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Demon Valley
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((*Note If you haven't been to the tavern yet, please refer to the links below and start there.))
You stroll down the dusty forest path for nearly a mile. The shade of the towering oaks and evergreens is very much so refreshing on a day such as today. The humidity makes your shirt stick to your prespiring body and the thick air makes it harder to breathe, but at least you're not in the direct sunlight. You step across a little wooden bridge then, the sound of the babbling creek passing beneath gives the whole afternoon a sort of lazy feeling, but you want to keep going.. you want to know where this path is taking you. You inhale deeply then, as you are nearing the end of the path, and descending rapidly all the while. You move to the edge of the woods, where the mass of trees opens into a sprawling little valley below. From this height a short ways up the hill, you see a great expanse of grassy meadows and fenced in pastures. A grand manorhouse sits nestled, just at the bottom of the hill, a large, silver gate bearing the only entrance to the entire, open lands. You can't help but to smile... this huge, though rather cozy place has much the same atmosphere as the tavern you have just come from.
You proceed down the path, leading from the woods and are stopped nearly halfway down as you catch sight of a little sign, just off the dirt tracks. The wooden arrow is pointing down into the sprawling lands below and reads "Demon Valley: Welcome!" Well, isn't this a surprise.. is this a resort of some sort? By the looks of it, the rows upon rows of horse pastures, the stables situated close behind the grand manor, the little lake just off to the east of the estate... Everything looks perfect. With another deep, somewhat choked breath, you continue on.
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Quailock
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As you move, you feel your step lighten with excitement and anticipation. This place is beautiful. You reach the bottom of the hill and move for the gate now just ahead. As you walk, you pass large, fenced-in paddocks where, for as far as you can see, tens upon tens of horses are grazing. You look up in time to see a pair of ducks lift from the surface of the lake just off to your left now. You have only ever imagined such a place as this.. a place of dreams and fantasies. You pinch yourself, just to make sure you're not dreaming.
You are now at the gate. You give a little hollar, not too loud though, for fear of ruining this overwhelming sense of peace. Upon receiving no answer, you reach for the latch. Looking down, you see the words "Quailock Manor" written in a deep crimson-lined lettering across the front of the gate. So this is the estate.. Quailock. You push open the gate and let yourself in, wondering who owns such a brilliant place.
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The Manorhouse
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You move along the ornate, obsidian walkway to the grand, front door. You lift the brass knocker and drop it lightly once or twice against the door. Not a moment later, a young woman answers the door and escorts you inside. Bright blue eyes peer at you with a certain, innocent curiousity. You notice a faint familiarity about her, much like you did the girl at the tavern, but you decide not to pursue the matter. "My father will be along shortly... please, have a seat." She gestures to a chair, just inside the doorway and you sit, nodding your thanks. The entrance hall in which you sit is massive, with doors lining either side of the room. Chairs and tables are nestled against the walls on both your left and right and a the familiar crimson lined rugs adorn the intricate designs of the marble floor. You are overcome with awe at the pure size and splendor of the place. Again, you clear your mind and give yourself another little pinch to make sure you're not dreaming. This is truly real. Quailock Manor... the house of... "Sir Alexander." The warm, friendly smile - not unlike that of the woman at the tavern - of the owner is upon you as you look up to him. Lifting to your feet, you accept his outstretched hand and introduce yourself to him. "Well, my friend, welcome to my home. Please, make yourself comfortable while you are here. Look around, feel free to come and go as you please. My other daughters are out in the stables probably, they're usually nearby, and the kitchen.." Your host gives a little laugh. ".. is off limits. None but the grand chef, whom you have just met, are allowed in there at these hours. But I must warn you, my Beldarran makes a wonderful vegetarian meal... which should actually be done soon. Anyhow, like I said, look around the place, explore.. Just be back to the main dining hall, which is directly down the far hall to your left, soon for lunch." He turns away and disappears back a dark corridor. Well.. isn't this interesting. You suppose you'll be staying for dinner, as you haven't much of a choice now.
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