Shara accepts your presents and exchanges the usual pleasantries, although she seems a bit distracted.  She manages to smile regardless, and casually mentions some of her more notable guests in passing.<br/><br/>+++<br/><br/>Lady Peacock unexpectedly gestures to her flock of attendants and hangers-on, and the crowd around her quickly takes the hint and all but evaporates, leaving Kethry almost face to face with the imposing older woman!  She smiles warmly at the younger woman and gestures to a balcony off to one side that overlooks the gardens.<br/><br/>"Walk with me a moment, dear girl.  We have much to discuss, you and I, and while I hate to interrupt this delightsome<em>soiree</em>, there is no better time than the present."<br/><br/>+++<br/><br/>Mithra finds a youthful page at his elbow.<br/><br/>"My Lord the Duke would have words with you," he speaks softly, voice barely audible over the background chatter, and with some skill at doing so without moving his lips.  "Will you attend?"<br/><br/>+++<br/><br/>Tonight may or may not be Cinsel's night, for before long he finds himself the subject of intense scrutiny by no lesser person than the Countess of Ival...Lady No, who makes much of her utter disinterest in his person in such a way that it is painfully obvious that she is checking him out.  There is some shelter to be had, if he wishes to retreat, but it may mean worse perils.<br/><br/>+++<br/><br/>There is still no sign of Niassa Mwrr, and by now her arrival would fall under 'discourteously late' rather than 'fashionably late'.  This is not at all like her!