Exton

Bloodstone being absent at the moment, Alise makes the introductions. Ramji, of course, I know from my association with Herne; but this is my first acquaintance with Laila. She is charming, with just a hint of naivete. I suspect living in Exton will quickly cure her of that.

"Before I begin, I wish to impress upon you both the seriousness of the trust that is being placed upon you. Incomprehensible as it may seem, there are those who do not love Lady Alise and her family, who would wish them ill or even seek their harm. It is for this reason that you must always be aware of your surroundings when you enter or leave the grounds. A malicious demifae can be all but invisible and nearly weightless, but could ride in unscathed upon your shoulder, or clinging to your skirts. Trust me when I say that they could do damage far out of proportion to their size, and the demifae are far from the only creatures who might seek entrance to this place. Be therefore wary, and show yourselves worthy of the great trust Lady Alise has imparted to you."

The thing is quickly done; merely a matter of tuning in to the "feel" of each and causing a certain resonance in the wards at their approach. It is, in fact, exactly similar to a key and lock, at least in a metaphysical sense.

At the end of the procedure, I bow to the newcomers. "Permit me to extend my felicitations, young people, upon this new relationship, and to hope that this seed of happiness will grow as you become closer in your relations. And now - Ramji, Laila, Lady Alise - I bid you adieu."

So saying, I am escorted to the edge of the property, to the boundary line which abuts the grounds of the Manse; and there I continue on my way.