Session #12: Please, no!

[istainion]

28 December, 2020  [6:00 PM - 11:00 PM+ (GMT+1)]

 

I noticed that when Naedithas had the cat on his shoulder, that he placed a necklace around its neck. I saw how it shrunk to the animal's size, even if I knew that it was Shevat, that was an odd sight. My gaze met Naedithas when I asked him where he got the necklace from. His attitude was restored that moment and he refused to even speak of it. He told me that it was none of my concern and that he would only tell Shevat. I wasn't sure if I could connect the conversation from yesterday with his new find or if he always carried it with him. No matter what it is, wouldn't he have given it before if he did?

 

I didn't pry on the man's privacy at that point and just went with it. I have had my fair share of his personality when it comes to keeping information from others, to know that even if I were to try, that he would never tell me. It's nothing but a waste of time and I know how tense he gets when I stand close to the truth. I experienced that first handedly, yesterday against the wall. I wouldn't mention it to the others, much like the information I had on me and the task I was assigned. None of it is to be shared. I only hope that ... They will forgive me.

 

It was such a relief to have Ireena by our side again. It's like the mood lifts a little with just her voice and laughter with silly moments. I hope that we will live through many more of these before we actually leave her. The thought stung, I don't want to leave her behind but neither do I want to pull her into danger. Strahd wants her and without us, there's even less in his way to get to her. Even if that guy has two of us down already ... That flask ... I wonder what they are able to do with just my blood ...

 

A little later on, both Yshvara and Tibirin joined the group again. We have decided to head to the Inn for breakfast, finally! I'm starving ... Though when we turned our direction to make it to the building, another one caught our attention. Loud cheering came from a large crowd of children that were gazing through a large shop window and appreciated the wares that were displayed there. Toys, they were. I asked the others if they were interested in getting a toy or two, mainly aiming my interests in both Naedithas' and Tibirin's direction. Wouldn't it be funny if they would actually get themselves some cute animal to cuddle with?

 

To my own surprise, it was Ireena who was interested in taking a look. She took a sharp turn and had us following her. At first, the was excited with the sight but it weakened at the sight of a doll that shares similarities with the count and it didn't pause her when suddenly she walked straight to the shop entrance. Not a word was shared until we met the cause with our own eyes. Inside the shop, she stood with a doll in her hands. One that looks exactly like her from before she cut her hair. I saw that look in her eyes while she held it. She looked torn, disoriented and confused. It caught Naedithas' attention as well and he took her to the shop owner.

 

He reminded me a little of this Rictavio guy, much more than it resembles ME. If only Tibirin would notice but he was too occupied with keeping his distance from the man to get a good look. The distance he took, got him all the way outside the shop. He said that it was because of the appearance of the man that he preferred to stay far away. His jester-like appearance. So I thought that maybe our visit at Adrian's Carnival was the cause and pointed it out but it caused him to give me this ... Look. I decided to keep my distance before he would slap some sense into me in his original, violent way. I recall Muriël laying on the ground with his weapon near her.

 

I regrouped with Naedithas and Ireena that spoke with the man behind the counter and saw that he was intimidated by the two. I was curious to find out why but I understood that it could not be a coincidence that a doll would resemble a person so well. The shop owner, Mr. Gadolf Blinksy, spoke of commissions that he gets and takes and this doll might be one of these, though he wouldn't speak of the male person who has commissioned it from him. It came as a surprise to me that Naedithas seems to be interested in protecting Ireena as well. Even outside battle.

 

The two have convinced the man to speak but he would only do so in private. For that, he closed the shop and took us to the back. Inside the back room, I noticed a shelf filled with more Ireena dolls, probably around twenty of them. Someone else pointed it out to him. You would say, it's like he has practiced the doll making of her but instead, he told us something differently. The commissioner got better over the time, to describe the looks of his assumed soulmate that he meets in his dreams. Well, if it wasn't creepy enough yet, it turned out that this commissioner is no one but Izek, the captain of the knights. The scare of Vallaki.

