It is about 65/i>/b/span18C) degrees. The mist is heaviest At Elm and Blackstone/span>/span“I concur with Derek,” Aeryn nods her head.

With that Kallen slips away from the bar and makes his way over to the table, “I think I get it? Might be a little more clear once we start playing though… We all have locations and can ask questions to figure out what locations other people are at? But why would we ask questions if we’re not the spy?” He asks as he wanders over.

Kallen offers a light wave in turn to Dovie, “I’m Kallen, or Kael, or K, apparently.” He replies in an easy, English-accented tone, “Well according to the guy with the flashy hair at least.” The words added as he jerks his thumb over to Jakem.

“Nice to meet you Kael!” Dovie slips him a piece of paper with some information on it. She waves to August. “Come sit here at the tables if you want to play, we’re asigning roles now.”

Kallen nods a few times as he takes a seat, a question following, “Is it alright if we ask questions as we go along? I don’t completely get it, admittedly.”

“Potassium.” Derek helpfully provides yet another name for Kallen after he introduces himself to Dovie, leaning back in his seat and yawning with a smirk.

Aeryn grins to Malin after a glance to her phone.

Dovie is in the middle of secretly assigning roles!

Matthew wanders in late, tucking his phone into his pocket. He wonders of Dovie, “Too late for me to join, should I observe?”

Jakem nods agreeably to Arachne “Well all are welcome here; community enthusiasts and menaces alike. We’re a safe space for mischief I like to say.”

“Thanks,” August tells Dovie with a faint smile, but otherwise, leans back into his seat after his belated arrival. There’s a cross of his legs, and a muted sort of look spent at the paper in his hand, before he balls it up, then eats it.

“Take a seat at the tables, Matthew! I’m just assigning roles now.” Dovie replies!

Jenny gives a nod as she looks down at her paper, folding it up and tucking it away

Dovie finishes dispensing the pieces of paper. “Did I miss anyone?”

Matthew takes his piece of paper, reads it carefully then tucks it into his pocket. He wonders, “should I remain here around the seats?”

“You might as well come over and play. We’re just setting up,” Arachne beckons Matthew over with a gentle curl of fingers. Gray eyes study the paper passed her way, neatly folding it before inclining her head in distracted aside to Derek, “Today was a rough day. I lost Baby in the mists, along with a lot of valuable materials, so I’m still feeling sore about that.”

Dovie nods at Matthew. “Yes, come sit, everyone who is actively playing in this round is sat at the low tables,” she explains before clearing her throat to tell the group: So! We the turn order is this: Arachne, Matthew, Aeryn, August, Derek, Jake, Kael, and Jenny. This is the order you will ask questions in.” She points to Arachne. “Dear cousin, you’re first! Pick anyone else to ask a question of. I will be moderating.”

Dovie clears her throat to repeat the turn order more clearly for everyone: “Arachne, Matthew, Aeryn, August, Derek, Jake, Kael, and Jenny. This is the order you will ask questions in.”

Matthewsomeone over to sit down beside Arachne when she beckons him over, moving with a small bounce in his shoulders and a dance before lowering right on down beside her. “Alright, I can’t wait.” Then he’s back on hsi phone, firing more textst away. He’s at least decent enough to shoot up apologetic eyes to everyone, puppydog and all.

Matthew moves over to sit down beside Arachne when she beckons him over, moving with a small bounce in his shoulders and a dance before lowering right on down beside her. “Alright, I can’t wait.” Then he’s back on hsi phone, firing more textst away. He’s at least decent enough to shoot up apologetic eyes to everyone, puppydog and all.

Dovie adds last minute as an afterthought, “Oh, minor thing, but you have a ‘role’ because that’s your job or persona at the location, so you answer questions with that in mind too. Adds a little bit of intrigue to things.”

Kallen raises his hand, “So is the idea that the spy doesn’t have a location? I don’t quite understand how we figure out who the spy is…”

Arachne lifts her gaze from her phone when Dovie chooses her to lead the game, gray eyes slowly studying the faces around het while she instinctively makes room for Matthew to insert himself beside her. A finger extends in lazy signal to Jakem, “What do you do first thing on duty?” she queries, after a beat.

Derek leans his chin on his hand, drumming the fingers of his other hand against the table, looking over between Arachne and Matthew with mild curiosity as the former questions the latter.

“Easy enough.” August texts rather blatantly in the midst of the explanation, not at all sharing Matthew’s puppydog eyes or apologetic glances in the way he only lifts his hand and undoes a button or two from the collar of his shirt, and keep his phone tucked in his hand while it rests over his knees. Some small turn of his head glances at the signs, then back to the settled crowd, particularly Arachne and Jakem.

Dovie nods her head at Kallen. “That’s correct, the spy does not know the location and must figure it out via context clues through everyone’s questions and responses without giving away that they don’t know anything.”

Kallen simply flashes a thumbs up to Dovie without interrupting the questions.

Jakem heaves a weary sigh as he affects an exression of exhaustion “After a long day I really need to wet my whistle and rest my voice.” he explains to someone. “But you know, always going places, seeing the sights, can’t complain… You know, on account of going hoarse after every shift.”

Matthew flags a waitress, making an order, “Can I get some of that classic mulk tea and…” instinct demands he pick up something for family, eyes flicking to Arachne and then Aeryn to encourage them to hop in on his order, should they have one.

Jakem heaves a weary sigh as he affects an exression of exhaustion “After a long day I really need to wet my whistle and rest my voice.” he explains to Arachne. “But you know, always going places, seeing the sights, can’t complain… You know, on account of going hoarse after every shift.”

“You know me and most food and drink,” Aeryn smiles to Matthew, but the blackcurrant is particularly delicious.”

“You know me and most food and drink,” Aeryn smiles to Matthew, “but the blackcurrant is particularly delicious.” (re)

Arachne tilts her head to the side, mouth twisting in soft consideration at Jakem’s words. “Okay,” she allows herself to say on a soft exhale, readjusting in her seat before holding up a finger for Matthew to double his order. “Our tastes are the same in boba. Not fashion, and the many war crimes you keep committing. I will never forgive you for the bedazzled J’s.”

