The cars pulled into a long gravel driveway, the rain finally beginning to lighten as they rolled to a stop.
The house emerged through the mist like something grown from the earth itself, built of warm honey-colored stone with a steep roof of dark cedar shingles and wide eaves that overhung the walls.
The windows were tall and arched, glowing with soft golden light from within, and a covered porch wrapped around the front, supported by rough-hewn wooden posts.
A swing hung from iron chains, and pots of herbs lined the steps, their leaves still wet from the rain. Smoke curled lazily from a stone chimney, carrying the scent of burning wood into the damp air.
The gravel crunched under the tires as Jason parked the car and jumped out, grinning despite the drizzle still falling on his shoulders and hair.
"Welcome to my humble abode!" he announced, spreading his arms wide like he was presenting a palace.
