6 April 2004

In which Something is Accomplished.

To the image of Yosannah, Lisle says, "Yes, I saw you there too. I was afraid you'd been blown to bits, but your card was alive with cold, so I thought that was a good sign." Her pause is long enough to smile faintly, "I had such a headache."

The image of Yosannah nods, sympathetic. "What do you suppose caused that..." she considers, "explosion?"

To the image of Yosannah, Lisle says, "I have a few ideas. We should go back to the Academy, or something. I think it was a resonance pattern.

The image of Yosannah says "A what?"

To the image of Yosannah, Lisle says, "Well, sometimes when you make things, they can have a negative effect on each other. Like waves that amplify a signal, or cancel each other out. We shall have to study the design."

The image of Yosannah says "I have some time, perhaps we should return tonight."

To the image of Yosannah, Lisle says, "I have some time, too. But I should go with you, as your method of getting there is faster than mine."

Lisle

Rich flaxen blonde hair, awash with pale spring colors of life, falls to the small of her back. She is tall with Aryan eyes, bright blue, set into a pale complexion of peaches and cream. An oval shaped face is serene, shoulders often slouched with a casual graciousness. Intelligent, serious eyes look out from beneath the dark-rooted lashes over a delicate nose, a more generous mouth beneath, and high cheekbones.

She wears a pair of loose jeans that hang a little low on her hips, black heeled boots beneath. A brilliant white shirt, made of fine material, has its top two buttons (all sapphires) unfastened to reveal the delicate curve of her collar bones.

Jewelry is a +detail.

The image of Yosannah nods, simple, and extends her hand.

The image of Yosannah offers to pull you through.

You grasp Yosannah's hand and she pulls you through.

Shoreline Outside Vrokk City

To the north of this place rises Vrokk City, a cog-shaped cacophony of twisted black metal buildings and slate-grey concrete, a gear fallen from the pocketwatch of some ancient god. Beneath the constant pounding of music emanating from the place you hear a subtler grinding, as though the city itself is driven by gargantuan clockwork. Turning your back to the city, you see an emerald sea thrashing about underneath a red-black sky, reminiscent of burning coals. Beneath your feet lies irridescent purple sand.

Contents:

Yosannah

Obvious exits:

Emerald Seas Beach House The City Plains

Lisle arrives in jeans, her pack (picked up before she reached through the card), still swinging with forward momentum.

Lisle says, "I hope no one else was hurt." She has a bit of a French accent.

Yosannah let's the woman's hand slide from her own. She gives Lisle's backpack a glance and bites at her lip, "Well, seeing as I haven't heard otherwise from the proprietor, I would imagine all is well. I suppose we shall see soon enough. Ready?"

Lisle says, "Yes, let us go and find out then." Her eyes are vibrant with interest, and she adds, "This is a fascinating thing, what happened last time."

Yosannah cannot help but smile as she reaches out her hand once again for the woman, "Interesting. Yeah, so long as we don't do it again, I'm all for interesting."

Lisle offers her hand to Yosannah, "Exactly. But well, we are bound to do other interesting things, non?"

"Without a doubt." With that, her eyes narrow and her gaze goes distant, searching, until...

Yosannah

This young woman has almond shaped green eyes and auburn hair that cascades well below her shoulders. Dressed casually, she dons a knit engineer's cap, a pair of black, boot cut leather pants that sit low on her hips and a snug, black knit top with a scoop neck and three quarter length sleeves.

A silver ring adorns her left ring finger and her nails are freshly painted in a shade of espresso. Clasped around her right wrist is a delicate, braided band that twines about a sapphire. The plain silver collar, which is usually clutched at her neck, is absent having been replaced by a necklace, or more appropriately, a pendant bearing two red gems each no larger in diameter then a dew drop. A scar can be seen running down the right side of her neck.

The Recreation Room - Academy Of Magic(#12436RJh)

It would appear that this room of the Academy is used for the relaxation of instructors and students alike. It is octagonal in design - large and open, with high arched ceilings. The white marble walls are adorned with various pictures and arcane symbols. Throughout the chamber are placed small pedestals, each holding moderate artifacts of the past within their enchanted glass cases.

