Session #47: Keeper of Feathers HQ

[istainion]

 Day: 13, Time of day: Morning
Location: Main road, north of Berez

(Remarks marked by * are written in abyssal, remarks marked by - are written in celestial, the rest of the entry is written in common)

When we woke up in the morning, I realized how much better I felt after being cured of the infection, it was a relief. I wouldn't want to let them nor Barovia down now that I set my mind to it. I felt that this was a good start to test my other abilities in battle as well. Whatever danger will come, I'll be doing my best to remind them not to come near.

Shevat used his magic in the back to predict the weather and not much sooner, he warned us about a thunderstorm with heavy rain near the evening which is likely going to be troublesome for us. I might like to invest in a tent sooner than later if this type of weather happens too often.

It was raining throughout the day and rather stormy as well.

We decided to make our way to the bridge at first, realizing that whatever may cross our path during the night might end up fatal for all of us. Our hearing and sight will be obscured by it, possibly too much to be able to stand a chance against our cunning enemies that adapt quite well to drastic changes in both weather and environment.

Location: Bridge, south of Krezk
Notes: Obtained Greater Potion of Healing (Arabella), Spotted track marks of luxurious cart heading toward Krezk, an odd creature (animal) has been spotted within 3 miles of the bridge that has reacted to Shevat's magical attempt to gather info about the surrounding area.

After a full day of traveling, merely to get to the bridge in the terrible weather, the clouds were already collecting in the sky with a threatening hint of an olive shade. It wasn't yet time for it to start, but we knew better than to press on and get caught in a path toward the vineyard that's poorly maintained. The party suggested resting under the bridge during the storm, which decision we mutually agreed with. Since it was still bright for Barovian standards, we spent the time around the bridge to investigate the road a little. Arabella discovered some recent tracks leading to Krezk, even capable of defining the quality of the wheels that were used for the carriage. It's apparently something of luxury according to her.

We have heard that Krezk is in a rather bad spot, at least according to the man who claims himself to be a hunter, besides a foolish liar. Not a lot of wildlife is around to hunt on, by his words, and Krezk doesn't have a lot of food available at the moment. It's a concern for later, which we cannot bother with right now. What the true condition of Krezk is, we'll find out eventually. Our top priority is to deliver the relic to its respectful owner(s).

During our stay at the bridge, Shevat brewed another potion, which turned out greater than anyone expected. (Greater potion of healing) Then the druid handed it to Arabella.

He also made an intent to communicate with the surrounding nature spirits to spot any threats around us. He could confirm that there are no powerful undead within (3 miles) range of us, there are dangerous predators, such as packs of dire wolves and other creatures, but one of them in particular seems to have reacted to his seek for knowledge from the surroundings. It's an animal, but there's something strange about it, as if it is aware of Shevat's ability's powers. He told us that there is no hostility as of now.

Yshvara spent the final hours drawing something which was ... Rather impressive. A tower of some sort, but one from imagination.

We had our watches, mine was shared with Yshvara again, the second, again. We talked about the relic, which she seems to think is connected to the shortage of food around Krezk, but I have expressed my doubts as it is used exclusively for the vineyard and the range is likely to be limited.

There may, however, be some truth to it, they might gather in the surroundings for food, especially if roots run deep from underground. I'd be surprised to hear Krezk is suffering, especially with the count who expressed his support toward the place and their religious workers. He used the words, "They know their place."

I wonder what has happened there, indeed ...

I asked her a little about her travels, specifically around certain cities to learn about the duration of her stay, but she has expressed to be traveling for a few years by now. Hmm, I'm glad things remain as they are. * Nobles don't cease to amaze me with their ignorance. Delightful.

Day: 14, Time of day: Morning
Location: Road to the Vineyard

The rain overnight was terrible, we were lucky not to be caught in the weather, even if the place from underneath the bridge wasn't comfortable either. Humid, damp and there could have been threats coming from the water at any moment and lightning struck near us during the night. Great night, great place.

Shevat reassured us with his little weather report that the rain will remain throughout the day. Excellent.

Pyre immediately put her hood around her head, and I was starting to regret not having any hood nor cape to cover myself with.

... Truly, what did I expert from simply escorting an old merchant to a small town ... I didn't expect to be trapped in some undead utopia controlled by a vampiric dictator. I should have known better.