Derek slurps from his bubble tea as he tilts his head after Jakem’s answer, eyes drifting over to Arachne, then back to him.

Aeryn snickers softly at the remark from Arachne. “I’m doing up his outfit for tomorrow. No bedazzling.”

Matthew is midway through typing a text when he jerks his head suddenly to Dovie, then over to the crowd.He clears his throat, “Ahh.,..”

Jakem glances to Dovie “So since I got asked a question, does that mean it’s my turn to ask one?”

Matthew looks at Dovie for clarification on Jakem’s question.

Dovie tells Jakem. “Maybe we try that next round, let’s just use the turn order so everyone has a chance to go this time! It’s Matthew’s turn to ask.”

Matthew smiles then, just as his order comes, and Aeryn’s. “Right, So….” he points a finger towards Aeryn, “What kind of uniform do you typically wear when working?”

An alarm goes off on Arachne’s phone and she exhales a soft breath, peeling out of her seat. “A monarch’s work is never done,” she murmurs in light jest to Derek and Aeryn, escaping her entanglement of relations. “Enjoy, you four,” she extends to her Montrose and Fairchild cousins.

“I’m totally up for doing it tonight if you want to, though,” Lillian adds after a moment. “It’d be fun. And less energy intensive than a game in a crowded room full of randos.”

Dovie nods at Matthew to confirm that it’s an acceptable question, turning towards Aeryn curiously as she waves to the retreating Fairchild.

Jakem smirks as he looks southwards “Shit, that’s exactly what I would have done if I were the spy.”

Aeryn glances at Matthew, and laments, “A jacket, and trousers, with a tucked in shirt and of course, a hat,” she nods. “Sometimes, even a tie when I want to be really fancy. And naturally, color coordinated.”

Dovie nods and looks to August for the next question.

Derek lifts a hand to wave with his fingers as his cousin departs, brows flitting. “…If she was the spy, we’d never know.” he murmurs thoughtfully, looking then over between Matthew and Aeryn, drumming his fingers against the table, before slipping his phone up to access some app for a time.

Jakem nods solemnly to Derek “So are we ready to accuse the spy? Because there’s no way anyone at our location would be caught dead in that outfit.” He says with a look to Aeryn.

“Of course. Accuse away,” Aeryn smirks to Jakem.

August had been listening quietly, panning from face to face, at anyone that spoke – with that oft easy to find severity to his expression when it blossoms out of sheer focus. Dovie’s look is returned, with a brow lifted as he reminds the turn order. “Aeryn didn’t ask her question, are you sure?”

Matthew look somewhat relieved and then drinks from his bubble tea, all smiles as he keeps tap-tap-tapping away on his phone.

Dovie reminds the group. “Players can accuse, but you need a unanimous agreement in the group to accuse someone before that can go through,” she nods at August. “We’re just doing a turn based order rather than people asking after they’re asked.”

Jakem gives a dismissive wave “For the sake of fair play, I’ll make my accusation after she reveals once and for all she’s not a clue where we are.” he comments with a look to Aeryn.

“If you all think that’s too confusing and prefer to answer, then ask, we can change that now?” Dovie inquires, looking around.

Accepting the tea from Matthew, Aeryn smiles, “Thank you,” before a wink in Jakem’s direction. “Was it myself or August that was to go after Matthew in the list?”

Matthew look dumb, cute, and happy just to be sitting there drinking his bubble tea.

“Fair enough.” August glances toward Jakem after replying to Dovie, and his glance seems approving of the man’s train of thought. A lift of his boba, and the straw is tilted to point at Derek. August stares for a few seconds, as if weighing the question on the tip of his tongue, or letting the moment fester, before he asks, “What is the hardest thing to do at your job?”

Kallen leans over slightly towards Jakem and asks in a stage whisper, “Is it too late to ask who’s who?”

Jakem shakes his head to Kallen “Nah, just wait your turn and you can ask whatever you want. Though just one person.”

Derek snorts as he looks over to Matthew, a little smile crossing his expression as he watches him sip away at his bubble tea, and he takes a sip from his own tea almost sympathetically, before responding right off his sip to look over to August. “Oh, the people, definitely.” he informs him casually, before elaborating, “Service jobs can be so involved. I can only imagine the drudgery of such proletarian affairs.” he laments with a dramatic hand against his forehead, as if pantomiming fainting.

Kallen chuckles softly and shakes his head at Jakem, “I mean actual real names, it’s hard to tell who’s talking about who.”

Dovie nods and tells Derek. “Coincidentally, it’s actually your turn to go now.”

Jakem nods to Kallen “Yeah, you don’t need real names you’re just going to forget. The fake ones will be more interesting.”

August’s eyes narrow on Derek suspiciously.

“Shit, Arachne is right. These are an addiction,” Aeryn decides, wrinkling her nose at her cup, before a rapid second sip.

Jakem looks to Derek “Hmmm, I might change my vote. He called us members of the prostatariot I’m pretty certain.”

Dovie snorts a laugh in Jakem’s direction.

Derek raises a brow at August, crossing his arms before his attention drifts to Kallen. “Dearest Potassium,” he begins, as if writing a letter, “I must ask – what is your favorite flora that you encounter on the way to work?” he muses.

As the question is directed Kallen’s way, he taps his bottom lip in thought, “Probably the synthetic bluebells that hang by the railings.” He eventually answers, somehow becoming a little too accustomed to the new name.

Dovie nods at someone and points to Jakem. “Your turn.”

Dovie nods at Kallen and points to Jakem. “Your turn.”

Matthew follows along, looking towards Jakem like he may have the most interesting to say. He drinks more bubbles.

“Synthetic flowers? Who would ever,” Aeryn appears horrified.

