The foyer of Blake manor was first an antechamber with six slender columns supporting the ceiling. Two closets on either side were intended for servants to emerge and take both luggage and traveling garments from guests and store them out of sight until their need or departure.
Beyond this small room and wide door led around the backside of the grand staircase to the upper floors. It was a defensive design, calling back to a time where violence had dictated the lives of the people of Namyvya, down to their architecture.
A great brass chandelier hung from three chains to illuminate the walls, paneled with heavy dark wood, stained nearly black from soot near the ceilings. Two sets of double doors across from the stairs stood closed to hold heat from the sitting room by the grand fireplace. Here lay a thin, worn rug, its design grey with age and edges singed by lively coals.
It was in the corner of this room I played as a child. There was still a scorch under one of the tables where I once left a lamp burning.