Solemn Candlelight

"The end of the corridor opened into a great elongated hall, the silent moon following me even here, and spilling across the richly carpeted floors before bouncing off mounted shields and solemn suits of armor. I hurried past these, and through an open alcove before mounting a flight of steps to another floor. Here I was encouraged by a warm golden light flooding out from beneath a nearby set of heavy wooden doors. I paused at these, listening for any telltale signs of life, or unlife as it were from the opposite side. Hearing a single set of staccato steps echoed from a tile floor, I tried the doors and found with delight that they yielded readily. I paused at the top of a grand staircase to drink in the sight of the room before me. Lofty marble walls housed a large room with inlaid tile flooring, golden ornaments and brilliant chandeliers beneath a vaulted ceiling. A large fireplace was set in the far left wall, filling the room with a soft glow and relaxing warmth. Before this fire, I saw the black outline of Ancient Blood. He had turned at my entrance, and even though his back was to the fire, his eyes still seemed to hold it's glow as he appraised me. He did not speak, yet drew to the side, gesturing that I should join him. I did so, quietly descending to the tile floor and bowing before him."