Location: Vineyard (Wizards of Wine)
Notes: Orb/gem of water obtained, Relic must be planted in Yesterhill, approx. 6 druids have been seen, they cooperate with berserkers, Ellamin and Naedithas have been seen around the area as well, according to Muriël, meeting them equals the chance 1/20. Muriël is still arrogant and mean, but Urwin's father is probably worse. The Wizards of Wine has the ancient Raven logo we are destined to seek, and is also known to be the headquarters of the Keeper of Feathers.


With Shevat's instructions and warnings for each mild concern on the road to the vineyard, we managed to make our way to our destination. It was located on a big hill, surrounded by what looks like a place for growing grapes.

We gradually climbed our way up, getting closer to the large, fancy building surrounded by fields and fences once we reached the top off the hill. There are signs of battle, indeed. Near us, there was a familiar type of corpse with mushrooms growing from its back. There is a figure behind it, probing it with a pitchfork.

The person was rather small, wearing a black cloak. The look of the corpse alone got me trapped in the vivid memories of what we have been through at Berez. "Don't touch it!", Shevat warned the person, who looked up and tossed the pitchfork aside to approach us.

It became clearer that we were dealing with an elderly human man who is hunched over. Once he came in reach, he opened up his mouth. "Okay.", he said before roughly scraping his throat in an awful manner. "What are you here for?" He asked with a hostile tone of voice. Clearly, we are unwanted here. Shame about the relic.

"We don't sell barrels to just any bystanders who are sent directly by taverns." He warned us. It seems like this is a reoccurring case related to the shortage of growth. Yshvara tried to pick up a conversation related to the corpse, saying that we've heard of the happening around the area. The man's attitude didn't change. "And who told you that?" Yshvara awkwardly tilted her head. "Urwin? You know Urwin Martikov?"

The man spat on the ground. "I know him. I RAISED him! What did that buffoon send you here for?"

Yshvara referred to the irregular shipments to their tavern and how it got him curious about why it is the case. He looked at each of us with pure judgment in his eyes. "We got it covered, all good." It was in a rather dismissive manner, he felt urged to get rid of us so I sure felt urged to get in between.

"I see you're not interested in getting your relic back. Well, I think we should take our leave then, good sir~" I smiled at him, knowing far too well that he would want to change his behavior. I noticed his eyes grow wide before he squinted them. "Did he tell you about the relic?" The man demanded to know. "What relic?" Yshvara suddenly said, which made the man spat on the ground again. I wonder if that's the secret to the grapes growing around here. * Rather unhygienic.

"Fine then. Follow me."

I smiled to myself again, following him with the rest until the man paused to point at the undead. "Oh, and you don't have to worry about those things or whatever they were. They stopped moving yesterday." He expressed that he doesn't know what or how it happened but added "Whatever magic was used to hold it together, it's not there anymore."

This is the end of the hag's influence it seems, but she did die two days ago. It might be the end of the work of a pact between her and something else as well.

We continued to move inside the house, where the man took his cloak off. The man is wearing rather fine clothing, has gray patches in his hair and some balding. His crooked nose and a pointy chin became visible as well.

From the distance, we heard footsteps. It seems like the man is not on his own. "Father?" A female voice sounded. "Did you come back, father?" From behind the corner a woman appeared with long black hair and fine features. She paused in her steps when she saw us standing in the entrance. Entirely drenched and dirty. When I make an appearance to other citizens, I personally prefer to make a decent appearance rather than this.

"We have guests." The man yelled back at her. Again, with an unpleasant voice. "Give 'em some wine, but the stuff we don't give to the taverns." In other words, cheap wine. Shevat smiled and waved at her in a gentle manner. The woman's gaze was resting on us, still frozen in her steps and stuttering a little. "Uh ... Sure, uh ... If you would—" Then she yelled to the back to request assistance. From the staircase, we saw a man responding to the calling who looked similar to Urwin but without facial hair. He looked younger and sturdier than him. "Oh, yeah, I'll go grab that." He yelled back at the woman, who then turned back to us again.

"Oh well then, welcome to the Wizards of Wine winery, I'm Stephania. Let me escort you to the dining room."

She led us inside a well decorated room, rather large inside with a very large table (20 men size) where she immediately apologized for her father's behavior. "I'm sorry about my father, he is a bit prickly at the times and it's been a rough couple of days."

They seemed to be under attack by the moving corpses and the signs of battle said enough about what else might have been here. She said that it's been two days since the advancement of them has weakened and they stopped moving entirely since yesterday.

