Grandiose and poised for the spring fete, an opulent manor adorned by elaborate motifs with large windows, turrets, and towers, stands as classical example of the bucolic English setting. Soft, burnished gold rays permeate the foyer and reflect against the ceiling mural, whilst its cacophony of colors is only tempered by the stark white granite floors. Intermingling aromas of jasmine, orange blossom and lemon balm drift into the grand ballroom, as platters of petite oysters with Seville orange zest and dried flowers, succulent chantarelles cooked in butter, deviled eggs, and sourdough toast with fresh chevre are ushered in.

The music starts to play, a pellucid melody of swirls like a waltz danced many eras before. She is the only known heir and the place is now hers.  Carmeline or Millie, as her loved ones call her, is acquainted with all the guests, their archaic titles suffocating and crowding her mind. She dons a stunning, champagne-hued, floor-length silk gown, oohs and aahs echoing as she saunters, and the crowd lauds her delicate refinement. Nonchalantly scanning the room, her deep amber eyes glaze over the frowsty scene, heeding a new silhouette across the room. Someone debonair had just arrived, an enigmatic stranger full of charisma and life. The newly acquainted engage in tantalizing conversation and nibble on triple cream brie, Antonovka apple and caraway thyme tartlets, when the grandfather clock rings the midnight beat, and they realize hours have passed since their initial greet. Gin martinis in hand, flaxen locks shining in the moonlight, dried pine needles beneath bare feet, the sound of the soiree fading in the distance, they perambulate through the forest recounting old tales and lost memories.  Two carefree strangers arrive at the edge of a behemoth cliff, waterfall raging beneath to the tune of her swift heartbeat. She smiles and whispers: “I could never dream a night like this”. Hand in hand, gazing into each other’s eyes without promises or regrets, they take the leap.

notes by mika toke, resident vampire