Flora slowly traversed her way home, in silence, in deep darkness, in the mist of the early winters. All she could think was of the mysterious voice that had teased her ears some hours ago.

Troding along Lake Varg, alone, at this time of the day is not as risky as you would expect it to be. However, the stillness of the winds created a sudden cease of all her thoughts. She reached out to the closure and swiftly unlocked the latch. In the stillness, she checked around the hedges and rooms.

"Miss, they instructed me to convey you that they had been waiting for your return and in vain, have left to the tea party before you."

Flora let...