>>5254731>>5254774>>5255033You look at the painting, confounded. Tatyana? Is this Ireena by another name? You didn't get the sense Ireena had been hiding anything from you, but this land has no shortage of surprises, so you will hold your breath.
"I, uhh... hmm."
Strahd notices your uncertainty. "Please, ask whatever questions you wish," he says. "I know enough about you - it's only fair that I tell you more about me."
At this point, you see no further harm in asking. While Strahd was talking, you memorized the floor plan of the castle so far, so if this train of questioning leads to escalation, you have a way out... and a way back in, should you ever come here uninvited. You know exactly how to find this room, and how to find all the other rooms you've been in from the main entrance. You may even be able to understand more about the castle layout if you focus hard enough on your way out. But for now...
"Is Tatyana..." you ask, "...the same person as Ireena?"
"In a manner of speaking, yes."
"What does that mean? Is this why you are obessed with her?" You didn't mean to say it that way - it just slipped out - but the truth doesn't seem to be lost on Strahd.
"What do you know about souls?" Strahd asks.
"In Barovia? Not as much as I would like to," you say. "I am open to teaching."
Strahd thinks for a moment, gazing upon the portrait, his expression grim. "It's hard to describe what I mean simply," he says. "The Dark Powers are strange and cruel. Some things... some tragedies, they repeat through the centuries, as if some powerful magic is bending all to make it so. I don't beleive in fate, but it still makes a man think."
That is a vague answer, if you'd even call it that. "What's clear to me," you say, "is that the love of your life looks a lot like the woman I was entrusted to escort away from the village, and away from Ravenloft. And I did not mean anything personal when I took on that task, is what I want to say."
"You don't feel that my castle is a danger to her?" Strahd asks.
"No," you say. "Actually, I am profoundly impressed with this tour, and the nobility of your education and tastes. It's clear to me, at least, that your accommodations are fit for one who rules this land."
Strahd's expression doesn't change even a little bit. Is he flattered? Impressed? "I really should add," you say, "I no longer know where Ireena is. I'm sorry if I didn't make that clear. I have to have faith that she is safe right now, wherever she may be."
"Yes, it is very hard to know for sure who is telling the truth," Strahd says, an indecipherable smirk on his lips. "But she's a smart woman. I am sure she is okay."
You're not sure how to reply, so you just give him a polite chuckle in return.
The tour seems to have come to a close. Before asking him about your sister, you still have one more trick up your sleeve to secure his impression of you...
(cont.)
