Sezsu scowls and raises an incredulous eyebrow at the bacchanalian display.

"Your group seems to be celebrating. Quite a bit of joviality for camping in the woods so close to a foreign town. Is it a holiday I don't know about? Most in your situation would want to remain on guard."

Glancing briefly at Zied and then back to Stanimir, he forces an awkward smile and as an afterthought coughs and adds, "Uh. Name's Sezsu. And thanks but I never drink while on duty," he lies.

Stanimir accepts introductions from all who would offer them, all the while waving you closer toward the bonfire.

Zied: "Where are you folks from?   It looks like you're a caravan. Are you a traveling show, or are you looking for a forever home to settle near?"

“Life is traveling show, so answer to first question is yes, and to second question is no.  Ha!  Here. Sit!”  One of the travelers spreads out a couple of colorful but worn blankets. Stanimir gestures toward them.  “Wine, they are in need of wine!”  A moment, and a man and a woman offer you cups of a red vintage.

Sezsu: "Your group seems to be celebrating. Quite a bit of joviality for camping in the woods so close to a foreign town. Is it a holiday I don't know about? Most in your situation would want to remain on guard."

“Fortune sees us where it will.  There is nothing on this road that we fear.  Rather, the road should be afraid of us. Hey?!”

“Hey!” replies the crowd with a shout, and a hiccup from at least one.

“Each day is occasion for celebration.  Each sunrise means you are alive to see it.  Is beautiful thing!”

“So, you are soldiers?  Adventurers?  You come dressed for battle.  Ha!  Here the only weapon you need is words.  Share story with us, please.”

Sitting and accepting the wine, Sezsu takes a large gulp and says, "A story, eh? Well let's see..." And he proceeds to start into the Faerunean equivalent of There once was a man from Nantucket before cutting it short from an elbow in the ribs or a scathing look from one of the others.

"Well, of you'd prefer nonfiction, there's always the tale of 'The Man in the Dark with the Hook Hand.' He lives in the forest and eats children. Really quite disturbing that he's been around for so long and never caught."

He takes another swig and sits back to gauge reactions before asking, "So why have you chosen Daggerford? Surely there are better places for a traveling show than this backwater dump. Uh, sorry Ed."

 Alessa allowed to guide her to the blankets (situation was very unusual but excitement of that never-ending celebration was contagious) and even accepted the wine (she was not going to drink it but refusal to even take the cup seemed impolite) and went as far as to introduce herself ("I am Alessandra" - on the job she did not insist on the proper addressing). She felt a bit guilty - they came with the agenda and not a good one, yet were accepting hospitality of those they promised to get rid of. But she shook the feeling off - after all, they could have come to investigate first. Thus, while Sezsu was talking, she continued studying these people - tales about them claimed all women here were witches, no less.

Seszu: "So why have you chosen Daggerford? Surely there are better places for a traveling show than this backwater dump. Uh, sorry Ed."

Stanimir shrugs.  "You might as well ask trout why it choose the stream.  It is the path that we have taken.  Perhaps this week we are here, perhaps next week we are there.  In the end, it makes no difference.  Life is not about the why, but about the what.  And what we are, are Vistani.  Hey?!"

"Hey!" echoes the crowd, and someone rattles a tambourine.

(Pausing to allow others to chime in...)

(Do we know what Vistani are and any connotations that might be bundled with the term?)

Zied settles in, letting Sezsu chat, as they are want to do. Often. Tilting his head slightly. "Quite a few Trout return to where they were born, whether river or sea breeds. Taste the same though.  Life is about what you value, and what you want out of it. This is true. " 

Realizing that Trout Ecology is neither here, nor there, Zied asks the obvious question, " How long have you been in the area?I'm unfamiliar with Vistani.  Is that your family name?"

Stanimir's pale eyes seem to suddenly reflect the fire in a novel way.  The flames dance within his pupils dance to some haunted melody, granting them a melancholic glow.  "Who we are..." he murmurs, suddenly thoughtful.  "Is a story in itself.  The story of our people.  The story I will tell all of you." 

