--- In TheGothHouse@yahoogroups.com, "Jennifer Hallam"
<jennifer@h...> wrote:
> For auld lang syne, my dear,
> For auld lang syne.
> We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
> For auld lang syne."
--------------------------------------------------------

The Ravenlord halted his movement up the stairs and cocked his head
to the side.

*Do you hear that?* he asked John, who had been following the
Nightmare to Zophiel's study. John paused and listened.

"Sounds like `Auld Lang Syne'," he replied.

*Indeed ...* the Ravenlord whispered. A curious expression flickered
across his face. *John, you must excuse me ... My business with the
angel will have to wait ... If you wish, please continue without
me ...* Without another word the Ravenlord slid through a lingering
shadow, leaving John alone on the stairs with a confused bearing.

Moments later, the Ravenlord emerged from a shadow beside the Tarot
Tapestry, much to the shock of the revelers there. Sebastian and
Alice jumped back through Cassandra – who quickly floated away
from
the Nightmare's sudden arrival – while Anpu took a slow,
cautious
step away from the Ravenlord. Though his face never belied what was
in his soul, Anpu shared the unease that was clear on the expressions
of his companions. The Ravenlord took in the scene, leveling is
burning eye on each in their turn, at the last coming to rest on the
cake with three burning candles.

*What is this here?* The Ravenlord spoke to each of them in the dark
recesses of their minds.

Anpu answered, "That is a cake."

"We're celebrating our anniversary," cut in Cassandra,
feeling the
electric sensation of irritation from the Ravenlord. He turned to
regard the ghost.

*Anniversary?* came the question.

"The Goth House. `Tis the third anniversary of its
existence, it is,
as we're knowin' it," said Cassandra. The Ravenlord
looked back to
the small cake.

*Anniversary ...* he whispered to himself, staring at the dancing
candle flames. Several silent minutes passed this way, as each of
the revelers – save Anpu – took turns stealing furtive
glances at one
another. Finally, the Ravenlord turned, slid past them, and flowed
with his shadows through the door that led to the main hall.
Sebastian shook his head.

"I will never get used to him," he whispered, with a shudder.
Alice
nodded in agreement. Cassandra glided to Anpu, who had been staring
at the space where the Ravenlord had been.

"Did you see it?" Anpu whispered to her.

"See what?"

"The Ravenlord was standing in front of the Tapestry."

Cassandra looked to the Tarot Tapestry. It was dark, showing no
image.

"No, I saw nothing," Cassandra replied. Anpu turned to her,
and she
floated a space back, hand at her mouth. His face held his usual
stoic expression, but his eyes revealed that he had seen a vision of
utter, indescribable horror.

"Thank whatever gods you pray to that you did not," he
whispered.
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Within the main hall, Winter looked up from his inventory to see the
Ravenlord seated at the end of the Altar Bar. He put down his
parchment and quill and made his way to the Nightmare. The Ravenlord
stared down at the polished wood of the bar for a long time, the
red glow of his eye reflecting back on his ghostly face. Then he
lifted his gaze to meet the even and patient eyes of the frosty
bartender.

*Winter, may I have a draught of my usual libation?* asked the
Ravenlord. *I feel that you will find it to be the last ... I
don't want you to order more ... I feel there will be no
need ...* He paused, then added *Also, may I tell you something?*


Poe