Estir: "My~ You really enjoy my play, huh?"

I nod enthusiastically. Estir sighs, rising from our thousand-count silk bed. She strides toward the balcony, steps outside, pauses for a moment, then dramatically re-enters.

A dimly lit balcony overlooks the shadowed city of Yhtil. The air is thick with anticipation as masked figures gather below, their murmurs blending into an unsettling hum. The Host, clad in opulent attire befitting the occasion, steps forward under the pale glow of a sickly moon.

I grab a wine glass from the bedside table, raising it like a gilded goblet, voice resonant.

Me (Host): "Greetings, stranger, fortuned fellow, 'Tis a party for which I bellow. I invite The King in Yellow, so come all ye in Yhtil. Wear thine masks upon you to my masquerade until... 'HE' may come to lost Yhtil. Hope for us there may be still."

Estir smile, finding your excitement adorable.

King Disguised voice smooth yet carrying an undercurrent of menace.

King (Estir): "Shadows lengthen, dim streets darken, To the curfew thou must harken. Why so loudly dost thou bark in the dimmed city of Yhtil? Only much attention quite unwholesome you'll instill From the souls of poor Yhtil. Why attract so much ill will?" She moved mesmerizingly.

Me with a nervous chuckle, attempting to maintain composure

Me (Host): "That is just that I must seek, see, Hidden somewhere 'mongst the meekly, 'Tis one invite I seek, he— Shall all my mistakes undo. 'Tis the King in Yellow whose great wealth I shall accrue When his shadow passes through Wealth will come to I and you."

King, fully embracing her character, stepping closer, tone darkening.

King (Estir): "Lo, your plans shall surely languish, And this whole town will know anguish. For the King is whom they say Which shall this city indeed smite. If he come, Yhtil, and you, and I will know his might. All'll be lost within a night. What reward is worth that price?"