{"id":20722,"date":"2025-06-28T21:30:19","date_gmt":"2025-06-29T01:30:19","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2025-06-28T21:30:19","modified_gmt":"2025-06-29T01:30:19","slug":"event-619","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/havenrpg.net\/newsite\/2025\/06\/28\/event-619\/","title":{"rendered":"Dovie&#8217;s Public Spyfall Game"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>\n    .edgt-post-text-inner p {\n        margin-bottom: 35px !important;\n    }\n    <\/style>\n<p><strong>Date:<\/strong> 2025-06-27 21:29<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p><span style=\"color:#008000\">               (<\/span>Dovie&#8217;s Public Spyfall Game<span style=\"color:#008000\">)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#008080\">        [<\/span>Fri Jun 27 2025<span style=\"color:#008080\">]<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i>12in<i>19 B<b>83ub<b>47bl<b>59e <b>58Te<b>57as<b>93e <i>30Bu<i>29bb<i>23le<i>17 T<i>18ea<span style=\"color:#c0c0c0\"><br \/><i>12 A pastel-fronted counter anchors the back of the shop, crowded wi<i>19th tubs of toppings, pumps of syrup, and laminated flavor charts sm<b>83udged at the corners. A fat glass tip jar sits beside the sleek car<b>47d reader, half-full of crumpled bills and pink coins. Stools in mis<b>59matched shades cluster at the counter&#8217;s edge, their seats worn smoo<b>58th from regular use. The chalkboard menu above runs nearly the full<b>57 width of the wall, its looping script announcing specials, add-ons<b>93, and cheeky staff favorites. Nestled between prices and playful dr<i>30awings, the store&#8217;s logo appears again: a busty girl in a pastel ap<i>29ron pressing a clear boba tea cup between her bare chest, straw rai<i>23sed to parted lips as a single pearl hovers near her tongue. A plai<i>17n staff door leads into the back, and just beyond the counter space<i>18, low tables dot the floor in easy reach of those lingering nearby.<span style=\"color:#c0c0c0\"><\/p>\n<p>It is about <span style=\"color:#008000\">65\/i>\/b\/span<\/span\/iF(<span style=\"color:#008000\">18<\/span>C) degrees.  The mist is heaviest <span style=\"color:#393e41\">A<span style=\"color:#393f45\">t<span style=\"color:#394048\"> <span style=\"color:#39414c\">E<span style=\"color:#38424f\">l<span style=\"color:#384353\">m<span style=\"color:#374556\"> <span style=\"color:#36465a\">a<span style=\"color:#35475d\">n<span style=\"color:#344861\">d<span style=\"color:#334a65\"> <span style=\"color:#324b68\">B<span style=\"color:#304c6c\">l<span style=\"color:#2f4d6f\">a<span style=\"color:#2d4f73\">c<span style=\"color:#2b5077\">k<span style=\"color:#28517b\">s<span style=\"color:#25537e\">t<span style=\"color:#225482\">o<span style=\"color:#1e5586\">n<span style=\"color:#19578a\">e\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>&#8220;I concur with Derek,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> nods her head. <\/p>\n<p>With that <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Kallen<\/span> slips away from the bar and makes his way over to the table, &#8220;I think I get it? Might be a little more clear once we start playing though&#8230; 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&#8217;re not the spy?&#8221; He asks as he wanders over. <\/p>\n<p>Kallen offers a light wave in turn to Dovie, &#8220;I&#8217;m Kallen, or Kael, or K, apparently.&#8221; He replies in an easy, English-accented tone, &#8220;Well according to the guy with the flashy hair at least.&#8221; The words added as he jerks his thumb over to Jakem. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Nice to meet you Kael!&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> slips him a piece of paper with some information on it. She waves to August. &#8220;Come sit here at the tables if you want to play, we&#8217;re asigning roles now.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Kallen nods a few times as he takes a seat, a question following, &#8220;Is it alright if we ask questions as we go along? I don&#8217;t completely get it, admittedly.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Potassium.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> helpfully provides yet another name for Kallen after he introduces himself to Dovie, leaning back in his seat and yawning with a smirk. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> grins to Malin after a glance to her phone. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> is in the middle of secretly assigning roles! <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> wanders in late, tucking his phone into his pocket. He wonders of Dovie, &#8220;Too late for me to join, should I observe?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Jakem nods agreeably to Arachne &#8220;Well all are welcome here; community enthusiasts and menaces alike. We&#8217;re a safe space for mischief I like to say.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Thanks,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> tells Dovie with a faint smile, but otherwise, leans back into his seat after his belated arrival. There&#8217;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. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Take a seat at the tables, Matthew! I&#8217;m just assigning roles now.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> replies! <\/p>\n<p>Jenny gives a nod as she looks down at her paper, folding it up and tucking it away <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> finishes dispensing the pieces of paper. &#8220;Did I miss anyone?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> takes his piece of paper, reads it carefully then tucks it into his pocket. He wonders, &#8220;should I remain here around the seats?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You might as well come over and play. We&#8217;re just setting up,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Arachne<\/span> 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, &#8220;Today was a rough day. I lost Baby in the mists, along with a lot of valuable materials, so I&#8217;m still feeling sore about that.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> nods at Matthew. &#8220;Yes, come sit, everyone who is actively playing in this round is sat at the low tables,&#8221; 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.&#8221; She points to Arachne. &#8220;Dear cousin, you&#8217;re first! Pick anyone else to ask a question of. I will be moderating.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> clears her throat to repeat the turn order more clearly for everyone: &#8220;Arachne, Matthew, Aeryn, August, Derek, Jake, Kael, and Jenny. This is the order you will ask questions in.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>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. &#8220;Alright, I can&#8217;t wait.&#8221; Then he&#8217;s back on hsi phone, firing more textst away. He&#8217;s at least decent enough to shoot up apologetic eyes to everyone, puppydog and all. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> 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. &#8220;Alright, I can&#8217;t wait.&#8221; Then he&#8217;s back on hsi phone, firing more textst away. He&#8217;s at least decent enough to shoot up apologetic eyes to everyone, puppydog and all. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> adds last minute as an afterthought, &#8220;Oh, minor thing, but you have a &#8216;role&#8217; because that&#8217;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.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Kallen raises his hand, &#8220;So is the idea that the spy doesn&#8217;t have a location? I don&#8217;t quite understand how we figure out who the spy is&#8230;&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>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, &#8220;What do you do first thing on duty?&#8221; she queries, after a beat. <\/p>\n<p>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. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Easy enough.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> texts rather blatantly in the midst of the explanation, not at all sharing Matthew&#8217;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. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> nods her head at Kallen. &#8220;That&#8217;s correct, the spy does not know the location and must figure it out via context clues through everyone&#8217;s questions and responses without giving away that they don&#8217;t know anything.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Kallen simply flashes a thumbs up to Dovie without interrupting the questions. <\/p>\n<p>Jakem heaves a weary sigh as he affects an exression of exhaustion &#8220;After a long day I really need to wet my whistle and rest my voice.&#8221; he explains to someone. &#8220;But you know, always going places, seeing the sights, can&#8217;t complain&#8230; You know, on account of going hoarse after every shift.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Matthew flags a waitress, making an order, &#8220;Can I get some of that classic mulk tea and&#8230;&#8221; 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. <\/p>\n<p>Jakem heaves a weary sigh as he affects an exression of exhaustion &#8220;After a long day I really need to wet my whistle and rest my voice.&#8221; he explains to Arachne. &#8220;But you know, always going places, seeing the sights, can&#8217;t complain&#8230; You know, on account of going hoarse after every shift.