The walk towards the keep was purposely winding, taking the five past well-tended gardens and stonework. Servants were occasionally seen; dressed in work clothes, tending the grounds and preparing for the coming festival. There were a few curious glances, but most had the good graces to let their lord's guests be.<br/><br/>When the motley group arrived at the front of the manor, Ebba spared no time to rap on the thick, well-carved door. There was a moment's pause, allowing the group to converse briefly, before the door smoothly and silently pulled open. Valindra got her servant alright; but this was no liveried, pale, dandy. Standing - almost filling - the doorway was a<div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">bugbear</div><div class="spoiler_body">(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/e6/ad/bf/e6adbfa72d6d0ea88fe0b5654774882d.jpg)</div></div>, dressed in plainly-colored (though finely tailored) clothing, his hair combed back, beard neatly braided, tusks nicely polished. There's even a slight hint of musk perfume around him. The overall effect might be comical, if not for the raised scars on his face that the Cyrans among you might recognize as denoting military rank among the Darguul.<br/><br/>The bugbear man's beady orange eyes widen in surprise as he takes the five of you in, each in turn, narrowing slightly after a moment. When he speaks, it's in a rich bass, each word carefully enunciated around his fangs. "Excellent, Lord ir'Weld will be expecting you in the courtyard. Please allow Devren to bring your beasts to the stables, and follow me." He steps out of the doorway, sweeping one broad arm into the interior, as a young human comes forth, asking permission from both Valindra and Myranya before guiding their animals to said stables.<br/><br/>The inside of Windshire Keep is high-ceilinged and richly appointed, though far from opulent. The lack of windows is made up for by numerous everburning lamps set into the walls and paintings of the Aundairan and eldeen countryside, and the stone floors are softened by dense rugs with weaving floral patterns. Their guide, when he walks, has an odd gait - not quite a limp, but something similar.