[ That's a bit disappointing, but at least he does have Fern here now. Adrian had asked after the whole adventuring party soon after waking, but Yom Crook had seen so many come and go, he couldn't be certain even if Taulok's impressive stature could leave an impression.

It hadn't occurred to him to be suspicious of Fern's sudden appearance, though perhaps it ought to. Her attitude toward strangers certainly hasn't changed at all... not that he can blame her. Adrian's mouth presses into a line, but he shakes his head. ] That was my first thought as well... but I can't make sense of why he would. He wants us at the wedding. It delights him to taunt us with Ireena's suffering, and he imagines that we are powerless to stop it.

[ Adrian's gaze his downcast. The words are tinged with bitterness and regret, but he's fairly sure of them. He'd known Strahd's intentions when that invitation was presented to them, and he has no reason to think that they've changed.

He meets her eyes again, his expression imploring even as he sees hers harden. ] Fern, Mr. Sunday isn't like the abbot. He's as lost as we are. He's shown no signs of ill will towards me or anyone else. I was the one who suggested that we travel together until we reach the city. To hear Mr. Yom Crook tell it, the roads are as unsafe here as they are in Barovia... I won't simply leave him to monsters and bandits because we've been fortunate enough to find each other.

[ He turns back to Sunday, offering an apologetic smile over his shoulder. He knows what this must look like, and he can only hope the man will understand. ] Please excuse our manners, Mr. Sunday. It was... a difficult journey, even before arriving here.

[ He doesn't necessarily want to make the decision for both of them... but he knows that she'll likely stay because of him. ]