Post by Hadrian Usher on Feb 5, 2023 10:59:01 GMT -5
[ For @morwen ]
Rumors of her arrival had spread quickly, but Hadrian wouldn’t believe them until he saw her for himself.
Despite the foul weather, Hadrian wrapped a wool cloak around his shoulders and set off on horseback. The storms of winter had been battering the streets of Skia for days, a bone-deep chill setting in across the city. Perhaps the Elder Witch had summoned the tempest and brought black thunder to Nevermere’s shore (for it was said she could do such things). Surely it was no coincidence that when the fires were lit in Moreau manor that the lights of the heavens went out.
Riding up through the twisted trees, Hadrian saw one window lit with the glow of a fire within. He urged his horse faster, rain and wind slapping against his face until he crossed through the wrought iron gates and slowed his steed.
He’d sent no word of his arrival, but as he approached an elderly servant woman slipped out the front door to meet him. Hadrian wondered whether Morwen did have the power of premonition, or if she had someone standing there at all times, waiting, just to give the appearance of foresight.
Both were likely, and frightening in their own ways.
Without comment, the old woman took Hadrian’s horse and gestured to the front door. Brow furrowed, he looked at the door, then back at the servant, ready to inquire about her mistress. But the woman was already walking away, the beast’s reins gripped tightly in her small, gnarled hand. Hadrian stood there for a moment, watching her in the rain before he entered the estate and shut the oaken door behind him with a thud.
The entryway was cavernous, the candles on the walls not enough to light all the way to the vaulted ceiling. It gave the illusion of a watchful void, looming over the house like a specter. Hadrian shed his cloak and hung it on a rack next to the door. He was still damp, but he did his best to make himself presentable, pushing his hair into place and straightening his jacket.
Scanning the hall, Hadrian’s gaze fell on a sliver of firelight coming through a cracked door. Without anything else to go on, the commander approached, trying to still the beating of his heart before pushing the door open and peering inside.