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Chapter 4 - A quiet night

After the two Dukes had finished their conversation they ordered the house keeper to get the kitchen staff to start with their family feast.

The dinning room which contained a large and rather long dining table, the chairs that rested underneath the table possessed a shine that projected from the mahogany wood. A silk navy cloth spread across the far reaches of the table draping down on each side.

The servants prepared silver utensils and white China. Silver candle holders dripped with wax that was wasted from the candle that glowed with a soft flame.

One after another the kitchen staff brought out the plates of succulent foods, oval shaped platters filled with the native vegetables of Cinderfell.

Nazu roots were a vampires favourite, finely cut from the Nazu trees. The olive colour and spicy taste would always pair well with the main course which consisted of roast bore and a caramelised honey sauce.

Glass bowls which held dumplings and pastries which were fresh out the oven, carved crystal goblets which stored blood mixed with juniper berries.

The old grandfather clock's chimes echoed through the home, the bell was struck seven times in total. Two servants bowed at either side of the entrance to the dining hall, Ethel who had went to her room with her mother to change her dress was now wearing a lilac dress with silver flowers embroidered onto it. The sleeves were long and widened at the cuff, Mrs Leonard had thought about her daughter falling previously and chose a more practical dress. Ethel also wore a dainty pair of white lace shoes which tapped the marble floor before being muffled by the rug that was spread beneath the dining table, she then delicately placed her body on the chair in the middle of the table. Cloud and his four cousins approached the table, Cloud had seated himself in front of Ethel while the cousins waited for Jerome to make his presence.

"Hello miss Ethel." Cloud poked at her.

"Hello lord Cloud." Ethel's voice quivered.

Sensing that Ethel was scared he gave her a sympathetic look.

"My why are you scared?"

Ethel bowed her head slightly before answering his question.

"Sorry lord Cloud but I do not know you." she whispered softly, she did not want to offend the lord.

"Well I'm not going to hurt you if that's what your worried about." His voice sounded Stern.

Just as Ethel was about to saying something her brother and mother sat either side of her while the cousins and Lady Marina sat on either side of Cloud.

The two Dukes sat over looking the vampires on the far sides of the table, while servants gathered around the table to serve the food.

The hall filled with silence, the sound of shoes quietly echoed as the servants retired to the kitchen.

....

"The Vurons and the Valairs, I'd like to thank you for joining this small banquet this fine evening. I would also like to offer as much time to you as I could possibly give whilst you stay here." Mr Leonard's voice was loud but content.

"It is us who should thank you, You have offered us a welcomed stay at your home." Mr Vuron expressed in an emphasised tone.

As the vampires started to ingest their wonderful meal the conversation continued slowly.

Whilst Mr Leonard was cutting into his roasted bore he opened his slender lips to eject another sentence.

"How long shall you been staying here for?" Duke Leonard questioned.

"They shall stay four days my love." Mrs Leonard beamed at her husband. Zylus leonard smiled at his wife before taking his goblet of blood and taking a large mouthful.

Before another word could be uttered a servant had taken a bow next to Duke Leonard's chair.

"Sir I have brought a letter, it's for you."

The servant placed out her hands with the letter laying flat, the Duke picked up the letter after placing his knife and fork on the table. He opened the envelope that had engulfed the piece of parchment that rest inside.

'Duke Zylus Leonard,

I am writing to you with urgency this evening.

I must inform you that a carriage will arrive tomorrow afternoon from our property in Ardaviar. Our children need to return home as soon as possible.

Kind regards, Mr Valair.'

"It seems your parents would like you home, they have sent a carriage that will arrive tomorrow." Mr Leonard had looked directly at the four vampires, his voice seemed calm so the vampires knew they had no reason for questions or objection.

"Marina, Klaus will you be leaving with the Valairs?"

Mr Leonard seemed curious in his question.

"No we shall not be leaving with them."

"There are memories to be made during our stay."

Mr and Mrs Vuron had answered after eachother.

"That is good news, there is much to discuss tomorrow." Duke Leonard smiled softly.

After the vampires ate their meals and finished their blood, the servants cleared the table. Mr Leonard stood up from his seat, his lips once again parted.

"Vailairs and Cloud may you follow this servant to your rooms that you will be staying in."

The servant bowed at the vampires presence.

"This way my Lords and Lady's." The servant emitted. One by one the vampires began to rise from their seats, the servant began walking out of the dining hall and across the vast corridor. They climbed the white marble stairs that the grand entrance stood in front of, as they reached the top of the endless stairs the servant halted his feet by a wooden door lined with black iron.