After resting uneasily, the party awoke to an eerie silence. The usual howls of the night were absent, and the quiet was unnerving. They packed their gear and returned to the crossroads, choosing the remaining path. The familiar sound of hooves clopping against the road echoed through the still air as Nord’s carriage appeared, stopping before them. Nord stepped out with his ever-present sly grin, his voice smooth and inviting. “It’s dinner time,” he said, gesturing toward the open carriage door. [[Zara Blackwood|Zara]] shifted uneasily, her movements strange and hesitant. Nord’s grin widened as he raised a hand, casting a spell. His form shimmered and melted away, revealing the elegant yet menacing figure of Strahd. “Enter, my dear,” Strahd said, his voice dripping with charm. [[Zara Blackwood|Zara]] stepped forward without hesitation, climbing into the carriage. “[[Zara Blackwood|Zara]], no!” [[Ellette|Ellette]] shouted, rushing after her. [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] followed, his anger palpable. [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]], muttering under his breath, pulled out a clove of garlic and began rubbing it on his arms and clothes. Strahd chuckled, watching him. “You have my word,” he said smoothly. “You will be safe under my care. Your journey will be uneventful.” Reluctantly, [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]] climbed into the carriage. [[Zara Blackwood|Zara]], meanwhile, began to look ill, her face pale as she clutched her stomach. “The smell,” she whispered hoarsely. “It’s choking me.” [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]] approached the carriage but was stopped by Strahd, who reached out to touch his broken horn. A surge of magic flowed through the Tiefling, restoring his horn to its former glory. “A gift,” Strahd said with a smile. [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]], stunned, murmured, “Thank you,” and climbed aboard. [[Zara Blackwood|Zara]]’s discomfort grew unbearable until Strahd waved a hand, casting another spell. The smell vanished, and she gasped in relief. Strahd closed the carriage door. “We will arrive shortly,” he said, his voice soothing. Within moments, the party drifted into a deep sleep. A sharp knock on the carriage door woke the party. The door swung open, revealing a tall, impeccably dressed butler. “Please hurry,” the butler said. “We must not be late.” As they stepped out of the carriage, the grandeur of Castle Ravenloft loomed before them. Its towering spires disappeared into the misty sky, and its ancient walls exuded an ominous presence. The butler gestured for them to follow. “This way.” As they were led through the castle’s grand hallways, the butler provided a curt tour. The opulence of the surroundings was overwhelming, with tapestries depicting Barovia’s dark history and chandeliers casting eerie light. “These entrances are off-limits,” the butler said, pointing to two ornate doorways flanking the hall. His tone left no room for argument. The butler stopped at a set of finely crafted doors and turned to the party. “These are your rooms. You will clean, freshen up, and change into the attire provided. I will return in a few hours with an assistant to ensure you are appropriately prepared. Remember, this is a formal occasion, and you will remain unarmed during dinner.” He bowed slightly and exited, leaving the party to their rooms. Inside, they found facilities to wash and meticulously crafted clothing laid out for them. [[Zara Blackwood|Zara]] and [[Ellette|Ellette]] changed into elegant embroidered dresses, while [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]], [[Qwimby|Qwimby]], and [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]] donned full suits. As they inspected themselves, [[Ellette|Ellette]] glanced at the others. “Are we ready?” she asked. “We have to be,” [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] muttered, adjusting his tie. A knock at the door announced the butler’s return. He entered, his gaze sweeping over them. “You all look positively splendid,” he said with approval. [[Ellette|Ellette]] stepped closer, her voice low and threatening. “If anything happens to our weapons or gear, I will hold you personally responsible.” The butler smiled faintly. “I assure you, everything will remain as it is.” With that, he gestured for the party to follow. The grandeur of Castle Ravenloft awaited, and so did Strahd’s promised dinner. [[Chapter 85. Dinner with Strahd]]