 

If we were to make the information public, it won't be pretty for the man. He said that Izek comes over to the shop, at the start of each month, to get his dolls from him. And if he would not, Blinksy is certain that he will tear down the shop and put it on fire. "He has the power to ruin me." It was something that I was pretty certain of as well, though would the Burgomeister allow him to go as far? Is he aware of his business here in the shop? I have learned through Ireena that he has intentions to build a relationship from Vallaki to Barovia through her marriage with his son. I wonder if this will turn into chaos if he discover Izek's interests for Ireena.

 

While it is as terrifying as it sounds, nothing beats the fact that Blinksy saw how Izek took the doll in his hands with obsession in his eyes. How caringly he began to touch it. Brush its hair as if it was his own daughter. I would also feel the amount of disgust if it were to be me. Unless it's in someone's hands that I like ... I guess? MAYBE?! ... While we were at it, one of the others asked about the other creepy toys in the display. Much like that Strahd ventriloquist doll and the gallows made from wood. The man claimed that they were popular items but what of the ominous theme his toys have? He said that a man had high interests in these and even commissioned dolls that were made after the count.

 

This man's name is Vasili von Holtz, he comes from the unvisited noble family that lives in Vallaki. They are known for their time as merchants, back in the day. This man is described to have black hair, usually worn in a ponytail, dressed in a blue, noble coat and has brown or even yellow eyes. He assumed him to be around his mid thirties in human years. It was a rough description that could work well to find the man and learn more about his side of the story as well. At least, if he is up for a talk rather than to buy and commission Strahd dolls. Even the Burgomeister buys some of these dolls, but Blinksy was not too happy when he saw  them being burned during one of the many festivals. Odd people ... What is the purpose of buying something just to destroy them? And what's this stuff about getting monthly dolls? What does Izek even do with them? I doubt he burns them? And he doesn't even pay for them either ... If it isn't his aggression that will ruin the shop, it's the lack of financial income.

 

Because of the danger involved in Vallaki, Blinksy is thinking about moving to Krezk instead. He believes it is a much better place to live in and the longer I am here to learn about the Vallaki, the more I begin to trust his words. It might indeed be for the best, we said to him. Until then, he will be open for commissions. I was actually interested in one of the fabric dolls as well. Just ... Something to hold onto ... Maybe ... And even Yshvara was interested in it. It actually surprised me but I didn't bring the subject up. Much like myself, she preferred to speak of it in private. He told us not to commission anything weird! ... What even IS weird at this point? You keep making those weird Strahd dolls and other, evil toys?! Though, wait, do you think that this shadow woman will leave me alone if I give her a Strahd doll? ...

 

We explained that, over the years, a number of noble houses have disappeared in the land Barovia. The man we met, Donavich, Father of the Church, was also of noble origin before he turned himself to priesthood. It's not something I have ever heard that has happened but it really puts you to thoughts. His beliefs were stronger than to live a wealthy life ... It was Ireena who told us this and I am curious to learn about what happened to the others. Is the count involved? Likely ... If not him, then the danger, the attacks and who knows what this man from Vallaki does to keep the town safe. I hope that the Pastor is safe ...

 

We left Yshvara at the shop to give her some space to talk and headed to the Inn to get us some nice breakfast. And damn, it was so tasty! Even Tibirin ate with us! Though, didn't he already have breakfast? His portion of food doesn't appear to be much smaller than what he would normally eat during breakfast. Are you a glutton? Have some of mine, too, then!

 

What was even funnier was that when Shevat and Naedithas returned from their room and he was back to his human form, that he got so used to his cat form, that he even ate like one! If only I could burn this sight into my memory like a painting! It was solid gold to the eyes, I loved it! Hahahah! Eating with his mouth like that ... I wonder if I should dare to give him a bowl of water the next time he takes the form. Would he drink from it?

 

Yshvara returned a little later and confirmed her commission. I asked her about the price and she said that it costs only 9 copper pieces. So cheap?! Of course, it depends on the details of the commission. My gaze moved over to my inspiration to calculate the price I would have to pay. In any case, I'm willing to give it a try. It sounds funny! I want to have one, too! ... Wait, does he still only have a single ear accessory now?

