Bry snaps the whip and the remaining horse whinnies in fear as it takes off into a sprint. The sudden lurch of the wagon shakes you all a bit, but your on your way again. However, after a few moments of travel, you realize something. You forgot George. Yet, sure enough, running behind the wagon with horse on his shoulders is none other than the half-orc. Now out of the line of sight of the roc, you are able to get the horse hooked into the wagon once more. George takes his place on top of the wagon, and you all continue onto the village of Krezk. I’ll give you all a few moments to determine if there is anything that you would like to do in the meantime.

So, with the next few hours of travel ahead of you, the hazy morning once more turns to night. It’s been hard to track how long you’ve been out here, but you’ve at least been watching the crossroads. Beyond the mist-filled roads, under the cold gleam of the moon, you can see a cold mountain lake enclosed by misty woods and rocky bluffs. Thick fog creeps across the dark, still waters. Near the lake, an ancient tower rises up in the shadow of the moonlight. The tower is old and decrepit, with collapsing scaffolds clinging to one side where a large gash has split the wall. Timeworn griffon statues, their wings and flanks covered with moss, perch atop buttresses that support the walls. However, along the road in front of you, you see a darkened shape approaching through the mist. It seems to be humanoid, but from this distance, you just can’t tell.

Bry, having still been navigating the wagon as best he can, softly calls out for the horses to stay the course. "We've got company" he whispers to those in the wagon.

Adanmar Windblood

Adanmar jumps out of the wagon, he cocks the head examining the creature ((Perception: 17)), he brushes the hilt of the Sword, just to be ready "Who are you? What brings you traveling alone this lonely road and misty land?"

Elwairth breathes softly in Bry's ear from behind him...."Hold steady my friend...." and the tip of an arrow appears just in the edge of Bry's periphery as Elwarith uses him for cover and takes aim at the figure ahead.

(OOC - so basically I'm using Bry as cover while I cover Adanmar as he confronts the figure in the road)

"This isn't my first rodeo cowboy" Bry says with a half grin as he reaches his hand back slowly and touches Elwarith, readying a Haste spell.

As you all prepare your weapons, each member of the MistBusters ready to obliterate whatever comes through that fog, the figure comes closer. A figure armored in chain armor very similar to the revenant that you once met upon these very roads. From what you can see, on the solid plates of the chain mail, there are icons of dragons embossed in silver. The rest of the figure is hidden beneath a heavy weather cloak and the remaining fog that seems to cling to the figure as they approach, almost as if pulled. However, you believe that you can see golden tresses of hair spill out from beneath the hood. There is a strong sense of familiarity to this figure, almost as if you’ve met before. They do not appear hostile.

((And we’ll pause there for a moment. As the MistBusters draw their weapons and the figure opens their mouth. Just until we hear what this figure has to say.))

Quote from ArgentTheWise >>

Elwairth breathes softly in Bry's ear from behind him...."Hold steady my friend...." and the tip of an arrow appears just in the edge of Bry's periphery as Elwarith uses him for cover and takes aim at the figure ahead.

(OOC - so basically I'm using Bry as cover while I cover Adanmar as he confronts the figure in the road)

The figure pauses a reasonable distance away as they sense hostility from the group of adventurers. They had seen, first hand, the sort of mayhem they could cause if given a reason. Slowly, and carefully, they reach up towards the hood with open palms, as if to show no ill will. A light, feminine voice rings out, "Hello again, my saviors." Their hands pull down the hood that obscures their face, revealing the golden hair of a maiden that once fought alongside them against hags and vampires.

"It is I, Viorela Belododia. It has been awhile, hasn't it?" Viorela offers them an appreciative smile as she puts her hands back to her sides. 

Elwarith visibly relaxes for a moment "That is not my knee you are touching Bry.....stand down......." and he'll hop down off the wagon and cautiously watches Viorela.  He though her lost to the damned mists of Barovia.....or perhaps this is some trick of Strahd's to put us off guard.

Bry waited a few moments after Elwarith jumped down off the wagon to grin and mouth the words 'you first' in response to Elwarith's words, then he had to laugh at his own joke. He then jumped down off the wagon as well.

"Viorela, darling, you haven't written or summoned, where have you been?"

Adanmar Windblood

The Revenant raise an eyebrow "Viorela..is it..really you? I thought we lost you in Barovia, following your fancy sponsor, what brings you here?"

"I understand your concern, friends." Viorela meets their eyes as she speaks, "We had to steal away with little warning. You may have figured it, but, my master and I work to undermine the devil. I beg you not speak his name." Viorela shifts her glance side to side, as if expecting the vampire himself to materialize if they did. "I was sent to you by Master Ric-Rictavio. We are planning to bring the fight to the devil in a week's time. I hope to bring you lot into the fold." A familiar blush creeps across her face as she stumbles on her master's name, perhaps as if she was embarrassed to say it aloud.

"I can understand if you do not wish to join our campaign. To say it would be dangerous would be putting it too lightly, yet," Viorela sizes the group up. "I feel certain that with your help perhaps we will have the deed done. At least allow me to accompany you all as you travel for the time being."

It is worth noting, Viorela. The team has changed a bit since you last saw them. Sizing them up, it appears that Bry now has six fingers on both hands. Meanwhile, Adanmar’s eyes seem to have changed from glowing a burning red to a pale yellow. Additionally, it seems he now has a sword hilt at his hip for whatever reason.

Quote from ArgentTheWise >>

or perhaps this is some trick of Strahd's to put us off guard.

"Oof!" Viorela let's out some air as George gives her a hug. Despite how it might seem, Viorela wasn't too alarmed by him or his very sudden movement given the caution of his friends. "I missed you too, George. I see you haven't changed, but..." Viorela considers Adanmar's eyes, the first thing she noticed that didn't align to her memory. "It seems like there is something different about you all... Er," she spies Bry's fingers, which are slightly off-putting if only due to their uncanniness, "Did you always have six fingers, Mr. Bry?"

A chill wind blows by amidst the silence, an uncomfortable reminder of the approaching night and the creatures that lie within.

"What?" Bry said as he quickly pulled his fingers up in front of is face, widening his eyes in faux horror, "Wha! When...oh my..." he then looked past his fingers and grinned and winked at Viorela, "All the better cast spells with my dear"

Seeing a devilman grin would normally be off-putting, but Viorela found it charming. "Oh, I see!" She smiles back at him. In that moment, she felt the chill wind blow and couldn't help but frown. "Let us carry on as we walk to your destination, my friends. Lest one of the devil's minions join us to show off your spells." Viorela casts a knowing glance at Bry.