"We can go see the dusk elves and ask them for advice. I think that Corrin wanted to talk to them anyway."

Corrin chimes in, excited at the opportunity. "Yes, I would think an introduction to the Dusk Elves would be worth our time. Possibly they know something the others don't. If nothing else, we can learn more about them."

THE DUSK ELVES

As you approach the dusk elf building, two of them are quietly minding their business outside, enjoying the evening. They do not act hostile towards you all, and each give you a nod as you approach.

Corrin makes a flourishing bow, "Well met, noble elves. How fare you this evening?" The excitement is brimming in the young halfling's eyes as he is quite obviously straining to contain his joy at getting to meet the exotic elves. He only slightly hops from foot to foot while trying to maintain the look of a hardened adventurer.

"We are well, this evening." one of them says. "We noticed you have returned Arabelle. We thank you. Most of my kin are out tracking her. Us two remained."

"Yes, well, I was there, but I cannot take credit for that," Corrin says. "Brave Elya here was the one to save the child," he adds, pointing to the Genasi. "We are new to these lands. I wondered if you might be able to help us along our way? We seek something," he adds, looking back to the others to make sure they are OK with the direction of the conversation.

"And what do you seek, praytell?" The other dusk elf says. "Strahd has cursed my people, we are not new to this land, but equally unsafe. I'm not sure how we could help you, but we will try."

The halfling looks about a bit nervously, eyeing the shadows before blurting out, "A place where Strahd collects broken heroes." 

"Broken heroes." One of the dusk elves muses, sadly. "There is only one place Strahd collects broken heroes - in his Hall of Bones. How do we know? The Vistani are tasked by Strahd to keep an eye on us. We know we're not safe in Barovia without the Vistani's "protection". Strahd has forbidden the Vistani from helping my people escape this horrible domain. Four hundred years ago, Strahd had all the female dusk elves put to death as punishment for a crime we once committed. There are no women and children among my kind anymore, their bones are kept in Strahd's Hall. We now keep a low profile as to not incur his wrath. We are a broken people. You will do best to be careful in this land."

"And where is this Hall? Is it in his castle?"

"It is." A dusk elf admits. "In Castle Ravenloft itself."

"Bloody hell. One more question, would you happen to know where we can find a dead nobleman? Madam Eva told us that he would be useful on our quest and I have the feeling that my companions would rather go after him than go run off to Castle Ravenloft."

Corrin sighs. “Of course it is.”

Elya grins as the elf tells the location of the sword, "I'm not that eager to meet Strahd, let's find our nobleman first."

"Not surprised." Orilo says dryly. "Fiendish, but not surprising. To us, and others lured we are but game to him. Though-..." He looks over to Ireena. Whether she is nearby, or in the distance talking with other Vistani he adds, "Some are something else entirely." He gives a small shrug as he turns back to wait with open ears to Anborn's question. Though after a moment a thought occurs, and he finds himself asking, "Strahd's family. Would they be buried under the castle?" 

"Smart move." A dusk elf says. The think for a moment. "Only nobles around here are in Vallaki, to be honest. Might check there, somewhere. As for Strahd's family, I can't think of any other place he'd honor a loved one but deep inside his castle somewhere."

Ireena and Ismark share a hopeful glance with each other. You can see Vallaki from here. However, it is dark, and getting late. And evil things stir in the night if you're out wandering.

"We should head for Vallaki then, in the morning. Thank you for the advice and information"

Corrin nods in agreement with Anborn then turns to the Dusk Elves, "Thank you for your help. May your stay in this land come to an end soon." Looking back to the others, he begins to look for a place to bed down, mumbling. "And hopefully our stay as well..."

Orilo nods his ascent, and to their elven informant he bows part way at the waist. "Until next meeting." He follows after the others with a grim expression to find a place to bed down. Even it was on the ground. "We are fortunate." He comments on after awhile. "The last two being in the castle... If we were to stay too long, the more chances strahd will have to weaken our resolve." 

"That just means that we have to be quick about it when we go to the castle."