A new day: Ireena Rescued.

Ireena has been sequestered away, and Edmond is missing.

Gildas returns with the others wet, cold and conflicted. There was no telling where either Edmond or the dark blade were, and if the two were together. The uncertainty of it weighed on his mind. He would have to ask Anak and see if there is any word on the swordsman's movements whereabouts. The bard has become a bit more of an enigma. He kept the information about the sword to himself, which would make him suspicious of his intent if not him believing the words about holding anyone in confidence who asked it of him. He decided to keep an eye on him, though he had proven to be a true enough companion for now. They have also not seen much of Pea over the course of the day. To his memory, she was staying in the Vistani camp, and his mind drifted between being set at ease, or more alarm at that fact, as he knew that the travelers could not be fully trusted due to their connection to Strahd... but then again, what if they were suffering the same burden that he himself was now? There had to be a way to get more answers, concrete answers out of them. Standing in stark contrast to the concerns he was having about half the team, was the the huntress Lostariel,  She was an oddity among those that arrived in Nulb, and proven to be a fierce and formidable woman, fearless in combat and cunning in dealing with people, as gifted and skilled a Grove Warden as he had ever seen... And here she stands like one of the nymphs that his father told stories of in his youth, soaked from their foray into the lake and wrapped in his own cloak walking next to him. Her presence is distracting in what he would consider to be the best way, and a welcome bit of normalcy in this bleak and oppressive landscape. Her beauty was never an unknown to him, it's just that her other qualities were so prominent until this night that he didn't give it much thought. Now his mind drifts when he looks on her, the things that he had noted before but had not registered in the same way. The graceful steps she takes, the confidence she shows in the hunt, the swell of her chest as she steadies her deadly shots, the feel and weight of her on his back. Even her zealotus mannerisims had their own charm. He knew of the powers his mother could call on and how they differed from those of his and his father's, and those of a Grove Warden such as Lostariel was clearly orrigionally intended to use. Her faith somehow allowed her to utilize a preistess' power, and that mystery could not be ignored, nor the depth of her devotion denied. Even though he thought that she narrowed her focus a bit much, he respected how steadfast she was, and looked forward to more debates on their own beliefs as time goes on. Indeed, the son of Corran found himself finding reasons to be in or near her presence, doing as she had and taking up responsibilities in the church and doing what he could to assist, looking for the next oppertunity to engage her in conversations to either plan their groups next move, or to pick her mind to see more of how she views the world.

~The Journal of Cecil Corly~ I am overjoyed to have reunited the brother and sister. The means felt a little strange in more ways than one. The political approach was something hadn't really considered before. Though I am a little concerned about the severity of the burgomaster response, I have no love for the Wachters. In fact... with Charlies findings, both noble houses seemed more than corrupt and given time should be cleansed by the light. Or with fire....    (Cecil wrote that but had to scratch it out).  Manipulating the burgomaster in person was an empowering experience. I can almost smell the filth in that house, but I will continue the ruse of befriending him. Perhaps in doing so, I can dig up more information on what might be my ancestral home. In all honesty though, this town feels more ripe with evil than even Barovia. Perhaps because the evil here hides behind open eyes and lying lips. ....with fire! It's hard to concentrate right now. I need to pray and center myself. 

