Welcome to Gaia! ::

::And honestly? Who doesnt love pie? Or cake...or sugary sweets as far as the nose can smell, beckoning one to travel down a dark and creaky stairway. A few steps farther even revealed a faint musical accompaniment, it was a simple piano playing its tiny keys out to a rather upbeat and peaceful tune.

It was as if someone was rolling out a red a carpet for a guest that hadnt even been announced, met, or introduced yet!

Was it to be trusted? Was it a sneaky trap? Or was it just a really lucky set of circumstances afflicting a really dark area?

As the music grew louder, and the steps echoed deeper, presumably as they entered a bigger cavern....no one seemed to know.::

The reply to his call was an awareness of the fact that there was music being played from somewhere in a lower level of the lighthouse. As he approached teh shadey threshold the music became more audible and clear. Despite the darkness, the sailor took the first creaky step down a series of creaky steps making up the stairs.

No matter what they say, we all live for the thrill of adventure.

::Walter was actually quite speechless. There as just an awkward silence in which he came to accept things the way they were, and realized he had no sway over them. His adventuring days were far from over, he'd seem enough millenia go by to know that things live, things die, events do as they will do and have always done. He....was a butler. And after a deep breath, he let out something of a long sigh and simply said.::

I suppose I should prepare breakfast...would you perhaps care for a meal to match that thirst?

Of course. Right this way Sir.

::Formalities, formalities, without them man is nothing more than a brute. And Walter was no brute. He politely bowed, and set off toward the breakfast dining area. To a visitor the halls likely seemed like a veritable labrynth of matching halls and copy cat doors, but in his many years of servitude Walter had come to know the place by heart. A crack in the cieling here, a scrape in the wood there...these things were as outstanding as a glowing light might have been in this dark dank cave. Alas, it was a few minutes trip to the breakfast hall, and friendly banter was always welcome.::

Thank you Sir.

::Walter said with the warmest tone, and an honest smile.::

In my youth I was plagued by something of a temper and a violent streak, I like to believe these simple tasks and responsibilities give me a better place to expend my energy.

::He paused for a moment, unlocking a set of double doors so that they may continue.::

And you Sir? I hardly believe you've spent your entire life in meditation. Where do you hail from?

Really?

::Amazing, how the man still carried that cheery voice and didnt seem even the slightest bit put off by that comment. Likely because to him Hell was a foriegn concept, and not being even slightly of a Christian religion, he had no idea what it was like. It was the "with fire, ash, and demons", that got the point across.::

Interesting, I guess you could say I hail from a similar sort of place, though it'd been abandoned by our captor millenia ago. Most odd though, excuse my ignorance, but I would assume someone from such a place would appear more...monstrous. Perhaps with horns, and brimestone breath, and horrible manners. But dare I say you've been a wonderful guest. I'd imagine that if you found what you were looking for, you'll be heading back?

::At last, another set of double doors was open leading to an extravagant dinner hall. Only of course this was not the dinner hall, but the breakfast hall. This was not to be confused with the lunch hall, or the dinner hall as it was its own room in which only breakfast was served. A large set of windows on the far opposite side of the room gave a few to the...stone walls of the inner cave. That was of course the reason why Walter would pull out a seat at the foot of the table for Joshua, and, then close each of the curtains covering the horribly bland view.

The room itself was far from bland, decorations and priceless antiques were placed all around, and of course each was spotless. Walter had alot of free time...

After making sure his guest was seated he made his way over a nearby table, he placed a few choice herbs inside a teapot, and a teabag, as well as some water. And as he made his way to his guest with his hand on the underside of the pot, he heated it.

He would of course place a clean teacup in front of Joshua, and then serve the steaming tea while politely asking...::

Cream or Sugar?

I see. Then your lucky, and old friend used to say the strongest demons are the ones that manage to look human. I've never had the opportunity to prove the face either way.

::A simple nod and a "Hmmm." was all Walter had to say at first. Until of course he brought the delicate porcelain bowl of sugar with its tiny lid, and a teaspoon.::

I understand how that can be, rest assured your welcome to stay as long a you like. This house is dreadfully large for just one occupant. And I do enjoy a pleasant conversation to liven up the day.

::He gently opened the sugar lid and readied the spoon.::

One lump or two?

::He'd of course wait for an answer and serve the exact desired amount be it one lump, two, or the whole bowl.::

I believe the answer to that question decides upon your definition of family. I was once a living breathing being, such as yourself, until I passed on and was sent to the Shadow Ream. I had family, but I would imagine that they are quiet lost to the millenia that have passed since then. I doubt any even know I was ever born, or that I shall ever see home again.

::Walter wasnt saddened by this, he simply put the sugar, and the pot on a silver patter in the center of the table, and slid the platter closer to Joshua. He had the same smile, and the same friendly tone. The previously mentioned fact was something he had come to grips with ages ago.::

Now do you have any particular dishes you'd like me to prepare, favorites perhaps?

::And Walter respectfully nodded and placed a standard two lumps into the tea, and stirred it then gently set the spoon on a napkin beside the teacup, and placed a lid on it. It was ready for whenever Joshua was ready to consume it but Walter of course, was ever formal.::



Hmm...Interesting view...

::Walter quite honestly pondered that for a moment. While he knew this place was his home, he thought of the statement on a grander scale. This world, this island, this cave....they were all knew. He had set himself in the understanding that this house was his job, his honor and duty, and a place to expend his negative energy. He never really thought of it as more than that. But Joshua had given him an interesting view point at which to relook at his life.::

I will have to remember that, thats a surprisingly warm philosphy from a species usually know for being the evilest...How is it?

::He was of course speaking of the tea at the end.::



::Walter laughed just a bit as the rather simple, yet honest sentiment and simply said.::

Of course, as you wish.

::And made his way into the kitchen, through another set of double doors. It would only take a few moments for the sound of pots and pans clanging, forks hitting plates, and a medly of scents to pour through. Eggs, yes, meat, yes, but also baked goods and pancakes and the like. Lets not forget fruit juices, and the many forms in which eggs can be cooked. It wasnt often that Walter had guests, but just in case he did cook 3 full meals a day. Those daily shipments of supplies were never put to waste. But even with his speed, you cannot rush greatness, it would be a few minutes before the meal was done.::