Edit: Removed accidental repost of my old one with the new.

[b]Graven Birch[/b]

After the group’s brief tour, Gray accepted the key to his room and made his way down the hall to unlock the door. He had been thoroughly impressed with the manor thus far, but nothing could have prepared him for what he would find inside. There was artwork from all over the world, tastefully blending African and tantric statuettes with stunning replica of Dali’s The Elephants. At first glance, the rugs appeared Tibetan, however the wonderful earthy tones matched perfectly with the finely crafted classic style furniture. It was all so stunning, he managed to lose himself, moving from piece to piece examining the room in exquisite detail. After nearly 15 minutes of marveling however, there came a knock on the door. His luggage must have arrived, he noted, turning back to the door and letting Felix in.

“This room is absolutely incredible, Monsieur Dubois. Really, you’ve outdone yourselves. I can’t imagine a more perfect place to stay.” Gray said, leading Felix into the bedroom to place his things.

“Mr. Wolf will be pleased to hear it. Is there anything else I can get for you, Mr. Birch?” Felix responded.

“Why, yes. Could I get a bottle of red? Oh, and would you please tell me where I could find a piano, perhaps?”

“Of course, sir. There are several pianos in the house, the most notable of which would be the Pleyel, located in the lounge. Is there a particular bottle you’d like, Mr. Birch?”

“Good Heavens, I’ve always dreamt of playing a Pleyel!” Gray said with delight, “Next you’ll just bring out an ‘89 Latour Pauillac!” He joked.

“I see you know your wines, Mr. Birch. Would you like me to bring it to the lounge for you?” Felix’s expression was entirely serious, but what he was saying seemed preposterous…

“You’re not serious, Mr. Dubois? That’s one hell of a bottle to serve a guest!”

“A case was purchased for the manor in 1992 I believe. Please accept it as a welcoming gift from the Wolf family. I will need a few minutes to finish with everyone’s luggage, and then to pull the bottle out of the cellar, but I can have it ready in about 25 minutes. If that will be all, I must hurry to fetch the remaining luggage.” Gray stood speechless as Felix turned to walk out the door. The chance to play a Pleyel was one thing, but who on earth were these people that they could throw around a bottle like that? 

After taking a few minutes to freshen up after the long plane ride, Gray headed downstairs and entered the lounge Felix had spoken of. Immediately it became apparent that this room-much like his own-did not look like the others in the manor. It had a very warm feel to it, with lots attractive sofas arranged around a wood burner in the center. The outer section of the room, which was oddly raised slightly above the center, contained a variety of musical equipment, including the exquisite Pleyel grand piano, set over by the windows. On the other side of the room however, was the lounge’s most interesting feature, a wall lined with portraits of the Wolf family. You could trace most of the family line down the walls at least a hundred years back, if not more. There was something strange about the progression though, Gray noted as he started walking over to look at them closer. Upon further inspection it seemed that there had definitely been some paintings removed, which had been replaced by some from a different period. They were probably done with lower quality materials and aged poorly, if he had to place a guess.

After his cursory examination of the room, Gray was finally able to sit down by the piano, and adjusted the cuffs of his rolled up sleeves. Fully situated, he lightly ran his fingers over the keys, getting a feel for the piano as if trying to extract it essence in order to turn it into song. Slowly he began. Soft fingering built into dramatic minor chords, as Gray became lost in the process of creation, as he filled the air with his sobering, mournful progressions. Just as they appeared, so to did they fade back into the void, each note another chapter in Gray’s sorrowing tale of tragedy and loss.

Off in another world, or perhaps simply another time, Mr. Birch failed to notice the arrival of his new audience of one...