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You know me and most food and drink,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> smiles to Matthew, but the blackcurrant is particularly delicious.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You know me and most food and drink,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> smiles to Matthew, &#8220;but the blackcurrant is particularly delicious.&#8221; (re) <\/p>\n<p>Arachne tilts her head to the side, mouth twisting in soft consideration at Jakem&#8217;s words. &#8220;Okay,&#8221; she allows herself to say on a soft exhale, readjusting in her seat before holding up a finger for Matthew to double his order. &#8220;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&#8217;s.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Derek slurps from his bubble tea as he tilts his head after Jakem&#8217;s answer, eyes drifting over to Arachne, then back to him. <\/p>\n<p>Aeryn snickers softly at the remark from Arachne. &#8220;I&#8217;m doing up his outfit for tomorrow. No bedazzling.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Matthew is midway through typing a text when he jerks his head suddenly to Dovie, then over to the crowd.He clears his throat, &#8220;Ahh.,..&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Jakem glances to Dovie &#8220;So since I got asked a question, does that mean it&#8217;s my turn to ask one?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> looks at Dovie for clarification on Jakem&#8217;s question. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> tells Jakem. &#8220;Maybe we try that next round, let&#8217;s just use the turn order so everyone has a chance to go this time! It&#8217;s Matthew&#8217;s turn to ask.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> smiles then, just as his order comes, and Aeryn&#8217;s. &#8220;Right, So&#8230;.&#8221; he points a finger towards Aeryn, &#8220;What kind of uniform do you typically wear when working?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>An alarm goes off on <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Arachne&#8217;s<\/span> phone and she exhales a soft breath, peeling out of her seat. &#8220;A monarch&#8217;s work is never done,&#8221; she murmurs in light jest to Derek and Aeryn, escaping her entanglement of relations. &#8220;Enjoy, you four,&#8221; she extends to her Montrose and Fairchild cousins. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m totally up for doing it tonight if you want to, though,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Lillian<\/span> adds after a moment. &#8220;It&#8217;d be fun. And less energy intensive than a game in a crowded room full of randos.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> nods at Matthew to confirm that it&#8217;s an acceptable question, turning towards Aeryn curiously as she waves to the retreating Fairchild. <\/p>\n<p>Jakem smirks as he looks southwards &#8220;Shit, that&#8217;s exactly what I would have done if I were the spy.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> glances at Matthew, and laments, &#8220;A jacket, and trousers, with a tucked in shirt and of course, a hat,&#8221; she nods. &#8220;Sometimes, even a tie when I want to be really fancy. And naturally, color coordinated.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> nods and looks to August for the next question. <\/p>\n<p>Derek lifts a hand to wave with his fingers as his cousin departs, brows flitting. &#8220;&#8230;If she was the spy, we&#8217;d never know.&#8221; 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. <\/p>\n<p>Jakem nods solemnly to Derek &#8220;So are we ready to accuse the spy? Because there&#8217;s no way anyone at our location would be caught dead in that outfit.&#8221; He says with a look to Aeryn. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Of course. Accuse away,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> smirks to Jakem. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> had been listening quietly, panning from face to face, at anyone that spoke &#8211; with that oft easy to find severity to his expression when it blossoms out of sheer focus. Dovie&#8217;s look is returned, with a brow lifted as he reminds the turn order. &#8220;Aeryn didn&#8217;t ask her question, are you sure?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> look somewhat relieved and then drinks from his bubble tea, all smiles as he keeps tap-tap-tapping away on his phone. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> reminds the group. &#8220;Players can accuse, but you need a unanimous agreement in the group to accuse someone before that can go through,&#8221; she nods at August. &#8220;We&#8217;re just doing a turn based order rather than people asking after they&#8217;re asked.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Jakem gives a dismissive wave &#8220;For the sake of fair play, I&#8217;ll make my accusation after she reveals once and for all she&#8217;s not a clue where we are.&#8221; he comments with a look to Aeryn. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;If you all think that&#8217;s too confusing and prefer to answer, then ask, we can change that now?&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> inquires, looking around. <\/p>\n<p>Accepting the tea from Matthew, <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> smiles, &#8220;Thank you,&#8221; before a wink in Jakem&#8217;s direction. &#8220;Was it myself or August that was to go after Matthew in the list?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> look dumb, cute, and happy just to be sitting there drinking his bubble tea. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Fair enough.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> glances toward Jakem after replying to Dovie, and his glance seems approving of the man&#8217;s train of thought. A lift of his boba, and the straw is tilted to point at Derek. <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> stares for a few seconds, as if weighing the question on the tip of his tongue, or letting the moment fester, before he asks, &#8220;What is the hardest thing to do at your job?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Kallen leans over slightly towards Jakem and asks in a stage whisper, &#8220;Is it too late to ask who&#8217;s who?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Jakem shakes his head to Kallen &#8220;Nah, just wait your turn and you can ask whatever you want. Though just one person.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>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. &#8220;Oh, the people, definitely.&#8221; he informs him casually, before elaborating, &#8220;Service jobs can be so involved. I can only imagine the drudgery of such proletarian affairs.&#8221; he laments with a dramatic hand against his forehead, as if pantomiming fainting. <\/p>\n<p>Kallen chuckles softly and shakes his head at Jakem, &#8220;I mean actual real names, it&#8217;s hard to tell who&#8217;s talking about who.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> nods and tells Derek. &#8220;Coincidentally, it&#8217;s actually your turn to go now.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Jakem nods to Kallen &#8220;Yeah, you don&#8217;t need real names you&#8217;re just going to forget. The fake ones will be more interesting.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August&#8217;s<\/span> eyes narrow on Derek suspiciously. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Shit, Arachne is right. These are an addiction,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> decides, wrinkling her nose at her cup, before a rapid second sip. <\/p>\n<p>Jakem looks to Derek &#8220;Hmmm, I might change my vote. He called us members of the prostatariot I&#8217;m pretty certain.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> snorts a laugh in Jakem&#8217;s direction. <\/p>\n<p>Derek raises a brow at August, crossing his arms before his attention drifts to Kallen. &#8220;Dearest Potassium,&#8221; he begins, as if writing a letter, &#8220;I must ask &#8211; what is your favorite flora that you encounter on the way to work?&#8221; he muses. <\/p>\n<p>As the question is directed <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Kallen&#8217;s<\/span> way, he taps his bottom lip in thought, &#8220;Probably the synthetic bluebells that hang by the railings.&#8221; He eventually answers, somehow becoming a little too accustomed to the new name. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> nods at someone and points to Jakem. &#8220;Your turn.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> nods at Kallen and points to Jakem. &#8220;Your turn.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> follows along, looking towards Jakem like he may have the most interesting to say. He drinks more bubbles. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Synthetic flowers? Who would ever,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> appears horrified. <\/p>\n<p>Jenny scrunches up her noses at the mention of the flowers nodding in agreement to Aeryn <\/p>\n<p>Derek hums, tilting his head to Kallen. &#8220;Clearly he has been over-potassified.&#8221; he feigns lament to Aeryn, nodding solemnly. <\/p>\n<p>Jakem nods to Dovie, turning his gaze to Derek &#8220;Allright fella. That was an interesting question, so I&#8217;ve got another for you. What&#8217;s your favorite way to get accused of being the spy!