Story Thread

[Aileen]

I find myself in a room, and I am set down on the ground. Strahd von Zarovich appears, standing over me. He looks huge from this angle, and could very easily just step on me and kill me if he wanted to.

"Let us speak, Zola."

I start talking, and he laughs. Oh, right, I can only caw.

"I speak many languages, but bird is not one of them."

I sigh, coming out as another caw, and change back. Now I'm standing stark naked in front of him, and realize we are fairly close in height. It's strange and exciting being face to face with a powerful vampire lord such as he. He gazes into my eyes, and I find myself lost in his for a moment, but I shake it off.

"Much better. Now, let us talk."

---

I suddenly find myself back in the pit. We didn't talk for long, and he wasted no time getting me back to the party. Ugh. Why couldn't he at least put me up top?

"Zola?!" Creed looks shocked to see me. "I thought he took you?!"

"He did. And he let me go."

I step forward, going to collect my things. As I'm working on getting my tunic back on, everyone starts appearing in here. And, of course it's the boys.

"Hey, Zola- you're not fully dressed!" Says Cecil after appearing.

"Yeah, you know what happened to you with the deer and showing up naked? That happened to me. Except I was a bird."

"Ah, yes. And that's why I have this fantastic sailor suit."

"It's fabulous. Now let me put my pants on."

It takes me a bit to get dressed, and by the time I get my sword belt back on I realize it's going to take me too long to put my chainmail back on. I just want out of this pit. I start climbing the rope Cheeks and Mike are holding, and hear a lot of commotion behind me. Everyone just keeps walking into the teleport. Chad joins us, and decides to smash a coffin, unleashing a wight inside the pit. Luckily I get to the top before I have to face it.

"Hey!" I smile at the other two members of girl squad.

"How?!" Cheeks narrows her eyes. "How are you a bird?! How did you escape?!"

"Long story," I sigh, grabbing onto the rope so others can climb. "Gotta love polymorph!"

I'm getting tired of helping to hold the rope, and finally Cecil comes up and tells us that everyone is present except for Steinbjorn. He is alone with the wights... why did he not jump into the teleports?

"I'm letting go!" I tell Mike and Cheeks. Mike looks pissed, but keeps holding the rope.

I go around the corner of one of the mausoleums, and change back into a raven. My clothing and gear drops, and I am now much, much smaller. I didn't account for the mist, and now I am too small to see above it. I am also up to my bird knees in guano. Great, now my clothes are going to be disgusting! Oh well... I need to find Steinbjorn!

"Zoooolaaa!" I hear Cecil calling. I can't see him through the mist, but I hear his footsteps walk by my hiding place. "Zola's gone!" Cecil cries, and walks back to the group.

I hear Cheeks walk nearby, talking, and caw at her. Suddenly I'm being lifted up in her paws, holding me gently. I find myself trilling at her, trying to tell her I'm okay.

"I think I found her?" She announces. "Is that you, Zola?"

"Caw!"

"It's bird Zola!" She calls. "Oh, you're so cute now!"

'I'm always cute!' I caw, and fly out of her hands. I fly down through the passage between catacombs, heading for a set of stairs going down. It looks like where we came from, but I realize it is not so when I fly past two large statues of warriors in opposing alcoves. I see a pretty blue curtain of light ahead, and fly right through it. I'm in a huge, beautiful and ancient tomb now. As I circle overhead, I read the writing on the walls above the coffins.

KING BAROV VON ZAROVICH

and

QUEEN RAVENOVIA VAN ROEYEN

Wow- Strahd's parents! I've never been in the tomb of royalty. I would like to pay them my respects, but right now I have one goal- find Steinbjorn! I fly back out, and back through the catacombs. I bank left and keep going. Finally I see another set of stairs, and head for it. There is smoke, and when I fly down the stairs I see Steinbjorn laying in the burning remains of Strahd's coffin with a freshly killed wight behind him. I caw and then transform, choking on smoke.

"Get off your lazy ass, Steinbjorn! We're getting out of here!"

He stands up, and blushes. Or maybe he's just really burnt.

"Woman- why are you naked?!"

"This new polymorph spell... I just keep losing my clothing. Alright, let's go- in the portal!"

He takes his cloak off, handing it to me. I hand it back, laughing.

"It won't stay on anyway. Portal!"

"Or we can just walk ou- okay, you're a bird again. Fine."

I fly out, and Steinbjorn runs after me. The second he crosses out into the corridor, he disappears and is replaced by a wight. I fly around the corner and come upon Cecil!

"CAW!"

"Zola?!"

I flap around his face. Rideyr comes up behind him, followed by Cheeks and Creed.

"Rideyr, that's Zola! She's a raven!"

"Hey!" The paladin smiles, and I circle him now. "That's a good look, Zo!"

I fly back to my dropped belongings as the others fight the wight. It takes me a minute or two to find where I transformed, the mist making it more difficult. I turn back, and realize my clothes are covered in guano as well as my bare feet and legs. Ugh, I'm not putting that on!

"F*** it!" I grin, grabbing my axe, and run around the corner. "Guys, they're fighting a wight and it's TAKING TOO LOOOONG!"

I charge through the catacombs, my feet squishing in years worth of guano, but I don't care. Steinbjorn catches up to me, panting as he runs.

"Zola, you should really cover up!" He gasps.

"No! I'm finally free!" I laugh.

We catch up to the group, finding them in battle with more wights. I charge into the fray, axe swinging. I get a bunch of good hits in as the Dawn Breakers stare at me in shock. Stein finishes off the one we were attacking, and I'm struck by another wight. It really, really hurts getting sliced when you don't have armor on. Blood spurts out of my side, and then the wight touches me with its nasty finger. I feel my flesh start to die where it did, but resist its deadly effects. Creed destroys it a second later, and there are no more.

"Zola, you're naked!" Cecil announces.

I rest my axe on my shoulder, shaking my my mane of black hair out of my face.

"Yes. You're welcome."

Steinbjorn puts his cloak around my shoulders as we track back away from the teleports. We take a breather, and I start picking up my soiled clothing. I really really don't want to wear it, but the others are clearly not okay with me being in my natural state. Even Strahd didn't care!

"Zola, we need to talk," says Cecil, averting his eyes as I pick up my backpack. "Why did you run off after Strahd?"

