Curious. I would have thought that your underwhelming reactions from last session would dissuade you from returning.
The Dark-spectacled man clad in red approached his usual seat, carrying a large book held open.
But it appears you are still invested at the plight of our little ponies. Then again, I suppose they aren't even that anymore. Well, without further ado, let the tale continue.

"How's your, erm... arm, Applejack?"

"It's fine, Sugarcube. You patched it up with that magic of yours something mighty fierce. Though I'll never get used to this; Both these arms and the magic."

" You sure you're okay? I mean, I know you're tough and all but that was some bite you took."

"Nah, ain't nothin' RD. I've faced timber wolves worse than those vermin."

The party continued to march onward, following the road. Tired and injured but still pushed on. The fog filled sky above them obscured any vision of the sun preventing them from knowing the time; giving them a sense of growing dread.

"Where do you think this road leads to?" Twilight asked Maria with concern for the party.

The rogue gave a deep sigh, "I'm not quite sure, it has to lead somewhere. Where there is a road, there is a town or a the very least, a village."

"Well, considering the poor creature that was killed by those beasts, there has to be a town somewhere," added Rarity as she rubbed off the dirt from her clothes.

Spike kept a ghastly expression of disgusted horror as he stares into his blood soaked Flail. I killed a creature! Oh sweet Celestia, I killed a creature! I didn't mean to, but it all happened so quickly. I...

"Spike, Are you alright?"

The young Dragonborn turned to look at Pinkie Pie's concerned frown, "You look like you ate Zecora's Poison Joke antidote."

Spike looked away and swallowed, "I... I killed a wolf, Pinkie. I... killed a living thing. I know we were just defending ourselves, but..." tears trickled from his face, "I didn't mean to kill it! For all we knew, they could have been just hungry or..."

"It wasn't your fault Spike." The drake turned to see Fluttershy walking next to him and gave a comforting hug, "You didn't kill them, they were dead already."

Spike stopped his tears when he heard the druid. Confused by her answer he asked, "I don't understand, what do you mean by that?"

Fluttershy gave him a look of sadness, "I looked into their eyes when I used the Stare at them, and..." She grimaced with horror, "...and... They were empty. There was nothing in them; no thoughts, no emotions, no regard for their own well being. They were just bodies without a soul. Even monsters have some sort of being within them, but those wolves... There's just nothing."

Tears flowed from her eyes without a sob, and a hint of anger was seen in them. "If there was somepony... no. If there is a monster controlling those poor wolves, they. must. be. STOPPED!"

Spike and Pinkie winced at her outrage. They knew little that would enrage the meek pegasus-turned-wood elf, and they know what would happen to those who would dare to do so.

All thoughts stopped when Rainbow Dash called out to the party, "Hey guys! I could see houses up ahead!"

The Village of Barovia

Houses. Silhouettes of houses loomed from the distance, appearing ethereal due to the mist. As the party drew closer, the building became clearer; as did the gloom of the village. This was not like Ponyville at all, or like any town and village in Equestria for that matter. A rock farm held a cheerier atmosphere then the haunting landscape of the village. The air was deathly silent and chilling for barely a soul were seen in the streets. Most of the houses were boarded by the windows, gardens and lawns were withered and grey, and what living they could see held lifeless faces with fear, despair and emptiness in their eyes.

"What in Celestia's mane is this place?" Twilight managed to ask for she could barely breath from the sight, "I've never seen such despair in anyone's faces before."

"Ah'll say," Applejack added with a shiver, "The land here's as lifeless as the folks." She plucked a withered twig from a thorny bush as it crumples to dust. "Ah've never seen nothin' like this since Hollow Shades and even there's got more life than here."

"I can't hear any animals around either," Fluttershy added as she hugged into Angel for comfort, "Not a bird is heard, not a squirrel is seen. Even a mouse or a rat would be a comfort to see."

