Raised a brow at the dead man in the coffin, thinking that they were invited to same sort of funeral home or something of the sort. It was definitely odd, looking at the two siblings hoping that they too weren't some terrible ghosts out to trick them. She didn't feel like such was the case, but what was there was flesh and blood from what she could figure out.
A solitary figure, perhaps a young woman, makes her way tentatively through the streets of a small village. She seems puzzled by her surroundings. It's certain that this place is not familiar to her.
At the end of the cobblestone lane a domed roof features the first bit of familiarity to her: a symbol of her god, or at least something close to it. As the rest of the village--the strange architecture, the smells, and even the aloof behavior of the few residents of the village--were thoroughly unfamiliar.
Nearing the building with the domed roof, she notes that a dim, flickering light comes from inside. The door is closed, but swings open with very little effort. A hallway is beyond the door, and at the end of the hallway it appears there is a sanctuary.
A single man kneels, praying quietly.
It's well-known among the residents of these lands that traveling alone is a poor idea. It's even more understood that traveling at night in any size group is highly inadvisable. In fact, too many people it's simply understood that leaving the safety of one's village when it becomes dark is akin to suicide. Wolves, and things worse than wolves, are far too common along the roads in between settlements.
Still, there are those who come from uncommon stock. Those who brave the roads on their own. Those who possess not only this bravery, but also the wisdom to maintain a low profile while within the darkness, the forlorn forests, or the ever-present mists.
Darrien was one such man. Many good people of this land can thank him for their safety, and for the news he carries from community to community.
Today the reasons for his journey are most unfortunate. The burgomaster of the village was dead--that much was sure. Kolyan Indirovich was always a kind host when Darrien made his way through Barovia. Many years ago, his parents most certainly had kind things to say about this man, a man who cared for the residents of the village in the same way he did his children.
And now he was gone, taken by the night. Ismark and Ireena deserved the comfort and assistance of friends at a time like this.
Night had fallen as the traveler stepped into the village. Kolyan's abode was in front of him. Darrien only wished for a cup of wine, and then he would join his young friends in holding vigil over their father.
He need but knock on the door.
--- Interlude the First ---
After the unfamiliarity of the town, Shruq briefly closes her eyes and takes in the familiar smells of the chapel; incense, paper, stained wood.
She opens her eyes again, rolling her shoulders as the ball of tension between her shoulder blades began to ease. Slowly , she advanced down the hallway to the sanctuary.
Placing her pack against the nearby wall, along with her hammer and helm, she quietly asks the man, "May I join you? "
Darrien drew his thick cloak a little tighter around him. The chill of the night biting at his extremities. He lets out a heavy breath as he adjusts the pelt he brought with him. He pauses but momentarily before knocking on the door.
I've come to pay respects. Is the only terse remark he speaks.
The chapel has seen better days. The floors, walls, and other furnishings are in disrepair. The sanctuary could use cleaned, and many of the benches are broken.
There are lit candles all throughout the chapel.
For a moment, the priest is silent, his eyes closed in pious meditation. Finally he opens his eyes and turns toward Shurq. "Of course my child. You prayers will be heard here. This is a place of peace, and you will be safe."
Just as all of you are settling in, and have made your introductions to Ireena, there is a knock at the door.
Ismark and Ireena look at each other, and it's easy to see that they are alarmed. Finally, Ismark goes to the door and says "who is there? Identify yourself!"
A male voice announces himself as Darrien, and you hear the same voice say "I've come to pay respects."
Ismark seems satisfied, even risking a smile. He pulls the large piece of wood barring the door back, letting the man in.
Sven jumps when the door is knocked, and stays alert until the visitor tells his name and Ismark relaxes. He seems to know the stranger and in s good way. Still, just in case it's a trap, he keeps looking towards the door with curiosity.
Shandi shrugs her shoulders. When the man finally enters, she studies him appraisingly.
Blaze was still rattled by sharing a roof with a corpse, and stamped her hooves in nervousness when the knock sounded on the door. She didn't quite grab her weapon, but she was ready to, should the guest be an intruder.
