Don't Mind the Crows
Soft music plays as an image appears, a tranquil emerald field of grass with a golden sunrise breaking through the horizon. In the distance, waves can be heard crashing against an unseen shore, over a noise like bird’s cawing. From nowhere, the voice begins, soothing and certain.
Has modern life left you feeling overwhelmed? Drained? Defenseless? Maybe you could use a little rest and relaxation. Somewhere tranquil, serene, a place cut apart from the rest of the world, where you can truly step away from everything. Sounds too good to be true? That’s only because you’ve yet to experience the joy of Corvuston.
The shot sweeps back, catching a flock of dark birds lighting from the trees as they soar into the sky, which is shining down on an entire hamlet. Lush greenery runs from the hills into the town, a quaint little city that looks as if it was teleported out of Europe from hundreds of years ago. Past the village is a large stone building and a massive outcropping of trees, all leading to the sparkling blue waters crashing along the shore.
Yes, Corvuston. A home away from home. A place of neighbors and community. A town that still does things the old ways. It’s practically perfect, just don’t mind the crows.
The scene changes, now zoomed in on the town itself. Cobblestone streets wind through, trod upon by people who are perhaps a bit taller and lankier than one might expect, with severe eyes and pronounced noses.
Spend an entire day walking around the city square, see the handmade crafts created by our local artisans, traditions passed down for generations upon generations. When shopping leaves you famished, be sure to stop by any of Corvuston’s delectable eateries; have a sandwich at Hugin’s Heroes then pick up a tasty dessert at Four-and-Twenty Pies, all topped off by grabbing a drink at The Dark Scavenger.
The bar is in sight, a dark, imposing building with several birds perched along the huge wooden sign. The townsfolk stream in, despite the early hour, several pausing to shoot withering stares at the camera. Some drop leftovers of their breakfast onto the cobblestone streets as they enter, offerings soon picked up by the nearby crows.
As for entertainment, you’ll be wowed by our nightly offerings. Learn a trade from one of Corvuston’s many master artisans as they offer custom classes, try one of The Dark Scavenger’s famous red-wine flights, or go watch the local community production of the season. But what if you want to see more than just the town?
Once more, the camera pulls out, focusing on the greater landscape as a whole.
From Corvuston, there’s no end to the entertainment within easy reach. Take a lovely stroll out through the meadows, past the grove that you should not go into. After that you’re practically standing on the beach, where the fun really begins rolling out. Rent a chair and umbrella to lay out in the sand with, play a game of solo volleyball while frolicking amongst the surf, pick up a nearly-raw tuna cone from the local vendor. While rough currents make going too far out a bit dangerous, there’s no end to the fun available hanging on the beach.
A closeup of the shoreline shows gray, sooty sand being washed by cloudy waves. Few people dot the beach, most of those present wearing huge dark coverings or perched under large umbrellas. Only a few wear anything approaching a swimsuit, showing off their lean, lanky limbs. A tall vendor shoves a metal cart along through the sand as crows perch nearby, waiting for droppings or cast-offs. For a moment, the shot lingers on the sea, just long enough to catch flickers of shapes moving through the waves in the distance.
Once the sun has taken it’s toll, cool off by visiting the Corvuston Local History Museum. With a short walk back toward town, being sure to avoid the grove, you’re practically already there.
New shots appear, these of the stone building’s exterior slowly moving inward to show the various rooms and exhibits.
Between the air-conditioning, history, and free lemonade, you might never want to leave this little slice of educational paradise. See models of the first ships that landed on Corvuston, learn about the life of our founder: a great explorer said to be fleeing a terrible sea monster. With the models, drawings, and historical notes, it will be like you can watch our home take shape before your very eyes.
As the image of the museum fades, a new shot comes into light, this time showing the entire city just after sunset. Small lights burn throughout the town, giving mild illumination to the countless wings flying overhead.
After a long day of relaxing, head back to your room at The Blackwing for a delicious dinner and a fine night’s sleep, ready to begin exploring again in the morning. The more you learn about Corvuston, the longer you’ll want to stay. Who knows, if you get along well enough with the local community, they might just invite you out to the weekly gathering.
This time, the transition on screen is not a smooth one. Bursts of static and light flash, showing images from somewhere surrounded by trees. Thin, stalking figures move in the shadows as screaming can be heard from elsewhere, unseen. Panting fills the silence, as if the owner of the camera is running. Light appears ahead, barely visible through the bursts of static. Racing forward, the runner bursts into a small clearing. There’s too much to take in at once, figures in dark robes, black painted statues near invisible in the night, and from the other side of the woods… something huge. Only a brief glimpse of the enormous shadow, and then it’s gone, replaced by the tranquil view of the city once more.
So remember to book your trip to lovely Corvuston today. A piece of paradise, waiting for you to arrive.
Just don’t mind the crows.