Jenny scrunches up her noses at the mention of the flowers nodding in agreement to Aeryn

Derek hums, tilting his head to Kallen. “Clearly he has been over-potassified.” he feigns lament to Aeryn, nodding solemnly.

Jakem nods to Dovie, turning his gaze to Derek “Allright fella. That was an interesting question, so I’ve got another for you. What’s your favorite way to get accused of being the spy!” he asks with building oomph to his words, culminating as he stands up and points a finger at him “Let’s vote on it!”

“Real flowers would require water, which would make me explode.” Kallen answers to Derek in a very matter-of-fact tone, despite still sounding rather sarcastic due to the british lilt.

“Oh no!” Matthew says of the potassified redhead that is Kallen.

Aeryn nods her head at Derek very seriously, gnawing for a moment on her straw. “Did we all even ask questions?” she wonders, glancing at the trigger-happy pointer. Her eyes shift over Derek with suspicion though, nonetheless.

Matthew turns his eys directly to Seraphina, all that cute dumbness melting off with a sudden alert interest.

Matthew tries to catch Seraphina’s eyes.

Dovie tells Aeryn. “You can pause here to do the accusation, but you all have to agree to see whether or not Derek is the spy. It will end the game either way. We can always play more rounds. They’re very fast.”

Jakem shrugs to Aeryn “I need full support for my accusation. If you wanna ask more questions, you can, but I think we all know after that question who it is.”

“My favorite way to get accused of being the spy is falsely; and what a lovely surprise today has been.” Derek offers in a sweet lilt to Jakem, a smile curling at his lips as he points accusingly at Derek. He then glances to Aeryn and shakes his head. “I’m afraid not; perhaps our supposed colleague here is trying to rush along the process,” he adds with a pointed glance back towards Jakem.

Jenny bursts out laughing suddenly covering her mouth

August keeps a rather deadpan face.

Seraphina slips in silently, to find herself mingling in with all the others, twisting and turning about people to find herself a spot within the crowd. She tilts her head at Matthew, catching his eyes with her own gaze, and a smile.

“I’ll concede that the service jobs is suspect,” Aeryn admits.

Matthew then nods at Derek, supporting the claim on the fact that he is totally Horatio Horbblatt Hoo-ha Von Crumpet. And proud of it.

Jakem snorts at Derek as he lifts his chin “And who asks about flora on the way to work given where WE all know we work?”

“Another excellent point,” Aeryn notes quietly.

Jenny gives a nod to Jakem getting her laughter under control “That is a good point…”

“I did think it was a strange question.” Kallen snickers softly before nodding in agreement to Jakem, “What sort of flowers I’d see makes no sense.”

“It is quite scandalous.” Derek deadpans after Aeryn, before looking back to Jakem. “That’s two questions, and I’ll oblige. Note that I asked for a favorite. There is no accounting for taste.”

Matthew nods at Jakem agreeing with his accusation. “Yeah, that’s a good point, who would do that!”

“You’re right, Ser Percival.” August nods towards Jakem. “I think Aeryn is most likely the spy, but Derek might be, too. I can’t tell whether his question was a red herring to check Potassium, but they’re both very good possibilities.”

Jakem looks to Derek “Huh, oh that last question was rhetorical. I mean I already know the answer.”

Aeryn hides a look of amusement behind what is apparently, the most delicious drink to ever have existed. Or at least considering the way she stares at it, anyway.

“Do we have a consensus or are we moving on? If the latter it’s Potassium’s turn to ask,” Dovie reminds everyone.

Dovie corrects herself, “I meant Jakes!”

Jakem nods “Show of hands to accuse Derek?” he says, putting up both hands.

August pauses, to fix himself. “I meant, Lady Clementina McLemonina Wigglewag,” Nods towards Aeryn, then to Derek, “And Reginald McLeginald Fluffernuff.”

Aeryn sticks the tip of her tongue out petulantly at August. “You would,” she tells him lightly. “I welcome accusations, though of course.”

Kallen after a moment of thought, raises his hand in turn.

Matthew/span>Jakem shrugs to Matthew “I could be convinced to change my vote to Bananna here. If there’s a little side action in it for me?”

Jenny shrugs raising both of her hands as well “Does bring a good point.”

“You know what? What about the synthetic floral choices. That’s just…it’s something evil,” Aeryn says, before another sip of tea.

Matthew then says, “She just looks guilty,” is what he shares, “look at how she stares at that tea, carefully avoiding all the heat, feigning innocence.” Totally BSing, and probably not making any sense.

Aeryn narrows her eyes at Matthew and snorts.

“Not Miss Banana Fanna Mae Tana Mana Hide.” Derek states, touching his fingertips to his chest as if despaired by such a premise, his attention drifting about others gathered. “I mean, it is quite good.” he muses after Matthew’s latter premise.

“So the accused are Derek and Aeryn,” Dovie repeats.

Jakem gestures over to Jenny “Hey, I got more votes over there for Derek. We got four hands raised for him. How many do we need, five?”

“That was a good answer, Lady Clementina McLemonina Wigglewag.” August accuses Aeryn back, in support of Kallen. He even dares to lift his hand and give them a pat on the shoulder, “Sir Wigglesworth Flapjack Snorfleblat here did not give a wrong answer, considering our work affairs.”

Jakem calls over to Lupita “Raise a hand wallflower! We just need one more.”

“Who are we missing?” Aeryn wonders, before a smile and a half-bow from her seat toward August.

Matthew look at Aeryn, “Alright Banana, tell me why I shuold split with you and accuse that other guy?”

August coughs, “Count.” He had a boba stuck in his throat.

Jakem gestures to August “Oh, sorry, fifth vote, right there. Two from me, two from Jenny, and one from August.”

“I mean, it was the only answer that would make any sort of sense.” Kallen shrugs lightly in response to Malin, clearly a little lost by the back and forth currently being tennised back and forth.

“Matty, I did mention fancy dress, and even a tie. Our Fairchild spoke of a life of…service,” Aeryn states, widening her eyes in abject horror.