"The telling!"  The truth-telling!  The whispered phrase trickles among the Vistani, who gather in closer to the fire.  A viol plays, a mournful tune that captivates even the moonlight and seems to draw it down upon the camp.  Stanimir fills his mouth with wine, then spits into the fire. The flames turn from orange to green. As they dance and sway, a dark shape appears in the bonfire’s core.  

“We, the Vistani--" 

"Vistani!"

"--come from an ancient land whose name is long forgotten—a land of kings. Our enemies--"

"Mortio!"

"--forced us from our homes, and now we wander the lost roads.”

The dark shape in the fire takes the form of a man being knocked from his horse, a spear piercing his side.

Stanimir continues. “One night, a wounded soldier staggered into our camp and collapsed. We nursed his terrible injury and quenched his thirst with wine. He survived. When we asked him who he was, he wouldn’t say. All he wanted was to return home, but we were deep in the land of his enemies. We took him as one of our own and followed him back toward his homeland. His enemies hunted him. They said he was a prince, yet we didn’t give him up, even when their assassins fell upon us like wolves.”

Deep in the bonfire, you see the dark figure standing with sword drawn, fighting off a host of shadowy shapes.

“This man of royal blood fought to protect us, as we protected him. We bore him safely to his home, and he thanked us. He said, ‘I owe you my life. Stay as long as you wish, leave when you choose, and know that you will always be safe here.’”

The figure in the dancing fire vanquishes its final foe, then disperses in a cloud of smoke and embers.

Stanimir’s face becomes a somber mask. “A curse has befallen our noble prince, turning him into a tyrant. We alone have the power to leave his domain. And we have come to you.  We know that you are special, we can sense it.  We’ve traveled far and wide to find heroes such as yourselves to end our dread lord’s curse and put his troubled soul to rest. Our leader, Madam Eva, knows all. We ask you.  Will you return to Barovia with us and speak with her?”

 Alessandra would be lying if she said the offer was not at least flattering. She would never admit it publicly, but legends, myths, even fairytales still had their hold over her soul, so to speak. And even if such fascination was against everything she was raised to see as "proper", so was her occupation. Speaking of which, she was adventuring to practice her magic and you simply can not get more "adventurous" than that - a prophecy, some mysterious people (practically nation?), sent specifically for her (well, for all of them, but let's not dwell on details) to help to break a curse of a handsome (Vistani did not mention he was handsome, but how he can be not?) prince!

In short, she was sold on the idea completely and only years of hard drilling in the manners and proper expression allowed her to keep face expression of a mildly amused aristocrat. She glanced at others to check their reaction. The Duchess did ask to personally escort the troublemakers off the land, but she probably could work that angle convincing them to accept the offer. Still, out loud she remained just polite. "A bit of a sudden offer, dear Stanimir. You might have expected us, but we learned about your existence less than an hour ago and did not plan a far journey. Where is that that country you mention - Barovia? I do not think I ever heard of it."

"And why on Toril would you think this group of misfits were 'heroes'?" Sezsu scoffs, clearly amused.

Draining his glass, he leans forward, elbows on knees. "I'll be perfectly honest, Stan, old boy: This sounds like something from a children's book. We'd heard you lot had taken to harassing villagers and threatening to hex them. We came to find the truth of these claims and you entreat us to save your far-off home from your cursed liege? I'm sure you can imagine how this would be taken, given the general stigma surrounding roving bands of bohemians. Is there anything you can offer to provide even a hint of credibility to this wild tale of yours?"

Following up on the two somewhat different energies his coworkers were putting forth. 

"Hm. In effect we have been hired to ask you kindly to move on to the next village- I thought to help you find work.  But if you are simply looking to hire people to help with... what sounds to be...To kill a royalty of a land?-Which we are not assassins. Or to break a curse upon royalty?  Either measure seems beyond our skillsets.  Have you talked to a Priest?  If you are looking to hire an escourt home-That can be discussed. Escourt missions are certainly under our purview and skillset.  Albiet, the distance and time will be a factor on acceptance or payment."