"He said where he was going, so I went there."

"And just left us?"

"I'm sure she expected us to follow her, like I did." Steinbjorn comes to my defense.

"I think you're still obsessed with Strahd," says Cecil. "And then you flew off with him and came back naked!"

"Do you not see these?!" I show my still bloody and bitten throat to him. "He was draining me! He let me go because he wants us gone!"

"I don't know, looks like a love bite to me."

"I'm barely alive!" I groan. "We need to leave! Not all of us are fighting fit."

"We can't leave the castle!" Creed whines. "We are so close."

"To what?! Dying?! Some of us are on our last legs, Creed. We need to rest, and we will not find it here. Let's go to the village. We can come back after we regain our strength. And I need new clothes."

"How do you know he's just going to let us leave?" Cecil asks me.

"Cecil, Strahd and I were in a room together naked- I mean, I was, not him!"

"Ah-ha! I knew it!"

"That was a slip of the tongue! Forget it!"

I walk over to Mike, whose poor hands are all red and raw from holding the rope for so long.

"Hey, Mike- can you help me get my armor out of the pit? Just lower the rope back down and we can pul-"

Mike nearly clocks me in the head, but I dodge her blow.

"NO MORE F***ING ROPE!!!"

~ Zola

[Stephen]

We teleported to “The masters tomb” and all hell broke loose.....

Three vampires rose out of the ground behind the coffin in the room. They were human females, scantily clad and beautiful. Too bad. They immediately attack us. We attack back. Creed makes a wall of light that prevents us from seeing them. But the wall doesn’t go to the ceiling. They climb the walls and descend down upon some of us.

I use the power of the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind and bright sunlight fills the room. Ahhhh sunlight. The vampire females hiss against it. Spells and arrows and swords attack the vampires. I once again wield the power of the Holy Symbol and paralyze one of the ladies. Her friend glares at me. Murder in her eyes. Thinking fast I back off calling out to my friends hoping they will come to my aid. One does. Zola. Fearless Zola. She never shies away from a fight. I clearly remember the parties first fight. Neither one of us ran away from the vampire spawn that killed one of our own. Two people ran. Others panicked and looked to us for guidance. As if I know anything of warlock magic.

Rideyr casts a spell protecting himself. Creed waves her hand and lances of light from her wall pierce a lady.

Zola is by my side whilst standing on the coffin bracing for an attack. As predicted the vampire came rushing toward me all fury and fangs. Zola and I matched her rage. Creed and Rideyr helped us attack her. The others in the party attacked and killed the second vampire lady. The third on the wall is paralyzed against the power of the Holy Symbol.

Our vampire is slain just as the paralyzed breaks her bonds. More swords, spells and lances of light and finally all three ladies are slain. Breathing hard we decide to a take break. Falling to my knees I close my eyes and pray. Ten minutes later healing power surges out from me and heals almost all of our wounds.

The others loot the ladies and collect some jewelry I think. Zola opens the coffin and out shoots an arm. Strahd’s arm. He sits up and bites Zola’s neck. Fantastic.

Most of us attack him before he moves but he doesn’t seem to be taking any damage. Zola’s blood healing him? Lovely.

Strahd whispers, “I will be in the third room on the left upstairs.” Before I can process what he says he disappears! Zola runs off after him! The others are either not paying attention or are pissing their armor in fear because they just kind of stand by Strahd’s coffin staring at each other.

I move off after Zola and Mike follows. I hear some of the others follow me. I also hear talk of setting the coffin on fire. Unless a coffin for a vampire is different then a bed I do not really see the point of three people staying behind to set a coffin on fire.

I cannot see where Zola ran off too but a wight appeared. Slow lumbering tough thing. Creed babbled about being here before. Cheeks dashes by me and goes around the corner. Another wight appears. The others either don’t care or are charmed or fixated on burning the coffin to ash. Why am I on the front lines? Why is Cheeks the only one to go after Zola? Why are three powerful people burning a coffin instead of chasing Strahd? Things are starting to fall apart. I hate this place.

With a burst of radiant light I summon my spirit guardians. The skeletal warriors go to work against the wights. The others behind me complain that my guardians appear hostile to them. I ignore them.

We talk and fight and agree we are in the crypts and decide to inch our way up and out of the burning coffin room into the hallway. Hopefully we will be brought to the same place as Zola and we can find Strahd. A wight or two falls as we fight.

Suddenly I find myself alone. The other Dawnbreakers have fled past me. Some of them taking damage from my warriors. I take pleasure in that. It is me and my faith versus several wights.

The sunlight from the holy symbol blinds the wights. Their attacks are slow and easy to block or dodge. My skeletal warriors whirl around me slashing with their swords, death by one thousand cuts. My spiritual weapon, in the shape of a large jagged hammer, attacks when I tell it too.

The wights pause and rush me together. They push me down the stairs and force me onto the burning coffin. I begin to panic as I feel the fire heating up my plate armor. Some of the wights hold me down as others hit me with their swords and claw at me. My spiritual guardians and weapon drop a wight and I begin to calm down. I let my guardians return to wherever I summon them from, take a deep breath and beg Freya to turn these undead creatures away from me. All but one of them run away! She answered my prayer!

This particular wight is tougher than the others ones. He is on fire. Hitting and clawing me. No matter what I do I cannot break free of him. I am breathing hard now. The air is thick with smoke. Tears stream from my eyes obscuring my vision causing my spiritual weapon to miss a few times.

Thinking fast I cast Holy Weapon upon my club and it flares with radiant light. The wight pinning me down snarls at it. I manage to get a glancing blow against its side. I feel the fire blistering my back. I try to take a deep breath but I choke on smoke and the wight punches me in the forehead. My helmet took most of the blow but I can’t see much and feel the fire and coals of Strahd’s coffin begin to cook my head. I utter some words and a wave of healing energy washes over me.

The wight and I hit each other again, I can’t maintain the Holy Weapon spell, although the shockwave of the radiant energy it releases is enough to push smoke and flame away for an instant it isn’t enough to kill the wight. I heal my self again and try to hit the wight. It easily stops me. I try to break free from its grasp one last time but cannot. Holding me down with one hand it raises another, curls it into a fist and begins to strike me. It’s blows weaken me. Suddenly it becomes fully engulfed in flames! It goes limp and falls on top of me. I push it off me and try to get up. Lifting my head I see Zola walking toward me through the smoke. But Zola kinda looked like she was taking a black feathery cloak off making herself.....naked before me? I cough more. Dam smoke and wights making me see things.