Seraphina chuckles softly, trying to follow now that she has joined so late. To be true, she just looks confused. But the ‘Banana’ and ‘split’ is what caused her to laugh.

Malin squints over at Kallen, confusedly.

“I’m sure you meant Rosalind Razzmatazz Jellywhack,” August levels a stare at Jakem’s blatant use of totally untrue names, “And me, Walthazar Bo Balthazar Fee-fie-fo Falthazar, the third.”

“It’s mister Hoo-ha Von Crumpet to you,” Matthew says to Aeryn, seriously.

“…Isn’t that a cat?” Derek states with idle curiosity after August.

“Like I’d ever say all that,” Aeryn tells Matthew incredulously.

August gives Derek a quick hush when where his made-up- uhh, totally real names come from is brought to life.

Jakem shrugs to August “I’m more concerned with how many hands are up in the air than I am about who’s named after which desert.”

“Do we have five for Derek or are we still holding out on Aeryn?” Dovie asks.

Aeryn waggles her fingers toward Derek to indicate her vote, disdain on her features at the mention of cats.

“Whatever you say, but in certain courts, you would’ve lost your head for that statement, Ser Percival Von Snercival Jibberjaw the Fifth-and-a-Half.” August gives an almost indignant, over the nose stare-down at Jakem.

“She refused to call me Mister Hoo-ha Von Crumpet so I’m now accusing Derek, too.” Matthew confirms for Dovie, “That makes six.”

Doe Matthew even know how to play this game, who invited this guy?

Jakem looks to Dovie “We’ve got five for Derek and like three for Aeryn.” he says of the five people playing.

Dovie nods solemnly and turns to Derek. “Cousin? You are up. The moment of truth.”

Aeryn gives a nod, because Matthew makes so much sense. “That’s right,” she affirms.

Derek squints over to Dovie, tilting his head. “I don’t get it, quite frankly.”

Jakem snorts to August “As long as I keep my hair, they can have the rest of it.”

Dovie explains to Derek. “Everyone’s accusing you so now you come out with whether you are a spy or not.”

“Can we have whatever he’s had?” Aeryn wonders, blinking at August before a stare to Derek.

Matthew Squints at Derek, “Are you the spy?” he wonders.

“Oh, yeah. I am. This felt positively impossible.” Derek states with an eye roll.

“It seemed the appropriate spy thing to do.” August tells Aeryn. Then washes his words down with more boba.

Jakem squints at Derek “Don’t get what? We just had to vote to decide you were the spy. Of five possible votes, you got six and a half.”

Jakem says “That’s like an all time record.“

“Congratulations, gang! Who wants to reveal where we were?” Dovie poses.

Jakem blinks “What? You’re shitting me, you actually were the spy?”

“The flora question really kinda called you out.” Kallen chimes with a light chuckle, finally leaning back in his seat before yawning into a palm.

Jakem says “I just accused you cause you called us a prostate.“

August says “No, I was a cook.“

“I mean, the category is ‘location’. Every place you can think of is a ‘location’.” Derek mumbles with something of a pout.

Jenny chuckles “Yeah, was confused on why you would ask about flora on a cruise ship.”

“A cruise ship,” Aeryn nods.

Matthew calls out, “A cruise ship, I was the frenchmaid!”

Matthew says “Why did nobody ask me about my clothes or my job? “

August gives Matthew a look, a hard one, as if imagining him in that sort of getup.

Matthew rises out of his seat to give August a better view for imagination.

“Now I know what you’ll wear tomorrow night,” Aeryn snaps her fingertips, expression lighting up.

August rubs his jaw, and nods, several times.

Dovie laughs. “Alright, anyone up for another round now that we know how to play? The one change I’ll make is that when you are asked a question, you get to be the person asking the next question. Hopefully that’s seamless. Anyone who wants to be in on the next round, come to the low tables.”

And then… Matthew begins to float his way on over to Seraphina, he smiles, saying, “Hey, thanks for waiting, wanna–” he tips head towards the other seats, “sit there with me and discuss?”

“Which means all of you should,” Aeryn calls out.

“It could’ve been as specific as ‘Paris’, or as vague as ‘some random small town in podunk Oklahoma’.” Derek mumbles as slurps from his tea, sighing.

“You had a tough one, Derek,” Dovie starts to shuffle some more papers, secretively.

August says “I’ll do one more round, but I’ll still call everyone made-up names.“

Pulling himself up with a stretch, Kallen raises his hand lightly, “That was fun! A nice way to meet a few faces, sadly I need to set up my rented place before I fall asleep on a carpeted floor without a blanket.” He chimes, ticking off a light wave.

“If you do another round, Dovie, I’ll participate, but I need to …” Seraphina says, tilting her head in Matthew’s direction. “Pick a place.”

“Names of felines,” Aeryn snorts softly. “Just fur on fabric with feet, that’s all they are.”

Jakem nods to August “I’ll do another round, but I’m pronouncing all his names wrong.”

Matthew ‘ahs’ and says to Seraphina, “Well, I’ll participate if you are, I just didn’t want to wasate your time!”

“Great to have you, K! Nice to meet you!” Dovie waves.

Aeryn’s face drops into her hands, after she calls “Thank you,” to Dovie.

Jakem nods respectfully to Derek “Congratulations on winning the election.”

Jenny takes the cash saying to Dovie “Thanks, its getting abit late for me though. Thanks for hosting this!” she says giving a smile

Dovie nods at Jenny. “Thanks for coming!”

Derek sulks, hiding behind his now empty tea, giving something of a ridiculous slurp from his empty cup anyway with a side-eye to Jakem.

Dovie begins doling out the new cards.

Matthew frowns, focusing briefly down on the ground before his head lifts for a drink of tea and a final verdict from Seraphina.

Seraphina nods to Matthew. “Neither option is a waste of my time, Matthew,” she tries to assure. “You were having fun with the game. So I say, lets play a round, then talk business…” She looks out a window and there comes a frown. “Mist is rising anyway, so I’m definitely here for a good while.”