Positioned directly across the room from the door is a short marble-topped bar, serving a wide variety of local drinks. A few tables of differing sizes, comfortable looking chairs, and several couches lined either with velvet or satin are scattered throughout the room, adding to the overall pleasant atmosphere. A single chandelier hangs high overhead, casting its magical glow over everything constantly. (OOC note: Places are available here)

Contents:

Yosannah

Obvious exits:

Moon Corridor

Yosannah spins once, slowly, examining the room. Her gaze falls, ultimately, to where the marble-topped bar once stood. She groans, "Oh, Jesus."

Lisle lowers the backpack as they arrive. She looks at the bar and says, "Oh, it created energy." Pragmatic.

Yosannah crosses her arms over her chest and exhales, cheeks billowing. "I'd say so." After a pregnant pause she suggests, "Do you suppose it has anything to do with trying to contain the trump object I created within your object? You used Pattern energies, correct?"

Lisle says, "This is exactly what I think, Lady Yosannah. In fact, I think when you make the one with the intent of combining with the other, all kinds of bad things happen, things that I do not understand. We shall have to be careful while we create these things. Per'aps, you know, we could make twisted pairs, or twisted triads -- braids.

Yosannah nods, slowly, pensive. She lifts a hand to her lips and raps at her teeth with a finger nail, "Hnn. Maybe, sure. It's just rather strange. I've never seen the tarots react so violently with a Pattern item." Another moment and she snaps her fingers, "Perhaps we start with a base strand. Begin with a sorcerous based braid. Use that as our ground, our neutralizor, and work from there."

Lisle says, hands going to her hips, while thoughtful eyes stare at the bar, "Oui. Well, sometimes I think when you create things you must be careful as to your inent, you know? It is like if you do not intend them to work together, they will just fine, but if you try to stir that up in the mix, the objects refuse. But I like your idea. We should try with someting concrete."

"I do understand what you are saying. Let's try again then, shall we?" With that she moves to the door and slides the bolt.

"Click."

"I'll begin, then, with the base item." Yosannah moves back to the center of the room, just below the glowing chandelier. Her gaze goes upward, regarding the magically illuminated fixture with a squint, teeth biting at her lower lip, "An item to ground the others... an item of the elements... and of shadow..." She extends her fingers upward, reaching, drawing from the magics that light the chandelier.

A wind blows, its source not obvious. Lisle hair stirs, the long golden strands of flaxen silking behind her shoulders. "Oui, then I will create the pattern strand. A moment of change, to be linked, entwined," something writhes between her two hands, like an electric current connecting.

The force of the wind accelerates, whipping about the octagonal room, leaving a quiet still at the center. Leaving Yosannah in a calm. In empty space above her hand, however, a circular platinum braid materializes and hovers.

And a strand of silver, richly polished, snakes between Lisle's hands, stiffening at the last moment for her to grasp. She doesn't look tired, but alive with feeling, standing, braced against the wind, and walking toward Yosannah.

Yosannah slides her free hand into a pocket and withdraws a tarot. It clutched in her hand. Within moments it begins to crumble and charcoal dust falls through her fingers. In her palm, a third braid of platinum.

Lisle, in the wind, arrives finally to the quiet of Yosannah's side. It took her some time to traverse the windy vortex, and she doesn't seem the least bit concerned. "I should think we should bind these together forthwith, Lady Yosannah, for they are wanting to be bound. And named."

A single nod is the only indication from Yosannah that she has heard and acknowledged Lisle's words. The braid in her palm is elevated above her head. It begins to rise from her hand, joining the original, spining about one another like the helix of an atom. "Now yours, lady."

Lisle's binding of her strade to Yosannah's two is less easy-seeming, more violent, the silver strand liquid twisting, spraying sparks outward. Lisle, protecting the flaxen gold of her hair, raises an arm to protect it. "I name you," she begins, but pauses, trying this stronger, "I /name/ you..." the wind grows loud.

The door gets it's lock area burned through and very bright light flashes into the room afterward.

Scott enters the Lounge from the Moon Corridor.

Loki enters the Lounge from the Moon Corridor.

Ithius enters the Lounge from the Moon Corridor.

Demeter enters the Lounge from the Moon Corridor.

The room is violent with a carnival vortex of wind that winds around Yosannah and Lisle like a tornado might, chairs knocked over, the tall elegant sorceresses unconcerned, but for their hair wisping now and again, for the vortex's center where they stand is a calmer pool, the only hints of wind what is entrained. Lisle's voice, so formal and pleasant, is loud now, and forceful, "I /name you/ ***!" Her voice may be distant, over the traintrack vibration of that vortex. (repose)

A flash of light reflects off the item as it hovers in the air and then there is stillness.