“Get off your Lazy ass Steinbjorn we are getting out of here!” she sassily says to me as she pulls me from the fire.

“You are naked!” I am in shock. She is...beautiful! Her body is filling out with all of the fighting she has been doing. It is...nice. My head is swimming from the battle and my eyes struggle to stay locked with hers. We briefly discuss where the others are and where to go next. I walk off in the direction I saw the paladin go. One step I am in the corridor the next I am in a crypt. I see a rope dangling and hear Mike calling my name.

Climbing the rope I hear the usual dysfunction of the Dawnbreakers. Once I get to the top of the shaft and out of it I see the usual dysfunction of the Dawnbreakers. Although we have been here before this place is swarming with thousands of tiny bats. The noise of the bats echoes through out the crypts. Amazing The Dawnbreakers were able to talk to each other. Instead of sticking together, most of them have run off. Giving it a few seconds so I can take up the rear they tell me they are following Zola. I shake my head in utter disgust.

I see a naked Zola with her axe run by me and wave. I follow. She out distances me. A couple of hundred feet later, through a bat swarm, limited visibility and bat guano I catch up to everyone. Low and behold we are right back where we started. This time it’s Creed and Cecil taking most of the wight attacks for my turn undead magic has faded. Why in the nine Hells did they all run back here if the plan was to follow Zola and attack Strahd? Once again the paladin holds back during combat. How does he still have his powers?

With all of the wights previously damaged by me it is not long before they take a final test. Before I can even say I need to pray for healing Cecil immediately begins to question Zola about her whereabouts and why she ran off after Strahd. And about why she is naked. I step closer to Zola and hand her my cloak. Wasn’t coming here to kill Strahd the mission? Why was lighting a coffin on fire more important than attacking Strahd? I sigh again as more infighting and distrust ripples throughout the party. Zola tells some of her tale with Strahd. Zola is clearly bruised and battered. She was nearly killed as Strahd drained Zola’s blood. Some of the draining happened right in front of all of us! Cecil was only tapped a coupe of times by a wight and whined about feeling weak. Mike is praised for holding a rope? Chad busted a coffin for “fun”? Holding up several members of the party from regrouping or helping Zola or me because the coffin busting triggered a wight. That’s nice. Meanwhile I am fighting five wights alone while on fire trying to buy enough time for everyone to group up and follow Strahd.

But by all means let’s continue this conversation amongst the bat swarm in the cold crypts. Cold anger burns away my aches and pains. I snarl, draw my club and begin casting a spell.

[Aileen]

Dawn Breakers-

If you are reading this, you have finally left Barovia. Do not despair, you did not fail. This is not the ending we wanted, but you lived. That is all I want for all of you.

I stayed because I think maybe, just maybe I can influence Strahd. I know he is going to turn me, make me one of his vampire spawn... but maybe I can resist and keep him from making Barovia worse. I'd like to think so, anyway. But, I am also often wrong.

If I am wrong, than I am a problem for the next group of adventurers. Hopefully as an example to them.

I love all of you, with all my heart. Remember who I was, and do not think less of me. Live your lives, do good, and every once in while remember me.

May the sun never go down on the Dawn Breakers.

Love,

Zola

[Chris]

Mar 9, 2020 23:32:38 GMT -5 Aileen said:

Dawn Breakers-

If you are reading this, you have finally left Barovia. Do not despair, you did not fail. This is not the ending we wanted, but you lived. That is all I want for all of you.

I stayed because I think maybe, just maybe I can influence Strahd. I know he is going to turn me, make me one of his vampire spawn... but maybe I can resist and keep him from making Barovia worse. I'd like to think so, anyway. But, I am also often wrong.

If I am wrong, than I am a problem for the next group of adventurers. Hopefully as an example to them.

I love all of you, with all my heart. Remember who I was, and do not think less of me. Live your lives, do good, and every once in while remember me.

May the sun never go down on the Dawn Breakers.

Love,

Zola

[Jeff]

I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friends but especially Cecil and Zola whose friendships I treasure and always will. I never heard Cecil talk about his family, but Zola talked about them all the time. My first journey after leaving Barovia will be to find Zola’s family and tell them what a wonderful person and warrior she is and, of course, what happened to her as far as I know. Then I will continue my quest to find Brinn and carry on with my life. I will never forget my time in Barovia and all, every one, of the brave warriors who worked so hard to try and free the people of this land. Peace.

[dragonforgotten]

