This thread is a scenario in the The Lord's Manor (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=86394.0) group game.<br/><br/>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br/><br/>The Manor’s slate tiled roof appeared behind the crest of the hill. A chalky white snake of limestone gravel traced a line over green fields, high with grasses that fanned in waves with the breeze. “We are almost there, Miss,” the chauffeur spoke from the steering wheel, meeting her eyes in the rear view mirror for a moment before returning his eyes back to the road. Copses and groves of trees dotted the rolling landscape, and a horse stable came into view on the opposite side of the road from the house. In the distance, and filtering back the whole way to the horizon grew a dense forest. A narrow track made its way up the slope from the Manor to the tree line, from where it disappeared into the woodland.<br/><br/>It was a beautiful, secluded place that few would find if they weren’t looking for it, and it explained the discreet invitation, and the chauffeured car. Bella Simmons had been picked up in the modern suburbs, but ever since she slipped into the car she seemed to be traveling almost backwards in time to a point where it suddenly seemed plausible she might arrive at her destination not in a car, but in a phaeton coach drawn by a pair of white Lipizzaners.<br/><br/>As the car rounded the circular drive in front, Mayerling, Lord of the Manor watched from the large windows forming the rounded corner in his chamber, his arms folded patiently across his chest. “Inform Lady Rhedyn Miss Simmons has arrived, and instruct the staff that she is our VIP guest today,” he said, though it was unclear to whom or to where he spoke. Still, his instructions were carried through the Manor easily, but he knew them superfluous. Most likely the Lady of the Manor was already waiting to receive their guest.<br/><br/>As the chauffeur opened the passenger door of the old, gorgeous car, Mayerling saw the flash of a creamy leg distend from the running board. It was a vision he purposely delayed himself to watch, and it was both thrilling and satisfying. As the young woman slipped out, and the driver collected her baggage he smiled from his window. The distance between them soon to be closed.<br/><br/>The exterior of the manor was quarried stone that was an earthen yellowish color. There were two stories above ground, and a sweet fragrance in the air hinted at a large garden in the rear of the building. In fact, the Lord of the Manor kept five distinct gardens, each with its own particular flavor, flora, and draw. While well kept, the Manor was distinctly not modern, but from time past, perhaps passed from generation to generation, though Mayerling had no children.<br/><br/>A set of wooden bisected-arch doors opened to the guest, beckoning entrance, and there to greet the newcomer was Rhedyn, the Lady of the Manor.