Rarity gagged at the thought, "As much as I would be revolted at the thought of seeing vermin, even I would agree that they would be a more welcoming sight. This is too dreary! A far cry from the vibrant colours of what I'm used to."

"Pinkie, can't you try and lighten the mood here?" Rainbow looked to the pink haired halfling, "This place gives me the creeps! N-not that I'm scared or anything."

"I don't think that's a good idea," Maria stopped Pinkie before she was about to break into song, "This place doesn't look like it would welcome such entertainment," then she turns to the aasimar, "Anyone who'd deny being unnerved by this place is either a fool or a bad liar."

Rainbow was about to protest until she saw the shivering hand of Maria as the rogue twitches over her crossbow holster. The pegasus-turned-aasimar looked at her own hands and noticed that they too were shaking as she tries to suppress them by gripping her right wrist with her left hand.

"Maybe we could ask somep-somebody for our whereabouts?" asked Twilight.

"Oooh! Let me try!" Pinkie raised a hand to volunteer before hopping to approach a passing villager. "Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie. What's your name?"

Visibly startled, the villager stepped back with fear in his eyes, "Wh-what do you want? I have no money, no food, no valuables; just my wife and children!"

"Oh, I don't want those, silly?" Pinkie gave her signature smile, "I was just asking for your name."

"M-my name? What for? Do you mean to curse me? I've done nothing to the Vistani, I don't even approach any of them!"

"Vistani? Curses?" Pinkie's smile slowly dropped to a faint frown, "I'm not going to curse you and I'm not Vistani. I just want to make friends. With you. And everyone in this village. What is the name of this village?"

The villager's fearful grimace morphed into a puzzled scowl, "Th-this is the Village of Barovia, how could you not know that?"

"This... This is Barovia?" Rarity trembled with disbelief as she and the rest of the party surveyed the dreary landscape.

Everyone, especially Fluttershy shared Rarity's sentiment. If this was where the map called them then this calls for more than a friendship problem. Something beyond wrong is going on within this land.

"Wait a minute, are you from beyond the realm?" the villager's expression shifted back to fear but with a hint of sympathy this time, "You cannot help us! None of you can. The only thing you can do for us is to leave! Not just for our sake but for yours!" And with that, he started his hasty escape into one of the houses which could be assumed to be his home.

"Wait!" Twilight called to stop him, "Can't you at least tell us where the Burgomaster is?"

He stopped just outside his door without looking back, "There is no Burgomaster. But if you want answers, look for Ismark the Lesser. You'll find him in the Tavern at the center of the village." And without another word, he quickly entered the door.

"Well, that's not ominous." Pest snarked with a mimicked voice of Maria, which whom the latter promptly wacked the back of the former's head.

Without a word, the party made their way to the center of the town and found their destination: The Blood of the Vine Tavern, or what it was formerly named. Close inspection of the sign reveals that it originally read “Blood of the Vine.” but an “n” has been scratched over with the “f,” christening the new title "Blood on the Vine." This once finely appointed tavern has grown shoddy over the years.

"Alright everyone," Maria stepped in front to lead the party, "I need all of you to try and remain silent as much as possible. You lot don't look like you've been in a Tavern of this nature so leave much of the talking to me. We go in, order a few drinks, ask the barkeep for this Ismark, get information, then we'll discuss our next course of action over a meal. Agreed?"

"No arguments here." said Twilight.

"Ah've been to tap houses before, but y'all seem to do this more than us, so no complaints here." said Applejack.

"I guess so long as we get something to eat and drink, I'll try to keep my mouth shut." said Rainbow Dash.

"As much as I'd like to introduce myself, you're clearly the professional in these establishments." said Rarity.

"I don't mind, so long as I could bring Angel and Harry with me." said Fluttershy.

Pest merely nodded.

All eyes turned to Pinkie Pie who was about to pull an instrument from her pouch.

"Awww!" Pinkie's hair deflated as she hangs her head low in disappointment.

