Ioben - Danika shows you to your room; up the stairs to the right of the bar to the first floor, your room is then the first on the left.  As you enter the room; two cozy beds with matching footlockers rest in the far corners of this fifteen-foot-square room. Wolf furs are heaped atop each bed. Between the beds, a lamp sits on a table under a shuttered window. Two tall black wardrobes stand against the wall by the door.  You are filled with relief knowing the fact that you will get a comfortable night's rest.

Valerie - Vasili chuckles at your comment, "I apologise for not living up to your expectation" he jests.  "I must admit that many have called me an 'eccentric' before... folk around here can be 'un-accepting' of outsiders." he says, audibly sighing, "I on the other hand, welcome the opportunity to meet new people... those looking to take in the sights and sounds of Vallaki."

The well-dressed gentleman stands and makes to leave.  "Well, it has been a pleasure to meet you Valerie.  But I am afraid that the night grows dark and I must excuse myself for the evening.  Hopefully our paths shall cross again in the future; tell me, are you staying locally?" he asks politely.

Left to his own devices as Danika escorts Ioben to his quarters, Galqarin hovers at the bar, his mind wandering. His eyes once again flick around the patrons, taking in the grizzled hunters and young noblemen, finally resting once again upon the stag's head...

His eyes mist over, and his ears fill with the sound of the hunt: The baying of the hounds, trumpet calls and raucous shouts; the wild crash of the great stag through the tangled woods. Suddenly the hunt was upon them, startled mounts rearing; the smell of fear, then the anger backed by bloodied blades. A hunter raising his axe for the killing blow... but stayed at the last by the nobleman's word.

He glances sharply at the well finely dressed pair, the Wachter brothers. Too young, the thought crosses his mind unbidden.

Shaking the daydream from his head, he looks with renewed interest at the other bar-dweller, the gaudily dressed man who earlier was gesticulating rather animatedly. The man is possibly older than he first appears, Galqarin realises, staring intently at him through his mask. The pointed ears are intriguing. The man does not appear to be a dusk elf, like those who dwell alongside the Vistani outside Vallaki, and the only elves present in the mist-locked land of Barovia. Another outsider? A traveller through the mists?

Sandu watched the interaction between the young man and the old priest unfold. It certainly looked like the good Father might break his vows of peace but Sandu knew, nay, felt that Lucian was better than that.

'Lucian.' Sandu addressed the old man. His voice was flat yet deep. He made a point of not addressing him as Father, a sort of unspoken warning not to forsake his station. 'As one who has been in Milivoj's position, I can understand his reason. Does it justify his act? No.' The corner of Sandu's mouth curled into a sad smile. 'But it is the prerogative of the young to learn from their mistakes and the lament of the elder for not taking the risk.'

Sandu moved to Milivoj's bedside.

'I'm not going to sugarcoat it.' He looked the young man square in the eyes. 'You ****ed up. Your actions brought danger and hurt to everyone in this house and for what? For coin?'

Sandu took a deep breath. 'Two kids are dead, Milivoj, and many others are injured. Who knows what lasting effects they might have suffered? You will focus on that while you atone for your actions. I don't want you to be sorry. I need you to be a better man.'

Sandu turned from the young man to face Dormark and Lucian. 'We should see this Henrik as swiftly as possible but I don't know if I have it in me for another confrontation. Father,' Sandu switched back to the honorific, 'would this man listen to reason?'

Dormark stands by as both Sandu and the father go at the boy. Though he didn't want to scare the kid Dormark understood  the need  to find the bones. The father's quest no less important than his own. Dormark still thinking on the vision  looks at his hands. In between one of the joints of his fingers he see a soft glow of light. Looking closer Dormark looks at the source than quickly heads for the door. "Sorry Father and Sandu, I need to step out for second," he says not looking back.

Galqarin - The man, feeling your eyes upon him, looks up and meets your gaze.  Excusing himself from the locals he is currently regaling some wild adventure to, you watch as he saunters towards you.  "Ho-there, friend!"  He greets you, clapping you on the shoulder with no thought spared for politeness or courtesy.  "I could not help but notice your rather intriguing MASK!" His voice is loud and bombastic, clearly someone who is more than comfortable projecting their voice.

He proceeds to peer at you, down his nose, through thick glasses; his eyes are judging and inquisitive.  "Ahhh if it does not remind me of a mask I -- the Great Rictavio -- once wore!"  Rictavio says spinning around and seeking to draw in an audience.  "As you know -- the Great Rictavio -- treads in many circle, especially as a much younger man.  Did I not have the fortune -- that is to say mis-fortune -- of being invited to attend, of all things, a MASQUERADE ball!"  His laughter booms out over the tavern, drawing significantly more attention towards you than you would like.

