies. The third course had salted rice added at the last second, to make sure the poor woman could eat something. Stationed behind her was Quinn, a veteran marine from the [i]Lamentation[/i]: he'd been tested against fey reavers and had the blue scars to prove he lived. Piripiri didn't think she was the rakasha, any more than she'd thought Uusha was, but an abundance of caution rarely hurt anybody.