Legends of Eiyressia [EN]

Manor

Fear accompanies a man his entire life, following him, stalking him, watching his actions. For most time, it won't intervene, remaining a passive observer. It knows that the right time to strike is when the target is weakened, unprepared, not ready to take a fight.

When meeting the unknown, the heart refuses to serve, being commanded by fear, just like if it was held on strings,  a puppet of madness. The mind loses control over body, listening only to what fear will say. Man, drawn into a world that once was away from his eyes, now is not able to comprehend, what he's given to see. He closes in on himself, creating imaginative lies, illusions, trying his best to hide the truth away. The fear makes it easier for coping with the unknown, with things, that mind wouldn't fair with.

Deep within the forests of the north, lies a great mansion, inviting guests, who want to cross the boundaries of rationality. The housemaster of the manor being a servant of the devil himself. He follows in his tracks, spreading madness and despair, to those, who dare come to the party. Grand spectacle, parading through hundreds of chambers, filled with riches no one ever dreamed of. A sight for the eyes, standing tall in the snow-cowered woods, far away from those, who may spread unwanted information.

There is only one way, to find the mansion and to reach it, without meeting your demise along the way. Some, bound by fate to witness the beauty of afterlife, will receive an invitation, distinguished from others, one that melts when its target touches it. Inside such an envelope lies a letter, whose content is unknown to the world. The most popular theory, is that it holds information, which changes the mind of the reader enough, to head to the manor without a second though.

Such a changed person will move onward, towards his destiny, without a goodbye, last words toward his loved ones, who aren't going to see him again.  His resolve, spirit, pushed aside,  driven by fear which holds domain over the heart. His former life, abandoned, as if it was something insignificant, an obstacle towards true beauty.

He'll move forward, travelling in a state of trance, wherever his body, being controlled by pure terror, takes him. Crossing dense, alien to human life, high mountains, full of cliffs, where one misstep resolves in quick death, an invited guest won't stop in his tracks, until he reaches his destination. Instincts will drive him forward, even if he never knew the road.

Those, who meet such a person, won't prevent his journeys end. They let him be, helping however they can. Such an encounter, that could occur, put away from other. It will be kept a secret, knowing, that the only thing that could have been done, was to not intervene. Any thoughts of the mind, about the curse, that fell on such person, left only to be reminisced on dark nights, far away from loved ones. Death came right by them, and they wished her good luck on her journey.

All who were invited, will reach their destiny. Standing tall, next to gates, leading straight into the manor, they will wait for someone to greet them, congratulate them on coming such a long road. Some, wanting to take a break, after a long journey, may regain control over their bodies for a moment, winning the constant battle with fear.

The manor will fulfil their needs, giving them all they want. Tables, littered with exquisite dishes, liquors from distant corners of the world, setting those who take even a small sip, into a state of detachment from their bodies, of lightness, of pleasure never known before.

The orchestra, playing music that warms up even the coldest spirits, will encourage the participants to dance. Hypnotizing melodies, soothing tired minds, which can't push back anxious thoughts from the depths of their mind. Partying, dressed in magnificent clothing, surrounded by splendid company, they will soon begin to completely forget about their past, without worrying unnecessarily about what used to be.

Few are going to notice, that the entrance is sealed off or the bars behind the windows. Their gaze, drawn to the candles, which simultaneously ignite, as moon returns to the night sky. It will re-paint the interiors of  halls, in which guests reside. The party gaining a new pace, music becoming even faster, filled with energy.

Fatigue is not going to enter anyone's body, letting go to lunatic enthusiasm. They will enjoy themselves, even though their exhausted bodies may try to obey. By tasting joy, never experienced before, kept away from life, they are going to feel alive, blissful.

With the arrival of midnight, bells toll, heard in distant echoes far away in some settlements, instilling dread in hearths of those, who haven't gone to sleep yet, gazing at the clear, starry sky, displaying its inner beauty.

For those feasting, the sound is going to entice them to enjoy supper. The soft, soothing toll of bells, relieves their hearts, tired by the constant dance. A toast is going to be risen to health of the host even if they never knew about his existence. No critique of such decision will arise from their mouths, the words, spoken without their permission.

When the orchestra dies down, the servant of the devil, dressed in a suit red as blood, appears to greet all guests. Only then, will they acknowledge in what type of situation are they in. His lifeless smile, refined speech is going to strike their hearts, sowing the seeds of madness.

In a desperate attempt at saving own life, some may try to run away, sensing that if they stay still, death will great them. The housemaster, who stands still at the centre of main hall, just by staring, will pierce their skulls, leaving the cold dead bodies on the carpet, which gains a new colour with each passing moment.

True slaughter will begin. Frightened, disoriented guests, panicking, are going to run aimlessly, wanting to find an exit, where such thing doesn't exist. None shall escape from the gift of the housemaster, that is death. He won't do it aimlessly, however. All victims shall live, until they give him the entertainment, fear, that they create. Only when the target lies down on the ground, crying, unable to find an exit, will he experience the mercy of a quick and painless death.

With the first rays of the sun, there will be total silence in the manor. The bells will toll again, announcing the end of the party. All guest have departed, their bodies filled with experiences from the night. The only thing that remained, empty husks, lifeless, laying on red floor, wondering, what made them come here, to a party, that ended with a laughter of a single throat, savouring the fear, that flooded through the vast corridors.