Re: Through the Mists: In Character
DM
Town Square, Barovia Village
Tag: Everyone
Jasmina's smile faltered slightly and withdrew her hand when it became clear that Vita was uncertain what the greeting meant.
"I am the Lady Jasmina Verdova," the elf stated, raising her chin slightly.
"I offered my hand to you in the way most nobles would offer a member of the peasant class. I see; however, that you are not versed in proper etiquette when dealing with nobility. Tsk tsk. That shall not do. We shall have to fix that. I've a strong urge to give you some elocution lessons too. With a little effort, I'm sure I could refine you into quite a proper maid."
She smiled, as though she were indulging a small child.
"Oh? Your mother? Well I'm sure you find her. As for myself, I came here a long time ago - by your standards. I think, perhaps a century? No. More than that. Oh it has been so long, I've forgotten most of my original homeland. I came here by accident, while traveling - though I learned later that there are few accidents when it comes to entering this land..."
She trailed off as Vita became distracted by Rovana's comment and the ensuing argument provided enough entertainment so as to allow her to fade into the background and observe the odd visitors interacting with each other.
Meanwhile, Ismark nodded gratefully to Esvele.
"You are kind to offer your help so freely and without consideration for payment, Sister Esvele. Yes, my sister is in need, but she is not missing. Ireena is at home, safe for the moment, while daytime lasts. She tends to the body of my father in our house to the south of town. We are the both of us overcome with grief of his passing, but though I am of his blood, she had a closer connection with him. She is terribly distressed and despite the danger to herself is trying to put on a brave face. We shall need to convince her to leave, but I am confident that flight from the Devil's sight is the best and only way to save her."
He stepped to the side to allow the nun to pick up Vita and embrace her in an awkward, yet apparently enjoyable hug.
"Ah, Captain Rovana, you speak of intimidation I think. I would not count on appearances to save you from the servants of the Devil, for the fear of their master will outweigh all else, especially in his own domain. But come! All of you who are brave and true of heart. We shall away to my household, where I shall introduce you to my sister and we can plot our course westward! Your conversations need not be put on hold, there will be chairs to sit at and speak your mind at my home."
---
Ismark leads the party down the chipped cobblestone road, heading south past the decrepit mercantile shop and Mad Mary's townhouse. At the of the street, a weary-looking mansion squats behind a rusting iron fence. The iron gates are twisted and torn. The right gate lies cast aside, while the left swings lazily in the wind. The stuttering squeal and clang of the gate repeats with mindless precision. Weeds choke the grounds and press with menace upon the house itself. Yet, against the walls, the growth has been tramped down to create a path all about the domain. Heavy claw markings have stripped the once-beautiful finish of the walls. Great black marks tell of the fires that have assailed the mansion. Not a pane nor a shard of glass stands in any window. All the windows are barred with planks, each one marked with stains of evil omen.
"We have had to take precautions. The minions of the Devil Strahd are relentless. While he must receive invitation to enter, the same is not true for his wolves or shambling corpses."
He knocked upon the door to the mansion, and from within, a tender voice spoke nervously.
"Who goes?"
"Sister, it is me. Ismark. Your brother. I bring good news. Help has arrived, and we have skilled travelers here who will protect you."
"Ismark!" Relief flooded into the woman's tone, and several locks and chains were quickly undone on the other side before the door swing backward to reveal a beautiful and striking young woman with dark auburn hair. She is dressed in a stylised breastplate with a high collar and scarf obscuring her neck. She wears metal bracers, with a red undershirt and matching sash around her waist. She carries a heavy rapier in her hand. Her face is pale, and though her body appears physically weak, and her mannerisms mild, her hard and wise eyes suggest a strong will.
The party moves into the mansion after Ismark embraces his sister. As they pass by, he names the individuals as best he can recall their names, starting with the Lady Jasmina, whom Ireena seems to know, despite not showing any warmth to the elf. Then Rovana is introduced next, and Ireena inclines her head respectfully. Vita is next, receiving a slight pause to notice the horns, but then a welcoming smile and a light embrace, as if Ireena senses the light inside her and is pleased. Then Esvele came third, and Ireena greeted her with the sign of the Morninglord.
Finally, Tristam came through, and when the pair of them locked eyes, it seemed as though both of them felt a sudden jolt of recognition. Something told him he should know this woman, even though all his senses and memories assured him that this was not possible. Her beauty was bordering on enchantment to him, and he felt a minor compulsion to somehow act upon it, though with an easy effort, he could fight past the urge if he so chose.
The others would look back and see Tristam and Ireena staring intensely at one another for a slightly long moment, before Jasmina made an *ahem* noise that seemed to snap Ireena out of whatever thoughts were passing through her mind.
"My lord," Ireena said, curtsying for Tristam, her eyes cast down demurely.
"Welcome to my father's house. Please, come in and be seated. May I offer you refreshment?" After another significant pause, she turned slightly and added,
"Or anyone, I mean. Do any of you require refreshments, honored guests? We have only water and wine, I fear. But they are each of good quality. The water is taken daily by the hunters from the River Ivlis. It is pure and untainted."