&#8221; he asks with building oomph to his words, culminating as he stands up and points a finger at him &#8220;Let&#8217;s vote on it!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Real flowers would require water, which would make me explode.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Kallen<\/span> answers to Derek in a very matter-of-fact tone, despite still sounding rather sarcastic due to the british lilt. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Oh no!&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> says of the potassified redhead that is Kallen. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> nods her head at Derek very seriously, gnawing for a moment on her straw. &#8220;Did we all even ask questions?&#8221; she wonders, glancing at the trigger-happy pointer. Her eyes shift over Derek with suspicion though, nonetheless. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> turns his eys directly to Seraphina, all that cute dumbness melting off with a sudden alert interest. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> tries to catch Seraphina&#8217;s eyes. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> tells Aeryn. &#8220;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&#8217;re very fast.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Jakem shrugs to Aeryn &#8220;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.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;My favorite way to get accused of being the spy is falsely; and what a lovely surprise today has been.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> offers in a sweet lilt to Jakem, a smile curling at his lips as he points accusingly at <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span>. He then glances to Aeryn and shakes his head. &#8220;I&#8217;m afraid not; perhaps our supposed colleague here is trying to rush along the process,&#8221; he adds with a pointed glance back towards Jakem. <\/p>\n<p>Jenny bursts out laughing suddenly covering her mouth <\/p>\n<p>August keeps a rather deadpan face. <\/p>\n<p>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. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll concede that the service jobs is suspect,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> admits. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> then nods at Derek, supporting the claim on the fact that he is totally Horatio Horbblatt Hoo-ha Von Crumpet. And proud of it. <\/p>\n<p>Jakem snorts at Derek as he lifts his chin &#8220;And who asks about flora on the way to work given where WE all know we work?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Another excellent point,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> notes quietly. <\/p>\n<p>Jenny gives a nod to Jakem getting her laughter under control &#8220;That is a good point&#8230;&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I did think it was a strange question.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Kallen<\/span> snickers softly before nodding in agreement to Jakem, &#8220;What sort of flowers I&#8217;d see makes no sense.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It <i>is<\/i> quite scandalous.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> deadpans after Aeryn, before looking back to Jakem. &#8220;That&#8217;s two questions, and I&#8217;ll oblige. Note that I asked for a <i>favorite<\/i>. There is no accounting for taste.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Matthew nods at Jakem agreeing with his accusation. &#8220;Yeah, that&#8217;s a good point, who would do that!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You&#8217;re right, Ser Percival.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> nods towards Jakem. &#8220;I think Aeryn is most likely the spy, but Derek might be, too. I can&#8217;t tell whether his question was a red herring to check Potassium, but they&#8217;re both very good possibilities.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Jakem looks to Derek &#8220;Huh, oh that last question was rhetorical. I mean I already know the answer.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> 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. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Do we have a consensus or are we moving on? If the latter it&#8217;s Potassium&#8217;s turn to ask,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> reminds everyone. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> corrects herself, &#8220;I meant Jakes!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Jakem nods &#8220;Show of hands to accuse Derek?&#8221; he says, <span style=\"color:#800000\">putting up both hands. <\/p>\n<p>August pauses, to fix himself. &#8220;I meant, Lady Clementina McLemonina Wigglewag,&#8221; Nods towards Aeryn, then to Derek, &#8220;And Reginald McLeginald Fluffernuff.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Aeryn sticks the tip of her tongue out petulantly at August. &#8220;You would,&#8221; she tells him lightly. &#8220;I welcome accusations, though of course.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Kallen after a moment of thought, raises his hand in turn. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew\/span><\/span points at Aeryn, \"IT was Miss Banana Fanna Mae Tana Mana hide. She's the spy. I'm sold.\" \n\n<br \/>Jakem shrugs to Matthew &#8220;I could be convinced to change my vote to Bananna here. If there&#8217;s a little side action in it for me?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Jenny shrugs raising both of her hands as well &#8220;Does bring a good point.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You know what? What about the synthetic floral choices. That&#8217;s just&#8230;it&#8217;s something evil,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> says, before another sip of tea. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> then says, &#8220;She just looks guilty,&#8221; is what he shares, &#8220;look at how she stares at that tea, carefully avoiding all the heat, feigning innocence.&#8221; Totally BSing, and probably not making any sense. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> narrows her eyes at Matthew and snorts. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Not Miss Banana Fanna Mae Tana Mana Hide.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> states, touching his fingertips to his chest as if despaired by such a premise, his attention drifting about others gathered. &#8220;I mean, it is quite good.&#8221; he muses after Matthew&#8217;s latter premise. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;So the accused are Derek and Aeryn,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> repeats. <\/p>\n<p>Jakem gestures over to Jenny &#8220;Hey, I got more votes over there for Derek. We got four hands raised for him. How many do we need, five?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;That was a good answer, Lady Clementina McLemonina Wigglewag.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> accuses Aeryn back, in support of Kallen. He even dares to lift his hand and give them a pat on the shoulder, &#8220;Sir Wigglesworth Flapjack Snorfleblat here did not give a wrong answer, considering our work affairs.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Jakem calls over to Lupita &#8220;Raise a hand wallflower! We just need one more.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Who are we missing?&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> wonders, before a smile and a half-bow from her seat toward August. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> look at Aeryn, &#8220;Alright Banana, tell me why I shuold split with you and accuse that other guy?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>August coughs, &#8220;Count.&#8221; He had a boba stuck in his throat. <\/p>\n<p>Jakem gestures to August &#8220;Oh, sorry, fifth vote, right there. Two from me, two from Jenny, and one from August.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I mean, it was the only answer that would make any sort of sense.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Kallen<\/span> shrugs lightly in response to Malin, clearly a little lost by the back and forth currently being tennised back and forth. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Matty, I did mention fancy dress, and even a tie. Our Fairchild spoke of a life of&#8230;service,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> states, widening her eyes in abject horror. <\/p>\n<p>Seraphina chuckles softly, trying to follow now that she has joined so late. To be true, she just looks confused. But the &#8216;Banana&#8217; and &#8216;split&#8217; is what caused her to laugh. <\/p>\n<p>Malin squints over at Kallen, confusedly. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m sure you meant Rosalind Razzmatazz Jellywhack,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> levels a stare at Jakem&#8217;s blatant use of totally untrue names, &#8220;And me, Walthazar Bo Balthazar Fee-fie-fo Falthazar, the third.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s mister Hoo-ha Von Crumpet to you,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> says to Aeryn, seriously. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;&#8230;Isn&#8217;t that a cat?&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> states with idle curiosity after August. