Quote from ConstancePhokas >>

As Nivi walks back into the church, this time without the gem, Ola turns to look at her. Now that St Andral's bones are safely delivered, the drow stands with a slightly hollow 'what next?' look on her face, her expression a bit glazed as she looks at Nivi. Then her expression lights up and she smiles. "Did you bring the gem to Beren? I thought he might be the answer." With a prostration in front of Father Lucien and a farewell kiss to the hem of his robe, Ola leaps back to her feet and rushes outside to see what has become of the Avatar of the Sun.

Nivi appears far more subdued and introspective than she did when she had hustled outside just a moment ago.  As if trying to think things through.

"Gem's where it needs to be, Prophet," she calls after Olamoira's retreating back.  "Can tell you that much, at least."

(She says nothing further on the topic until the group have some privacy).

Quote from Mehmen >>

Ahhh, welcome back Nivi. Ready to take center stage once more as well, or am I to linger upon it for a little longer."

"Stage is all yours in a minute, Shorty.  Figure I'm almost through hogging it like a two-bit bravo for now.  Just, soon as you're done, let's roll..."

She turns to Father Lucien, and though the facade of Niva'ele Farstrider has now been revealed, she nevertheless resumes the persona of the high elven noble daughter (that she in fact is), bowing deeply to the priest before straightening.  Shiv lands on her shoulder, eyes blinking once slowly as before.

"Father.  Should you and yours require assistance with the Bones, I shall be honored to provide it.  Or perhaps my companions outside shall, Jack and I being rather less robust than they, as he suggested.  If not, much yet rests on our shoulders this very eve, and so it behooves us to take our leave for the nonce.  I wish you well tending to your flock and keeping the orphans fed, with Saint Andral's Bones safely returned to their consecrated resting place."

(If Father Lucien has no more need of them, she too walks back out of the church with a nod at Jack to follow when ready.  Treading at a far more stately pace than she had earlier, face preoccupied with the tasks still ahead for the party...)

Still got to take Lady Wachter to Lu-lu along with the news she's plotting against him for Strahd and evidence she's worshipping devils.  Then drop in on Ruby and Bubbles at the Blue Water Inn.  Probably call it a night after that.  Check out the Wizard of Wines for Urwin tomorrow...

Olamoira finds Beren standing silently, he appears to be lost in thought... though as always it is hard to tell due to the mask. Wachter has been set on the ground next to him, leaning against the wall in a not terribly uncomfortable but still not comfortable position. If she looks at the hilt hanging from his belt, she'll notice the gem has been placed in the once-empty slot. 

Beren takes a moment to notice her, and when he does he takes another moment to actually say something, "What is taking so long?" He doesn't sound irritated, just tired. Clearly he wants to hurry up and get Wachter to her prison cell and get talking to Luvash over with. 

(allowing the player conversations to go on a little longer before I post 'Lulu' coming in)

Olamoira's gaze drifts to the gem, and then to Beren's mask. She smiles. Confidently, if not knowingly. "I think they'll be out shortly," she says. "We were just making sure that Father Lucien didn't need any more help settling St Andral or any other affairs..." She folds her hands and bows her head. "I am hopeful that St Andral's blessing will go with us, in return for the service we have rendered him."

(AUGHHHHH computer froze HALFWAY through post. LOST EVERYTHIGN AUGHHGHGHFGKnhsjkldhfgp qklwuhrfg;lkawuhifgv;kwli ejfho)

I will make sure they receive the proper rites. Though his spirit may be gone, it would not due to disrespect them, especially if my hunch is true about his past. he said as he inspected the chest. If the lid was still open, he would close it. Both Lucien and the few still within the room, including Saelethin watch Moira's prostration with bemusement. At least among Lucien's flock, while they believed in Lucien, none had ever gone so far as to kiss the hem of his robe. But worry-you-not. As for Saint Andral himself, I shall find a more secure location and fortify it much better lest this happen again. he says, leaning down to test the weight of the chest for when he has to pick it up.

