[closed] mommy dearest

[altusimperius]

WHO: Benedict, Gareth, and D'Artagnan
WHAT: visiting House Artemaeus for baby Bene's birthday
WHEN: backdated to after Brandgate but before Modplot pt 2
WHERE: Minrathous
NOTES: it might get weird

It's been a harrowing visit, and Benedict is in need of a break. It's no surprise that he had plans to visit his family mansion before the Inquisition took their leave, and that he should do so right around the time of his 23rd birthday, and this is what brings him and two chosen companions to the gates of House Artemaeus on one balmy afternoon.

They've taken a carriage, of course. He ensured that both Gareth and D'Artagnan were washed and dressed properly, and left no room for the possibility that anyone could track mud on his parents' spotless floors. He tips the driver-- perhaps a little too much-- as they reach the front entryway, and Benedict can hardly contain his excitement as they step inside.

The foyer is sprawling and ornate, blacks and golds and reds in luxurious fabrics and metals adorning every corner, statuary and tapestry of prowling spotted cats and magnificent tropical birds decorating banisters, doorways, tables, and anywhere one might think to look. A great stained-glass oculus beams sunlight down from the ceiling over the grand stairway, casting an intricate jeweled pattern on the marble floor.
Home sweet home.

"Hello?" Benedict calls as he enters, smiling, and is quickly answered by a well-dressed elf who comes to take their cloaks.
"Young Master Artemaeus," he says, looking more frightened than glad to see him, and glances to a second elf who stands in the doorway to the parlor. She shrugs helplessly; they seem decidedly unprepared.