Niva'ele turns back and shrugs at Saelethin, eyebrow slightly raised in a way that seems to ask are you still talking?

"Spare us your condescending prevarications and half truths.  The less said about the string of false equivalencies on transactionality that I just heard you spout, the better.  You have just reminded me why I have learned to shun most organized religion, and you exemplify the worst of it with your coy manipulations and your veneer of pretension at virtue.  The only believable bit is that you do not care what I think.  Let us speak to a priest far more worthwhile than you with your amoral gloating, Saelethin.  Father Lucien seems to tend his flock fine without smug manipulation attached as a rider."

Once inside the confessional chamber, her attention sharpens as Father Lucien describes the stolen bones of Saint Andral.

"So the implements of holy protection have been taken."  Niva'ele curses inside her head using colorful language she would rather the priest not hear.  "It could not have been some fiend or Strahd himself since, if I take your meaning, they could not enter to reach them in the first place.  And yet... such evil beings would have every incentive to deceive or coerce others into performing the theft on their behalf, playing on fear or greed..."

She taps a finger on her lips, inadvertently imitating her lady mother.  Her voice drops to a thoughtful murmur.  "So, perhaps an inside job."

Then, looking up, she speaks more forthrightly, looking suddenly energized, as if given a task she can sink her teeth into.  "Father.  May we have permission to speak with all those who help you here at the church of the Morninglord?  The workers and any other clergy.  Even Millivoj and his siblings?  Children can be observant.  I do not mean to accuse any of them, but we must discover whether they may have noticed anything that may be a clue."

Ricktavio doesn't seem happy about that response but ultimately shrugs in the end. Afterall, what could you do if someone had already promised their time elsewhere? The man combed his fingers through his hair, and pushed his head one side, then the other, a few pops audible as the man made himself more comfortable by releasing tension. I see.  That is fair though, you have yet to pick a side having just came to these lands - atleast to the best of my knowledge..- Though I'm afraid that very thing will keep you from having any chance at parlay with her ladyship. She cannot stand half-heartedness... Though... There may be a way for you to meet with her... If you're willing to follow me to my cart? he asks with a sudden smile, realization dawning on his face. I'm sure you can spare a few more minutes of your life?

Mehmen make an Insight Check.

I will wait for Moira to chime in before continuing the other side, as much as i want to continue now.

(OOC: Watch me whip~ Watch me fail-fail~)

Insight: 18.

(Will update asap. Still dealing with my IRL move, and the timeframe shrunk to less than 2 weeks)

Olamoira's cries of repentance seem to have somewhat quieted her, even as the poor folk in the room stare in shocked silence. She sits up, placing her hands on her folded knees, looking at them as if transfixed, balling her slender dark fingers into a loose fist. She shuts her eyes for a moment, but when Saelethin speaks to her, she turns to face the elf. Greater evil than I... yes, perhaps this is true. Slowly, she gets to her feet. "I have been called beyond the deeds of my past," she says to Saelethin, "but I will not forget that I am the most unworthy, and if ever I have the privilege to hold the lamp for others, it will never be to count myself better than them."

Ola shoots an ironic look at Nivi as the young half elf smears into the elven cleric. "If the evil we face is indeed greater than I, than it is greater also than you, and greater than this cleric. Remember who the real enemy is. Maybe one day you will see freedom as the false mistress that it is." She looks around for Beren, the searching evident on her features for just a moment before she seems to accept that he's not there.

The drow approaches Father Lucien again, dropping to one knee to lift the hem of his robe and kiss it, but she stands again quickly. "Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned. As penance I will help you, too." Loyally, she follows him into the confession room with Saelethin and Nivi.

Wonder and horror mix together on Ola's face as he describes the loss of St. Andral's bones. Her gaze darkens. "It is a terrible deed to take holy relics. I carry no blade, but I pledge my powers to right this wrong, if you would have them, Father." I have been called beyond the deeds of my past, to a greater service, yet I have brought all that I am with me. I am still a drow. I am still suffused in magic. The discipline, the cool rigor that I learned, I can still use it, only now I will use it for good, for the recovery of these great relics, for the scourging of the evil that plagues this land. She takes a deep breath, and raises her head a little, her eyes casting around the room, awakening rusty magical senses with Detect Magic. Father said he has placed a spell on this room... if I can tell this, perhaps there are other traces in the Church that may tell me something.

(OOC: Even if by some miracle a 7 would be a pass, Jack's response is as followed:)

"Hmm~ Had you asked me that yesterday while I was in my spring I would've leaped at the chance without a second thought." Jack admits truthfully. "Unfortunately, I've already tarried here far too long, dear Rictavio, I'm afraid to admit. And a meeting of such importance should entail the entire group as first impressions can be very important." His words are accompanied at the end by an apologetic smile, before he gentle bow.

