Unable to convince either West or Pickman to come out, Njoki still chose to make an appearance at the party. While she might not know anyone here, an evening out among strangers would still be better than another evening watching the tension build in Mafaton. Mask (http://www.cartaalta.com/venetian_masks/barocco_masks/46-mask_colombina_barocco_grifone_white.jpg) or not, Njoki is easy to recognize in plain black pants and a well-fitted black t-shirt with sleeves short enough to show off her scarification.

"S'this where I can drop off a gift?" she says, holding up a small envelope holding a card and a short, official certificate stating that the bearer has 'adopted' a bennu bird at the Baedal zoological gardens.