I am so excited to be back in Fallen London I simply cannot restrain my enthusiasm. I have therefore thrown open my doors, so to speak, inviting all of the denizens of the Neath into my home for an evening of drinking, dining, rumor, gossip, scandal, flirting, debating (politely — fisticuffs at such a function are certainly vulgar) — whatever you like.
Invite your friends, if you like. This is an event for everyone, not just the circle of acquaintance I currently maintain. More delicious friends can never be a detriment!
In the comments below you may say whatever you wish. If you’ve not left a tangible presence here before, it will take a few moments for me to open the door for your words, so to speak, but fear not — I shall be with you presently, I promise!
Now onward: Our first and quite spontaneous Open Salon!
cl0ckw0rkings 
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 7:02 pm
A glass of this fine mushroom sangria, anyone? We have our dear Commodore to thank for the recipe.
Henrik Paulsen said,
July 12, 2010 at 7:47 pm
If it doesn’t profane a toast to make it with tea, may I drink to the excellent company? When I came here, I was alone but for Theodor–and you have made us feel very welcome.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 7:54 pm
It has been my pleasure, dear Henrik. I was much alone when I first came to Fallen London, it has meant more than I can say to know I am not alone, now.
And do please call me Merri, if you would. I shall request the same of your friend Mr. Gylden, if he would do me the honor.
Theodor said,
July 12, 2010 at 8:07 pm
M-Merri? I-indeed, if you would think it appropriate, I should not refuse to … I …
… Forgive me. I thought it customary after a toast to down one’s drink at once, but I was not … quite … prepared …
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 8:12 pm
Steady, my dear fellow. Steady now — Henrik, do be a dear and fetch a chair, I believe Theodor should sit for a bit…
Here. Try some mushroom canapé, it’s quite tasty. You’ll be needing something on your stomach almost immediately, I should think.
Henrik Paulsen said,
July 12, 2010 at 8:31 pm
Here, my dear, let me bring you a chair. Even a single drink can be a devil–there we are; ought I to bring you some tea, as well?
Theodor said,
July 12, 2010 at 8:42 pm
I am so hungry. Delicious friend.
… I … do not know where that … or what that … but never mind it. Tea should suffice. Thank you for your … solicitude.
Henrik Paulsen said,
July 12, 2010 at 8:46 pm
At once, of course. I — I don’t mean to make impertinent inquiries, but I fear I must ask what you mean when you call me ‘delicious’ —
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 8:49 pm
Ah. A bit peckish, are we?
I would urge you to buy those roast chestnuts, next time you see them — but I suspect this hunger serves your other pursuits and so the advice would be refused.
After you’ve settled, do come greet Dr. Mason. Have you met?
Theodor said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:04 pm
I-Indeed, I have not. I should go and make his acquaintance — thank you once more, Henrik —
Henrik Paulsen said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:06 pm
Please, Theodor, if I’ve ever been a friend to you — tell me what you mean!
Theodor said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:20 pm
I could not say. I should not — except the lady is right, I should buy the roast chestnuts at the next opportunity. They would be preferable to the other options that have presented themselves to me.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:20 pm
Calm yourself, Henrik. I suspect he’s been having dreams about spying on enemy encampments and partaking of the soldiers’ meal… It has a dismaying effect on one’s appetite, though he seems to be in control of it just now.
Dr. Darien Mason said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:44 pm
A pleasure to meet you Mr. Theodor!
Narcissus said,
July 12, 2010 at 7:29 pm
Divine lady! Daring, delectable. I’ve missed the pleasures of your company so. You cannot imagine the horrors you saved me from this evening — I planned to go to my rooms and drown them in laudanum, but how much better to be among friends — ! Will there be dancing tonight? Tell me there will be dancing.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 7:36 pm
If you will consent to dance with me darling, there will be dancing, I promise. Something in 3/4 time, perhaps — a diabolical waltz?
Narcissus said,
July 12, 2010 at 7:51 pm
It will have to be something diabolical — to remind me the devils have invented more than the red-inked, red-taped bureaucratic nightmare that is form b7124. Hats, for instance. The devils have excellent hats.
