The Lurkers' Domain

Please, sit comfortably. I am glad, after all our correspondence, that you could journey so far into unknown territory on a word from me.

I am so very pleased you could be here, and that your journey was a safe one.

*reclines comfortably on a davenport in front of the roaring fire*

So, young man, now that we have you here, what exactly do you seek?

*takes up a large chair opposite...*

Well...that IS a long story...one which I will be only to pleased to share the detail of in the future, but, for now, all I say in summary is that I seek to express myself, my thoughts, emotions and desires in an attempt to releive myself of such a burden as the pain which I carry...

I seek a truth in me...of me and the being that I am, have become...

Perhaps a sense of belonging- to end the loneliness that has devastated my heart for so long...

For why might you be in such a place as this, dear lady?

Because they accept me for me here.

*sips wine-coloured liquid*

I have never had censure here. That is a very valuable thing, dear man.

Very.

Indeed it is...I hope to find freedom here...

Daniel had been seeing to the comfort of his other guests and now had come back to the great hall and it's hearth to find his dear friend Requiem chatting with the new visitor. He did not mean to eavesdrop on his guests, but the hall has a way of carrying sound that he has become accustomed to.

"Pardon me," Daniel interrupted politely, "but I just wanted to come around and be sure that you are comfortable. If you have any requests, I am humble to oblige with whatever I can. My home here has many rooms, and you make your rest in any that are vacant. It's an old hostel, you see, and I try to keep the tradition alive. I even maintain a Library and Study if you have any searches. Things you wish to discover, perhaps even about yourself."

He gave a shy smile, hinting that he had accidentally overheard them. "Forgive me, I did not mean to intrude. Please feel free to make use of my bar, and visit the kitchen whenever you might be hungry. If you have any special requests, ah but I repeat myself. Enjoy and welcome again."

Lady Lilian briskly walks past the den, carrying a tray of tea and cups, as she had a million times. This time, however, after passing the den she dropped the entire tray creating quite a racket.

Poking her head into the den she did a double take. It had been forever since they've had company. Collecting herself, straightening her long floor length gown and tidying her long red hair, she entered quite casually.

Walking in she eyed Requiem already enjoying the gentlemans company. Extending her hand out to her guest warmly she introduces herself; "Well welcome to Lurkers! My name is Lady Lilian, I'm the Lady of the House. I trust you met Daniel, and I see you already know Requiem. It's a pleasure to meet you. Hope you have a wonderful visit here, and come back often." Walking back to the door, "If there's anything you need of us, just let us know." Smiling and turning back to the gentleman once again "Oh and do watch your step outside the dens door. Broken glass. Would either of you care for tea?"

With a quick curtsy, she was gone. In the distance you can hear a broom sweeping up broken glass, and content humming.

After being enchanted to meet such gracious and elegant hosts and accepting the offer of a hot brew, I can only feel more at ease than ever to find such nice quiet corner of the earth.

"No sugar please!" I call after the genial lady.

"After all, I am sweet enough as it is..." I say quietly to the lovely Requiem, with a smile and a conspiratorial wink.

:wink:

Lilian rushes into the kitchen, carrying the broken bone china on her tray. Placing the tray on the counter, she pulls her hair back, and sees Daniel working on a venison stew.

"We have a guest." She says with an accidental irish accent looping the last word.

Daniel continued to stir, smiling as he knods happily. She asks excitedly as she fetches the tea from the cupboard "How? It's been so long?"

Dropping in another pinch of spice "Requiem found him it seems." He looked at her with a wink.

Clanging around a bit loudly, Lilian fusses and finds her finest tea pot; which has hand painted lilacs, laced with gold, accompanying four matching cups with saucers.

With the tea, and all its finery, she leaves the kitchen heading to the den. This time with the utmost care.

"Please, excuse me for a moment, dear Requiem, I have a mind to take quick peek into the libarary, curiosity being one of my more salubrious traits..." And with that and a slight bow as I take my leave, I make my way towards the other room.

Catching the powerful aroma and the chinking of plates, I assume that a meal is on the way, so I quickly browse the varied tomes and ponder to myself: 'Now who might live in a house like this...' before making my hurried way back to the den and the cosy fire.

There on the far desk, lit by an old fashioned lamp, lies an open dusty cookbook. It is open to a page which has been saved by a large burgundy velvet bookmark.