Upon entering, he pulled the hood of his cloak down, revealing his face. Shoulder length pitch black hair hangs half tended around his face and piercing green eyes scan the room immediately upon entering. His bow hangs a shoulder twist within distance, and a short blade and handaxe hang by the sides of his belt.
After entering and shutting the door, Darrien will Embrace the siblings one at a time with a smile.
I'm glad that you two are doing well, despite things. Beautiful as ever, Ireena. he says half jokingly, a small portion of the old Darrien breaking through among friends, such as they were. Though, his smile quickly faded, and the light in his eyes took on a shadow.
My condolences, I brought this, it isn't much, but I hope it can help in some small way. Of course, should you need something, feel free to ask. He hands the clean pelt to Ismark
Darrien then gives a nod to the others, his eyebrow raising when he properly assesses Blaze. He gives a nod of greetings, but says nothing to them. His eyes the only thing willing to divulge his thoughts. He didn't know any of them, and that clearly troubled him.
Shandi Zelz'ah. A woman dressed as a typical resident of Barovia, but speaking with a completely unfamiliar accent, holds out her hand to Daren. Her beautiful dark eyes, surrounded by thick slightly curly dark hair, scrutinize the man. Huge earrings and bright (albeit cheap) jewelry clink with every sudden movement.
Shurq nods to the man...or priest? She's not sure. But, he's welcomed her to this place of worship, that despite it's disrepair is her only sanctuary for now.
Her armor creaks as she takes a knee and withdraws her Symbol of Lathander and holds it firmly while quietly reciting a simple liturgy, "Morningstar, guide my path, my heart, my soul. In your Dawn's Light."
She then turns to the man, "I am a stranger here. The being this chapel is sacred to is both familiar and unfamiliar to me...what may it's name be...and for that matter , yours as well if I may be so bold?"
"You all friends with the dead bloke?" the tiefling asks the new arrivals, not really sure what to say. There was a dead man in a coffin at the center of the room. Velspira was half expecting him to pop up very much alive knowing how well and terribly true that may be.
The priest turns to you, smiles, and says "this chapel is dedicated to the Morninglord of course! And I am Donavich. And who are you? You appear to be new here."
Ismark embraces his friend, as does Ireena. For a moment they speak quietly as Darrien presents him with a pelt.
Finally, Ismark turns to the rest of you and introduces each of you. "Darrien, these people were strangers here in need of some hospitality. Much as my father would enthusiastically offer the warmth of this home, along with a bowl good food and a cup of wine, I honor his memory by offering this home to them." He introduces each of you one at a time, telling Darrien anything coincidental he has learned about each of you. He then introduces Darrien. [/b]"Darrien has been plying the roads between this village and others for a long time. I have known him, or his family since I was a child."[/b] Emphatically, he adds, "THERE ARE NOT MANY OTHERS I would trust with my safety more than my friend."
Wine is brought out for everyone, and good bread and more stew made with locally raised hares and root vegetables is placed before you. The food is made with care, and smells delightful.
{ooc]I know there were questions for Ismark pending before we decided to pause for recruitment. The conversation soon turns toward these things. For everyone's benefit (especially mine), if you could repost/rephrase any questions you may have posted earlier. Ismark is sure to have at least some answers...[/ooc]
Shandi breaks bread and bites it, understanding the meaning of this ritual in all worlds and all cultures.
Please tell me... How to get out of here? My house seems very far away from here. So much so that you haven't heard of it. And I do not know how I got here. Hmmm... there have been such lost travelers here before, haven't they?
---- The Chapel ---
Shurq returns Donavich's smile with one of her own, nodding at the mention of the Morninglord, "Pardon my manners. I am Shurq Kawlo, lately of the Dalelands. But, as you say, I am new here...where exactly is here? I found myself here in your village after being surrounded by a most peculiar mist..."
Darrien gives a, slightly, more friendly nod to the strangers, and happily partakes when the food is brought out. It was one of the few comforts afford in this land.
Darrien will glance to Shandi.