Strengthening their connection to the hag's death. Knowing that she was incredibly strong, her magic is likely no different for it to last even beyond her death by some hours. Even the mushrooms themselves, that are positioned on top of the corpses as well, suddenly started to wither. This virus is mostly magic based in that case, else it would have continued to feed itself with the body that it got implanted on alone. Maybe it required more than just the source of the body to live or has stored her magic inside of them when they were sent to the vineyard. How come, however, that they made their way to this place specifically? The relic has been stolen from here, that much is certain, but was her grudge even bigger than that? There might have been more reason than mere starvation for her to attack them.

She said that by now, they are slowly even turning to dust. "I fear for our crops, but I think the threat has passed. There will be a limited supply for this year, but afterwards it will be good, for most ..." Stephania appeared concerned about their future and reflected deeply about the future of their income before realizing that she was in our company. "Oh, I'm terribly sorry. Do you have a tavern or anything?"

In the distance, I heard the rough tone of her father's voice again. "Uh, no. The BASTARD Urwin sent them." She looked with surprise when facing her father. "It looks like he pretty much told ... EVERY LITTLE SECRET ABOUT OUR FAMILY. BUT WHY DO I CARE, I'M JUST AN OLD COOT."

I looked around to the man. He doesn't fail to catch my interest by the way he expressed himself. Clearly, human and rough by nature. Might be the hard work on the land here to maintain their business that has hardened him. "Urwin was quite worried about you. He hasn't received any word or anything from you." Yshvara let him know. Again, the man spat on the ground. Even indoors?!

"IF HE WAS WORRIED HE WOULD HAVE COME HIMSELF, BUT HE DOESN'T DARE TO. NOO~ HE'S ASHAMED."

The attitude is indeed something we have been warned about, I recall. "Do you have any idea what has happened around Vallaki the past few weeks?" Yshvara said in return, frowning a little. "DON'T KNOW, DON'T CARE." Her eyes widened at the response. "The city nearly burned to the ground!" A brief pause followed from the man. "NEARLY? It's still standing then!" The stubborn man continued, too ignorant to care at that moment. "GOOD FOR IT." It was unbelievable.

"WHAT ELSE DID HE TELL YOU?" We looked among ourselves, until Yshvara spoke up again. "What else could he have told us?" She wondered out loud for us. We didn't know what the man was after to know. "IF YOU THINK I'M GOING TO SPILL EVERY SINGLE SECRET THAT I HAVE BECAUSE YOU USE A REVERSE PSYCHOLOGY, YOU'RE HEAVILY MISTAKEN, MISSY."

I smirked to myself. The fool is already revealing that he has secrets to keep. It seems like there is more than what it looks like at first. Then he looked sharply in my direction. "BUT YOU SAID YOU HAVE THIS RELIC? COME ON, THEN!" I smiled at him, looking over to Shevat. "COME ON, I DON'T HAVE ALL DAY." Shevat nodded at the man and got up from his chair to get his attention. "Yes, we do have—" But Yshvara interrupted the conversation. "How do we know who you say you are and you're not influenced by some crazed hag?"

"WELL. WHAT DID URWIN DESCRIBE ME AS? ... ANYWAY! I AM WHO I AM, AND I CAN'T TELL YOU ANY DIFFERENT THAN THAT."

Is that so~?

In the back, the son arrived who placed down the glasses of wine. "Here you go, I picked something better than ... Just our rejects." In the back his father spat on the floor again. "THEY DON'T DESERVE IT." The younger man looked over his shoulder. "Father, please. Try to behave yourself at least in front of guests. Especially if they are friends of Urwin. We haven't heard from him in a while." The father rolled his eyes. "HMF, VALLAKI BURNED TO THE GROUND OR SOMETHING ..."

"I'm terribly sorry, could you elaborate, please?" The siblings asked us and we informed them about what happened in Vallaki. They were curious about our names, so we introduced ourselves. This time, I made sure to leave out my last name and so did the others. Wise decisions around a man who keeps secrets.

"Father, I think these are the people Muriël was walking about." Stephanie said to him. It seems like Muriël spoke about us, hopefully in good terms. If she is a member of this family, I can tell where she got most of her attitude from.

Not much later, Muriël appeared inside the room. Yshvara cheerfully greeted her. "Ah, my favorite person ..." I mumbled to myself. "Oh, I see you finally arrived." She said with her arrogant tone of voice. "That took you a fair while. Did you make a detour or something?" Yshvara told the woman about our struggle in Berez. Muriël gave it an awkward shrug before she revealed some interesting information.

"Well, allow me to welcome you to the Wizards of Wine, also known as the keeper of Feathers headquarters." From the back, we saw the man react to her with angry surprise. "WHA?! ARE WE AT THAT POINT WHERE WE JUST LET ANYONE KNOW EVERYTHING, AREN'T WE?!" Muriël looked back at the man with mild irritation on her porcelain looking face. "Oh shut up, you f*cking old coot."

