It's time. Svelte Sven, the sole courtier of the Winter Court in the Freehold of Sacramento, strode into the Mirror Maze without a word. The only noise he seemed to make was the clacking of his shoes against the floor, and even that was muted against the quiet conversation of the other Changelings in the venue. He was clad in his Hedgespun raiment, a gentleman's overcoat that looked as though it were weaved out of flowing ice and waterfalls caught in permafrost. Aside from his icy outerwear, he was wearing his usual overly-formal outfit.

His long ears twitched lightly as he absorbed bits of conversation. Still, the Darkling continued his procession towards the Wyrdstone without pausing, though he did nod lightly at each of the other Courtiers. When he reached his destination, he turned to address the rest of the room. He paused for one... two... three seconds before clearing his throat.

"Hello." He began simply. "And thank you all for joining me here." Another pause to make sure he had drawn the attention of everyone in attendance. "I believe we are still waiting for a few more, so I will wait a moment before any big speech, but I did want to say a few words. Firstly, please feel free to warm yourself with some food." He gestured towards a serving table covered in a cheap, white plastic cover. There was a generous bowl of winter salad along with a large metal pot of a hearty meat-and-potato stew. The utensils and bowls were all obviously cheap plastic as well, but they at least looked clean.

"Winter is a difficult time for many. It evokes negative feelings, but it can also be an important time for community. As I said, there are... many things I would like to say, but I hope that everyone will be here to hear them. Please, continue your conversations." And at that Sven stood still with his hands clasped in front of him, looking like something between a funeral usher and a pale-skinned gargoyle etched into a mausoleum.

OOC - I don't want to hold up the scene by much, just give a chance for any stragglers to join in, so I'll feed the Wyrdstone on my next turn