Abandoned Farm

A flower farm, of course. Specifically tulips. There was some sort of fight here long ago, and now only weeds grow where once beautiful tulips bloomed. The barn is derelict and heavily worn, and some say haunted. Of course, nobody even comes out here anymore. There's no reason to - the soil cannot grow new flowers, the "haunted" barn is not popular enough to attract many daredevil kids or paranormal investigators. In fact, the whole area of the flower fields is barely used, due to weather conditions being unsuitable for any but the most hardy flowers.

Shades have recently started popping up in this area, mostly because nobody passes by to keep them out.

There seems to be a figure in the top of the old farmhouse.

A man in a white top hat and coat is wandering around... Sniffing the air?

A face appears in the window. Presumable dusting the windowsill. Presumably. His eyes never glance directly at the other man, no, not by far.

But it would be foolish to presume he wasn't paying careful attention.

The man in white steps up to the porch and knocks on the door.

And then pushes it open.

The interior of the house barely fits the idea of suitable living conditions. At least the bottom floor.

"One moment, sir." Footsteps descend the stairs.

Maphisto looks around.

A... butler? appears in the stairway. "If you will come this way, good sir, the upstairs is much more suitable for conversation."

Mephisto follows, ever so perfectly at ease.

The upstairs is pristine. A sparkling chandelier casts light down upon a shiny tile floor, and rich decadent furniture completes the room. "Have a seat. Would you care for some tea?"

The butler? pours a cup for himself and lounges across from the other man on the more opulent of the two couches. He adjusts his posture ever so slightly into one of superiority and lounging.

"It has been a very long time since another of our kind has shown up to converse with me. You see, non-vampires cannot enter through the door without my personal invitation. To what do I owe this pleasure?"

He waves his hand. "The passing of time is a trivial thing to one as old as I. I have felt several shiftings. You'll have to be more specific."

"...I had no idea."

The superiority and lounging vanish from his posture and demeanor. He looks once more like nothing more than a faithful butler.

"You were wise to seek me so soon. I must go to him at once."

Mephisto smiles. Unlike a normal vampire, every single one of his teeth are sharp and pointed.

"If you know the location of any others, perhaps they should be alerted as well."

"I see. Pity."

"Of course." Mephisto comments.

The walk becomes silent after that, all the long way to Antasma's presence.

[Months pass and the enchantment fades. Shades have taken over the farm.]