Upon reaching the top of the lamplit Grand Staircase, they parted to go to their respective bedrooms: Giles to the right and Eli to the left. The moon, a silver sickle, illuminated the way. Its crescent winked through a corridor window as if conspiring with the snowflakes outside. Through the tall, arched, stone-framed windows, Eli studied the world beyond—a monochrome tapestry of snowflakes, each one a whispered promise.

As she stood gazing out, snow fell steadily, a celestial choreography. Each flake pirouetted, kissed by moonlight, before settling on the ground. The Castle Gardens, a canvas of white, awaiting new footsteps to write their stories.

Eli's breath misted the window's glass as she pressed her palm against it. The cold barely seeped through, thanks to the surge of warmth coursing through her veins—from her core, radiating outward. His profile, the strong jawline, and the curve of his lips burned bright in her memory. She wondered what lay beyond this moment—what adventures, what mysteries. The Castle held both answers and questions, its corridors winding like the paths of fate.

Memories of her first meeting with Giles flooded her mind. Eli had heard of Giles long before their paths crossed. Sylvie, her partner, often spoke of him—painting a vivid picture of a man who straddled the worlds of business and fine wines. Jeremy, Sylvie's boyfriend and a close friend of Giles, had shared tales of their adventures together. But Eli had yet to meet him in person.

As Giles stepped into their advertising agency's Chelsea office, the surroundings faded away, leaving only the two of them. His presence demanded attention. His face was a marvel of angles: a strong jawline and high cheekbones combined with an enigmatic smile. Lines etched his features, revealing a life well-lived. Eli's focus narrowed as she inhaled his scent—the unforgettable fragrance of his cologne—a symphony of sensual notes. Verbena lay at its heart, harmoniously blended with bergamot, lavender, lemon, orange, rosemary, and ylang-ylang. And then there was the sudden warmth of his smile and the intensity in his pale blue eyes. As he extended his hand, a gentle but firm touch sent an unexpected electric shock through her body.

He stood there, 6 feet 2 inches tall—older, wiser, and just out of her grasp. His glacial blue eyes, sharp and assessing, held stories—ones she yearned to unravel. The creases around his eyes hinted at wisdom earned through life's trials, while the scar on his left cheek whispered of secrets buried deep. What secrets did he keep? What adventures had he seen?

His voice, like whiskey and silk, wove tales of vineyards kissed by sun and rain, of forgotten grape varietals and elusive blends waiting to be rediscovered. It was low, intimate, and sent shivers down her spine. She hung on every syllable, lost in the cadence of his words. But when he was gone, she felt the ache—a hollow space where he once stood. Yet, she knew she should not feel this way.

Could she let go of her own aversion to all men—the deep scars left by her father's cruelty—and embrace this unexpected attraction? As Giles withdrew his hand, Eli's pulse raced. Intuition whispered that this tall, supremely confident, captivating man, his neatly combed black hair parted to the side, was destined to become more than just a client. The contrast between his dark hair and pale blue eyes created an intriguing combination.

Quote from: Papyrus on Yesterday at 12:13:10 PMLook, folks, it's almost the end of the month and the donations pot is still nearly half empty! Have a rummage down the backs of your sofas for a bit of loose change so that @Tank doesn't have to borrow off his missus again!

Cheers,

Chris

Thanks for the reminder, found a bit down the back of the sofa, grandkids must have missed it last time they were round.

Been racking my brains on this one for a while.

All I can really come up with that would have me throwing fistfuls of cash is a 442.

Quote from: Beach Halt on April 27, 2024, 03:21:56 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E-ga4mb9TU

Who is old enough to remember this? I was a bit young to appreciate the show, but I loved the intro music and film. 

AH, remember it well!

GE

Hi

Locomotive : Class 76
Coach : Mk1 RKB
Wagon : Petroleum Coke Hopper

Cheers

Paul

Personally I think most bands sound better live, especially if you're there. I love live music but ask me what my favourite gig was and I would be struggling. It would range from Hawkwind at Stonehenge to Bowie at MK Bowl with everything in between including Quireboys, Slade, Sammy Hagar, Toyah, Motorhead, Saxon, Magnum, The Hoax, Ruzz Guitar, Aussie Floyd (as I never saw proper Floyd), UFO, U2, Chicken Shack, Skinny Molly, Jon Amor, All Floyd (again because etc....) and many many more at various venues. And that doesn't include festivals either which would be another long list 

Quote from: Newportnobby on April 27, 2024, 03:27:08 PMBit before my time
(But only just..........)

Really? I'm sure someone is being a little economical with the truth here 

From a (potential) layout point of view, there is little that I would need/like that hasn't been done for one set in the Scottish Highlands in the 80s. Still, there's always rule one....

Layout based:
Loco: As mentioned upthread a Red Stripe 47 with ScotRail branding. Although I have an old GF 47487 as a donor test for having a go myself.
Coach: Anything with ScotRail branding in either B/G, ScotRail blue stripe or the later version thats not been done.
Wagon: Without doubt the OTA

Rule One:
Loco: I suppose Rapido might get to it eventually but I'd have 97403 Ixion (Class 46)
Coach: Dapol Gresley buffet in B/G even though it wouldn't be totally correct.
Wagon: don't know...

Thanks for posting John @Trainfish , The Hoax sound better live than in the studio by the looks and sounds of things! Innes Sibun ain't bad either.

Cheers,

Tim

Good lord, no! I begrudgingly watch videos in landscape mode, not browsing that way!

Was a general comment though, that it's out of site for everyone browsing on mobile.