Jack then speaking, Eliciting a small chuckle from Lucien. Do not worry yourself, young elf! I am at least a little stronger than I look! But your offer is appreciated. Truth be told though.. I have a good feeling about you and your friends. Perhaps with enough preparation and knowledge.. you might be able to strike down Strahd. And I would not have it said that I was the cause of a delay.. or even defeat of you and yours because digging some dirt made you miss your timing. Be off, you! he said teasingly, a faint smile on his lips. Jack breifly entertaining Nivi with some japes before once more returning his attention to Lucien. The man himself cocking his head ever so slightly - as a look of confusion crosses his visage. I was to understand that Luvash gave your party a map of the lands of Barovia? Is this not true? I believe it was Nivi'aele .. The most I can say.. if not is that you will not find much 'civilization' in these lands. There is Krezk... he pauses, his eyes goign in the cardinal directions as one who knows them, but not by heart, and liekly would mix up east and west otherwise... To the West of here is the fortress village of Krezk.. near the border of this realm. (and in case it needs be said, that is the direction that the original party 'came from' heading east.)

Then here, in Vallaki. And lastly, the Village of Barovia.. nestled directly beneath Castle Ravenloft.. Strahds stronghold. The rest of the land only holds ruins, undead, and madmen. The vistani as well but.. they may travel these lands unhindered by all. All three of the towns and villages are connected by the main road.... eventually. And Barovia's village is to the far east of here, a tenday or more of travel, depending on.. how you travel. Almost no one walks the paths between these places unless necessity dictates, or they are strong.

Nivi returning then. As for whom to speak to about the lands... that is hard to say. People at the inn whom look like adventurers. Any of the Vistani who hold positive ties to Luvash... Beyond that I know not whom I could recommend who has actually left these walls. All of my time is spent here, aside from when I gather food and necessities. 

To Nivi, Lucien would more or less repeat what he had just told Jack in terms of requiring assistance, making sure they all know they are free to leave whenever they wish. And soon that is exactly what Nivi does. Though hedoes reply I thank you all again for their return. I worry that should the bones have been lost for too long... the protection might never have returned. So now with the worry of harm coming to them gone, I can see about getting foodstuffs for everyone. And they in kind can help me with the upkeep as much as their capacity allows.

Back outside:

As Moria and Beren begin speaking, it takes just long enough for them to finish their brief conversation when Luvash, alongside six town guards, none of which have been seen before by the party and are thus unrecognizable, approach. Luvash's eyes dart to the unconscious, and ever so slightly contorted body of Wachter,  Then to Beren. Luvash drawing his Scimitar, and dagger in his offhand. The guards drawing their weapons, and pointing them at Moira and Beren. You have been accused of Treason, consorting with devils, and many other unforgiveable crimes. Luvash being the spearpoint of a V formation with the guards. Four of which wield spears, Two of which hold heavy crossbows.

Beren looks up, at first expectantly, as Luvash approaches. However, as the encounter takes a turn he hadn't anticipated the light behind the mask flares in anger. 

"I do not know who made these accusations, but the actions we took against Wachter were for the protection of this Church and yourself, Luvash. And this is the thanks we get?" He steps forward, putting himself between the crossbows and Olamoira. His fury is clear in his voice, as he gestures towards Wachter, "This woman is the one responsible for consorting with devils. We have evidence for that. Did you not receive my message?" Had he misread that man from before? Did that bastard take his signet ring and run instead of delivering the message. "Or, is it that this wicked woman has you all so frightened of her that you are willing to twist the truth to avoid her wrath?" Not that Luvash was avoiding anything if Wachter went free. 

Beren steps forward, not reaching for any weapon yet in spite of his obvious anger. The light however is growing more intense, waiting to overflow just as it did when they encountered Strahd. "I sought to protect you, for the sake of your daughter. Yet now I hear accusations of evil poring from the lips of one who reeks of wickedness himself." He clenches his hands, doing his best to withhold the last bit of power he has left after their fight with Wachter and her underlings. If this continues, they are about to see what the accursed power of the Avatar of the Sun truly is. 

Persuasion: 14

Intimidation: 11

Because she is proceeding out of the Saint Andral's Cathedral at a far more stately pace than she had earlier with the gem, Nivi has time to hear the conversation outside (Passive Perception 17) and stops short.  Her hand motion and whisper to Jack behind her are urgent.

"Trouble outside, Shorty.  Looks like Lu-lu got word already - only the wrong word.  Thinking we watch from in here for now, yeah?  Could be that Sunshine's got this handled.  If they want evidence against Wachter, I got her devil-loving book.  If it comes to a fight, we..."  She trails off.