Matthew nods his agreement and then takes a seat with the group, a smile for Dovie as he lays his palm out patient for whatever he’s assigned.

Dovie points out, “We have Aeryn, August, Derek, and Jake for this round! So only a handful. This should go faster! Derek since you lost the last round, why don’t you start us off now?”

August takes his newest paper from Dovie, gives her a gracious dip of his head. “Thank you, Lady Belladora No-More-a Fedora Snore-a.” Then promptly eats that second paper as well, and washes it down with the rest of his boba.

Seraphina takes a seat beside Matthew, awaiting a possible card.

“Everyone scrap your cards, we’re redoing that because Matthew lied!” Dovie announces, shuffling a new deck.

Jakem says “Seraphina? Like the font?“

Derek leans his hand on his cheek with narrowed gaze, before looking over to Matthew and Seraphina. “…But-” he begins, before Dovie clarifies, and he nods once or twice then.

Aeryn shakes the tea in her cup, looking at the boba in fascination.

Jakem looks to Dovie “Huh, oh I fed mine to September.”

Seraphina smiles at Derek when he narrows his gaze toward her. “Hi… I don’t know of a Seraphina font. But now I need to look it up, and always use it.”

“YOU RAT!” Matthew accuses Dovie, head shaking before he’s seeking solace in his bubble tea.

Aeryn blinks at Matthew.

Jakem nods to someone “Yeah, it’s like Sans-seraph, seraph, and then for the little seraphs they call them seraphina.”

Jakem nods to Seraphina “Yeah, it’s like Sans-seraph, seraph, and then for the little seraphs they call them seraphina.”

Dovie finishes giving out the new cards. “Okay okay! Everyone has a new card! Let’s kick it off with Derek!”

Matthew reads his card and then proceeds to get into character, straightening in his chair.

“I always imagined Hell would be sans-seraph.” Derek mumbles, before he looks over to Matthew, blowing out from his nose. “…What is one item you keep with you, every day, that relates to your duty?” he wonders.

August glances at his paper, then promptly folds it up in his fist instead of eating it this time. “I always did think I had great breasts.” He’s turning towards others very briefly to start pointing at the contestants, starting with – himself, after a swivel of his finger. “I am Dr. Thimble P. Snoodlepoof, Heir to the Pickle Throne.” Then at Matthew, “Good to see you again, Lionel J. Quackenbush Boom-Bap von Plopsalot.” And a look at Seraphina, “Ser Plopsalot brought a lovely second in you, Madame Prunella Von Tinselbottom.” Either August is off his rockers, incredibly inebriated, or there really is something wrong in the water of tihs town, because he’s peering at Derek, “Sir Wigglesworth Flapjack Snorfleblat makes an interesting inquiry.” And finally, a sidelong, narrow-eyed look lands upon Aeryn. “We have our eye on you this round, Dame Twyla Ticktock Noodleberry.”

Aeryn appears as though she’d have words, but then shakes her head, drawing her tongue over the tip of one lengthened incisor with raised brows.

Matthew assumes his best high english aristocratic impersonation, gruffly waffling into his answer. “Whe-whe-whe-whel I do say good see you Sir Wiggleswort Flapjack Snorfleblat,” and then he’s reaching into his breast pocket, the pretend one, to pull out what could be a pen, but really is a sharpie. “You know I’m always asked to check into things and if you would just–” he’s extending the pen towards poor Derek, “Open up and say ahhhhhhh!”

“Your memory is a fascinating thing, Doctor Snoodlepoof.” Dovie giggles, drinking her bubble tea.

“If not scary,” Aeryn nods to Dovie.

Seraphina mentions to Jakem and Derek, “It is too pretty of a font for Hell.” She gives August a look, pointing at herself and attempting to put her given name to her own memory, with a sudden laugh. “It … really is.”

Matthew looks to Dovie then, “WEll one must have-” he’s stil ldoing that fake, overly english, aristocratic accent, “Miss.. Miss…Can’talopachu,” he merges puns with pokmon, “one has to be in my line of work, and that’s why I always keep a tongue suppressor on hand.”

And with tat Matthew takes his seat.

“Why thank you, Lady Belladora.” August also takes up a posy, posh high-aristocrat accent towards Dovie. “One does need such minds in our line of work of tedious tending to the prevalent human condition.”

Dovie nudges Matthew. “It’s your turn to ask a question! Pick anyone you’d like.”

Derek sticks his tongue out to Matthew. “Bleh.” he lets out as if to tease him with a wink, before assuming a refined Received Pronunciation accent that sounds really quite practiced. “Lord Reginald Dolsbury the Sixth, Duke of Damsel; charmed, I’m sure,” he muses.

Jakem wrinkles his nose “Wait, don’t they pull out new tongue depressors each time? I thought they had them in sterilized packets that opened up fresh…” he looks very suspiciously at Matthew

August gives a subtle look at Matthew, given that they decided to say practically the same thing. His squint is with a subtle lean, “I’m Dr. Thimble P. Snoodlepoof.” Harsh in correction, “You’re still Lionel J. Quackenbush Boom-Bap von Plopsalot.” Then an accusing hand at Derek, “And you, Sir Wigglesworth Flapjack Snorfleblat, will not change your name until next round!”

“It is the same one, repackaged.” Seraphina says, nodding as if it were the pure and simple truth.

“Jesus there are rules,” Aeryn almost blurts out, entirely amused.

“Whatever you say, Walthazar Bo-Balthazar, fee-fie-fo-Falthazar the Third.” Derek retorts to August with a cross of his arms and a lofted brow in scrutiny.

“That was my name last round!” August complains with a throw of hands.

Dovie shakes her head at everyone and retreats back to drinking her bubble tea. “Incorrigible!”

Matthew look around, choosing instead to settle on Seraphina, his second. “Now Miss–” he’s gone from high einglish to sweet southern molasses as he nods towards August, apologetic on how he coudl possibly have messed up these names. “Now, would the kind miss Pruuu’nella Von TinselBottom, my second, just confirm with everyone what kind of uniform you wear when on duty?”

