[snip]

Marcus stood up right and grinned, “We’re from a village over the way,” he said, gesturing to what appeared to be a lake behind them, “I’m Marcus, this is David. We only just started branching out to Barovia.”

-Lieutenant Junior Grade Marcus Anders: Chief of Security-

The man on the lead large wagon seemed amused by Ander’s response. But simply nodded slightly in acceptance. “..I see..” he replied.

Spitting another wad of chew to the side of the road, he tapped on the back of the riding perch he was on. The doors on the back of the large wagon swung open and the soft thud of footsteps was heard. Around the back left corner came a quite aged looking woman. She stood hunched over even at a 6‘1 in height, meaning her full height was probably closer to 6‘10 when she had been quite younger. At a guess she had to be easily in her 80s if not somehow more older. She wore a flowing red-blue-silver robe-dress. Her hands were gloved in some kind of fine silver silk gloves up to her elbows, and her feet covered in wide almost comical like sandals.

She approached the group though slowly but with a gait belying her age, propped up on a large wooden cane, her eyes roamed over the group. They shown with a deep clarity and intelligence, piercing silver-blue irises that seemed to gaze deep into ones soul. “..These Giorgios say their names are Marcus and David. They claim they come from a nearby village and are new to branching out to this region of Barovia..” the man said to the old woman, turning to regard the team again he added, “..You are in the presence of Madam Eva, Giorgios such is an honor given to few on such short notice!” he declared.

The woman held up a hand to the man, “..Peace, Antonio. Your flair for the dramatics can be held off in this instance..” she stated with a voice that was soft, yet carried much authority behind it. Lowering her hand then, her gaze returned to the team, “..You are welcome to the lands of Barovia travellers Marcus and David, as well as your companions. Where is it your feet carry you this morning?” she inquired.

GM CockRoach

Giving a polite bow, mainly to keep the one called Antonio happy, Marcus explained, “We’re scouting for a… business venture in town, could you point us in the direction of your commerce centre?”

-Lieutenant Junior Grade Marcus Anders: Chief of Security-

The elderly woman named Eva seemed almost to find humor in Ander’s further reply. “..I see, well any commerce in the Village Of Barovia is quite limited. What little does travel through there is through the Blood Of The Vine Tavern. We happen to be on our way there currently. If you wish to hang onto the side of our Vardo Wagons you may do so with my permission as long as you do not cause or bring us trouble..” Turning without waiting for a further answer the elderly woman whistled sharply, which seemed to make everyone unseen on the large wagons perk up and get ready to move out.

So the team had a choice, either ride shotgun on the side of the wagons, or trek through the muck on foot into the village. Either one seemed fine at this point.

GM CockRoach