A mansion stands upon the hill
Music plays within its walls
The light that issues from its windows
Belies the darkness of its halls.

The dancers in the ballroom
Their brightest clothes display
While above them, in the attic,
Corruption bides its day.

The young ones gaily flirt
And think of naught but love,
While a hatred that is old
Sends its tendrils from above.

They do not know its presence.
But its slow and subtle crawl,
Sends slivers of ice into their hearts,
And darkens the minds of all.

Dance and sing my lovelies
Steal a kiss - be bright and bold
Play your tunes and tell your jokes
While the evil takes its hold.

Let the colours pale to grey
Let the songs become a dirge
Let the dance be a funeral march
As youth and darkness merge.

A mansion stands upon the hill,
Darkness reigning within its walls,
Where pale shadows perform grotesquely
And dance at spectral balls.


Penned by my hand on the 8th of Aeguary, in the year 399 AF.