August nods, approvingly.

Aeryn can’t contain it any longer, and a squeak of laughter escapes her, before she returns to thoughtfully gnawing on the end of her straw.

Jakem tsks as he shakes his head “This is the question that got her in trouble last round.”

Matthew does his best to remain in character, but as soon as he’s seated, the man’s burst out a belly buster, incapable of containing his amusement. He smiles encouragingly at Seraphina, awaiting her reply.

“A cat cannot escape his name.” Derek provides with a smirk and a smug gaze to August, looking back to Matthew and Seraphina curiously then as he cups his chin in thought.

Dovie watches the players, looking amused.

Clearly, having come in a bit late, perhaps Seraphina is not well versed in rules, and she looks to her card at the mention of them. But then she is called upon by Matthew. “Well, certainly!” The woman takes up her hair and starts to twist it, searching in her bag to pull out a pencil and stick it through to pull it up. “I require a coat of white, with a small prescription pad.”

Dovie nods at Seraphina. “Wonderful, now you choose another player to ask an open ended question of,” she explains.

Jakem shakes his head “Holy shit this one’s obvious. We’re in a hospital.”

Jakem coughs “By the way, I’m the spy this time.”

August groans at Jakem, “Way to ruin it, Ezekiel Flibberflap Hocus-Pocus.”

Nemi walks over as she waves softly. “What’d I miss?”

Jakem grins to August “That was literally my job.”

“Jakem solving everything a second time,” Aeryn waves at Nemi.

Dovie holds up a hand to the crowd. “Jake is correct, he’s the spy and he’s won the round,” Dovie waves to Nemi. “We just finished up a round, welcome!”

Nemi says “I’m missing the point-“

Jakem shrugs to August “Who’s stopping you though?”

Nemi nods again. “What- GAME are we playing?”

Derek huffs as he runs a hand through his hair. “Is this what it feels like to be scammed?” he says as an aside to no one in particular, adding, “I guess there’s a first time to anything.”

Dovie counts out a larger stack of bills to Jakem.

Still affixing the harried and messy bun with a twist of the pencil, Seraphina’s gaze lands on Jakem. “I was going to choose you, but …” Then she does not need to.

“We’re playing a social deduction game called Spyfall,” Dovie tells Nemi, pointing to the manual. “Instructions are there but it’s pretty easy.”

“Yes,” Aeryn nods to Derek.

Jakem smirks to Seraphina “I never get chosen. Unlike Derek who got chosen six and a half times by five people.”

“See? Scammed.” Derek mumbles in a sullen manner after Jakem. Sluuuuuurp. That cup of his is still empty.

Nemi nods softly. “Sounds rather simple. Can I join?”

“Since that round went so quickly, would you all like to do a final one for the night?” Dovie asks.

Matthew looks to Seraphina, “Do you want to discuss the thing real quick?” he asks, nodding towards some nearby tables.

August says “I suppose I can squeeze in one more.“

August leans back to rest his back against his seat, casting his eyes out at who’ll play, possibly to conjure up new names from his rear.

“Are any of you going to the Bachelor tomorrow evening? If you are, it is hopefully as contestants,” Aeryn mentions innocently.

Jakem chuckles as he stands up “I’ll sit this one out so the round won’t be over in three minutes.”

Nemi says “I’m not- still far too many plans.“

Dovie nods her head and begins shuffling some more cards. “Nemi, you’re welcome to join!” She looks to Matthew and Seraphina. “Are you two in this final round or no?”

“I intend to attend.” Derek supposes vaguely after Aeryn with a little roll of his shoulders.

“I can only promise alcohol afterward,” Aeryn grins to Derek.

Seraphina nods to Matthew, rising from her seat. “Lead the way.”

Dovie waves at Preston. “Hello! Are you joining us? We’re just starting our final round so there’s time if you’d like!”

Matthew doesn’t look like he’ll be participating this time, pushing to stand as he drifts towards the counter, “I’ll observ” he says to Dovie.

“I hope it’s tasty,” Derek muses to Aeryn, leaning his head back against his seat for a time as he contemplates for a beat.

Preston slips into a table without much fanfare, glancing towards Seraphina a moment, and then back to Dovie. “Um, sure.”

Dovie begins doling out cards.

Aeryn’s eyes follow Matthew, and a faint smirk curves her lips upward, only disappearing when she turns to answer Derek. “I would never provide anything but,” she promises.

Nemi smiles happily as she gets to play.

#@me isn’t being particularly secretive, ushering Seraphina to the counters as he pulls out his phone. “This is what I’m looking for,” he says, zooming the screeen in on something for her to study. “And he said you had it.”

Malin has blue eyes following Matthew, raising both eyebrows as he begins to pester Seraphina.

Preston says “I wasn’t even sure that one was real.“

Preston says “Fake tips..“

Dovie announces. “Okay, so the players are Aeryn, August, Preston, Derek, and Nemi. Since Nemi and Preston are new players, Aeryn, why don’t you start us off?” Dovie explains to Nemi and Preston. “If you are asked a question, then you can ask a question to another player after.”

Derek says “Fake tips are unbecoming.“

Nemi nods her head rapidly as she just smiles sweetly, looking far too tired as her hands constantly fidget.

Aeryn sits up a bit straighter, eying Derek. “What would you say,” She pauses, taking another drink of tea before continuing, “is the most important thing you do at your job?”

Aeryn’s expression turns crestfallen, and she peers into what is now an empty cup. She gives a tiny exhale in a very purposeful motion before a hand is held aloft and she orders another.