Henrik Paulsen said,
July 12, 2010 at 7:55 pm
Have you begun working for their bureaucracy, as well? Is that sweet young succubus still leaving her papers about carelessly, or has she been reprimanded yet?
Narcissus said,
July 12, 2010 at 8:02 pm
Oh, I know the one — can you believe it, she laughed at me today! But I do love to make charming young people laugh.
Henrik Paulsen said,
July 12, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Do pay her my regards. She and I had a sort of rapport, I think.
Narcissus said,
July 12, 2010 at 8:15 pm
A bit of office romance, perhaps?
Henrik Paulsen said,
July 12, 2010 at 8:24 pm
Hardly a romance! An acquaintance. A very rewarding acquaintance.
Narcissus said,
July 12, 2010 at 8:34 pm
As rewarding as ours?
Henrik Paulsen said,
July 12, 2010 at 8:37 pm
Differently so. I confess, I may’ve taken advantage of her absentmindedness to inform the constables of goings-on at the Brass Embassy.
Commodore Creazil said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:35 pm
Oh yes, she’s still there working her “sabotagingly innocent” act. Dropping papers in order to snare mundane temps at the embassy.
Bit of an entry-level seductress to our mind, but to each their own.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:38 pm
I found her amusing. And much more attractive than the fat goat…
Well, in a hellish sort of way, one supposes…
Commodore Creazil said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:59 pm
You’re not the Foregoat’s type anyway m’dear. We happen to know he has taste for ladies with endurance and constitution. Chap is completely obsessed with some ex-carnival strongwoman named Hephaesta or some such. Gives us the jitters somewhat
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 11:02 pm
*shudder* Thank goodness for large and abundant favors! It’s interesting enough, with that devil from the embassy always sending me flowers…
Commodore Creazil said,
July 12, 2010 at 11:11 pm
Oh indeed, your secret admirer at the embassy. We’ve seen his admiration first hand. He is the patient type and unlike to make any rash moves for you affection.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 7:55 pm
How do they find room to wear them around those horns, one wonders?
Narcissus said,
July 12, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Grace and infernal glamour, one assumes. We should all be so gifted.
Theodor said,
July 12, 2010 at 7:44 pm
I suppose I should … Excuse me. I am not accustomed to being in attendance at a celebration of this nature, but as it is a celebration, and a worthy one, and Miss Fawkes has requested I propose the first toast …
To Miss Fawkes, then. To her continued health and presence in Fallen London; it is much appreciated.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 7:51 pm
Thank you, dear Mr. Gylden.
*lifts glass* As they say in far Italia when a toast is proposed: Ching-ching!
Narcissus said,
July 12, 2010 at 7:55 pm
A hundred years to you, my lady — and may we all get our heart’s desires — !
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 7:59 pm
Perhaps we should have a bit of a game of True Confessions later, for all of us who are in pursuit of the Marvellous? The rules would be thus, if we decide to go ahead with it:
What do you think?
Henrik Paulsen said,
July 12, 2010 at 8:07 pm
It might well be an invigorating game, even for those of us who aren’t.
Narcissus said,
July 12, 2010 at 8:09 pm
A fine proposition — I would have insisted you join us, dear.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 8:14 pm
Indeed. One needn’t be collecting all the players of the Marvellous to have a Heart’s Desire, certainly.
Or to be able to lie about it entertainingly!
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 8:24 pm
I should like to propose another toast — Theodor, here’s a cup of tea for you, unless you’d care to take another sip or three of the mushroom sangria?
A toast to the ever popular Melancholy Curate and his Enigmatic Sister, who gave us all the best reasons to attend church.
Narcissus said,
July 12, 2010 at 8:32 pm
To the nights spent sharing poetry, improving and inflaming.
Henrik Paulsen said,
July 12, 2010 at 8:38 pm
Come, now! Do you share poetry with just anyone?
Narcissus said,
July 12, 2010 at 8:48 pm
I enjoy poetry, and people seem to enjoy it with me.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:04 pm
I believe the Curate and his Sister have heard more of Fallen London’s poetry — bawdy and otherwise — than anyone except possibly Sinning Jenny.
