Ada was content to let her companions handle the conversation with the locals. She sat stiff-backed on her stool, picking at her food. The message that this Rictavio might be concealing a weapon did little to put her at ease in this place. Before Ada can ask any questions about the baron's missing son, an older woman enters the inn and approaches them.

"Who are you?" says Ada, a bit bluntly, but her direct manner has served her well in the past.

Kessintra can't help noticing all of Fiona's jewelry, her roguish instincts and dislike of the woman threatening to overtake her caution. Letting out a breath she starts to eat. Protecting Ireena is the most important issue right now. Between bites she casts message on Garrick.

'Maybe she'd like to take a look at that book list too? Seems she has enough money to spare.' 

Razz stares at the woman that just came in and is in shock of all the jewelry she is wearing.  He takes another look around the place just to take in the sharp contrast between her attire and that of those around them.  He figures she must be the village "Chief" and a greedy one at that. He makes his face light up and says, "OH SHINIES, how did you come by SOOO many? But wait, no watches? I'm confused. But oh, sorry about that, I forgot my manners again, please forgive me, I'm Razz, just Razz will do. And may I have your name?"

((Did the guards give Fiona the note or give it back to Kess?))

They gave you the note.

"My name is Fiona Watcher. I'm the ruler of Vallaki. I got these from the previous ruler. I heard that you're protecting the girl, but given our previous interactions I didn't expect you to come here."

"The village's location is convenient and we want to do some trade." Kessintra explains curtly, taking a sip of her wine. So the woman had been paying attention when she'd promised to return and kill all of the cultists. It makes it slightly awkward that she can't do so immediately.

“Despite our previous dealings, we return in different circumstances than when we left. We are here upon Strahd’s command. Kess here can provide you written proof directly from Strahd as well as this recording I have from Rahadin (I activate the recording and let her listen to it). We were also sent here by Strahd to liquidate some of his book collection as he no longer has need of them and wishes to spread them across his land. Of course, he wouldn’t provide this service for free and there is a cost for the books.” (Last part is a lie of course)

Garrick, roll deception

Kess produces the note and passes it to Fiona. "Yes, our visit to Strahd was quite...enlightening. I hope you will forgive my harsh words from last time. We see now why you worship him." The apology feels like acid on her tongue, but she hopes this will build their credibility with the woman and thus help with Garrick's ruse.

(11, 18) Deception 

She quickly reads the letter. "Hmm..... I see. If you stay out of my way, I'll stay out of yours. May Strahd bless us all." If no one interrupts her, she will move to exit the inn.

“Before you go, if you are not interested in procuring Strahd’s collection, would you know someone who is? It’d help our mission to have a name. It’d need to be someone with wealth afforded such a treasure.”

Kessintra shifts her gaze to Rictavio, Urwin, and the other two patrons, searching for any changes in their mannerisms after witnessing the party's interactions with Fiona. Having to pretend they are on Strahd's side in public might make it difficult to find allies against him.

Insight: 15

Though she's facing away, you swear she's rolling get eyes. She turns around and forks over 65 gold from her pocket. "Give me one- I don't care which. As for other buyers, only nobles have the kind of money to buy in bulk. Even then, they may only take one or two."

Urwin focus on his work and Rictavio looks down. The others act similarly.

Kessintra has to hold back a chuckle. Of course Fiona wouldn't be able to resist buying something of Strahd's, regardless of its actual value.

Garrick smiles at her as he takes the gold and pulls out a thin book. His smile grows even larger as she reads the manuscript’s title. How to Lead with Honor and Justice.

“Until next time, Fiona.”

(FYI, I’m keeping a running total of sold book profits for us to split later)

Fiona glares at you when she reads the title. She takes it and leaves. The inn gets ever so slightly louder when she's gone.

Once Fiona is gone, Kessintra turns her attention to Ireena to make sure she is eating and hopefully looking less pale. She wonders if the girl is still suffering the effects of being bitten last night.

Medicine: 18

She's eating. She's a less pale, and doing much better, but she isn't fully recovered yet.