Howl is nowhere near the first one to the room, but at least he's shown up before the actual meeting began, which for him is quite the accomplishment. Being early doesn't suit him--it's hard to make an impression if there's no one in the room after all.

He was there now, though, with nothing to do but putter around, poking at the refreshment table while waiting for the meeting to start, eying up the new faces in the crowd.