Ben nods and disembarks from the cart walking up to the slot

Hello! Hey! Yes we've come for the festival! We had been on the road some time and are looking for lodging.

Ben gets close to the slot and drops 2 gold in

The pair of eyes disappear for a moment as the man retrieves the gold off the ground. The guard starts to speak but stops for a moment before continuing. "Ain't never seen gold like this b'fore, but gold's gold. If'n you're for lodging, I'd suggest the Blue Water Inn. It's a ways, but keep to the main road, and you can't miss it. Stay outta trouble now, and we won't have any issues."

The slot slides closed with a slam, and a couple of moments pass before the large wooden gates draw open for the party's entry. As they part, the first glimpse of Vallaki shows it to be an ancient standing place. The buildings that line the main road decrepit, ancient, and in ill repair. Red and orange weathered garlands, lanterns, and various decorations in sun-like design cross overhead from building to building. For those who visited other towns in this land, it's still not up to par as lands in Faerûn, but it is quite more lively and populous than others in the dingy, mist-choked land. The houses bland in colour, windows boarded up, but people do walk the streets and go to and fro places.

The first place of note is an age-old church. The slouching, centuries-old stone church has a bulging steeple in the back and walls lined with cracked, stained glass windows depicting pious saints. A fence of wrought iron encloses a garden of gravestones next to the church. A thin mist creeps among the graves that seems to revel and dance about. Ben, you in particular notice an insignia of a blazen sun; although, the metal it's constructed of is long tarnished and damaged from old age.

It isn't too long after Ismark points out what appears to be the designated inn up ahead. Gray smoke issues from the chimney of this large, two-story wooden building with a stone foundation and sagging tile roof, upon which several ravens have perched. Ismark stops the wagon with a sigh of relief. A painted wooden sign hanging above the main entrance depicts a blue waterfall with the faded name 'Bluewater Inn'. Allen, the ravens above caw and seem to take curious interest in the party as they hop about and cock their feathered heads at odd angles.

As the wagon stops, Graeme wakes up from his sleeping position in the back in a start. He's been sleeping an awful lot as of late, and it seems the traveling is getting the best of the fighter. His eyes shadowed by dark circles, and he has shown less of his cheerful self. Ireena hops off the wagon and stretches cheerfully with a satisfied sigh and big smile. 

Seeing the crows Allen will offer a small prayer "Well now that we are inside we should head inside and get something to eat. Graeme we're almost there you can rest on a comfy bed don't fall asleep yet." Allen will keep his hood up and tight around his horns before walking in.

Rumble pulls his hood, fully consealing his face and tucks his tail around his waist underneath his robe. He ensures that his hand wraps are woven all the way down to the tips of his paws before sticking to the side of Irena and slinking out of the cart. He will remain close to her to attempt to blend in as well as protect her.

As the party approaches the inn, you pass a small well constructed of ancient stones lined with a sickly looking lichen. Ascending the worn stairs and opening the sturdy door, a warmth unfamiliar with this land caresses your bodies. Inside,

Damp cloaks hang from pegs in the entrance portico. The tavern is packed with tables and chairs, with narrow paths meandering between them. A bar stretches along one wall, under a balcony that can be reached by a wooden staircase that hugs the north wall. Another balcony overhangs an entrance to the east. All the windows are fitted with thick shutters and crossbars. Lanterns hanging above the bar and resting on the tables bathe the room in dull orange dancing light and casts pirouetting shadows upon the walls, most of which are adorned with wolf heads mounted on wooden plaques.

Within are but five patrons, four dour and a last with flashes of colour. Two are burly men, clad in pitch black wolf pelts and thick beards. Another party of two wear fine clothes and are blatantly drunk. The last an old man, visibly wisened and hunched over an oak cane. His bright crimson cloak rather out of place with the muted colours of other patrons and surroundings.

Shortly after entering, a hawkish man approaches the group and wrings his hands thoroughly as he addresses everyone with a soft tone. "Greetings travelers. Please, come in and make yourself at home. Welcome to the Blue Water Inn. I'm the caretaker and owner, Urwin Martikov." He bows dramatically, and his long, black, feathered hair falls gracefully over his shoulders. "May I offer you a fresh meal, some of the land's finest wines, and/or lodging?"

Well thank you. And nice to meet you! Actually yes. We would like some rooms, maybe two if the rooms have 2 beds each. And some food would be lovely, if we could have it sent to the room.

Urwin nods, retrieves two pewter keys from behind the front desk and sets them aside. "Ah, yes. That shouldn't be any issues. We have two at the end of the hall adjacent. Take the stairs over to the side. As for food, we have just finished preparing tonight's meal of beet soup with freshly baked wheat bread."

"The rooms will tally two electrum, and the food is included in this cost. Might I be able to interest in any wine? A fine gentleman, discerning gentleman like yourself looks appreciative of a nice wine. It's our family's specialty, and we have a pint Purple Grapemash No. 3 for three copper or Red Dragon Crush for one silver."

Keeping his hood up still Allen will reach in his pouch and pull out 7 gold pieces. Keep his head down and away “We might be staying for a week or two, Here’s seven days.”  Turing back to the group “I am going to put Graeme to bed it looks like he needs the rest... You all should eat.” Allen will take Graeme to the room looking at him he will inspect him to see if he’s okay.

Medicine: 10

Arcana: 11

Urwin scoops the gold up in his old, claw-like fingers and smiles emphatically as he eyes the gold. "Certainly sir. We are delighted to have you and all travelers. Should you require anything, please do not hesitate to inquire."

Graeme rubs his eyes and yawns. "Aye, a bit of rest sounds like the ticket. Feels like no rest for the wicked, eh?" As Allen escorts the Highlander up the stairs, Graeme stumbles. Shooing off any assistance, he states, "Oof, a bit clumsy lately. Nothin' beats a real bed."

