The sound of trotting hooves was lost into the dense forest as the carriage finally pulled in front of a grand gothic manor. As soon as Edgar paid and stepped off, the driver sped off, already creeped out. With a heavy sigh, the poet wrapped his coat around himself and approached the grand mahogany doors. Just above, a stone creature loomed like a guardian, warding off whoever dared to disturb the owner. Edgar admired the gargoyle for a moment, before a gust of cold wind reminded him of his destination.

The next few months were spent accommodating himself. The manor was enormous, but well furnished and welcoming. He enjoyed the solitude the forest brought. Sometimes he'd sit under the gargoyle and read his poems out loud for the trees to hear, for the crows to caw to, and for the stone guardian to keep. Thus, high was his surprise when one day, it responded.