Private Thread for Ben and Saliq

Saliq was delighted to accept Ben's invitations, both to dinner and to a picnic. At the latter he took the opportunity to practice his art for his friend's younger siblings and nephews and nieces: simple glowing baubles and shapes for the very young, a recreation of some of their adventures for the older children.

"Behold the terrible basilisk-dragon? Careful, one look in it's eyes and you'll turn to stone!"

While he is courteous and jovial to all it is clear to Ben that Saliq is rather taken with his sister. After a phantasmal recreation of the fall of the Horned One he draws Ben aside. "My friend, your third sister... do you think you could introduce us? I saw her pay close attention during the show and it would be a pleasure to speak with one interested in the art."

He looks over to were the sister is looking. The illusionist blushes and turns back to Ben.

Ben enjoys the show as much as any child, his ability to find pleasure in such things having no limit. He actually seems surprised at the appropriate moments in the show, almost as if he had forgotten that he had been a participant in the events.

"Saliq my friend, I would be thrilled to introduce you to Suzze, she has told me how much she has enjoyed your company."

With that, Ben calls his sister over, and formal introductions are made.

"I think mother would love to meet Madame Drucilla, would you two like to show her the way?"

With such a suggestion, Ben has found a way for the two to spend some time together with the least amount of respectable chaperonage.

"My lady," Saliq said, executing a courtly bow as he took Suzze's hand. "It is an honour to meet a sister of my dear friend Ben, especially one so fair."

Turning to Ben's mother he smiled. "Madam, your son has saved us all many times over. You should be very prod of him. I know I am proud to call him friend."

He glances at the tower behind him. "I should warn you that you are about to encounter a ghost of a noblewoman. She is friendly if lonely but I will understand if you are not eager to make the aquaintence."

Ben's sister glances nervously to her brother, though if it is as a result of the obvious eagerness of Saliq or the thought of meeting the ghost is uncertain. Her mother's presence, which the Widow Scritos agrees to, calms her concerns.

"We would be delighted Master Saliq," the mother of the entire brood including friend Ben and the keen eyed Paladin/sister Bethany, who makes it clear she will go along, to protect them should she be needed. Protecting Suzze from the ghost or the man remains unspoken, but the smile in her eyes matches the one on her face.

Barring some other interruption, the four of them head into the tower.

A little embarrassed to be leading a small army Saliq entered the tower, showing some areas the party had been through while discretely shooing them away from others.

"Madame Drucilla has been here for decades we believe, though she has long since lost track of time and whatever drew her to haunting this place. The poor woman is very lonely so it seemed just to promise her she would not be left alone again."

Finally reaching the portrait he coughed politely. "Madame Drucilla these are the sisters of Ben Scristos. Ben thought it would be a good idea for you to meet new faces." To Suzze, Bethany and their mother he said: "Stand facing the portrait so she can see you properly."

Clearly the young ladies are cynical, until they step in front of the portrait and it speaks. (If it speaks. DM, who speaks for Drucilla, you, us?)

Ben and Saliq notice there seems to have been recent visitors to the tower. The corpses that once littered the place have now all been removed, though no deliberate effort seems to have been made to cleanse the place of the blood and gore spilled in the course of battle.

Perhaps most startling of all, when Ben and Saliq reach the gallery, where Madame Drucilla was last seen hanging, she is not there!

Saliq, upon entering the gallery, makes formal announcements, and then sees nothing but a discolored section of wall where she once hung.

Madame Drucilla has gone missing!

OOC: Sorry, I tried to get in here earlier to post, but had been busy. Tried to salvage the narrative as best I could.

I had/have other plans for Madame Drucilla!

:)
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:24, Wed 27 Jan 2016.

Saliq looked at the bare wall then turned to Ben, sharing a glance with his friend. Then he turned back to the women.

"I fear we must cut the picnic short my dear ladies. There has been a robbery - or perhaps I should say a kidnapping!"

Ben was not there, but Ben's mother seems to understand that Saliq is confused, while Suzze is confused and her sister Bethany pauses, closing her eyes.

OOC - Bethany detects evil on the area.

OOC again - I am assuming this is not an adventure we can pursue, is that correct DM? Me and Saliq can continue the role play either way, but I just want to be certain.

There is no detectable evil in the gallery.

OOC: I would prefer to not run two concurrent adventures.

You might inquire with Lord Thyrandas about the portrait though...

Puzzled and fearful Saliq hurried the women back home, much concerned with the strange disappeance.