"But this was no ordinary masquerade ball - no sir, not at all.  For this masquerade ball was BEWITCHED!  Why, it was not long past when dinner was announced that the ball's attendees started changing - adopting the forms of the beings their masks depicted!"  His comments attract a level of ire from some of the other patrons within the tavern; "RUBBISH!", "Oh here we go again", "More tall stories Rictavio?".  None-the-less, Rictavio continues on, "CARNAGE!  Carnage I tell you.  As did I not see before mine very own eyes a grown man turn into a LION!"

This is met by more jeers, though some in the room are eager for him to continue; "No way a man can turn into a beast like ya say!", "Shurrup!  I wanna hear the story!".  You notice the bar's main proprietor, Danika's husband, Urwin appear behind the bar.

Rictavio seems utterly unmoved by the outcries of the others.  "Oh it is true, my friends - it is true.  For moments later I saw the very same party-goer chasing another; a lady that had the misfortune of selecting a mask that depicted a PIG.  OH!  How she squealed in fright as she fled the lion!"  He chuckles to himself.  At this point in the story you notice less interruptions.  "That is NOT the half of it my friends!"  Rictavio stares at Urwin and draws himself up.  "For you may all be asking - what about you Rictavio?!  What form did you change into?!"

The gregarious half-elf stands next to you, wraps his hands around your shoulders, whilst maintaining eye-contact with Urwin.  "ME?  WHY?  As I said, I was wearing a mask very similar to my friend here.  What form did I assume, you ask?!  WHY THAT OF A RAVEN!" His voice booms out,  "One could say I had a birds-eye-view of the entire ball!"  He smirks and continues, "Can you imagine that friends?!  Becoming a RAVEN?!"

You notice Urwin's mouth rise in a little smile, "Still telling your fanciful stories Rictavio?" he jests.

"Certainly Urwin," Rictavio says simply, "Certainly everyone... for is that not what -- the Great Rictavio -- does best?!".  Without waiting for an answer he relays the rest of the story involving a rather colourful host, trained in the ways of the Arcane, who had fun at the expense of his guests - namely making them assume the role their mask dictated.  Rictavio stressed at the end that no 'genuine' harm had been done to any of the party-goers, just a few damaged egos.

After he tells the story, he takes a seat next to you.  "Thank you friend, for being such a good sport." he says apologetically, "And wearing such a fantastic prop to boot!".  He extends his hand in greeting, "If you did not gather from my story - the name's Rictavio... 'the Great' prefix is entirely option."  He laughs, "Who do I have the pleasure of speaking to?".  Urwin grins and shoots you a knowing smile, leaving it abundantly clear that he, at least, knows who you are.

 

((Rictavio (in his more 'normal' clothing)))

Galqarin absorbs the stranger‘s tale with fascination, unsure as to whether he was being mocked or whether there was even a grain of truth in the story. And what manner of beast was a lion anyway? Not one native to Barovia, of that he was sure.

”I Gal…”, he begins as he grasps the outstretched hand before correcting himself, his voice low, “I known as Raven. Because of mask”, he adds, feeling something more was necessary. ”Are you from beyond mists? Are there many lions? Does everybody have to go to the masquerade?”, he fires off the questions in quick succession in an attempt  to divert attention from himself. 

Quote from IrRy0 >>

 

Valerie - Vasili chuckles at your comment, "I apologise for not living up to your expectation" he jests.  "I must admit that many have called me an 'eccentric' before... folk around here can be 'un-accepting' of outsiders." he says, audibly sighing, "I on the other hand, welcome the opportunity to meet new people... those looking to take in the sights and sounds of Vallaki."

The well-dressed gentleman stands and makes to leave.  "Well, it has been a pleasure to meet you Valerie.  But I am afraid that the night grows dark and I must excuse myself for the evening.  Hopefully our paths shall cross again in the future; tell me, are you staying locally?" he asks politely.

 

 Valerie eyes the stranger cautiously with the last question. "Yes, we are. My companions have gone to find us a place to stay." She replies with a polite smile still. 

Valerie will keep observing the man when he leaves to see if he is still glancing at Ireena. And when she is sure that he left, she will sit down next to Ireena. "Is everything alright? Are you going to stay with us tonight?"

Sandu - As you mention about the deaths Milivoj pales and shakes his head, "I didn't mean for no-one to die.  The coin was for everyone here, for a better life...".  Tears stream down his eyes, "They was only a few old bones."