"But know your offer was most appreciated. And I do hope in the coming days that we'll have plenty of more opportunities to get know each other, or perhaps put on a performance of our own, if you are want to share the stage." At that, Jack would politely depart for the church once more following any further words from Rictavio. None of which, no matter how sweeten the offer however, would turn him away from his course. All of that said, he does try to keep his eyes out for more crows or other birds on the way, as a thought of indulging on one of the benefits of being druid has him keeping the words of a certain charm close in mind along the way.

(I will try to update tonight, sorry for delay, was packign today)

(((First Mehmen, then The group)))

Rictavio shakes his head in slight disbelief. Had the elf not heard him right? he said he would take the Eladrin somewhere to collect something that would increase his odds of getting an audience in the first place. Not taking him to an audience directly... His mouth opened briefly as if to say something, only to sigh. Did I overestimate this one? Or is he simply daft? Ricky muses to himself. Regardless.. he didn't feel like attempting to persuade the man farther, and he had his own business to take care of since there was nothing else occupying his time now. And so As Jack left, soon, so too did Ricky.

To Nivi's sharp quip Sae meets it with a cool smile, as if amused by her sharp tongue. Meanwhile Lucien once more makes a face showing that he clearly wished there was less animus from all sides. Likely due to him heling those who feel lost and alone rather than confident and bold and potentially dangerous. At-least until they enter the confessional room. He nods to some of what Nivi is saying, yet not all of it.  What you say is generally true, for assumptions. The undead, spirits, and all that are unholy cannot enter this place while the bones are here. And the power remains for now... but weakens as time passes. You may question whoever you like if you think you might find a clue, but please be delicate. If words preads that the bones are missing panic will swiftly spread through those who seek this place as a refuge or for succor.

Arugal and Bluto had remained in the hallway. Arugal keeping an eye on his annoying charge. 

There are no other clergy however. I am the only one left. Not due to some great loss, simply... too few care anymore. And those I tend to .. tend not to be willing to take up the mantle themselves. It is .. rather hard to replace. I can only hope I find someone willing and worthy before I meet my end.

I only ask that you be gentle in your prodding. More come here at night. The ones who are here now are those with nowhere else to go - they feed themselves and help keep the church clean but they are otherwise destitute. As for you...  he says to Moira. No matter how heinous the sin, if you spend your life making up for it, you will be forgiven eventually. And you show willingness to help others. So please, do not fret, your aid is welcome.

Sae very softly chuckles. As the Father says. I will do my own investigation. Though we should meet here tonight once we have spoken to everyone who frequents, and share information. You can hate me all you like sister-kin... but even you cannot argue that us working together improves the odds.

Outside...

Millijov shrugs. Everyone has a little good n' bad in em. Some just have more than others. I'm sure even the Bastard Strahd has a single hair that isn't completely evil. he says placing a hand on each sibling, offering them comfort and assurance as Berens fist balls up. The sun slowly rising higher in the sky, not that it got any brighter. The dim, depressing tones shadowed over the land like a miasma. Millijov swallows as he considers what Beren said. You and hundreds before you have said the same, if the stories are true. So i hope you succeed, for Nina's sake. As well as Doj. Our parents were killed as guards during one of the few attacks, before Luvash tool the mantle of Bergomaster. He didn't see fit to take care of us for their service. Assuming he even knows we exist.

Yet you speak... honestly... I think? Not like I have any say or choice in what you do or don't anyway. But we'll believe in what you say for now. Well I will, I cna't make these two believe anything they don't want.. he says with a half-hearted chuckle. So we'll put our faith in you then. Not as some avatar of Asmodeus' *******, but as Beren.

That's about all i think I can post with what was given, and there's currently no triggered sudden events yet. So what do you all do from here? Seems like you're picking up every sidequest XD

Niva'ele listens closely to Father Lucien, thinking of the obvious evil being who might be motivated to remove Saint Andral's bones that protect the church.  Naturally, her mind drifts to how she would expect this to occur between rival crime gangs.  Did Strahd get to one of the flock?  Or trick or threaten Millivoj, or a worker here?  Perhaps disguised, as he likely appeared as me to Bluto.  Threatening them or making them an offer they could not refuse?

As Saelethin interrupts her thoughts, Niva'ele responds matter of factly.  "Do not flatter yourself.  I do not hate you.  I merely see through your half-truths and prevarications, to say nothing of your blatant manipulation of Beren.  It seems you are struggling to handle these facts being spoken aloud to your face, judging from your continued protests.  Help away with this job.  If you do track down the bones, it is to everyone's benefit.  I wish you luck."

