The Room of Reason had been spruced, the vases had been refreshed with dead flowers, and the drab atmosphere of politics had almost entirely been replaced by the ambiance of tea time. Remnants of past conversations lingered if one were to look close enough. An aged tapestry with the Vankoryth Detente emblem still hung in a prominent location, among more recent ones depicting scenes from folklore. The old chandelier boasted new candles and a recent dusting; the heavy oak chairs had been reupholstered and polished.
Covering the stone table was an impressively large lace tablecloth. There were ten places set with the castle's best china, and five tea pots sat in a circular parade around a centerpiece of dead roses. A few platters of various treats for the undead, as well as one plate of normal cookies, sat between the tea pots. It was a beautiful display, orchestrated by Daemala and what little staff she'd manage to keep over the many years. One of them even sat on a small stool in the corner.
Zosimos couldn't stop laughing at the sight of it all. How long ago was it, exactly, that a large group of vampires sat around this exact table and plotted death and demise? Where the hell did Daemala even get a lace tablecloth of that size? As Daemala entered the room behind him, Zosimos wiped what tears weren't there.
"You've truly outdone yourself, Daemala," The elder vampire said in that tone she hated. It was all Daemala could do not to shriek. Instead she smiled, gesturing for everyone to take their seats, before lowering herself into what was once her usual spot. Zosimos resumed his across the table from her. It was a notably awkward distance between the two. Zosimos didn't care. It bothered Daemala all too much.