The son looked back at us in an apologetic manner. "Please ... Excuse our ... Grandfather." Yshvara shrugged. "Oh, I'm sure at some stage in our life we may all ... Become like that." He looked back at her, shaking his head. "No, it's just him, he's just an arsehole." The man crossed his arms over his chest. "MAYBE BECAUSE I AM AN ARSEHOLE, I GET TO BE THIS AGE." Yshvara looked back at him. "Well, that's a BAD thing." The man frowned back at her. "IS IT? I CAN STILL F*CKING PUT YOU UNDER."

Shevat approached the man. "There is no need for hostility, we have the relic that you've been seeking and we are more than glad to give it back to you." I looked at Shevat with a raised eye. We risked our lives to obtain this stupid relic more than once, are treated poorly and just give it to him? The least we can expect is some decency and respect. "Is it supposed to be here? Or is it kept somewhere else?" Yshvara wondered, catching the older man's attention. "We used to keep it on Yesterhill."

Yesterhill, that's the place where the druids live and call it their home.

He pointed it out for us on the map, which is located to the south of the vineyard. It's where the dirt road also leads from which we came, however it goes farther down.

"Isn't that where the druids are present? The place they made their homeland?" I asked, merely to confirm. "YEP." The older man confirmed. "How are they?" Yshvara asked, causing the man to pause for a moment. "How are they? OH THEY ARE A LOVELY BUNCH, YEAH. THEY KEEP SENDING ANIMATED TREES AND STUFF OUT. IT'S BEEN A GREAT OLD PARTY."

It seems like they used to keep more distance from them, but recently, the man said, they have gotten more aggressive and territorial. They are the ones who removed the relic and handed it to the hag. According to him, it was unclear who was behind the idea, but he needs it back on the hill.

Meaning, there is likely going to be a battle and we are sent to have it for him. First, we risk our lives obtaining it, now we must risk our lives to deliver it. The thought alone had me sighing. So what keeps them from taking it again?

"Then we should have guards out there." I added to the conversation, but the man said that normally it is not a concern, because the ground is sacred for them as well. It was safe until recently. It might be connected to the hag, who had an immediate plan to starve the people. It's not in the druids’ immediate nature to extract it from the ground from that description, but if they sent enemies to the vineyard, it means that they somehow have changed their mind and are violating their own nature. They might be under some influence, but it can no longer be the hag if even the mushrooms are no longer affecting it, unless it's a curse of some sort.

The young woman in Vallaki was still affected by a curse of some young man who has died in the attack of Vallaki as well until we brought her the cure.

"Did anything special happen only recently?" I asked, but he refused to answer. "Do you have F*CKING EARS?! BECAUSE I JUST F*CKING SAID SO!" The man complained to me. I reached for my glass and sipped from it. * Impulsive fool, that you are. I'm used to having more time to question people ...

Yshvara made an attempt to clarify what I meant to say, adding that if there was anything unusual that may have happened related to the druids, specifically. Equally impatient, the man answered "YES, THERE WAS A HAG."

"So because a hag appeared, everything started?" The man almost lost it. "THE HAG HAS BEEN HERE FOR A LONG TIME, BUT IT'S ONLY BEEN RECENTLY SINCE THE HAG MADE CONTACT WITH THE DRUIDS. AND IT'S BEEN AFTERWARDS THAT THEY DID THE WEIRD THINGS."

Finally, I got what I needed to know. A pact, she did seem to refer to during our forced stay within her hut. It should be broken by her death, but to abandon one's nature entirely? Is it merely a pact? Or is there more? It must have been valuable to them, if she has never made contact with them, that turns them into mere strangers. Druids are likely to be people that live entirely isolated, similar to the wood elves, she must have offered something that forced their cooperation. Isolated people are suspicious of many, but it might be their connection to the count that brings them together.

The conversation continued and it seems like they have people (as ravens) scouting the surroundings who have witnessed the contact between these. It's confirmed that Baba Lysaga was the one who made contact and her hut wasn't far separated either.

A moment of silence was shared in the room, when Muriël spoke up. Having her eyes fixated on Torvial, messenger of fate. "I don't believe I had the pleasure ..." She mumbled with mild suspicion. Yshvara looked over to both of them. "Oh, he's new um ..." Torvial noticed the burning gaze on him coming from the raven haired lady in the back. "Oh, yes, it's a hard-to-believe story, I'm sorry, but I can assure you that I only have the best intentions for all of you."

