A Cold Hearth

Good heavens! Don't startle me like that- I thought you were the ghost! Oh, wait... you're not part of the staff! *Ahem* Excuse my manners, it's been awhile since we've had guests here. May I assist you? My name is Edmunds. I have been the butler of the Prendergast Estate ever since Master Prendergast acquired this house.\r\n\r\nL0What ghost were you talking about?l

Things have not been the same in this house since-- No matter... There is no ghost, just some hogwash that's been circling among the household staff since... since the recent tragedy that befell us. What happened, you ask? It... it is not something we discuss with strangers. But perhaps... I have been in a bit of a bind with the recent desertion of several members of our staff. Many things still need to be done, now with fewer hands, so I require a bit of assistance...\r\n\r\nL0No problemo, I'm here to help. But first, maybe you can tell me a bit more about this place.l\r\nL1No thanks! I'm here to explore, not to do chores.l

Wonderful... an extra pair of hands! If you help me with some tasks, I'll do my best to enlighten you about this place.

As I mentioned, this home belongs to Jonas Prendergast, the premier toy maker in Masteria, and perhaps all of the Maple World! Master Prendergast makes all of his wonderful toys right here, in his Workshop at the top of this house. You have heard of the Prendergast Toy Company, haven't you? No?!

Service is a noble calling, my young friend. Perhaps you should look into acquiring more maturity before you return here.

Wonderful! The chill was beginning to make my joints ache! Now we can get these fireplaces going again. So many of them in this house. But first things first, I haven't forgotten my end. Come back and ask me what you wish, I shall do my best to enlighten you.\r\n\r\nL0Can you tell me about the layout of the Mansion?l

Certainly. You are currently standing in the Foyer. The Library is at the other end of the house. You can reach that by going through a series of rooms and hallways from here. Master Prendergast's Toy Workshop is at the very top of this mansion but it's only accessible through the doors at the top of the Library.\r\n\r\nL0Ok. Thanks for pointing out the way. Anything else I should know?l

Do be careful, the house is large and can be a bit confusing to navigate. And one more thing... In addition to the noises, I've been noticing some very odd things... What odd things? I don't know how to explain it exactly. Some of the rooms simply don't feel right anymore. I've been tending to this house for decades, but somehow, it feels a bit different... almost as if the rooms are moving around on me. Must be the time of year.\r\n\r\nL0Is there anyone else in the house?l

As I mentioned previously, most - or dare I say, all - of our household staff have left unexpectedly, complaining about strange noises and... um... sightings. Who do you want to know about?\r\n\r\nL0What can you tell me about the lady in the picture?l

That's Lady Ludmilla. You will likely find her in one of the bedrooms. That woman assumes that everyone is here to serve her whims!\r\n\r\nL0How about the man in the center portrait?l

Ah, that's Master Prendergast. As for him, he is presently... busy. He has sequestered himself in his Workshop at the top of the Mansion. Please do not disturb him.\r\n\r\nL0Ok. Thanks for the info.l

Thank you once again for lending a hand. It has been difficult to maintain this house by myself. Here is your reward. It's a little concoction I cooked up... helps me get through the days I'm feeling a little ill and overworked.

Now I must go tend to my next task... apparently Ludmilla wants me to sweep out the Chimney. Of all things! Especially after what happened to Miss Sophilia! The woman never runs out of thankless tasks for me to perform!