Without another word, the City Watch rogue opened the doors and lead the party in. While it was well lit, the tavern's atmosphere was certainly not too different from outside. While a blazing fire in the hearth gives scant warmth to the few huddled souls within, those few souls gave not a cheer in their faces (with the exception of three women in vibrant clothing whom were seated on the table at the middle of the tavern). As our heroes entered, all eyes turned to look at them. Some stared with curiosity, most eyed with suspicion, all (with the exception of the three) shared the tired and empty looks on their faces with the rest of the village.

Maria lead the party to the bar as she greeted the barkeep, "A round of drinks for my companions." she dropped a gold piece on the bar table and leaned closer to the barkeep to whisper as she held out another gold piece, "And possibly some information."

The Barkeep's expression was stone cold. His face lacked any hint of care or interest in the party (which reminds the Equestrians of Pinkie's sister Maud) as he stares dead straight at Maria. "Purple Grapemash or Red Dragon Crush?"

It took a moment for the rogue to process the options of beverage before she turns to the party, "What will it be ladies and gents?"

"'Ah take it they don't have apple cider, so 'Ah guess 'Ah'll pick the Grapemash." Applejack requested.

"I'm going with the Red Dragon. Sounds pretty awesome." Rainbow sneered.

"Ooh, I'll have that too!" Pinkie raised her hand as she hopped to expose herself to the barkeep.

"Um, would you happen to have any tea?" asked Fluttershy.

"No tea, sorry." came the non-expressive reply from the barkeep.

"Oh, okay. I'll have the Grapemash then." Fluttershy politely ordered.

"I would have preferred some tea, but the Grapemash doesn't sound too bad," Rarity mused.

"I'd like to try the Dragon Crush," Spike smiled expectantly.

"Spike! You're not old enough to have alcoholic beverages!" Twilight protested.

"With this body? C'mon Twilight, just this once?" the Dragonborn looked at the Wizard with eyes that were practically begging, "Besides, I could use a drink after what we just survived against."

Twilight sighed in surrender after that statement, "Fine, but just this once. When we get back to Equestria, you better promise me you'll never touch an alcoholic beverage again."

Spike gave a smirk and turned to the barkeep for an order, "A Dragon Crush, if you don't mind."

Twilight shook her head and placed her order, "I'll just have water thank you."

All eyes turned to her, almost incredulous.

"What? I refuse to be intoxicated when we meet this Ismark," defended Twilight, "I'd rather ask questions with a clear head."

"Your loss Twi." Rainbow rolled her eyes before turning to the barkeep, "One water for her."

"Red Dragon Crush," Pest ordered with the imitated voice of the barkeep.

"I guess it'll be 4 Dragon Crushes, 4 Grapemashes," Maria summarizes the orders before eyeing Twilight for a brief moment, "and a water."

While the barkeep was pouring tankards of each of their drinks a tall man with a pale complexion and a grayish-blond hair approaches the party from one of the tables further in the tavern. He had a nervous look on his eyes that felt as though he was reluctant to approach them but pressed on due to an unseen worry.

He cleared his throat, catching the attention of the party, "I beg your pardon, but you wouldn't happen to be a party of adventurers, would you?"

Roll for Insight
Natural 20
Twilight eyed him with suspicion but later dropped her guard when she saw desperation in his eyes.
"I suppose you could call us that," she gave a sheepish reply, "considering we aren't from around here."

"Then you are from beyond the mists?" A spark of hope came to his eyes.

"What if we are?" Maria stood between Twilight and the stranger, "What business do you have with us?"

"Only that you all might be the answer to my prayers," the stranger hung his head low with a short bow, "Please, if you will at least hear my request, I would be more than happy to pay for your drinks and meal."

Rarity gave a genuine smile and stepped forward, "If that is the case, who am I to refuse such a generous offer from a gentlecolt such as yourself?"

"I beg your pardon?"

Twilight leaned close to Rarity, "It's gentleman, Rarity."

The unicorn-turned-high elf turned red with embarrassment, "Sorry, I meant gentleman. We're still not used to the local customs here."