 

We discussed our general plans and schedule for today. What we needed is information and we agreed that we should both access the noble families, the commoners but also the poor people of Vallaki to get a solid opinion of the situation at hand. I brought up the pastries I got from the old lady at the town's square. They were pricy but I thought that maybe the hungry could help us with some information in exchange for a valuable piece of food like this. Yshvara gave it a considerable look, having the noble family in mind when she did and asked for my permission to give it a try. I said it was fine as long as it wouldn't show. I cannot offer food to someone that has teeth holes in them. They will lose their appetite at the sight or consider it to be cursed, dirty and odd. Nobody would do such a thing ... As far as I am aware.

 

Though when Yshvara took a small, careful bite of it, it was as if her eyes lit up. There was a hint of surprise in her porcelain face, if not excitement. Shoulder twitched and I saw her hand moving at a faster pace to consume the rest of the treat. I was speechless at the sight and rose my brow with surprise. Only after she ate it, she seemed to return to her senses and only then she fully realized what she did. I was honestly amused at the sight and couldn't help but to smile. I guess this food is pretty delicious and she doesn't seem to behave strangely either.

 

I thought that it was fine for her to have it, I recall that the lady will still be available today. Tomorrow she'll return to the bakery, she said to me. I might get some more. Even if I won't give it to complete strangers, I can at least hand it to my companions. I feel that ... They deserve as much. After all, they haven't left me behind. Not even once and they protect me when the fight becomes overwhelming. Even if they will judge me for what I do and don't do. For what I can and can't do. That is something which will never change ...

 

Our discussion continued. Lady Wachter still awaits our visit and we have no other exceptionally important business, other than a blacksmith visit. I recall our future opponents. Werewolves, whatever they are, we need to fight these and it is said that their weakness is silver. I will not let my team at a disadvantage after I went all the way to rob those people from their information. I will gather everything that is necessary to ensure a safe outcome for us to leave Barovia once and for all. If this Strahd must get on our nerves as he does, then I want to return the favor. That will be through success.

 

I recall the connection I have and I feel that ... I may not make it all the way through the end. It terrifies me ... But I hope that ... I will not be forgotten. Until then, I'll have the enemies yell my name through their chambers and may it be loud ...! Because I won't go down so easily!

 

Naedithas came down the stairs after a short while. He had seen Yshvara's expression when she ate the delicious food. It seems like ... He still had it in his possession. At that moment when my thoughts turn dark, the man approached me and took me in his arms. He was smiling ... He was excited. "Thank you!", he said to me while I felt myself being pressed against his chest. It's been ... A mere 40 years since someone took me in their arms like that.

 

I tried not to get sentimental after something for which the gazes of the others would harm me and kept my posture. When I looked over to the others, I have noticed that they were fixated on Naedithas instead. They were as confused as I was but I felt something inside of me shatter. It wasn't something negative, instead, I felt hopeful. I felt that there is hope in a hell hole like this and recognized it in the rest of the team. Each of them is wearing a strong expression. Everyone is fighting.

 

... But I wonder. What lit their flames? What pushes them all the way to here? What holds them together? Each of them appears experienced as they do. I wonder what they have been through, what they have done to get this far in life. I am certain that these warriors have seen far more fires than I have. I want to learn more about them, learn about life that lays behind their strong exterior.

 

Our decision was made, our next destination would be the Wachter's house. On our way, we would keep an eye out for a blacksmith. We left the inn and walked through the streets of Vallaki. Past nature covered houses. I noticed that it caught the attention of both Shevat and Naedithas. I wonder ... Do they miss their homes? It was that forest from which they came, was it not? Just before we got dragged into Barovia ...

 

We continued our way to the house. No guards were outside and Yshvara took a step forth to knock on the door. A servant opened the door, a friendly seeming maid. She was informed about our invitation to the house, which she seemed to be aware of. She let us inside and guided us up the stairs to find the Lady in the living room. She sat at the couch with a fireplace near her and plenty of seats to take. We took our seats and had the Lady welcome us to Vallaki.

 

What I thought was odd, is that she seemed to know our every action. She knew when we entered the town, when we visited the burgomeister and could immediately catch up with our current position. I haven't seen her around. Could it have been her servants? Maybe mercenaries? I was suspicious of her, it was not much different than with the ones in charge of the town. What I did like about her was that she doesn't seem to mind or care about how she expressed herself. She appears frustrated with the situation, frustrated with everything involving the burgomeister. His suspicions of her working with Strahd? Well, I think we have that covered.

