<span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1em;"><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: arial;"> http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j164/chachi9/ashley2-1.jpg (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j164/chachi9/ashley2-1.jpg)[/]</span></span><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: bookman old style;"> Ashley was glad that the rest of the trip passed uneventfully. She could only give half her attention to her friend’s excited chatter, as her mind was preoccupied with what might come when they arrived with Avonleigh. Finally, a few hours before their arrival, Ashley fell into a fitful doze; she was awoken by a deep voice rumbling "We are here." Lifting her head, she turned to her right and caught her first glimpse at the stratum that was Avonleigh. Bring her hand up to adjust her spectacles, Ashley could only stare at the behemoth that was to be foe. She could not stop the terror that zinged down her spine—sending shafts of electric shivers over her skin. Clutching her arms about herself, her eyes went wide as she looked around at the awesome hedge maze and the dizzying spirals it made. Had she not had that vision, the hedge maze would have been her first priority in the morn. Now, it did still beckon, but with some sort of eerie call like a praying mantis would call her mate, only to feed on him once the deed were done. <br/>Ashley shook herself out of her own reverie, and collected herself. <br/>Turning to Ivy, Ashley exclaimed, "Avonleigh is majestic. I can see why your father was quite taken with her. Just from what I can see this far, I am in awe." <br/>Ashley then turned to Imogene and in the pretense of exclaiming over pointing out some new found wonder of Avonleigh, she softly whispered, "Imogene, sweet, I have not forgotten your wish to speak alone. I must confess that I too have something I need to confide. Will you meet with me tonight after Ivy is abed and soundly sleeps?"</span>