It was a gods send to finally be clean again. I asked Cecil for one if nightly activities to patch up my coat since the its pocketed with holes. I’m awakened rudely by a hyper active teenager pulling me out of bed to help her set up waffles. I can only Stan there in the kitchen for once begin very unsure on what I’m suppose to do. Zola just has me on playing the waffles but it is easier said then done. I don’t know where the inn keepers keep their plates and forks and I’m opening every cabinet turning my head so I can look with my good eye. Plating the waffles was going smoothly till I bumped into Zola once she vanished into my blind spot in this very cramped kitchen.
“S*** sorry.” I hear a slap on the ground as a waffle drops but I don’t think she noticed. I put it back on the plate with a shrug and pushed it towards mikes seat.
I can feel she’s watching me but I can’t see her. The stove is in my blind spot.
“Creed. Do you ever miss your eye?”
I think abit before my answer.
“Not really. I lost it when I was a kid. Besides one eye is an easy price compared to my life.”
“Did it save your life.”
“Hmmm, you could say that.”
We fall into silence as Zola gets the gang for breakfast.
It felt good to all sit together and eat waffles
After preping for the trip to raveloft Zola’s friends kindly shop for us and deliver or items.
Soon the time comes that we must face strahd and we leave confident in our abilities.
We make it back to the hourglass room and teleport straight to Strahds tomb. There it bloody is. The moment I’ve been waiting for is upon us. Of course my map is all messed up again. Once again we’re going off the map and I have to make a side section to fill in later.
We surround the coffin most likely containing strahd. strahd better be inside otherwise this amount of effort would be really awkward. Suddenly from the far corner of the room Strahds terrible exs start clawing their way out of the dirt. Nice dresses, not so nice personality. Zola climbs onto of the coffin as I act quickly. I throw up a wall of light but I overestimated how tall the wall was and their long a*** nails. They climb around my wall like spiders as I smirk.
“That’s not all it does.” Beams of light slam into them as they screech. Stein turns them with the symbol of Ravenkind and they cower from the light like roaches. I get alittle too amped because one of those b*** manages to get a taste of me before I slammed my elbow into her face before darting out of ranging shooting more beams of light. My walls shrinking fast. Eventually the vampires are reduced to ash and all that remains is the main coffin. Chees already making grabs at the loot while we’re focusing on our plan of attack. Way to stay focus. Zola then throws the coffin lid off and there he is. Strahd. His eyes snap open. In a blink of an eye he has Zola by the throat and we all unleash hell in him, no hesitation. We throw all we have at him but it doesn’t seem to leave a scratch on him. I can see moral breaking but I refuse to buckle. Suddenly Strahds whispers something to Zola. He releases her, begins casting a spell and vanished. S***! What the heck was that about? I hear his feet moving towards me and Go into action.
“Well let’s see what this does!” I flip the lever near the door. I try it back and forth but nothing.
“Huh. That’s disappointing.” I was hoping for a gate to drop down in front of him or a pit to open up but I guess that’s out of the question. Life’s full of disappointment so nothing new there.
Then Zola rushes past me. Where the heck is she going? Did he bloody charm her. S***! How annoying! I keep pace with her but as she reaches the top of the stairs she gone and I know clearly where the heck we are.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” I mutter punching my brow as I’m staring face to face with a wight. The party easily join my side and I’m thinking double time on where Zola is in this crypt of fun times and blood loss. I cast my spell as vatality aura radiates out from me.
“We need to find Zola! She’s bloody alone with strahd.”
“No! Stay here. We need to fight them off.” Ahhh! Did no one hear that Zola is alone with strahd. I slide up next to a wight and begin cutting him to pieces. Chee then vanishes next and a new wight appears. Gods I hate this room. I back away from the wight and.....
I’m suddenly back in the pit again. Oh.. what..
I glance next to me and see Chee. I glance up the wall and see Zola struggling an unseen Strahds grip. I take out my ace and drink it before throwing it on the ground.
“Strahd! You will not take my ward!” I scream at him rolling up my sleeves as I match over. Suddenly Zola shrinks, grows feathers and a beak and now theirs a raven with one tiny white feather near her head. I’m dumbstruck for a second. My head tilts to the side trying to piece together what the heck I just saw I’ll I shake it off. Don’t know don’t care. I just want to feel Strahds intestines through my claws. Chee sprints past me along with Mike who magically appeared as they rush the wall. Suddenly I’m engulfed fire but it barely stings. Alright I’ll admit it. It stung alittle. I crack the crink in my neck unamused.
“What? That it?” I don’t get an answer he disappears over the lip and turns into a bat carrying Zola bird as Chee is right behind them screaming at the top of her lungs that she’s a bird now. I scowl, glaring at the wall out of the pit. I try to scale up but only slide back down. I try again but down I go again. She must have had a reason to do this. Why she turned herself into a bird.
“Creed?” I turn my head and around and there she bloody is. Naked and without shame. I flap my jaws for words.
“What? How? When?!” I don’t get an answer to what the f*** happened and how she got away from strahd and I don’t let it. I really don’t like it but my blood count is dangerously low. Soon more people start popping up into my tiny pit in the ground and it’s getting very very cramped! I climb to the surface thanks to Mike impressive rope holding skills and joining Zola but then I hear there’s news that chad has unleashed a damn wight amongst the people still in the pit. I sigh loudly.
“Must I clean after all your messes!” And begin climbing back down. Quickly destroying the wight I get out of that damn hole in time to see the entire party start running away from me. I catch up in time to see Stein hauling a*** out of the stairwell.
“The turns wearing off! Run!”
“What!?” I turn my attention back to Cecil and then to our enemies as heads snap in our directions.
“Well s***.” I get into battle stance but I’m quickly surrounded with Cecil. They hesitate to attack me multiple time but eventually they break through my pall of undeathness. Their claws rake and tear at my flesh as they savage poor Cecil. It is only his shadows that keep them at bay till the Calvary arrives with naked Zola, axe over head charging through. With new found strength we cut down all the undead and me and Cecil look at each other bloody and amazed. I can’t believe we lived though that.

-creed

[Aileen]

I, Zola: The Memoirs of a Vampire Spawn-Wereraven-Dawn Breaker

Part I

---


Since everyone is so worried about my nudity and lack of armor, I go down and fetch it while telling the group about seeing the tomb of the King and Queen of Barovia. We then decide it's time to get out of here and rest, so we head out. As we walk along we read the names on the crypts, and Creed looks inside them with her special eye.

One has Khazan's name, and I get sentimental, but I feel like crap and don't really want to see what's inside. There's a crypt for Ireena, swept clean and empty, and then one for Piddlewick. I get super excited, and open it up. Cheeks and Cecil go in with me, and we find a little skeleton wearing a jester's costume. I find a small wooden box, and pull out a deck of 22 parchment cards.

"Hey Cecil, want to see a magic trick?"

"Sure, Zola!"

"Alright, pick a card!"

He picks one, I hold it in my hand, and pretend to shuffle it.

"Is this your card?!" I hold it up.

"How did you do that!?" He looks amazed.

The cards don't seem to be very exciting, so I stow them in my bag. We move along, and find a crypt that bears the name Steinbjorn von Grimarsson. He also has a matching coffin back at the mansion, how exciting! He tries to open it and fails, so I help him. I easily open it, and we are assaulted by a terrible stench. Walking in there is Steinbjorn's corpse, but when he touches it it disappears.

We continue through the catacombs, and get jumped by big spiders! Cheeks kills one, Stein another, and I kill the last one. Then we are on our way out, at last. We get outside and the gate is open, causeway down. Creed starts freaking out about a green slime up above the gate, but I walk by it with no issue. The rest follow, and we make it across just fine.

