Act II: Ill Fortunes (Part 2, the morning after)

Weiryn looks up with alarm at the woman's voice, meeting Roland's eyes "Three?" he whispers, "But I counted at least four last night..."

"Yes, all is well, give us just a moment!"

Roland carefully and quietly points his hackbutt at the door. He will also load silver cartridges into his revolver, just in case.

"There is no sense in Ireena standing outside."

Roland walks over looks to make sure it is here, and if it is he will let her in.

Veroth nods at the lady. "Spies. They did us no harm."

Roland creak the door open just a bit, peering out, and sees it is indeed Ireena. As she spots the eye peering out at her from the crack in the door she smiles back at you. However, she seems to be dressed in adventuring gear. She has an impeccable breastplate on, a sturdy shield strapped on her back, and a longsword and crossbow hanging from her hips. She then hear Veroth's comment and comments on it.

"This does not surprises me. Strahds controls many creatures. It makes sense he would want to spy on newcomers like you. So, may I come in?"

"By all means, please do lady."

Roland takes a look around to see if there are indeed only three wolf bodies outside.

When Ireena walks in dressed in full adventurer's garb, Weiryn raises one eyebrow. "Good morning, Lady Ireena. It seems you are certainly prepared for something..."

"One of the wolves did indeed run off. We have got to start checking bodies better when we down the bad guys. He is now likely reporting information to Strahd."

"Aye. Lass seems dressed to kill the devil, which seems pretty fair, considering. Ye come to join us, Lady? If ye can hold yer own in battle, by Moradins hammer, I say welcome."

Weiryn frowns at Durgrim's words. "Normally, I'd be inclined to agree, Brother Forgehammer...however, Ireena, if you plan to join us on the next part of our mission, I beg you to reconsider. Strahd appears to have his eyes on you, and you've been bitten before. I cannot, in good conscience, agree with you coming along."

"Yes, you are right sir dwarf, I want to tag along with you."

She then turns to Weiryn.

"And this is precisely why I need to come. I refuse to remain home, wondering when Strahd will come again for me, fearing his return, like some damsel in distress. If it's me Strahd wants, then I fully intend on giving him a fight in return. It is also obvious that he's behind this plague which infected our town, and that you're going after him next. I've lost many friends in this plague, and there is also the murder of my father. If you make Strahd pay for his crimes, then I want to be part of it."

There is a look of determination in the young woman's eyes.

Darren turns to Weiryn, "I think we should let her come. What better way to protect her than to have her with us. Strahd has already demonstrated that he can get to her wherever she may be."

Weiryn stares the woman in the eye, before shaking his head and sighing. "Very well...it could very well be that fate wishes you to come along, and Pharasma does not look kindly upon those who stand in the way of fate. Just know this: we are not going to Strahd straightaway. There are a few things we should collect before we try to take that abomination on...only then will we march on Castle Ravenloft. However, before we begin...Brother Forgehammer, let's see what can be done about your weakness..."

The cleric takes the scroll of Lesser Restoration that was found during the inventory with Roland, and casts from it, using the magic to hopefully restore the paladin's lost strength.

Feeling his strength return to him, Durgrim breathes deep and raises his hammer high in salute before giving Weiryn a small nod. "Thank you brother, I feel I could crush a troll skull in one blow now." He grins and gives a short laugh.

Moving over to the door, he stops just short and turns to you. "So. Shall we go get that Holy Symbol?"

"The Holy symbol of Ravenkind? You know where it is?"

"We have a lead on its whereabouts, as well as knowledge on the ritual to awaken its power. With luck, we'll soon have another tool in the fight to free your land."

"Is everyone ready?" Darren asks, breathing easier now that his sickness has passed. He hands the necklace to Roland for the next use.

"Yes, I am ready."