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Like I&#8217;d ever say all that,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> tells Matthew incredulously. <\/p>\n<p>August gives Derek a quick hush when where his made-up- uhh, totally real names come from is brought to life. <\/p>\n<p>Jakem shrugs to August &#8220;I&#8217;m more concerned with how many hands are up in the air than I am about who&#8217;s named after which desert.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Do we have five for Derek or are we still holding out on Aeryn?&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> asks. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> waggles her fingers toward Derek to indicate her vote, disdain on her features at the mention of cats. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Whatever you say, but in certain courts, you would&#8217;ve lost your head for that statement, Ser Percival Von Snercival Jibberjaw the Fifth-and-a-Half.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> gives an almost indignant, over the nose stare-down at Jakem. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;She refused to call me Mister Hoo-ha Von Crumpet so I&#8217;m now accusing Derek, too.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> confirms for Dovie, &#8220;That makes six.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Doe <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> even know how to play this game, who invited this guy? <\/p>\n<p>Jakem looks to Dovie &#8220;We&#8217;ve got five for Derek and like three for Aeryn.&#8221; he says of the five people playing. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> nods solemnly and turns to Derek. &#8220;Cousin? You are up. The moment of truth.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> gives a nod, because Matthew makes so much sense. &#8220;That&#8217;s right,&#8221; she affirms. <\/p>\n<p>Derek squints over to Dovie, tilting his head. &#8220;I don&#8217;t get it, quite frankly.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Jakem snorts to August &#8220;As long as I keep my hair, they can have the rest of it.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> explains to Derek. &#8220;Everyone&#8217;s accusing you so now you come out with whether you are a spy or not.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Can we have whatever he&#8217;s had?&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> wonders, blinking at August before a stare to Derek. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> Squints at Derek, &#8220;Are you the spy?&#8221; he wonders. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Oh, yeah. I am. This felt positively impossible.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> states with an eye roll. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It seemed the appropriate spy thing to do.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> tells Aeryn. Then washes his words down with more boba. <\/p>\n<p>Jakem squints at Derek &#8220;Don&#8217;t get what? We just had to vote to decide you were the spy. Of five possible votes, you got six and a half.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Jakem says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">That&#8217;s like an all time record.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Congratulations, gang! Who wants to reveal where we were?&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> poses. <\/p>\n<p>Jakem blinks &#8220;What? You&#8217;re shitting me, you actually were the spy?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The flora question really kinda called you out.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Kallen<\/span> chimes with a light chuckle, finally leaning back in his seat before yawning into a palm. <\/p>\n<p>Jakem says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">I just accused you cause you called us a prostate.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>August says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">No, I was a cook.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I mean, the category is &#8216;location&#8217;. Every place you can think of is a &#8216;location&#8217;.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> mumbles with something of a pout. <\/p>\n<p>Jenny chuckles &#8220;Yeah, was confused on why you would ask about flora on a cruise ship.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;A cruise ship,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> nods. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> calls out, &#8220;A cruise ship, I was the frenchmaid!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Matthew says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">Why did nobody ask me about my clothes or my job? <\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>August gives Matthew a look, a hard one, as if imagining him in that sort of getup. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> rises out of his seat to give August a better view for imagination. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Now I know what you&#8217;ll wear tomorrow night,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> snaps her fingertips, expression lighting up. <\/p>\n<p>August rubs his jaw, and nods, several times. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> laughs. &#8220;Alright, anyone up for another round now that we know how to play? The one change I&#8217;ll make is that when you are asked a question, you get to be the person asking the next question. Hopefully that&#8217;s seamless. Anyone who wants to be in on the next round, come to the low tables.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>And then&#8230; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> begins to float his way on over to Seraphina, he smiles, saying, &#8220;Hey, thanks for waiting, wanna&#8211;&#8221; he tips head towards the other seats, &#8220;sit there with me and discuss?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Which means all of you should,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> calls out. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It could&#8217;ve been as specific as &#8216;Paris&#8217;, or as vague as &#8216;some random small town in podunk Oklahoma&#8217;.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> mumbles as slurps from his tea, sighing. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You had a tough one, Derek,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> starts to shuffle some more papers, secretively. <\/p>\n<p>August says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">I&#8217;ll do one more round, but I&#8217;ll still call everyone made-up names.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>Pulling himself up with a stretch, <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Kallen<\/span> raises his hand lightly, &#8220;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.&#8221; He chimes, ticking off a light wave. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;If you do another round, Dovie, I&#8217;ll participate, but I need to &#8230;&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Seraphina<\/span> says, tilting her head in Matthew&#8217;s direction. &#8220;Pick a place.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Names of felines,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> snorts softly. &#8220;Just fur on fabric with feet, that&#8217;s all they are.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Jakem nods to August &#8220;I&#8217;ll do another round, but I&#8217;m pronouncing all his names wrong.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> &#8216;ahs&#8217; and says to Seraphina, &#8220;Well, I&#8217;ll participate if you are, I just didn&#8217;t want to wasate your time!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Great to have you, K! Nice to meet you!&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> waves. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn&#8217;s<\/span> face drops into her hands, after she calls &#8220;Thank you,&#8221; to Dovie. <\/p>\n<p>Jakem nods respectfully to Derek &#8220;Congratulations on winning the election.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Jenny takes the cash saying to Dovie &#8220;Thanks, its getting abit late for me though. Thanks for hosting this!&#8221; she says giving a smile <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> nods at Jenny. &#8220;Thanks for coming!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>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. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> begins doling out the new cards. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> frowns, focusing briefly down on the ground before his head lifts for a drink of tea and a final verdict from Seraphina. <\/p>\n<p>Seraphina nods to Matthew. &#8220;Neither option is a waste of my time, Matthew,&#8221; she tries to assure. &#8220;You were having fun with the game. So I say, lets play a round, then talk business&#8230;&#8221; She looks out a window and there comes a frown. &#8220;Mist is rising anyway, so I&#8217;m definitely here for a good while.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> 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&#8217;s assigned. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> points out, &#8220;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&#8217;t you start us off now?