A Paean of Painful Hope

Marnthe briefed the bar staff about the customers' behavior during the lunch service. He also told them about Jelani, Eli and Mariella's plan to visit them that evening.

"Bar regulars tend to be more relaxed, especially once they've downed some alcohol," he went on, standing behind the bar counter facing the team. They still had a few minutes before officially opening their doors to customers. "We can't stop them from gossiping, but let me know if any of them start bothering Jelani, Eli, and Mariella."

"How about we create a distraction?" Ainsely asked.

"Quin volunteered to entertain people tonight. He's taking a nap upstairs because he arrived early this morning for the lunch service."

"Quin's good, but he's just one person."

"Is there something I can do to help?" Hima asked.

"There's only so much fire we can put out one table at a time. We need a bigger distraction."

"Are you taking the stage tonight, Marnthe?" Bon asked.

"I am."