Taking a moment to collect himself and realize a questionable point, "If you are allowed to leave-and expressly began a search for help and rescue. Why is your leader not with you here?"

Alessa: "A bit of a sudden offer, dear Stanimir. You might have expected us, but we learned about your existence less than an hour ago and did not plan a far journey. Where is that that country you mention - Barovia? I do not think I ever heard of it."

“It is not all that far. A few days journey beyond the lands south of here.”

Seszu: "And why on Toril would you think this group of misfits were 'heroes'? I'll be perfectly honest, Stan, old boy: This sounds like something from a children's book. We'd heard you lot had taken to harassing villagers and threatening to hex them. We came to find the truth of these claims and you entreat us to save your far-off home from your cursed liege? I'm sure you can imagine how this would be taken, given the general stigma surrounding roving bands of bohemians. Is there anything you can offer to provide even a hint of credibility to this wild tale of yours?"

“Only the promise of the Tarokka,” Stanimir responds cryptically, but seriously. “Madam Eva knows all. It is she who has the answers you seek.”

Zied: "Hm. In effect we have been hired to ask you kindly to move on to the next village- I thought to help you find work. But if you are simply looking to hire people to help with... what sounds to be...To kill a royalty of a land?-Which we are not assassins. Or to break a curse upon royalty? Either measure seems beyond our skillsets. Have you talked to a Priest? If you are looking to hire an escourt home-That can be discussed. Escourt missions are certainly under our purview and skillset. Albiet, the distance and time will be a factor on acceptance or payment. If you are allowed to leave-and expressly began a search for help and rescue. Why is your leader not with you here?"

“Tell your employer not to worry. We will be gone by morning. Our road is endless, and it carries us on, as ever. Ah, but what roads have weathered more than we? Madam Eva is old. Even older than me, if you can imagine. It is for the younger of us to seek help where it may be found.”

"So, then, it comes down to the age old question of 'What's in it for us?'" Sezsu sits back once more as he runs his tongue over his teeth, savoring the last of the wine's aftertaste.

"If we were to follow you on this nonsensical crusade of yours, how could it possibly be worth the time, energy, and risk? Would your disenchanted prince bless us with riches or land? Titles? Power?"

"Regardless, time marches on and the night grows late. We should report back to Her Grace and see if she deems our job performance acceptable enough for dessert." Sezsu grins at the others as he begins to stand.

"Thank you for your hospitality and...entertainment. We'll convey your plight to the Duchess but can't promise much beyond that. Just please," he pauses and locks eyes with Stanimir. "Don't harass any more villagers tonight."

"We ask you to put his soul to rest.  There will be no prince living to give you lands and riches.  But you would have our eternal gratitude, and we could offer you what little we have."

Seszu: "Thank you for your hospitality and...entertainment. We'll convey your plight to the Duchess but can't promise much beyond that.

"Of course." Stanimir looks disappointed, likely anticipating where Seszu's thinking is leading. But he offers his hand, just the same.  "Tell me, did you enjoy the wine?  It is a special vintage from our own lands."

"It certainly is delicious. It's savory and complex. Not at all what I expected. The aftertaste...lingers and I quite like it." Sezsu releases the handshake. "Thank you again and, if nothing else, our thoughts and prayers go with you."

 Alessa stood up as well - there was no point to demonstrate any disagreement within the group. But she smiled openly a bit above simple politeness and even drunk some wine, that she was not going to do at first but Stanimir's hospitality and patience deserved some friendly gesture.

"Please excuse Sezsu's hasty words - the offer is sudden and overwhelming. We might need some time to think - and to talk - about it. We also do need to report back about your plans to leave, if only to prevent undeserved hostile actions against your people here. Thank you for the wine, the story and the most intriguing offer, that - who knows - we might still take. May your travels be always safe."

Audibly and impulsivlyg sighing at how suddently the conversation switched from asking about being hired, and rewards to haughtly leaving-He hadn't even gotten to inquire about their interactions with the previous guard lot.  Having had curiousity as to why they were unable to complete-magic, threats, or simple kindness?