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> takes his newest paper from Dovie, gives her a gracious dip of his head. &#8220;Thank you, Lady Belladora No-More-a Fedora Snore-a.&#8221; Then promptly eats that second paper as well, and washes it down with the rest of his boba. <\/p>\n<p>Seraphina takes a seat beside Matthew, awaiting a possible card. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Everyone scrap your cards, we&#8217;re redoing that because Matthew lied!&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> announces, shuffling a new deck. <\/p>\n<p>Jakem says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">Seraphina? Like the font?<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>Derek leans his hand on his cheek with narrowed gaze, before looking over to Matthew and Seraphina. &#8220;&#8230;But-&#8221; he begins, before Dovie clarifies, and he nods once or twice then. <\/p>\n<p>Aeryn shakes the tea in her cup, looking at the boba in fascination. <\/p>\n<p>Jakem looks to Dovie &#8220;Huh, oh I fed mine to September.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Seraphina smiles at Derek when he narrows his gaze toward her. &#8220;Hi&#8230; I don&#8217;t know of a Seraphina font. But now I need to look it up, and always use it.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;YOU RAT!&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> accuses Dovie, head shaking before he&#8217;s seeking solace in his bubble tea. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> blinks at Matthew. <\/p>\n<p>Jakem nods to someone &#8220;Yeah, it&#8217;s like Sans-seraph, seraph, and then for the little seraphs they call them seraphina.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Jakem nods to Seraphina &#8220;Yeah, it&#8217;s like Sans-seraph, seraph, and then for the little seraphs they call them seraphina.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> finishes giving out the new cards. &#8220;Okay okay! Everyone has a new card! Let&#8217;s kick it off with Derek!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> reads his card and then proceeds to get into character, straightening in his chair. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I always imagined Hell would be sans-seraph.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> mumbles, before he looks over to Matthew, blowing out from his nose. &#8220;&#8230;What is one item you keep with you, every day, that relates to your duty?&#8221; he wonders. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> glances at his paper, then promptly folds it up in his fist instead of eating it this time. &#8220;I always did think I had great breasts.&#8221; He&#8217;s turning towards others very briefly to start pointing at the contestants, starting with &#8211; himself, after a swivel of his finger. &#8220;I am Dr. Thimble P. Snoodlepoof, Heir to the Pickle Throne.&#8221; Then at Matthew, &#8220;Good to see you again, Lionel J. Quackenbush Boom-Bap von Plopsalot.&#8221; And a look at Seraphina, &#8220;Ser Plopsalot brought a lovely second in you, Madame Prunella Von Tinselbottom.&#8221; Either <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> is off his rockers, incredibly inebriated, or there really is something wrong in the water of tihs town, because he&#8217;s peering at Derek, &#8220;Sir Wigglesworth Flapjack Snorfleblat makes an interesting inquiry.&#8221; And finally, a sidelong, narrow-eyed look lands upon Aeryn. &#8220;We have our eye on you this round, Dame Twyla Ticktock Noodleberry.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> appears as though she&#8217;d have words, but then shakes her head, drawing her tongue over the tip of one lengthened incisor with raised brows. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> assumes his best high english aristocratic impersonation, gruffly waffling into his answer. &#8220;Whe-whe-whe-whel I do say good see you Sir Wiggleswort Flapjack Snorfleblat,&#8221; and then he&#8217;s reaching into his breast pocket, the pretend one, to pull out what could be a pen, but really is a sharpie. &#8220;You know I&#8217;m always asked to check into things and if you would just&#8211;&#8221; he&#8217;s extending the pen towards poor Derek, &#8220;Open up and say ahhhhhhh!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Your memory is a fascinating thing, Doctor Snoodlepoof.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> giggles, drinking her bubble tea. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;If not scary,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> nods to Dovie. <\/p>\n<p>Seraphina mentions to Jakem and Derek, &#8220;It is too pretty of a font for Hell.&#8221; She gives August a look, pointing at herself and attempting to put her given name to her own memory, with a sudden laugh. &#8220;It &#8230; really is.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> looks to Dovie then, &#8220;WEll one must have-&#8221; he&#8217;s stil ldoing that fake, overly english, aristocratic accent, &#8220;Miss.. Miss&#8230;Can&#8217;talopachu,&#8221; he merges puns with pokmon, &#8220;one has to be in my line of work, and that&#8217;s why I always keep a tongue suppressor on hand.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>And with tat <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> takes his seat. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Why thank you, Lady Belladora.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> also takes up a posy, posh high-aristocrat accent towards Dovie. &#8220;One does need such minds in our line of work of tedious tending to the prevalent human condition.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> nudges Matthew. &#8220;It&#8217;s your turn to ask a question! Pick anyone you&#8217;d like.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Derek sticks his tongue out to Matthew. &#8220;Bleh.&#8221; he lets out as if to tease him with a wink, before assuming a refined Received Pronunciation accent that sounds really quite practiced. &#8220;Lord Reginald Dolsbury the Sixth, Duke of Damsel; charmed, I&#8217;m sure,&#8221; he muses. <\/p>\n<p>Jakem wrinkles his nose &#8220;Wait, don&#8217;t they pull out new tongue depressors each time? I thought they had them in sterilized packets that opened up fresh&#8230;&#8221; he looks very suspiciously at Matthew <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> gives a subtle look at Matthew, given that they decided to say practically the same thing. His squint is with a subtle lean, &#8220;I&#8217;m Dr. Thimble P. Snoodlepoof.&#8221; Harsh in correction, &#8220;You&#8217;re still Lionel J. Quackenbush Boom-Bap von Plopsalot.&#8221; Then an accusing hand at Derek, &#8220;And you, Sir Wigglesworth Flapjack Snorfleblat, will not change your name until next round!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It is the same one, repackaged.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Seraphina<\/span> says, nodding as if it were the pure and simple truth. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Jesus there are rules,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> almost blurts out, entirely amused. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Whatever you say, Walthazar Bo-Balthazar, fee-fie-fo-Falthazar the Third.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> retorts to August with a cross of his arms and a lofted brow in scrutiny. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;That was my name last round!&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> complains with a throw of hands. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> shakes her head at everyone and retreats back to drinking her bubble tea. &#8220;Incorrigible!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> look around, choosing instead to settle on Seraphina, his second. &#8220;Now Miss&#8211;&#8221; he&#8217;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. &#8220;Now, would the kind miss Pruuu&#8217;nella Von TinselBottom, my second, just confirm with everyone what kind of uniform you wear when on duty?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>August nods, approvingly. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> can&#8217;t contain it any longer, and a squeak of laughter escapes her, before she returns to thoughtfully gnawing on the end of her straw. <\/p>\n<p>Jakem tsks as he shakes his head &#8220;This is the question that got her in trouble last round.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> does his best to remain in character, but as soon as he&#8217;s seated, the man&#8217;s burst out a belly buster, incapable of containing his amusement. He smiles encouragingly at Seraphina, awaiting her reply. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;A cat cannot escape his name.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> 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. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> watches the players, looking amused. <\/p>\n<p>Clearly, having come in a bit late, perhaps <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Seraphina<\/span> 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. &#8220;Well, certainly!&#8221; 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. &#8220;I require a coat of white, with a small prescription pad.