She listens respectfully to Olamoira's preaching, letting the dark elf's condescension slide of her back.  Niva'ele's own voice is gentle.

"I never called this cleric who smirkingly manipulates your Avatar of the Sun evil, Olamoira.  I merely called her what she is, just as you are aware what I am.  As for freedom being a false mistress, I suppose you know about false mistresses.  I mean that without sarcasm and will consider your advice.  Just as perhaps you will consider that yours may not be the only valid world view.  I remain skeptical that either of us will change our minds."

Finally, turning back to Father Lucien, she bows smoothly, reaching for her sister's grace.  "Your flock deserve the comfort you bring them, Father.  Speaking of manipulation, our enemies who wish to remove the protections that Saint Andral's bones provide may have found a weakness in some poor soul here, some crack in which to slip a wedge of deceit, fear or coercion.  Can you tell us who may have known the location of Saint Andral's bones?  I promise that I at least will be gentle in our questions, at least here in the house of the Morninglord.  May we start with the children?"

If this seems agreeable to all, Niva'ele turns and moves towards the egress of the church where both Beren and Millivoj (and his siblings) had gone.

Beren nods silently, his temper slowly giving way to... well, he isn't quite sure yet. Even so, the light seems to calm down, and the heat radiating from him dies back as well. 

"Thank you," he says after a while, not really sure how else to respond, but feeling like he should offer some measure of gratitude for Millijov believing in him, calling him by name, and... well inadvertently helping him get himself back under control. "As I said, I'll make no promises of success. But, if you ever find that you need aid... and I am close enough to call upon, do not hesitate to do so." 

He then turns his attention back to the church, and waits for the others to exit--wondering what they might be doing in there... with Saelethin. Perhaps it would be best not to think about it. 

I was about to post but I realized that by doing so, I would create an odd timeline for Moira since she's still currently interacting in the room. So If I were to post now, it would create a slight issue with timeframe of events. For now I will bring Mehmens  character in outside.

Millijov hesitates for a moment. Not out of fear, rather like when someone greets you just as you exhale, there's the pause as they breathe back in lost oxygen. Nodding, Millijov ruffles the hair of his siblings. I appreciate that. It's more than most would even falsely offer. Heh. though I expect you and your friends won't be here for all that long. Afterall you can't kill Strahd from here... he says with a half-hearted chuckle that one does when they doubt even their own words. But we'll keep it in mind whenever you're nearby.

Millijov then looks a little past Beren towards the path, and along it comes a certain Eladrin.

In spite of the generally gloomy atmosphere plaguing the land, said Eladrin's attitude appeared generally upbeat. Nowhere near of course to that of his more 'springly' side, but appeared to casually take things in as he drew closer to the church with a faint smile and the occasional gentle bob of the head in acknowledgement of some of the sights. Of course as soon as he catches sight of Millijov, and by extension any of the other party members with the man at the time, he throws up a hand in greeting before quickening his pace along the path until within a more comfortable speaking distance with those gathered about.

"A thousand apologies for the lateness of my arrival my friends. While the excursion was somewhat enlightening, I cannot say with confidence that I parted ways with my distraction on quite the footing more-" He rolls a hand offhandedly at the wrist to his side and looks askance thoughtfully for a second or two. "-conducive to opening the door to an eventual step upon our journey. Some mild misinterpetation perhaps on my part by one's meaning behind the phrase-" And he'll proceed to say in a perfect echo of Rictavio's voice. "~There may be a way for you to meet with her... If you're willing to follow me to my cart~" Afterwards, Jack tutted and shook his head. "For a bard he really should work on his word play for casual conversions and be a might more direct, least all sorts of-...." He pauses to finally take in Millijov's coutenance and smiles apologetically. "Ah! Hello there, and another thousand apologies for rambling a bit there and possibly intruding." He puts a hand to his chest and grins softly.  "You may call me Jack, and pretell who might you be good sir?"

(You would only see Beren and Millijov/etc for now, the others are coming but haven't arrived outside yet)

"Well," Olamoira says to Nivi, thoughtfully, "it is true. You can look at people as they are, or you can look at them as they could be, and treat them anywhere in between." As if distracted, Ola lifts her own hands and gazes at them, her face twisting with a fleeting spike of pain. "If all we are good for is what we are... then what inspires anyone to change?" It's a question she still hasn't figured out, herself. "I couldn't bear what I had done, but I walked out under the sun fully expecting to die. It didn't happen. Why didn't it? Undeserved, there were people who came to my aid..." Ola's attention drifts off as she looks around the magically sealed walls of the confession room. "I will surrender what I have been, and I will help St. Andral's bones... O, St. Andral, who lived so holy a life, have mercy on me."