Lostariel's Musings We have freed her... But is this truly much better? Lostariel's time in the church as they ride the high of their success is spent alternating between the extreme highs and lows of their encounter. For once, she recognizing that she and Cecil might have been alligned in their purpose and drive. Fire, controlled and manipulated, was the easiest tool of Pholtus they both could support. It worked out amazingly for them. The house was in no true danger, but it was enough of a decoy that for now at least, they had collectively safely sheltered Ireena. The fact that she had to clarify 'for now' troubled the wood elf. Though not optimally, Ireena and her brother were together and safe for now. Ironically, it was now not fear of Strahd that troubled Lost, but fear of the siblings own willful nature. They had been saved two or three times now by her own harried band; from their town, from fire in a town square and imprisonment in a closet, and from Strahd's obsessive nature, yet... As she spoke to the girl and her brother, Lost had no doubt the pair wouldn't venture blindly out of the church's glowing protection when their need suited them. It felt like a losing battle dealing with the pair and for once, nature's own justice almost wasn't enough for her to brush them aside. She would continue to try, just as long as they did. She had no doubt her careful measures wouldn't last long, but truly, was there a safer place than here in Father Lucian's church? Father Lucian... An unexpected ally in this darkness. This man is uncomplicated, and seems to be pure in a way that no one in her own team can current rival. Someone cast in the darkness, denied the voice of their own god, and somehow still fighting for the Light. At some point during her extra tasks she will seek the older human out, stilling him in his duties with a hand placed gently on his shoulder. "Father, there is a matter I must discuss with you, for the safety of your patrons."

@Lost   "Yes, Lost, How may I be of Service?",Says Father Lucian.

@ Father Lucian "Father, I hate to trouble you..." Somehow, by her distraught expression, that much is true. She hates to bring this human any issue with their stay there in his holy temple. He has been kind and infinitely grateful for their past deeds. She grips his pale hand within her own and looks up to his eyes desperately. "You must, at the very least right now, replace all of the blessed water in the church. These people count on your aid day to day to cleanse their houses. That small deed is not promised any more due to the haphazard actions of one of my own. You must rebless the water of this house."

@Lost     Ahmmm....Why my child? The Holy reliquary of St. Andal has returned , I assure you we are as safe as possible from ther Devil Strahd.

@Cecil In the evening, when things are calm and his thoughts drift back to the more pressing matters of their journey, Gildas will approach the Homlett priest, hopefully when he is not actively engaged in his prayers. "Cecil, do you have some time to speak?"

@ Turi Turi likely sees Cecil attempting to write in his journal and then quietly cursing before scribbling it out. At one point, Cecil gets frustrated and rips the page out before crumpling it up and tucking it away as Turi approaches.  "Of course Turi. What can I do for you?" 

Anak sits alone in his room at the Inn. His thoughts are a jumble, his actions today have likely saved an innocent young woman from torture and possibly a slow and painful death. This would be a time for celebration, but those same actions have caused the lives of two young men to be cut short because of a crime they didn't commit… The elf shakes the thought from his mind. They had to have been guilty of something, and that would have to be enough. His thoughts shift to the allies he has made over the last week. Hoping that he has proved his worth to them today… he's no marksman like Lost, nor is he a fierce fighter like Edmond, Sinful and Turi, and he's certainly no priest… Anak is just a scoundrel, a byproduct of an unfair society. Forced to lie and cheat his way through life. Maybe if he tells just enough truth, they'll be able to get him home. If not home, anywhere is better than this gods forsaken land… Anak stands and begins practicing some new arcane gestures and words of power. Maybe he can't hit a damned enemy in a fight, but perhaps he can channel his spells in a different way. Next time it comes down to violence, Anak would prove himself useful to them again.

@Cecil The sight he witnessed would have been more concerning had he known the context of the priest's irritation. He drew in close enough to speak with relative confidence that the casual parishioner was not going to hear them. "You and Edmond were fairly close, or rather as close as I have seen him be with anyone... I'm concerned about what he may be up to, and where. The Burgomaster's brute asking about him has made me uneasy. Edmond had mentioned that the other household.. the Wachters? That they had hired him to fell the Burgomaster, and how he went and informed them of such a plot. Do you suspect that the arm of the local law throws him as responsible for the fire?"

@ Turi "I am afraid that may be true. Sadly it did not come to me as we were enacting our plan. While I think we are fine with our individual covers, Edmond is again a concern. If we don't hide him outside town, with your friend, I suspect the time may be coming where we need to move on. Much has transpired here and I fear a loose thread may be our unraveling. A less appealing approach may be one of aggression upon the corrupted houses, but that would only be a distraction from dealing with the primary threat to this land."  With a sigh; "I pray Edmond has either escaped this place or will find us before he is put to the question. Not that someone of his ilk would break to torture, but I would spare him the trouble." 

