23th November, 9pm

Hurrying quickly to the entrance, the owner of The Emperess' Hall hastily swept his brow with a piece of linen which then quickly disappeared into his sleeve. He reached the door just in time to give a courteously deep bow to the couple that was just entering the tavern. "Welcome, welcome, dear sir", he said as he rose up and then bowed again. "And you, lovely madame", he continued and motioned one of the many servants to pick the coats and cloaks of the arrivals.

"We are most honored by you gracing our establishment with your precence, lord and lady Vermont. This man shall show you to your table", he said with a slick smile on his lips while gesturing towards another servant. "I wish you most enjoyable evening, but now I am afraid I must leave you for my duties", he finished and after quick exchange of pleasantries, he was again dashing through the hall.

It was already a busy night, but his hunch told that more was to come. It was the first night of celebrational week for the 25th anniversary of the establishment and there had been no small sums placed into the festivities. Sweet smell of the feast already came from the direction of the kitchen. He had no reason to check there, he knew everything was in control there.

Instead he made his way to the stage and walked to the backstage where he found the musicians tuning their instruments and sorting their partitures. The harpsichord was already placed on the stage prepared for the evening's presentation and the cello was just being carried to its place. In addition to these, there would be two violins and guest singers who would vary throughout the evening. The manager rubbed his hands excitedly. He had paid good money to hire some of the most recognized musicians within The City's walls.

Just a quick question of whether everything was on in order and few gratitutous smiles and he went back to the hall once more. Dashing through the common-room, he walked to the entrance.

"Welcome to The Empress' Hall to enjoy a wonderful evening unlike ever before", he greeted.