It is a clear spring day, and you are out on the gardens. The sun shines on the trees, their tender young leaves taking in the light. Flowers and neatly trimmed bushes line the footpath. Here and there butterflies flutter, alighting on oleanders and delphiniums.
The beauty of the day does little to dispel the gloom across the demesne. You are the sole heir to Cairnshade Manor, and your parents are ailing, withering away in their beds. They left you with nearly nothing besides this estate. Your finances are dire. Former allies have become elusive. The Shades that plague your lands have become more and more numerous, causing servants to quit and supply runs to trickle down to a near stop.
Thankfully, there's Charles. He's the head gardener, though recently he's been taking on more responsibilities.
As you walk through the gardens you see him, holding a pair of pruning shears as he tends to the bushes. Even when doing such menial work, he looks elegant. His wavy blonde hair falls over his blue eyes; he brushes it back. As he does so, his gaze meet yours. He gives you a cordial smile and bows his head in respect.
A perfect servant's greeting to the sole heir of Cairnshade Manor. [](#'Charles is very discreet. Despite his hatred of du, he will act within a servant's bounds.')
