Beren stays silent for a long while as he leans against whatever wall is available, the light behind the mask flickering softly like firelight. It is clear by his posture that he is tired, though he tries to hide it. He clenches a fist, lowering his head for a moment as if fighting back unwelcome thoughts. 

Finally he looks at Luvash and says, "Tell me, do you believe that there is hope for this realm?" He lets his question stand for a moment, the light brightening before dimming again as he adds, "Do you truly believe that there will come a day when you and your people are no longer in the shadow of that accursed vampire?" 

Again he lets the question stand, the light flickering and growing brighter as if in anger, "I refuse to be a symbol of false hope." He pushes away from the wall, standing up to face the burgomaster squarely only to hesitate, fists clenched. The last thing he wants to do is be paraded around as the avatar of the sun. He's had enough of being viewed as something other than human--all because of this accursed power constantly welling up inside him. He's had enough of that sort of thing with the Church. He's had enough of prophecies and people trying to use him for whatever they saw fit. Yet what choice does he have? I am not a savior, I am a destroyer. What hope can I provide for these broken lands? He clenches his jaw, but the motion is hidden behind the mask. Perhaps he can provide some measure of hope. He's already vowed to destroy Strahd, if only to himself. That is the evil the power has been pointing him to, he's sure of it. And as much as he hates letting the power guide him, this is not something he can let slip by. He will destroy the vampire, even if it costs him his life. 

He lets out a long breath, sending out a light and causing the glow overall to dim as he forces himself to calm down, "It is my duty to purge the evil plaguing this land. So whatever foolish hopefulness your people draw from my presence, let it not be false. As much as I dislike the idea, I will do as you ask." He turns away, doing his best to contain the conflicting emotions inside of him. Ever since the Church got ahold of him, he'd been told that his purpose was to destroy evil. Often, he found himself spouting off similar ideas, like saying that destroying the most powerful and impossible evil in the land was his duty. How many of his words are his own at this point? How many of the choices he's made so far have been his own? Or is he still in the clutches of the ones who trained him? Still following their silent orders like a dog looking to its master? He pushes those thoughts away. What was the point in wondering? It isn't as if he can change it. Likely, he will stay silent tomorrow. He isn't exactly adept at offering inspiring words or sparking hope. He's better at sewing fear. Perhaps a small part of him is relieved to meet people who didn't see him as a monster, but the greater part of him can't look past the fact that they still don't see him as a person. 

"Keep your gold, I have no need for it. But if there is a blacksmith in town, I would appreciate directions to his smithy as I am in need of repairs," his hand moves to the gash in his chainmail. Silently he thinks, this reward better be as impressive as you say it is. The only reason he cares is because Luvash seems to think it might be useful to them. Even if all it can do is get them in and out of this place, at least then he won't have to worry about his companions anymore. They could go home, and he could continue with whichever path he chose. 

He hesitates, "And... who or what exactly is the Avatar of the Sun supposed to be, and where did the idea originally come from?" He almost didn't ask, but he feels that it is necessary to know what he is getting himself into. Whether he likes it or not, after tomorrow he's going to have to take up that mantle. If there is anything he needs in town, whether it be rations or repairs for his armor, everyone is going to recognize and likely expect something from him. He can't very well tell them what he really is. Though, if things were to get too unbearable he might be able to ask someone else to run errands for him... as unappealing as that sounds. At least Luvash seems to believe that he 'isn't' the avatar, though admittedly he wonders if the burgomaster is just trying to get what he wants by simply agreeing with Beren. If Beren was alone, he might have just dropped off Arabelle, stayed the night at the dusk elf camp and left the next morning simply to avoid all this. But now he has Jack, Nivi, Moira, and perhaps Noel to worry about as well. If this can offer them all 'hope' to return home or at least avenge the freedom that was taken from them, then he'll just have to shoulder whatever trial this turns into. 

(No worries! Life happens :) )

'Well that's certainly an ice breaker' Jack mused with a grin despite Luvash's seeming caustic opener. But at the first signs of seeing the man becoming more irked at the reaction, the Eladrin had enough sense to put on a more apologetic bearing and acting cowed, if but to keep things civil. For the moment. Irregardless, he'd continue to listen with rapt attention, noting the various potential points of other intriguing inquiries to make later or the near future, and perhaps inclining his head once in some thankful nod in being eventually acknowledged for the groups good deed.

And during the first moment of hesitation of Luvash' part Jack would say as if to continue where the man had left off, "-should've expected Svenka, one of your guardswoman, or frankly any of your guards for that matter, to have directed us to that lovely tavern over there? Certainly. But then again, with the whole understandable distaste your people had for my distant little miscreants of some cousin of mines progeny, I can understand the diminished faith there." He then gives a sagely nods, before cracking a playful smirk.

Come what may of his light hearted jesting, Jack appeared to take the rest of the conversation more seriously, or at least with far more apparent attention than before, seeing as several things were expected of his fellows. With only one gently spoken "Oh my" thrown out over the brief talk about bedding dusk elves. A notion that he might've followed up with half-joking encouragement and less than kind presumptions about Olamoira's life before being transported to the mist. But the moment his mind drifted back to the earlier mention of the dusk elves being punished, even Jack clamped his mouth shut and grimaced. He then side-eyed Ola, curious to see how well she took it, only to wind up distracted with Beren finally speaking up on his own behalf.

And for just an instance, Jack entertained thoughts of interposing himself between the aggravated warrior of light in seeing the man clench his fist. But apart from a subconscious sliding of a foot forward as if intending to make the move, Beren's apparent tempering of his anger led to Jack quietly breathing a sigh of relief. "... Uhm... not to sidetrack things too heavily from some very important questions in need of answering." He says afterwards, snatching up the proverbial conversation ball for a quick word and address all. "If this realm is anything like most I've been on -- or especially the Feywild in particular -- hope can be a far more potent thing then either of you give it credit. And... while I could go further into it, and would happily do so if asked, my words would still need to be taken with a grain of salt for various reasons. Still, food for thought -- but on an adjacent note, does this Avatar of the Sun also have a, uhm animal most associated with it Luvash? Just curious."

On that note, barring a continuation on the current conversation, when time FINALLY permitted bedding down for the evening, Jack had every intent (preferably with a bit of reward coin in his pocket before the evening was out), heading back into the tavern for a half-way decent late night dinner, a few minutes offered to the people to share other stories of Faerun or the Feywild, and then eventually bed down for the night on the premise.