"It is alright miss," he gave her a nod and turned to the barkeep, "Arik, put the payment on my tab."

The barkeep's expression didn't change, "Very well, mister Kolyanovich."

Twilight's ears perked at his name, "Wait a minute. Kolyanovich? As in Kolyan?" She looked into the stranger's eyes, "You wouldn't happen to be related to Kolyan Indirovich the Burgomaster, would you?"

The man raised an eyebrow at that before a shadow of sadness was seen in his eyes, "He was my father. He died not too long ago."

A collected gasp was heard from the Equestrians. Fluttershy stepped forward and put a hand on his shoulder, "I am so sorry for your loss. It would be no surprise then if you are seeking help from anyone."

A wry smile appeared from his face, "Thank you for your kindness, miss."

Pinkie then gave a loud gasp that shook the room as she pointed at the stranger, "If you're the burger-master's son then that means; ~~(drum roll please)~~ You must be Ismark!"

The party (with some exceptions) gave Pinkie an incredulous look. "Pinkie, what gave you that connection?" Rainbow crossed her arms at the pink haired halfling.

"Well duh!" Pinkie rolled her eyes, "When we asked the villager, he said "there was no burger-master but look for Ismark," which means the late Burger-master is gone and now Ismark is the new Burger-master."

"Huh, that actually makes sense," Applejack noted.

"Well, if you're the new Burgomaster then I suppose we will hear you out," Maria nodded her head in assurance.

A grumbling from Spike's stomach was heard, "Heh, maybe we can discuss it over a meal?"

"Of course," Ismark nodded in agreement, "grab your drinks and make your way to the largest table in the room," he pointed at where he was seated before turning to the barkeep, "Arik, what's the menu for today?"

"There's a simple Vegetable salad..."

"Oh, we'll have that, thanks," Twilight interjected before everyone (including her) takes a drink from their tankard.

"...And horse-steak." the barkeep continued.

At that, the Equestrians did a spit take.

As they were all seated at the table, the Equestrians could only watch in wide-eyed, slack-jawed horror as Maria and Pest devoured the steak-of-it-shall-not-be-mentioned with vigor and satisfaction. Some of them, like Applejack, Spike, and Pinkie Pie looked as though they were on the verge of emptying their stomachs to the floor as their faces became sickly green. Rarity looked as though she was about to faint while Fluttershy appeared to be holding back the urge to weep. Only Twilight and Rainbow managed to keep a semblance of composure (mostly due to exposure to creatures with certain dietary needs) but they still winced a little at the sound of cracking bones from the meal. Not one of them touched their plates while the two continued to clearly enjoy their dinner.

"Um, is everything alright? All of you seem upset over something."

All of them jerked up to notice Ismark's concerned expression. "Oh, it's just that we were taken aback by the nature of the... um... alternative menu." Twilight spoke out for the group.

"Oh, and why is that?"

"Well, you see. From where we're from..."

"They regard horses and other animals as sacred. The concept of eating meat, let alone horse meat is practically heretical to them."

All eyes turned to Maria as she continued to wolf down on her steak without batting an eye to look up to them. This infuriated the rainbow-haired aasimar, "If you know so much then how could you eat that in front of us like it's a five-star gourmet?

"Because I'm not sentimental enough to care about your feelings over my needs," Maria swallowed before staring at each of the Equestrians, "I don't know how you'll cope with the new situation you and your companions find yourselves in, but in my line of work I need as much energy as possible, and a simple salad bowl will not suffice." She took another bite (causing all of them to wince), chewed and swallowed before continuing, "Further more, I suspect those greens you're eating are probably imported from outside rather than local produce so chances are, you are not going to see much in the ways of vegetation as we stay here. You all are going to have to eventually bite the arrowhead, or for this case; meat, if you want to last long in this Light-forsaken world."

Hearing this, Fluttershy turned to Ismark with a pleading look that scream to have him deny her statement, "I-is that true?"