And the dark elf, too, wanders out of the church, hesitating briefly in the mist-free zone before she steps out of it, and smiles seeing Beren outside with the youngster. Again she reaches for the threads of magic that seem woven into her limbs, her sight enhanced around her to detect spells and other magical influences.

Beren gives Millijov a nod. Of course, the likelihood of him being around this place often was slim. Especially considering the fact that he wanted nothing to do with it, mostly due to this Avatar business. Still, he thought it right to offer seems how Luvash hasn't. 

His attention is drawn towards Jack as the eladrin makes his entrance. Beren stays silent as the elf speaks, since his words are quickly redirected at the three young people beside him. Perhaps that was for the better. He's not really in the mood for conversation at the moment anyways. 

When the two women exit the church, Beren turns as if expecting someone else to come waltzing towards him. To his relief, neither she-elf is the one he wanted to avoid. 

Saelethin smirks at Nivi's barbs. Her expression one of self-prescribed superiority, not even trying to hide the thoughts within her mind. Nivi had likely seen it before.. the visage displaying that 'Nivi was just a pawn, maybe even a knight on the board, and nothing more' and that her claims, and accusations fell on deaf ears. Indeed, I shall - Niv'aele. I am willing to aid where it benefits as many as possible in this blighted land. And so long as it also aids my own goals it shall be so. her tone belied her expression, still coming off sincere, and she obviously meant it.. the spoken and unspoken.

Lucien, who's own expression was writ with minor exasperation, though not frustration at the almost physical tension between the elves in his company for the moment finally began to settle as the goat-horn-ramming as some might put it, finally died down as far as he could tell. He nods to Nivi when she begins to speak, showing he's clearly paying attention. Aye, you may speak to whomever is willing to cooperate. Though to think one of those here might have done it seems.... he rubbed his chin with a hand as he considered it. It wouldn't make sense.. atleast not to me... the bones provide the protection they seek. So removing them for someone else's gain would only remove their own... his eyes showed he was clearly trying to parse it through his mind. Clearly he wasn't used to considering plots of this nature or circumstance.

I don't know. If you think it may be of use, ask what you will of whom you may. Someone here may have seen or know of something that has slipped my attention. I am only one man, and can only see one place at a time.. as it were. I wish you all luck, for everyone's sake. And please, take care! he said bowing slightly as Nivi, and likely everyone else left the room. Arugal shifting easily from the wall when the group begins to exit the room.

Hope you all learned something of use. I just need the quick explanation and we can be about our business. It seemed Arugal had roughed up Bluto while the meeting was taking place, as Bluto now sported a black eye and bloody nose. Kept the bastard from causing a ruckus. He'll be fine. he quipped as he followed Nivi out towards Beren and the children, as well as Jack who was just beginning to hail everyone.

Millijov watches as Jack approaches the group, beginning to spout exposition of his expedition with the man known as Rictavio. He can't help but laugh at the mention of the man who told wild, and impossible-to-be-true stories at the tavern, and sometimes elsewhere as well. Regardless, the youth listens intently with curiosity up to and until the point where Jack addresses him directly.  Inclining his head politely, yet stiffly Greetings sir. I take it you are with Beren and the others? I know little of what Bastard Strahd had done to the Dusks but I cannot help but imagine the patron of Irony has brought you all here if you succeed in defeating him... considering how many of you are both elves... and women. he laughs again at the thought.

Anyways, My name is Millijov sir. And these are my siblings... forgive their defensive nature... they've known little more than myself for several years.

Moira, as she steps out seeking more magical trinkets and residuals, as the faint mist comes within her range, she feels thousands of tiny sparkles of magical power, each less than a grain of sand, as if the mist itself is imbued with magic of some sort or another it doesn't seem to belong to any school of magic yet it it darker than pitch.

However as Beren comes within range she is suddenly blinded with overwhelming force in the shape of a cross attached to his body. It blinds her with the mental force of one looking on the Eye of Sauron for the first time, except the alignment is opposed to what one like Sauron would be. It's radiance like the sun, but also as a flame trapped within a spotlight lantern it's muted beyond a certain point. Like power that has lost a part of itself, there yet not, the magic itself was somewhere between enchantment and conjuration. Beyond these two things the world around her for now is mundane. No great sources of holy magic are nearby.

Saelethin remains within the church briefly as Bluto and Arugal as well make their exit to hear most of the conversation going on.