Nivi leans into the bonk on the head from the manacles, flinching dramatically and briefly acting as if the blow has knocked her out cold.  "Yeah, might be I deserved that, Lu-Lu.  Glad to hear you believe me.  Innocent this time, at least.  I don't kill or use young girls.  Question is, who does?"

She nods matter-of-factly at the offer of gold, caring more about building a network and crew she can trust than about any immediate small amount of coin.  Her face becomes expressionless upon hearing the transgression of the dusk elves and Strahd's indiscriminate retribution.  Right bastard, though I've known bosses back in the city to do worse.  She observes Olamoira and Jack's faces carefully during the tale, trying to read their feelings on it.

Insight:  15 (guessing she gleans a bit, not much, and probably more from Olamoira than from Jack).

It takes effort for Nivi not to burst out laughing when Luvash suggests that Olamoira bed down with some dusk elf called Savid.  Not at the thought of sex, which Nivi is no stranger to, but rather at the look on the Prophet's face.  Probably what my face would look like too, though maybe not for the same reason as her?  Lu-Lu says to bed a dusk elf to bear them children, right?  No thank you.  I drink my moon tea when I need.  Though if their entire race is dying and needs a mother, maybe there's room for an exception.  Just what we all want... elf kid raised in a Vistani camp...  might end up like me.

But Nivi's internal laughter quiets once she realizes that the drow seems tormented by... something.  Why is she looking at her hands like she wishes they weren't there?  She's done something, or lost someone, could be.  Fair enough.  I've done things and lost people too.

As she hears Lu-Lu's request to Sunshine regarding the festival, the masked knight's response, the Prophet's almost comically rapturous gaze and the Eladrin's sing-song suggestion, Nivi turns to the glowing paladin.  "Shorty's not wrong, you know.  Seen hope of something wondrous, even false, inspire anyone from the fattest noble to the foulest hoodlum and everyone between.  But don't let yourself get pressured.  Lu-Lu might have his heart in the right place, but you're a free man.  And after the way we fought together out on the lakeshore, whatever you choose, just know I got your back...  Beren."

As the meeting wraps up, Nivi would have a couple questions for Luvash, if he is willing to answer:
- "So what was the 'convincing in the between time' that you talked about when you said you believe me.  Something to do with this Vargas guy?"
- "Heard you say the Prophet here looks more down than the 'souless'.  Who's that?  Zombies like the ones we fought out on the lakeshore?"
- She almost asks what the deal is with the seemingly sentient ravens on the Inn's roof but figures that if it's worth knowing, they won't tell her.

Nivi spends a bit of time in the tavern.  Not too long, knowing her kind ('pale elves') are not exactly welcome here.  She approaches the two hunters and spends up to a gold piece buying them drinks - good wine.  Only one cup for herself.  If they are willing, she talks shop, finding out their names, asking them about the surrounding lands and its hazards.  What to watch out for.  Who usually hires them.  Listening to Jack's tales during lulls in the conversation.

Finally, with respect to the Innkeeper Urwin, before heading to bed, Nivi compliments him on his wine (unless it is truly terrible).  She asks him who this "wizard" is that provides it to them and what the problem has been lately.  And throughout, she watches (but does not ask) to discern any seeming interaction between Urwin, his wife or other tavern-goers and the intelligent ravens who her owl Shiv saw gather on the roof of the Blue Water Inn.

Nivi's Perception for anyone's interaction with the ravens:  24

When Jack jumps in, Beren finally takes note of his companions. Jack better not make this into an even bigger deal than it already is. An animal associated with 'it'? So he is an 'it' now apparently. Wonderful ...also, why is Olamoira smiling? Is it about the blasted festival...or was it something Luvash said? Between his recent affliction of poor eyesight and his inner conflicts, it seems Beren needs to take more time to pay attention to those around him. He looks to Nivi when she speaks to him, and the light flickers slightly. His own man? If only he could be confident in that. Was he letting himself be pressured into this? Was the choice really his? He hesitates for a moment, head lowered slightly as he thinks. Is he just falling back into what he finds familiar--following orders? Or was he really weighing his options. 

Finally, he gives Nivi a nod, "I appreciate your words. ...As far as I see it, this is the best choice. If he can offer us something that could help us reach our goal..." He trails off, glancing at Luvash as he realizes... how does this man even know what their goal is? Perhaps it was safe to assume the burgomaster would guess they wanted to escape the mist, but for some reason, Beren feels that this 'reward' might be something that could help against Strahd. "All I must do is make an appearance. I do that and he gives us something that better be useful." The light flashes, as if to emphasize the point. "I don't plan on staying in this town any longer than needed, so hopefully I won't have to deal with this nonsense for too long."

Once everything is in order. Beren returns to the inn and accepts whatever free meal is given him. He doesn't ask for wine, instead settling for water. These the takes to whatever room is given him where he can have his meal in private. 

Luvash looks to Moira once more, and he can't help but laugh. Now look... you need to say your thoughts out loud, otherwise you just look like a Mummer playing mime. We can't read your thoughts. To us, it looks like you're looking around, making expressions but we don't know what you're tryna say. I don't think I've ever met a Dusk Elf as quiet as you... but maybe thats just how dusk elf women are... then, Beren came into play. His first question didn't seem to catch Luvash by surprise. Us Vistani owe Strahd quite a bit. We helped him when he was dying, and he has since, helped us. But at the same time, he's not who he was. We want his suffering to end. If not for you aiding my girl... I might have been told to spy on you. But I think there's a chance that with enough time... you could take him on. And what I offer... will help with  that. I just need this last favor from you.

And whether you are a false or a true symbol of hope.... is entirely up to you. The vistani are free Beren, just like you are. A lot of people make excuses, like i have to, or theyre makign me, but in the end... if someone tells you to do somehting or they'll kill you, you do have the option to die. No one can ever truly make you do anything, even if the alternative isn't great... you can still make that choice. as Beren ultimately agree's, albeit reluctantly, Luvash smiles. Thank you, Beren, I believe it was. he said, looking to Bluto and Arrgial, and those not of the party Take them to the town center area. They'll be part of the festival tomorrow.  then, crossing his arms, and looking apologetic, he says to Beren We ... aren't like the outside... we don't have blacksmiths, or even most ameneties in here. The best we could do is offer to trade something similar. Unless they've updated the chest, you'd simply have to find a hawker selling semi-used armor tomorrow... sorry. he says honestly, ending it with a shrug, as if there's nothing he can do.

