Quoted By:
>Ask about Strahd, drink the wine, and speak a prayer to see how he reacts.
"Oh yes," you say. "That's very kind of you. Your accommodations already are magnificent. And that organ..."
Strahd glances back to the organ, his face devoid of emotion once again. He sighs.
"You sound like a great musician," you continue. "Where did you learn to play?"
"The instrument itself," he says, turning back to you with inquisitive eyes, "was a gift to me from my mother, Ravenovia van Royen. It was installed here to honor my father, who had a love of music. I've had to learn it on my own, in my own time, which I've had a lot of these days."
There is a hint of something else in his explanation. A hesitation in his voice as he mentioned his mother, as though there were details he left out.
"He is honored well. This castle is impressive. I can only imagine what their walls have seen over the years to become so... distinguished. Have you considered repairs?"
Strahd raises his eyebrows and looks around with a frown. "Repairs?"
"Oh, yes! Like... the stained-glass window above the entrance. It was sad to see it all over the floor. It seems like a wonderful piece of art work. What if it was restored to its original state?" You realize now how this comment might come off to the Lord of Barovia, but it's too late to take it back.
"What a terrible waste that would be," Strahd says. "There is never any sunlight here to shine through that window. Besides, it's fine as it is. What is already there is a work of art. History in its true form is more beautiful than lies and vanity, wouldn't you say?"
You are not sure how to respond to that. "Oh, uh, the nature of art is a complicated and nuanced subject..."
"Indeed it is!" Strahd replies sharply.
"If it's not so bold of me to ask," you say, keeping your wording polite and inconspicuous, "maybe a tour of the place would enlighten me to even more of this castle's history. I am a historian at heart, you see, and Barovia... intrigues me. I think it would really make my stay worthwhile? Oh, and ind it would help me gain a better understanding of Barovia, and of you as my Lord."
Strahd's brow furrows. He leans forward slightly in his chair. "You are very curious," he observes. "Are you looking for some secret passage to escape from me when night comes?" he says, laughing.
You chuckle nervously. "No, no, nothing like that," you say. "And I will not press my luck - I only wondered if it were possible, that is all."
"Perhaps we should finish our meeting first," Strahd suggests, a coldness creeping into his voice that you haven't heard until this point.
"Okay," you say, sitting down politely at the table as a gesture of deescalation.
Strahd nods. You make yourself comfortable. Even the cup holding the wine is designed after the castle, bearing the same raven insignia as the suit of armor in the hall.
(cont.)