Although Beren's lack of a response or interjection warranted some side-eyeing from the Eladrin, Millijov's reply more than easily occupies his attention before long, and even left the druid seeming thoughtful. "Mn. Defeat him? Yes, that would be a certainly bold endeavor. Though I'd wager most cynics would say its less a case of irony, and more a cruel means perhaps of tormenting my kin once again when... if these lands at its many troubles and horrors eventually does its work upon us, young Millijov." Jack smiles slyly after raising a finger in a sharp halting gesture in anticipation of protest.

"How fortunate there are no cynics here, but bright hearts and minds, hm?~ Now, you were mentioning -- Ah! There they are! My, oh, my aren't you delightly small little things. Or perhaps more accurately, I am dreadful too tall." Jack jests as he knelt down as needed to be more on eye level with the children. "A pleasure to make your acquiantance as well, and I take you little one's are here to help you're dear, dear brother here?" He asks of the children with a warm smile. 

Niva'ele Farstrider responds no further to Saelethin.  The high elven noble daughter may have been the one doing the fancy talking, but underneath it had been Nivi of the dock ward delivering the unspoken implied message:  Beren is one of our crew.  You mess with him, you mess with all of us.  You keep manipulating him, which I know you are, and one fine day, that bill might just come due in a way you won't like.

Rather, she turns to Olamoira and answers briefly yet seriously, still speaking as Niva'ele the highborn elf, though her drow companion knows well that it is but one of two personae.  "Yes, we agree. I speak only of Saelethin as I see her now.  A brazen manipulator who spews half-truths and feels no remorse for the barbs she has buried in Beren's soul.  Nevertheless, I put no limitations on what people might become or strive to be.  Not for her, not for you, not even for me.  Nor for what may impel any of us to change, as you are in the midst of doing with what I understand is your newfound faith and piety."

"Father Lucien, thank you for your wisdom and your counsel, and for providing a humble light in the darkness of this land."  Niva'ele's voice is sincere as she takes her leave of the priest.  "I may not share your faith, yet I share your cause.  I will strive to return Saint Andral's bones to their rightful place to stand guard against our common enemy.  I will be gentle in my questioning.  We all have weaknesses.  Strahd may have found one he could leverage."

Speaking of inside jobs... she sees Arugal having roughed up Bluto and her face becomes expressionless.  Suddenly, it is Nivi of the dock ward again, sauntering out of the church, addressing the Vistani rogue.  "Listen, Ruby.  Might be Bubbles is a greedy drunk, but he's crew.  Keep in him in line, sure, but there'll be time and and reason later for busting faces.  You should listen to Olamoira here.  Everyone can change.  Carrot's better than the stick, yeah?"

As she exits the church, she walks straight up to Beren, briefly standing before the masked man and making direct eye contact.  No words, just an expression and the tiniest of nods that conveys the sentiment.  Hang in there, brother... you've got friends and we've got your back.

Nivi's face then breaks into a genuinely happy smile as she spies the Eladrin approaching.  "Look who's back!  You get some good stories out of that bard, Shorty?  Seems like that one knew more than they let on."  She glances at the youth addressing Jack.  "As for defeating Strahd, Millivoj, thinking we're a long way from that.  First things first.  Speaking of which, need to ask you about something.  And your brother and sister too, if they're willing."

Winging down from the steeple of the church, Shiv lands on Nivi's shoulder and blinks slowly at the encroaching mists before beginning to preen.

Beren seems utterly oblivious to Jack's side-eying him, watching the exchange without much input. It seems he's run out of words for the time being, and though it isn't clear outwardly, he's quite worn out as well.

The light behind the mask seems to soften for a moment at Nivi's nod, but that is the only response she receives from Beren. He stays silent, mask straying to Olamoira for a moment before moving back to Jack as he attempts to make conversation with the children. 

As they stand there, he briefly takes notice of Bluto's bruised face, but once again stays quiet. He has a feeling he know's who's responsible, and to be quite honest he isn't sure he really cares. At least Argual seems loyal thus far. Hopefully he stays that way. 

After a while, he shifts slightly, half raising a hand as if to encourage everyone to move. He's not really too keen on waiting for Saelethin to exit the Church. He'd rather be long gone by that time, and hopefully gone from the village before she has time to track him down again. But then Nivi asks Millijov if she can talk to him, so Beren lets his hand fall and stays silent. 

There it was again.... The name... The darklord's given name. Before it hearing it once more, Jack had been all smiles and on the verge to again happily share the story about the encounter in spite of his own misgivings before about doing so in mixed company. Instead he sucked in his lips, and simply gave a very tight nod to Nivi before  again giving the children his full and undivided attention.