Dr. Darien Mason said,
July 12, 2010 at 8:40 pm
Thank you for inviting me, Miss Clockworks! I brought a festive summer mushroom platter for us to nosh upon…
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 8:43 pm
How very thoughtful! Thank you, Dr. Mason. Would you care for a glass of this delicious mushroom sangria?
Oh — and may I add you to my list of delicious friends, there to the left? I would also be most pleased and honored if you’d consent to allow me to list the place where your other genre works are kept!
Dr. Darien Mason said,
July 12, 2010 at 8:50 pm
Why certainly Madam! Consider yourself already on my Who’s Who list! Ah, mushroom sangria! Did you know sangria comes from the Spanish word for blood?
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 8:51 pm
*slow smile* I did. I did indeed.
Would you furnish me that curiously cryptic location for your journal? The other, I believe I can divine…
Dr. Darien Mason said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:05 pm
Ah, I haven’t transcribed my adventures in the Neath yet, if that’s what you mean. When the Steamlands version of me and his family ever have a lull in their adventures I’ll be happy to relate my darker tales…
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:07 pm
I have enjoyed some few of those tales, Doctor. I thought they might make an entertaining addition to my list, but I shall defer to your preferences, of course!
I’m afraid I’ve been absent for a few days — how did your encounter with Feducci eventually turn out?
Dr. Darien Mason said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:16 pm
By all means Madam, you are welcome to share my tales! Perhaps you’ll even find a way out of the Neath and into the Steamlands someday and find yourself involved in those adventures!
Oh, Feducci? He’s awfully deft with that lance, but once he got it stuck in the withered tree I took my bonesaw and…*smiles* ah. Lovely sangria…
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:24 pm
I should be delighted to take part in any venture with you, Doctor. Contact me privately later and we’ll discuss it!
As for Feducci — I cannot think of a better recipient than he for the business end of that bonesaw of yours. Well done!
Lin-Sjian Yujao said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:00 pm
Dr Mason? The lady of the house thought I ought to introduce myself to you–the name’s Yujao. Pleasure to meet you.
Dr. Darien Mason said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:07 pm
A pleasure to meet you, Yujao! I was just pouring myself another shroom-gria, would you like a glass?
Lin-Sjian Yujao said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:09 pm
Glad to have it. What’s your occupation, then? Healing, scholarship?
Dr. Darien Mason said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:18 pm
Yes and yes. I was developing a reanimation serum and learned of the properties of Hespederian Cider, so I came down here and…the rest is history.
Lin-Sjian Yujao said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:29 pm
Ah. I’m more in the hunting trade, myself. Criminals, stray wolves, monsters, lovers …
Dr. Darien Mason said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:38 pm
Very good! My acquaintances at the Observatory are most appreciative of the fine work you folk do in thinning out the threats of the Marshes!
Lin-Sjian Yujao said,
July 13, 2010 at 4:07 am
Can’t see that the threats have become much thinner, but we do appreciate the business.
Theodor said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:47 pm
Forgive me if this comes somewhat belatedly. Miss Fawkes — Merri — whatever she wishes to be called — she bade me greet you.
Lin-Sjian Yujao said,
July 12, 2010 at 8:53 pm
Caught word of a salon in progress; do you mind if I let myself in?
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 8:55 pm
You were invited, dear lady. Most welcome!
Mushroom sangria? Tea? Or something else, perhaps? You know everyone here except, possibly, Dr. Mason, I believe?
And may I include you in my list of Delicious Friends there to the left?
Lin-Sjian Yujao said,
July 12, 2010 at 8:59 pm
If you like. I’ll just introduce myself to the doctor–and the sangria will do just fine, thank you.
Asher Wilsford said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:11 pm
Ah, Ms. Fawkes, thank you for the invitation. I hope you’ll forgive my dark mood, but I’ve just escaped the Royal Bethlehem. A few drinks should bring me ’round, though.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:15 pm
I believe several of us here tonight have had at least one sojourn in that place, Mr. Wilsford. I’m sorry yours seems to have been so troublesome, however.
Here, have a glass of this marvelous mushroom sangria. Have you met everyone here yet?
Asher Wilsford said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:37 pm
Thank you. Hm, most, I think, I’ve met briefly..
