Ben the Enchanter

Outline: You enter a festive gala. Ben and 24 other handbell players are creating a sonorous tune. Ben stands out, he has a charisma. After the event, you approach him, or he approaches you. (initiateConvo = True, False) You learn about server architecture, sky pirates, and/or Ben's favorite ice cream flavor. Can you guess the flavor? or do you give up? (guessedIceCream = False) (If you say his favorite flavor, guessedIceCream = True) The two of you leave the event for for a brisk bit of wintry repartée. Ben says that handbells are like life. Everybody needs to find a way to contribute to the beauty of the world. Snow is knocked from above you by some rambunctious ruffians throwing snowballs. The boughs of a nearby tree burst with snow, encircling you in a flurry. You and Ben momentarily embrace. Your eyes meet. For a moment, the world becomes still. Snowflakes turn to liquid on Ben's cheeks. You gaze more deeply or turn away. Ben tells the ruffians to watch their aim. "Sure Ben! We love you!" they all chant in unison. Ben sees that it is quite late, being 9:45 at night, so he whistles and a carriage appears. He delicately grasps your hand and lifts you with unusual strength into the carriage's seat. "Wot'll it be mah good sire?! A rotter like me ne'er deserves the company of your gentlemanry!" says the carriage driver. If you initiateConvo&&guessedIceCream == True, Ben joins you and you ride away into the moonlight. Elseif initiateConvo == False Ben walks away into the haze of streetlamps and snow flurries.

(set: $initiateConvo to false) (set: $guessedFlavor to false) The winter has been magical. The whole city is draped in a soft blanket of pristine snow. This evening, you are attending a Gala at the Sweetboys' Memorial Hall. You arrived a bit late. [[You open the doors of the Sweetboys' Memorial Hall]]

The large mahogany doors sweep open to reveal a brilliant gala. The air is filled with the scents of cinnamon and nutmeg. A splendid golden haze emanates from the room. [[There is a handbell choir surrounding the fireplace. ]]

Twenty four beautiful boys are filling the air with a delightful chime and hum. They are using antique Schulmerich bells. [[Admire the tang design]] [[Admire the most handsome boy]]

The bells have the distinctive knob of metal near the handle that distinguishes a Schulmerich bell. It appears that the bells have been modified slightly to provide more articulation in the handle. [[Nice...->There is a handbell choir surrounding the fireplace. ]]

He is around 30 years old. His glasses sit loosely on his rosy cheeks. He is dressed splendidly in well-tailored slacks and a tastefully striped shirt. He stands roughly six feet tall with broad shoulders. His handling of the bells is impressive. He smoothly transitions from the deep-toned C3 in his right hand and the sonorous E5 gripped in his right hand. [[Listen to the boy's playing.]]

Goosebumps dance up your spine as the handbells immerse you in an joyful chorus of silver. The patrons of the event have gone silent. As the crescendo of the music accelerates, you are entranced by the boy. He is certainly the most handsome boy. [[The music fades to silence]]

The audience is pulled back to their senses as the sound of the final bell reverberates. They toast drinks and giggle as a gentle applause ripples through the gala. [[Grab a cider]] [[Approach the boy]]

(set: $initiateConvo to false) Your eyes whip to a nearby platter of drinks. Soft amber cider with cinnamon sticks. [[Reach for the cider]]

(set: $initiateConvo to true) You approach the boy. You let him know the music was beautiful. [[The boy responds]]

You reach your hand out to the closest glass. Your gaze fixates intensely on the whirl of steam rising from the beverage. [[Another hand crosses with yours]]

Their skin is smooth and delicate. Their palm has grazed your hand. [[Look up]]

It is him. The beautiful boy. "Oh sorry, excuse me!" [[You respond]]

"Oh! No, please, it's nothing" The boy retracts his palm. His other hand grasps the glass and presents it to you. [[Receive the cider]]

He confidently adjusts his glasses, grasping the outer edge of the frames. "Why thank you. It feels great to know you enjoyed the choir. I'm Ben." [[I LOVE handbells. Were you playing a '41 Schulmerich?]]

Your eyes drift sideways as you take in the sight of the boy. "Hi, I'm Ben." You are relieved by his gentle tone of voice. [[I LOVE handbells. Were you playing a '41 Schulmerich?]]

