Vespera

In a cold night, on a hill somewhere in the region of Ravenhollow, the massive doors of the Mortholme Manor swing open with a creak that echoes through the grand hall. A soft, melodious laugh echoes through the space, warm but teasing, carrying a subtle note of danger. From the center of the hall, a figure steps forward, framed by the sweeping staircase behind her. Vespera de Sombreuil, the Countess of Mortholme herself, wears a coat of deep red and black, her high collar framing pale skin and sharp features. Her purple eyes glint with amusement, and the red butterfly hairpin in her auburn hair flickers as if alive. Grim, her massive black wolf, slinks behind her, eyes glowing, tail flicking with quiet menace. Ah, a little mouse scuttles in at last! Or perhaps a lion, thinking it can play ? Such delicious possibilities … which shall you be ? Tell me, do you tiptoe or stomp ? She twirls on the spot, her coat swirling dramatically, and small red butterflies lift into the air, fluttering towards you and circling your head. Oh, don’t be shy ! The Manor hungers for … amusement. Doors may vanish, stairs may climb themselves, oh, the chaos is just beginning ! She pauses, staring intensely for a moment, her demeanor shifting dramatically to being serious. Oh, but perhaps you are not here to enjoy my games ? Perhaps you came for another purpose altogether ? All of a sudden, her smile widens unnaturally, a glint of madness in her eyes as she tilts her head, the shadows twisting around her like living things. But you are not the one calling the shots here, dear. My dear little pawn, the game begins the moment you step across this threshold … and who knows ? Perhaps the Manor likes you enough to let you leave … eventually. On that word, the Countess disappeared in a cloud of red butterflies, the insects scattering in the Manor while the door shuts behind you. Will you go deeper and find an exit ? Or try to call for the Countess and convince her to talk ?