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> nods at Seraphina. &#8220;Wonderful, now you choose another player to ask an open ended question of,&#8221; she explains. <\/p>\n<p>Jakem shakes his head &#8220;Holy shit this one&#8217;s obvious. We&#8217;re in a hospital.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Jakem coughs &#8220;By the way, I&#8217;m the spy this time.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>August groans at Jakem, &#8220;Way to ruin it, Ezekiel Flibberflap Hocus-Pocus.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Nemi walks over as she waves softly. &#8220;What&#8217;d I miss?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Jakem grins to August &#8220;That was literally my job.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Jakem solving everything a second time,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> waves at Nemi. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> holds up a hand to the crowd. &#8220;Jake is correct, he&#8217;s the spy and he&#8217;s won the round,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> waves to Nemi. &#8220;We just finished up a round, welcome!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Nemi says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">I&#8217;m missing the point-<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>Jakem shrugs to August &#8220;Who&#8217;s stopping you though?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Nemi nods again. &#8220;What- GAME are we playing?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Derek huffs as he runs a hand through his hair. &#8220;Is this what it feels like to be scammed?&#8221; he says as an aside to no one in particular, adding, &#8220;I guess there&#8217;s a first time to anything.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> counts out a larger stack of bills to Jakem. <\/p>\n<p>Still affixing the harried and messy bun with a twist of the pencil, <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Seraphina&#8217;s<\/span> gaze lands on Jakem. &#8220;I was going to choose you, but &#8230;&#8221; Then she does not need to. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We&#8217;re playing a social deduction game called Spyfall,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> tells Nemi, pointing to the manual. &#8220;Instructions are there but it&#8217;s pretty easy.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> nods to Derek. <\/p>\n<p>Jakem smirks to Seraphina &#8220;I never get chosen. Unlike Derek who got chosen six and a half times by five people.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;See? Scammed.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> mumbles in a sullen manner after Jakem. Sluuuuuurp. That cup of his is still empty. <\/p>\n<p>Nemi nods softly. &#8220;Sounds rather simple. Can I join?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Since that round went so quickly, would you all like to do a final one for the night?&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> asks. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> looks to Seraphina, &#8220;Do you want to discuss the thing real quick?&#8221; he asks, nodding towards some nearby tables. <\/p>\n<p>August says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">I suppose I can squeeze in one more.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>August leans back to rest his back against his seat, casting his eyes out at who&#8217;ll play, possibly to conjure up new names from his rear. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Are any of you going to the Bachelor tomorrow evening? If you are, it is hopefully as contestants,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> mentions innocently. <\/p>\n<p>Jakem chuckles as he stands up &#8220;I&#8217;ll sit this one out so the round won&#8217;t be over in three minutes.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Nemi says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">I&#8217;m not- still far too many plans.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> nods her head and begins shuffling some more cards. &#8220;Nemi, you&#8217;re welcome to join!&#8221; She looks to Matthew and Seraphina. &#8220;Are you two in this final round or no?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I intend to attend.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> supposes vaguely after Aeryn with a little roll of his shoulders. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I can only promise alcohol afterward,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> grins to Derek. <\/p>\n<p>Seraphina nods to Matthew, rising from her seat. &#8220;Lead the way.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> waves at Preston. &#8220;Hello! Are you joining us? We&#8217;re just starting our final round so there&#8217;s time if you&#8217;d like!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> doesn&#8217;t look like he&#8217;ll be participating this time, pushing to stand as he drifts towards the counter, &#8220;I&#8217;ll observ&#8221; he says to Dovie. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I hope it&#8217;s tasty,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> muses to Aeryn, leaning his head back against his seat for a time as he contemplates for a beat. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Preston<\/span> slips into a table without much fanfare, glancing towards Seraphina a moment, and then back to Dovie. &#8220;Um, sure.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> begins doling out cards. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn&#8217;s<\/span> eyes follow Matthew, and a faint smirk curves her lips upward, only disappearing when she turns to answer Derek. &#8220;I would never provide anything but,&#8221; she promises. <\/p>\n<p>Nemi smiles happily as she gets to play. <\/p>\n<p>#@me isn&#8217;t being particularly secretive, ushering Seraphina to the counters as he pulls out his phone. &#8220;This is what I&#8217;m looking for,&#8221; he says, zooming the screeen in on something for her to study. &#8220;And he said you had it.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Malin has blue eyes following Matthew, raising both eyebrows as he begins to pester Seraphina. <\/p>\n<p>Preston says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">I wasn&#8217;t even sure that one was real.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>Preston says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">Fake tips..<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> announces. &#8220;Okay, so the players are Aeryn, August, Preston, Derek, and Nemi. Since Nemi and Preston are new players, Aeryn, why don&#8217;t you start us off?&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> explains to Nemi and Preston. &#8220;If you are asked a question, then you can ask a question to another player after.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Derek says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">Fake tips are unbecoming.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>Nemi nods her head rapidly as she just smiles sweetly, looking far too tired as her hands constantly fidget. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> sits up a bit straighter, eying Derek. &#8220;What would you say,&#8221; She pauses, taking another drink of tea before continuing, &#8220;is the most important thing you do at your job?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn&#8217;s<\/span> 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. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Thank you, Queen Bumblebash Twinklefizz.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> 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. &#8220;You are Thistlethorpe J. Bop-a-Doop,&#8221; And then Aeryn, &#8220;Minerva McSwizzle-Frizz Puddingplop.&#8221; And the newcomers, <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> nods towards Preston and Nemi, in the order of their names, &#8220;Mortimer T. Bangledash Whoopsie-Doodle, nice of you to join us, and you too my lady, Petronella McZooma-Zella Boom-Boom.&#8221; That pointing hand lays over his chest in introduction, &#8220;I am Marmaduke Wiggleblat Gadzooks. A pleasure.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Managing you riotous lot.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> mumbles without missing a beat, his eyes falling on Aeryn as he sits up with an air of authority. &#8220;It&#8217;s what gets me my bonus. Well-deserved, mind you.&#8221; Sluuuuuurp. That cup&#8217;s <i>still<\/i> empty. Does he think there&#8217;s more there? Surely not. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Preston<\/span> blinks at August in absolute confusion. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> raises an eyebrow at August. &#8220;I&#8217;m amazed at your recall for long, strange nonsensical names, and I go by Your Majesty, Marmarduke Wiggleblat Gadzooks.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Well we can&#8217;t have that cup empty now, can we?&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> nods to Derek. &#8220;What are you drinking?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>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. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August&#8217;s<\/span> expression remains a carefully curated deadpan. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I think I&#8217;ll have a strawberry matcha this time. I quite liked that one the first time &#8211; circumstances when I drank it notwithstanding.