We hurry along the Svalich Road, heading through the woods. Cecil and I are on the lookout for smokegrass, but can't find any. Dammit, Barovia!

"Who goes there?" Demands a deep voice up ahead.

"We are the Dawn Breakers!" Announces Cecil.

A few big guys come out, and approach.

"We have heard of you! You guys are awesome!"

We chat a little, and they move on. I smell something familiar... I think they might be werewolves. Continuing on, we make it to the village and head to the Burgomaster's mansion. Shockingly, Ismark and Periwimple are there! We honestly thought they were dead.

"Can we come in?" Steinbjorn asks.

"You are asking to be invited in?" Ismark gives us a suspicious look.

We come in, but Cecil stays outside pretending he can't cross the threshold for a moment. Ismark reaches for something, and Cecil laughs before crossing into the house.

I try to keep to myself in the living room as the others talk to Ismark, and I overhear Creed saying I was responsible for disposing of Ireena. She makes me sound super shifty, so I get up and storm into the conversation.

"I found her dead, not dying! I placed her in the pool because she looked like she was reaching for something. Stop talking about me!"

Creed tries back tracking and apologizing, but Ismark interrupts the tension.

"Come, we must drink- to Ireena!"

We drink wine. A lot of wine. It's not great, but it does the job. Ismark let's me raid Ireena's wardrobe, and I pick out a rather nice Barovian outfit. She did have great fashion sense. I enjoy this night with the Dawn Breakers. It may be our last.

In the middle of the night, I find Steinbjorn still awake, sitting contemplating in the kitchen by candlelight. I walk over, putting my hand on his shoulder and leaning in.

"Walk with me to the church," I whisper to him. He looks up, says nothing, and follows.

We get down the hill and go into the abandoned church building. I light a torch and put it in a sconce so he can see, unnecessary for me. We sit at the altar, and talk.

"Steinbjorn, I made a deal with Strahd. Please, listen to what I have to say. I am not charmed, I made this of my own free will."

His face does not betray any emotion, he simply searches my face for any sign of lying.

"Okay. I'm listening."

---

"You will bring me the holy symbol. In return, I will let you all go."

"From Barovia?"

"Yes. I will allow you all to leave. If you wish to stay, you may. I would have you as my bride."

"Can we have a real wedding?"

He smiles emotionlessly.

"Yes. There will be a wedding. Do you accept this proposal?"

"Yes."

---

I'm surprised that Steinbjorn doesn't react badly to my confession. He thinks for a moment, and then grabs the holy symbol, removing it and placing it around my neck.

"I trust you, Zola. I do not wish to leave you here, but if you are willing to do this for us... who am I to stop you?"

Tears spring to my eyes. I did not expect this answer from him, but I had hoped for his help.

"The others may not believe you. Please, make them go. I cannot live with myself knowing they did not at least try to leave. Get them out of here. Get yourself out."

"I will. I promise you, Zola."

"Thank you."

Stein is still very close to me, having placed the holy symbol around my neck. My eyes lock with his, and I feel myself drawn closer to him. Next thing I know, his lips are locked on mine. It's a strange feeling- my first kiss. He lacks teeth, but it's still nice. We spend the rest of the night together, under the symbol of the Morning Lord. It feels safe, even in this horrible land.

I rise before dawn, pulling myself out of Steinbjorn's embrace. I quickly dress, kiss him goodbye as he still sleeps, and slip my signet ring onto his finger. It's gold with my mother's sigil, a raven, so he will at least be able to prove to her he knew me. It saddens me to leave him. I don't know what would have become of us, maybe we could have had a life together. He took the one thing from me that Strahd never will, and I find peace in that. I offer a quick prayer to the Morninglord and the Raven Queen to forgive me for what I am about to do, and then leave the church. I left letters in Steinbjorn's pack, and hope that he finds them- hopefully they will be read in the safety of Faerun and not in Barovia.

I walk to the castle, and arrive unharmed within hours. Morning breaks as I pass through the gates, and I turn for a moment to watch the sunrise. Even through the clouds I can see shades of red. A blood red sky, fitting for my last sunrise.

I walk in the front doors, and am greeted by Strahd himself descending the stairs. He approaches, and I pull the holy symbol off from around my neck. I hand it to him, and he dangles it from one hand with a smile on his face.

"You have done me a great service, Zola. I will honor our deal. Your friends will be able to leave Barovia."

"Thank you, my Lord."

"If you wish to leave, you may. It is your decision."

I am conflicted. I don't know if he will keep his bargain... if I stay I can make sure the others get out. If i go, i may live... but I will be leaving all of Barovia to continue to suffer. And he promised me a life with him, forever... I would be queen, all of this will be mine.

"I wish to stay."

"And you will be my bride?"

"Yes. I will marry you."

He comes closer, until he has his arms wrapped around me, his cloak blocking me in. One hand holds my waist as the other runs through my hair, then caresses my cheek.

"You will make a beautiful bride, my dear Zola."

His lips briefly grace mine with a kiss, and then his hand pulls my head back by my hair. His fangs pierce my neck, and he drinks my blood. As I weaken, the life leaving my body, he lifts me into his arms. Everything fades away as my life as it once was ends.

---

I awaken thirsty. Hungry. Painfully so. So bad I scream as my eyes open, desperate for sustenance.

"Drink, my love." A voice says.

I weakly grab the goblet held in front of me, and raise it to my lips. The warm dark liquid touches my tongue, and I cannot resist its flavor. I greedily drink it all down, feeling my strength return.

"Very good, there will be more for you soon," the voice says again. I follow the black clad arm with my eyes, up into the face of my master.

"Strahd!"

"My beautiful Zola. You will get your wedding. But first, there is something we must do."

My master, my love, pulls me from the bed, and together we go to his horse, the magnificent Beaucephalus. Strahd mounts, and helps me up behind him. I realize I don't even need assistance climbing, I could probably scale the highest tower if i wanted to. My arms snake around his waist, hanging on, and the nightmare steps forward.

We emerge in a field, in the village below our castle. Six figures emerge from the Burgomaster's mansion, coming towards us.

"Only three stayed," says Strahd to me. "A pity Creed was in such a hurry to go. How will we ever know the time?"

I laugh, and I swear I can smell them approach. I'm starving! They look delicious.

