From The Shadows (A Ravenloft Campaign)

[Candide]

"How are we to decide watch?" Alexander asks. "I think we should endeavor to keep this fire going. It might act as visual aid, if such creatures of the night dare to strike at us. However it could be like a candle in the darkness...making a very long shadows indeed." He waits a sec while pausing.

He looks over to the founder of the "feast". "Are you in need of my aid, m'lady?" he asks the young woman.

 

[Mordmorgan the Mad]

Anja lets out a hearty belly-laugh and turns back toward Alexander. "Aid? No. But thank you for your concern. The future holds much danger for me, but I have seen its resolution, and have little to fear. You four, however, have a long, dark road ahead."

She sits back down on the stump and pulls a small wooden box from her bag and rests it on her knee. "If you wish, I could part the mists of time and allow you a glimpse of your future."

 

[Nightcloak]

Varren leans back, stretches out with a yawn while placing his hands behind his head.

"Sure. A few games would be a wonderful way to pass what's left of the night. Er... wait a...", Varren started but stopped as something clicked in his mind.

"Dark road ahead? Ahead? The road to your campfire was none to bright to begin with."

Varrens manner turns to serious as he leans forward to look intently at the women, "What do you know of our paths and were they are going?"

 

[Mordmorgan the Mad]

"These cards are no mere game, I assure you," Anja says, opening the box and removing a deck of thin wooden tiles wrapped with blue silk. Each tile is intricately carved and inlaid with various stones and depicts a different figure.

"These are the tarokka and they allow me to trace each step you have and will make upon your path. Thier power is not to be tapped with impunity, and I cannot reveal the future's mystery without...compensation."

 

[Candide]

Alexander raises an eyebrow. I do not like where this is going he thinks. This person is a stranger to us. We have not known her for yet a day and she wants to use cards to tell our future. Additionally she needs compensation Alexander continues.

Xander will keep an eye on Anja, while keeping his other eye peeled for possible things in the woods. Anything approaching I mean.

 

[CoolHand]

"While I am appreciatin' the wine, my dear Anja, the lad and I are for takin' a pass on any looks into the future . . . or the past, eh," Thadeus finishes quietly, nudging Alexander in the ribs and offering a none-too-sly wink. He pulls out his holy symbol to accentuate the point. "Me brother's would not be lookin' too kindly on such dark tricks." Turning to the others, he adds "The rest of ye may do as ye like. I'm not o' the preachin' type."

 

[Candide]

Xander lets out a soft grunt from Thadeus' jab, and in responce to the wink, lets out a sigh through his nostrils.

He looks around, "Where are we?" he asks to anyone who might know the answer. This might also draw attention away from card-tricks in addition to other benefits. Hopefully anyways.

 

[Nightcloak]

"Where are we? Well, our fine hostess says we are in the Old Svalich Woods, were ever that is."

This is said to Alexander, but Varren does not take his eyes off of Anja. He takes one brief look out into the night, then back to the lady.

"Well, Anja of the Canjar, I didn't set out on the road of my choosing..."

ain't that the truth

"...and it sure in the hell hasn't taken me anywhere I know off..."

Varren closes his eyes and swallows

"... but I would sure like to know where I might be going."

 

[Mordmorgan the Mad]

Anja shoots Thadeus a quick smile. "There are many in this land who believe, as you do, priest, that the future is not theirs to know."

She turns slightly to Varren and reaches for his hand, "If you truely wish to know what lies ahead, I will show you." The gypsy takes his hand and pulls it gently toward the vardo's closed door. "To respect your companion's wishes, perhaps we should turn the cards in private."

 

[Nightcloak]

"Er..."

"Ah..."

Great, thinks Varren, were's those mists when you need them.

"As you preffer Anja."

And with a final look around the campfire and the woods in general, Varren follows Anja to the vardo.