Ghosts of Gauntcliff, Chapter 3

[Rock of the Fraternity]

"Blow this," Everline says through gritted teeth.

With slow, laborious movements, the young woman levers herself to her feet. For a moment she sways, but then, with a visible effort of will, stands fast.

"I am gonna need yer help, Eustace," Everline says, looking the priest of Belenus in the eye. "This very night, I's thinkin'. Priests can cast a magic circle against evil what invades dreams, is that right? Can ye do that fer me? That, an' maybe strengthen me body so I can try an' fight this... whate'er happened ta me??"

(OOC: Basically, Everline is asking for a Magic Circle against Evil and a Bear's Endurance for later today.)

Regardless the answer, Everline next says: "We'll try the hypnotism later, if ye don' mind. I am goin' to that there breakfast. If someone human did this ta me, I'll no show 'em weakness." The look of iron resolve in Everline's eyes darkens to a glare of muderous hatred for a moment, but no longer than that. "I'll need ta get dressed. Would ye ask Charlotte, Benn's wife, ta help me out some? I'm thinkin' it'll be best if we keep the extent'a me weakness 'in the family', hey?"

[Ken of Ghastria]

the terrace

The big man stands as Primeiro approaches.

"Good morning to you, Monsiuer! Would you care for some tea?"

With the sun directly at his back, Denys' loosely dressed red hair and long sideburns look like a halo of fire. He shifts his stance, and the illusion vanishes.

"Good morning," says Primeiro pleasantly. "And please... call me Primeiro. I trust that you slept well, monsieur. I certainly did!" He walks over to the table, sits down, arranges his napkin, and begins perusing his breakfast options as he continues to speak. "The rooms below are lovely, and I received much enjoyment from my bed."

He indicates to the servant that he would like some crepes, sausage, strawberries, and coffee. "Ahh. Wonderfully strong aroma. From Valachan, perhaps? Alas, not all of us slept so well. Mademoiselle Vaughn has taken ill, I fear. I'm not sure if she'll be able to join us for breakfast. Did she seem distressed at all during your tour yesterday?" His tone is one of one casual concern.

[Brock Marsh Runoff]

Once dressed he steps out in the hall and spies Dorigio coming from Everline's room. He catches up to Dorgio "I take Everline will be taking her breakfast in her quarters this morning?" Thom says, in a indirect way of asking what is wrong with her.

"It's a grim situation," Dorgio explains. "In the night, some foul spirit crept into Everline's dreams and attacked her. It has sapped a portion of her vitality in a way that is beyond my skill to heal. But when Eustace was explaining Everline's condition to me, it is sounding like cases I have seen when the undead attack the living."

"Whatever it is, Everline is convinced there is a tie between her attack and whatever took that poor serving girl's life. I am not knowing if there's a connection between whatever attacked Everline and what we found in the chapel, but one thing is for sure: we must be acting with haste."

[ewancummins]

The terrace


Denys frowns.

"She's ill? She did seem a little on edge, on the tour yesterday. She has some discomfort regarding caves, I think. The baths are underground. Perhaps if she had taken the waters..."

The big man sips his coffeee.

"Hmmm, yes, it's from Valachan. The cooler, wetter weather gives it a different taste than the stuff grown in Hazlan, or so I'm told."

[Adam]

Bennedict walks out onto the terrace, yawning but still looking well dressed and put together. Charlotte walks in behind him, his son in tow.

"Apologies for our tardiness," he says, "We overslept." Looking around at the group, he adopts a puzzled expression. "Did we miss something?"

[Ken of Ghastria]

"Good morning," says Primeiro, quickly dabbing his mouth as he rises from his chair and turns to greet Bennedict and his family. "Yes... I was just explaining to our good host that Mademoiselle Vaughn is feeling very ill this morning. Sick to her stomach and quite weak. Dorgio and Eustace are looking after her." With his face now turned away from Sancerre, he gives Bennedict a serious look that belies the lightness of his tone. "I hope that you and your charming family slept well?"

[Adam]

"Quite well, thank you. And yourself?"

Benn and the family sit down and tuck in to some light breakfast.

[ewancummins]

Denys waves as his guests approach. ''Welcome Benn, Charlotte.''

[Ken of Ghastria]

"Quite well, thank you. And yourself?"

Benn and the family sit down and tuck in to some light breakfast.

"My night was quite enjoyable, thank you," says Primeiro as he sits back down. He turns back to Sancerre and says, "While I certainly hope that Mademoiselle Vaughn recovers quickly from her illness, the incident makes me wonder, monsieur... what medicinal aid is here for you and the staff on this island should something calamitous happen? Surely, in the clearing of the island and the construction of this lovely chateau, there must have been a few injuries, yes?"

[ewancummins]

Denys answers- ''I employ a barber surgeon and an herbalist. Thus far, they have been able to deal with any injuries and illness...all save one.''

[Ken of Ghastria]

"Oh?" says Primeiro. "There has been a serious event? A... no, not a death? My condolences. What happened?"

[ewancummins]

''Maggie, the youngest of my staff, died a few weeks ago. It may have been a seizure of the heart or perhaps a fever- my healers didn't know which, if either. I had the poor lass buried in a private plot, a lovely place. No one has been seriously ill since then, so you needn't fear any sort of pest.''

[steveflam]

After knocking a few times and receiving no answer at Benn's door, the young man returns to Everline's room.

[Adam]

"Fraulein Everline is ill? That is unfortunate. She is a very...capable woman. We could have used her abilities in our...exploration of the island."

At mention of Maggie, Benn's expression turns troubled. "Yes, I had heard something of the incident. It was kind of you to see to her burial. Was there a plot here on the island, or did you set some land aside for it?"

[Ail]

"Yes, Everline, I can help you tonight. But no single favour I can ask of Belenus will last you through the whole night. I can try to watch over you, if you like. Hopefully I will be able to help if something unnatural comes in the night.

Well, I will look for Charlotte then. It would be excellent of you to come to breakfast with everyone."


Eustace leaves, and goes to Benn's room. If no one answers, he will look for Charlotte and Benn in the breakfast room.