Well, I wouldn’t be so bitter if I ‘adn’t been tricked into it. I climbed down a well to find the lady yellin’ for help only to find m’self enterin’ the Royal Bethlehem…Ha, I should’ve known, what with my horrible luck with women.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:46 pm
That sounds like quite a tale, Mr. Wilsford — but here’s Dr. Mason and the huntress Yujao, have you met?
Dr. Darien Mason said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:21 pm
Ah, hello Mr. Wilsford! I’m Dr. Mason! I visited that hotel a week ago myself. The managent there is abysmal don’t you think?
Asher Wilsford said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:45 pm
Good to meet you, sir. Absent is more like it…How can a hotel stay in business when it’s overrun by lizards? I was beginning to wonder if perhaps the lizards were the guests, and I was the nuisance.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:16 pm
Oh how delightful! The Commodore’s nightly show is on now!
Let’s tune in, shall we?
Narcissus said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:28 pm
Oh, the Commodore! I adore him. Particularly the String Quartets he plays … On the surface I was a violoncellist in the Italian opera, did you know?
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:31 pm
I did not know that. Narciso, you are a veritable font of undiscovered information!
The string quartets are some of my very favorites too — though he just played a Piazzolla tango with another cellist in the lead, did you hear it?
Narcissus said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:38 pm
I just have, and quite fallen in love with it. Why are we not dancing?
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:39 pm
We are now. I adore the tango, don’t you?
Mogrith said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:37 pm
I have only recently introduced to pleasures of the Commodore’s selections. I find them quite helpful in guiding honey dreams eh?
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:41 pm
I can’t say I’ve dared try it, dear friend. Some of his selections are rather dark and sinister — I’ve trouble enough with nightmares as it is! How do you manage it?
Mogrith said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:45 pm
At least these are by my choice and not the dreadful mirrors and the dreadful images of… Well yes time for another glass.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:48 pm
Truly. I’ve a bit of laudanum stashed in back, if you’d like a drop or two in your glass.
Mogrith said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:23 pm
Cl0cks!,
I am so glad to see back alive. Dreadful luck with the airship.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:28 pm
My dear Mogrith! You did come after all! Welcome, most welcome!
Oh, never mind the airship — the damage was mostly of my own doing, but it’s the most efficient way to deal with air pirates I’ve yet come across. It’s just rather hard on the structural integrity of the vessel.
So how are you this evening? Some mushroom sangria, then?
Mogrith said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:34 pm
Certainly I shall have have a glass or two. I’m afraid I was detained, fliting here and there and received your invitation late.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:35 pm
No matter, this salon might go on for days, at this rate.
Do you know everyone here? Or are introductions in order?
Mogrith said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:40 pm
I believe I have some of your delicious friends at the Curates studies.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:43 pm
*laughing* Indeed. Indeed. What are you up to, these days?
Mogrith said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:50 pm
Not a whole lot, Finding that minor help for the Topsy King and have have marvelous results at the shuttered palace. Finally found a use for rats on a stick.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 9:51 pm
Ah yes. I’m rather stuck on that particular track, perhaps just ahead of you. That damnable book on the maladies of goats… I can’t seem to get past what it all means.
Mogrith said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:00 pm
Does any of it have any meaning? Yet sometimes I find myself yearning for a memory of light…
But I’m being far to gloomy a guest. So who is the good doctor here?
Dr. Darien Mason said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:05 pm
Dr. Darien Mason at your service, Sir!
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:07 pm
Dr. Darien Mason, may I present one of my first friends here in the Neath, Mogrith. Mogrith, do meet Dr. Mason.
Mogrith said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:08 pm
Ah Dr.
Did not hear you speaking of of a certain hotel manager? I’ve found him to be most annoying. I don’t see how he can keep any guests when all complaints are ignored.
Commodore Creazil said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:46 pm
Be glad he both ignores you and lets you leave when your madnes fades. You do not want to be on his special guest-list from what we’ve heard. Whatever you don’t ever thank him for the hospitality.
two_paths said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:13 pm
Someone slips into the shadows beside the hall-tree and waits quietly…
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:18 pm
Well. Hello. And welcome. Have we been introduced?
I’m Merriwether Fawkes, known as Cl0ckw0rks here in the Neath.