I can't claim to know that much, but, my mother was someone like you. Though, they came here purposefully, or so I was told. But, as far as getting out... I've never heard of anyone leaving these lands. He gives a small shake of his head at the last comment.
Though, I cannot speak for Ismark and Ireena. He adds, looking to the two of them.
All this talk of geography was making Blaze's head hurt. She wouldn't have been able to find her herd's valley on a map, so not knowing where she was didn't bother her. She'd left home looking for adventure, and it looked like she'd found one. Though, she had to admit, she hadn't pictured adventure looking like her current situation.
Famished from the long day fighting monsters, Blaze tucks into the food with enthusiasm. She sips the wine, but grimaces and puts it down. Mead is her spirit of choice, and the lack of sweetness makes her make a face.
Pointing at the corpse, and giving the usual mourn message, Sven inquires "May I ask what happened?"
---- The Chapel ---
Shurq returns Donavich's smile with one of her own, nodding at the mention of the Morninglord, "Pardon my manners. I am Shurq Kawlo, lately of the Dalelands. But, as you say, I am new here...where exactly is here? I found myself here in your village after being surrounded by a most peculiar mist..."
"You find yourself in Barovia, and you are not the first person to say they stepped through the mist and arrived here. Many have come. I know of few that have left. At midnight, many of them will be present for you to see."
Donavich look sad as he tells you that last rather nebulous and enigmatic item.
Replying to Shandi, Ismark adds to what Darrien says. "The powers that bring someone to these lands rarely let them leave again. I am aware that there are some who dwell in these lands called Vistana who do have the power to come and go. For someone like me, and perhaps all of you, it may be nearly impossible to return to you homes. I do hope you will find a way, and barring that, I hope you can find a home here."
To Sven, he offers a sad look, and shakes his head. Suddenly, his sister speaks up.
Ireena speaks forcefully. "My dear brother, as well-meaning as he is, can not be allowed to mince words in this matter. I will tell you the truth about what happened to our father. He was killed, mercilessly, by the minions of a devil. Nightly, for the last several days of my Father's life, we were visited by an array of foul creature--wolves one night, a plague of rats the next, or shambling undead on another night. My father fought bravely, turning this humble home into a castle. But his heart couldn't take it. Now he sits here in repose, awaiting burial. Sadly, none of the villagers will help us carry him to the church, as they are fearful of the devil that lives up on the mountain."
With that, there is a clap of thunder outside. Ireena looks toward the front door, assuring herself that it is tightly closed and barred again. She continues, "Luckily, these visits have stopped since his death, at least for now." Turning to Darrien, she says, "My dear friend Darrien...you at least will help my brother and I carry our father to the church in the morning, won't you?"
Shandi visibly darkens while listening about the devil. Whatever Darren answered, she would add after him: That makes a difference. Well... I'd like to help too. I can be useful if that devil decides to attack again.
--- The chapel ----
Shruq furrows her brow in thought, "Barovia....Barovia...that name is unfamiliar to me."
She ponders the name for a moment or two more, then the import of what else Donavich said penetrates. "Ah, so I'm not the only one. While I would not wish my predicament on any others, it is heartening to know that I am not alone in it!"
She the looks carefully at the 'priest', noting his melancholy, "If I may ask, what happens at midnight that disturbs you so?"
Blaze wiped her mouth and then patted her axe. "I am both brave and strong! I will help carry, and I will protect you from this devil, should it come down from the mountain."
She cocked her head, over-large ears swiveling. "Do you fear the devil will come to harry the corpse? Or now that your patriarch is dead, will he come for you next?"
Darrien Narrows his eyes at the mention of the Devil.
So, you as well now? Curses. He seems to look to some far off place, perhaps even back into the past for several seconds. Losing all perception of the present. At Blaze's outburst, Darrien smiles despite himself. She had fire, that was good. He only wondered if it would withstand the cold.
He turns to Regard Blaze. The devil, No, worse than a Devil this Demon... Strahd... the "master" of this land, or so its said by some, comes for us all at some point. But soon, soon I will give him cause to fear the night he loves so much. as he speaks, you notice he grasps the hilt of his blade so tightly that his knuckles turn bone white.
