Return To Maple Manor: An Enchanted Sleep Story

Embark on a whimsical journey to Maple Manor in tonight's magical adventure. Your trip begins with a vintage train ride through the countryside. Then, with the help of an enchanted map, you’ll travel through a mystical portal to a hidden bed and breakfast, filled with ancient secrets and mystical wonders.

Your luxurious suite awaits, complete with a private balcony overlooking lush gardens. There, you’ll drift off to sleep, listening to the crackling fireplace, surrounded by the delightful enchantments of Maple Manor.

Tonight’s tale builds upon our ‘Relic Seeker’ sleep story. But don’t worry, if you haven’t listened, you can enjoy this one on its own.

Image by: the1willy on Pixabay
Train sound effect by Pixabay
Fireplace sound effect by SoundsForYou on Pixabay

Transcript

Embark on a whimsical journey to Maple Manor,

In tonight's magical adventure.

Your journey begins with a vintage train ride through the countryside.

Then,

With the help of an enchanted map,

You'll travel through a mystical portal to a hidden bed and breakfast filled with ancient secrets and mystical wonders.

There,

You'll drift off to sleep,

Surrounded by the serene beauty and delightful enchantments of Maple Manor.

Tonight's tale builds upon our Relic Seeker story,

But don't worry,

If you haven't listened,

You can enjoy this one on its own.

The Haven Shop is a fantasy bedtime story series that will reconnect you with your inner magic as you dwell in the sacred space between waking and sleep.

My name is Andrea,

And I am deeply honored to be part of your sacred bedtime ritual.

Welcome to another magical evening.

Tonight,

Let's leave behind the bustle of the day,

And step into a private world of enchantment and tranquility.

Find your most comfortable spot in bed,

And let your body relax.

Close your eyes,

And take a deep breath in,

Filling your lungs with calmness.

As you exhale,

Release any tension,

Letting it melt away like snow under the warm sun.

Feel the weight of your body sinking into the softness beneath you.

Inhale the soothing essence of peace,

And exhale any heaviness.

Set an intention to be open to the surprises and delights of your dream world.

From here on,

The only thing you need to do is relax and enjoy tonight's story.

The gentle sound of wind chimes announces your arrival.

As you enter the enchanted shop,

You are greeted by the welcoming aroma of burning herbs and essential oils.

Today's blend smells like cinnamon and fresh oranges.

The familiar wave of carefree relaxation washes over you the instant you cross the threshold.

The Sister Witches have never admitted it,

But you suspect a magical spell is at play.

You find it nearly impossible to recall any troublesome thoughts when you're in this space.

The Haven Shop is a treasure trove of magical and medicinal items.

There's always a newly acquired relic or enchanted potion to discover.

As you meander through the various items for sale,

You pause to admire a display of crystals.

The sunlight shining through the bay window makes them sparkle,

Casting a kaleidoscope of colors on the walls.

Small,

Handwritten signs denote their names and purposes.

Yellow Citrine.

Harness its energy for prosperity.

Attracts abundance,

Success,

And joy.

Red Jasper.

Hold in your palm to commune with nature and ground your energy.

Malachite.

Guardian of travelers.

Carry with you to ensure a pleasant journey.

How perfect.

A smile crosses your face as you run your fingers over the collection of green stones.

Intuitively,

You select one.

You always find just what you need here,

Even if you don't know what that is until you see it.

You overhear a conversation between a mother and daughter as they peruse the display of healing body mists nearby.

Their movements are slow and serene.

A clear sign that they've just emerged from one of Aurora's Reiki healing sessions.

With glowing,

Peaceful faces,

The ladies exchange reactions to the spirits who came through to offer guidance and healing.

The mother gently taps a bottle labeled Heart Chakra,

And they both nod in silent agreement,

Reaching for it in unison.

Their contentment is contagious,

And it reminds you that you've been meaning to book a session with the Healing Witch.

You are long overdue,

But today,

You're here to prepare for your trip to the Maple Manor Bed and Breakfast.

