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light footsteps. An immense fireplace that consumed not logs, but whole trees, dominated an entire wall, a huge span of oak waiting to be burned within its depths. Above the mantled recess was a large oil painting of the High Lady Vandene, the painter's bold strokes and artistic genius having captured the High Lady's grace and nobility. Sitting upon the cherry mantle was a water clock that meticulously kept the time, each drop another second gone, another moment lost to the past. The last thing in the room was a four-poster bed canopied in elegant red velvet trimmed in an airy, white lace. The drapes were drawn shut to keep out the light though there was little need since the room, like the corridor, lacked a single window.

Crossing quickly to the fireplace, Mareith knelt before it and using the flint and steel she carried in a pouch about her waist, sparked them together until the smaller tender caught flame and spread to consume the mighty oak. Though her Mistress was little affected by either the warmth or the cold, Mareith knew she loved a cheery blaze and longed to please her. Rising smoothly to her feet, Mareith walked over and opened the drapes with a firm tug on the knotted rope that rested at the head of the bed.

Sprawled out upon the down-filled mattress and nestled comfortably in its plushness was the sleeping figure of the High Lady Vandene, the black, diaphanous shift she wore barely concealing the luscious curves of her feminine form. The contrast between her wealth of raven-hued hair and creamy skin gave her an appeal that most men could not ignore. While Mareith was considered quite beautiful, the High Lady Vandene had an enchanting presence that defied the normal concepts of beauty. Most women could only dream of the physical perfection that was the High Lady Vandene.

Opening her liquid gray eyes, the High Lady Vandene stretched lazily like an awakening cat, a nocturnal beast eager to embrace the night. Smiling at the sight of her most trusted servant, her pale, bloodless lips parted to reveal her razor-sharp canines.

"Good evening Mareith, I hope everything is well with you on this most glorious of nights," the High Lady Vandene said in a quiet, melodic voice.

"Everything is well Great Mistress," she replied dropping into a ground sweeping curtsey. She held the subservient position until the High Lady motioned for her to rise.

"Excellent. Are you ready for tonight's festivities? You are very valuable to me, both in your duties and your companionship,

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