. Collecting himself quickly and stermly. Zied stands up with the others and gives a short curt bow. "It seems time has evaporated rather quickly.  It would be advisable leave PRIOR to morning lights. At the request of the leadership of this land.  If you linger longer there will be problems.   As for your potential job, there would need to be a discussion concerning rewards for employment. As well as a great deal of details concerning parameters.  Something to consider if we meet again. Or if you make the request to others in the future."  

Zied imbibed no drinks, and refused any offerred. "Thank you for the conversation and storytelling"

Ed had stayed quiet through the interactions, partaking in the offered drink and merriment. Though he disagreed with Sezsu's cycnical approach to most situations - these people were clearly no harm to anyone - the priest had taken the lead and Ed was happy to let the man handle these strangers as it became clear that those words of encouragment were all that would be required. Ineed, hearing that they had planned to move on of their own accord had Ed feeling fully justified in his positive approach back at the Duchess' party. He smiled to himself at that.

These Vistani were an intriguing people and Ed felt a similarity in how they looked at life, making the most of whatever they encountered and not judging people. They were ideals he could relate to and liked to think that he was also a follower of. That they seemed to have been here specifically to feer an invitation to the four of them was somewhat unsettling, but Ed apprecated that how the divine encouraged their will varied from person to person, and that these folks had been guided to Ed, Sezsu, Alessa and Zied by some higher purpose clearly was without question... This 'Madam Eva' must have been guiding them, and she would certainly be the person to talk to, to find out more.

"Indeed, this was a most unexpected turn for the evening, though not an unwelcome one. Stanmir, tell us, how do we find this Madam Eva? We should return to the duchess, and I would be remiss to leave my family without a proper goodbye. Should you be planning to leave when the Morninglord blesses us all, we could not travel with you immediately. As my companion says, we shall discuss your plight most favourably, and if we can make time to catch up with you on the road south, then knowing which roads you travel would be a great aid in doing so."

Alessa:  "Please excuse Sezsu's hasty words - the offer is sudden and overwhelming. We might need some time to think - and to talk - about it. We also do need to report back about your plans to leave, if only to prevent undeserved hostile actions against your people here. Thank you for the wine, the story and the most intriguing offer, that - who knows - we might still take. May your travels be always safe."

Zied: "It seems time has evaporated rather quickly.  It would be advisable leave PRIOR to morning lights. At the request of the leadership of this land.  If you linger longer there will be problems.   As for your potential job, there would need to be a discussion concerning rewards for employment. As well as a great deal of details concerning parameters.  Something to consider if we meet again. Or if you make the request to others in the future."  

Stanimir smiles “Do not fret.  We do not wish to make enemies here.  By morning light, our wagon will be gone.  I am sorry we cannot offer more.  Would that we could, we would offer the moon and stars themselves.”  He looks up the sky, breathing deeply and smiling.  “Ah, they are beautiful tonight.  How lucky we are to see them.  Always savor life’s simple pleasures, eh?  There are many who cannot know such little joys.”

Ed: "Indeed, this was a most unexpected turn for the evening, though not an unwelcome one. Stanmir, tell us, how do we find this Madam Eva? We should return to the duchess, and I would be remiss to leave my family without a proper goodbye. Should you be planning to leave when the Morninglord blesses us all, we could not travel with you immediately. As my companion says, we shall discuss your plight most favourably, and if we can make time to catch up with you on the road south, then knowing which roads you travel would be a great aid in doing so."

“You may return to us here this night.  Indeed, it is my hope that you do.  But, if you find yourselves seeking Barovia after we depart…”  He points south, towards the woods.  The vivid autumn colors are muted in the night, but replaced by an equally splendid view.  The trees are practically glowing from the illumination of the celestial bodies above.  Their dark trunks rise up from a low-lying mist, like soft cotton, that has blanketed the entire forest.  “Two days’ journey through these woods, until you reach the Trade Way.  Follow the road southeast.  You will find Barovia.  Who knows, you may even find us waiting for you.” He smiles again.