Ornate gates swung silently open as guests approached prompted simply by their arrival, a familiar sight to anyone welcomed by Castle Cainhurst. While the garden was largely the same in its layout as the year previous, some changes were apparent. More of the flora gave off a soft, ghostly blue light and the plants that exuded the faint, low hanging glittering clouds had become more commonplace.
Through the trees and plants drifted the phantasms, creatures giving off the same light as the alien flora, shapes reminiscent of spectral creatures of the deep sea.
The doors to the castle proper opened in a similar fashion when approached, a hall glowing with candles, rich tapestries of glittering blue and silver, a thick carpet underneath. Crow stood in the hallway, in a dress far more ornate than what she’d outlined, and greeted guests as they arrived.
Past the great foyer and into the lower levels was a full bar with drinks and snacks, a bubbling hot tub and stairs to the patio outside. They greeted each other and clinked glasses before a drink. Crow swallowed hers and glanced across those assembled.
“Now, I’ve asked you all here for one reason above all-” Then she paused, head tilting to the side in quiet thought for a moment. “Mm, I made that joke last year, never mind. You’re all well aware how you taste at this point.”
“Thank you all for coming, to those that still remain and those that have joined us since. This place is kind to some and cruel to others, but we’ve all been displaced for some time now. If I had to be anywhere, I’m glad it’s with all of you. Here’s to as much time here as we need,” She raised her glass.
“Make yourselves at home. There is plenty to eat and more to drink. You have the full run of the place. There’s a hot tub on the deck, one next to the pool down here and another on top of the tower. And should you need it, there’s enough rooms for you to stay the night should you not want to brave the cold after a few drinks.”
