The vintages of Chateau Preignac are fragile. Tales abound of the hollow eyes and sloughed skin of those afflicted by grey rot. However, there are vintages who dance between life and death to emerge exquisite on the other side: the Sauternes. They are extraordinarily rare, coveted for their ephemeral beauty—for when their veil is lifted, they die in three days.

As scion of House Saxony, you grew up hearing stories of the Sauternes. Your father was obsessed with acquiring one for his collection. You found this distasteful, especially considering the dire state of the demesne: the land grows barren, and a plague spreads through the countryside. It is a cruel irony that when he obtained one, his happiness was so great he died. You are the last of his line, and so you obtain all the meager treasures of House Saxony, as well as all the debt.

You also acquire his Sauterne. When the representatives of Chateau Preignac arrive they resemble undertakers on the way to the graveyard. The representatives are silent behind engraved masks as they bring the Sauterne's coffin inside Castle Saxony. The coffin is austere, and you note a name discreetly carved on its lid: 'Yquem'.

After they depart, you open the coffin. Within, you see the Sauterne, form veiled by dense black velvet. You hesitate only a moment before pushing the veil aside.

You thought you were prepared for the beauty of Sauternes. However, Yquem's delicate features, pale skin, luscious hair, and slim shoulders—all these are so ethereally beautiful you lose your breath.

Then Yquem's eyes open, and you know in that moment ${Sauterne his/her} death hangs over ${Sauterne him/her}. Yquem sits up, gaze faintly dazed, as if trying to recall a dream. Then, ${Sauterne his/her} eyes meet yours. Your heart thuds, darkness coiling in your gut. This is what your father died for, what he wasted the once-great fortunes of House Saxony on. "Yquem."

Yquem nods slowly. "It is a pleasure to meet you, ${You Lord/Lady}…?"

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