Azalin's Doom

"Careful what questions you ask, you may not like the answers," Zathon replies in turn. "In places like this you do what you must to survive."

He knows the tavern at least has a supply of birds, but Ismark commented that they were few in number. He doubts there is much normal livestock here.

Kora's stomach grumbles and she doesn't realize how hungry she is.  She stares at the cart longingly then asks Anthony, "They have any food in the house?  Or should we get some of these pastries?  They sure look scrumptious."

She tries to listen in on the conversation the crone is having with the townsfolk.

Perception  (nat 1) 7

Akyan nods to Zathon, though he still clearly isn't happy about not finishing what they started. He waits until the others begin heading back before following behind them. Though he hates not finishing the job, he'd be lying if he said he wasn't glad to get away from those lingering feelings of fear and pain emanating from the cavern.

Back in town, the drow gives little notice to the distrustful glances of the villagers. While he dislikes being treated that way, he's still become rather used to it over the years. Noting the others hungry glances towards the crone and her pastry, he becomes aware of his own hunger. He understands Jared's worry as to where the meat came from, but Zathon is right. It's best not to ask things you may not like to the answer to. ..though he's not sure why Jared of all people cares to think about that. Whatever is in those pies is surely better than what they dug out of the street bins as children. Sighing, he glances at Kora, "Unless Ismark has servants, I doubt he'd have the time to cook anything. He's probably been up this whole time looking after his sister." He feels his coin purse, and continues though he doesn't sound thrilled. "Perhaps we should get a few. Does anyone else want one? I can pay for those who lack coin."

"I'd planned for travel and have rations. Plus I ate a little earlier at the tavern. I'm good. But Ismark said he didn't have anything at the house. So, do what you need to do. If you don't have food for traveling, you might want to stop by the general store. I'm no wilderness expert, but I haven't seem much wildlife since coming here. Not sure how well foraging will go if it takes us more than a day to get to the next town." 

He waves off Akyan's offer. Anthony still hadn't had time to process everything. Meditation and prayer held more appeal right now than eating.

Jared walks silently on the way back to Ismark's home.
He chuckles at Akyan's offer but waves it away.

Kora smiles, "Those two apparently don't appreciate a good offer!"  she starts heading towards the cart with Akyan, "They sure smell good!!  Maybe we could get one for Ireena as well?  Warm food always made me feel better."

She waits her turn for the townsfolk to finish their dealings with the old woman, then steps up, "Good evening ma'am, how much for your pies?"

As Kora steps up the woman, the old crone looks up at you and offers a sweet smile, an expression that looks odd on her face. To be blunt, the old woman is incredibly ugly. Her face is a maze of lumps and warts, and her long hooked nose is crooked. Some of her unkept hair escapes from under her rain hat, and she has a humped back from constant slouching. Despite her hideous appearance, she’s probably somebody’s grandma, so you try not to judge too much.

At your question, she begins speaking in her equally wizened and air voice. “For you two, I’ll charge a silver piece per pie.” You see she’s missing several teeth. She looks at you two curiously. “Are you visitors to our lovely village?”

Kora cocks her head slightly and responds, "Lovely?  Well, I suppose that is one word for it, but yes.  We are definitely visitors.  Three please, they sure look and smell delicious."  And she turns to Akyan as he is the one that offered.

Akyan grunts at Kora's response, and fishes out three silver. "As she says, we will take three." He states bluntly.

The old woman gladly takes the three proffered silver with a wrinkled and liver-spotted hand. As she tucks away the coins into a pocket, she turns towards her cart and retrieves three steaming meat pies. She offers them to you and wheezes out, “Pleasure doing business with you. Don’t be a stranger if we meet again!” She waves a withered hand at you as a farewell as you head back to the group with food in hand.

Kora takes the three pies, handing over two to Akyan, "Since you paid, only fair that you give the one to Ireena."  Then she takes a good whiff of the it, taking her time with an actual joy in this awful place.

Finally, she takes a bite and assuming it is as delicious as it sounds, devours the rest.  

As Kora sinks her teeth into the meat pie, she is rewarded with a wonderful explosion of flavor in her mouth. The crust is flaky and buttery, the sauce rich and savory, the vegetable supple and flavorable, and the meat was incredible. It’s was so tender, it almost seemed to melt in her mouth. In short, the pie was perfection in edible form. 

For anyone who ends up eating a pie, please make a Constitution check as you begin to head as you make your way to the manor. You all end up in the manor after a few short minutes of walking.

Anthony seeks out Ismark and Ireena. "Just wanted to check in on you two." Announcing himself and waiting for permission before invading their private areas upstairs."We probably lost Donovan. Might be for the best."to Ismark he asks, quietly if Ireena is still sleeping, "Are you travelling with us, or just her?" Anthony had mixed feelings about Ismark.

Akyan gives the old woman a somewhat dismissive wave as Kora grabs the food and promptly hands him two. He opens his mouth as if to object but decides not to waste his breath. It doesn't matter who gives Ireena the pie, who knows if she's even in any condition to eat at the moment. If that's the case then maybe Ismark will eat it. Or perhaps Aoufie.

As Kora digs into her food, Akyan takes a bite out of his own. He's caught off guard when the thing actually tastes as good as it smells. Normally, he makes a point not to completely fill his stomach, especially when in a place like this. Getting in any kind of skirmish on a full stomach is never comfortable. However, this time he makes an exception. He hasn't eaten much in the last few days anyways.

Akyan will enter the manor behind Kora.

Con check for the Probably Poisoned Pie: 6

CON save for the delicious, not-poisoned pie:  16

Aoufie waves off the offered meat pie as the old lady seems to remind him of old fairy tales of wicked grannies. He enters the manor and sits heavily in the nearest seat as he tries his best to dry out his clothes. He takes out 1 ration and gnaws it as it is rather hard. Its taste left much to be desired, but it would keep him from going hungry. At least he is finally out of the elements. Though what might come in the night does not give him a good feeling. 

Anthony finds Ismark and Ireena in a small bedroom in the second story of the dilapidated manor. He sees Ireena sleeping peacefully under a few drab blankets draped over a thin mattress. Ismark sits on a stool near the bed, and he looks up tiredly as Anthony enters. The room is depressingly dark with the windows boarded up, but an oil lantern on the floor near Ismark provides a feeble light that does little do dispel the gloom of the room. 

Ismark nods as Anthony informs him about Donovan, not appearing very surprised. "I would never leave my sister," he replies to Anthony's question. "I'll be coming with."

Staring at his sleeping sister, Ismark sighs, weariness evident in his posture and demeanor. "Are we doing the right thing?" he asks quietly, almost to himself. "Leaving Barovia for Vallaki I mean." He turns towards Anthony, lamplight dancing in his dark eyes. "Nobody here has the will to fight back against Strahd, except for Ireena and I, and we're abandoning them to fend for themselves. Are we wrong for doing that?" His haunted eyes look at you pleadingly.

Anthony shrugs, leaning against the doorframe. "They are fighting to survive in their own ways. Would you have the will to resist if he hadn't targeted your family, or would you be keeping your heads down like the others?" There was no accusation in his tone. It was just a question. "Whether you'll find what you're looking for in Vallaki, I can't say. I hope you find something." 

"What can you tell us about Strahd or Vallaki that hasn't been said already?" 

Jared follows along, amazed at how much Kora & Aykan are enjoying their meal. 
He shakes his head as he walks in the door. He finds a place to take a seat and does so, and takes a nap, if he can.