Lady Peacock leads the way out onto a balcony that overlooks the gardens but is still within sight of the main party.<br/><br/>"Word has reached me of certain details," she says with a dreamy little smile.  "Perhaps your lord and master might spare you for a brief time this coming summer for a Court?  A little distraction for we who are not given the great and grave responsibilities of office."<br/><br/>This is the moment at which the scream interrupts the pleasantries...<br/><br/>+++<br/><br/>Lady No rewards Cinsel with a wintry little smile.<br/><br/>"A gracious young gentlemen, aren't you?  Tell me, Baron, knowing that my reputation precedes me, are you not the least bit nervous at bringing yourself to my attention?"<br/><br/>One eyebrow rises just a little, but before Cinsel can answer, the bloodcurdling scream interrupts the pleasantries...<br/><br/>+++<br/><br/>The page brings Mithra to the two ven deep in discussion and announces his arrival succinctly before retreating in haste.  Duke Dannin gives Mithra a bit of smile.  Baron Valin just nods soberly.<br/><br/>"Well met," Dannin says.  "I am most curious about certain matters that may be of mutual interest.  Would you care to offer your insight?"  He gestures helplessly.  "If, that is, you are not forsworn on the matters.  Too many secrets, alas."<br/><br/>His answer is not Mithra, but rather a fearful shriek from one of the side hallways.<br/><br/>+++<br/><br/>The shriek turns out to be one of Shara's maids who blabbers something about blood and something else about "she's dead! She's dead" over and over until one of the senior staff guides her away.  A simple investigation follows, more or less collectively...<br/><br/>The body, lying around the corner along a side hallway, looks awfully familiar.  Niassa Mwrr, your more than fashionably late companion, is now permanently late.  The ominous black handle of an Ikhalu dagger juts from her chest.