And silence.

The items falls to the floor,

"Diiing," and spins.

Yosannah exhales a gust of breath. It's as if she might have been holding it for eternity. Her head whips over her shoulder, noticing, now the arrival of the others.

Scott tosses a hand over his eyes. "What the hell!?" He squints through the wind to see the two figures at the center.

The wind dies into nothingness.

Demeter shelters behind Scott, letting his reaction stand for them both.

"Looks like a small party", Ithius says toward Scott, my goodness does this guy ever not make a joke.

Lisle glances down at the spinning ring -- not a ring for the finger, but concentric silver rings, the size that would fit upon the wrist or the upper arm, the long-eyed glance calculating. It is then she notices the others, too.

Loki moves forward, as Scott does. He holds a staff of metal, about six feet in length.

Yosannah kneels quickly, hand going for the item. A quick and keen eye might note the flash of a brilliant white, opaque stone.

Lisle steps between Yosannah and the others, but it is to curtsy, and elegantly, too, despite the jeans.

Lisle says, "Good afternoon."

Long distance to Yosannah: Lisle laughs.

Scott eyes Lisle and Yosannah. "I'm only going to ask once. What's going on here?" His tone is gentle, yet firm.

Lisle flashes a brilliant white smile at Scott.

Demeter jerks her chin towards Lisle. She mutters to Scott, "... Scott, do you... who..."

Yosannah's gaze slides to Lisle, perhaps waiting for the woman to reply. hen she does not, Yosannah flashes a smile of her own. And blinks.

Demeter grins at something Scott says and nods. "Just checking."

Loki just stands there, eyes trailing the room and trying to make as much mental notes as he can..

Loki

Lightly tanned, not a man who spends a lot of time at the beach, but spends enough time outside that he has developed a shade darker than normal. His eyes are of a russet brown color; in the right light they could appear almost red. A high jawbone, a deep chin, and a defined forehead of all things all show stress. They are all signs of a working man. He has broad shoulders, not a body builder by any means but he manages to keep in shape. His hair is dark and brown, a shade lighter than his eyes. It is short, spiked in places, it attracts little attention.

He looks semi-sharp today; his large form fits well into this wide shouldered pinstripe suit. Dark gray, almost black, with vertical pinstripes; It is easy for the stripes to become annoying if they are to close, or unnoticeable if they are to far apart however the designer here seems to know what they are doing. Under the jacket is a pure white shirt, tucked into his pants under a black belt. A basic matching Homburg hat, a silver watch and silver cufflinks are the icing on the cake.

Ithius hmmms softly, "I see", he says and looks around the place dusting his hands, "So how are you today", he asks obtusely.

Scott crosses his arms over his chest. "I'm waiting."

Demeter quips, "I think they were banishing or trapping a demon. But how it got here, I dont know."

Lisle says, voice warm. "We were just experimenting."

Lisle, lazy and refined, lifts an elegantly casual shoulder as if it was nothing.

Demeter cringes. Even she knows how bad that is.

Yosannah seems about to comment to Ithius but thinks better of it when Scott interjects. "Right." She crosses her arms over her chest as well, mirroring the headmaster's posture, item clutched firmly in her fingers.

Yosannah adds, "With permission from the proprietor. Of course."

Lisle adds, "Of course."

Scott hmms. "We'll see." He waves a hand as his eyes glow green. He begins walking around the room slowly.

Loki grins, "Of course." he looks to scott.

Demeter uhms, "Isn't Scott hte proprietor?"

Yosannah slides her gaze to Lisle when Scott distracts himself with inspecting the room. She bites at her lip.

Demeter considers Yosannah and that ring she seems so careful to clutch right close.

RPG: +declare message 'mage_sight' by Scott:

Created - Scott - BSOR - 16-Oct-2002 13:04:

This is a primal spell that enables the caster to literally 'see' the weaves and types of magic being used around him. It also enables the caster to see the function of magical items created with sorc/conj. The caster cannot see any types of lenses, such as Logrus, Pattern, or Scrying.

Ithius looks at Yosannah, "so.. long time no see Yo", he says nanchalantly.

Yosannah pages to Lisle and Scott: you see remants of sorcery at work.

Scott frowns heavily as he continues to walk around the room. His blazing gaze also inspects Yosannah and Lisle.

Yosannah pages to Lisle and Scott: Clearly, Yo and Lisle aren't lie'n. You can tell they'be been using some kind of creation spells. THere is obvious sorcery residue.