Bloody mess, this is.  Sloppy, and then some.  Didn't have to be this way, I don't think...  Least the Bones are where they need to be.  And the gem.

Nivi shakes her head in disgust, having already been falsely accused once herself.  Still whispering.  "Won't lie, Shorty.  Got a bad feeling about this.  Hope Lu-lu hasn't lost his mind again like out in the square during the Sun Festival.  When he told Sunshine to take Ruby and Bubble's heads."

Sidestepping before approaching the door, Nivi hides in the shadows adjacent to the entrance, Shiv flying silently to alight on her shoulder.  Peeking out, she attempts to get a read on the situation by studying Luvash's posture, face and throat.  It's a bit harder for her to tell at this distance, though.

Nivi's Stealth to Hide as a Bonus Action (Cunning Action):  16
Nivi's Insight to attempt to read Luvash's mindset (determined, doubtful, angry, scared etc.):  13

Nivi finds it difficult to judge Luvash's intentions. There seems to be something under the surface but she just can't quite tell what.

As much as Jack got a little chuckle about being called a 'young elf', the smile amusement soon turned into one of embarrassment at the reminder of the group's gifted map! "Oh I -knew- I was forgetting something!" He said after a slightly over-dramatic bit of facepalming. But then he's back to his usual self, if albeit clearly listening intently to the Lucien as the man continued explanations.

"Hmm... imagined any adventurers would be in short supply here given the state of things, but noted." He more or less muttered to himself while Lucien was distracted addressing Nivi. Distracted though he was, the promise of 'foodstuff' made the eladrin perk up almost immediately. Nivi's motion to follow when ready after that was met with a absent-minded wave as Jack was too busy pondering how better to address offering assistance in food prep. But he hadn't been SO distracted that a later more insistent bout of hand motions would garner any attention. Bemused, he yet jogged over to her side, and after listening to her concerns, a look of worry actually mars his face for once.

"Bad feeling or not, best to avoid a fight altogether. And if one comes, well... It's a long run to Krezk, and we're not exactly prepared for such." He whispered back. "So, let's hope for the best, but could be we might have to stage a jail break later." As much as Jack wanted to on that note to follow Nivi's example, he opted instead to take a seat at one of the benches close to the front door and listen in on the goings outside as best he could from there without calling too much attention to himself.

Ear Hustling: 18.

Play it Cool: 7. (if still would work, add another +2 to the roll)

Olamoira looks at Luvash, first in surprise, but then it dawns on her that she's not really surprised. Luvash has always seemed a mercurial sort, ready to take sides as it serves his interest. Yet despite Beren's reasonable outrage as this seeming turncoating, Ola only looks thoughtful... a darkness to her expression. My own people accused me of just these crimes when I fled. Sometimes what cannot be abided is only the recognition that someone is no longer under your control.

"Surely this cannot be merely a misunderstanding," she says to Luvash. "Such a long list of accusations must have some motive behind it. But I am confident that there is not evidence. If you have some, please share it, but we shall not go willingly to arrest, at least I shall not, unless the Avatar of the Sun consents to."

As everyone more or less takes their positions, whether visible or otherwise. Listening in, heads metaphorically cocking to the side in confusion at this sudden turn of events, the tension only grows. Several long moments pass, as Moira and Beren share their own opinions and thoughts. Luvash's expression grows ever more serious, a soft grunt escaping from his throat as he narrows his eyes at Beren. Beren returning the stare. Suddenly, Luvash bursts out into laughter. Full throated laughter, to the point of holding his own gut, and even slapping his own leg once. Oi. You're incorrigible Mr. Beren. Ah but it was worth it! As if I'd ever turncoat on the ones who saves my little girl. But humor is so rare in these lands. Some **** came to me with a tale of the Wachter whore. Said you all were the source. I need to see a bit more proof... but I know the ***** has always had it out for the last Bergomaster. No shite she'd have it out for me too since neither of us were on Strahds side enough for her. Still, I heard you all had proof, though he wasn't specific on which of you had it.

During all this, the other six guards had lowered their weapons. Though they all had small smirks on their face, none were laughing. Seems they enjoyed the joke Luvash had played but not even a quarter as much as he had. As if suddenly realizing he still had his weapons drawn, he sheathed them with smooth practice. So lower your hackles. We're all friends. Just came to follow the jingles and the bells and take a traitor to the town in.