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> muses dryly after Aeryn. <\/p>\n<p>Nemi already ordered herself two cups of brown sugar boba. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August&#8217;s<\/span> 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, &#8220;Ser Thistlethorpe is brave tonight, breaking away from his usual spirits for a strawberry matcha. Quite rare, quite rare.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> sniffles and nods to August. He&#8217;s forgiven. She looks to Derek expectantly for the next victim of a question to come. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> flags down a server. &#8220;I didn&#8217;t realize there was matcha here!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>August says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">Ah, nevermind.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> forgot the paper in his hand. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> eats his paper. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> shakes her head at August. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You, there.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> postures up, levying a finger at Preston then. &#8220;Which department do you work in&#8230;?&#8221; he wonders with dry interest, then taking a sip from his strawberry matcha that Aeryn had provided him. It&#8217;s not empty! <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Matthew<\/span> glances at his phone, shoots off a text and glances someone&#8217; way, &#8220;I&#8217;mma be your ride.&#8221; Then it&#8217;s bacak over to Seraphina, listening to what she has to say. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Preston<\/span> glances up from his phone to answer Derek, settling into his seat. &#8220;I work with people,&#8221; comes his answer. <\/p>\n<p>The same server Dovie flagged is caught by <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span>, too, for a second order of the same slop he&#8217;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. <\/p>\n<p>Derek narrows his gaze slightly to Preston. &#8220;&#8230;Most do. That&#8217;s not a department.&#8221; he murmurs, evidently letting that mull for a beat. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Well, I have suspicions,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> decides. <\/p>\n<p>August says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">Quite so, quite so.. @me sniffs.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> informs Preston. &#8220;You can choose the next player to ask a question whenever you are ready.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Quite so, quite so..&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> sniffs. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Preston<\/span> lifts his shoulders at Derek. &#8220;You can consider it the People Working Department,&#8221; he explains, &#8220;Call it Pee-DoubleU-Dee.&#8221; Glancing around a moment, he turns to Nemi, eying her a moment, &#8220;What sort of things do you see on a regular basis?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Nemi hums softly as she turns to Preston. &#8220;Contracts most commonly.&#8221; she clarifies. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August&#8217;s<\/span> interest is evident when he turns his head towards Nemi, scrutinizing Petronella McZooma-Zella Boom-Boom. There&#8217;s an obnoxious sound coming from the straw of his boba. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> tells Nemi. &#8220;It&#8217;s your turn to ask a question to someone since you just went!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Nemi nods softly, looking between the others as she hums ever so softly in thought. Turning to Aeryn. &#8220;Well- What most commonly do you wear to your place of work?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Most days see me in a skirt and blouse, sometimes a blazer. Always a professional pair of heels, and a crisp look to everything,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> tells Nemi, pausing to glance into her tea curiously before another sip. <\/p>\n<p>Derek folds his hands before him, regarding Aeryn with quiet curiosity, giving a subtle nod at her response. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> snorts into her boba. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;These names are <i>ghastly<\/i>.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> deadpans, toying with his matcha idly. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> nods in agreement with Derek. &#8220;That&#8217;s why I self named as Your Majesty.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Realizing it&#8217;s her turn, <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> surveys the room with unblinking eyes that finally fixate on Preston. &#8220;What is it that you wear to your People Working Department?&#8221; she wonders, slightly narrowing her gaze in suspicion at him. August gets an incredulous look, and she snickers. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You&#8217;re just upset you&#8217;re not a lord this time, Thistlethorpe J. Bop-a-Doop.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> deflects, waves a dismissive hand. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Preston<\/span> thinks it over for a moment, and then answers Aeryn. &#8220;A suit.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Tricky,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> muses to Preston, fingers tapping against her cup idly. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;My countenance is noble, independent of your <i>labels<\/i>, dear Walthazar.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> retorts to August with a slight smirk playing at his lips, his eyes tracking to Preston with a dip of his chin. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Preston<\/span> thinks it over, and not knowing any of the names of the fancy names he just points towards Nemi once more, &#8220;How do you travel to your place of work?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Nemi clears her throat and nods softly. &#8220;By Car Like any other civilized person- Who can afford one.&#8221; She states with a soft nod. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I have not been Walthazar for two rounds now and you know it!&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> groans at Derek, &#8220;Adress me by my rightful title, Marmaduke Wiggleblat Gadzooks of the Waffling Order, or I shall invoke the right of duel.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You&#8217;ll always be Walthazar Bo-Balthazar, Fee-Fie-Fo-Falthazar the Third.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> decides imperiously of August with a Cheshire grin, crossing his arms as he lifts his chin and looks down at him. <\/p>\n<p>Nemi turns to Derek and smiles softly. &#8220;Do you most commonly&#8230;. get paid in cash or cheque?&#8221; She asks with a smile. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s a trick question, darling. Stock options.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> informs Nemi casually, running a hand through his hair. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Damn, that&#8217;s a good question,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> raises the tea she&#8217;s drinking briefly toward Nemi before glancing to Derek. &#8220;Hmm.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Ah, that makes it too clear now, doesn&#8217;t it, Mister Bop-a-Doop?&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> tut-tuts at Derek, crosses his legs the other way around. Takes another obnoxious slurp of his slush slop. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Does it?&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> wonders of August with an upcurl to his lips. &#8220;There are many variations of institution where such could be a possibility.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;And now, I am torn,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> frowns. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> raises an eyebrow and looks around, amused as she sips on her drink. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I still think&#8230;.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn&#8217;s<\/span> eyes land again on Preston. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Naturally, naturally.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> winks at Derek. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Preston<\/span> glances up to Aeryn and grins at her, huge. &#8220;You remember what happened last time you bet against me?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I would,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> tells Dovie. &#8220;But of course, we need confirmation for the man who works in a department that doesn&#8217;t exist.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> chuckles at Aeryn, nodding. <\/p>\n<p>August says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">I&#8217;ll second the motion, we can accuse Preston.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>August clears his throat, &#8220;I meant, Mortimer T. Bangledash Whoopsie-Doodle.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Aeryn smiles innocently to Preston. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Oh, Aeryn, he works in the <i>people department<\/i>.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> observes dryly, before lazily raising a hand. &#8220;I accuse Preston.&#8221; he decides with a loft of his brows. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;My mistake. Honest slip of the tongue,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> tells Derek apologetically. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Preston<\/span> shrugs at someone, and just lifts his booted feet onto the table, bringing his hands behind his head as a pillow. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Preston<\/span> shrugs at Aeryn, and just lifts his booted feet onto the table, bringing his hands behind his head as a pillow. <\/p>\n<p>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. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> calls out. &#8220;We have an accusation for Preston, any votes?&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> asks. <\/p>\n<p>August says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">Aye. <\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;If you&#8217;re wrong though,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Preston<\/span> explains, &#8220;You owe me money.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Aeryn says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">Yes. But not the yes to what he just said.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You already landed the job cleaning the penthouse,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> reminds Preston. <\/p>\n<p>Nemi votes by raising a middle finger to Preston. &#8220;I don&#8217;t owe you anything since no bet was made prior.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Nemi wiggles her eyebrows softly. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Nobody has hired me,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Preston<\/span> tells Aeryn, very seriously, and snapping his teeth towards Nemi and her middle finger. <\/p>\n<p>Nemi lowers it as she smiles softly Preston. &#8220;Seriously though I vote preston.&#8221; she states with a nod. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Peace, Miss Petronella McZooma-Zella Boom-Boom.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> eases Nemi with her aggression. &#8220;No need to be so harsh on our &#8216;people department&#8217;.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;<i>Mister Blackwell<\/i>.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> states in faux-insult, touching his hand indignantly to his chest. &#8220;You will receive no payment for deals not rendered.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> counts. &#8220;Okay, are we missing any votes? I think that&#8217;s unanimous?&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> asks. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Unless I&#8217;m missing someone&#8217;s vote&#8230;&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> gestures to Preston. &#8220;Preston, shall you do the honors of your reveal?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>August nods at Dovie. <\/p>\n<p>Aeryn is absolutely on the edge of her seat, staring at Preston. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Preston<\/span> doesn&#8217;t say anything else, just flashes a little shit-eating grin, and settles back, waiting for Dovie.  <\/p>\n<p>Then comes the reveal. &#8220;Yeah, you all owe me money,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Preston<\/span> says. &#8220;You all fucked up, except whoever the spy is.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Preston<\/span> narrows his eyes towards Nemi, &#8220;Which I&#8217;m pretty sure it&#8217;s her, but I work at a Corporate Office, in the HR Department.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> claps, &#8220;Does the spy wish to reveal themselves, or keep things a mystery?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Nemi grins, shrugging softly. &#8220;Accountant, Corporate Office.&#8221; She admits with a smile. &#8220;Apologies for keeping a straight face.&#8221; She says with a warm smile. <\/p>\n<p>Nemi says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">Assuming the game is over if I read the rules right.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I think you owe us for not just saying that,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> sticks her tongue out at Preston. &#8220;I was an Executive Assistant at a corporate office, so that leaves&#8230;.&#8221; Eyes settle on Derek and August. <\/p>\n<p>Not long after Preston reveals, <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> chuckles. Something low, something insidious, and it grows to a theatrical, evil laughter. &#8220;You fools! Each and everyone of you from Petronella McZooma-Zella Boom-Boom, to Minerva McSwizzle-Frizz Puddingplop.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> finishes the rest of his drink, then stands up from his seat with a creak. &#8220;&#8217;twas I, Marmaduke Wiggleblat Gadzooks, and I spied and stole all of your corporate secrets.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Why would I reveal that?&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Preston<\/span> asks Aeryn, staring at her. &#8220;That&#8217;s such an obvious reveal for the spy.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Were you trying to lose&#8230;?&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> states witheringly after Preston&#8217;s reveal, crossing his arms. &#8220;I was your CEO. And now I will have to liquidate my beloved assets and seek another Fortune500.&#8221; he laments. <\/p>\n<p>Aeryn snorts, taking another drink of tea, but she does snicker softly upon swallowing. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> giggles and reaches into her purse, pulling out a cash reward for August. &#8220;Good games, everyone.&#8221; She grins at someone. &#8220;I thought you&#8217;d enjoy a CEO role.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Why would I be trying to lose?&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Preston<\/span> asks again, a bit more forceful. &#8220;Saying I work in an HR Department is pretty obvious where we&#8217;d actually work.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> giggles and reaches into her purse, pulling out a cash reward for August. &#8220;Good games, everyone.&#8221; She grins at Derek. &#8220;I thought you&#8217;d enjoy a CEO role.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Preston<\/span> lowers his feet from the table, and without even bothering to tuck it in, just wanders off &#8211; calling over his shoulder. &#8220;I expect my check in the mail.&#8221;\\ <\/p>\n<p>August lays a hand over his chest, looks at Derek with clear affection. &#8220;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.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Nemi nods softly. &#8220;This was fun&#8230;.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You realize, just about every industry, institution, government, et cetera et cetera&#8230; has some form of HR, right?&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> scrunches his face as the Blackwell wanders off. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> looks between August and Derek, an eyebrow raised. &#8220;Oh dear.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;That it was,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> nods her head. &#8220;No, no he doesn&#8217;t,&#8221; she shakes her head sadly to Derek. &#8220;And now, I&#8217;m oddly hungry.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The perfect time to go get a snack!&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> declares. &#8220;Thank you everyone for coming. I hope you had fun!&#8221; <br \/><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Date: 2025-06-27 21:29 (Dovie&#8217;s Public Spyfall Game) [Fri Jun 27 2025] 12in19 B83ub47bl59e 58Te57as93e 30Bu29bb23le17 T18ea12 A pastel-fronted counter anchors the back of the shop, crowded wi19th tubs of toppings, pumps of syrup, and laminated flavor charts sm83udged at the corners. A fat glass tip&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[133],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20722","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-calendarlog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/havenrpg.net\/newsite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20722","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/havenrpg.net\/newsite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/havenrpg.net\/newsite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/havenrpg.net\/newsite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/havenrpg.net\/newsite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20722"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/havenrpg.net\/newsite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20722\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/havenrpg.net\/newsite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20722"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/havenrpg.net\/newsite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20722"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/havenrpg.net\/newsite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20722"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}