Luvash began pacing around as Bluto and the others left, thinking about how best to answer Berens question..... Stroking his chin, again and again. That's... hard to answer Beren... the truth is, is he's a myth. I made him up myself, to give the people here happiness. Vallakki is the happiest village you'll find in Barovia... the others are depression incarnate. And it's only because I keep giving the people somehting to look forward to. It doesn't work for everyone but if one person's spirit improves it radiates to the others... he sighed, feeling that admittance might make Beren change his mind...

When Jack chimes in, Luvash has nothing much to say to his first comments. Not much to respond to as everything was said as a statement. His head lolling to the side  in a lazy 'is what is' shrug. His eyes closing for a long time, as if the last 3 days were finally catching up to him, and exhaustion setting in. Though he snaps out of it in time.. And when -meandering as it was, Jack gave  question Well as i said to Beren, it's a myth I made up for the people. I wasn't specific, I just told them that one day he or she would show up. Little did I expect a man alight to show up in true.... 

Nivi responding unexpectedly playfully likely to everyone's shock, and Luvash not knowing how to respond to it offers a smile that says as much... The only person with that intent might be Strahd. Few others in this realm would dare to harm a vistani for fear of Strahds wrath. I know you might think there's conspiracy afoot, but.. odds are, Strahd was testing you.. personally. I'm sure he's tested the others here as well. He's lookign for something... but we're not sure what. his gaze glancing over everyone gathered.

Nivi gaining moderate insight on her companions reactions and such (As determined by the players being observed, since it's a player on player check)

Luvash lets Nivi say what she will about his own intentions, Beren seemed like the type who either would, or would not.... and he felt saying any more would likely make himself come off as pushy.... When seemingly Beren agree's to continue, Luvash's shoulders sink in relief. It will be Beren. If you truly intend to take down Strahd... this may be the only thing that can. It's up to you to do it though. If you fail... that item too will be lost to Strahd's treasury as are most of the things he ... he trails off, seemingly worried that if he finished that sentence he might be jynxed...

With the meeting wrapped up, some stay, others go... Nivi asking a few questions farther though....He shook his head at her assumption. No, Noel.. the man who was with these people until recently. Strahd ... traumatized the man a bit. I'm sure your companions can fill you in, if they trust you. Not my place to share what i was told but the man spins a good yarn. And is a hell of a gambler. And you've seen the soulless. 

Everyone in this realm wears clothing that tells you if they have a soul or not. If they wear clothes similar but not quite as good as my clothes... or Arabelles, they have one. The others, don't have a soul.... they are almost childlike in mentality, if children could be depressed all the time. They're ... what's the word? Fatal... nihil... somehting 'listic' they'll watch you get eaten alive and act like there's no point in fighting back. Just to give you an idea.

You can still breed with a soulless, even though they're not really human but doesn't matter what mix of people have kids... no promise yours will be born with one.. and if they're not, they're like puppets, filling space, but little else.

Try not to die... your soul, cannot leave this place. It's as trapped as your body. And even... who was it, lathander? or uh... Auriel? Cormallezen? Whatever.. point is, none of them can save you here. This is Strahds realm. And only he has power here. Try it if you don't believe me, pray, or ask for a spell.... you might still get it, but .. there's no way out, without Strahds blessing. That was as much of a warning, as it was genuine concern.

As Nivi goes to leave, Luvash gives her a pat on the rump, And I mean it, don't die. I ain't looking to replace my little moons mother, but I'd be lying if I said you weren't pretty. And.. reliable. Nivi may or may not notice he managed to slip a map in her belt as she moves away... keeping his promise to Jack....with that he sucks in a breath, leaning against the wall, suddenly tired. Nivi herself after her reaction... heading into the tavern.. she moves to the two hunters after a time...

The man with a bow introduces himself rather brusquely, once the wine is offered. Nivi finding out his name is SZOLDAR SZOLDAROVICH, and the other is YEVGENI KRUSHKIN. She learns that the former is the speaker of few words, and the man next to him is his echo. Szoldar speaking usually in two to five words, only for his friend to repeat it. As the win arrives, their spirit improves and Nivi asks her questions... She finds out about he general lay of the land... it is primarily woods, among various elevations, and they're in a valley... so mountains surround the entirety of Barovia.

She learns that the Village of Barovia, sharing the same name lies far to the east along the Old Svalich Road stating that that is one of the only other places outsiders come from. Strahds castle being high on the mountain above it... overlooking it. And that on a clear enough night you can see it from here.

They tell her where the Wizard of Wines is to the west, and an old ruin lying to the south of some dragon order 'or something' thats said to be haunted by the undead.

Mount Ghakis to the far south, and Baratok to the north of the lake.

They warn her of a place called 'Old Bonegrinder' it's off the Svalich road, an abandoned windmill... occupied by hags.

They tell her that undead, dark druids, barbarians, and spirits of various kinds haunt the woods, and that they are willing to guide her (as they don't know if she has companions or not) around... during the day. If she wants a night time tour it would be significantly more.... oh and werewolves!, among other things, including the numreous other wolves that roam. 

She finds out that most of the wolfheads adorning the tavern, were hunted by the pair. And they were the supply chain of the wolf meat the tavern offered. Through all this, they drink their wine heartily, eating as they go, deep in their cups. They tell her onyl outsiders, or folks needign safe passage to nearby locations generally hire them, the rest comes from their hunting.

They finish by telling her that Vallaki is roughly in the upper-center of Barovia. So everything is roughly equally distant from there. The wine Nivi got was better than tavern ale but tasted.. off, not bad... but akin to a slightly deflated soda in contrast to what it should have been. The tavernfolk seeming to take no bother by Shiv's prescense.

The map nivi got: 

 Jack himself spoke to the others, weaving tales and hearing (usually boring) stories about their daily lives. The tavernfolk didnt seem as bothered by the 'elves' though whether that was because of Arabelle, who was now asleep above, or some other factor was hard to tell. They listened with interest to his own tales, though none offered compensation for it, Jack eventually heading up for the night to finally get some (LONG rest)

Moira herself going to bed around the same time as Beren, though whether she would try to join him or not..... (lol)

Beren going to the corner farthest away from the most people, though unable to blend in with the shadows... for obvious reasons, eats his meal in relative peace as the others goo about their business before Retiring, (likely) followed by Moira.

Urwin seems pleased when Nivi gives a semi-sincere compliment, though he seems to beam with pride despite it.

Urwin explains The Wizard of Wines is my family business.  We make wine for the town, though ... we've been having some trouble with it lately... and I've been forced to.. uh... he says, loking shifty, but not suspicious Water it down to keep it flowing... I hope it wasn't too bad afterall.... but.. if you find your way out west... i think I can trust you... could you find out what happened to the latest shipment? it's uh.. late. Quite late...

