The night had just fallen, and Hawke Manor was enveloped in a glow of flickering decorative lights. The warm light made the snow-blanketed castle resemble a crystal palace out of a fairy tale.
The gates stood open, and a stream of cars and bustling crowds flowed in and out, filled with laughter. Every smiling face belonged to ordinary people, none dressed as the high society elite. This was the first time in hundreds of years that Hawke Manor had opened its doors to commoners, or rather, hosted them...
Any commoner from within a hundred miles of Hawke Manor could attend this year's Christmas celebration here, where food and drink were free as long as you offered a blessing to the manor's host. The hall was filled with delicious cakes, rich wine, various hot soups and dishes, and a dance floor for people to enjoy themselves...