After several moments of anger, he seems to register what Ireena had asked of him, he turns and looks to Ireena taking her hands in his in a comforting manner.
Of course... Had my father still been here, I doubt this would have been allowed to so easily happen. So it is the least I could do for not being here to aid you all.
--- The chapel ----
Shruq furrows her brow in thought, "Barovia....Barovia...that name is unfamiliar to me."
She ponders the name for a moment or two more, then the import of what else Donavich said penetrates. "Ah, so I'm not the only one. While I would not wish my predicament on any others, it is heartening to know that I am not alone in it!"
She the looks carefully at the 'priest', noting his melancholy, "If I may ask, what happens at midnight that disturbs you so?"
The priest is silent for a moment. He seems to be pondering how to respond. He simply offers some hospitality. "My child, let me fix you some tea. I also have some good bread, baked today, and a bit of stew I will share. You stay here, and continue with your prayers. I will prepare a proper repast for us."
Donavich leaves the sanctuary, entering one of the small doors near the entrance.
"A devil, you say?" Sven scratches his beard. "I would be interested in finding out about this devil and its possible connection to the mist." He turns to Ireena. "Of course, that means I'm willing to help. Whatever's in my hands to help you give your father a proper funeral."
"Typical lord all, making things war for common folk all," the Tiefling says, not paying him to much mind as she surveys the home. There was no sense of irony at all as she simply casing the home still.
"What are you, a local or something?" she says, looking to the new arrival.
Blaze wiped her mouth and then patted her axe. "I am both brave and strong! I will help carry, and I will protect you from this devil, should it come down from the mountain."
She cocked her head, over-large ears swiveling. "Do you fear the devil will come to harry the corpse? Or now that your patriarch is dead, will he come for you next?"
Ireena and Ismark seem both relieved and touched that all of you seem willing to help see their father into the ground. "We all must rise early, as it is the priest's custom to perform the rite of burial at or near dawn. When we return, I can promise more good food and wine!"
Answering Blaze's query regarding the devil, Ismark responds, "I do not think the devil Strahd with bother my father anymore, especially once he is in the ground. What his aims, goals, and plans are for us, I do not know. I hope I don't see him bothering with us for quite sometime."
--- The chapel ---
Shurq is about to protest the priest's offer of food, but refrains, knowing that some in some culture it would be rude to do so. So she sat quietly waiting for Donavich to return.
However, she leaps to her feet at the terrible scream from below. Nerves on edge, she strides quickly and fetches up her hammer. Still stealing glances at the floor, she moves to the door Donavich had entered, passing through to find the priest....
At the talk of an early morning, Blaze suddenly yawns mightily. It had been a long day, the longest in recent memory, and she suddenly wanted nothing more than to lay down and sleep. Travelling with Malaya, she had become somewhat accustomed to sleeping without the herd, but she still usually bedded down in a stable, or at least with Malaya's horse. This would be her first time sleeping in a proper human home.
"If it's to be an early morning, we should sleep now. If you could show me where?"
"I agree with that, Blaze. Now, if these poor kids want to have some time on their own, maybe... I'm sure there's room in the inn for us."
Sven intends to be here early in the morning for the funeral and start from there. There are a lot of loose ends here, and it seems they're not going home till all of them are tied.
In any case, be it here or at the inn, Sven spends his time reading his own notes from a book he produces from his backpack. The old time reads "Personal Spellbook" in a decorated calligraphy, and it provides him some amusement until his eyelids become too heavy and sleep catches him unaware...
Shurq finds Donavich assembling a tray of rather tasty looking food.
A single tear streams down his cheek.
Ireena brews a nice tea for anyone who would like a cup.
Ismark finds warm, comfortable places for everyone to sleep. Though some of you are made places on the floor, you are all provided with warm blankets, and the fire is stoked for the night (which also functions to provide dim light, which most of you find comforting).
Shandi will definitely insist on night duty in shifts and she herself can become the first. We are not safe yet - she will say in a whisper - we do not know these people so closely, and besides, the devil attacked them... It doesn't hurt to be careful.