It was off, almost as if he had something to hide or apologize for. I smirked to myself. "I don't believe you have met our dhampir either." Her piercing gaze moved over to Arabella. "No, I don't believe I have met you, indeed." I smirked to myself. "Something new to stare at ... My pleasure."

Arabella, who stood close enough to me, suddenly kicked my shin. It was hilarious how it felt, with shoes so small, but it definitely hurt a little. From the back I heard Muriël speak up. "I like her already. Also, kick a little higher, it really hurts there." Then she had her gaze resting at me. "And also, Viiris, I wouldn't stare at them for too long, keeps a raven stare at you." I looked back at her, recovering quickly from a bit of a flinch. "Staring at ... Who." Yshvara got in between us again. "At the risk of becoming between two, glorious friends, it appears we have some business to take care of at Yesterhill."

But I refused to give in, I needed to understand what that raven was trying to tell me. Yshvara sighed. The arrogant woman looked back at me. "How about I leave that up to you to think about? You're supposed to be smart, right?" I shrugged my shoulders. If she refuses to use clear words to communicate I said to her "Then that's where the thinking stops." I'm indeed too smart to bother with people who refuse to clarify themselves. "I see, so there's nothing going on in that head of yours, then." I heard Pyre chuckle in the back.
I smiled back at her. "That's probably the best for you to believe." She nodded. "Right." Pyre looked at me after she was done laughing. "Do you two need a minute?"

Immediately, everyone tried to get in between the conversation we shared to avoid us from continuing. Honestly, I don't get her problem with me, but I sure benefit from that.

Muriël asked us about Ireena, whether or not we had found her. We might have, if we were fast enough ... Yshvara explained to her about the details of Ireena that we have discovered from the hag, how she is a reincarnation of another woman. Muriël was clearly surprised to hear that, but the blond woman couldn't get her details together, so I reached for the journal, announcing that I would.

Muriël looked at me again. "You know what? Just give me that journal." * But I grew nervous, realizing the things I may have written about her. "I'd rather not.", I said. "Well, it depends. What languages do you speak?" Muriël squinted her eyes a little. "All of them." The decision has been made. I continued to seek while they continued to discuss the hag.

"Tatyana is her name.", I then announced. "So Tatyana is this reincarnated soul? ..." Yshvara continued to add more information to get Muriël informed about the lacking details. She said that she'll do her best to find out more about the woman by the name Tatyana.

"That's great, will you also share your finds with us?" I asked her, realizing that they are collecting information secretly but barely sharing any information with us while we do their dirty jobs. Muriël's attitude remains as it is. "I'll share it with the rest of them, but not with you." I tilted my head carelessly. "Great, that works for me."

They shared that they have heard some rumors about weird travelers close to Yesterhill, fitting the description of the missing elves that once were a part of this group. We might encounter them during our travels. Apparently the younger one is giving the orders and are very different from who they once were. Now let's see if there's something we can do ...

There are about six druids spotted around Yesterhill, who are also rumored to cooperate with berserkers at times which may be weak on their own, but strong in a larger quantity. Just us against a whole army of them? They are out of their mind. I don't actually feel like many people are actually thankful that some foreigners just enter their realm and try to save everything and everyone?

This realm is really not far differently from that terrible city I came from ... Near death experiences are just a daily occurrence here, but neither do I feel too excited about returning to where I came from ... I guess, this place isn't so bad ... - And if I die here, then at least I was somewhere I wished to be. Far away, a remote place.

Again, the man spat on the floor. "YOU GUYS ARE FINALLY DONE WITH YOUR CHIT CHAT?" Shevat looked at Muriël. "This mushroom infestation, did it happen around the same time when the hag took away the relic?" Muriël scratched her head. "I guess I could tell you guys ..." The older man in the back complained again. "WHAT? WE'RE GOING TO TELL MORE SECRETS?! WHY AM I EVEN HERE. I GUESS IT ISN'T MY JOB ANYMORE." Muriël hissed back at him again to shut up before her attention was aimed at the druid again. "Well, we are guarding another treasure or relic, or something like that, and it looked like the hag figured out that it was here and sent these undead things to the vineyard to obtain it. I think it might be useful for you all."

She went away to gather it to reveal it to us and returned with a box in which the last missing gem of water is kept. I noticed Pyre's activity rate grew at the sight of a box. I think she obtained a mild fascination for these.  The group mutually gasped at the sight of it.

... We must deliver it to the catacomb as soon as possible!