 

She confirmed that she believes the count should be in charge. Just like it used to be in the past, life was pleasant before Vargas and Izek ruined the fun for her. She told us that Izek was adopted by the family even though he was known for his sadistic and angry nature. This demon arm I've sensed? He had it from the very beginning. Even as a child. I have very odd suspicions on the subject. We have seen a lot of nasty, dark things around here but why would a child bear a demon arm as well? I recall these letters from my records, that even the Durst family spoke of a fiend. I don't understand the origins of each of these but I hope that I can discover more before it's used against us.

 

She said to us that if these people disagree with the will of the burgomeister, that they will be taken as prisoners. Nothing unusual to me, even from what I read. Though, I wasn't aware of the details. She spoke of some sort of rehabilitations. The people who leave the house are traumatized, they are confused and it's not long before they commit suicide. What is it that this man does to the people? Is it any worse than what Strahd does? In any case, from what she said, it sounded like Izek is one of the key elements of Vargas' control. His obsession with Ireena doesn't feel nice either but is it really something that can only be solved through murder? I felt that it was unfair.

 

... To kill what doesn't fit. To get rid of the obstacle through murder without learning about the story. I felt that something was odd about that. It's the same for this Vargas. I don't want to simply cut off his head just to solve a problem at hand. I am sure that there are different methods. What about applying his own methods against him? Have him feel what they felt? ... I feel that punishment is far better before we find a suitable solution. Though we cannot simply strip him from his position, if he is the reason why Vallaki has lived in peace for so long, then there must be something he does to keep that peace up. If we cannot provide these people with that same security ... Then what is the point of it all?

 

The more that Lady Fiona Wachter threw around us and spoke ill of the man, the more I felt that this was nothing but a tantrum. Her intentions are clear, she wants to be in control and she opposes the man who is currently in charge. It sickens me to think of it. Wanting to be in control of it all, all these people. It gave me a familiar disgust. I understood that there are people with a capable mind that should be in charge, to guide people through hardships. Though, must they be this tainted? Blind by nothing but power?

 

Choosing Strahd over Vargas, to Lady Fiona, is nothing but picking the lesser of two evils, she said. I do not feel that this is entirely true. She hasn't seen the son of a loving father turn into a vampire, seen the look in his eyes when he understood that he needed to get rid of his son. How all the people outside Vallaki are terrified for their lives and hold onto each other. Their residence is ruined, haunted by the wild outside their doorstep. They all live in fear and she speaks of the lesser of two evils ...

 

She must be blind. May it be through rage, disgust or senseless love. A handsome face, like that of Strahd, those comforting and maybe even charming words he spills, cannot confirm a secure future. I wouldn't judge a man for his words, I'd rather judge them for their actions and the impact. I have been fed enough lies and empty promises to know that there is nothing more than the empty distractions they offer. This woman is blinded, that much I am certain of. I fear that there is a connection between Vargas, her dead husband and the broken attempt of an alliance between her daughter and his son.

 

Her plan for us is to get rid of Vargas, get rid of Izek and let her become the burgomeister. And as confident as she was, she expected us to immediately agree. She believed to be in the position to say that if we are to betray her, that there will be consequences. No pressure, right? She better watch herself because I don't think she has managed to get that far without any external help. Though I was concerned when I saw that Naedithas seemed to support her. He wanted what she wanted and I do not know or understand why. Is he also ... Brainwashed by him? Or is this ... Just what he truly believes is right? We haven't learned anything yet. We know too little!

 

The woman spoke of a man that was caught by the guards during the last festival from a few days ago. The Wolf's Head Jamboree. This man held a sign that was against the Burgomeister, something to convince the people to feed him to the wolves instead. I suspect that ... He has a connection to this Lady. Or maybe that's just what the commoners believe. I cannot ask them about Izek, they seemed to fear him beyond words. Something isn't right. What is it that they truly do to these people? In any case, this Udo Lukovich is being held captive. He is a shoemaker in Vallaki and he is now held in prison.