“Thank you, Queen Bumblebash Twinklefizz.” August tells Dovie as he decides to dub her royalty, then begins a new round of pointing at people before Dovie hands out her papers. First, naturally, is Derek. “You are Thistlethorpe J. Bop-a-Doop,” And then Aeryn, “Minerva McSwizzle-Frizz Puddingplop.” And the newcomers, August nods towards Preston and Nemi, in the order of their names, “Mortimer T. Bangledash Whoopsie-Doodle, nice of you to join us, and you too my lady, Petronella McZooma-Zella Boom-Boom.” That pointing hand lays over his chest in introduction, “I am Marmaduke Wiggleblat Gadzooks. A pleasure.”

“Managing you riotous lot.” Derek mumbles without missing a beat, his eyes falling on Aeryn as he sits up with an air of authority. “It’s what gets me my bonus. Well-deserved, mind you.” Sluuuuuurp. That cup’s still empty. Does he think there’s more there? Surely not.

Preston blinks at August in absolute confusion.

Dovie raises an eyebrow at August. “I’m amazed at your recall for long, strange nonsensical names, and I go by Your Majesty, Marmarduke Wiggleblat Gadzooks.”

“Well we can’t have that cup empty now, can we?” Aeryn nods to Derek. “What are you drinking?”

Malin winks at Seraphina, and she weakly slides off the stool with a small wince. She heads towards the exit, not quite like a zombie, but at least a little half dead.

August’s expression remains a carefully curated deadpan.

“I think I’ll have a strawberry matcha this time. I quite liked that one the first time – circumstances when I drank it notwithstanding.” Derek muses dryly after Aeryn.

Nemi already ordered herself two cups of brown sugar boba.

August’s head shakes in some small measure while he continues to tirade to himself in the posh British accent, and he subtly leans aside towards Nemi and Preston to speak, “Ser Thistlethorpe is brave tonight, breaking away from his usual spirits for a strawberry matcha. Quite rare, quite rare.”

Dovie sniffles and nods to August. He’s forgiven. She looks to Derek expectantly for the next victim of a question to come.

Dovie flags down a server. “I didn’t realize there was matcha here!”

August says “Ah, nevermind.“

August forgot the paper in his hand.

August eats his paper.

Dovie shakes her head at August.

“You, there.” Derek postures up, levying a finger at Preston then. “Which department do you work in…?” he wonders with dry interest, then taking a sip from his strawberry matcha that Aeryn had provided him. It’s not empty!

Matthew glances at his phone, shoots off a text and glances someone’ way, “I’mma be your ride.” Then it’s bacak over to Seraphina, listening to what she has to say.

Preston glances up from his phone to answer Derek, settling into his seat. “I work with people,” comes his answer.

The same server Dovie flagged is caught by August, too, for a second order of the same slop he’s been drinking all night. Even as he keeps a narrow stare at Mortimer T. Bangledash Whoopsie-Doodle, or Preston. His gaze is quite narrow indeed, very suspicious at that answer.

Derek narrows his gaze slightly to Preston. “…Most do. That’s not a department.” he murmurs, evidently letting that mull for a beat.

“Well, I have suspicions,” Aeryn decides.

August says “Quite so, quite so.. @me sniffs.“

Dovie informs Preston. “You can choose the next player to ask a question whenever you are ready.”

“Quite so, quite so..” August sniffs.

Preston lifts his shoulders at Derek. “You can consider it the People Working Department,” he explains, “Call it Pee-DoubleU-Dee.” Glancing around a moment, he turns to Nemi, eying her a moment, “What sort of things do you see on a regular basis?”

Nemi hums softly as she turns to Preston. “Contracts most commonly.” she clarifies.

August’s interest is evident when he turns his head towards Nemi, scrutinizing Petronella McZooma-Zella Boom-Boom. There’s an obnoxious sound coming from the straw of his boba.

Dovie tells Nemi. “It’s your turn to ask a question to someone since you just went!”

Nemi nods softly, looking between the others as she hums ever so softly in thought. Turning to Aeryn. “Well- What most commonly do you wear to your place of work?”

“Most days see me in a skirt and blouse, sometimes a blazer. Always a professional pair of heels, and a crisp look to everything,” Aeryn tells Nemi, pausing to glance into her tea curiously before another sip.

Derek folds his hands before him, regarding Aeryn with quiet curiosity, giving a subtle nod at her response.

Dovie snorts into her boba.

“These names are ghastly.” Derek deadpans, toying with his matcha idly.

Dovie nods in agreement with Derek. “That’s why I self named as Your Majesty.”

Realizing it’s her turn, Aeryn surveys the room with unblinking eyes that finally fixate on Preston. “What is it that you wear to your People Working Department?” she wonders, slightly narrowing her gaze in suspicion at him. August gets an incredulous look, and she snickers.

“You’re just upset you’re not a lord this time, Thistlethorpe J. Bop-a-Doop.” August deflects, waves a dismissive hand.

Preston thinks it over for a moment, and then answers Aeryn. “A suit.”

“Tricky,” Aeryn muses to Preston, fingers tapping against her cup idly.

“My countenance is noble, independent of your labels, dear Walthazar.” Derek retorts to August with a slight smirk playing at his lips, his eyes tracking to Preston with a dip of his chin.

Preston thinks it over, and not knowing any of the names of the fancy names he just points towards Nemi once more, “How do you travel to your place of work?”

Nemi clears her throat and nods softly. “By Car Like any other civilized person- Who can afford one.” She states with a soft nod.

“I have not been Walthazar for two rounds now and you know it!” August groans at Derek, “Adress me by my rightful title, Marmaduke Wiggleblat Gadzooks of the Waffling Order, or I shall invoke the right of duel.”

“You’ll always be Walthazar Bo-Balthazar, Fee-Fie-Fo-Falthazar the Third.” Derek decides imperiously of August with a Cheshire grin, crossing his arms as he lifts his chin and looks down at him.

Nemi turns to Derek and smiles softly. “Do you most commonly…. get paid in cash or cheque?” She asks with a smile.

“That’s a trick question, darling. Stock options.” Derek informs Nemi casually, running a hand through his hair.

“Damn, that’s a good question,” Aeryn raises the tea she’s drinking briefly toward Nemi before glancing to Derek. “Hmm.”

