The Dark Grove - for Perplexia

[TechnoFetish]

"Lord Dunismore, requests the privilege of Lady Lexia's attendance and companionship, at a gathering with other friends at Dunismore Tower."

And that's all, having arrived in the post, handsomely penned, embrazoned with the Arms of Dunismore and all very fine and proper, but that a bachelor gentleman should call upon a single lady, previously unacquainted, to come to his house in a remote area on short notice, would go against all known social protocols.

What mitigates the circumstances is that Lady Lexia has been known to have an interest in the history and artifacts of Lower Madigar, an area situated at the Estuary of the Orli, and that Dunismore, a well known explorer and adventurer had just returned from the region, having gone down the length of the Orli.

Lady Lexia's father was stationed in Madigar as a medical officer attached to Wexley's Punitive expedition of '32, an affair that had riled up a fair amount of local hostility and resentment at the time, not the least for the desecration of what was called the Dark Grove. The fact that many of the officers of the expedition came to unexpected and mysterious ends back in England later contributed to the rumors of demonic curses in some quarters.

Lady Lexia's father, himself, disappeared shortly after he was re-assigned to a different post in India. Horse Guards was closed lipped, but that he was missing in action while on special assignment. To this day nothing is known of his whereabouts....

Dunismore Tower is in the middle of nowhere, a stones throw from Cape Wrath, .

That's practically at the end of the world! and "..with other friends.." does Lady Lexia count as a friend to Dunismore? Who else would be there?

 

[Perplexia]

Lexia Elizabeth Draven read the invitation over and over. She had heard of the fantastic artifiacts that Lord Dunsmore had collected on his travels. If she attended alone, her reputation could be at stake. But anything she could see, any story that he could tell may hold a small piece that she could use in her desperate attempt to find her father.

Moving her a strand of auburn lock from her forehead she pondered. It did say there would be friends there. Her 5'6 petite frame paced as her busty breasts moved in rhythm with her pace.

"alright" she declared in the empty room. "I'll do it, i simply won't tell anyone where i'm going." Convinced that this was the right decision she filled out the rsvp and called for a messenger to deliver.

Walking up the steps of her home she decided it would be best to pack lightly. Too much luggage would raise suspicion. If asked she was visiting a sick aunt.

 

[TechnoFetish]

Dunismore seems to understand. He's also made presumptions because a carriage arrives, too soon for him to have received your answer, as if you have already agreed and you are expecting to be collected. The carriage is plain without anything identifying to whom it belongs, and might, to all the world, be something a lady would hire for herself. The footman, in a brown wig and a plain coat, delivers the card - blank except for the Dunismore arms.

"and if it pleases your ladyship, the carriage is as good as any as can carry her to where she wishes. none better. and if it is agreeable to your ladyship we would be changing horses at Inverness, and collecting another of his Lordship's guests. A travelling companion, if you like, and Colonel Erskine would be riding out from Edinburgh to join us on the way."

And while the footman drones on, Boot comes up, waiting to see if you have any luggage while he flirts with your maid.

 

[Perplexia]

Lexia nods and has her butler take out the bag. "Again my aunts if anyone asks Rosa" she advised sternly. Getting into the adequate carriage she began her journey to Dunismore. Well at least she knew she wouldn't be alone because soon they would be in Inverness.

She'd heard tail of Colonel Erskine, but never had the pleasure of his acquaintance. He was said to be an honorable man. She'd wonder how close him and Lord Dunismore were, perhaps he could shed some light on this mysterious gathering.

 

[TechnoFetish]

The unnamed Traveling companion, proved to be one Dr Jonas Strickland who stepped in front of the carriage well before Inverness, and was nearly run over. He had gone to Castle Urquhart to "collect specimens", and it was only by chance that the driver recognized him standing in the middle of the road. He has a big burly man, called James, as his manservant. Jame clings onto the back on the outside with Boot.