 

Shevat, Yshvara and also Naedithas seemed eager to help the man out and they are willing to risk a lot for it. It leaves me wondering. I understand that the time is pressing but they are even willing to use Ireena's relationship to the Vallakovich family or even have her interact with Izek for his safety. So many sacrifices at once ... To save someone we do not know? Their plan was to put the house on fire during their visit, to keep them occupied. I fear for their safety. I fear for failure. It is us who will be taken to prison, us who must suffer if the word gets out. Everything, for a man we do not know. I am hesitant and I feel that I am alone in this quest. If only I could come up with a better plan ... Time is pressing, I must clear my mind.

 

It is said that Izek can control the fire, so the fire must be on a larger scale to provide the others enough time. But what will become of them if the fires overwhelm the building and they ... Become a victim of their own plan? I can't bear the sight. What if it collapses? What if they are caught during the mission? Will I be able to turn it all around on my own? It is I, who must lit the fire from outside and I am on my own. It is likely that they will come after me when they are caught. Then where will I go? Where will I hide? Where will I seek people to help me to free them? Am I capable of all that?

 

Determined to uncover the truth, I continued to fish for information. This time, I asked her about the Durst family. According to her, their house has disappeared into a thick mist and not heard from for years. They have returned as ghost stories. The Durst family will come after bad children to collect them. Typical as it sounded, I let out a sigh. When we referred to an odd ritual and asked her about our suspicions, she confirmed to us that the count has not been summoned. She said that he is a conqueror of the tribes, wild tribes. The "Berserkers''. Merchants often fall prey to their attacks on the road. It all sounds familiar.

 

Back at the inn, I recall that Tibirin has been handed a task from the Innkeepers as well. Their wine delivery hasn't come, it's the same for Ulog. They also have difficulties with their deliveries. Strahd also seemed to like their wine ... Could this have a connection to the Wild tribe? Lady Fiona helped us with more information about them. These tribes seem to be around the woods of Mt. Baratok. I wonder ... Do they own an overview of all their rituals? Do you think they are capable of speech? ... They sound rather primitive. There is a man named Abet in Krezk. He is an old man and keeps track of the history of the land. We may be able to rob him from more information. She said that he is not a nice man and hasn't aged ever since she was a young child.

 

She described him as a man around his late thirties of the human race, his hair is blond, eyes are blue and the man is handsome (again, handsome?!) and toned. I better keep my eye out for all the handsome men around here, they seem to have a lot more to them than just their looks I suppose. Now, if only I knew what is to be considered handsome, that would be helpful. Maybe ... Yshvara can help?

 

Tibirin pointed out our search for a blacksmith in Vallaki, she said that there was one. His name is Morgu, he is a bit of a rude man but he is great at what he does. A big man ... Well, we better get on his good side. As for the Windmill, there is only one according to how she addressed it. She doesn't know the story behind it, she said, but they refer to it as the "old bonegrinder", now if that isn't the place to visit, then I do not know. Though, why is it that I am curious about it? Whoever visits this place is bound to disappear and never to return.

 

And why is that? Isn't it just a rumor? What if this is a core element in our search? Though, are we truly strong enough? It is the one that is located between Barovia and Vallaki, the one we have avoided and there is no path leading to it. I recall from the last time I glanced over the map. They say not to leave the road. It's too dangerous.

 

As for the Vistani's neutrality, my theory has been confirmed. The count and the vistani have an ancient pact going on. I am rather certain that this pact is like a peace treaty to the two sides, one that allows them to enter and leave the land and roam around freely. There is only one person to address about this pact and that is Madam Eva. She is the mayor of the Vistani and well respected fortune teller. I knew there was more to this neutrality of hers. And I pray that she will never get inside my dreams ever again. Do you think she can read my mind?! Ugh ...

 

Well! Soon her book club will start, so the six of us had to immediately LEAVE. She must discuss an odd book about the "Romance between the cricket and ladybug*", whatever book that is. I haven't read or heard of it. Maybe I could take a look when we get to Krezk's library ...

 

We made our way outside the building and planned what to do at this point. It seems like we're going for Plan Reckless and I must play my part in it as well. Can't we talk this over? What if something will happen to you?! Or me?! Or us all?! ...