You've been there once before,

After a serendipitous conversation with Jadus and Aurora.

The Sweet Witches shared the secret of their family home with you,

After sensing your need for a restorative getaway.

The Maple Manor is the perfect escape when you need to slow down,

Catch your breath,

And reconnect with your inner magic.

Not to mention,

You made fast friends with the shopkeeper siblings,

Deirdre and Ambrose.

They gifted you with a whispering map to help you find your way back.

The enchanted tool reveals pathways to hidden places,

Such as the Manor,

But you have some questions on how to use it.

You approach the front counter and take your place in line behind the mother and daughter you saw earlier.

They are happily chatting away with Jadus,

The Nature Witch,

Who rings up their items and places them into a handled paper bag.

She adds a few extra goodies from behind the counter as a special thank you for their loyal patronage.

With heartfelt thanks and promises to return soon,

The pair turns to leave.

With their newfound treasures,

Jadus gives you a warm smile as you approach the polished wooden counter.

Hello,

Sweet friend.

Today is the day you embark on your journey to Maple Manor,

Isn't it?

I wish I was joining you.

Give my brother a squeeze from me,

Won't you?

You happily agree and pull the whispering map from your bag.

As you unroll it,

Its surface busily arranges itself in a mesmerizing array of lines and swirling patterns.

Words and landmarks shift and change as if guided by an unseen hand.

The map fills the air with subtle whispers that reveal secrets and hidden treasures in a flurry of hushed tones,

Making them impossible to make out.

It's rather overwhelming.

Jadus turns her attention to the sitting area by the fireplace where Aurora is chatting with guests.

Intuitively,

The healing witch meets her sister's gaze,

Excuses herself from the conversation,

And makes her way over to you.

You could swear you catch a slight glow illuminated around both witches as they share this unspoken conversation.

Aurora gracefully approaches and stands next to her sister.

You can see the family resemblance.

With their full attention,

You begin to explain your struggles in deciphering the symbols on the map,

And question its ever-changing form.

Aurora explains that the map shows only destinations and pathways of the magical kind.

She spreads the map flat on the counter.

Quiet now,

She commands,

And the whispers come to an abrupt halt.

When you disembark the train,

You will be here.

She points a ringed finger to a location not far from the illuminated spot,

Labeled Maple Manor.

Once you've made it that far,

The map will display the nearest available portal to transport you the rest of the way.

You find her cavalier reference to this magical form of travel amusing,

And let out a delighted giggle.

Jadus adds on,

The portals are imbued with an enchantment to keep the routes in constant flux.

These protective spells conceal our travel system from the untrained eye to avoid accidental discovery.

You'll find your way with no trouble at all.

But to put your mind at ease,

Take this key.

She produces a shiny brass skeleton key from her pocket,

And presses it into your hand.

Its magic will transport you back to the shop,

No matter where you are,

Should you wish to return.

Between this key,

And that lovely piece of malachite you've selected,

You're in for a perfectly smooth journey.

You accept the key gratefully,

Tucking it away in your backpack,

Along with the map.

You attempt to pay for the crystal,

But the sister witches wave away your payment,

Insisting you accept it as a gift.

Together,

The three of you walk to the door,

Where you exchange hugs and well-wishes,

Before you set off to the train station.

It's a beautiful day,

And you arrive at the station on time.

As you board the vintage train car,

A wave of excitement rises up in your belly.

The moment you step inside,

You're enveloped by an aura of timeless elegance that makes you feel as though you've traveled back in time.

The polished,

Dark wood panels,

And the rich,

Velvet seats,

Exude luxury and refinement,

Transporting you to an era where train travel was a grand affair.

The gentle hum of the engine,

And soft clinking of china,

From the adjoining dining car,

Create a delightfully soothing rhythm.

Ornate,

Brass fixtures gleam in the sunlight,

That casts a warm glow over the plush interior.

Delicate,

Lace curtains frame the expansive windows,

Which flutter slightly,

As the train begins to move.

