Camera cuts up away from the Abbey of St Markovia, through the light snow and into the looming clouds, pans to the east. Through a break in the cloud, the moon lights Castle Ravenloft, silently waiting for visitors. Tracing back, the camera drops down, down, into the town of Vallaki.
The Bell of St Andral's tolls, over the light fog and cold air that covers the town. A light burns at the town council. Around the table of the deceased Baron, the Ring of Five meets, discussing preparations for the lean times, as winter falls. Pragmatic debate, mulled wine and an almost convivial atmosphere fill the room.
The meeting ends, progress made, with a hope that perhaps this could work, that a council is the right way forward. The councillors depart, heading to their homes with their assistants, steps quick against the cold.
Reisen Munin, Sen Alys' deputy and acting holder of the Right to Law, breathed a sigh of relief. This wasn't so bad. When Ser Alys had departed he'd been worried about Lady Wachter trying something on. Quite the opposite had happened, indeed, she'd helped him to settle some points of contention. He locked up the meeting room, and turned, surprised by the sudden appearance of Lady Wachter's attractive young friend and assistant. She smiled warmly at him, her eyes melting his heart, and she invited him to walk with her back to the Wachterhaus where Lady Wachter was planning a nice stew and drinks. He found himself agreeing with little hesitation. The young ladies' arm slipped into his as they started into the fog, and it was all he was aware of. The closeness of her, the teasing laughter and the way she looked at him like she was hungry for him. Her flirtation set his heart a flutter...
Suddenly, she stopped, giggled and said "Race you to the Wachterhaus! I bet you can't catch me!" and like that, she was gone to the mist. He started after her, calling, his voice deadened against the fog. He heard laughter ahead. Or was it to the side. His heart raced. She called, he followed, plunging through the mists which were thickening quickly in pursuit of her.
"Anastrasya, wait for me!", he called.
Fog surrounds. Laughter peels, perhaps a little more sinister. The camera pulls up, and away from the now fog laden town.
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