No moon graced the sky as the people came into the town hall, all carrying torches. All in the town were technically invited, but Witches had their own rituals for mid winter's eve and so Gerald was happy to excuse them. The undead held their own rituals as well, including the Werebeasts, so their attendance wasn't expected or to be found.
The townspeople of Portal, however, had no such reservations and many began showing up very early. Gerald didn't greet many of them personally, especially as he came in late and covered in what looked like soot. He finally, at the insistence of Lydia and Rory, left and took a quick bath to wash it off shortly before a majority of the guests were to arrive.