The Father turns to you, his face grim, "I've known Henrik for many years...  at least I thought I knew him.  I would plead caution Sandu.  Henrik is an opportunist - why not steal St Andral's remains on an earlier occasion?  Did he make a deal with someone, or something?".  He looks out the window, "Besides, the night grows dark - might be best to wait until the morning, don't you think?"

As Dormark quickly excuses himself, Father Lucian turns to you, "Any idea what that was about?"

Galqarin - "Oh ho-ho!  Gal!  Well met Sir, well met indeed!"  He takes a seat next to you at the bar and orders a drink for you and himself, "It is a beautiful mask -- and provides a level of anonymity, yes?"

He lowers his voice a little, "You have the right of it, Gal.  I am not from originally from these parts, I was part of a wandering troupe - a circus.  But alas, I became separated from them -- the mists stole me away, so to speak.  I now find myself trapped in this charming place."  He beckons around the tavern.

Urwin returns with two glasses of 'Red Dragon Crush', as Rictavio continues his story, "If it were not for the help and kindness of the Martikov's I am not sure how I would have survived."  He gives a look of gratitude towards Urwin as he relays the story.  Urwin looks slightly abashed, "It's only right that folk look after each other - especially those that find themselves as strangers in a foreign land.  Ain't tha' right Gal?  Besides, you're good for the Tavern - your stories bring laughter and entertainment, make people forget the bleakness."

"But no, the masquerade balls are not for everyone," Rictavio says with a wink, "and lions do not tend to roam the lands!".  You feel a sense of warmth as Rictavio laughs a hearty laugh.  "I have heard tale though of a Carnival in Barovia -- folk say it's truly magical, all sorts of exciting people, 'Outsiders'.  Ahh, I do miss my old troupe...  I wonder how they are doing without their ringmaster."  His voice trails off.

"Either way, what's your story friend?"  Rictavio asks you, "How did you find yourself in this fair town?".

Urwin allows himself a little chuckle, "Oh Gal's a local."

Valerie - "Oh, hey Val,"  Ireena says absent-mindedly, "I think things are alright now.  I'm glad that you were able to deal with whatever was plaguing the Orphanage."  She subtly nods at Vasili, "Who was that gentlemen?" she asks, curiosity getting the better of her, "He seemed well put together."

"I think Ismark's plan was that we'd stay here with the Father.  He feels safe within the confines of the church."

Quote from IrRy0 >>

Sandu - As you mention about the deaths Milivoj pales and shakes his head, "I didn't mean for no-one to die.  The coin was for everyone here, for a better life...".  Tears stream down his eyes, "They was only a few old bones."

The Father turns to you, his face grim, "I've known Henrik for many years...  at least I thought I knew him.  I would plead caution Sandu.  Henrik is an opportunist - why not steal St Andral's remains on an earlier occasion?  Did he make a deal with someone, or something?".  He looks out the window, "Besides, the night grows dark - might be best to wait until the morning, don't you think?"

As Dormark quickly excuses himself, Father Lucian turns to you, "Any idea what that was about?"

Sandu scratched his chin. 'Perhaps you're right, Father.' 

He followed the old man's gaze out the window. 'From what I have seen so far, Barovian nights are dark and full of terror. Perchance daylight will make the proceedings less unpleasant.'

The younger man turned to his metal companion to ask his thoughts but the warforged had excused himself from the room. 'Dormark?'

Sandu glanced at Lucian. His mouth turned to an expression of confusion. 'No idea.' Sandu watched the door. 'Dormark?' His voice sounded slightly more worrisome.

"He said he’s a local. He seems..." Valerie wants to add more but decides not to. She looks at the direction where Vasili went and looks back to Ireena, contemplating whether to ask her to come with them or not. She has an odd feeling about Vasili, worrying that he would do something to Ireena. On the other hand, this could be her being paranoid. She sighs. "Are you sure you don’t want to come with us? The others might already get you a room."

Dormark doesn’t respond or come back into the room. He didn’t leave to long ago so it may be possible to catch up to him.

Galqarin nods at the mention of the Martikov's kindness as he absorbs the warm bouquet and fruity palate of the Red Dragon Crush.

His voice is low as he answers, "Yes, I am of this land. I was found by hunters and raised at the orphanage. Many people think I monster. Mask hide monster. I have never heard of this Carnival - only the Vistani. Is that what you mean?"

Quote from Losman >>

Dormark doesn’t respond or come back into the room. He didn’t leave to long ago so it may be possible to catch up to him.

Sandu moved towards the door. 

