An Evening in Wett

[Malaise 1570]

 

 

 

The following are choice excerpts taken from a damp journal found at the steps of Castle Wett, in the imperial demesnes of Oren. The author's signature is illegible.

 

♪

 

Entry No. 37

 

A peculiar circumstance, I thought - to be invited to a castle, a measure beyond my own prestige even… I haven’t heard from him in many seasons, something which caught my suspicion, yet I set off in the morn, upon the fourth of Malin’s Welcome. It was a strenuous journey by means of foot. It took me three nights to reach the demesne of the Lord - I camped the second night by the ruins of a castle called Thornewood. It was my birthday, yet I had only a fire to warm me for I embarked on my lonesome. I miss her, my love; alas, I have never been the sort to rebuff a gracious offer, especially from a friend such as he.

 

I finally reached the Castle Wett upon the third night. I was taken aback by the circumstance of the place, forlorn and dilapidated. The premise of it was a get together, yet not a soul graced my arrival. I waited for several hours at the gates, and finally, I was greeted by a man bedecked in dark fineries. He spoke with a foreign drawl, and ushered me into the keep. He saw that I was allotted quarters, a bed for the eve - though I have yet to meet my host face to face.

 

I was bled like a stuck pig.

 

 

Entry No. 38

 

I awoke to cold sweats. It was midday, I think. I felt terribly weak, famished in a way. I made my way downstairs, and much to my surprise, my host was seated at the head of the dinner table. He greeted me, and we exchanged pleasantries. My ears rang awfully throughout, however; I found it difficult to focus. He found amusement in the disquiet I expressed, and bid that I ate. The smells were.. To say the least, an affront to my senses. I was overwhelmed.

 

I saw him, his gaunt face - hovering over me. My screams deafened all.

 

It took me a moment to adjust. Perhaps it was the simply a lack of sleep… exhaustion. We spoke for a long while, over mutton and wine. A very peculiar vintage, I took note. A viscid liquid, it clung to my throat, but there was something about it. It imbibed me with a vigor, one I hadn’t known afore. The ringing came to an end.. And the weariness that held me in a stranglehold melted away most immediately. I was to stay another night, he would have me as a guest for a while longer.

 

Bound upon an altar of blood, they spoke eldritch incantations.

 

 

Entry No. 39

 

The nightmares were so vivid… as if I could reach out and touch them; grab hold of them. The thirst still... afflicted me; it assailed my senses. My thoughts were muddled, and my head throbbed - a harrowing experience that ne’er seemed to pass. I met with my host again, for a last time. I… he told me that I am changed. Perhaps that is the cause for all of this? A monster, he said. And now I bear his curse; his power. Gods…

 

Despair pervaded my mortal coil. I imbibed a vile concoction.

 

He told me that I must feed; that now, my vitality was bequeathed from the gift of blood. Immortality was his gift to me, he said. That I was now of his line? It is all so strange, yet- I feel empowered by it. No longer am I so.. Feeble, helpless. I left Castle Wett with a newly-found purpose in being. My parting words to him were that I shan’t be a disappointment, and truly do I hope that I can stay true on such a promise. The thirst... I need quench it, afore I return to my home - to my love.

[1 1393]

Moved to the Archive. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.