Fantasy RPG Forum - Standing Trials

It would be another handful of days at least before they made it to the shores of Ne'haer, and after a few sleepless nights, Malcolm had finally managed to switch up his sleeping pattern, becoming tired enough that sleeping the daylight hours away was no problem. Once again he found himself in his sister's realm, hunting for one man in particular, the only man who would listen to him and recall the interrupted dream.
It was only by chance that their sleep schedules were aligned, with Malcolm having tried a couple of times to seek his fellow knight out. The dreamscape slowly came into focus and Malcolm found himself in a bar, one he recognised from Krome. The patrons were rowdy and the drinks were flowing, fingers dancing across piano keys wildly in the corner, as a couple of backup singers helped the lead with some of the big notes. Malcolm looked down to find himself dressed in his black leather and chainmail, fitting attire for a knight of Krome.
A gang of thugs sat in the centre of the room, each with a handful of cards. Malcolm looked about in search of Benjamin, and unable to find him, he headed upstairs to check each of the rooms. When he finally discovered the man, Benjamin was enjoying a rather steamy looking dance from one of the tavern girls, while another topped his tankard up with ale. Benjamin jumped out of his skin when he noticed Malcolm, and hastily did up the fastenings on his trousers before hunting around for his belt and shirt.
"Captain!" He smiled as he struggled into a shirt, only to realise part way through that it wasn't his own. "I was just-"
"Enjoying the company of two women who look nothing like your wife?" Malcolm interjected.
Benjamin scooped up his actual shirt and pulled it on over his head, spinning it about until it was facing the right way for his hands to shoot through the armholes. "Apologies, Captan, you won't-"
"Say anything?" Malcolm smirked. "You have my word. Can we speak privately?"
Benjamin's movements slowed. "Of course. Ladies if you would."
The women left the room and Malcolm shut the door behind them before dragging a wooden chair across the floor to sit down. "You might want to sit down for this."

"So I'm dreaming?"
Malcolm rubbed his temple. "Yes."
"The same as that time in Venora?"
"Yes."
"And you're-"
"It's called lucid dreaming, Ben. How many times are you going to have me explain this."
"So... You're awake?"
"I'm asleep, but I know that I am asleep, therefore I am aware of my actions."
"Am I lucid dreaming?"
"I hope so, because I need you to remember what we talk about now," Malcolm explained. "Elyna is in trouble, not dream trouble, very real danger. Vanessa is still alive.
Ben picked up the tankard of ale and took a sip which then evacuated his mouth faster than it had been poured in, a spray of ale soaking the wooden floorboards between them. "She is?"
"Yes, and she has Elyna! I thought you were checking in on her?"
"I fed the horses and made sure they had water. I figured she was out. She had visitors a couple of times, that man from the wedding and a young woman I didn't recognise."
"What man from the wedding?" Malcolm asked before holding up a hand, "never mind. Can you get a team to Burhan? She is being held captive in my old house by Vanessa and my son Marcus. I don't know how many more you'll run into."
"Marcus? I always thought-"
"I know," Malcolm's brow furrowed. "I don't know where things went wrong, but they have."
"Any idea why they have taken Elyna hostage?"
"None whatsoever, neither of them are the type to do something like this."
Benjamin frowned. "Didn't Vanessa try to poison you?"
"Yes but..." Malcolm sighed, he had tried to rationalise it all, but it just didn't make sense. Vanessa had always been such a kind natured soul and Marcus was raised well. "I don't think they will hurt her... But I'm not willing to leave anything to chance. Please help her."
Benjamin nodded and the dream faded away.