Prologue

The Bard · Post by **The Bard** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 6:09 pm

The Sun was low and the forest alleys, shaded as they were, began to darken. The animals, one by one, started hiding for the night, while others began waking for another nights’ life. The change was at hand. The great cycle of life; harmony always found its way for life to remain constant.

At a nearby temple surrounded with huts and half wooden – half stone houses more and more people were seen; as if they too were about to start life, like butterflies that awakened from a sleep in the warm and cozy inside of a cocoon. And what a bunch it was. Some say not even Sigil, the city of doors, didn’t contain such a mixture of differences. At times one could see complete contradictions living next to each other in peace under the clouds.

The full moon was rising, red a first as the beams of light crossed the atmosphere like through a prism. The site in itself wasn’t that often. The bloody moon usually meant something wrong might happen. Everyone hoped there wouldn’t be a red sunrise.

The temple had wasn’t all that big. No wonder; it had to stay hidden in the woods for it to remain undiscovered. A wide square was in it’s middle, surrounded by huts and a wall. The entrance was always open, though supervised. Guards were always ready to sound the alarm in case of trouble.

Shadows were getting longer and longer and started to blend in the landscape. Then they reappeared as all the lanterns were lit and preparations for a great fire in the middle of the square have been made. Everyone had something to do and lots of new guests arrived, some even for the first time! All was bliss and the feast was about to start.

Zarae Zyne Kilanatlar · Mon Dec 07, 2009 6:58 am

it was a cool evening. the moon was full. despite the lateness, this part of the forest was lively. it was the night of The Hunt. many of the Dark Maidan's worshippers had gathered in the wooded glade. it was a joyous time. the silvery tone of the pipe carried far into the night and the joy of the harp was on each ladies face. many danced in the moonlight, their gowns flowing with their movements, silver hair reflecting the firelight. a few ladies had sat down near the small fire eating of the the night's kills. for one particular drow who was new to the surface, she stood off in the distance her hosue insignia in her hand, unsure what to think or feel. Zarae had only recently escaped an attack on her city and the destruction of her house, House Kilanatlar, 2nd house of Lith My'athar, and had managed to meet up with drow who lived on the surface. she had accepted the reality of her situation-she could hardly do otherwise and survive-yet the rage and frustration of an untamed spirit burned bright in her maroon eyes. many thoughts flooded her mind as she stared up at the twinkling of the stars. she was still amazed at the beauty of the Light Above. the numerous books she had read during the early years about the surface world could never do it justice. long into the night the ladies danced, till exhaustion set in. Zarae repined her house insignia and decided to take a walk. this world was fascinating and despite the events of the past week, nothing could snuff out her adventurous spirit. she headed west, her destination unknown. her Piwafwi cowl was down, she let the cool night breeze blow through her natural red streaked silver hair. her step was silent as shadows.
it was still hours from dawn. the road continued on for miles. in the distance she saw a small fire and the silhouette of an alone figure. she pulled her Piwafwi hood on, cowl tight around her and disappeared from sight. her hands slipped to the pommel of her swords, ready for whatever might happen.

Arya Baenre · Post by **Arya Baenre** » Tue Dec 08, 2009 12:45 am

Dannil rested his back against the tree as he threw another piece of bark into the fire he had lit. It was almost fully night-time now, and he had no wish to be surprised by anything. One hand gripped a slender sword of elven make dug point down beside him, and his restless gaze roved the clearing continuously.

His empty pack lay in front of him, reminding him that he had not had anything to eat in a while. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a map and frowned, bringing it closer to the fire. Cursing when he still could not see it, he sat up and moved right next to it, eyes narrowing more after he had seen the map. It didn't look as if there was any city or town, or even a village nearby. The next marked town on the map could possibly take a day.

Nodding to himself, he stood up and stretched, putting his map back into a pocket and reaching for his pack. If he left now, he should reach town before eve next day.

He kicked earth over the fire and turned, unknowingly walking in Zarae's direction.

Zarae Zyne Kilanatlar · Tue Dec 08, 2009 3:04 am

(ur a drow right? im assuming so since most people are drow on here)

Zarae snuck closer, silently to get a peek the the humaniod from the distance. she was sure he couldnt see her or hear. she hadnt been on the surface long and wasnt sure how people would react to her. caution was a must in these desperate times. she watched as he packed his pack and head off, and twords her!
she needed allies if she was to survive these lands of light.
but years in Lith My'athar, though she was still a child in drow years, taught her that she had to be leery of everyone, drow especially.
she eased out of the shadows, released the invisibility from her house insignia and crossed her arms in front of her, an underdark gesture of peace.

Arya Baenre · Post by **Arya Baenre** » Tue Dec 08, 2009 4:06 am

{{He's human. Sorry for not mentioning before. ^^;}}

He stumbled backwards in shock, a root pushing against his already unbalanced foot and sending him flying backwards. His sword was halfway drawn by the time he hit the ground, and he rolled to keep a safe distance from her, crouching near a tree ready for any movement she might have tried.

Stories of the fabled race assaulted him as he watched her. He slowly stood, still staying clear of her. He would rather not have to use his sword, even if chances were slim. He had no true way of knowing if the stories of the Drow were true or not, but he was fine not knowing. Did she want something? Was her gesture some sign of strength? He lifted his sword up, pointing it at her. "Who are you, and how can I help you?"

It struck him as odd, asking that at the point of a sword, but you could never be too careful these days. His words were spoken slowly in case she was new to the language, though he had no way of helping her if she did not know it.

Zarae Zyne Kilanatlar · Tue Dec 08, 2009 5:02 am

she couldnt contain herself...a smile crept on her face. it was a clumsy rivval, or human and a male, or so he seamed clumsy. she remembered that the surface was backwards, and males generally ruled. it was ironic, males, superior? she never had the attitude most females had, but she was still drow and female. she shook the notion quickly to focus on the issue. but when he drew out the sword she knew to be cautious. she contemplated drawing her own sword but hesitated. he looked genuinely frightened. when he spoke, she didnt know whether to thank or curse Lloth. Lloth had "blessed" her with three blessing before her birth- light adaptation, heightened senses and comprehend languages. of course her blessings came at a price. if she forsook Lloth she would never find peace, always be hunted and death would follow her.
already she lost her first true friend.
she understood and tried to respond in broken common, the language of humans, "peace."
she kept her position, but ever ready should he attack. she was not a natural killer, but would defend herself if needed.
before the male could repond, a commotion in the trees caught both their attention. she silently scolded herself for not keeping an eye out for an ambush. her yearning for allies would cost her or another person their life. she drew her sword turned slightly to see but keeping an eye on the human.
[i:2c7nyj2u]click [/i:2c7nyj2u]came from the bush. an all too familer sound.
'they found me again' she thought.

Arya Baenre · Post by **Arya Baenre** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 1:11 am

The relief on his face on hearing her non-violent intentions was clear. He made to slip his sword back in its sheath, but stopped as Zarae turned, pulling her own out. He heard a light click and turned towards the sound, unaware of what was happening.

"What is it?" he asked softly, edging towards her. The worst he could come up with was some sort of rabid animal. A thought came to his mind - were more Drow following her? And, if so, were they as intent on peace as she ... if he could believe what she had said? His naivety had gotten him into many tight spots before, but he wasn't sure he could chance that with a Drow. He kept as much an eye on Zarae as he did the bush near them.

Zarae Zyne Kilanatlar · Thu Dec 10, 2009 2:08 am

as she heard the click her muscles readied. she could hear the whistle of the flight of the crossbow quarrel and the human asking what was going on. at the last moment, Zarae dove a rolling tumble aside with incredible agility and amazing dexterity that drow were known for, as the quarrel flew past drawing a slight scratch on her cheek. the area began to numb a little but she didnt feel the poison creeping through her body. they had been on the surface too long and the famous drow poison had been highly weakened.
out of the bushes rushed 2 male drow, murder and greed in their eyes. she was more worried about the 1 who was quickly loading the crossbow again. Instantly the whirling elven blades crossed in a defensive parry as she tried to keep them at bay from attacking the human. one slipped past her tword the male
through the clanging of metal and parried swings she hollored to the man "way which run? ummm, run, which way?"
as she fought the attacker he mocked her (in drow), "theres a nice bounty on your pretty little head. i'll be sure to tell Matron Mae'Vir you send your regards." he laughed.
'lets see who's laughing last' she thought as she reached into her pouch and pulled out the precious small pieces of glass, a sunflash pellet, she only had a few, but desperate times called for desperate measures. surfacers werent feebled as much as creatures of the dark. so with a wicked smile she closed her eyes and threw the pellet at the ground.

Arya Baenre · Post by **Arya Baenre** » Sat Dec 12, 2009 3:09 am

"Run? I don't know!" he shouted back as he ran at the Drow. It was clear at first sight that he was little more than a novice with the sword, though he was strong, allowing him the element of surprise. He held the sword like a club and swung it from side to side, sweeping at the two Drow as they came in.

Realizing that his tactic was slowly becoming ineffective, he glanced around and waved his hand, gesturing in a general left direction, "I think that's best!"

He was not expecting the burst of light, and was shocked for a moment when it came. Managing to recover quickly, though, he wildly swung in the direction he thought the Drow were in, turning to run mid-swing.

Zarae Zyne Kilanatlar · Sat Dec 12, 2009 5:30 am

the 2 males and the female reloading her crossbow shrieked in agony as the glass exploded releasing the light of the sun. though Zarae had adapted to light, the brightness still dazed her through her closed eyes, bringing a tear from the pain. her attacker fumbled back dropping his sword and clutching his face. the drow attacking the human had began to get the upper hand but was caught in the ribs as by a powerful blow as the light went off and temporarily blinded him.
the female in the back dropped a globe of darkness over the lighted area to counteract it. "GET HER! NOW!" she shrieked, "DO NOT LET HER ESCAPE!"
quickly regaining her senses and seeing her chance, Zarae grabbed the man by the arm and tugged him twords the west (left). as they headed off, Zarae turned, highlighted the males in red faerie fire and threw one of her dagger into her opponents shoulder. the sudden momentum and force knocked him back a bit as he stumbled over his prone partner.
on they ran westerly for miles through the night till they had to stop and catch their breath. through the trees the moonlight highlighted a walled village. they could see through the open gate numerous huts surrounding an unadorned building. it was early and the town was still asleep. from the looks of it, there had been a celebration. by the open gate stood 2 older men, patrol she reasoned.
she started twords the gate when the human called to her, halting her in her tracks. they needed shelter and to keep moving; possibility warn the village of her hunters.
'what could he want now?'

she was naive about just how much the surface world hated and loathed dark elves.

((now we should be at the village from the beginning post))

Zarae Zyne Kilanatlar · Sat Dec 12, 2009 5:49 am

(meanwhile, during the night in the village)
it was time for the annual harvest festival. music and song carried through the village. towns people competed in friendly competitions, food was plenty and goods were sold. archers participated in the archery shoot out, won by a wood elf ranger. the harvest brawl was by far the most popular. bets were collected; people cheered and booed. but it was no contest to the 6'7" forester. he had won every year. but despite his uncontested title, people were sad that this was his last year to compete.
the best part of the night was the evening costumed dance. everyone was expected to be their to perform, showoff and participate. judges spent much of the evening dance deciding on their favorite costume. the floor was lively with a rich rainbow of colors and mask. wine and ale was passed and travelers inhaled the famous stew.
through the night the festivities continued till early. people headed to their homes or rooms for the night. all was quiet.
quiet to all but one. he sat on the wall watching the red moon travel its course. he knew things were far from over.

Arya Baenre · Post by **Arya Baenre** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 2:12 am

He pulled his sword out and stabbed it into the ground, starting to double over before he fell to the ground. His breath came in short puffs - it was clear that another moment or so and he would not have lasted. "Where ... are you ... going," he managed to say, pushing himself up into a sitting position with great difficulty. He did not seem to realize that he was sitting in the middle of road; he was far too exhausted. His initial shock at the appearance of the other Drow had worn out a while back, when he still had breath left to run, but he eyed her with renewed wariness, and his gaze darted across the area as if he expected more enemies to show up. "You ... shouldn't ... have come." he paused, attempting to catch his breath before he added, "Drow ... follow ... here ... village in ... danger."