"Stone circles, ma`am, Druids, or even older. There is one very close to Dunismore tower, and smaller ones further up, but they are in a sad state of decomposition, much broken up, if you know what I mean. Hard to get to. Not that Dunismore is easy to get to, as you can see. I assume that's why I was invited. Not an acquaintance of his Lordship at all. I was, ma`am, the sole author of the treatise "Magic and Myths of the Dunismore Circle, with Illustrations by Messrs Cooper & Cooper". Are you interested in stone circles, ma`am?

He stares at you, not hiding the fact that his eyes rest fixedly on your bosom when he talks. When the conversation lags, he feints sleep, but you can tell he continues to look at you with half-closed eyelids and with the same focus on your body.

Past Inverness civilization seems to have come to an end. Nothing but wind swept hills and valleys, purple with brackens.

"The Colonel will most likely join us at the Cromarty Ferry" The driver shouts against the rattling of wheels and hoof beats.

 

[Perplexia]

Lady Lexia was a bit disturbed by the recent companion they had picked up. "Circles of Dunismore" she replied slightly interested. "I do like circles and i believe i have read your book, i found it a bit pretentious. Much like i find your lustful gaze quite disturbing. I ask you sir to be a gentlemen and avert your eyes from my bossism, for i'm quite sure you've seen more significant items in your life then these."

She turned her head toward the window as they approached Inverness, With much hope she anticipated the Colonel would be far more a gentlemen then this pig which traveled in the same carriage.

Innocent as the driven snow Lady Lexia was, for she never found the time for courting. It wasn't that she wasn't beautiful, for she was at her young age of 19 she was considered quite a catch for any man, but she had her priorities.

 

[TechnoFetish]

The carriage did not cross with the ferry.
"His Lordship will have his coach ready on the other side"

But it is not on the other side.

Dr Strictland has become quiet, and even a little sullen since the last conversation, and now he stands by the water's edge talking to his manservant James with some degree of heated animation while you wait for the coach.

The Colonel rode up with a detachment of soldiers. You could hear him from a distance.
"Damn his eccentricities, Sir. Spend his life in all the god forsaken places of the earth, and what does he do when he comes back? find another god forsaken place to live in."

He is a military man of the old school, ramrod straight in the saddle, resplendent in his uniform of scarlet and gold, although covered in dust from his ride. There is a younger officer on a bay, riding with him. "See to it that the men are sent back to Fort Williams. They can't come with us to the end of the earth" He calls out before riding up to you.

"Daughter of Sir Allan Draven? without the shadow of a doubt. I had the privilege of serving with him. Knew him well, and a thundering good man, Sir Allan your father." He leans forward at the saddle, touching the brim of his hat briefly with his fingers. "Donald Erskine at your service. And this disheveled man..." He calls out to the younger officer "Lachlan! See what I've found - Sir Allan's daughter if she is not a spitting image of the man. And do something about that hair, it's all over the place!"

The young man has lost his hat, and he too rides up to you, greeting you with a pleasant smile "Lachlan Kincade, madam. Good to make your acquaintance. Colonel Erskine has been kind enough to ask me to come along. We'll be riding escort to your coach."

 

[Perplexia]

Lady Lexia paced pondering what she should do when the military arrived. The Colonel arrived finally and introduced himself. "Why thank you Colonel Erskine" she gave him a slight curtsy as well as one for Mr. Kincade.
"You served with my father, how wonderful, i have heard great things about you from every ones lips Colonel. I look forward to talking to you in great depth about all your relations with my father."

Lexia paid little or no attention to what Dr. Strickland was up to, the man simply creeped her out.

"What do you know of Lord Dunismore? she asked him, "the invitation was quite mysterious indeed."