Blaze was a little surprised to be asked to take a shift watching. Surely that was why humans built these elaborate structures - to keep them safe at night? Also, warriors such as herself took care of fighting; usually scouts and guards took care of night watch.
However, she had to admit that her new herd was pretty small, and it was necessary for each of them to fill more than one roll. "Agreed. If you agree, I will take the early morning watch. Wake me when it is time." She hesitated, then added, "Be sure be in front of me when you wake me." The last thing she wanted to do was kick out in startlement and break a new friend's jaw.
Before bunking down, she insisted on walking the perimeter of the house a few times, to check for danger. In reality, she needed to relieve herself, and she doubted their hosts would appreciate if she did that inside.
Getting comfortable to sleep was difficult with no herd-mates to drape herself over. However, she was able to gather enough cushions from the furniture to make a pile tall enough for her torso, arms and head to be propped up. In no time she was asleep, a black shadow in the corner of the room, snoring lightly.
THE WEATHER OUTSIDE remains cold and wet, alternating between snow and rain overnight. Thunder is occasionally heard in the distance.
Those of you who take a turn holding vigil over Kolyan (and also keeping an eye on the grounds) are comforted by the warm fire burning and cups of Ireena's strong tea.
When sleep comes, you find that you rest comfortably here.
The following morning at dawn Ismark, Ireena, and all of you form a solemn procession carrying Kolyan's simply casket from the mansion to the chapel at the other end of the village. The one comfort is that there is some sunshine today, and it has remained dry. Looking out into the distance, there is a mist upon the hills, valleys, and mountains surrounding the village, but right here at this moment, a beam sunshine illuminates the long boulevard between the mansion and the chapel.
Atop a slight rise stands a sagging, gray edifice of stone and wood. This church has obviously weathered the assaults of evil for centuries on end and is worn and weary. A bell tower rises toward the back, and rafters strain feebly against their load.
Blaze carried her end of the coffin with ease. She had offered to carry it alone, but apparently doing the task as a team was important to the humans. This necessitated her taking a back corner so the others could still reach the coffin.
She walked through the town, eyes wide and looking around. The village looked better in the sunlight, but she still would have prefered to gallop up to the hills, and roll in the dew-damp grass. Her black coat was dull, and needed a good currying. She would need to ask one of her new friends to help, as she couldn't reach her hindquarters easily, and centaurs usually took turns currying each other.
Half-distracted by such thoughts, the shook her head clear was they approached the church. It looked as though it had seen many battles. "Is it not unusual for such holy places to look so...battered? I thought they were intended for worship, not battle."
Ireena responds to Blaze. "This village has seen much sadness. In its history, this chapel has seen far more of the profane than anything holy."
As the procession makes its way through the village, you all begin to attract attention. While most of the villagers pause, remove their hats, and stand silently as you pass, there are those who quickly move toward their own homes and shut the door behind them.
Soon you are at the door of the chapel. Ismark knocks loudly on the door of the chapel, yelling "Donavich, I am here to bury my father and your friend! Will you not help conduct his spirit away from this place?"
After a moment of silence, the doors to the chapel swing open, revealing a disheveled priest.
The priest looks all of you over, then meets Ismark's eyes. "As I served my friend Kolyan in life, I will serve him in death by ushering his soul away from this place. I bid you to place his casket here on the steps while I ring the bells to call the faithful of the village to witness this ceremony."
Donavich returns to the chapel, and pulls a rope that rings a rather dissonant bell. As this bell peels, a scant few villagers begin arriving. Most regard the newcomers with suspicion, though they are sure offer their condolences to Ireena and Ismark.
A few of the men have brought shovels, and they commence digging.
Sven is not the best digger, but still is willing to help if there's a spare shovel. Meanwhile, and out of respect, he keeps his mouth shut while other villagers and friends pay homage to the deceased.
Velspira found herself in the position to being on watch near the witching hour, a time of which the Tiefling found utterly unpleasant. Taking out a rolled small piece of paper with a strange leaf, she'd light it with a premature bolt of fire from cantrip, too weak to fizzle out fairly quick as she stepped outside the front door. Within moments however she was back inside, having wasted her last cigarette as it now extinguished itself in the wet mud.