{{And then I'll also add to the other part, red for the extra character so that I don't have to post twice.

}}

[color=darkred:3ep4tj5f]She walked across the wall, straightening once she was sure she wasn't being followed. The new wall certainly helped her a lot, she thought as she pulled out a worn purse and dropped the coins into her hand, counting out her prize. This night had been wonderful for her - festival nights always were, and few took notice of their missing purses the next day, giving her more time to pass to the next village. It was high time she left this one - the villagers were slowly starting to become wary, and she couldn't afford to be caught. She stopped beside a battlement, hiding behind the wall as she noticed the man sitting there. One more couldn't hurt, she decided, as she dropped into a crouch and made her way to him. She moved silently; from her cloth boots to her well-fit leather outfit, even those with good hearing had trouble noticing her.[/color:3ep4tj5f]

Zarae Zyne Kilanatlar · Tue Dec 15, 2009 3:32 am

she had been a bit weary and a little short of breath from the run, despite her endurance. the male's words were a bit harder to understand while he caught his breath. she activated her house emblem to better communicate.
"we need to get outta the woods, we're vulnerable while the they hunt me, us now. the village needs to know that they're out there."
they both paused for a moment, a well needed minute. Zarae kept a watch for their hunters. she climbed a nearby tree to get a better look.
from up there she softly called down, "you know, you're standing in the middle of a road? it leads down to their gate," she pointed twords the village. "pursuit seams to have been halted. they will have to stop soon, dawn is coming. i see the shading of light limning the dark outline of the distant horizon."
easily with no sound, she hopped down from the branch.
"ready?" then she crossed her arms in front of her, "i'm Zarae Zyne Kilanatlar, you can call me Zarae or Twilight if the language is too hard."

Arya Baenre · Post by **Arya Baenre** » Wed Dec 16, 2009 2:44 am

"Zarae. Right." He breathed deeply again, then pointed to himself, pulling himself to his feet and replacing his weapon in its sheathe. "I'm Dannil. And fine. The-" he paused again for a breath, "faster we get to safety, the better." He looked at Zarae, curiosity pasted onto his features, "Hey. Who were they? Why were they after you?" His chest still rose with the effort it took him to breathe. He was clearly out of shape.

Zarae Zyne Kilanatlar · Wed Dec 16, 2009 3:55 am

Zarae thought for a second. she could she his curiosity clearly. he should know, especially since he was involved by accident.
"if you want the whole story, it will have to wait. but the short version, they're from my homeland and House Mae'Vir, first house of Lith My'Athar. they're on orders from the Spider Queen i would guess. but i can tell you that when we get into an inn.
they got their stuff together and headed twords the gate. Zarae pulled her cowl down as they got close.
"halt, state your intentions."
Zarae started to speak but the way the guards were eyeing her and readying their weapons, she decided to let Dannil speak up. he would have a better chance of getting them in the gate.

--
they made their way through the unfamiliar woods. the tracker found the trail, despite the difficulty; running through the woods someone left a trail.
"mistress, we must stop for the night, it is nearly dawn. our piwafwis are losing power, the sleep poison didnt even effect her, we ca-"
with a sharp slap to his face, "i didnt ask for your opinion male. now find shelter!" if the slap wasnt enough, the priestess reaching for the snake-head whip was motivation.
with a satisfied smirk she turned to the other male. he had stopped the bleeding but had to leave the knife in his shoulder. he slumped down on the trunk of a fallen tree, severely weaken. the priestess walked up to the pitiful male and yanked the dagger out, causing as much pain as she could. his screams brought a wicked smile to her face. she couldnt decide if she wanted to let him live or be rid of the miserable scout. she knelt down and jammed two finger in the wound, bringing a howl from the dying drow, and chanted a prayer to her vile goddess.