 

[TechnoFetish]

The Colonel looks at you, a little surprised that you didn't know the man.
"Young William? Haven't been reading your society paper then! But that is to be commended, and I commend you, here and now!" He laughs, throwing his head back a little.
"Baron Dunismore, fourth of the name. Have known him since he was in small clothes. Can't sit still for a minute. Orphaned, you know. The third Baron died in mysterious circumstances. The Baronness too. Took young William under my wings, but he was never one for the army. Didn't want to do what was told

Ah, but here's the coach"

Dr Strictland looks at you with renewed interest, but not as before, just that his eyes follow your every move, only this time there was something more on his mind. The words "Sir Allan..and Dr. Draven" was overheard while he engaged the Colonel's attention.

And Major Lachlan Kincade gallantly dismounted, offered his hand, with a slight bow, for you to hold to step into the coach.

Won't be long. We'll stop at Ullapool and then it's Dunismore, he tells you before closing the door.

 

[Perplexia]

"No i'm sorry Colonel, I don't keep up with society. My research and searching for my father take up most of my time. I barely am able to make my social calls to my family." Lexia nodded as he went to speak to Dr. Strickland. As she walked toward her coach, she heard the mention of her father from Strickland's mouth.

She looked at him inquisitively as he watched her like a sheep dog a lamb. "there is no way my father would have anything to do with that man" she thought to herself.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Major Kirkland offering her his hand. "thank you so much Major" she said the handsome man. She curtsied and took his hand. "what is that you say we are going to Ullapool next? For heavens sake what for? Another passenger?" Lady Lexia was becoming concerned she would be the only woman there.

 

[TechnoFetish]

"Just for a change of horses" says the Major. And so it proved to be

Dunismore tower proves to be a sprawling estate, the original tower house, complete with ramparts, battlements and turrets, rises on top of a craggy hill, It was to the main tower that many additional buildings have later been added. There is even an outer gatehouse built in imitation of the gate of a medieval castle, with draw bridge and portcullis in actuall use, so that once the coach has entered the courtyard, the drawbridge was raised and the portcullis descended with a loud metallic clang.

William Lockhart, Fourth Baron Dunismore is there to give his welcome. He stands six foot in his boots, dark brown hair with piercing blue eyes, his face lined with evidences of hardships endured in his explorations of far flung places. But he is dressed as if for a morning's leisurely hunting in the moors, a fowling piece cradled in the crook of his arm. He watches on while his manservants run to steady the Colonel's and the Major's horses, as well as those pulling the coach.

"Before you pile on the pleasantries, William, All I need from you is whiskey and water. Don't give me anything else, can't stand the other stuff." The Colonel dismounts to shake Dunismore's hand and slaps him heavily in the back.

He pauses and looks up as if suddenly unaware of the Colonel's presence. "Forgive me, Sir". Sets his gun down, walks up to the coach. Takes your hand to bring it to his lips as he bows. "Welcome to Dunismore Tower, Lady Lexia" he says before turning to the other guests "Lachlan! it is good to see you" and "Dr Strictland" He nods to the man. He turns his attention back to you. "I trust you had a pleasant journey?"

"Where is Alena and her eternal Governess! Blast and Thunder! Lachlan is keen to lay eyes on her, are you not? And I wish to see her" The Colonel calls out.

"That would be my sister, Alena Lockhart, and Mrs Drummonds from the village is a friend, and not a Governess" Dunismore explains to you. "but, welcome. you will get to met everyone yet".

 

[Perplexia]

Lady Lexia stared in awe at the beautiful castle they came upon, she had the fortune growing up to stay in several of the countries castle estates, but to her this had to be the most beautiful.

Her eyes fell upon a man who captured her attention upon first site. His dark brown hair, and eyes that seemed to capture the ocean on a sunny day. It was if for a moment no one else existed but the two of them. "Welcome to Dunismore Tower, Lady Lexia" "thank you, she replied as her eyes were free to break when he turn, it was if he some how captivated her for a moment.

After his pleasantries he turned back to her "I trust you had a pleasant journey?"
"It was tolerable, Sir, and became much more so with the company of the Colonel and the Major."