As you settle into your seat,

You take a deep breath,

Savoring the faint scent of polished wood,

And fresh linens.

The upholstery of the train,

Is sumptuously soft,

Inviting you to sit back and relax.

The conductor's friendly smile,

And tip of his hat,

As he checks your ticket,

Add a pinch of freshness to your day.

The conductor's friendly smile,

And tip of his hat,

As he checks your ticket,

Add a personal touch to the already charming experience.

The train begins to roll out of the station,

And you gaze out the window,

Watching as the bustling platform gradually fades into the distance.

The world outside transforms into a picturesque landscape,

Rolling hills dotted with wildflowers,

Quaint cottages,

And expansive meadows,

Stretching out under the bright blue sky,

All pass by in a mesmerizing panorama,

The perfect backdrop for your adventure.

The gentle clatter of the train on the tracks lulls you into a peaceful state.

As it picks up speed,

The scenery outside the window becomes a blur of vibrant colors.

You spot a herd of deer grazing near a sparkling brook.

Their movements are graceful and carefree.

The sunlight dances on the water,

Creating sparkling reflections that captivate your gaze.

With every mile,

You feel yourself drifting further from the ordinary world,

And deeper into the enchanting realm that awaits you at Maple Manor.

The anticipation builds as you imagine the warm welcome from Ambrose,

The caretaker of this hidden gem.

You arrive at your destination almost too quickly.

You were enjoying the ride so much.

As you disembark,

The charming little train station welcomes you with its vintage architecture and warm ambience.

Passengers disperse in all directions,

Some beginning their own adventures,

Others eager to return home.

You scan the area,

Looking for a discrete location to open your map.

Your eyes settle on a grassy area nestled between tall trees with a picnic table nearby.

A perfect spot to plan your next steps.

You remove your pack and spread out the whispering map on the table.

You can still barely believe that you are in possession of such a wondrous treasure.

The beautifully crafted parchment,

With delicate edges and intricate borders,

Begins to come to life before your eyes.

Tiny,

Luminescent symbols dance across its surface,

Tracing the pathways and marking magical points of interest.

Your current location is highlighted,

And you feel a surge of relief and renewed excitement as you study the map,

Searching for markings that might guide you to the closest portal.

Suddenly,

A shimmering line appears,

Tracing a path toward the edge of the map.

Where a small,

Intricate symbol,

Resembling a maple leaf,

Is nestled amidst the swirling patterns.

As you lean in closer,

The map begins to whisper softly,

The delicate voice almost musical.

Follow the path down the country lane,

Where wild flowers bloom in sun and rain.

Seek the old oak,

Strong and grand,

Bearing a maple leaf carved by hand.

Beneath its shade,

Your journey starts.

Find the portal to Maple Manor's heart.

With the directions clear in your mind,

You carefully fold the map and tuck it back into your pack.

A sense of adventure courses through you as you set off toward the country lane.

The air is filled with the sweet scent of flowers,

And the gentle hum of bees buzzing nearby.

The tall grasses that sway in the wind create a natural path that seems to beckon you onward.

You enjoy the walk,

Taking in the beautiful landscape and the song of nature.

You soon spot an ancient oak tree,

Its massive branches spreading wide to create a cool,

Inviting shade,

Just as the whispering map described.

As you approach,

You notice the distinct carving of a maple leaf on its trunk.

You've found the portal.

Your heart races as you step closer,

Feeling the familiar tingle of magic in the air.

Instinctively,

You place a hand on the tree's carving.

The maple leaf begins to glow,

And then the world before you shimmers like water.

Taking a deep breath,

You step through the tree trunk.

Your surroundings blur,

And your skin tingles.

In an instant,

You find yourself at the entrance of Maple Manor.

Amazing.

It is evening here.

The stately colonial home with its wrap around porch and ruby red door are illuminated by large metal lanterns.

Ambrose appears at the doorway,

A familiar and reassuring sight.

Welcome back,

He says warmly.

We've been expecting you.

You follow the innkeeper through the foyer into a spacious sitting area where a cozy fire crackles away.