"Hey, honey," Strahd says. "Who shall we take on first? Oh, I know!"

Beaucephalus gallops forward, heading for the gnome. What was his name? Oh, right- Cecil! Why am I forgetting everything... ah, yes, all I care about is blood and my betrothed! Strahd dismounts, jumping down next to Cecil and attacks him.

The one that was a hoe... what's her name? Mike! She stabs my beautiful horse, over and over again. Esmerelda casts a lightning spell, catching me and the horse. Cecil does some mind powers, and Beau suddenly rears up, screaming in pain. I jump off just as he falls dead, and I land on my feet.

I smell blood as wounds are opened in Cecil's tiny neck... I need it!

"I wanted that one!" I whine.

"I'll save some for you," Strahd says, mouth dripping with blood.

"You killed my horse, gnome!" I snarl. "And you-"

I turn to Mike. She smirks, grasping her spear.

"You look delicious!" I hiss, rushing forward.

I try to grab the elf, but she just laughs as I try. This feels familiar... I've fought her before. I fought her and lost. But I need her blood!

"Zola, maybe don't attack that one!" Strahd warns me. "Or, do. I give you free will. For now."

I get stabbed by the spear. That damn Blood Spear! It sucks the blood I drank this morning right out of me. A couple more stabs, and I fall.

I get up a moment later, my wounds starting to heal before my eyes. Strahd looks pleased as he continues to b**** slap Cecil.

Ismark stands by Strahd, valiantly fighting. He is no Strahd, but he is still as handsome as ever. I approach him, grabbing him in my arms.

"You were my first crush in Barovia," I tell him. "I will enjoy this very much!"

I sink my fangs into his neck, and feel the hot blood fill my mouth. How did I go so long without drinking this? It is like fine wine... the best thing I've ever tasted. Ismark struggles, trying to push me off him, but I will not let go until my hunger is satisfied.

"Zola!" The cat calls out, and I look up to see her aiming her bow at me. My bow... that was mine. When I was... Zola. "I have to put you down. You are not you anymore. You are a monster."

I take my mouth from Ismark's neck, glaring at Chekasha.

"I'M STILL ZOLA!!!!"

The arrow pierces my heart. Strahd turns, eyes flashing with anger, watching me fall. He doesn't look sad at all. I thought he loved me?

"YOU WILL ALL DIE!" He roars.

And, I die.

~ Zola von Zarovich

[Aileen]

Part II

Fortress Farsight, Faerun
---

"Karsi, we have visitors," Runar tells me, placing his hands on my shoulders.

"Is it them?"

"Yes. Only three."

"Zola is not with them?"

"No."

I follow my husband down the great stair, thoughts running through my head a mile a minute. Where is my daughter? Why is she not with them? Is she alive? How did they get out? I almost can't face them.

I find Omen in the great hall, seated at a table with a handsome yet scruffy blonde human man, a silvery blonde half-elf, and a golden haired half-elf. Those gypsies did say there were a lot of blondes. Runar takes my hand as we enter, and the three men get up as we approach.

"Commander Stormwyk," the silvery haired half-elf says with great respect, bowing. "I am Lord Rideyr Storm."

"Lord Storm," I bow back. "Please, Karsi is fine."

The other half-elf bows as well.

"I am Chadwick Cooper. You may call me Chad."

I nearly laugh at the name. I had an ex named Chadwick. The human man comes forward, and I can see tears forming in his eyes. I can see in his blue eyes a look I know all too well. A soldier, beaten down and tired of war.

"I am Steinbjorn Rexxor Grimarsson," he says, and holds forth his hand. In it I see a familiar ring. "Zola gave me this. She asked us to come to you..."

He can barely get his words out, overcome with emotion. This man is broken beyond belief, and my heart hurts for him. I take the ring, noting the gold is worn and pitted.

"Where is Zola? Where is my daughter?"

I feel Runar at my back again, and he makes me sit. Steinbjorn takes a seat opposite my husband and I, and begins to tell his tale.

---
----
---

I'm laying in a field, covered in snow. I hear ravens, so many voices, filling the cold air with noise. Standing up, I see bodies everywhere, dead soldiers and horses, blood long since frozen into the snow. A woman walks towards me, and as she draws near I have a feeling she is no normal woman. The ravens break out in a chorus of cawing, alerting us to another presence. The woman wears all black, long black hair flowing from underneath a shadowy hood.

"Daughter of the Raven. Your body is no more. Your soul I can spare, for a price."

Her voice has an odd quality. Almost in my head rather than out loud. I know how I died, I remember it... it's hazy, but I remember the pain. Strahd took all my blood, and I was gone. Then all I knew was the thirst, and pain.

"Please- I want to live!"

"You cannot live while Strahd survives. I cannot free your soul from Barovia, but I can keep it safe. Those who love you will set you free."

The Raven Queen touches my face, and I feel warmth radiate into me.

"All I ask for is memory. Give me one, and you shall return."

"Which one?"

"Choose."

Images surround me. Fleeting, glimpses of my life.

Eliza and I playing... Mom and Dad... my extended family... love, happiness... home.

A holy symbol shaped like the sun... Flames... My fault... Mom, I'm so sorry I lied! I would do anything to be with you again.

My first adventure. I drank all the healing potions dad gave me. Oh, dad! I never should have left home!

Eliza... so grown up! My missing piece, back again.

The Durst House... Eliza dead. He deserved better, I should have protected him!

My friends... Rideyr. Steinbjorn. Chekasha. Chad. Mike. Creed. Val. Draelyn. And Cecil- I miss him most of all.

The Martikovs... my second family. They loved me, and I failed them. Please forgive me.

Barovia... I was so young and carefree. Drinking wine in the tavern... raising my glass to the castle, to Strahd. I thought it was all a joke. I was so wrong.

Strahd. It was always you. The beginning and the end. My love and my hate.

Fangs at my neck, draining my life. Strahd, triumphant, taking me as his own.

"Take that one. Please. I don't want to remember."

---

I thought I died. I did die... and yet, I wake up. I'm not alive, that is for sure. I do not need to breathe, I feel nothing, and I neither thirst nor hunger. Looking down I see a body, and I can move its hands, just as if it is me... but it is not. I recognize these clothes, this skin... Vistani. I get to my feet, and realize one leg is not quite right. It's some kind of wooden contraption. I know exactly whose body this is. Ezmerelda, the vampire hunter.