We go into war with these in our possession?! How much more of a target should we make?! I'd rather travel elsewhere to place them where they should be, rather than bothering with some relic to grow crops for a few days. I'm sure a delay can't hurt ... If we die in that battle ... The loss is extremely high, but their mind is set on doing exactly as the grumpy man demands.

Muriël's attention was directed at Torvial again, who grew curious about his story that he didn't share, but warned about. The group and Torvial explained about what happened. "I have no idea where Baldur's Gate is ... So, what do you do for fun?" The lady dressed in green and black wondered. "... I torture people." Pyre frowned at him. "But you said it was your job?!" Muriël also returned a questioning gaze. "... For fun?" Torvial shrugged his shoulders and straightened his posture. "The best job is a job that is also fun, right?" Even I felt myself frozen up at how straightforward he was about the pleasure of bringing pain to others. "What ...?"

"So you walk around town and you get bored and go ... Hey, you know what? I'm just going to stab someone ...?" Muriël wondered, but Torvial tried to clarify that he just enjoys his job. "I enjoy torturing those who deserve it." He also let us know that he doesn't interact with people often. Muriël widened her eyes. "I think I can see the reason why, hun." Arabella also began to wonder. "Are you an inquisitor, by any chance?" And he agreed that he is, at least partly. "Usually, the people who end up at my table are those who are beyond salvation. So there aren't many questions left to be asked left."

That ... Is likely to be true. They would go great lengths to save their skin, no matter the sins they have committed ... To make them aware of the weight of these through such acts are the consequences of unacceptable behavior, but enjoyment? ... - How can one truly defeat a monster without becoming one, oneself ... Is he still sane, I wonder ... Was it truly fate which he was sent by? Or is it something else ... Is there a connection to each of us, I wonder?

"A sadist, I see." I chuckled to myself. "I wonder from whose perspective it's fun ..." Muriël wondered. "My superiors, I guess.", Torvial answered. "Do you ever think for yourself?" She asked back. The redhead was convinced that he did. "Yes, he thinks that torture is fun.", Yshvara added. "Well ... You're not wrong ..." The woman returned. "Muriël ..."

"Let me put it like this.", Torvial tried to clarify. "Would you not enjoy it to torture Strahd right now? Because of that type of people—" Before he could finish his sentence, Yshvara got in his way. "Strahd would probably get off on it! ..." That was the most unexpected thing I have ever witnessed her say. What—

"Oh my gosh, you're right ...", Pyre chuckled. Torvial was confused by the sudden comment as well, unsure what to say. "I'm not sure what to add to that, but I'm talking about your perspective ..." He is right, though. That man belongs in a prison, himself, one less spacious than Barovia.

"Great. Now I'm not going to stop myself from saying stuff like that when I see him. And he's going to do a lot worse than knock us out for it! So thanks, hun." Pyre chuckled at Yshvara who laughed back at her. "If I'd die, I'd love the show at least ...", I chuckled. Pyre coughed, realizing the environment she is in. "I'm sorry, we're professionals." Torvial looked back at her. "I notice." Muriël looked at the male aasimar. "These are a great bunch, I'll tell you that, now you got a great group. What was it, Torvial?" The man confirmed.

Her gaze rested on Arabella. "Also, what's your story?"

"Are you supposed to be that small?" The small woman didn't seem offended by it to my own surprise. "Oh, I see, you don't have gnomes here, do you?" The puzzled expression on Muriel's face was enough to tell us. Arabella explained to her what gnomes are.

"I heard that Viiris used a very interesting word to describe you." Everyone tried their best to hide the truth. "Oh you know Viiris, he has a mental capacity of a teaspoon ...", Pyre tried as she rolled her eyes. "It might have slipped out ..." Muriel narrowed her yes. "So she's not a dhampir, right?" I simply sipped my wine, not interfering with their attempt to save what cannot be saved. Arabella decided not to lie. "I am, yes ..."

"Then I have one question for you. Are you aligned with Strahd?" The lady in black asked Arabella. "Let me ask you this, if she was aligned with Strahd, would she be traveling with us?" Yshvara said back to her, but Muriel shrugged. "She could be a spy." This is exactly my concern ...

"I may be from a noble family, but I am not capable of spying. I am not capable of lying to save my life." To ensure that she speaks the truth, I requested guidance from Ilmater to strengthen the possibility to see through any lie she might make without an attempt to hide it. "Oh he's doing that again ...", Muriel mumbled. Arabella looked over her shoulder. "Does he do that more often?" Muriel nodded. "Constantly." Arbella looked back at the lady. "Oh, okay."