Breathing hard, she made sure the door was locked and bolted shut. It wasn't that she saw anything, it was that a sense of dread had traveled through her as soon as she looked out into the rest of the town. Like suffocation. Even shadiest part of Baldur's gate wasn't this bad.
She would awake in the morning; thankful her own shift wasn't that long during the night. How many nights would be like this, in such a horrid place such as this land, Velspira didn't want to stay on such a subject. Instead, she'd be roped into carrying a coffin, something she didn't much care for but did so anyway. The last thing she wanted anyway was to anywhere except that house last night.
It had been a long time since she had last been to any church, especially one that wasn't her own religion.
All the way to the chapel and inside as well, Shandie respectfully keeps silent. At the same time, she expects the "devil" to appear at any moment. She knows that evil can come to us at any moment. She needs to be alert.
Blaze remains alert as the humans dig the earth. Though her superior strength would surely make the task quicker, that is not her role. She is a warrior, and it is her duty to remain alert and prepared to defend members of her herd. And strange though it is, she has a new herd to defend.
She wished she'd thought to ask what the devil looked like. Though if it stood on two legs she'd have a hard time identifying it anyway - she found many of these humans difficult to tell apart.
Darrien keeps his eyes on the move. He didn't plan on speaking, and likely wouldn't have the right things to say anyway. After placing the casket where he was directed, he simply steps back and blends into the background and keeps watch.
The funeral commences.
There is the priest Donavich, all of you (including a woman standing far in the background keeping an eye on the proceedings ), Ismark, Ireena, and about a dozen villagers. The two women who cook and clean for Ismark's household are also present, though they leave early to prepare a funeral dinner for everyone.
Donavich recites the funeral rites for Kolyan, and the wooden coffin is lowered into the ground by all of you and a few of the villagers. As Donavich offers a few final words, he is suddenly distracted.
Racing along the street of Barovia toward the chapel and graveyard is a large carriage pulled by two black horses, their steamy breath visible in the chill morning air. A pair of dark-clad teamsters conduct the horses and carriage toward the graveyard.
Upon arrival, one of the teamsters rushes to the front of the team to secure the horses, while the other opens the door to the carriage.
Stepping from the carriage is a formidable, darkly handsome man. He pauses, regarding the scene quietly.
Donavich's lips tremble as he recites the final words of the funeral rites. As he finishes he turns from the man and the carriage.
Ireena gently bites her own lip and approaches the man, her bosom heaving. Suddenly, Ismark takes his sister's arm, then inserts himself between her and the man. Ismark yells, "YOU! You, of all people, are NOT WELCOME HERE! Begone!"
The man is calm, even issuing a warm smile. "I have only come to pay my respects to you father, the burgomaster of this village. I assure you, I bear only sympathy for you. I have also brought a gift for you and all those in attendance here." Turning to his teamsters, he nods. They retrieve a large, freshly butchered and wrapped lamb from the back of the carriage. "This will provide comfort and sustenance to all who have joined you in this time of mourning. It is but a small gift for you and yours, Ismark."
Ismark sneers at the man, disgusted by his offer. "No, I will not be taking your gifts! Return to your crumbling castle and lonely halls! I will speak no more to you!"
The man nods, and instructs the teamsters to reload the butchered lamb. "I will do as you wish. Still, I wish it to be known that I offer my condolences to all in this village upon this sad occasion. I take my leave."
He begins to climb into his carriage, but turns once more toward the funeral party. Looking toward Shurq, Sven, Blaze, Velspira, and Shandi, he offers greetings. "Welcome to Barovia. Perhaps dinner at the castle is in order for all of you. Look for my invitation soon. I will send my carriage for you."
To Darrien, he only nods, acknowledging a familier face. "Darrien Rose...it is good that you have come to your friends at their time of need."
Once the unwanted guest is gone, Sven whispers, still a bit shaken "Who... who was that?"
Shandi shrugs her shoulders. She looks very puzzled.