Nivi, always keeping an eye out, would notice that the ravens would sometimes perch outside the windows, watching in, never cawing, but observing. Every once in a while, urwin would nod in the direction of a window, that happened to be near a patron, or shake his head no in the same way, and though he was quite subtle about it, Nivi could see it. 

Usually once a headshake of some sort was given, one or more ravens might fly away, eithr immediately or within short time. He was obviously talking to them though it was inaudible. His wife occasionally doing similar. In the end, none of it seemed hostile, just strange.

Everyone eventually getting a LONG REST, as the night goes uneventfully.. though good for Beren... whether a certain elf forced her way into his bed or not. You were all in differing parts of the Inn, some on one side, Nivi in the room next to Arabelles. The sun has rose, though it is dimmed by the clouds to a dull shade of grey. You can all smell meat and eggs cooking below, though the tavern is empty when and if any go down.

(To Aroc_of_Eaf: Jack wasn't referring to Beren with 'it'. He was referring to the original Avatar of the Sun. Though given how it was worded, I can understand where the confusion came from and why Beren might be upset still. lol.)

(To Tybard: Regarding Nivi's insight into Jack, as he tends to wear his feelings on his sleeves(almost literally in a way), and she'd see that he isn't to surprise at the full details, and is genuinely not upset about the other elves misfortune. If anything, he almost looked a touch amused for a second, before getting wrapped up in the rest of the ongoing conversation.)

Although a touch disappointed in learning the truth of 'The Avatar of the Sun', the Eladrin soon saw reason enough to smile again, as idle musings sent him on a small journey about the potential festivities. But eventually he got back on track, said his piece, and was soon enough on another wild tangent of thoughts destined to gain little traction before being sorted away when trancing later that very evening/morning. Once weariness led Jack to letting out a soft yawn, he happily seized the first moment to depart back to the inn, and so bid Luvash goodbye flamboyant bow, before making his way back to the inn. Such was his pacing that he'd yet catch a few more things if anyone wanted to hang back for more question and so forth. But only so much reaches his ears before the urgings of a fatigued mind and short distance to his destination led inevitably to needing to ask Nivi (and whoever lingered) about the story later.

Much, much later as it may turn out, as Jack could never find it in his heart to peel away from the people during story time with the tavern inhabitants. This being true despite even the most trivial of stories shared by the inhabitants, which if he had been bored at all, it never showed on his face. If anything, the Eladrin at times became more fascinated in the humdrum found in some tales, and in others, a bit misty-eyed as feelings of nostalgia nearly get the better of him. But in the end, fatigue wears out the old soul out before certain hungers outside of those to fill his belly can be kindled and see him possibly try to woo some patrons for a night of passion. So retreat he would into one of other rooms for a nice, quiet evening...

By the time the others awaken, or at least Beren in particular, Jack had been technically 'awake' for quite some time. Yet he stayed in his room over bothering even his fellow elves, preferring unless engaged by others to spend some time crudely penning down his most latest adventure using some old chalk and scraps of paper in his pack. Neither of which he could remember how they came to be there, but neither was he too surprised at his past self's absent-minded collected of things and trinkets over his ventures. After some time, he once again took on a meditative posture, as the time inevitable came to reach out for the world and the primal forces that governed it, renew his connection, and --- the visions hit him faster than Jack had to even begin bracing himself. Most of which were nonsensical things with little in the way of context, and quickly overwritten by others. The rest felt coached in meaning either too alien to process, or so frightening that, if any saw him at the time, they'd see Jack sweat as he gritted his teeth, and dug his fingers so deep into the palms he nearly cuts himself as his body and clothing shifted about in color.

But, he could not bring himself to pull away from the visions. So he had no choice but to ride out the storm...

 As likely the first one to be down, or a close second, the others see an elf seated at the bar. One bedecked in almost impossibly vibrant shades of orange clothing, and bearing long, red-orange, and wild mess of hair draped along his back and framing his face. Unless unable to engage with the bartender for whatever reason, the elf would appear to have his fingers steepled together and with elbows keeping the limbs propped up on the bar. He also, unlike a certain green-haired Eladin, had a look of deep concentration on his face as he stared at the ba--wait a second! The Elf was Jack! Or at least, they looked largely like Jack, but slightly more stockier for whatever reason. And instead of general air of amusement or carefreeness, instead the atmosphere about him felt a little off.

( To Mehman: Oh, yeah as the player I got that. I just figured with what was currently going through Beren's head it would make sense for him to misunderstand and latch onto it. He's not really mad though, and honestly probably knows just as well as his player that Jack didn't mean it the way Beren took it. lol)

Beren nods, he'd half expected that there would be no blacksmith, but he'd figured he'd ask anyways. Whether or not he'd go try to find a trader was a decision for another day. He didn't really like the thought of going into battle again with broken armor, but it might be better than old armor depending on its condition. He'd just have to see what comes whenever he chooses to look. 

His light flickers as Luvash tells about the 'myth' he'd created. "I do not agree with your methods, but who am I to judge I suppose." He sighs, at least that meant he didn't have to pretend. All he had to do was exist as he is, and then do whatever he felt inclined to do without worrying about maintaining appearances. They could believe he is the avatar, but it seems he'll at least get to determine who the avatar is by simply being himself. He huffs when Luvash says he hadn't expected a 'man alight' to show up. Well, Beren never expected to be a blasted 'man alight'. He has to force himself not to let his thought stray too far down that path again, instead nodding when Luvash explains that the item he's offering might be the only thing that can help. So long as he isn't lying... if he is, well Beren will have to deal with him as the Avatar of the Sun...

"So," he says in response to Luvash's explanation of soulless, his voice as somber as usual. "If you die, what happens to your soul?" He'd always thought that death would be his only freedom...not that he had any intention of bringing it about any faster than the world wished. He simply thought it would be his only rest, his long awaited release from all the pain he'd endured. Now, the prospect of having even that taken from him made him all the more angry. He won't let this want-to-be god dictate his eternity. 

After that, he listens to the rest of the meeting in silence, waiting until everyone else was out before leaving himself and once more entering the inn. Once he obtains his meal, he heads into his room and closes the door behind him, locking it as well if that's an option. Right now, all he wants is some privacy and some rest.

(If anyone does try to follow him lol, they are definitely going to either force their way in or be very persuasive. He has no intention of sharing a room much less a bed with anyone. But if anyone wants to try following him I'll be more than happy to react to it lol.)

