NOT EDITED

As the passengers of the carriage descended, they found themselves in front of a majestic water fountain, with water spurting out of stone mermaid mouths. The sun was setting turning the sky orange, in promise of a new day.

On the other side of the fountain, drinking the water from her hands, stood a stout, cheery lady with brown curls spilling out of her straw hat. She wore a bright yellow silk dress with flowers and matching gloves. As soon as she caught sight of them, she smiled and sauntered over.

"My! My! And here I thought I was the only one invited. Well, I am awfully glad ya'll finally arrived. I've been standing out here for half an hour, but they just won't let me in! I have my invitation and everything!", she exclaimed, in a loud, high-pitched voice.

Momentarily disturbed, Nico was the first to recover and flashed a grin and asked, "Well, you needn't worry now, miss....?"

"Oh My! How silly, I completely forgot. I am Loretta Haydel", she replied, a slight blush creeping up her face.

"I do get carr-......"

She was cut of, as suddenly, the doors to the Manor burst open and an ancient looking liveried butler stepped out.

"Good afternoon Sir's and Madam's. Please, do come in, the coachmen will bring your luggage up."

Glancing at each other, everyone followed the butler into the Manor and everyone gasped at the sight before them.

The revelry was in full swing! A long banquet hall had been set with an assortment of drinks and food items. At the corner, a drunk man was talking to himself in front of a mirror, while at the center of the hall men and women danced the night away. There was loud music playing, and even louder chatter, and it appeared that the calm the manor exuded from the outside was only a façade to the glamorous proceedings going about inside.

The butler hid a smile, everyone's mouths were open and they gaped , with their mouths wide open, not quite understanding.

Behind them, they heard a lady's voice, and at that, everyone spun around in sync, finding that Lady Frances had somehow materialized in front of them. She had petite features and wore a grand gown with a voluminous, flowing skirt that had been intricately detailed.

"I am so glad all of you are here, and in one piece that too. Please follow the butlers, they will take you to your rooms and then we may dine in a more civilized manner perhaps."

And then she disappeared in a flash, leaving everyone else overwhelmed. And so, each and every one of the guests placed one foot ahead of the other and made their way up the stairs, the voices of the party already dimming in their minds.

A/N

TA DA!