@Father Lucian "Here in the church is the only place I do feel safe from him, though it was here that one of our own was taken..." She clarifies for the human priest exactly what she means. "The sword I bought you earlier, it it unfortunately one side effect of being in it's awful presence. When I brought it to you, I had no idea of this effect. If you provide holy water to your many parishioners, it may be ineffective until you bless it with your grace again. I wished to warn you, in case they are using this to protect themselves or their homes."

@Cecul The druid nods grimly, agreeing with much of the priest's statement. "Yes, our presence here is begining to garner us noteriaty, and I fear such a thing in these lands is nothing to strive for. The Baron's eye and ears are everywhere, and I would wager and agree that the less we and our actions are seen, the better. We may have to soon keep to the wilds if we are to have success in our endevors. I agree we need to find Edmond and keep him safe from the clutches of these warring houses before we become too far drawn into their conflict." The elder takes a long draw from his water skin and eats one of his conjured berries, offering anoher to the priest. "With the brother and sister presumably safe for the moment, we have precious little time before something regarding them inevitably happens to distract and hinder our progress. We need to uncover these tools of the light and free ourselves of the Baron's lands. I worry that Nulb may be suffering more attacks from his minions wihout myself or Ms. Pea there to drive them back."

@ Turi Cecil takes the berry nods in agreement; "Yes. First the tools and knowledge... Then this land shall blanch in the light. But steel your resolve. as we will not be stopping with the demon. Unless they seek the light at the end of this, the two noble houses will be drawn from shadow one way or another. We also have some witch creature that I would not leave this land too as her power is said to potentially rival Strahd. And finally, though I feel that it should be left to you and your ilk, it seems the local pagans don't share your respect for life." 

@Lost  "Oh My!" Father Lucian exclaimed." I will see to the the rites immediately. " He stands up akwardly, first starting one direction, and thinking better of it another, somewhat stammering his apologies for leaving so quickly.

@ Father Lucian "Yes, please do so. Again, my apologies, but I had no idea of the level of corruption that sword has. I thought it was best to inform you as soon as I knew. These people rely on you for this." She bows to his exit, more than understanding the haste. She hates to have troubled him, but it was needed. After his rapid departure, the wood elf begins her usual aid and tasks around the holy building. 

@Cecil The druid was about to begin asking about Cecil's list of priorities when he is stopped short, expression growing pensive at mention of his wayward brothers and sisters. Clearly the topic is not a comfortable one to be addressed. The only positive that he could see in the statement being that the priest seemed to understand there being a difference between himself and those they had faced on Yester Hill. He still may not feel entierly safe around those of the church, but he sensed little anamosity towards him, and that was more then he could expect in a land such as this. "I do not know what possesses my kinsmen to act as they do. Nor did the Martakoffs have any useful insight into the matter apart from that they were part of the peoples conquered when the Baron arrived. Perhaps the Vistani have better answers for me. Perhaps once he is taken out of power, his grip on them or their madness will be broken. I would pray it so..." Gildas crosses his arms over his chest, steadying his nerves before pressing on with his next question, one that had been quietly gnawing at him in the back of his mind. "Cecil, you had brought Ms Pea back from death. What would it take to restore life to another? I would wish to question the woman who was in the camp near the winery."

@ Turi  Cecil lets out a sigh; "Until I can further strengthen my connection with Pholtus in this strange land, I will need a perfectly cut diamond ((300gp)) to channel his light through. It might be difficult obtaining such as my funds are lacking. I got lucky with Pea, her spirit was still nearby and she was willing to reach out to Pholtus. I think, if I had lost any time and if she had not been willing to reach out, she would have been lost. "

@Cecil The look that paints Gildas' face is not one of defeat, but rather determination. "I am just shy of the first third of what you would require. If this gemstone is the only thing you require to make the attempt, I must obtain it." Nulb's acting elder steadies his hands with a slow, deep breath, having noted the tremor that had begun to run though them. "Like you, I seem to have had something here in these cursed lands waiting for me. The woman who led them... She looked so much like my mother in youth that I must have answers. I have to try, Cecil. If we are successful, perhaps we can get the answers directly from her mouth."

