“Maybe, what are your plans Ismark after we reach Vallaki? Do you plan on staying with her or return home?”

Ismark looks over at Ireena, smiles, and sighs. "I know she'll be safe there, and my village needs a leader in these dark times. My duty as Burgomaster is of great importance, and as much as I'd like to be by her side, there's much to do. Ireena is tough, and she will adjust."

Ireena still faces away, but her lively mood just a daydream. She doesn't look back, and her posture more stiff and rigid.

He continues with a concerned brow furrow, "But what of you? Surely, you stick out rather poorly. Most people may be frightened or anger at your different peoples. I've only read of other races in storybooks, and I certainly leaned towards it being pure fantasy."

“I am on the fence when it comes to my horns. I don’t know if I should file them or if it’s a test by my god to endure. “ Allen gives out a big sigh the a grin. With a shrug of his shoulders he says “Perhaps I can find a mask and play it off as a costume.” 

Graeme, partially listening to the conversation, groggily responds..

”Anyone tries to hae’ a go at the lad will first havta pry me boot out their arse.” Then gives Allen a thumbs up and a wink before settling back in for some sleep.

Allen, you know there are many great people with horns right? Erm, sorry. Most people associate horns with great evils. I do not feel that way. They just make you look tough in my opinion.

Ismark, you get a weird feeling from him as well? Im glad im not the only one. Im not sure if that man was luvash's slave or what, but i dont like the treatment hes been given. 

Ismark confirms, "Aye. Something seemed off, but I dared not make waves when we're so near our goal."

Ooc: the group is welcome to stay here as long as you'd like. Ben, the tent, and its contents, are all yours if you choose. Being so close to Vallaki, a long rest and travel time will put you there in the evening before nightfall.

Im here to help. Im not really sure what your partys' ultimate goal is, but you are all quote experienced in your travels and i feel i could learn much from all of you. 

So are we just staying as long as we need to rest and be on our way then? I believe he offered the tent to take along with us, if we should like.

Ooc, how much does this large tent weigh when packed up?

“Yes before your arrival I used up most of my spells and They could use a long rest.” Pointing at Rumble and Graeme. Allen before taking a long rest will take a brisk walk out of the tent and see if any vistans have a costume devil mask or some sort of jester mask. “Well if could excuse me for a moment I’ll stretch my legs real quick and be back in a few.”

OOC: [So a quick long rest then back on the trail to Vallaki.]

Ooc: The tent itself weighs 20lbs. There's the cushions, bed rolls, table, seats and the like that add to it. The table and seats are solid units, so moving and traveling with them may be a problem. For all but the table/seats, it all fits into a medium sized trunk at the tent's rear at a weight of 40lbs. I'd say there would be room in the wagon for it all stowed away.

Allen, as you take a quick walk around and get a good look at the people and surroundings. As the rear of the camp, the hillside is dotted with cave entrances. The Vistani about pay you little attention, going about their daily activities. Some play cards, others drink, while still others tan hides and other nomadic activities. Each wears the bright colours you've come to attribute Vistani, but none have a mask of any kind.

The group secures a long rest without interruption, and it's late afternoon/early evening. Anything before we head out?

Ready to go

Rumble stretches out at full length with claws drawn, lets out a loud yawn.

Allen will help with the set up and head to the cart

As the group rouses from the long rest, it's late afternoon-early evening. The sun drowns behind a cloak of hazy mists as it begins to descend towards the horizon. Rumble shaking it off, you see a comfy looking Ireena on the bed roll close by. Peaceful and serene, hair all out of shape, and sprawled out more than comfortably. Ismark is up, readying the horses, and Allen starts to load up.

Allen, you make a trip or two to and from the wagon, prepping for travel, and the next time you come to it to place the horse feed, the interior is no longer as it was. Inside is an impossibly large room for the wagon's dimensions, lit dimly within from skull-mounted candles along black marble walls and down a lengthy dining table. The cherrywood table is centered by a deep red table runner, set with fine silverware, plateware, and crystal chalices for each of the party plus one. Seated across the table at the far head, a figure draped in a cloak of raven's feathers sits reading an ancient tome. The tall figure, heavily obscured by the delicate lighting about, sighs and puts down its reading. Looking back out the wagon, it's as normal and quiet as it gets around these parts.

A slender gauntleted hand removes a pair of glasses and speaks authoritatively, yet not aggressively, in a disembodied tone that carries a stern but welcoming feel. "I send letter and even a personal carriage of my own, yet you ignore my invitations with not even a response. I'm a little hurt, if I must say. A fine, genteel assortment you lot are. Though," with a wave of the armoured hand, "what should I expect from those of lesser blood? However, I must say, brilliant work on the ancient gate and the lycanthrope. A tad bit of unfortunate circumstances for your human companion, Graeme, was it?"

The feather cloaked figure lifts its chalice, swirls it gingerly, and sips silently before giving it another light swirl. "You must simply try this vintage. Delectable."

Allen will lift his hand gently to decline “I’m fine thank you... I can only presume you are him, Strahd. Is this correct?” Allen gathering all his courage and will power will step inside the wagon. 

The figures shadowed features turn coyly, eyes flashing just a hint of red in the dark. With a light sigh, "Just like your father before you, straight to the point with all lack of decorum. What can I say if my presence precedes itself? It is I, in the flesh." Count Strahd von Zarovich's presence is palpable as he snaps a gauntleted hand just out of sight.

"Now that I have you here, I think we should have a discussion. I've been observing you for some time. For a tiefling, you are surprisingly small in stature, but I can tell there's power deep within you. If you could entertain me, I could make it worth your while at the snap of a finger. It's been quite some time since I had any... company worth savouring. Tell me, what do you seek within my domain?" 

Strahd von Zarovich

Allen surprised “Well I never knew my father but my guess is you did. So did he die by your hands?” Allen shifts a bit in his seat. 

Graeme awakens at the sound of Rumbles yawn.

He looks around the room, and feels a slight grumble in his stomach. Clearly it’s hungry.

”How’d ye sleep, Fluffy?” Graeme asks.

Strahd leans forward before responding, "I can say he did not. Others of the Order he traveled with, I suppose perhaps. It's a shame you never met him; would have been good for your growth. Rather than discussing the past, I'm looking forwards to the future. What happened years ago often fails to keep me entertained."

“Well I don’t seek anything from your domain, but to help save one soul. That girl you’re after just know that I’ll died before you get her you know this right.” Allen finally takes a glass and pours himself some wine. 

Still smirking confidently, he states, "My dear Allen, I'm afraid I always get what I want, and I can certainly arrange your end if that's what you request." Strahd brushes his fine jacket, face forming a dissatisfied form. As you pour yourself some wine, it's crimson shine cascades into the chalice. The smell a faint elegance of fine grapes, vanilla, and oak.

"Well, I'm not going anywhere, so just think about it for now. I know you can become greatness, you just have to have the right mindset. One must take what they want, no matter the reason, the mean, or the consequences."

OOC:Allen, do you share a drink with Strahd?

 Allen will take his glass and raises it “Well, let’s agree to disagree then. To our game which I intend to win.” He will take a sip and then leave.