Assuming he isn't bothered, he eats his meal and leaves the dishes outside his door. Then he closes (and locks it?) again and prepares for bed. He methodically removes his cloak and armor, but leaves on his gambeson just to keep covered. The glow of his face and hands creates enough light that it will appear to anyone passing by his window (if there is one) that there is a lantern on. Letting anymore skin show... well he doesn't want anyone to think there's a fire or something. The mask is the last thing to come off, and he almost left in on in case someone tries to give him a visit. But it's been too long since he's been able to sleep comfortably, so he reluctantly removes it and sets it down on whatever piece of furniture is closest to his headboard. It feels good to be able to breathe freely, and to be free of the heat that always comes with trapping the light inside the mask. He lets out a long breath, looking down at his torn and bloodied clothes, wishing he at least had something else to change into. Oh well, at least he can sleep in a bed. He lays down, facing away from the door, and does his best not to think about what's to come. Fortunately, he's tired enough that it doesn't take long for sleep to take over.  

(I will post some reactions for the following morning once Moira and Nivi respond, as Beren will likely be the last one out of bed. As much as he likes to be an early riser, the last few days have been long ones, he's hurt, and definitely not looking forward to the festival lol.)

(Lololol do please ignore DM trying to narrate Ola, she is not that kind of girl!)

Ola recovers herself a bit, turning her enraptured smile from Beren's light-filled visage to look at Luvash, her expression turning serious as he speaks. "Jack is right," she finally murmurs, "hope is powerful. But a lie is always weak." Luvash's description of the soulless draws her smile into a frown. To have care and conscience, to know that one bears responsibility for one's actions, that is what it means to have a soul, but souls can sleep, as all things can, and blind themselves to the eternity that they prepare their hearts for by their deeds. "The freedom of the soul is that it is never constrained to do good or do evil. You can always choose to die, yes... let it be for the right reasons, for those who can kill the body are powerless against the soul. Beware rather those who can tempt the soul into perdition." She glares at Luvash, the change in her expression sudden. Whether annoyed by his admission of deceit, or his impure suggestion to her, or both, her look is one of contempt, but still only a pale shadow of the sneer of a drow. "Yet even evil will be turned towards the ultimate victory of the Light. There is no Avatar of the Sun, you thought. Lucky for you, he is here now."

Ola leaves first, uncharacteristically. She doesn't enter the inn, a place of light and merriment, but follows the road back almost to the door before turning off to sit in the deep shadow cast by the outside wall of the tavern. If there's a tree anywhere nearby, she picks a spot under that too. For the first time, she pulls herself away from the people who have been her only anchor since she arrived in this realm. She unshoulders her pack next to her on the ground, and except for the pale of her undyed robe and hood, her features and figure are barely discernible. Slowly, she opens the pack and pulls out a book. Then a pen, and a bottle of ink. The book is crudely bound with string and hide glue, its vellum pages stiff and white. Ola opens it, dips the pen in the ink, and begins to write, in Elvish script. As each of her three companions make their way back to the inn, she looks up to watch as they go, and then returns to writing. She does not write fast, but she rights slowly and exactly, perfectly forming each letter.

Day One in the Cursed Land. The people who live in darkness have seen a great light. The Divine Wisdom has chosen a mortal man to bear His heavy sword of Judgment. I walk paths of great treachery, but only of my own making. The Lord has come to me, but he has not accepted me. I am not pure enough. My gaze goes astray every moment.

Ola stops her careful calligraphy and looks up as the raucous call of a raven catches her attention to the face that no one else is left outside on the streets. A threatening sense of foreboding clams over her. She has a thought. The soulless are those who have disavowed their task... the duty of every soul. Now you must stand, Ola, you must stand and persevere! Silently the dark elf puts away her book and writing tools into her pack, stands, and hurries into the inn. She looks around, with a quick glance, and sees Nivi and Jack among the merry-makers, sharing tales, their pale elf countenances garnering such attention. She feels a twinge of relief that they are still here, that they are alive and well, cavorting as they do, and turns away, climbing up the stairs.

She remembers where Arabelle's room is, and stops for a moment to whisper a prayer of protection for the girl. Dragging her from the watery depths lodged her in Ola's heart a little---a black, shredded, broken thing, who had dashed into shards the souls in its keeping---and she wished for her to be forever spared such fate as she had been spared from.

A brilliant light like a lantern beams out from underneath the door to another room. Olamoira stops as if riveted when she sees it, but remembering the weakness of mortal man, and Beren's multiple requests to her to stop being worshipful, she passes on. One day he will see that all of his suffering has not been in vain.

She finds an empty room nearby, and sits in a corner to meditate, her exhausted mind traveling to its refreshing havens, though of late, hers have been ringed always with that celestial light that pains her heart but soothes her soul, if only she can bear it a little while.

Morning finds her refreshed, spending the last few hours of darkness after her meditation with her book and pen out again, writing no more words, but illuminating what she has written, with elaborate vines, scrolls, spiderwebbing patterns bordering and embracing the carefully written text. All in black ink, for colors are expensive and she has none. Black ink around the first letter of the page in the shape of a pair of wings and a diamond.

What prayers she says early that morning in a language few mortals know, kneeling and weeping on the floor of the room, wracked in sorrow over everything she has been, dissolve from her memory by the time she staggers downstairs to behold the fiery Eladrin seated with impeccable seriousness at the bar. Olamoira truly does not recognize him for a long moment, but what finally makes her realize who it is, is her noticing that she is standing as transfixed as she always has been by him, unable to tear her enchanted attention away. "Jack!"

Nivi is still chewing on what Luvash says about Strahd testing them and about the soulless when his palm thumps her rear end.

No stranger to wandering hands in the circles she has run in, she remains composed enough to realize it is the man's way of planting an item on her.  A map, as it turns out.  So her words, as she turns back to him, are laced with a touch of honey to go with their sharp edge.

"You look all right yourself, Lu-Lu, and I like you.  So maybe clean it up a little if you're going to talk about Arabelle's departed ma on one hand while you keep making half a pass at me with the other.  Never know, girl might get mixed messages.  Wouldn't want that.  Long as I'm... 'reliable', that is."

She turns and walks away to the tavern, feeling his eyes on her as he slumps against the wall.  It is a relationship with men she has had before.  Sexual tension without the sex.  Making use of them as an asset as they do the same with her.  The game feels different now though, Burgomaster, Vistani and all.

By contrast, her conversation with the two hunters, Szoldar and Yevgeni is purely professional.  Other than the wine, of which she has just one cup while plying them with all they can eat and drink (paying out one gold as she treats them).  She listens intently, laughs when they laugh, pays attention to Jack's tales when they do, takes small sips from her cup as they down theirs heartily.  Village of Barovia and Old Svalich Road.  Wolves and werewolves.  Dark druids and spirits.  Hags and the Bonegrinder.  The Wizard of Wines.  Traveling at night seems inadvisable, as they had already found out on the lakeshore.

When with Urwin, she becomes Niva'ele Farstrider, noble high elf daughter of Silverymoon.  As she praises his (mostly good) wine, she makes note of the Wizard of Wines, apparently west of Vallaki, so she can check in on them if the opportunity arises, which she agrees to do.

Always solid profit in the booze trade, both above and below board, I know from experience.  Bringing folks together in a tavern can raise as many hopes, false or not, as Sunshine might tomorrow, with the Prophet bending towards him inexorably like a dark sunflower.

And Urwin..., he is more than who he appears.  Allied with the ravens for a certainty, though he decidedly does NOT seem like one of Strahd's.

"You seem a good man, Urwin.  I hope we can be friends.  We may even have common enemies if you consider it."  Shiv flaps his wings once gently and turns his head to gaze at the Innkeeper, his eyes lambent in the firelight.  "Never forget, I am no stranger to friends in the skies on dark wings."

Retiring to her room, Nivi makes a point of going through her stretches and flexibility exercises before practicing her forms with rapier and dagger as she always does.  She feels her father and sister staring at her coolly.  Eyes full of judgement.  Her mother next to them, sorrowful.  Only her brother Alend had understood her.  A little anyway.  How have you gotten yourself into this, girl?  Vampires, dark druids, werewolves, soulless.  Going to take everything you have, you and all the allies you can find, to get yourself back out.  Job of a lifetime.

It is her final thought as she eases into her four hours of trance with Shiv keeping watch.

She rises, cleans herself, and grudgingly performs the sun salutations her sister had taught her despite the lack of a real sun.  Then carefully checking and stowing her gear, her rapier at her belt and her daggers in their hidden places, Nivi ambles downstairs until she spies not-Shorty sitting in the tavern.

Grinning, she starts up.  "Look who can disguise themselves too.  Feeling a little left out last ni-"

Suddenly, she has a flashback to yet another lesson, back with her sister as a youngling in their parents' reading room, with their insufferable tutor whom Tara had adored.  The snooty, bespectacled elf regaling them with tales of Eladrin and their change of seasons while Nivi, bored to tears, tried to trim her fingernails with her dagger without anyone noticing.  Perhaps she should have paid more attention, she realizes, not for the first time...

Beren reluctantly rises the following day, realizing he's slept in much later than he would normally have liked. Perhaps that was for the best, considering everything that had happened yesterday and everything that is going to happen today. Who knew if he would ever get that much sleep in one night again. He sighs, slipping the mask back over his face before fully pulling himself out of bed. He glances around the room and simply listens for a moment, taking in the sounds of the town outside and the tavern below. It felt foreign yet familiar, a setting he'd only recently discovered and mostly avoided after leaving the Church. 

Sighing, he proceeds to don his broken chainmail and the emblazoned tabard atop it, then he swings the tattered black cloak over his shoulders in spite of not really feeling cold. It was just part of the uniform he'd grown used to wearing. Once finished, he exits the room only to hesitate atop the balcony. He really doesn't feel like joining whatever company is down there, but he knows that he should at least get free breakfast out of this visit considering he's about to further ruin his life as the Avatar of the Sun. So, he heads down, and moves to take a seat beside a strange orange elf--and after a double-take realizes that the elf is Jack. He'd heard stories of the eladrin, but had never really expected to see one change seasons. Didn't the changes affect their moods or something of the sort? Or was it their moods that affected the changes? Either way, it was clear that something was on the elf's mind. 

He looks over to Olamoira and Nivi...half irritated with himself for being the last one up, but also reminding himself that elves...well they don't really have to sleep so it isn't his fault anyways. As his gaze turns towards them, it becomes clear that the light behind the mask has grown significantly brighter than it was the day before. Jack would remember this brilliance from before their encounter with Strahd, after which Beren's light had seemed but a candle in comparison to his usual radiance. It seems the nights rest had both healed his wounds and restored his expended power--whether he appreciated that or not. 

Realizing that they seem just as surprised or confused as he does, he turns his face back towards Jack and asks, "You seem... troubled. Is something wrong?" His question comes out as sincere, yet has the tone of someone unused to asking after personal problems. 

(Can't parse out any actions for Jack, as he states Unless unable to interact with the bartender for any reason but then nothing is stated as an action for if he can so.... XD)

Urwin seems to look at the Hangry eladrin man, who was at this bar with some confusion... the elf? had simply came down, and began staring intently at the wall behind the bar, sitting there menacingly. Whatever the case.... Urwin placed a plate of grey lettuce in front of the elf, seeming to not charge him for it. The lettuce wasn't the best looking but it wasn't rotten either. Or perhaps that's just how it looked here? Regardless, Urwin skipped the charge this time in the otherwise empty tavern - it seemed like the patrons weren't here in the early to mid morning.

Ola had an uneventful night, aside from being periodically watched by the ravens that clung near the roof as she wrote her script. Luvash's comment was made from neutrality, he clearly thought she was a dusk elf, not knowing what a drow is. And when she all but snapped at him he had seemed mildly taken aback. Urwin  jumping when Ola shouts Jacks name, as she hadn't heard her speak at all the night before... and he likely thought as Luvash did... that he was seeing a female dusk elf. He studied her for a long while as she approached the staring eladrin.

( Insight - Nivi: 18 )

 The night before, as the elf and the man were making their relative passes at eachother, Nivi had made some educated guesses, but she felt there was something more there, but it was a mystery to her, like a word on the edge of the tongue. There was atleast one mystery about the man she couldn't crack, in terms of his behavior.

When she praises the wine, even if her praise seemed forced, Urwin would smile genuinely, relief washing over him almost actually visible. He had clearly been worried about that exact matter. Though at her agreement, he visibly brightens. Nodding and thanking her, saying that there's no big rush, but that if they could.... though at her observations... he seemed suddenly less nervous looking, still in the background of his body language but less so perhaps we are, and  can be. Only time will tell elf. he said, as he didn't know her name, but his 'elf' was soft, and gentle. Not meant to harass or other, but simply out of not knowing her name, he could only call her by race. If you return with news from the Wizard of Wines... we .. may be able to talk more on such things.

his eyes turning toward Shiv once the bird moved. And his eyes closed slowly, before he turned around to get ready for bed himself, at this point it was late enough that the patrons would usually be leaving. And Nivi heads to her room. the morning after though.. with her approach, Urwin greets her with a smile. Telling her that his wife is still asleep, and that I will bring any food you might need. We don't have many at this hour so... we make what you ask for as you ask for it. with that, he waited patiently for the group to greet each other.

Beren himself, last to rise, does hear some activity outside, but much like the sun, it's muted. There is no bustle, just casual strolls at best. before he joined the others.

(I feel this is an inter-character scene, with Urwin present, so feel free to RP amongst eacother. there are some sounds of activity  outside, but compared to what one mihgt hear in a city or village, it's muted... low - and if you don't already have inspiration, give yourself a point.)

(To Raiketsu: Apologies. I've been either half-dead or half-asleep whenever I got the chance to post, so it's a miracle any of it has been sensible. I 'think' I ment to follow that up with Jack attempting to engage the bartender with small talk if they didn't appear to busy, but things are fine as is.)

Jack doesn't immediately respond to anyone, let alone appears to register any conversations that may or may not have been going on as he stared intently at the wall. But after only a little bit of time he taps his chin a couple of times, before then with a small shudder and and agitated grunt, he finally looks about taking in everyone each in turn with a speculatively look, before finally smiling softly in relief as his eyes took a slightly more brighter and yellow sheen.

"Ah! It's good to see you my friends." He says in a voice a bit deeper and more huskier than the previous night. At the same time the Eladrin sounded more subdued than usual, and with a noticeable soft twang to his voice as well. "And sorry fer not, uhm... well not being all there. When I was going about my, uhm..." He pauses for a second to glance over to Urwin, and then looks back to the others, "-morning renewals to prepare for the day, I... I underestimated just how bad things were, and how deep the... er, 'Landlord's' had his clutches on this world itself. Fortunately or so I suspect, something about this region or area has put a damper on that influence -- or so I feel at least. But--" He starts rubbing at his chest a bit as if to massage some ache. "It's all so wrong. And I... I might find myself a little limited going forward in terms of what I can do. As I'm not sure how much I can coax without either drawing the wrong sort of attention or..." He trails off from there, squeezing his eyes shut as he grimace, before shaking his head.

FInally noting the plate nearby after reopening his eyes again, Jack looks confused for half a second, before shooting Urwin a thankful nod. "On a slightly less troubling note, I think I might have to see about staying with the duskies after today, as I'm shy of a bit of coin." He admits with a bit of mirth to his voice, having forgotten or failing to acknowledge any coin that might've been rewarded to the party thus far since rescuing Arabelle.

Beren stays quiet for a moment, not really sure how to respond to Jack's words. What happened last night to bring this on? Was he really just now realizing the gravity of their situation? 

"What do you mean by 'it's all so wrong'? I'm not sure I know what you are talking about..." He asks, the light behind the mask flickering as he is clearly confused and concerned, though the prior is more obvious. "And... did you not accept the money from Luvash?" He hesitates... it had been his hope to leave town as soon as possible, but he supposed it is pretty likely that they will all end up having to spend at least one more night here regardless. He can't shirk preparation out of the desire to leave. 

Shiv flaps his wings once in annoyance to steady himself on Nivi's shoulder, then glowers at her as she halts suddenly to stare at the changed Jack.  Seeing Nivi ignoring him for the moment, the owl looks briefly indignant, but the annoyance soon fades as both elf and bird gaze at the Eladrin.  Nivi shakes her head, after a moment, deciding against asking Jack exactly what happened and what he is talking about.  He would tell them if he wanted.

"The 'landlord'.  That's one way to to say it, Shorty, no lie.  And there's plenty wrong with this valley.  Filled the two hunters' cups all last night and got some dirt I can share.  Also, as for staying the night with the 'duskies', nothing wrong with that, but we might have a job out of town lined up if you all are interested.  If it works out, we could leave right after whatever Lu-lu has planned with his festival and Sunsh- ah..., Beren."

Nivi does glance at Olamoira for a moment, transfixed as she appears at the sight of Jack, wondering if the zealous dark elf has found a second champion now.  "Didn't see you last night back here at the Inn, Prophet.  Out and about, then?  Find anything of interest?"  (Nivi is genuinely curious).

She nods at Urwin when she mentions the "job out of town" to the others.  To the Innkeeper, having failed to introduce herself the previous night, she would venture, voice and tone modulating back to being a noble high elf once more, "I shall not forget our conversation last night, Urwin.  I am Niva'ele Farstrider, and I will honor my promise to investigate what has happened to the Wizard of Wines and their deliveries, whether or not my companions join me in the endeavor.  Are you able to share with me whom I should inquire with once arriving there and what shipments you were expecting?"

(Once she has her answer, and if the others are interested, she will provide more information on the proposed "job", why she thinks the party should take it on, and also on the scouting report she has received from the two hunters, Szoldar and Yevgeni... in a subsequent post).

Nivi limits herself to water and some fruit for breakfast if it is available.

Jack grimaces at Beren's response; but, unable to find the right words in the moment, he sat there staring at his plate in lighter contemplation, as his ears occasionally twitched and slightly swiveled to better catch snippets of any ongoing conversation from others. Eventually something registers to him, and in a more hushed tone, as he didn't want to interrupt Urwin he replies, "I did, or... well, I did accept it. Though brain's a bit fuzzy... I-I'll explain later." With that said, he looked as well to Urwin, eager to hear the full explanation of the suppose job. All the while keeping close to the forefront of his mind the tarot reading and how it might intertwine with the current job.

Olamoira shakes her head after a moment, almost turning her head from side to side as if to more clearly visualize the changes in Jack's appearance. As he stutters out his concerns, she stares at him in silence. Such a difference from the carefree and confident visage of yesterday. Ola narrows her eyes slightly. What has affected his mind so? There must be great danger here. My mind is prey to many things. Perhaps his is as well.

As Beren at last joins the other, Olamoira's whole attention swings from the puzzle of Jack to the brilliantly effusing light behind Beren's mask and streaming out from the joints in his armor. He is far brighter than he was yesterday. The Avatar of the Sun must rise anew with the dawn. Awed, with celestial voices singing in her ears at the sight, Ola locks her knees to keep from dropping to her face on the ground. With a barely perceptible wobble at the effort of her restraint, she folds her hands and bows her head meekly to him instead. While Jack is seated at the bar, she makes no move to seat herself, waiting to follow Beren's lead in standing or sitting.

She does look up to respond to Nivi's question, only her head turning from her attentive posture to the knight, seeming surprised that the young elf addressed her. "I did not," she says. "I cannot even say that my meditations were fruitful, though it seems those of some others must have been quite upsetting." She looks again at Jack, a question, or confusion, still in her gaze at his change as she regards him.

Beren gives Jack a masked glance, but then just nods. If the elf doesn't want to talk about it then he'll respect that. There are many things he wouldn't wish to share with others either. Then he realizes that Olamoira is standing there staring as usual, he gives her a flickering look before rising from his own seat and gesturing at a chair, "Don't just stand there, if you are going to join us then take a seat." He isn't trying to sound irritated or rude, but he clearly doesn't like the fact that she was waiting for him to sit down first. Whether his actions have to do with etiquette or something else is unclear. Either way, he stays standing until she sits down. 

Turning to Nivi doing his best to ignore her almost calling him 'sunshine' again. "A job? Of what nature?" He listens quietly as she explains, the mask betraying none of his opinions on the matter. Once she is finished explaining he says, "If this is something all of you wish to do, I will accompany you." He doesn't sound particularly enthused about the venture, but at the same time, it is an excuse to get out of town...

(Nivi has an outstanding question to Urwin above on who our contact would be at the Wizard of Wines... this might add to what she says).

Pulling the group close around if they are willing, so as not to make it too obvious to outsiders what they are doing, Nivi shows them Luvash's map.

"Fuzzy brain or not, Shorty, you remember the map Lu-Lu promised you?  He got a little handsy passing it to me, but map's a map, so here we go.  See Vallaki here, north-central, just south of Lake Zarovich."  (Flattening the map on the table with her invisible Mage Hand).

She pauses for a moment so the others can take it in.  "Those two hunters, Szoldar and Yevgeni.  First one's about as talkative as a wooden dock piling and the other only a little better, but wine loosened them up.  More on the wine later.  Know the lay of the land well, those two.  Got loads of dirt on locations and dangers here.  But the one we want for the job is the Wizard of Wines, which is where our Innkeeper friend Urwin comes in."

Nivi does not yet reveal to the group things she supposes Urwin might wish kept private:  the fact that he has been forced to water down the wine due to short supply, or her own observation of his communication and tasking of the ravens on the roof who seem to be his allies and perhaps spies.

She proceeds carefully and points to the location on the map for the Wizard of Wines that the two hunters had shown her, west of Vallaki (not marked on the image above, but she points to wherever she had been shown).  "My man Urwin's got his family wine business there, but something's up with the shipments.  Late delivery.  Last one hasn't showed up, like when Xanathar's Guild started knifing our carriers back in the Dock Ward.  We go there, take care of the problem, and might be we've got ourselves a new friend.  And you got to trust me here, I got a solid hunch we want Urwin as a friend."

For now, she studiously avoids looking up towards the roof, above which the ravens are likely still perched.  Realizing not everyone is the transactional criminal that she is, Nivi adds in a softer, more refined voice, slipping back to being Niva'ele Farstrider, reaching for her sister's grace:  "Wine brings real joy to people.  The common joy and camaraderie of the tavern room.  The little things in life can bring as much hope as the Avatar of the Sun.  Especially when Luvash and Beren themselves have admitted they think the festival is one of false hope, though I know you feel the hope is true, Olamoira."

(Given time and privacy, Nivi relates to the group everything else that the hunters, Szoldar and Yevgeni told her - copy/pasted below):

----- Information from Szoldar and Yevgeni -----

She finds out about he general lay of the land... it is primarily woods, among various elevations, and they're in a valley... so mountains surround the entirety of Barovia.

She learns that the Village of Barovia, sharing the same name lies far to the east along the Old Svalich Road stating that that is one of the only other places outsiders come from. Strahd's castle being high on the mountain above it... overlooking it. And that on a clear enough night you can see it from here.

They tell her where the Wizard of Wines is to the west, and an old ruin lying to the south of some dragon order 'or something' thats said to be haunted by the undead.

Mount Ghakis to the far south, and Baratok to the north of the lake.

They warn her of a place called 'Old Bonegrinder' it's off the Svalich Road, an abandoned windmill... occupied by hags.

They tell her that undead, dark druids, barbarians, and spirits of various kinds haunt the woods, and that they are willing to guide her (as they don't know if she has companions or not) around... during the day. If she wants a night time tour it would be significantly more.... oh and werewolves!, among other things, including the numereous other wolves that roam.

She finds out that most of the wolfheads adorning the tavern, were hunted by the pair. And they were the supply chain of the wolf meat the tavern offered. Through all this, they drink their wine heartily, eating as they go, deep in their cups. They tell her only outsiders, or folks needing safe passage to nearby locations generally hire them, the rest comes from their hunting.

They finish by telling her that Vallaki is roughly in the upper-center of Barovia. So everything is roughly equally distant from there.

----- Information from Szoldar and Yevgeni -----

POSTING SOON

Urwin acknowledges Jacks comments with a nod. It's fine elf! I figured after last night, and the stories I'd heard that you and your friends might be a bit... tuckered. I don't know all the details of your journey but I've heard bit's and pieces from others. Some of it sounds a bit far fetched but I live in a world controlled by a madman who can make the weather change to his whim. he said in acquiescence. I can get whatever food you wish at a fair cost. You just need to ask, though we'll have to cook it if it needs be. he says with a nod as the others begin to trickle down. Urwin also acknowledging Beren when he comes down, though with no direct conversation started he leaves it at that. But Urwin's eyes don't linger overlong, though not out of fear, something more akin to respect.

Nivi approaches, speaking and Urwin faintly smiles. After a breif conversation with Jack and the others, Nivi asks the innkeeper for more details, and Urwin nods saying Unfortunately ... You ill have to speak with my Father, Davian. He believes I .. stole something Of course I did not but the winery has been under some duress for a while now. The Wizard of Wines is the pride of my family.  But I haven't heard of much in the last weeks, leading to my request. Please seek out my father Davian and ask him of the events going on. I wish i could leave, but a tavern is ... a constant business. And we've been expecting several barrels. Our stores lasted for a while.. but it's  he seems hesitant to speak farther. He looks around, and makes sure that no-one else was about. Thinning. I'm sure you understand why that can .. be an issue.

As Jack thinks back to the tarot reading, he can't quite think of any relevance to the wizards of wines, though there may be other things there that weren't in the reading... And Urwin seems appreciative that he was allowed to reveal it rather htan Nivi spillign the beans, His smile widened genuinely.