'We will meet with Henrik in the morning.' He said with his back facing Lucian. 'You're welcome to join us if you deem that necessary, Father.'

Sandu walked out the room, leaving Lucian and Milivoj behind. He glanced around trying to spot a metal gleam.

'Dormark?' He called out. 'We should head for the inn now.'

You see the shining metal gleam of the Warforge leaving out the front door. He has gone outside not acknowledging what you have said.

Valerie - Ireena nods, "Thank you for the offer, but I think Father Lucian might need company - given the events of the day.".  She moves to peer out onto the night sky, the moonlight illuminating the wet cobble stone street, "Hadn't you best get moving?  If you planned to go to the Inn?  The night is drawing in."

Sandu - Lucian bids his farewell as you leave the Orphanage; "Please - feel free to visit Henrik without me... the thought of discovering another friend's betrayal." he says, forlornly.

Galqarin - Rictavio leans closer in, his voice overly dramatic, "Fear not -- Gal -- for who is to say who is and who is not a monster; those whom often seem the most monstrous are often the kindest souls.  I am surprised you have never heard of the Carnival, being from this land..."

His voice raises, suddenly, dramatically, "FOR WHO HAS NOT HEARD OF THE MAGICAL CARNIVAL!".  You hear a couple of voices ring out across the tavern; "Not this one again!", "Quieten down, I ain't 'eard 'bout no Carni-VAL before!".

"Yes, that's right Ladies and Gentlemen - it is quite the sight to behold!"  You can tell Rictavio is about to launch into full story-teller mode.  "FOR if you ever find yourself in a spot of trouble, or outcast from others, or requiring a place to belong... then you might well be paid a visit from the Lady Isolde -- the 'Carnival Mistress' -- and her travelling troupe!".  Looking around the tavern you notice a number of patrons intently listening to the bombastic ex-ringmaster.

"Oi Gal - I like this one,"  Urwin says, smiling broadly as he refills peoples glasses.

"FIRST - it starts with the announcement.  Little slips of paper announcing the Carnival is in town - it is said these slips have MAGICAL, MOVING INK, which show different things depending on the viewer - ALL advertising the Carnival."  He takes a slip of paper out of his pocket and waves it around maniacally.  "These slips of paper find their target audience flying -- THATS right Ladies and Gentlemen, they FLY! -- to their target audience where ever they may be; caught on the PRIVY?  No problem.  Find yourself creeping through the woods at night?  No problem.  Listening to your favourite story-teller in the best bar in the whole of Vallaki -- the Blue Water Inn, with it's world famous Wolf Steaks?", Rictavio gives a cheeky wink to Urwin, "then NO PROBLEM!  Because they will seek you out!"

He reaches for his glass of wine and takes a long sip, "SECOND - the spectacular painted wagons come rolling in, decorated in all sorts of colours - quite the sight!  Within an hour of their arrival large, billowing tents are erected."

"THIRD - the troupers come out in full force.  You cannot imagine such a wide and diverse array of people - from multiple lands, far and wide.  For the Carnival selects it's troupe from all over, travelling freely through the mists -- whisking away those that join, giving second chances to those in need!"  Rictavio pauses for effect, "For the life of the trouper is oft-times preferable, especially for those looking to escape, all Lady Isolde asks is that you follow the two Carnival rules - 'DO YOUR PART' and 'DO NO HARM'."

"Those that break the second of those two rules are never heard of again.  Some say the Lady Isolde is a witch of great power, others say she is a devil from the hells, but know this - the Lady Isolde provides a place of refuge for those in trouble and a way of travelling through the mists to those with coin."

Over the course of the next number of minutes Rictavio describes elements of the Carnival; from the magical beasts on show, the 'Oddities Show', and the 'Hall of Horrors', as well as a number of different Carnival 'games'.  Your mind is taken on a journey by Rictavio's emphatic performance and gripping story-telling... so much so that you barely notice how late it has gotten.

"I, Galqarin", the same announces softly, his refilled wineglass nearing empty, and with a wistful look that's hidden behind the raven mask, "And I want to see this carni-val."

Quote from Losman >>

You see the shining metal gleam of the Warforge leaving out the front door. He has gone outside not acknowledging what you have said.

Sandu gave a last nod to Father Lucian before following after Dormark. He did not call out to the warforged but he tried catching up to him. 

Valerie looks at Ireena not sure what to do. There is no reason for her to come with them. However, the peek from the man earlier makes Valerie uncomfortable. She sighs. "Alright. I will get going then. If you need any help, you know where to find me." Then she leaves the church and heads toward the inn.