There are bodies all around me. The Tabaxi... Chekasha. A little one, Cecil. Ismark. There are still hoofprints in the dirt and scorchmarks in the grass. Blood is everywhere. It's time for me to go.

I walk for hours, but time really means nothing to me now. I have all the time in the world, and I am patient. I wasn't in life. I come to a familiar, crumbling mansion, and walk in. I come to a throne room, and find a woman sitting on the throne, a huge sword on her lap. A sword that was once mine.

Days... months... years. It's all the same. I sit, and wait in Argynvostholt. My rage burns on, never ending. Strahd will remain here, forever, in this hell that is Barovia. And we will keep him here.

He is the Ancient.

He is the Land.

[Jeff]

My heart is sick as I recount the story of our journey with Zola’s parents and relatives. I’m thankful that Chad and Stein were there. I’m honored to meet Zola’s parents who I’ve heard so much about, and I assure them that if they go to look for Zola, I will return with them and do whatever I can to be of assistance. They offer to put us up for a while, and after the initial tragic shock of the news we brought, I believe they have been given a tiny bit of solace after hearing our stories.

I make my way to the Temple of Lathander, as I still have friends there, and I spend a great deal of time in meditation and prayer in an attempt to begin the healing process, which will be lengthy. Catching me up on the news, they tell me about the temple that burned down and I smile just a tad as I think about Zola’s story about being responsible for the fire. I keep my mouth shut, as it’s not my story to tell.

I mourn the deaths of Zola and Cecil and experience a great deal of guilt that I couldn’t help them. I wish I knew about Cecil’s family, so I could go and see them, but he never spoke of them, so I mourn my dear friend the mischievous, curious gnome who I love dearly. I light a candle in the temple for both of them and pray to Lathander to watch over their souls.

Beyond not being able to save my friends, I regret that we couldn’t free the people of Barovia who are still in Strahd’s clutches. I think about the Martikovs and how they were always a shining light for us in a world of grey. We were able to take out some evil people like the Abbott, Strazni, Baba Lysaga and the other hags, but in the end I feel that they’ll just be replaced by beings just as evil. I regret that some innocent people were killed along the journey and it pains my heart deeply.

I stay for a time at the temple and am asked to come back to the order, but I know that nothing has really changed there and after resting up, I head out on my own once again. I am forever changed by my friendship with Zola and Cecil and the loss of both of them. I think about the day by the river when Cecil stood on my chest and laid out his idea for Cecil McBiggins and Associates and a small smile breaks out on my face. Even in death my dear friend can still make me feel better. I promised to protect Zola, and I wasn’t successful; I’ll have to learn to live with that. I miss them.

Being alone used to feel normal and now it feels like I was a different person, but I’m heading off on my own once again to try and find Brinn and do whatever good I can along the way, but I’ll check back with Zola’s parents to see if we’re headed back to Barovia.

Peace.

[Stephen]

It’s late. I sit at Ismark’s table alone. The wine finally wearing off. Oddly enough we found Ismark and Periwimple in Ismark’s old home. He was saddened by the loss of Ireena and we had many glasses of wine in her honor.

Before dinner I took off my heavy plate armor. I enjoy it’s added protection but man is it cumbersome. Sitting here in with just a candle keeping the darkness at bay I can finally relax a bit.

I close my eyes and breath deep. I think on my adventures here in Barovia. How I could have handled things differently. How I could have helped the commoners more. Maybe even been nicer to some of the party members.

A hand gently presses down on my shoulder and before I can react I hear Zola’s voice whisper into my ear, “Walk with me to the church”

I nod and raise from the table. Follow her out the front door. Together we slowly and silently make our way to the church of Barovia. I am reminded again of our first battle together. Zola charging the vampire spawn. Selflessly throwing herself into battle. Her reasons are her own for doing so, either way she has earned my respect.

Once inside the old church she lights a torch and puts it in a sconce. We sit near the alter and nervously she tells me of her plan.

"Steinbjorn, I made a deal with Strahd. Please, listen to what I have to say. I am not charmed, I made this of my own free will......” her voice trembles a bit at first but gains momentum as she retells her time with that bastard Strahd.

A few moments pass. Zola stares up at me. The torchlight dancing across her face. She looks so young and full of life.

I take a deep breath and say, "I trust you, Zola. I do not wish to leave you here, but if you are willing to do this for us... who am I to stop you?"

She is taken back by my answer. Tears spring to her eyes.

"The others may not believe you. Please, make them go. I cannot live with myself knowing they did not at least try to leave. Get them out of here. Get yourself out”

"I will. I promise you, Zola."

"Thank you."

I slowly remove the Holy Symbol of Raven Kind from my neck and place it around Zola’s. My hands linger on her shoulders. I feel her trembling a bit. As I begin to pull away Zola and I lock eyes. The pain, torment and madness the cursed land has brought filled me with is pushed back, temporarily, as Zola and I share a kiss.

I awake at the church just before dawn. I notice Zola’s ring on my finger. I smile thinking about the night before. Making my way back to Ismark’s house I feel as though a great weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I am leaving Barovia.

The others are starting to wake as I get back. I return to my room get cleaned up, don my armor and wait at the top of the stairs. As I listen to them talk amongst themselves they come up with crazy theories as to Zola and my whereabouts.

Having heard enough the last of the dysfunctional banter I slowly clomp my way down the stairs. Creating food and water on the table I am bombarded with questions. I tell them all will be revealed after breakfast.

They hastily eat but I take my time, enjoying the growing concern on their faces.

I clear my throat and begin.

“This is how it is. Do not interrupt me. Zola made a deal with Strahd. Remember when she ran off chasing him while most of you were burning a coffin and I was fighting wights? In those moments Strahd promised us safe passage from these cursed lands.”

“In exchange for....” someone asked.

I tap my armored chest. “I used to have a holy symbol here, yea?”

I expected an uproar. I was not disappointed.

Once they calmed down I continued, “This is it. We can leave forever. Zola gave Strahd the symbol. If we do not leave Strahd will kill Zola.”

That got their attention. Outside we hear a horse and carriage pull up. Vastani. Rideyr, Chad and Dreylyn get into the cart without hesitation.