Scott blinks once and his eyes return to normal as his spell drops. He makes a full circle of the room and returns back to his origional position. He looks from Yo to Lisle. "I don't remeber you two enrolling as students here. Are you students?"

Ithius looks at Scott then quirks a brow, "Yo has been hanging around here for a long time.. she's part of the woodwork", he teasing .. isn't he.

Yosannah chuckles as if the mere suggestion that they are 'students' is absurd. To confrim she spats with a chuckle, "No."

Yosannah flashes Ithius a smirk.

Lisle adds, with a subtle smile, ghostly dimples showing, "Teachers."

Demeter arches a brow at that. "Right."

Loki hasn't moved, hasn't spoke. He dosn't blink, nor really breathe that deeply. However he does watch, and listen. Closely.

Scott isn't laughing. In fact, he isn't even smiling. "I've seen nothing on my desk that even remotely resembles applications for either of you to teach here. So, if you're not students and you're not teachers, then why are you here destroying my school?" He guestures outside to the hallway.

Lisle looks surprised, genuinely so. "Destroying?" Lisle? Destroying? She looks a little wounded, and shares this keen feeling with Yosannah with a glance.

Ithius rolls his eyes and thinks Scotts idea of finding out what's going on is likely to backfire, unfortunately in this case he's probably right.

Lisle says, "But perhaps there was some confusion, as to our status as teachers."

Demeter ponders, "So, which classes are you teaching?" Her smile, too, is pretty. If bordering sarcastic.

Yosannah lifts a reassuring hand in Lisle's direction. She interjects, "You're school." Her tone is casual. "Come on, Scott. You and I both know the owner." She doesn't continue - as if this explaination should be enough.

Scott says "I may not own the building, Yosannah, but this school is *my* responsiblity as are those who teach and attend here." He moves into a more casual stance. "Nothing gives either of you the right to walk in here and do as you please. I'd really like to know what's going on. And don't give me the experiment crap. I know better than that.""

Ithius says toward Yosannah, "he likes to take ownership for that which he is responsible for perhaps", he looks toward Lisle, "so.. how long have you been teaching here?"

Demeter mutters, "Forget how long. I want in the class. It has to be better than my current record.:

Lisle takes a few steps to stand beside Yosannah, two tall women. To Ithius and Demeter, "Well not long. Not at all, really, the place begged experimentation," to Scott, "We really were experimenting, Scott." She doesn't appear to be lying, at least.

Ithius hehs, "I enjoyed burning a hole through the locks at least", he actually sounds like he did.

Yosannah offers Ithius a smile and redirects her attention to Scott. "What do you think we were doing then Scott. Come on. And we take responsibility for the uh.." She glances about the room, "mess. Except the door. That's all on Ithius."

Demeter points out, helpfully (she's like that), "Well, he'd not have had to do that if you hadn't locked and barricaded the door. " (Like she doen'st know anyone who recently did hte very same thing)

You feel a tingling sensation in the back of your head. Someone attempts to make contact with you. Type '+trump/answer' to answer it, '+trump/page' to request that the caller page you, or '+trump/ignore' to ignore it.

You have established contact with Laurent.

Ithius shrugs at Yosannah, "doors are replaceable people aren't we were worried someone was being sacrificed in some deranged ritual or something along that fair", or likely that's what Ithius was thinking.

Scott says "That still doesn't answer the question of why *you* are *here*."

Lisle's eyes go a little distant. She has such a smile afterward though, eyes lifted to some tall, distant figure.

The image of Laurent is golden and in Colorado. Hence off-duty.

Yosannah offers, matter of factly, "We ... I have permission from the owner. I'm surprised you didn't know that. Then again, you are rather new to the position." Her attention drifts to Lisle, noting the distant gaze.

(A private chat between Lisle and Laurent, which concludes with Lisle offering to bring him through.)

Loki shifts for the first time since entrance, also noting the gaze. However it is debatable if he would have, had he been doing anything other than nothing..

To the image of Laurent, Lisle says, "I would be happy to help, but come through, and then we will go together."

Lisle looks quite pleased, fine eyes smiling. She lifts her hand.

The image of Laurent holds out his hand.

You offer to pull Laurent through.

Laurent grasps your hand and you pull him through.

Laurent has arrived.

Ithius grins at Yosannah, "Well It is a little suspecious Yo having locked doors and windy experiments, and the both of you being secretive about all."