On the open page it is clearly written a recipe;

"To Serve Man."

Emaerald De Raines, stretches and yawns from what seemed like a 100 year sleep. She was sure she heard Miladys footsteps outside of her boudoir. Emaerald slides her legs over the side of the old four poster and makes her way over to the Grand Hall to see who is around and flounces the doors wide open in her wake..

Oh, who is the handsome man sitting there, Emaerald looks directly at him and welcomes him with smiling eyes and a softness in her voice as she introduces herself..

Wondering slightly at the nature of that receipe, I was startled from my quiet reverie by the entrance to the hall of a most exquisite creature, her sparkling eyes entrancing me, her voice alluring...as she approached, I made to rise and greeted her with a slight bow from the waist and a gentle kiss upon back of her delicate hand.

"I am enchanted by your pose, my dear lady, may I call you Emaerald? A pleasure it will be to enjoy such radiant company, I am sure."

"Please, do sit. May I find for you a drink?" I ask, as I move a luxuriously comfy chair around to behind her.

It had been seven years to date since the last time Danielle had visited good friends. Her current job had taken her all over the world for far too long. Reminiscing to earlier days, a smile curls up her blood red lips as she leans back into the leather seat of her black limousine holding what seems like a thick textured Old English crystal glass of warm brandy. Minutes had passed when the eerie voice of her driver courteously announced that they were about to enter the mansion ahead. Danielle’s eyes gleamed with joy as she stared into the dark woods surrounding the mansion. Suddenly a thought came to her, “What if I am not welcomed anymore? What if they don’t remember me?” Apprehensive as if to surprise her friends or not she hesitated for a few moments never saying a word out loud. Taking a sip of her warm brandy, she brushed a slight strand of hair away from her eyes with her ring finger very gently. Setting down her drink, Paul François, her driver lend a hand to help her out. She stood and looked up at the house, remembering it exactly as she left it seven years ago.

The night sky illuminated her devilish appearance, making her look like a Goddess of Darkness. The night air whip lashed her long hair wildly behind her as she walked along the black cemented steps making it look like uncontrollable black flames. As the brown desiccated leaves of autumn crushed beneath her finely tailored shoes, she once again felt truly at home.

This woman had hair black as midnight and soft as silk, with eyes so icy blue that sent chills with every given glance. Pale as the moon yet lively as the sun; Danielle made way through the long drive way up the steps coming face to face with a gothic gargoyle statue standing right next to the glass doors of the big old mansion. She was astonished to see such full sized figure, never before in all her travels and excursions had she seen such a sculpture. She remembered always seeing gargoyles sitting, or sometimes just the upper bodies of the creatures, but never full sized. This beast looked real, frightening, obscure, petrifying…and she loved it. “Fifteen years, and they never seize to amaze me” She thought to herself and chuckled, thinking back to the days when they had met for the first time at the “La Bal Masque Nocturne”.

The doors opened, Danielle took a deep breath and walked in the large dimmed hall.

Turning to the sound of the doors of the hall yet again opening and expecting to see the genial hosts, I am more than pleasantly surprised and slightly awestruck by the vision of darkness that insinuates herself into my desire, as piercing eyes draw me in, my own encompassing the entire form of the sultry enchantress of such unique features, I consider briefly whether I may be walking in a dream...

Plating the antique diningroom table, which could comfortably seat the entire English court, Lilian takes special care with each setting for their guests. Starting with modestly designed sterling eating utensils which Daniel chose for an anniversary present, to her grandmothers simple white and gold trimmed china, completing the set is lace etched goblets with gold matching trim on the rim. For a moment she sees Emaerald walk past the diningroom door, and Lilian thinks smiling to herself that she appears as the houses spectre; mysterious, quiet, beautiful and graceful.

After the table was set Lilian returns to the den, where the fire is burning a steady warm glow. Asking Requiem in a hushed voice "Where's our new guest?" Requiem replies "He's checking out the place." With a rush of chilled air, making the fireplace dance for a moment, the front door closed with a pronounced thump as the air closed the door behind it.

The moment Lilian sees Danielle standing in the hallways, she involuntarily lets out a happy shriek! Wrapping her arms around her before she could stop herself, she thanked all the Gods graces her friend finally found her way back home safely. "It's been too long, please come in, let me take your coat." Calling behind her, as Lilian rushes to the coat closet, "The fires burning nicely in the den, please warm yourself. Daniel is making a fine stew, you must be hungry from your long drive out here. We have guests tonight as well." Turning around, Lilian sees that Danielle has not forgotten where the den was, as she was already walking in meeting Requiem and her gentleman guest.