Gotta hand it to Mike, Cecil and Creed for being stubborn and upset for not being in the loop about the plan and not given a choice about leaving Barovia. I feel anger raising and think about dumping a flame strike in the dinning room but really...what’s the point. The three of them would eventually kill me. I would miss the carriage out of here and be stuck in Barovia after I reincarnate. Cheeks hasn’t moved a muscle. She glanced my way and I see in her eyes genuine sadness. I sigh.

“I have healed you, feed you and without me you would have died long ago. I am asking one last time. Come with me.”

“Ok” Creed says. She leaves the house. The other three refuse. I glare at them and stomp away.

The carriage makes its way out of the village of Barovia. Before long I see the mist that borders this land approaching. We hear a loud clap of thunder and although we are miles away the horse whinnies and the carriage shakes from the trembling ground.

The driver laughs and says “Lord Strahd comes for your friends.”

Before I can replay we enter the mist and the beginning of my real nightmare begins.

[Stephen]

The mist is thick. I can barley make out anything in it. I close my eyes and begin to pray. When I pray I picture myself kneeling in a field of golden wheat on bright summer day. The sun shining down on me. As I pray I picture Freyr floating in the sky above me or walking past me, her hand gently brushing my shoulder in response to my prayers.

Something is different this time. The scene I paint in my mind feels real. Opening my eyes I am blinded for a moment from the brightness of the sun. The Holy Symbol of Ravenkind shed sunlight but this is...bright! By Freyr did I miss it! I feel actual warmth from the sun above. The dank weather of Barovia really had me down. Although on my knees the golden wheat looked amazing and swayed in the breezed. Ah the breeze! The wind caressed the face and body. Body! I am armor-less but dressed. The smell of good healthy earth is refreshing.

Then I see her. Really see her. Freyr. Floating in the sky but coming closer to me. My beautiful golden haired goddess of life and fertility. She is smiling at me. I can see it. Down she floats. I shiver with excitement to be within such close proximity to my goddess. Her arms outstretched toward me. I come to my feet and outstretch mine preparing for a divine embrace.

As Freya gets closer clouds begin to form in the sky. Mist begins to collect and raise from the ground and the golden wheat begins to wither. My Goddess is just a few feet above me, I see her clearly. She is not smiling as I thought she was. She is crying. Her tears fall on me. We connected in a literally shower of sparks. Divine and mortal flesh meet. Her body is lithe and she wraps her arms around my neck.

Freyr smells like fertile earth. Her embrace feels like a warm spring day. I have never felt safer or more secure. I knew in that moment of sparks nothing could hurt me. Her voice was soft but sad.

“Why? Why did you accept that dark gift Steinbjorn? You were one of my most devote clerics! You do not know the powers you have meddled with! It breaks my heart to do this.....”

She lifts her head off my shoulder and stares into my eyes. I am taken back by her beauty. She leans forward and kisses me on the lips. Freyr pulls away and as she does I feel all of my power drain away. Tears of absolute sadness run down her cheeks. She takes one step back from me. Weakened I fall to my knees...my mouth fills up with my teeth and I spit them out again.

The sky is now dark. Really dark. The mist is raising and cold. Freyr shakes her head at me and begins to float away.

“Don’t leave me...” I can barely form the words past the fear and sadness.

A bolt of lightning slams into the earth where Freyr once stood. The retorting shockwave of thunder knocks me over. Gasping for air I am pummeled by cold hard rain.

Dark laughter ripples across the sky.
Sitting up I recall the voice.

“Part of your soul will always remain with me in Barovia with me. I tainted you! Your goddess left you! Enjoy your gift!”

The voice of Dahlver-Nar my dark gift giver.

As the vision closed in on me I begin to scream. Snapping out of it I am still screaming. Creed, Chad and Rideyr had to knock me out in order to get me to stop screaming.

I wake up sometime later. Our vistani carriage and driver has been replaced by a normal one. I try to cast light. Or bless. Or cure wounds. Nothing. I pray. Nothing. I even try to summon a flame strike on myself in the middle of the night. Nothing. The others can see I am clearly distraught and cannot cast spells.

I lose track of time on our way to Zola’s family castle outside of Neverwinter. On the way I confess to the others my vision and lose of power. As the paladin, cleric and warlock all answer to higher beings they can understand possibility of losing everything. One night while preparing to bury myself in another wine bottle, Rideyr stomps over to me and roughly kicks it out of my hand.

“What the...!” I feel anger begin to raise in me. He tosses down a wooden practice sword.

“Get up and practice with me. You will lose your edge if you do not practice. Your body will grow weak. A common thug will best you.”

“As he should.” I mumble reaching for the wine bottle. Rideyr slaps my hand with his wooden sword. It stung. It pissed me off. I grab my sword hop to my feet and take a swing at him. He blocks it easily.

“It is not a magical club in your hand boy. That is a sword. It requires thought, finesse and strength to use.”

“I cannot use that.” I drop it. Turn my back and begin to walk away. A blast of energy slams into me and I drop lack a sack of potatoes. Lifting my head I see Creed pointing her finger at me and then at the wooden sword I dropped. Chad walks over to me extends a hand and helps me up. He heals my wound and hang over.

“Are you not Steinbjorn, the fearless? The one who never stopped? The one who healed us? Who dropped countless evil creatures?”

That helped.

By teaching me the sword is how Rideyr helped get me through the trip to Just outside of Neverwinter. Also getting blasted by Creed if I got to drunk or out of line helped keep me in line.

At the castle I can barely keep it together. Being ushered to a large chamber the others really shine with their eloquent greetings to the lady and lord, Zola’s parents, of this castle. The lady, Karsi, is seated and her husband Runar is standing behind off to the side and behind her.

My turn....

"I am Steinbjorn Rexxor Grimarsson," I and hold out my hand. "Zola gave me this. She asked us to come to you..."

I cannot hold back the tears anymore. Karsi jumps out of her chair and snatched the ring out of my hand. Runar gasps. Sitting back down Karsi asks me a question that starts a long painful conversation.

"Where is Zola? Where is my daughter?"

That conversation however, ends in my promise to help in anyway I can to find a way back to Barovia to kill that bastard Strahd once and for all.