Crisis, Opportunity

As they slowly approached the manor's front doors, Green saw two rows of maids standing on either side, waiting silently like wooden posts.

"My lords, please follow me!" As Green and Lilian drew closer, one of the maids stepped forward, bowed, and addressed them.

The maids' eyes were dull and lifeless. They were clearly under hypnotic control. Though their movements were careful and gentle, they had a mechanical stiffness.

Without waiting for Lilian to answer, the maid walked ahead mechanically to lead the way.

Creak!

As the doors opened, a long corridor appeared before Green.

Neither Lilian nor Green said anything. They paid no mind to the maid's rudeness; she was under control and had no will of her own.

The moment Green followed her into the corridor, he noticed something unusual about the surroundings. A cool breeze brushed his face. Even indoors, it felt like a spring wind.

"Environmental Sorcery inside too?"

It was no small undertaking. Environmental Sorcery might be minor, but whoever installed it had to plan carefully. If the spells were packed too densely, the radiation would grow too strong and make the surroundings uncomfortable. Only the right intensity would put people at ease.

"My lords, the hall is just ahead," the maid said mechanically, then turned and headed back toward the doors.

Green and Lilian ignored the departing maid and entered the hall.

The manor's hall was brightly lit. Fluorescent Stone chosen for its soft glow had been cut into small pieces and set in crystal lamps overhead. Refracted through the crystal, its gentle light filled the hall.

A huge rectangular wooden table stood in the center, covered with a white tablecloth and laden with precious foods. Countless pulses of energy emanated from beneath it, heating the dishes in cycles to preserve their finest flavor.