Closing the kitchen door behind her, Lilian couldn't help but to give Daniel a giant hug. "Danielle's returned." With a smile he says "So I've heard. I brought this out just in case." He nods his head over to the broom, leaning against the counter next to them. "I want to say thank you again, for building us such a fine home, Padre. Before dinner, there's one thing I'd like to do, I'll join you in a few minutes." With a tender kiss shared, they split to rendezvous back in the diningroom.

Picking up her long skirt, Lilian hurried upstairs to Emaeralds bedroom. It was an attick room, nearly it's own suite unto itself, complete with slanted walls, gabled windows, older lovely wallpaper and wooden squeaky floors. Taking her time, despite the guests downstairs, she tidied up her lavish bed, and room. Emaerald had mentioned that she will be going away on a trip for a few days, and would leave early that evening. It was a shame she didn't get a chance to see her off, but she was never good at 'see you later.' As she glanced at her reflection in the vanity mirror, a black cat jumped onto the crushed red velvet seat. "Kettle. It's good to see you too." Picking up the kitten, "I miss her too, but hopefully she'll be back soon enough." Kettle purrs to her pets as she cradles him in her arms "We'll light a candle at the front window, to let her know that she is always welcome when she returns." Placing the cat back on the fine duvet coverlet, Lilian pulls down the blankets, yet another sign of welcoming a friend back home. Just before she closed the door, Kettle took his sweet time leaving the comfortable room.

Down in the den, Lilian places the silver tea onto the end table. With a snap of sulfer she lights a small tea light, placing it on the front windowsill as promised. Dinner was nearly ready to be served.

Lilian helps Daniel bring the stew serving bowl, and three homemade baked breads with flavored butters into the diningroom.

Walking into the diningroom where her guest enjoyed pleasant conversations, she was happy to announce dinner has been served.

Daniel stood behind Lilians chair, helping her into her seat, even after all these years she had never taken it for granted. She always thanked him for his tiny courtesies with a small kiss on the side of his cheek. A crystal decanter of chardannay plays with the light from the candles, in matching candle sticks.

Suddenly without warning, a mighty flash and clap of thunder rattling the very glass of the windows throughout the house. Lights going out, the house gave a soft sigh of silence, leaving the candle and firelight to create devilish shadows dancing on the walls.

"Ah, that's much better. Now with that done, dinner is officially ready." Lilian said with a smile, almost as if the lighting strike were on cue.

Musing to himself on the possibility of coincidence for the thunderous crash which took the lights with it as it rolled away, the young acolyte quickly dismissed the notion with a chuckle and resting a hand upon his own place-marked chair, was caught in a momentary quandry. For which of the delightful ladies should he assist in their taking their place? Ultimately, this resulted in his taking no action at all, instead, ruing his lack of decisiveness, he simply waited until all were seated before quietly taking his own place.

The aroma of the fresh bread was deliciously tempting and the faint growl of his belly reminded him that it had been some time since last he ate well, especially of such a carefully prepared meal. Savouring the anticipation of the dinner and resisting the urge to break the bread before the host, he looked somewhat forlornely at the glittering array of cutlery, remembering only that one starts from the outside and works their way inwards, all that he could bring himself to say, somewhat meekly, was "Smells good." But at least it was with a grin of appreciation.

Lilian smiled at her gentleman guest "Thank you. Daniel is the cook of the house. I can at least keep up with him with my breads. Everyone, please dig in, there's more than enough for everyone."

Looking over, there was a plate setting, but an empty chair. Emeralds table had been made in hopes of her being able to make it in time for dinner. If not, she will be happy to know there is a spot waiting for her nonetheless.

It was nice to have so many people over, for years it seemed like the house was empty. Hearing the clink of plates and cups, along with conversations was music to her ears.

