Following the others back over to the closet, Kess tilts her head. After a moment she tries pulling the cloak down on its hook, wondering if it isn't so useless after all.

As you pull down on the cloak, its hook bends down and the trapdoor swings upwards. Just then, three ugly human woman with green skin and pointed black hats poke their heads in. "Naughty, naughty!" They slam the trapdoor shut.

Kess gets excited for a moment before being disappointed again. Sighing, she pulls out the map and adds the bedroom, closet, and Witch Trapdoor to it.

"Well that was super weird! Not sure what to do with that information, but I'm glad they didn't curse us I guess."

"It definitely could have gone worse," Kessintra remarks, "Anything else we want to take a closer look at? I'd hate to keep our host waiting."

“I think we should proceed to the dinner, we will learn the most there, and possibly see Ireena as well”

"I concur," says Chipper. He quips, "And considering that trio upstairs, don't eat any apples."

When you finally exit, Rahadin smirks, saying, "It took you a while in there. Follow me." He leads you back down the staircase, to the room with the organ music. 

As Rahadin opens the doors, your view is flooded with warm, inviting, orange light. At the other end of the 20ft by 20 foot room is an organ, playing itself. As the keys lower by themselves, they produce beautiful sonnets and songs. At the head of the table is Strahd himself. In the chair to his immediate right is Ireena, fitted in a crimson dress with gold accents. Beyond those two are six empty chairs, pulled out and waiting for you to sit. After the empty chairs is a human girl, about 17, looking very excited. Next to and in front of her are four vampires, three woman and one man. The woman wear red, blue, and green dresses, and the man has an orange suit. All their outfits are worn, a stark contrast from the new, fresh outfits everyone else is wearing. All the vampires except Strahd hold chalices with.... Let's just hope it's wine.

"Come in," Strahd beckons. "I promise I won't bite."

Ismirk speedwalks as fast as he can to the end of the table, taking the seat right next to Ireena. He takes her hand, trying to comfort her.

looking over the four vamps as Zan makes his way to a seat, Kess darling, it looks like we've overdressed...again. 

"Hm, hard not to when everyone else came straight from the grave." Kess mutters to Zan. She moves to take the seat across from Ireena without a second thought, wanting to get a better look at her to make sure she's alright...and still human.

Perception on Ireena: 22

She's undoubtedly human. She's not pale, there's no bite marks, and she doesn't have fangs. She does however, seem terrified. She's looking down into her lap, refusing to acknowledge the world. You can see her shaking in her seat. 

Strahd chuckles. "That's very brave of you, sitting so close to me."

Kess' purple gaze shifts from Ireena to Strahd. Admittedly she had been so focused on the former that she hadn't fully considered she'd be stuck right next to the vampire for the entirety of this event. It...doesn't matter anyway. She hates that she's already accepted it; that Strahd could kill any of them regardless of proximity. 

"Is it? The invitation said we'd be 'safe'. Although who knows what that means coming from you." She remarks, trying her best to ignore her spirits' fearful wails.

Strahd tries his best to sound reassuring. "You are safe. I'm just told that I'm intimidating regardless."

Amelia growls at the sight of the vampire prince—like a wolf ready to bite his faceoff. Her blood boils, screaming for her to unleash her radiant fury and burn him where he stands.

But reason wrestles down the rage. If she strikes now, the two innocent girls—and Ismirk—will be caught in the crossfire.

Without a word, Amelia strides to the table. She drops into the seat beside Kess, arms crossed tightly over her armored chest, and presses her lips into a thin, silent line.

Kess feels somewhat encouraged having Amelia at her side, though the cleric's uncharacteristic silence is a reminder of how dire the situation truly is.

"Yes, I can...see that." She looks back and forth between Strahd and Ireena's quivering form, struggling to stifle her worry and anger. "Ah, well, you know all of us. Why don't you introduce your...friends? Staff?" She motions at the other vampires and human girl with feigned curiosity.

Zan under his breath, witches in the closet

Strahd's smirk returns. "Ah, of course. I'm sure you know me and my beloved Tatyana." Strahd takes Ireena's have, causing her to shiver. "The human with us is a girl that came to the castle a few days back. Her name is Gertruda. The rest are my consorts. Anastrasya in red, Ludmilla in blue, Esther in orange, and Volenta in green."

Gertruda? Kess is relieved that she is still alive; the way Strahd had mentioned her before had made her fear the girl wouldn't last long. She studies her as well as the consorts. Being from Menzoberrazan, she has seen her share of...nontraditional arrangements, so to speak, though it had of course always been a female in power. The noble drow part of her is offended that he is parading them around in Ireena's sight, though that is hardly the real issue here. These vampires will certainly be enemies as well.

Perception on Gertruda/consorts: 17

"Gertruda. Yes, her mother asked us to look for her," Kess murmurs before turning her attention back to Strahd, "She's here because she looks like Tatyana too, yes? Like Ireena." She points at Ireena, trying to figure out if Strahd truly believes she is this Tatyana person or if he is playing some sort of sick game.

Insight on Strahd: 11

Gertruda seems excited, as if she had been anticipating this. The consorts seem downright disgusted with Ireena's presence.

"No. Gertruda came here on her own, enthralled by the castle. As for the 'look alike' comment.... I assure you, there have been look alikes, but Ireena is not one of them. She is Tatyana; it's her very soul." He fully believes what he's saying.

Kess takes note of the consorts' apparent jealousy. Perhaps it could be used to the party's advantage later. If they can't defeat Strahd for now, targeting a weak link among his followers instead is probably the best they can do.

"Is...her soul?" She is honestly confused by the very concept, only being familiar with disembodied spirits.