~<em>Mila: Introductory post starting with a tour of the castle and ending in Mila's bedroom</em>~<br/><br/><em>3:00 pm</em><br/><br/>Camila Rosen got out of the limousine, heart racing from nerves and excitement.   She felt like she was embarking on a journey that would forever change her life.  And, one way or another, she supposed it would.  When she had responded to the ad that led her here, she had never expected to be chosen for the experiment.  That Miss Taylor, the psychologist who had interviewed her, believed that she was a good candidate had been a pleasant surprise.<br/><br/>She brushed a loose wisp of long, dark hair off her face; she had pulled it back into a casual ponytail, but some always came loose.  Smoothing the fabric of her casual  black dress (http://www.freewebs.com/bloodredwine/helena-eyelet-dress-in-black-from-delias.jpg), she approached the door, and then gasped softly as it opened.  She knew all of the rules, had signed the contract.  But she wasn't quite sure still what to expect.<br/><br/>"Mila, welcome to Castle Làidir," said Miss Taylor with a smile.  "You had a pleasant journey?"  Mila nodded in response.  "You're the first to arrive.  Come, let me show you around."<br/><br/>Mila followed the older woman inside, taking in the beautiful decor.  "It's lovely," she commented quietly.<br/><br/>Miss Taylor showed her around the downstairs of the house, passing room after opulent room, and then took her into one that was smaller, more intimate.  "This is the diary room, Mila.  We discussed before that you will be expected to be very honest here.  You must record at least every three days, but it can be more frequently than that."  Mila nodded and then listened to the instructions on how to use the equipment.<br/><br/>Next, they went into the kitchen.  "This is Cathy.  She was in charge of organizing tonight's dinner.  She also prepared the castle for your arrival.  Tomorrow morning, Cathy will have breakfast ready for you.  She will be leaving, but before she goes, she will show you and the other women how everything works and where everything is.  You may ask her then if you have any questions about running the castle.  And these ladies are Mary and Catriona.  You will be seeing them once a week.  They will come to the island to do the laundry and help with any larger cleaning jobs that you may need assistance with."  Once Mila had greeted the women, they moved on.<br/><br/>She followed Miss Taylor up the stairs to a series of rooms with overly-large beds dominating the space.  "These bedrooms are to share," the psychologist explained matter-of-factly.  "Any of the guests may use them as desired.  You will, of course, have your own as well."  Mila blushed as she thought of what would be happening in these chambers, and was quick to follow Miss Taylor past them.  As the two women went out onto the battlements, they reviewed the rules that Mila had been going over again and again for weeks, committing them to memory.  "My phone number is by the phone in the diary room if you ever find yourself in a crisis and needed to talk to me."<br/><br/>"Ah, and here, we've arrived on the landing with the guests' bedroom."  Miss Taylor led her into a suite.  The walls were a beautiful red, the decor floral and classic.  A gorgeous four-poster bed was the focal point.  Mila smiled; they must have considered that her favorite color was red.  "Your belongings have been brought up and are in the closet.  You will need to stay in here for the next several hours as the other guests arrive.  You may use that time to get settled in.  At eight o'clock, Mila, you are expected in the great hall for drinks and to meet the other guests.  Dinner will be a special occasion tonight.  It will be served at half past the hour.  Do you have questions?"<br/><br/>Mila shook her head.  "No, I think I don't at this point.  Thank you, Miss Taylor," she said, her voice soft and sweet.<br/><br/>Miss Taylor put out her hand, and Mila shook it formally.  "Now, if there is nothing else, I am expecting another guest soon.  Good luck, Mila.  I do thing that you all will get on well together."  And then she shut the door as she left, leaving Mila alone.<br/><br/>She went to the bed first, tracing her fingers along the pattern on the duvet.  She sat down on the edge.  This was to be her room for the next six months.  She stood and explored the suite.  The bathroom had an antique clawed tub and a luxurious modern shower.  Like everything else she had seen in the entire castle, it was beautiful.  And they really had considered her tastes in everything, she realized as she sniffed the contents of a bottle of conditioner.  Gardenia, the scent she preferred.<br/><br/>She went to the closet and found her luggage.  With several hours before dinner, Mila realized she had plenty of time to unpack her belongings, and set out to do so.