Balloons of many colors bob up and down on strings around the tavern. Drinks have already been lined up along the bar and the tables are covered with food aplenty. Every character from the first Menagerie and every other incarnation since has arrived for this special occasion; Old man Jenkins is in one corner talking to a cupcake, while Verin stands a few feet away with his arms folded, looking none to pleased, as a white-haired Venom attempts to catch peanuts in his mouth.
But then the guest of honor pushes through the tavern doors, and everyone cheers and shouts: