Ben:

”Well, there was that crown in the pool we learned about,” says Ben, “But perhaps we should get to the private library soon and see if the books that were mentioned give us some clues.”

"Let's continue exploring, then!" Titaani suggests excitedly.

Pud gets up and dusts himself off.

"Ya, I don't know about that statue of the Queen. It doesn't appear magical. Actually..." Pud stops and surveys the room. "Every other statue and that orb have some sorta enchantment on them."

Pud collapses his magical pole and joins the rest of the crew if they choose to leave the room.

What next? Where to?

Ben:

”Perhaps we should go through the side door, using the chime if needed?” says Ben, heading south.

Hearing Ben's plan, Pud runs over to the curved wall to the southwest and attempts to take a peek through what appears to be large windows into the next room.

Perception check: 13

The mirror-like finish on the marble floor, the stained glass windows depicting fairies and butterflies in flight letting in a small amount of fey twilight through the exterior walls on the north and east, the glass statues themselves, together with your own lights, create dizzying illusions that play tricks on your eyes. There are no windows on the curved wall to the southwest – just smooth, solid marble.

Meanwhile, the side door off the balcony is solidly locked. A marble cameo depicting a lion wearing a crown is mounted above the magically locked door, like others you have seen.

"Sounds like a plan, Ben!" Titaani agrees, moving over to the side door and using the chime on it.

Matilda is still confused by seeing something move earlier but as nothing seems to be in evidence she follows Ben.

Tooooonnnnnnnngggggg. The chime issues another smooth, clear, reverberating tone that rattles your bones. *click* The door unlocks. (Chime use 5/10 expended.) The door opens.

Another marble hallway. Another spiral staircase with a golden handrail, leading down. More grotesque sculpted reliefs. Floating about ten feet above the top of the staircase is a perfectly still figure.

"Oh. Another door. This lady really likes doors, huh?" Horatio says. 

Ben:

Taking another chunk of the ever-shortening spear, Ben wedges the door open for later use.  He then goes over and looks up at the floating figure.

"Hey Elkhorn, do you recognise them?" Titaani asks, pointing to the floating figure. 

"Nope," replies Elkhorn with a shrug. The floating figure looks vaguely elven, with a wild tangle of hair, and clad in wispy rags. There's something unnatural and unsettling about her, even if she wasn't time-frozen.

Matilda moves up to the top of the stairs wary for danger....

(The stairs lead down from here, not up.)

All remains perfectly still and quiet.

"She's kind of spooky," Titaani muses, moving closer to the floating woman. "Do you think she's some kind of ghost?"

"I heard ghosts were made of smoke. Can smoke be frozen? Can magic do that?" Horatio asks. 

Ben:

"The library should be up here somewhere," says Ben.  "Shall we head south from the stairwell or down the hall to try and find it?"

Pud joins the rest of the group in the room with the stairwell and nearly screams at the sight of the floating ghostly woman. He composes himself and shimmies over to the double doors facing south.

DM: Anything of note about the south facing double doors? Lion head or any other symbols?