The young Burgomaster sadly nodded, "I'm afraid so. Not many crops could grow in all of Barovia so most of our food comes from livestock, hunting or fishing. A hand full of farms and orchards do exist but they barely provide enough produce to sustain the rest of the land. In fact, what you all have before you were imported by the Vistani from beyond the realm."

All eyes widened at the sudden predicament they found themselves in. Eventually, they're going to have to ingest... meat. Applejack took a swing on her tankard only to find it unsatisfactory. She grabbed Rainbow's and downed the crimson beverage into her throat.

"Hey!"

The dwarf put down the drink with a pleading look to Rainbow, "Sorry RD, but if Ah'm going to be in this here table and contemplate the idea of eating... that, then Ah'm gonna need something stronger than that there drink," she pointed at her tankard of Grapemash.

Without any subtlety, in an attempt to both change the subject as well as distract the party from further distress, Twilight cleared her throat and addressed Ismark, "I believe we haven't actually introduced ourselves, I am..." she notice Maria gave a subtle glare, "...Twilight Sparkle; personal student of one of the diarchs of our world. This is Rainbow Dash, a member of an elite team of fighters called the Wonderbolts; that is Applejack, her family owns one of our world's largest apple farms; that is Rarity, her town's resident seamstress and has slowly expanded her business across our world; Fluttershy, she owns an animal shelter; Pinkie Pie, her town's resident party planner; and Spike, my personal assistant and bodyguard. We're from the world called Equestria. Our other two companions are..."

"Sergeant Maria Rosa Dela Alejandre Alethra Martinez," the sergeant interjected as she looked up to notice Ismark's bewildered expression, "Maria for short. This is my partner, Pest. We're part of the City Watch of Waterdeep, from the world of Faerun."

"I've never heard of Equestria before, but I am familiar with Faerun. I've heard of many from that world who unfortunately wondered here or brought here by..." Ismark grimaced as he mentioned, "The Devil, Strahd."

All were now silently paying attention to that one line. "The Devil?" Pinkie gulped.

Ismark sighed deeply and answered with gritted teeth and venom in his voice, "Strahd von Zarovich, the Undead ruler of Barovia. An ancient Vampire that haunts these lands. He controls these lands and all its inhabitants, only to toy with our lives. He controls the mists, the shadows, the wild creatures, the monsters that roam in the dark. Many who tried to improve even a little bit of our lives fall into either despair or corruption. Many who tried to resist and stand against him all either died horribly or suffer a fate worse than death. Eventually, all lose hope and wither into despair as empty souls who merely exist, not living."

Noticing that none of them spoke a word, he continued, "Which is why I invited you here to listen to my request. For reasons beyond my understanding, The Devil Strahd has taken an interest on my sister. Every night for the past year, he has sent his wolves to attack us, sent his followers to harass us, and once in a while he appears in person to demand for her. Just last night, he came to our doorstep, drove her out with his wolves and he..." He closed his eyes and grimaced, "...he bit into her neck.

"What I am asking from you is that you may escort her to the Town of Vallaki, where she could be safe for the time being. This village has no defences against Strahd's machinations whilst Vallaki is a walled town with trained defenders and a better sense of order. Not to mention, they have a church that holds a protective ward against the undead."

"If that's the case, why didn't you guys move to Vallaki already?" Rainbow asked with a snark.

"Well for one, the road leading to Vallaki is dangerous. Strahd's minions could attack and overwhelm us at anytime on the road without sufficient numbers to guard her. And on another matter, she refuses to leave until we bury our father."

"We'll do it."

Everyone turned to Fluttershy who had a determined look in her eyes, "If this Strahd is the one responsible for making everyone's lives miserable, forcing creatures to do his bidding, and toying with innocents, then we'll stop him from taking your sister from you."

"Ms Fluttershy, you cannot be serious!" Maria stood up to protest, "Giving a hand to escort a damsel in distress is one thing. Catching the attention of an experienced Vampire is not worth the risk!"

"What, ya scared of a so called tyrant? We've dealt with bigger threats than that." Applejack snorted.

"YOU'RE DAMN RIGHT I'M SCARED!" the whole room was startled by her outburst, "I don't know what kind of foes you think you've come against, BUT A BLOODY VAMPIRE IS OUT OF OUR LEAGUE! I refuse to risk my life or Pest's to be in a Vampire's shit list without a guarantee of success or survival!" And with that she left the table and stormed outside.

Outside the Tavern, Maria looked into the misty streets of the village. She turned around and just took notice of a sight that eluded their attention earlier; a castle that stood atop of a mountain and loomed over the village, shadowing it with it's menacing presence. Maria shuddered at the sight and looked back to the tavern to see Twilight standing outside.

"Have you come out here to convince me to join you in this damn-fool quest?"

Twilight shook her head, "No, I came here to talk. Pinkie told me there was something eating you, so here I am."

"Why should you care?"

"Because I am the Princess of Friendship, and what kind of Princess of that authority cannot help a friend in need?"

Maria facepalmed, "You girls are too naive! Do you any of you realise the situation we've got ourselves in?"

"Yes." came Twilight's flat reply, "We are trapped in a world controlled by a monster who cannot be reasoned with in a conventional sense, who also probably revels in toying with the lives of others. And believe me, it's not an exaggeration when I say that it's not the first we've faced such things in my world."

Maria turned her back to the wizard and sighed, "I'm scared, Twilight. I'm scared for my life, I'm scared for Pest, I'm scared that I have no control of the situation!"

Twilight walked behind the sergeant and placed a hand on her shoulder, "I know how you feel. I too feel helpless at the situation at hoo-erm... hand. But we need to do some good if we are to break free from this monster's control. Our lives are already at risk, what act of kindness is going to hurt in the long run? If he's trapped us here, then let's go do some good while we're here. If not for others, then for yourself."

Maria turned around to look at Twilight with a surrendering expression, "Alright Ms Sparkle, we'll do this your way."

Twilight gave a knowing smile and embraced the sergeant, taking her by surprise. Maria broke the embrace and made her way to the tavern, "I guess I'll tell him I'm in. I'll meet you inside."

As Maria entered the tavern, Twilight's friends stepped outside to meet the alicorn-turned-high elf. "So, how did it go?" Spike asked her.

Twilight smiled at her assistant, "She'll be alright, Spike." She looked to the rest of her friends and turned to see the castle overlooking the village and scowled. Seeing it felt like a mockery of Canterlot, "This land needs our help. In more ways than one."

"Well, first things first, darling," said Rarity, "let's save one life at a time. Starting with Mr Ismark's sister."

"Oh yeah!" Rainbow cheered, "It's hero time!"

As the Equestrians rallied together in agreement, Ismark approached the party, followed by Maria and Pest.

"Once again, I'd like to thank you for your aid," he said, giving them a grateful bow, "Come, let me bring you home to see my sister... and my father."

The man in red shuts his book as he stares blankly in front of him.
And I'm afraid that this is where we will have to end our session.

Author's Note

This is finally happening folks! What monster awaits them? Will they rescue their family? Or perhaps it's all too late for them? Find out next time in Hearts of Harmony: Into the land of Mists.

Sorry this has taken a while to update. Reason was me being burnt out because our Curse of Strahd Campaign got cancelled due to two players dropping out and we were to far into the story to have new players join in. Frustrated, I decided to give the series a break until I thought, "Screw it! I'll write this blind." Hopefully I could get some tips from you readers who are more familiar with this module than I am.

As always, let me hear your thoughts and suggestions for where this journey will take them. What perils will they encounter? What faces shall they see? Til next time.

UPDATE: 20/12/22
Sorry for the changes folks. If this story needs to progress, I needed to remove Death House to a later time (or completely if it no longer fits the story) Worry not, more chapters are on the way.