@ Turi  Cecil tilts his head; "If you seek answers from a corpse, I know of a way that won't require such levels of divine intervention. It is possible to call to a spirit and have it reply." 

@Cecil    In the back of Cecil's mind you hear.... Dirty Flesssssh...Dirty Dirty Flesh.

@ Turi Cecils eyes get a bit wide and he perceptibly begins to form sweat on his forehead; "An approach we will have to discuss later... Please forgive me, I should spend more time reaching out to Pholtus." At that, he excuses himself and retreats back into meditative prayer. @ The Passenger Closing his eyes and attempting to center himself, Cecil offers up a quick prayer for protection and steadfastness. Then Cecil will dig into his mind, sending out his thoughts as sharp spear points..."What are you!? Why have you tied yourself to my family!?" 

@Cecil     "..Lesssh  Dirrrrr..... I am Corly. You are the Incinerator. "

@ The Passenger Frustrated and perhaps feeling a little brash; "Alright thing. You are Corly. I am Cecil. Why must you pester me?" 

There was something in the priest's expression that set Gildas on edge. It was likely the way that the sweat began to pour from his brow, as if some switch had been tripped. He would have dismissed it as an oddity of the mans body if not for the only other time he rembers having witnessed the event been in his assumed ancestral home when they confrontted the statue in the basement. Cecil had not hid that there was something he had to discuss with the group in this regard, but couldn't yet. His forthright responce gave him confidence that when he was able, he would tell them. So for he time being, Gildas gave him a nod and let him go without issue. @Lost The elder walked the church restlessly, mind clouded with the unanswered questions the day's activities raised when he caught sight the huntress engaged in her chores. With an almost absent nod, he fell in line to assist her with thenduties she took on. Shortly into their task, he began to address her. "Lostariel, how long have you known Cecil for?"

@Cecil ".....I AM CORLY.....You are Incinerator."

@ The Passenger "Who you are is irrelevant. Speak to me of what you are and of why I find ties in Barovia. You may never get another chance." 

@Cecil    Echos of laughter inside your head for a few seconds.

@ The Passenger Angered by the laughter; "Fine. This will hurt you much more than it hurts me. I happen to like this tune."  Cecil begins to mentally hum a tune, directing it internally and is prepared to do so for several hours.

-OOC- Cecil is so metal.

-ooc- Suck it inner demon.

-Ooc- *popcorn* o.o So, are you two going steady yet? 

((Three looney tunes post in chat.... and the first looney tune says...))

@ Turi "Not very long on a personal level. He was in a different branch than I was before he was given this assignment. This was our first hunting foray under his leadership." And now with one of their band lost and possibly standing against them, she is unsure that she feels both closer to Cecil, and more strained in their complicated alliance. Lately they'd been more in line with their stances, which was a relief. Shaking her head, the wood elf peers at the druid before her curiously. "Why do you ask?"

@Lost "I am trying to figure out what his natural state is. To know his responses well enough to know when things are potentially wrong. I spoke to him just a little while ago about what he was thinking we should do in the coming days. At the end, the topic of my wayward kinsmen rose and I had asked about what it would take to try and raise their leader for questioning. Shortly after he began to perspire heavily and excused himself with haste." He considered for a moment before continuing. "I would have thought little of it normally, perhaps just him being uncomfortable with the line of discussion. But it was the same kind of reaction that happened when he set foot into the basement of the Corley house. It got me wondering if this is his normal reaction to stress or signs of something more concerning. It could just be my imagination, Lostariel, but with events in this forsaken land being what they are... I'm inclined to question everything so as to hopefully not miss something crutial."