Allen, as you two enter one of the rooms at the end of the hall upstairs, you give Graeme the once over. He is reluctant to have you examine him, but he complies. His forehead is a tad warm, but there doesn't seem to be anything terribly obvious wrong with him except his recent lethargy. Before long, he's nodding off.

Allen will offfer a silent prayer as Graeme sleeps. He will head down afterwards to join the rest of the party. 

Ben trys to find a table off the main walk path, but not in the corner or anything, because that stands out. Pull a chair out and sit waiting for the other members, as he sees Allen return.

How does he look? 

"He seems fine a bit feverish, but okay for now. He's already asleep." Sitting down "Well what know? Should we looking into keeping Ireena safe? what are your plans now ismark?" 

Ismark pulls a chair out at the table Ben chose, pushing it in as Ireena sits delicately. He puts a chair to her side and responds "Well, I need to ensure she's safe here. Vallaki is said to be secure and safe from the evil of this land, but I've never been here. There's a church here that is rumoured to be a safe haven. After I can confirm, it's best I return to Barovia to attend to the government as Burgomaster."

He puts his hands under his chin, sitting forward and continues "It would be good if we could find a guide for you as well, since you're unfamiliar with these lands. Speaking of, how did you lot come here anyway?"

It isn't long before Urwin comes by with a large platter carrying the previously ordered food. He politely inquires, "Excuse me, but would you like the food here or at the room later?"

Ireena jumps up, taking a bowl of soup and a whole loaf of bread. Shamelessly at first, she stuffs the loaf's end into her mouth and gets a gigantic bite. With a whole body squirm and a muffled girly squeal of delight, she hastily swallows with a hearty chug of soup. She tops the experience off with a resounding sigh and slumping in the chair. Urwin chuckles and sets the food down before turning to tend to the few other patrons. "I guess that's that then. I'm glad you enjoy it, miss."

Quote from Hanyouslayer >>

Ismark pulls a chair out at the table Ben chose, pushing it in as Ireena sits delicately. He puts a chair to her side and responds "Well, I need to ensure she's safe here. Vallaki is said to be secure and safe from the evil of this land, but I've never been here. There's a church here that is rumoured to be a safe haven. After I can confirm, it's best I return to Barovia to attend to the government as Burgomaster."

He puts his hands under his chin, sitting forward and continues "It would be good if we could find a guide for you as well, since you're unfamiliar with these lands. Speaking of, how did you lot come here anyway?"

It isn't long before Urwin comes by with a large platter carrying the previously ordered food. He politely inquires, "Excuse me, but would you like the food here or at the room later?"

Ireena jumps up, taking a bowl of soup and a whole loaf of bread. Shamelessly at first, she stuffs the loaf's end into her mouth and gets a gigantic bite. With a whole body squirm and a muffled girly squeal of delight, she hastily swallows with a hearty chug of soup. She tops the experience off with a resounding sigh and slumping in the chair. Urwin chuckles and sets the food down before turning to tend to the few other patrons. "I guess that's that then. I'm glad you enjoy it, miss."

"Well for one we should check this church out I would definitely like to see it as I am sure Ben would like to as well. As for how we got here I think each of us varies, I was in the Lurkwoods in faerun when my caravan was attacked. Eventually I met up with some folks including ramble and Graeme, the rest of the group either vanished or ...." Allen thinks of the pink haired girl hanging from the gallows "Well I guess it doesn't matter eventually we as a group found you at that bar."

As the food is set out Allen will follow Irene and dip the bread in the soup and eat. 

Oh yes. Thank you. One of our party members is upstairs now, so i can take it up. He may be asleep. Thank you so much!

Ben stands and speaks to Urwin taking the plate of food,

Yes i would actually like to check that church out at some point. Ill be back guys. Going to run this up to Graeme.

Ismark takes out a notebook and takes some notes. As he's scribbling away, he brushes his hair from his face as he says "Interesting. Very interesting. Tell me, how is life where you came from? Is everyone as unique and gifted like you?" Ireena rolls her eyes and continues wolfing down supper.

Meanwhile, Ben takes the evening meal up to Graeme. As you ascend the stairs, you can hear a moaning coming from the room at the end of the hall. Upon inspection, the fighter is sprawled up in the bed where Allen had left him. He's moaning and seeming to have a fever dream. He says, "Fire... Father...bandana..." and grips at the bedding intensely before relaxing in his slumber.

Rumble quietly agrees to everything which is being said and continues to eye off the interesting fancy dressed man with a cane as he nibbles on some bread...

Perception: 11

"I mean there are many individuals throughout faerun with great gifts but it's not all rainbows and sunshine. Besides i just got these gifts, when i came here so maybe thisnplace has something to do with it."

Rumble, the old man has been watching the group since you entered. His crimson cape sticks out from the normal drab colours you've seen from people of this land. Despite being old, his movements are fluid and steady.

Ismark responds to Allen after writing in his book. "I would surmise it entirely possible. Champions from other lands have only been read about, and I can't say anyone in Barovia has seen outsiders such as yourselves." He puts down his quill and stretches before looking around the inn. After a moment, he leans forward and suggests, "Perhaps those fierce looking men in the wolf pelts may be of guidance to you. In Barovia, men fear the wolves and avoid contact at all costs for they are fabled to be agents of the Dark One."

Ben places the meal on the nightstand beside the bed, but with a bit of distance in case Graeme flails about in his sleep any more, and will gently place a hand on him expending 5 points from the "lay on hands" pool to cleanse any poison or disease.

(Any reaction?)

Then ben makes his way back downstairs. Eyes wide at the pain his new friend is experiencing