Danielle was ecstatic to be with old friends. Lilian’s welcome had eased her anxiety and taken her back to the old days when they were practically inseparable. At the dinner table everything looked delicious, it was then when she finally had time to catch a glimpse of it all. The delicious aroma of food made her realize she was a bit hungry. The carefully placed china made her chuckle; Lilian had always been a perfectionist when it came to hosting dinner parties between friends and family. The striking thunder, she thought had been a perfect cue for the beginning of a great feast. Looking at Lilian and Dan made her feel all warm inside; their love for each other had no measurements and seemed to be everlasting. Ever since the first time she met them, the fire that ignited their passion toward one another was still burning mightier than ever. She silently wished she could someday have something alike. Taking a sip of water to calm her wild thirst she took a look around once again, admiring the excited flickering shadows against the wall from the burning candles. It amused her at times, the flickering of the flames, for they had a life of their own always different from each other. Danielle took a look at Requiem chatting with her guest, a dark and mysterious man she had never met. Curiosity bit her, but she kept to herself not wanting to intrude.
Turning to Michelle and Dan who were chatting amongst themselves she said “My dear friends, thank you for such a lovely warm welcome after all these years. Please know that I have not come here to impose my stay upon you; I have my driver currently looking upon hotels around the nearby areas of the vicinity”
The food was amazing; she had not eaten homemade food in years. The fanciest restaurants of Western Europe could never top this feeling, she thought. Lilian and Dan had outdone themselves yet once again.

Catching the look of Lady Lilian towards the empty space where Emaerald was expected, Barry wondered whether he should ask of the reason for the abscence of such a delightfully radiant smile, but instead, assumed it was most likely a pressing matter, perhaps work...

Nodding slightly to the hostess with a shy smile, before taking up the still warm bread and tearing it almost in half, he stared a moment too long at the two peices in his hands, a sorrowful look passed across his young face as he again looked back towards the chair with no occupant.

Placing the piece in his right hand upon the small plate to that same side, he took a small bite of the other, allowing it to melt slowly in his mouth.

Tasting the stew was as excellent an experience as was expected. "My compliments to the chef." Was all he said before making steady inroads to his meal.

Daniel and Lilian both put down their spoons, to sit up straight and look at each other. Both speaking to each other, with only the slightest of gestures. With great smiles on both their faces, Lilian spoke up "Danielle, we will not have it. We will not have you out there amongst strangers when we have, as you know, perfectly good spare bedrooms."

"Danielle is here? Danielle?!" the quiet, plump woman says, smile lighting her features.

"Danielle you must come stay here. It's been ages. And more ages. Please?" She adds with a winsome grin.

"Requiem" Lilians face lighted up "Come, dinners served and there's a plate setting for you."

Margarete smiles softly, taking in the moist air. The moon, full and proud, beams over the soft ground. Surrounded by nothing but wilderness for two nights, she searched for a establishment to settle into.
"hmm...," her smile softened as she came to see a beautifully extravagant mansion. Approaching it softly and quietly, she takes hold of the ice cold knocker.
knock, knock... before her thind strike could fall, the door opened slowly.
"do you have any vacancies?" she voiced assertively, but sweetly so.

Chuckling at Requiems comment Danielle stood up and made her way across the well dressed dining table toward Requiem who had a big smile on her face. The two hugged and laughed. "Oh! Reuqiem you silly goose! I've been here for quite a few minutes already!" Said Danielle.

Requiem asked for Danielle to stay and giving in to her friend's proposal she decided to take them graciously and was very thankful forthe warm welcome. She felt she would be better off staying at the mansion, she missed it so, and wanted to catch up with old friends.

Her silky black hair shined against the dim lights of the flickering candles and as she passed by the dazzling stranger, a whiff of the herbal fragrance managed to escape and delight. He quickly turned and they caught a glance of eachother but Danielle decided to sit back in her post and enjoy her meal and chatter with them all. Still, the curiousty lingered in the back of her mind...this mysterious man looked awfully familiar to her.

The large oak front door opened slowly with a creek, straight out of a horror movie.

The lovely young lady asked "Do you have vacancies?"

Looking straight at the man in the dark suit, she looked up, and up, and up. What a sight he was! As if he came straight out of the Adams family, he could be a 'dead' giveaway as Lerch.

The only oddity about him, however, was atop his head he wore Halloween Eery boppers, complete with fuzzy bats that flash red lights as they swayed.

He looked down at her, his greyish skin seemed to glow an eery light from the moonlight outside. Her jaw dropped, but she managed to collect herself immediately. Admittedly, it was difficult to stiffle a chuckle, the eery boppers looked ridiculously funny on his.

