Callum was silent for a moment.? "You can view it safely enough from the outside, I think. But I would'na advise going into it, especially not by yourself.? It is a fell, ill-omened place, a taint that casts an evil shadow over the entire estate." ?

He seemed relieved when Scheherezade turned her attention to the ruins he'd suggested.? The touch of her arm on his, while immensely pleasing, was still strange.? A puzzlement. His only thought was that it was yet another sign that his beloved Arowyn had somehow returned to him in the body of this American, and it was because of that that he could touch her and she him.

"It was a different place, then," Callum went on as they resumed walking.? "The castle was the center of life in the county, both economic life and social life. As a result, many social gatherings were held here, making the castle hum with life."? It was only a short walk to where the ruins lay next to the noisy little stream that ran across the estate.? "And as I said, this place was a favorite for young courting couples to sneak away to, out of sight of their elders but close enough to hear if someone was calling for them.? Ah've often wondered how many betrothals were cemented here." He grinned impishly as he added "And how many first-borns were conceived here as a result."

?- Scheherezade -

As she walked Scheherazade thought?It still seemed odd to her that everyone was stressing just how much she should stay away from the tower. She didn’t want to be one of those folks but she was definitely curious. That would be something she would have to consider another time because the beauty and majesty of where they now stood was captivating.