Laurent arrives, holding Lisle's hand. As image turns to flesh, he bows over it, kissing it's back. "Thanks," he says to her, smile crooked and pleased.

Lisle brings Laurent through, hand in his, eyes smiling as they regard his face, then the armor. She says, "Laurent, I am so pleased to see you, and have others to introduce you to." Lisle may have forgotten the little difficulty still being debated between Scott and Yosannah.

Loki holds a staff, metal. It is in one hand as he leans on it not moving in the slightest save for his eyes. He is near the door, not speaking either. Mostly just keeping to himself and watching the world through his own shadowling perspective.

Yosannah's attention is quickly redirected at the Prince upon his arrival. She smooths out her clothes and waits to catch his eye.

Lisle goes about introducing as if this was some social event, "Laurent, Prince and Lord Marshall of Amber, I am pleased to introduce you to some of my friends, in particular the Lady Yosannah. And this is Lord Scott, and Lord Ithius, and our cousin, Lady Demeter, and I do not know the other gentleman there."

Laurent turns to the room, smile straightening a bit, a bright sunny flash of white teeth. Friendly. "A delight to meet you all." He inclines to Yosannah. "Especially you, Lady Yosannah. I gather you have been a good friend to my cousin."

Demeter notes Laurent with a steady gaze, nodding when she is introduced. "Loki," She adds. "A..friend."

Ithius bows politely toward Laurent, his eyes bounce between Yosannah and Laurent perhaps wanting to gather the dialog in his own mind.

Loki nods, not being rude but not making an extra special motion to be friendly either.

Lisle glances at Laurent's armor with a practiced eye, hunting for the strap that needed attention. She does lift her eyes when Demeter introduces Loki, so that she may smile at him.

Loki nods once again in the same general style, this time to Lisle.

Yosannah tilts her head in greating, mirroring Laurent's own gesture, "And she to me. But I do believe you and I have met before. At Gideon, some months back."

Scott simply looks at Yosannah and Lisle. His gaze is not kind. "Don't experiment in here again. Use a lab next time." He looks at Ithius. "Bar the door again and restrict access to this room until it can be repaired. Post guards if you have to. Anyone wants acess, they go through me." He looks back at the crowd of people. "Prince Laurent, welcome to the Academy of Magic...such as it is. I suggest you all find another, safer room to talk."

Laurent glances at Scott, and suddenly chuckles a bit, before turning back to Yosannah. "That's right, we did. You still get around there much?"

Ithius moves to the door, "well the lounge is out of commision for another few weeks I guess", he says as he inspects it, "new door .. three inch planking with iron straps perhaps", he muses aloud. "A second door in the hallway then a door here", he nods to himself perhaps making mental notes, or going mental with Ithius it's hard to tell.

Lisle hunts down Laurent's armor's strap and will unfasten it if he allows. She says, "And since Lord Scott wants us gone, perhaps we should all away to the Gideon club."

Yosannah glances at Scott as well, all smiles. Her attention returns to Laurent, "Yes. And the rest of you, if you'd like."

Laurent stays Lisle's hands, shaking his head a bit.

Demeter says "Too bad they took out he furniture. We could have just stayed here."

Loki considers for a moment, one more nod to Yosannah. His voice, when he speaks is clear and soft. Words obviously gone over in his head, "If you would have me, I enjoy seeing new places."

Lisle's hands stays, perhaps seeming a little bit (uncharacteristically) embarrassed. She folds her hands behind her, then slides them into her jean pockets, dark rooted blonde lashes looking down at the floor.

Ithius peeks his head out the door, a steady but loud voice barking orders echo's from the hallway. Ithius pops his head back in, "the hallway will be baricaded .. not that it's much of a deterent but it will keep students from hurting themselves on jagged bits of things and what's left of the door." Ithius ahems, "sure Yo.. I always enjoy going to Gideon.. especially when Nash is eating all the snack food there", must be an inside joke.

Scott walks out of the door.

Scott leaves the Lounge, heading back out to the Moon Corridor.

Scott has left.

Yosannah says "Well, I can escort two." She extends her hands, "Anyone?"

Loki pauses to make sure nobody wants to jump infront of him.

Demeter joins, "Well, Scott left, so.. sure."

Lisle tells Yosannah, "Well I have no trump of the place. I'd have to walk, and that might take some time from here."