Stepping to the side, he allowed her to step into the warm hallway, and gestured to take her coat. Leading her into the den, with the fireplace still warmly ablaze, he asked in his Lerch-like voice "Your naaaaaaaaaaaame?"

"Margarete" she answered, admiring the antiques of the old house, especially the deep green marble fireplace. Lerch's lookalike bowed low, then turned out of the den notifying the Gentleman and Lady of the house there's yet another visitor.

While passing the kitchen, he picked up the dustpan and dustbroom, carrying them into the diningroom with him, just in case.

She smiled to herself as she handed over her cloak to the most amusing gentlmen. She began to wander, both in her mind and with her feet. Her fingers grazed mysterious items upon the walls. She gazed at the multitude of pictures, taking everything in.

"This shall do..." she whispered. She turned to see that she was being watched expectantly by a few onlookers. how strange she thought.
She was careful not to smile too widely, the outcome of this was never agreeable. As she curtsied she took notice that the makeup had been wiped away from a small part of her hand.

Margarete held her hand behind her back as she prepared to speak with the others. She thought amusingly for a moment that she should make it her business to obtain one of those adorable hats.

Lerch's Doppleganger walked into the diningroom, where the guests are brimming with converations. Standing beside the Lady of the House, he first moved the cup of tea out of the way, gently removed the crystal goblet from her hand, putting that down as well. She half smiled, at the same time had a quizzicle look on her face.

"My Lady we have another guest in the den, awaiting for you. She is looking for a vacancy."

The others looked towards Daniel, on the other side of the table with curiousity. He merely shrugged. Knowing their twin Lerch, he wouldn't disturb their dinner party lest it was important.

"Excuse me" She said as she got up from the table, placing her linen napkin on the left side of the plate carefully. Daniel stood at the same time, reseating himself on when she finally left the room. Again, not a day went by that he didn't make her smile, from the smallest of genial gestures.

Stopping by giant gold guilded antique mirror, she checked to see that her long wavy red hair, braided at the top of her head, and flowed down to the center of her back, was neatly in place. Smoothing out her long ivory simply embroidered gown, covered with white sparkles on the bottom, her amber eyes aglow with excitement meeting someone new.

Turning into the den she met a young lady with her hands politely behind her back, admiring their unique collection of oddities.

"Good evening, welcome to our home. My names Lady Lilian, and my beloveds is ElderDaniel." Looking outside at the storm growing, a whistling wind whipping about inside the chimney of the fireplace.

"I understand you are looking for a place to stay, we have more than enough room. Need not worry about money, we will not accept any. Would you like me to show you to your room or first dinner? We had just sat down to dinner, a few friends of ours we haven't seen in quite some time, you are most welcome to join us." With a gracious smile, touching on playfulness "I may just not accept 'no' for an answer."

With that Lilian stood aside the door, welcoming her new guest into the home, patiantly awaiting her decision.

Margarete smiled softly, nodding her head once in acceptance. Slowly she began to hear the sounds from the dinning room. Her attention seemed to drift for a moment, then came back upon lady Lilian.

"I would be most grateful to stay..." she frowned for a moment," but we shall find some sort of payment...for you'll find that i can be quite uncivil at times..." Margarete stopped to take measure of Lady Lilian's reaction, then she continued. "I have traveled, but i am not hungry. If the circumstances allow, it would please me just to be in the company of others."

Margarete's crimson hair, shone in the dim light of the fire. Moving her hands behind herself for a moment, she quickly smudged the makeup to hide her skin. Next she smiled and curtsied saying,"lead the way mil'lady."

As soon as Lilian walked in the dining room with the unexpected guest, Danielle didn't feel too comfortable. A feeling of nausea came over her and her head started to spin. She knew something was awfully wrong, and she was about to get one of her premonitions; this usually happened when there was something in the mists of evil lurching abroad. Suddenly she knew her visit to old friends wasn't just a coincidence. Fate had led her there, but why?

Danielle looked the stranger up and down, trying to figure out what was wrong. She looked around and glanced at Lilian's happy smile, for she was always glad to see visitors in her home familiar or strange.

Danielle's head was now pounding as the new guest approached the table. She felt she was about to go into one of her trances and so she quickly stood, excused herself and ran up the stairs; pressing back against the wall, trying to make the pain go away and holding her head with both hands, Danielle fell to the floor from the pain they caused her.