“Ah, that makes it too clear now, doesn’t it, Mister Bop-a-Doop?” August tut-tuts at Derek, crosses his legs the other way around. Takes another obnoxious slurp of his slush slop.

“Does it?” Derek wonders of August with an upcurl to his lips. “There are many variations of institution where such could be a possibility.”

“And now, I am torn,” Aeryn frowns.

Dovie raises an eyebrow and looks around, amused as she sips on her drink.

“I still think….” Aeryn’s eyes land again on Preston.

“Naturally, naturally.” August winks at Derek.

Preston glances up to Aeryn and grins at her, huge. “You remember what happened last time you bet against me?”

“I would,” Aeryn tells Dovie. “But of course, we need confirmation for the man who works in a department that doesn’t exist.”

Dovie chuckles at Aeryn, nodding.

August says “I’ll second the motion, we can accuse Preston.“

August clears his throat, “I meant, Mortimer T. Bangledash Whoopsie-Doodle.”

Aeryn smiles innocently to Preston.

“Oh, Aeryn, he works in the people department.” Derek observes dryly, before lazily raising a hand. “I accuse Preston.” he decides with a loft of his brows.

“My mistake. Honest slip of the tongue,” Aeryn tells Derek apologetically.

Preston shrugs at someone, and just lifts his booted feet onto the table, bringing his hands behind his head as a pillow.

Preston shrugs at Aeryn, and just lifts his booted feet onto the table, bringing his hands behind his head as a pillow.

August idly swirls the straw of his drink around within his boba, back and forth, back and forth. It goes up and down several times, makes that obnoxious hoot hoot sound, while he stares down at it with a thin smile.

Dovie calls out. “We have an accusation for Preston, any votes?” Dovie asks.

August says “Aye. “

“If you’re wrong though,” Preston explains, “You owe me money.”

Aeryn says “Yes. But not the yes to what he just said.“

“You already landed the job cleaning the penthouse,” Aeryn reminds Preston.

Nemi votes by raising a middle finger to Preston. “I don’t owe you anything since no bet was made prior.”

Nemi wiggles her eyebrows softly.

“Nobody has hired me,” Preston tells Aeryn, very seriously, and snapping his teeth towards Nemi and her middle finger.

Nemi lowers it as she smiles softly Preston. “Seriously though I vote preston.” she states with a nod.

“Peace, Miss Petronella McZooma-Zella Boom-Boom.” August eases Nemi with her aggression. “No need to be so harsh on our ‘people department’.”

“Mister Blackwell.” Derek states in faux-insult, touching his hand indignantly to his chest. “You will receive no payment for deals not rendered.”

Dovie counts. “Okay, are we missing any votes? I think that’s unanimous?” Dovie asks.

“Unless I’m missing someone’s vote…” Dovie gestures to Preston. “Preston, shall you do the honors of your reveal?”

August nods at Dovie.

Aeryn is absolutely on the edge of her seat, staring at Preston.

Preston doesn’t say anything else, just flashes a little shit-eating grin, and settles back, waiting for Dovie.

Then comes the reveal. “Yeah, you all owe me money,” Preston says. “You all fucked up, except whoever the spy is.” Preston narrows his eyes towards Nemi, “Which I’m pretty sure it’s her, but I work at a Corporate Office, in the HR Department.”

Dovie claps, “Does the spy wish to reveal themselves, or keep things a mystery?”

Nemi grins, shrugging softly. “Accountant, Corporate Office.” She admits with a smile. “Apologies for keeping a straight face.” She says with a warm smile.

Nemi says “Assuming the game is over if I read the rules right.“

“I think you owe us for not just saying that,” Aeryn sticks her tongue out at Preston. “I was an Executive Assistant at a corporate office, so that leaves….” Eyes settle on Derek and August.

Not long after Preston reveals, August chuckles. Something low, something insidious, and it grows to a theatrical, evil laughter. “You fools! Each and everyone of you from Petronella McZooma-Zella Boom-Boom, to Minerva McSwizzle-Frizz Puddingplop.” August finishes the rest of his drink, then stands up from his seat with a creak. “’twas I, Marmaduke Wiggleblat Gadzooks, and I spied and stole all of your corporate secrets.”

“Why would I reveal that?” Preston asks Aeryn, staring at her. “That’s such an obvious reveal for the spy.”

“Were you trying to lose…?” Derek states witheringly after Preston’s reveal, crossing his arms. “I was your CEO. And now I will have to liquidate my beloved assets and seek another Fortune500.” he laments.

Aeryn snorts, taking another drink of tea, but she does snicker softly upon swallowing.

Dovie giggles and reaches into her purse, pulling out a cash reward for August. “Good games, everyone.” She grins at someone. “I thought you’d enjoy a CEO role.”

“Why would I be trying to lose?” Preston asks again, a bit more forceful. “Saying I work in an HR Department is pretty obvious where we’d actually work.”

Dovie giggles and reaches into her purse, pulling out a cash reward for August. “Good games, everyone.” She grins at Derek. “I thought you’d enjoy a CEO role.”

Preston lowers his feet from the table, and without even bothering to tuck it in, just wanders off – calling over his shoulder. “I expect my check in the mail.”\

August lays a hand over his chest, looks at Derek with clear affection. “I am sorry, ser Thistlethorpe J. Bop-a-Doop. That I had to pretend to be your assistant. Remember that not all of it was a job for me, and I enjoyed our intimate, late night accounting over your private books.”

Nemi nods softly. “This was fun….”

“You realize, just about every industry, institution, government, et cetera et cetera… has some form of HR, right?” Derek scrunches his face as the Blackwell wanders off.

Dovie looks between August and Derek, an eyebrow raised. “Oh dear.”

“That it was,” Aeryn nods her head. “No, no he doesn’t,” she shakes her head sadly to Derek. “And now, I’m oddly hungry.”

“The perfect time to go get a snack!” Dovie declares. “Thank you everyone for coming. I hope you had fun!”