Scene 3: The Ceremony

"I think we were meant to ask the caretaker for more information," Claire reminds Alexander of what they had talked about before his fit. "And there is the matter of that poor girl in the village, but hopefully my brother is taking care of that."

Alexander follows.

On the way to the Manor, both of you notice the tree, the old tree that has been dead in the Manor's yard for as long as you can remember. But this time, you get a very odd feeling about it....

"The ashes for my Rose," Claire mutters quietly, then blinks in surprise at her own words. Louder, she repeats, "The ashes for my Rose. What does that mean?"
She also steps away from the evil, cursed tree. There is sweat on her forehead as she looks both scared and exhausted. "That tree is evil," she says, hoping her family don't declare her mad for it on the spot.

Alexander gives his cousin some time to gather her thoughts before replying. "The tree is undoubtedly part of this blasted curse. It does look like a person could fit through that maw, though. Who or what comes in or out of this thing?"

Nathaniel was about to state that a tree can't be good or evil, until he remembered where he was and all that had happened to the family recently. "So are we waiting to see what emerges from the tree, or sending in someone to investigate?" He looks around for a bit before asking "Where did that cat go?"

Alexander decides to act impulsively and check the (apparently) evil tree. Claire and Nathaniel wonder about what this strange feeling could be. After aawhile, they both realize Alexander is taking his time with the tree... maybe a bit too much time...

"Claire!" Alexander shouts. The tree roots muffle the sound somewhat, but it sounds less like a cry for help and more like a cry of recognition.