"I don't know what he does, but every time it's followed by this focused stare and it's, wuh, uncomfortable." Muriel let her know as if I'm not in the room. "Are you talking about me ...", I asked them. "No, no, I was not ... I was talking about the weather. It is really awful ... The weather, of course." It was awfully difficult to read her, unlike many others. The look on her face always looked the exact same, filled with confidence, a natural speaker of truth as well as a liar. A dangerous woman. Though I doubt her entirely, why would she hold back on me now, anyway?

The conversation between the two ladies resumed. Arabella is seeking for answers, she said, but from what she has heard, he isn't the type of person she'd want to befriend to find them. Muriel grew curious, explaining what the organization of which she is a part of, is about. People that battle against the forces of the count, who might be familiar with the answer the dhampir is looking for. "What answers are you looking for?"

Arabella brought her hand close to her mouth, holding her chin as she frowned slightly to collect her thoughts.

Muriel interrupted her. "As long as you don't give me any paperwork, we'll be good friends." But the gnome lady could assure her that her answers aren't tied to paperwork. She seems familiar with the chore of paperwork and expresses her understanding for the suffering, adding that she hates it as much as Muriel does. It came as a surprise, but Muriel was certain that nobody hates doing it more than she does. Then Arabella shared that she runs a jeweler guild.

I saw it as an opportunity to ask her more. "You're from a jeweler guild?" Arabella turned to me and nodded back. "It's a family business."

Muriel looked at her, then to me. "How long have you guys been together? I'm already starting to get to know her better than you do." I smiled back at her with mild irritation and explained that Arabella refuses to speak more about herself. "She refuses to give information, why else do you think she is so suspicious?" Arabella turned to me again with an annoyed look on her face, waving her arms. "You haven't asked!" I gritted my teeth. "I've asked enough."

But she kept postponing the opportunities, and besides, when I ask her without knowing any more details besides her affliction and possible ties with the count, I can't specifically ask for more. To get this information, she would have urged me to ask her in what guild she is a part of.

Muriel placed her hands together, gazing in my direction to get in between Arabella and I and said, "This is a very wild thought, Viiris, but have you ever said ... Please? Or something? Or asked nicely?" I scoffed back at her, almost feeling surprised about her, of all people, saying this to me. "Have you?" She lifted her brows. "What do you think I'm doing?"

"The person who's been asking the most questions was Shevat, when he asked me how my magic works." Arabella said. Clearly, it was I who asked more about the details of her origin more than anyone else, but she merely prioritized Shevat's request for personal benefits. Which is understandable, if a vampire is what she did want to become. "I thought it would be rude to pry ..." Yshvara admitted. "I mean, there's enough stuff that I'd rather not talk about, but that's the same with everybody."

Muriel rolled her eyes. "You guys are so socially awkward, geez ..." Pyre turned to her and admitted that she's not much of a talker, but Yshvara backed her up, saying we're, as a group, more focused on survival rather than meeting social norms. Arabella added that we're constantly being chased by all kinds of dangers, which makes it difficult to really focus on doing our best socially.

I picked up on that, saying that if she doesn't like it, she could as well head back to Castle Ravenloft, like the werewolf said she should. Using this opportunity, I said "When are you going to explain more about that? Have you been to Castle Ravenloft?" If she has been, it could benefit us but it will also be seen as a sign of betrayal and it will confirm if she is, indeed, not a spy of the enemy. She answered me with confidence. "No, I don't even know what that is." I narrowed my eyes and stared back at her. "Then why did he say let's go back to Castle Ravenloft?" She didn't show any sign of change in her behavior. "Because I'm a part vampire, so he must ass—" She suddenly interrupted her sentence and turned to Muriel. "Let's have a better conversation in front of Muriel, not to make her uncomfortable with my presence." I looked at Muriel and pointed at the gnome. "See?! This is what happens when I ask her!"

The raven haired lady shook her head. "You're not the presence that is uncomfortable." Then I heard Pyre chuckle in the back. I sighed, rolling my eyes. "I get  it." And quit interacting with them.

Pyre shrugged in our direction. "You know what, when there's time, we can sit down, have a drink and play twenty questions. That'll be a great time, but for now ..." Arabella agreed. "Let's finish those druids." They all mutually agreed and it was also when I backed away again and continued to empty my glass. I suppose ensuring our safety is not their priority. * If there are traitors among us, then it'll be on them, not me.

