Liliana took Irene's hand in her own chilly grip, returning both smile and sentiment whole-heartedly. "I have clearly been playing into the reclusive necromancer stereotype far too strongly, it's the only possible reason - though still highly inexcusable - that we haven't met yet. Liliana, the pleasure is mine, and...may I let you in on a little secret?"

She leaned closer and dropped her voice, taking the opportunity to also clock Irene's gown, the end result a large number of Ravnican zibs and zinos unless she missed her guess.

"The reason you all came into the back was less about making an entrance and more because I'm still refurbishing the rest of the house. There are perhaps six rooms ready for company and the rest is all shrouded furniture, dust, and unrealized potential."