����
As you walk up the narrow path through the ominous overhang of trees you can hear laughter from a close distance. The sun has begun to fade and the night sky is peeking through the thin veil of clouds above you, as a cool breeze blows softly about your face. You can hear a wolf howl just beyond the ridge of the hills and the scent of honeysuckle and lilacs invade your senses. Then you spot the castle.
A large place, built of rough hewn stone, it appears to have been standing a long time, funny how you never noticed it before. But then you never noticed the trees before either. Lights in all the windows make the castle seem like a living thing and the music and laughter inside draws you near.
As you exit the trees and onto the grounds you notice a small cemetery to your left fenced in with stone walls and a mere sign that reads DeMarquis Cemetery. The grounds are neatly kept, a fountain sits in the middle of the garden to your right. The wind begins to howl whipping your clothing about your body and the smell of rain is in the air. You pick up your step and head for the castle seeking refuge.
You climb thirteen stone steps to face a door that stands thirteen feet high and is six and a half feet wide. The wood is old, and appears to be petrified. You knock.
A small woman of five foot two with Raven hair laying in waves to her waist and ruby lips against a pale, oval face answers. She smiles at you sweetly and in a soft voice whispers "please come in we've been expecting you" as she opens the door to usher you in.
Upon entering you notice the large stone entrance with smooth floors and high ceilings, the air is warm and the sound of laughter can be heard clearly now. As a pack of wolves begin to howl outside and the lightening begins to strike you sigh with relief.
"I am Calliope" the young lady speaks softly, for the first time you notice her emerald green eyes shining as she smiles. As she reaches to help you with your coat she continues "I have already prepared a room for you, this weather may last a few days"
She hangs your coat in a small closet and ushers you through a long corridor into a main room, you see many people sitting and talking. "This is the main hall where we gather to visit" she says as she leads you to a seat and motions a young girl to serve you. "I shall return soon to show you around but first I must feed the hounds" she says with a low chuckle "they get ravenous on nights like this", and with that she leaves you. "please make yourself at home you will be here awhile" she says just before disappearing out of sight.
On the wall near the fireplace you notice a map of the castle.