We came to a flat, fenced-in yard. Our steps slowed as we caught the sound of faint music drifting in and out with the shifting breeze. The lawn had a stark emptiness. No trees or bushes softened the landscape, just a small, toy castle sitting alone in the middle. Its open windows were curtained with fog, but the extended drawbridge and raised portcullis presented a silent invitation.

We paused and leaned on the fence. Cold air sped over the yard along the snow moon’s silver path. The breeze rippled through the blades of grass and blew up to the castle steps, scattering the mist. Inside the stone walls, colors and shadows danced on a marble floor. Willowy figures wreathed in flowing phosphorescent costumes whirled around their stately partners. Together they glided through intricate patterns, their feet rapping a soft counterpart to the music. Elaborate masks in the shape of butterflies and bumblebees hid their faces.

On a raised dais, a tiger lily lay on its side. Its petals formed a canopy over two figures with hands clasped. They leaned their heads together and shared whispered secrets. She tilted her head and her hair drifted in the air like seaweed on a lake’s surface. It settled loosely on her shoulders, hiding her face. The silky strands mingled with his dark hair. The bodice of her gown was interlaced with creamy down feathers that fluttered with her every breath.

His gray tunic had a raised collar and sleeves that billowed as he slipped one arm around her waist. Charcoal black pants were neatly tucked into his knee-high boots. They walked down along one of the flower petals. Her white gossamer gown cascaded to her ankles in ruffles of shimmering opalescence. Green sandals covered her tiny feet. As she pranced down the petal, her foot slipped on the flower’s waxy surface. They swayed, almost tumbling, then ran the last few steps to the marble floor.

Laughter tinkled like sleigh bells as the dancers spread out and formed a circle around the couple. The two figures whirled in the center as the noise of tapping feet in the circle grew. The reverberation overpowered the music and became a throbbing rhythm of toes and heels in complex patterns. A shadow spread across the yard as a cloud crept over the moon. The dancers swept round and round in a blur of rippling color and sound. It built to a crescendo and stopped suddenly as the castle was plunged into darkness.

The only sound was my rapid breathing. The moon reappeared, revealing only an empty yard and the toy castle. Air passing through the open windows stirred the wilted flower that lay inside. A dog barked in the distance. Muffled voices called to one another as the world awoke. A door closed. A car engine started. Cool air and a feathery softness tickled my face, and I brushed my cheek. My fingers were cold, but the chill was gone from the morning.

http://www.hearstcastle.org

For virtual tour (broadband recommended) http://www.hearstcastle.org/vr/castle/HearstCastle/index.html