Valerie smiles. "Thanks for telling me. I really appreciate it. Anyway, do you know where we can find Madam Eva?" 

Dormark pulls out the map and shows Valerie the camp spot for for the Valaki. "It should be here," says Dormark pointing directly at the spot on the map.

Ioben packs up up gear and heads over to look at the map. Madam Eva was a name that still needed some explaining and he was looking forward to getting some clarity around this whole experience. "How far do you think that is?"

"It should take most of the day, but we should get there before night fall if we leave early," Dormark says pointing  out the distance on the map. "Were is the Donavich? I would wish to speak to him before we leave," says Dormark looking around. 

"Father Donavich has yet to rise for the morning," Ismark says drearily, dark bags under his eyes.  "He currently should be in his room."

Addressing the group he asks, "What are everyone's plans for the day?  I need to visit a couple of people around town after breakfast.  Ensure that certain things are in place prior to leaving."

"Not buying a proper weapon, apparently" mutters Baern after his experience with Bildrath, the local merchant.

Baern tells Ismark if he could help him keep an eye out for a proper one handed weapon like a battleaxe, warhammer or even a sword, he'd appreciate it.  It would certainly be helpful in making sure they can all travel safely.

Thinking of Bildrath, Baern also ponders aloud about the merchant's 'bundle' and what creature's nest it might be in to the southwest of the town of Barovia, near the bridge.  He could recruit a few people to go check it out with him, or wait if they are going that way the following morning.

Quote from IrRy0 >>

"Father Donavich has yet to rise for the morning," Ismark says drearily, dark bags under his eyes.  "He currently should be in his room."

Addressing the group he asks, "What are everyone's plans for the day?  I need to visit a couple of people around town after breakfast.  Ensure that certain things are in place prior to leaving."

 'I much prefer to leave as soon as possible.' Sandu chipped in.

He began counting on his fingers. 'Seven hours of travel but having seen what stalks this land, that might take us two days if we're unlucky.' He turned his attention back to Ismark. 'What would be the best place to get some provisions? 'Cause all I got is stale bread.'

“I’m with Sandu on this one. I’d rather not have to stay outside of a city or encampment over night if we can avoid it. I have everything I need already, but if there’s anything I can do to help get us moving any faster, just let me know.”

"I'll go wake the Father up, but if it is about provisions I do keep some rations to feed a person for a day if they are hungry. Other than that I don't need to eat, so money wise you can leave me out of the equation," says Dormark moving to the father's room. He knocks on the door and says, "It is morning Father Donavich."

Ismark ponders Sandu and Ioben's responses, "I'm afraid there are a couple of matters I must attend to first.  However, we may be able to set off in the early afternoon.  If the road is clear we should arrive in Vallaki around evening time."

He continues on, "In terms of provisions, other than Bildrath's, you may well be able to stock up at the tavern.  Arik may be able to sort you out with some provisions."

Dormark - As you knock on the door to the Father Donavich's room you hear his frail voice, "Oh, excuse me - just coming."  He opens the door, his eyes look blotchy and red, he clearly has not slept well.  "Ahh Dormark, what is it I can do for you this morning?"

“Sorry to disturb you father, but me and my companions are making plans to leave. However, I promised I would explain my Idea to help Doru. If you like I can come inside your room so we may talk in private if you prefer,” says Dormark nodding respectively to the Father.

"Certainly, if there is anything you believe might help Doru," you see Father Donavich's mood brighten a little, "please follow me to my office."

The Father leads Dormark to the room opposite his - an old desk and two chairs that have seen better days are in the room.  The Father takes a seat behind the desk and beckons for Dormark to take a seat.  "Please, what is your idea?"

Taking a seat  Dormark says, “What I’m suggesting is highly experimental, but the conditions Doru’s body is in might make it possible. So to be clear Doru has you have know him is currently dead, what is left is a undead ball of instinct and cunning. The son you have know has spiritually is not there anymore. The vampire curse however has persevered your son’s body from deteriorating. My plan is simple, but I would have to be stronger and have more gold to do it. The first thing we need to do once ready is end your son’s current undead life taking care to not damage the body has much as possible. Than I could cast a revivify spell on your son. Restoring his spirit back into the body. Whether that will be enough to break his curse I don’t know, but I would at least present you with the hope.”

Father Donavich listens carefully to Dormark's words, "This magic... it is something you are able perform?"

He seems taken aback as he continues, "My son, his current condition has made him monstrously powerful.  It is why he is currently locked in the basement.  It took Ismark, Ireena and a number of able bodied village folk to subdue him and that was when he was in a weakened state.  Would your party be able to defeat him in battle?"

A glimmer of hope does seem to return to the Father's eyes, "Though what you say - it is true that his body remains free from deterioration.  Dormark..." his voice breaks, "Dormark if you are able to return my son to me.  I..."  Tears well up in his eyes, "I would be eternally in your debt."

Meanwhile... Morning - Day #3

As Dormark speaks in private with Father Donavich.  The rest of the group have a quick breakfast and prepare for the days activities.

Ismark sets to leave the church, "I'm just about to head off towards the village centre.  There are a couple of things I wish to discuss with Arik prior to leaving.  If we all rendezvous back outside the church after lunch we can make a start towards Vallaki."  He leaves the church, though he does not say it in as many words there is an inference that people are welcome to join him.

“I am currently not strong enough to perform this procedure, or the materials, but If this group can get stronger and can secure enough funds to do it, we will come back to Barovia and help Doru. It may take a bit, but I wanted to let you know that there was hope for your son,” says Dormark standing back up and heading towards the door.

'Guess I'll go buy groceries.' said Sandu in a feeble attempt to lighten the mood. He rummaged through his backpack until he pulled out a small leather pouch tied closed with silk rope. From it he pulled some gold coins and placed them in his open palm to count.

'They're not the local currency.' He mentioned to Ismark and Ireena. He held up a coin and indeed it did lack Strahd's profile on the back. 'But do you think fifteen gold coins can get us enough to get to Vallaki and then some?'

Baern shrugs and decides to join Ismark on his errands in hopes of learning more about the town and Barovia in general and also keep an eye out for a way to continue to improve his gear.

"I don't have anything to do here. So I will go with you all. In case, you ran into something." She speaks to Ismark while inspecting her sword and shield. After making sure everything is alright, she puts them away and follows the group.

Ismark nods at Sandu, "Should be enough to buy provisions for the journey - Arik at the Blood of the Vine tavern should be able to provide basic items.  Otherwise you may have to visit Bildrath again."  He scowls slightly as he mentions the shopkeeper's name.

The group leave the church and head towards the village centre, once more the streets seem lifeless, cold.  The quietness is pierced by the sound of small, wooden wheels rolling across damp cobbles. You trace the lonely sound to a hunched figure bundled in rags, pushing a rickety wooden cart through the fog.  "Pastries!  Pastries!  Get you pastries here!  Freshly baked!" an elderly woman's voice rings over the streets.

((Image of the Pastry Seller))