Would you care for some of this mushroom sangria? It’s really rather good.
two_paths said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:24 pm
Just stopping by to check on Dr. Mason, he has been… away.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:29 pm
Ah… He’s right over here. “Away” from what, might I ask?
And, as long as I’m asking — may I have your proper name? It would seem rude to refer to you as “hey you” all night, would it not?
Dr. Darien Mason said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:29 pm
Now now, Ama. Let’s be social. All is going according to plan. *nods quietly*
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:31 pm
*tsk* So mysterious! Since you’re here, Doctor, would you do me the honor of an introduction?
two_paths said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:33 pm
Yes, sir.
Dr. Darien Mason said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:35 pm
Miss Fawkes, Allow me to introduce my daughter Amarantis. Ama, this is our gracious hostess, Miss Merriwether Fawkes.
two_paths said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:37 pm
Pleased to meet you, Miss Fawkes.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:41 pm
And I you, Miss Mason! Do be welcome here. Have you been in Fallen London long?
two_paths said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:50 pm
Giving her locks a flip with a complicated head-twitch, “Father, I will see you at tea tomorrow?”
two_paths said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:52 pm
Thank you, Miss Fawkes, I have been in the Neath long enough to find it… comfortable.
Dr. Darien Mason said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:53 pm
*checks his pocket-watch and sighs* I am sorry Miss Fawkes, but Ama and I have some business to attend to at the Docks, and must be on our way. Thank you so much for inviting us, and it was a pleasure to meet you all in the…flesh?
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:55 pm
Of course. It is rather late. You and Ama are welcome guests here any time, Doctor. Thank you for stopping by to help me celebrate my return.
two_paths said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:55 pm
Good evening, all.
Mogrith said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:20 pm
My Friends a little bat has reminded me That I do have other duties.
Dr Manson a pleasure.
My wondrous Cl0ckw0rks, Lady Fawkes thank you for a most enjoyable evening.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:22 pm
Ah well. I do appreciate you honoring me with your presence tonight, however brief. Come back soon, you know you’re always welcome here.
Commodore Creazil said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:40 pm
Ah, here we are then. Simply top notch accomodations and a lovely Shroomgria as the dear doctor has christened it! Tonight’s show went off without a hitch and we’re happy to attend something a little less formal for the remainder of the evening! Cheers all!
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:43 pm
The Piazzolla tango was the hit of the evening here, Commodore. Is Wigglesmith with you this evening?
Dr. Darien Mason said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:48 pm
Commodore! Glad to see you you zalty Zee dawg! Excellent set tonight!
Commodore Creazil said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:54 pm
So glad to hear of your enjoyment, Doctor! We’re glad to have the business done with and the company of friends for the evening. So few of the important parties contain ought but rivals these days.
Do you think Mr Wines would be thrilled or abhored at this particular mix of Greyfields vintage?
Commodore Creazil said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:51 pm
Alas our Rubbery assistant is not much for social gatherings. Some fear of being lynched and strung up by his tentacles or some such. He has opted to stay home and polish the trim on the phonographs for the evening. After all, even we have trouble making idle conversation with him. His expressions of courtesy sound like two bags of shrimp being emptied into the same bucket.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 10:58 pm
*laughing uproariously* Oh good grief. They all really do sound like that then, don’t they…
It’s probably just as well he stayed home — I am not certain how to make conversation with a rubbery man. And I’ve tried.
I think Mr. Wines would approve, for whatever my opinion on it is worth. He might even begin bottling something similar for general consumption here. A way to “beat the falsummer heat,” perhaps.
Commodore Creazil said,
July 12, 2010 at 11:05 pm
And much as the Commodore arrived late, it is his duty to notice when folks are trickling out at the end of the night. A lovely party indeed, Miss Fawkes. We hope to pay a visit again ere too long.
Goodnight and Adieu m’lady.
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 11:08 pm
Ah, good night, my dear Commodore. Thank you again for stopping by. I look forward to your show again tomorrow evening!
cl0ckw0rks said,
July 12, 2010 at 11:10 pm
And I am off for my bed for the night as well. The morning started on the surface, in the wild mountains of the Pacific Northwest. A trek across country, then cross half the world by air ship, storms, pirates…
I’m a very tired, but very happy Cl0ckw0rks. Good night all.