"Wow! Yes!" Ben laughs. "Yes, I really like the way they feel. The leather is softer." [[You're a very good bellringer]] [[I've never played anything other than Malmark]]

"Thanks, would you like to see the E5?" Ben hands you the antique bell. It must have cost a fortune. [[Hold the bell]]

"I've only used these Schulmerichs. They were my grandmother's set. Would you like to hold it?" Ben casually hands you the E5. [[Hold the bell]]

The leather is surprisingly supple for its age. Gentle and reliable. The stitching is undamaged and the leather appears to have been expertly conditioned with a bit of oil at the tang. [["It feels wonderful"]]

"The undersi---" Ben is interrupted by a tray of macaroons floating by. Purple, brown, white, and orange puffs of pastry fill your vision. They look delicious. Ben's eyes light up. [[Grab a macaroon]]

Ben hesitates, and several finely dressed patrons of the gala rush in to seize upon the tray. "Oh! Excuse me" Several enormous men obstruct you from Ben. [[Push through the brutes]]

It is as if the men are made of concrete. "Could you grab me one?" Ben chuckles a bit at the absurdity of his situation. [[Grab a brown macaroon]] [[Grab an orange macaroon]] [[Grab a white macaroon]] [[Grab a purple macaroon]]

(set: $guessedFlavor to true) "Thanks! Chocolate is my favorite!" Ben looks overjoyed. "Meet me at the door! It's getting pretty crowded in here." [[Meet Ben by the door]]

"Erm, are you sure?" Ben looks hesitant. [[Grab a different macaroon]] [[Meet Ben by the door]]

[[Grab a brown macaroon]] [[Grab an orange macaroon]] [[Grab a white macaroon]] [[Grab a purple macaroon]]

You struggle to the portico of the room. Ben is waiting there handsomely. You hand him the macaroon. (if: $guessedFlavor is true)["It's delicious! Thank you."] (if: $guessedFlavor is false)["It is...a macaroon!"] It would be nice to get some fresh air. [[Ben motions to the door]]

You exit the gala. You feel greeted by the evening. A young woman sees you and provides your coat to you. Ben is already equipped with a practical down jacket. It looks very warm. [[The night has a magical air]]

Moonlight reflects the snow in small crystalline specks of light. "Perfect. I feel like dancing!" [[Ben performs a charming little twirl]]

Ben's movements are graceful and composed. He is an experienced dancer. His eyes dart toward you with a slight smile of embarrasment. "A tango is wrong for a winter evening? Maybe." [[You perform a charming little twirl]]

You simulate Ben's turn. As you whip your head back to Ben, you feel a sudden loss of motion. [[You have smacked yourself in to a tree]]

Your vision blurs. The world is all white, gold, and blue. You can feel a cold sensation on the bare skin of your neck. [[Regain your composure, darnit!]]

Your vision returns as Ben's face appears. He is inches away from you. [[He is holding you by the elbows]]

Ben smiles. "Quite a move!" [[His eyes dart upward]]

You look up and see bare branches of the tree you are leaning against. Your hair and neck are soaked with melting snow. [[You feel Ben's warm breath on your skin]]

Ben must have moved fast enough to support you before you took a tumble. You look into Ben's eyes. They are gentle and blue. [[A snowflake melts on his cheek]]

The world is still. [[You search for words]]

"Hello Ben! How are you! We love you Ben!" You are startled by a troupe of young ruffians. [[Ben pulls himself away]]

"I think it is time to go." Ben whistles and a carriage appears. It is a typical carriage, horse-drawn with a small man perched atop. "Wot'll it be mah good sire?! A rotter like me ne'er deserves the company of your gentlemanry!" [[Ben lifts you in to the carriage with unexpected strength]]

"Take them wherever they please, McMurfordshire." McMurforshire tilts his hat clumsily. "And fer you, sire?" [[Ben pauses for a moment]]

(if: ($initiateConvo is true) and ($guessedFlavor is true))["Why don't I join you?" Ben hops in the carriage and joins you for a splendid carriage ride of wintry repartée.] (else:)["I think I will walk." Ben strolls away as the carriage departs. McMurfordshire will be your company for the remainder of the evening. His personal detours result in a very bumpy ride.] <a href="../index.html"><img src="images/tomoText.png" /></a>