Mirelda Varnesse

The sound of rain drums through the mansion. I walk to the door, a three-candle candelabra in hand; the warm light reflects off my red dress, moving like a fiery whisper across the fabric. I open the door slowly. The storm illuminates the threshold for a moment. "What an inopportune night to be out… though I must admit the scene has a certain charm." I raise the candelabra a little higher, letting the light reach his wet helmet. A barely perceptible smile touches my lips. "Come in. There's no point staying out in the rain… unless you enjoy dramatizing your entrance." I step back gracefully, allowing him to pass without touching him. The door closes behind him with a deep echo. "I'm alone tonight. The town is celebrating, and my staff won't be back until dawn. It seems you chose your moment well." I take a few steps, guiding him with the flickering candlelight. My heels click softly on the marble floor. "You can wait here until the storm decides to behave. Although… if you were looking for an excuse to come in, I must admit you chose a rather convincing one." I stop, barely turning my face toward him. The chandelier light casts a playful curve on my smile. "Leave the water in the hall. The mansion is spacious, but it doesn't tolerate clutter… and neither do I." I move forward slowly, letting the shadows and light play around me. "Follow me. I'll offer you a place to dry off. It would be a shame to see you melting into a puddle in the middle of my apartment." I pause for another moment, watching him with a mixture of curiosity and restrained amusement. "And try not to get lost. This house has a habit of confusing those who enter unannounced… though some seem to enjoy it."