"Where is Alena and her eternal Governess! Blast and Thunder! Lachlan is keen to lay eyes on her, are you not? And I wish to see her" The Colonel calls out.

"That would be my sister, Alena Lockhart, and Mrs Drummonds from the village is a friend, and not a Governess" Dunismore explains to you. "but, welcome. you will get to met everyone yet".

For a brief moment she thought her heart had stopped thinking that Alena could be his wife, or perhaps his interest, but to her relief she found otherwise. He was certainly enchanting.

She was shown to her room which was so elaborate she wanted nothing to do but investigate it all day. Unfortunately however her presence was requested for tea with the other guests.

 

[TechnoFetish]

The private chamber assigned to Lady Lexia is in the oldest part of the tower, with thick walls and barred windows. The fire place is emblazoned with the arms of Dunismore in stone, and even though Lady Lexia had seen it before, somehow, what is sometimes refered to as "the Green Man" on the heraldic design of the arms seems more vivid when depicted in stone.

There is the luxurious four poster, belonging to the Tudor period, the rich tapestry, and the paintings higher up on the stone walls, The portraits seem to stare at you through centuries of candle soot coating he canvases, their eyes following your every move.

"That's the Third Baron and the Baronness" says Roderick the butler who directed you to the room, "it's very like. Some guests thinks it's the present Lord Dunismore and Lady Alena, but the portraits are those of their parents" They look exactly, and eerily like William Lockhart and his sister.

But there is no time to dwell on the room just yet.

William, Lord Duinismore is in the drawing room alone when the Lady Lexia gets there, the silver tea set on the table by the fire.

"They will be here presently, but it appears it's just you and I for the moment," He smiles, and once again, he looks at you as if he has forgotten all his surroundings and all his attention is on you alone. You could hear footsteps echoing on the stone floor down the corridor somewhere, but he seems oblivious. "It is not generally known, but Sir Allan, your father, and my father were very close friends. They were up at Cambridge together. And if one of their schemes had come to fruition, we would have been fast friends by now. They had meant to acquaint us with each other when we were little." He smiles

"William! Keeping the lady all to yourself!" The Colonel bursts into the room, followed by Strictland who is casting his glance rapidly between you and Dunismore.


"

 

[Perplexia]

Lady Lexia found herself alone with Lord Dunismore, and wouldn't have it any other way. It was highly inappropriate, but the moment he mentioned his father had been friends with hers that didn't matter, what mattered was finding out any information anyone had one him. Before she could so much as nod the Colonel walked in.

"William! Keeping the lady all to yourself!" He said followed by the creepy strictland whose eyes were looking between Dunismore and herself.

"Is there something on your mind Doctor?" she questioned at his behavior. "I've noticed you cant stop looking between myself and Lord Dunismore, and earlier, not to sound vein but you couldn't keep your eyes off of me, if you have something to say then please say it, if not please keep your eyes averted."

Lady Lexia had enough of his creepy behavior. Growing up in a special portion of society had taught her to keep silent, but she found that harder to do as she grew older.

 

[TechnoFetish]

Jonas Strictland

His eyes widen, and he leans his head a little further forward than is necessary, until finally he raises his finger to point to your bosom, at the locket hanging from the choker that decorate your throat.

I have been looking at the silhouette, it bears a resemblance to Sir Allan Draven, the authority on the antiquities of the Madigar Natives as they relate, to the broader field of magic and mythologies that encompasses all of the so called "occult" studies. And yes, that include the relationships of primative Madigar contructs vis a vis stone circles of the druids. It is Sir Allan's thesis that they are related. And, if you read my treatise on the Dunismore Circle, perhaps you have not read the edition with the appendum supplied by Sir Allan, linking it's magical power with the Dark Grove of Madigar, an edition that, I am afraid, was suppressed by the Chairman just after one printing precisely because of that appendum.

Does the locket contain artifacts of Sir Allan? A lock of his hair, perhaps. May I be so bold as to ask to examine the locket? He points at your bosom, oblivous as to how the gesture would look in the drawning room of Dunismore tower before the other guests.

Dunismore himself is silent, and are all the other guest.

Mrs Drummonds enters, a large lady in a plain black dress, one she has kept on since the passing of her husband many years ago. And the merry voice of Alena Lockhart "William! you must, positively! introduce me to everyone!"

 

[Perplexia]

"no sir you may not" she advised covering her locked with her hand. Just as she was beginning to speak again Lady Alena entered with her friend. Lexia gave a curtsy as she was the first to be introduced. "tis a pleasure to meet you" she said in her best pleasantries voice.
"I do beg your pardon gentlemen and ladies, it has been a long journey and i'm feeling a bit fatigued, if you will excuse me"

She turned and headed back to her room. Strictland had not only offended her, but creeper hit a cord while mentioning her father. Her goal was to get information, not have her breasts stared at because of the only thing she had left from her father. She knew rumors of his work and had tried to learn as much as possible. One thing she knew she didn't want to mess with was the magic.

In her room she began to pack her bag, this was a bad idea. She would love to get to know Dunismore but not like this.

 

[TechnoFetish]

The faces in the portrait look on as you pack.
The days are short in the season, and perhaps it was a late tea. but already the light coming in from the barred windows is turning dim
and the room is illuminated more by the fire and the candles, the flames casting fantastic shadows that dance on the stone walls.

Perhaps it's the wind howling in the chimneys, but there seem to sounds of conversation, dimly heard floating in the air, airy whispers. Laughters, even, moans turning into screams which then fade and turn back into laughters. It's just the wind, but such strange noises. The green man on the Dunismore arms seems to be grinning at you.

There is a knock on the door. And it is Dunismore himself, looking at you, concern on his face. He has followed you to your room.

"Please forgive me, if one of my guests has offended you" He says, his eyes on the bags. "Dr Strictland is one of those academics and eccentrics whose head is immune to the penetration of social norms and manners. Please forgive him, for my sake.
In any event, we are, isolated. You will, at least, have supper with us and spend the night here? The ferry is closed, and no traveling will be possible. If it is still your pleasure to leave us. I will see what arrangements can be made in the morning."

 

[Perplexia]

Lady Lexia sighed and tossed her bag to the floor. She turned his eyes seeming to sooth her temper immediately. "I apologize for my outburst, it was quite rude of me, especially being a guest in your home. But that man..there is something wrong with him. I understand that he is an eccentric, but pointing at a womans bosum in front of a house of mainly male guests is simply lewd. The carriage ride with him was agonizing, as he did the same then as well." She sighed and paced "I understand more then anyone the loss my father was. However for him to request to touch my locket, is just barbaric."

"I would enjoy a walk in the morning with you, if i may be so forward, i am curious of your stories about my father. I will also join you for dinner, but only if i am sitting far from that man. I still do not know if i will stay, and for that i'm sorry for the inconvenience."

 

[TechnoFetish]

The Morning Walk

There is a mist on the moor, thick as pea soup, and features of the landscape, if at all visible, has become indistinct. Just a few yards from the gatehouse, and the tower itself could hardly be recognized, other than as a dark, looming presence.

Dunismore does not seem to mind, He walks with a slight forward stoop, his hand clasped behind his back.

"The sun, if it ever comes out, might burn a little of it off, but I am afraid, once again, no travelling is possible under these conditions"

He holds out his hand to guide the Lady Lexia over some rough irregularities on the food path.

"Normally, the top of Ben Roraig offers a grand prospect of the country side surrounding, You can see how the loch stretches out until it almost reaches the coast. but I am afraid, all we can see today is the grey mist. Still, we'll make it a destination, and we can talk along the way about your father.

 

[Perplexia]

Taking Lord Dunismore's hand she allows him to help her. It was soft and warm and caused her to mildly swoon in her mind. There was something about this man that drew her in. Never had she met anyone that had this affect on her. Many of course had tried, but from the moment their eyes met, it was if they were somehow connected.

She walked with him a ways before asking "so tell me what stories are there of your father and mine?"

 

[TechnoFetish]

He pauses, and whether by design, or whether it was from absentmindedness. he keeps the lady's hand in his, feeling how soft she is. Perhap once held, he is unwilling to relinquish it.

"My family is very much bonded to the land, Dunismore and my family is one, not just in name. The bonds goes deeper than one can imagine, farther and deeper than the Baronage."

He stops

"We cannot see it now because of the mist, but Dunismore Tower sits within the compass of a very big and very ancient stone circle. The very center of the circle is the top of Ben Roraig. And there we will find a stone, laid flat.

Much has been made of this stone. Some said that rituals have been performed to assage and appease the unseen power that links our family to the land. Some say it is blessing, other say it is a terrible curse. "

"The fact is...no male heir of Dunismmore ever died in his bed, since even before Dunismore was a Baronage, all male heirs have come to mysterious ends.."

"Am I being..non sensical? I am afraid I am just rambling on. Stories and legends..."

 

[Perplexia]

Lady Lexia was horrified,
"I have heard of things like this, why don't you leave this place then? Or when you say bonded, you mean that you can only be away from it so long before becoming ill. Was my father working on a solution?"

Her hand stayed in his as if that's where it belonged.

She looked in the direction he pointed of the tower. Listening intently. "no please don't stop, i enjoy listening to you talk." She wondered if there was anything that could be done to save him. Somehow it entered her mind that she would have to try.

why suddenly was she so compelled to save this man she just met. 'because he's destined to be the father of your children' she responded in her mind.

 

[TechnoFetish]

Dunismore turns to the Lady Lexia and sees the concerns in her eyes.
something compels him to step a little closer to her
the hand that holds hers is holding tighter, and he reaches for her other hand, holding both, lifting them.
Something has drawn him to her, in a way he could not understand
except he did what seemed completely natural
He touches his lips to her hand
first one, then the other.

"Lexi.." he doesn't know why he calls her by that name "Thank you. Whatever you are thinking, it's very kind of you, and I thank you"

He stands there, her question forgotten, just holding her hands, and looking into her eyes.

 

[Perplexia]

Lexia smiles softly at him as his soft lips touch each of her hands as he thanks her. Thanks her for what? she didn't say what she was thinking, perhaps he could just tell. Lexi, he called her Lexi, no one has called her that since her mother.

When their eyes connected she became lost in them again. For moments they stand there silent just gazing at each other.
"Will, I, ..thats all she could say or think at that moment.

Shaking her head she stepped back to fumble an his arms caught her, as if there were ever any doubt they wouldn't. Avoiding his eyes she found herself able to speak.

"Will, I don't understand this power between us, when i look in your eyes i loose all thought like i'm mesmerized. Even your touch makes it hard to concentrate. I want us to get off the land for a little bit, far enough to where you feel the effect, to see if this connection weakens at all. I think that its my duty to help you, to save you if at all possible. I need to try..will, will you let me try."

 

[TechnoFetish]

The power between us...

"Then the power has drawn you into it's folds too..." He says
"No, Lexi, this is history repeated. Your father had tried to help. I myself, have traveled to the farther corners of the earth, to be away from this place. It was not explorations that I was embarked upon, it was escape. But everywhere I went, I was drawn deeper. It is hard to explain, if this makes any sense at all.

If anything is to be done, it has to be done here, at Dunismore, within the circle.

And here we are! The top of Ben Roraig, and not a thing to be seen!"

He leads you to a slap of stone on the very top. There are markings on it, ancient carvings of the druids. He sits down with you on the slap, still holding your hands.

"I do not want to cause you undue concern. but do you know that Sir Allan, your father, was a foremost authority on matters ...occult and magical?"