Muriel let them know that leaving now, will result in arrival at night, but allows us to stay the night here. "OH, SO, I DON'T HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY HERE ANYMORE?", the old man yelled from the back. They tried to convince the man by giving it their best smile before the man decided that we can rest in the shred. Honestly, after the last few travels, it's not the worst place. When we expressed gratitude, the man became a bit shy. "JUST ... Get the job done."

I looked in Muriel's direction with a questioning gaze, when a thought came up. I asked her if she plans to return to Vallaki in the near future, but she let me know that there are some things that'll keep her occupied until she returns. I requested her to visit Stella to see how she is doing and that, she will. I also requested her to inform Urwin about the relic and she let her know that it's thanks to our work of clearing the area, that they can begin to deliver wine again.

I let them know that I'm low on stock with my rations as well and asked if we could arrange something. They let us know that it'll be taken care of in the morning after we get up. Excellent.

"Anyone else with requests to make?" Muriel looked at each of us. "No, I just appreciate you." Yshvara said to her. It was like Muriel's entire face froze. "Honestly, I don't know what to say to that, but if you do, then just try to find Ireena as fast as possible. I can't do this paperwork on my own." I frowned at her from my corner, wondering out loud. "Is that your only concern?" She looked back at me with that arrogant look on her face again. "Is it any of your business?" Yshvara got in between. "There's something that's called levity, Viiris. You should learn about it." I frowned back at her but remained silent.

"We'll do what is within our might to get Ireena back." Shevat promised. Muriel let us know that she has a number of clues where she might be and if something comes up, she will let us know. With that, she left the room.

We were led to the shred where we'll stay for the night. There's some hay on the ground that they placed there for us to rest on. The son who led us here and apologized in his father's place. He explained that Urwin is his favorite son, who left the vineyard to live in Vallaki and he's been grumpy about it ever since. He had hoped for Urwin to take over the vineyard, but he'd rather run a tavern elsewhere.

Since they don't have any possibility of cleaning available, I decided to use the rain to wash my clothes instead. That's probably what I miss the most about ... Living at home, where I have all that available, but I suppose that freedom comes at a cost. I hate it that it has to be the cost of my hygiene. I can't present myself to others while reeking like an old well, or blood, or while I'm covered in stains. I don't even want to start imagining how I smell by now. The next time I come across a shop, I'll buy myself some soap. Lots of that.

When I was on my own, I tried to make contact to Arvirin to let him know that the hag is defeated and that he must ensure his own safety. He let me know that he is about to deliver a letter to someone and is doing well, but he was also curious about me and wondered if I'm doing well. I had to use the spell to communicate twice to answer him! ... The fool ... - Bless the Lord he's alright ...

The druid let us know that he's planning to request guidance from the spirits, to learn more about Barovia and asked our opinion, but I recalled that my opinion during the battle strategy was considered off or not taken seriously, that I couldn't refrain myself from saying that he should ask the others and not me, but Shevat insisted and wanted to learn about my opinion. Again, I had to disappoint him. Besides, I interfere a lot with their actions, it might be refreshing to see their part in it.

I noticed Pyre's focused stare onto me, muttering the words "Why is he being a drama Queen again?" Though it seems like she couldn't exactly tell. "Worse than my wife ..." I raised my eyebrows at her. "You have a wife?" Honestly, I wanted to say how I feel sorry for her, but only then I learned that the woman is no longer alive. Immediately, I heard the group complain. "Oh my gosh, Viiris ..." Arabella placed her hand on her forehead, like I just said something terrible. "Yeah um, she's actually dead, so, thanks for that. Have a nice night." Pyre suddenly said. I was frozen on the spot, not given a chance to talk, nor interact. "You're the one who started this, you can shove it onto me, but ..." Pyre nodded back at me. "Yeah, it's called dealing with my pain through humor." Again, I just couldn't do anything about the escalating situation. "What a dick ...", Yshvara mumbled. "What?!" I yelled back, realizing that I'm entirely outnumbered by people who take Pyre's side after she put words in my mouth and got away with it. "... I hate women ..."

Shevat tried to learn more about the enemies and hoped for answers, which he got. He wished to seek peace with the druid as a druid, however their beliefs and standards vary strongly from his. A mutual agreement is out of option. So we'd need to make an offensive turn instead. We tried to make a plan of attack but it appears that each of their opinions differ. There would be an attempt to talk to the druids at least, but how it will turn out, we'll have to see when we get there.

Still soaked from the rain and Yshvara trying so hard not to hear me, I had to rely on Shevat who'd use an attack on him to create wind, but it wasn't of much help. He did try. I'm grateful, even with the minor wounds, it helps me sleep at least. I probably did deserve it.

. . .