Ithius moves toward Yosannah, and reaches forward touching her arm instead of her hand.

Yosannah considers, "Well, give me a moment..." She lowers her hands to her sides and her eyes go distant, making no gesture to remove Ithius' hand from her shoulder.

A long moment passes. And then another. Then a shimmer at the center of the room...

A Trump Gate shimmers into existence.

Demeter whistles soft and low. "See, I really have to bug my mother."

Ithius moves through the Trump Gate.

Ithius has left.

Lisle puts a light touch on Laurent's elbow, lifting blue eyes to him, before looking at the gate with no little curiosity.

Loki blinks, ahh he does have eyelids.. Anyway he dosn't move for the gate, making no attempt to screw up in the presence of something new. He is a follower, for now.

Loki moves through the Trump Gate.

Loki has left.

Demeter moves through the Trump Gate.

Demeter has left.

You move through the Trump Gate.

Gideon Club - Study(#1192RJL)

Posh, though casually and comfortably furnished. This room sits at the front corner of the mansion. Windows are placed such that there is an expansive view of the property. A fireplace is located at the far wall and before it rests a large sofa and a coffee table. The table is cluttered with a few hard-cover books, several magazines and a silver dinner tray which may have once held cheese, crackers and pepperoni but now holds crumbs and a sharp hunting knife. Two lanterns glow softly over a small bar which is obviously of the 'help yourself' variety. A closed doorway is located to one side of the bar and an archway leading out into the hall at the other. Additional furniture is scattered appropriately about the study: a recliner and footstool here, an easy chair and end-table over there. One is easily put at ease in a place such as this.

Contents:

Demeter

Trump Gate

Obvious exits:

Billiard Room Hall

Laurent comes through the Trump Gate.

Laurent has arrived.

Ithius is raiding the snack foods as people come in not particularly caring about asking apparently he wanders to a chair with some cheese crackers and a coke.

Yosannah comes through the Trump Gate.

Yosannah has arrived.

Trump Gate has left.

Loki is last through the gate, before Yosannah at least but the point is made. He simply sidesteps out of the way and pauses there. Eyes scanning around the room.

Laurent comes in with Lisle, chatting with her quietly.

Ithius is waiting near a chair perhaps letting the women sit first who knows.

Lisle says, "Lady Yosannah, if you'll pardon me and my cousin, we have a few other things to attend to. But I will see you soon, non?"

Yosannah exhales, seemingly disappointed, "Oh, well, that's too bad. But of course not."

Lisle says, "I promise I will bring my cousin by again."

Yosannah smiles, "Good. Please do."

Lisle inclines her head graciously to the others.

Demeter nods to Lisle. "Another time."

Ithius bows toward Lisle and Laurent, "good day you two.. peace be in you", he says.

Lisle has a card in one hand, then, obtained from her back jeans pocket. The other is offered to Laurent.

Laurent smiles and inclines his head in what is an almost mirrored impression of Lisle's. "A pleasure to meet you all, good mages, magefriends, and others. I am certain to see you all again."

Laurent takes Lisle's hand.

Laurent says "And perhaps tell the tale of when Lord Scott repeatedly met the flat of my blade in an Amber Tavern."

Yosannah crosses her arms over her chest and chuckles, "I look forward to that. Good night to you both."

Demeter smiles to Laurent. "Well met yourself. And another time."

You offer to let Laurent use your trump of Gardens and Grounds- Flora's Folly (Amber).

Laurent stares at the card in your hand.

Laurent moves forward and vanishes, leaving behind a rapidly fading afterimage.

Laurent has left.

As you stare at the image before you, it slowly becomes more real.

Gardens and Grounds- Flora's Folly (Amber)

Art and nature meet in a symphony of rose bowers, arching sycamores, water lilies dotting a small reflecting pool and willows weeping by the water's edge. Mossy-edged walkways wind through a garden of blossoms so rare, luminous and heady-perfect that the senses could easily become overwhelmed. Balance is maintained, though, by the whispering shade of lacy green shadows and the quiet secrets of the ferns and fruit trees. The whole is ringed by scalloped grottos and a marble sundial that marks the hours of daylight, leaving the nightingales to sing to Amber's moon.

Beyond the gardens, the grounds open up: fields and blossoming orchards, tennis courts, an archery range, and a greenhouse can be spotted off in one direction.

(+views and places are available.)

Contents:

Laurent

Flora

Obvious exits:

Path French Doors Glass Doors