(Yes, they are just graphics of fires to represent fireplaces. My selection of icons is fairly limited.)
Kerith & Norynth & Oren: The southern of the two passages extends out of sight. The northern one opens into a scullery, with piles of ancient dirty dishes piled next to a huge sink.
Alexi: The kitchen as a whole looks like it was quickly abandoned. Some implements are on the tables, as if they were set down in the middle of use. Some of the cupboards hang open. It's not disorderly like there was a fight, but disorderly like the cooks all took off in the middle of their shifts.
Xengendalis: Since there seems to be no immediate danger, you begin to search the room. You see a glint of something in the ashes as you approach the fireplaces, and then suddenly everything goes black.
Everyone else: You see a sphere of total darkness engulf Xengendalis (20' radius, centered on the central fireplace). Kerith, Oren, Gertrude and Norynth are positioned near the NE passage to the scullery, Alexi is in the center of the room, Foran, Michelle and Titus are hanging out somewhere near the entrance.
COMBAT BEGINS!
Surprise Round
Enemy(ies): attack Xengendalis (flatfooted), hitting for minor damage. Xengendalis feels the thing that hit him try to attach itself onto him as he is struck, but manages to fend it off.
Initiative:
Enemy(ies): 21
Michelle: 19
Norynth: 15
Oren: 13
blackwing: 12
Kerith: 11
Foran: 11
gertrude: 8
titus: 8
Alexi: 5
Xengendalis: 5