Beren is clearly not amused by this... prank, his flat look is reflected by the light that stops flickering but does not dim. He stares at the burgomaster for a moment, contemplating whether or not he should be embarrassed for falling for this or not. Eventually he comes to the conclusion that it is Luvash who should be embarrassed and his own reaction was perfectly reasonable given the circumstances. None of this he voices, instead he simply lets out a long breath--finally releasing some of the pent up energy as misty light flows through the lower slats in the mask. His overall glow dims just slightly and he turns to where Wachter was still resting unconscious on the ground. 

"Nivi has the evidence," He says, deciding to pretend that nothing happened and instead follow through with what they were going to do to begin with. "She and Jack are still within the Church."

Summoning her invisible Mage Hand, Nivi emerges from her concealed spot in the church, face utterly expressionless.

She marches directly up to Luvash and without hesitation, slaps him hard.  Right to left.  An instant later, the invisible Mage Hand does the same, only left to right.  (No damage, just a slap).  When Nivi speaks, her voice is flat as a flagstone and her pale green eyes stare up coolly at the Vistani man.

"The bloody hell is wrong with you, Lu-lu?  Already been falsely accused once, and now you pull this, just for grins?  You know how much blood and fire we just got done wading through to get this last job done?  That's after our last job, you know, the one where we saved your daughter you were so sure we'd never find.  Arabelle, who's looking a lot like the only one with any sense in this town besides Father Lucian and maybe Urwin."

Nivi is not actually furious, though admittedly a little exasperated.  This act of actually making contact with Luvash's body is for a purpose.  She is attempting to determine whether this is truly Luvash, or someone else disguised as him, just as Lady Wachter had disguised herself as Nivi to speak with Bluto and later in her manor.  Nivi figures she has already been fooled one time too many by agents of Strahd.  During the slaps, she tries to sense any telltale deviations in the contours of Luvash's face from how they appear as her open palm (and then her Mage Hand) make contact.

Nivi's Perception:  16

(Whether Nivi produces Lady Wachter's book and tells the rest of the story depends on what she senses).

(I will reply sometime saturday)

The guards once more draw weapons, though None attack. Finding out why soon after as Luvash had his hands fanned out in a manner indicating to not attack her. Though he seems faintly annoyed by the assault, after a moment, he catches himself, giving Nivi two return slaps across her face as well, with roughly equal strength to what she had given him. Now now lovely. Already told ya I aint trying to replace Ara's mother, pretty as you are. Yet here you are, openly flirting with me in public. Making my guards a bit jealous with all that familiarity! his tone that of more jokes, though meant to calm those behind him down in a light hearted manner.

You all need to grow a sense of humor though. I never said it was Beren, or anyone else. Just said such accusations had been made, and unless that is false in its entirety... meaning my whole trip here was a farce... Then the woman, two inches from Beren's feet and in the same line of sight when I made it, is the one who dun it. So, I ask again; Wheres the proof? I don't doubt you but if i start keelhauling people on the word of others... even the Avatar... it'll undermine everything.

As her slaps connect and she confirms by touch that it is actually Luvash and not an imposter using Disguise Self as Lady Wachter (and Nivi herself) had at times, Nivi remains expressionless, though she inwardly breathes a sigh of relief.

When Luvash slaps her back, she also does not react outwardly, though in her mind, she does take note.  I had reason to slap you, Lu-lu.  Don't know that you had  cause to hit back 'cept to show that you could.  Good to know what kind of 'man' you are.  I'll not forget that...

Yet Nivi gives voice to none of that.  Instead, she stands her ground and speaks matter-of-factly.

"Don't flatter yourself about flirting, Lu-lu.  Just cause you groped a girl the other day back at the Inn when you thought she still had manacles on don't mean she's coming onto you when she slaps you for making a tone deaf joke of an accusation.  Remember that?  When I got hauled in and chained since the town drunk claimed I told him to drown your daughter?  Or was that false accusation just another joke to you?"

"Turns out it was Lady Wachter that did that too, using magic to look like me.  Admitted it straight up to us in her sitting room.  But we'll get to that.  In the meantime, spare me this noise about you actually accusing Wachter when you said 'You have been accused of Treason, consorting with devils, and many other unforgiveable crimes' while she's taking a dirt nap right in front of you, yeah?  She can't hear you.  Only ones really in front of you were Beren and Prophet, and you know it.  So while you're shoving that technicality back up your arse, why don't you take a good look at us."