Plush armchairs are arranged in front of the fire,

Next to a small table holding a steaming pot of tea and assorted pastries.

It's a most welcomed sight.

You are quite weary from your travel adventure.

As you settle into your seat,

Ambrose takes the place opposite you.

You convey Jadus and Aurora's well wishes,

And over tea,

Ambrose shares a few entertaining anecdotes about his sisters in their younger years.

As you lounge by the fire together,

Ambrose draws a small crowd as guests gather to hear the fantastical tales that make up the manor's history.

He speaks of ancient enchantments and hidden chambers,

Leaving you eager to explore every corner of the manor and uncover its secrets.

Despite your interest,

A large yawn escapes you.

The exploration may have to wait until morning.

Ambrose laughs and leads you up the grand staircase to a long corridor lined with closed doors.

He invites you to choose any vacant room as your own.

Each door has a lantern affixed to the wall beside it to signal the room's occupancy.

You begin to walk down the corridor and notice subtle signs of life coming from behind the doors with their lanterns aglow.

From one room,

The gentle hum of music floats into the hallway,

The notes barely audible but hauntingly beautiful.

You pass a door where the unmistakable sound of whispering voices intrigues you,

Though you cannot make out the words.

The voices rise and fall in a rhythmic cadence,

Almost like an incantation.

From another room,

A soft,

Mysterious light pulses briefly,

Casting a colorful glow that seeps out from the edges of the door before fading away.

The hallway feels alive with magic.

As you reach the end of the corridor,

You notice a door that stands out from the rest.

The lantern outside this room is dark,

Indicating a vacancy.

An intricate maple leaf is carved into the center of the door.

You could swear you see it shimmer for just a moment.

This is the room for you.

As Ambrose opens your chosen door and bids you good night,

You are greeted by the most inviting haven.

The bedroom suite is spacious and elegant,

Adorned with rich hues and luxurious furnishings.

The centerpiece of the room is a magnificent four-poster bed,

Draped in flowing curtains of deep,

Burgundy velvet.

The bed is piled high with plump pillows and soft blankets,

Inviting you to sink into its embrace and drift off into peaceful slumber.

Along the wall is a crackling fireplace,

Casting its warm,

Cozy glow around the room.

A small writing desk,

Topped with a single flickering candle,

Sits by the window,

Bathed in moonlight.

Moving deeper into the room,

You discover a set of French doors that leads to a private balcony,

Overlooking the lush gardens of Maple Manor.

You pull the doors open and are greeted by a wave of cool,

Refreshing air,

Carrying the scent of lavender and the lush hydrangea trees below.

Everything is picture perfect.

You change into your cozy sleepwear and make your way to the large four-poster bed.

It looks irresistible.

You leave the bed curtains open to feel the fresh,

Outdoor air mingling with the warmth of the fire.

Pulling back the fluffy blankets,

You climb in and cover up.

The bedding cradles your body perfectly,

It's like snuggling into a cloud.

You are feeling deeply tranquil,

But you sense that familiar hint of magic in the air,

Like an active enchantment is afoot.

You explore the room with your eyes,

Until you find its source,

A large oil painting adorning the wall at the foot of your bed.

It depicts a majestic castle with a sprawling fortress perched atop a rugged cliff,

Overlooking a vast expanse of rolling hills and shimmering lakes.

Towers with fluttering banners rise toward the sky,

Their walls decorated with intricate carvings and stained glass windows.

As you snuggle further down under your covers,

You gaze into the painting and realize the scene is pulsing with life and movement.

At the heart of the castle,

A grand courtyard bustles with activity.

Knights in shining armor spar with one another in the training yard,

While troubadours serenade the court with melodies of old.

In the distance,

You catch sight of a regal figure standing on the parapets,

Surveying the kingdom with a watchful eye.

It's as if you have your own private window into another place and time,

Where tales of chivalry and honor abound.

The enchanting castle beckons you,

Inviting you to step through its gates and enter the realm of dreams.

Good night.