The Whist

[Knuth--CT]

Preceded by faint, hushed, and sparse words, Thralios the Councillor and Vice Chairman Silurius emerged from behind the great drapery. They exchanged knowing, greeting nods with Chairman Maskage, and occupied a pair of nearby armchairs, with a convenient table in-between. The chairs looked scattered, but as they both knew, those were set at a precise angle - allowing interlocutors to glance at one another, but never quite forcing them to do so. What conversation they were having ceased as soon as the waiter drifted by, setting an abundance of crumpets on the table. Two cups of tea and a deck of cards were soon to follow. Silurius shuffled the cards wordlessly as Thralios reverently submerged his biscuit in the tea.

"Best out of five, then?", Thralios asked.

"Indubitably!", Silurius responded. He dealt the cards with precise, unhurried moves.

---

The Fish Miners' Guild
(Unofficial Player Faction)
We must Reconcile all the Fish to the Guild.