Nivi points at the obvious wounds on Beren, Olamoira and herself, including her nasty black welt from the Imp's poison tail stinger.

"We look like we're in the mood for a joke accusation to you?  Already had to spill too much blood today and had one of Wachter's servants almost burn her house down around us.  Just got done returning a holy relic Wachter bribed a couple kids to steal from the church for her, probably on the darklord's orders.  So yeah, she's allied with him, with devils for sure, and Tymora knows who else.  Got this nice black keepsake on my shoulder from her Imp that stung me before I could take care of it.  Her whole household was in on it, 'cept the kiddos.  Only thing I can prove right here, right now, is the devil part."

Nivi's invisible Mage Hand removes Lady Wachter's manuscript from her pack so it looks like it is floating in the air in front of Luvash:

A supple leather case containing an unbound manuscript titled The Devil We Know—a poetic manifesto written by Lady Fiona Wachter attesting that the worship of devils can bring happiness, success, freedom, wealth, and longevity.

"Had a chance to swipe other things, Lu-lu.  Treasure.  Deeds for land granted by Strahd.  But other than relics that don't belong to her, this is all I took."

Although Jack had some trouble hearing it all even after Nivi opened the doors to exit, what does eventually reached his ears is enough to bring a smile to his face. A smile that swiftly vanished upon hearing a duet of slaps and Nivi's rather pointed complaints. "Did... Did she really....!?" He whispered to himself, frozen still in his seat and wide-eyed from the shock. Then came the sound of weapons drawn, and it's frankly at that point Jack finally managed to shake of the spell and shift around in his seat for a better view at the doorway.

Although even if under the best of circumstances he can see the "actors" at work, a muttered curse in sylvan is swiftly followed by him only ducking his head down only a little and rather fruitlessly for further cover. 'Ooooookay that happened! What can we....' He tenses up again hearing another series of slaps, followed by....

'Wait... Hmm... He seems to be taken it well. Perhaps it's time for this ~stage hand~ to step up and-' Just as Jack is working up the nerve to peer over the back of his bench once more and make himself known once more, once again he freezes up, only this time from just even hearing the start Nivi's rebuttal. And then struck by an epiphany, Jack's eyes widened for the second in minutes, before closing altogether with a defeated sigh. ".... Let it be enough." He muttered, straightened out his poncho a bit, and then finally rose up and made his way outside to stand quietly outside. Even if the other party members acknowledge his arrival Jack doesn't reciprocate. Rather, he seemed to have eyes only for "Lu-Lu", and stood beside Beren with the expression of one awaiting some grim verdict.

For a moment, Ola straightens up imperiously. In her old life, no man would ever dare strike a woman, not for any reason--he would be tortured and fed to the spiders for his insolence. But once more it becomes a power struggle, and I must give up such things. Her aggressive stance deflating nearly as quickly as it had appeared.

Instead she points. "Your Lady Wachter is here. Her book is here. Some of us may perhaps feel the duty of bringing devil worshippers to justice. But there is a harder duty and fewer do it." Turning slowly she regards her companions, and wonders for a moment, what spell enthralled her people that women were placed over men, and yet she sees the same here---a woman takes charge in the conflict while the men hang back and disengage. Ola is reluctant to join the pattern, for the subservience she herself demanded for decades led only to blood and terror... This is my harder duty. To renounce everything that I was, and have the humility to beg for guidance to a better path. And so she stands there, as if in a stupor, not unlike old Jack, waiting in apprehension for what will come next.

Beren takes in the scene in utter silence. Sure, he is irritated with the prank, more than irritated really but that doesn't matter. He is tired, and just wants this all to be over with. However, unlike the other two he doesn't seem concerned in the slightest as to what might happen as a result of Nivi's actions. If Luvash turns on them, he'll deal with it. Right now Nivi clearly isn't willing to just let this slide, so he'll stand by that. If it results in them losing favor then so be it. He doesn't really care. 

He glances at Jack as the tall elf moves to stand beside him, and then also at Olamoira as she adds to Nivi's words concerning Wachter. Then he sighs, crossing his arms and waiting to hear what Luvash's response to all this will be. 

I will update tomorrow!

Or should I say... Saturday! because stuff came up out of left field ~.~