3 Mary

The inside of Nathaniel's manor was just as glorious as the outside. It had emerald wallpaper in the entrance that matched the luxurious couch. Just above it a large feather hat poked from the top, which formed that of a mighty British vessel. "That must be one of the guests," I thought. This visit was definitely going to be interesting, to say the least. A grand staircase led upstairs and two doors that must've led to the West and East wings. The East wing was heavily sealed with a lock and chain. "Hey Nathaniel." Nathaniel turned to me.

"Yes, Algathon?"

"Why is the East wing sealed?" He glanced over to the door and shrugged. "I don't know, perhaps you'll find out later," Nathaniel gave a sly smile and walked on. "Now, let's go get some drinks, old friend." I followed him into the drawing room.

"Speaking of your estate how did you end up with this lovely—" Cordellia abruptly pushed past me. "Where are you running to? It's rude to wander off in someone else's home," I scolded.

"I'm going to go check out our rooms Father."

"That's alright," Nathaniel proclaimed. "It gives us more time to reminisce. Most of the children from the guests are also already in their rooms anyway."

"Well, I guess it's alright. You have to bring your brother along as well though Cordellia."

"Do I have to?"

"Yes," I brought Eddie, who had juice dripping down his chin. "You two have fun!" Cordellia scoffed and reluctantly pulled Eddie upstairs.

Cordellia's POV

Just my luck to have to bring my younger brother along with me. I never look down on him mentally and definitely not physically, but Eddie was one of the most annoying siblings you could get. He had strength that far exceeded mine and he matched it with his toddler mindset. If Eddie wanted something there wasn't too much I could do to stop him. My old toy soldiers looked like they had been through a cold-hearted battlefield when Eddie was finished playing with them. The coats were smudged, heads were chipped, and one of them were reduced to mere legs. An old kaleidoscope that past hundreds of hours for me cracked after Eddie wrestled it from my hands. Marbles that used to roll down magestic wooden creations I created myself would magically disappear. Every time they did Eddie would have a terrible stomach ache the next day and I believe I had a vague idea why.

Of course I wasn't just going to immediately go to our rooms. The manor was an architect's fantasy that I wanted to explore. Even the stairs were crafted masterfully with fascinating engravings. It looked like a fur-covered man, with horns and a toothy grin. Taking Eddie by the hand, we ascended up the stairs. Mary was washing the floor, it squeaked as she gracefully got every single inch. She looked up, her blond hair falling to shoulder length. Wish I had her kind of hair.

"Hello, are you the children of Algathon?" Mary asked. We both nodded our heads. Her pearl smile glistened. "I will show you to your rooms." Her hourglass figure swung left and right as we all walked down the huge hallway. Portraits and scenery art were splayed across the immaculately bright flowered wallpaper. One of the illustrations stuck out above the rest. An empty coal painting took up a huge portion of the wall. Accompanied by a golden frame bejewelled with gems, it was an abnormal art piece.

"Hey, Mary," I said, glaring at the abysmal picture.

"Yes?"

"Why is this painting blank?" Mary slowly walked over, caressing the scattered gems.

"Haven't you heard? One of Nathaniel's guest is one of the most innovative artists and this is one of his newest!" Mary waffled, gesturing to the blank black painting. "It develops like the first ever photograph taken by Joseph N-Nicé ... Nicphore Nié ... " She enunciated the name as it stuck to her mouth like spruce tree gum. "Anyway, the painting is revealed as the clock tolls midnight."

"How do you know so much about it?"

"Well it was made by my master, someone you'll get to meet very soon. I'm fond of his work, as you can clearly see."

"Yeah, I could definitely tell." Eddie tugged my shoulder.

"Sis, tired." I turned to him, lavender bags made Eddie's head droop. His legs seemed like noodles, barely supporting his heavy frame. He either got to one of my marbles again, or he had just had a very long day.

"Okay Eddie, we're almost at our rooms," I vocalized so that Mary would take the hint and continue to move again.

"Oh! I am truly, truly sorry. I just got a little excited to share my master's stupendous masterpiece. Let us continue."

Mary opened the last door to the right. The moonlight shone from a tulip window. A Beeswax fragrance drifted around. In the middle of the room was a large double-bed with a decorative backboard of a man holding a vanity mirror. Adjacent to the bed, crackling from the marble fireplace could be heard. I was almost jealous that Eddie got this room instead of me.

"I hope you two enjoy this room," Mary beamed. Without thinking I let out a loud chuckle, fully expecting her to laugh along but she just eyed me.

I glared at her. "Are you being serious?"

"Yes."

So you're telling me out of these thousands of rooms and not to mention two entirely other wings, you couldn't find me another room without this bozo?" I pointed at Eddie who was already passed out in the middle of the bed snoring like a bear.

"Yes, your father deemed it fit that Edward should be watched in a newer environment like this," Mary dramatically waved her hand around. "And look at this place! There are some many twists and turns even I could lose my way! It's best for you and your brother to be in the same room"

She was right. This place has twists and turns around every corner, each more fascinating then the next. Knowing this, I probably wouldn't be in this room too much anyway. "Well Mary, it has been a pleasure."

"You as well dearie, I will be checking up on you guys soon. Most other children are in their rooms as well getting some sleep, you should too." With that, she left. I waited for a couple of moments for Mary to be on her way. I crept through the hallway, Mary seemed to be downstairs now. With a sigh of relief I began to look around. there were a plethora of hallways which connected to the main staircase. I peered down the hallway in front of the stairs which was thankfully empty. Passing a window overlooking the gardens, rain thundered down on the pane drowning out the laughter coming from downstairs. I came to the first door, the candlelight illuminted the handle. Opening it, I jeered away in terror as lime-green eyes peered back.