Prologue

Arya Baenre · Post by **Arya Baenre** » Wed Dec 16, 2009 4:06 am

He walked a little forward, bringing his hands up so that it was clear he held no weapons. He turned to Zarae and motioned for her to do the same, "We wish to rest, good sir," he called out hoarsely, "My companion and I have been traveling awhile. Surely you will not turn honest travelers away?"

Zarae Zyne Kilanatlar · Wed Dec 16, 2009 8:24 am

Zarae did as Dannil instructed, took her hand off her hidden dagger and brought her hands out. she laughed quietly at herself, following the lead of a male and humbling herself in such ways. how much she'd changed.
as her arms came up, her loose sleeves of her spidersilk shirt slid down enough to reveal her darkly skin.
wide-eyed and terror-stricken, the guard thrust his spear quickly in front of her face, alarming the other guards, "DROW!"
“It is a dark elf! A drow! Run for your life!” came from back in the walled city. villagers who had been awake scrambled tword the large center building, crying warnings to others. word spread quickly.
the guards hardly knew how to react. none of them had ever seen a dark elf, though they knew beyond doubt that Zarae was one–or knew more about the race than fireside tales of the ancient war that had split the elven peoples apart. more guards gathered in a tight formation to surround the two companions. one grabbed at Dannil to pull him aside. at least 50 crossbows were aimed at Zarae, fingers ready to pull the trigger when the word was given.
“turn away, dark elf,” the presumed captain growled, “we are expert swordsmen and have you outnumbered.”
Zarae was a bit dumbfounded at their reaction and hatred. she knew drow were feared, but this seam to go beyond that. she looked to Dannil then shrugged, keeping her hands wide apart and her posture unthreatening. slowly she reached up and pulled her crimson cowl back. Waves of lustrous red streaked silver hair sprang into full view, framing a beautiful sharp featured face that was blacker than moondark. every onlooker's eye went wider and face paled.
she responded, "as he says," nodding twords Dannil, "searching for a place to camp."
the captain began to respond, but Zarae cut him off, "we also bring warning, raiders coming this way. they will attack, yo-"
a raised hand silenced her. they hatred seam to block out all her feeble attempts.
"ask him..." motioning to Dannil, "cast a spell to see if i lie"
if it came to blows, her hidden dagger in her glove could be extracted quickly, though she hoped it wouldnt come to it, or disappear.

Arya Baenre · Post by **Arya Baenre** » Sat Dec 19, 2009 4:33 am

He glanced up at the Captain, then turned to Zarae, shaking his head - if the man was the Captain of the watch, he'd have to be damn smart to know how to use magic on top of his fighting skills - or damn rich to get someone that could out into these parts. He doubted the man even trusted magic.

Thinking quickly, he stepped forwards and raised his head so that he could see the man - or at least his outline - clear enough. "We desire stay, and if you turn us away, who knows what other merchants and bards may be turned away? You turn us away now, and you'll have nothing and no one coming in within a few months, say. They'll have all turned to the next village that's much more hospitable."

The Captain seemed to perk as Dannil emphasized his trade, lifting on hand from his coat to pull a string of beads that was wrapped around his fingers and tucked in a pocket.

Dannil knew the Captain's eyes were on the necklace, he lifted his other hand, holding a similar string with different coloured beads. He did not say anything, pausing to let the Captain admire the jewels, then slowly returned them to his pocket, a slow smile forming on his face as the Captain moved slightly, hidden by the dark. His plan was working.

He did not think it wise to mention anything about any more Drow until they were safely inside - the Captain would be hard put to ignore the silent threat he had been given. Low travelers meant low trade, low money and jewels and food. And none at all would definitely pose a problem. He figured that they'd be told to leave in a few days and keep Zarae's head covered for that duration.

He turned his head towards Zarae slightly, trying to make eye contact. Mouthing "Drow", he shook his head, hoping that she'd understand and not bring them up. If any of the tales he'd heard of the Drow were true, then the sun rising behind them was a good sign. They must have stopped much earlier. It was too unbelievable that he - who had just barely made it to a novice rank with the sword - had outrun three Drow.

Zarae Zyne Kilanatlar · Sat Dec 19, 2009 7:35 am

Zarae watched the exchange and understood most of what was said. trading must have been a big deal for Dannil to blackmail the man on that basis. she was rather curiuos what magic Dannil had now, what he fiddled with in his pocket when me moved closer to the captain. she reckoned some charm spell like ones she had a basic grasp of. 'the human must be a seasoned fighter of some power to wield both sword and magic.'
it was common among the drow for wizards of her homeland to be train in swordcraft, but much off what she heard about human wizards was that with their short lives, they focused on gaining arcane power quickly. then a thought hit her, 'was he a priest of some sort?'
when finally the captain seam to give in, Dannil mouthed silently to her. since he didnt bring up the hunters and the captain didnt want to listen to her, she'd keep quiet for now. if his stupidity got them killed, it would be his fault, she tried to reason with the male.
the captain turned to Zarae, "you may enter, the inn only, and will be escorted by my guards at all times. if there is one bit of trouble out of you, i will give the command to have you slain..."
'if you can' her sarcastic tongue almost blurted.
“would a man or woman have to prove themself worthy?” she asked a bit bitterly. she almost cracked a joke, as she did often when the situation was tense, but with much willpower wisely held her tongue.
“a man or woman does not carry so grim a reputation,” the gruff and well armored captain replied evenly, without hesitation.
he turned to walk away, letting his young, ebony haired pale skinned lieutenant lead them to the Inn, the Moon Willow.
Zarae covered her head and wrapped herself in her piwafwi, as the the onlookers grew and sunrise approached. she could disappear, even while being observed (shadowdancer 1st level feat), but curiosity kept her interested where things would lead.

the eastern sky assumed a hue of purplish pink, then pink altogether. the drow did not turn her eyes away, though, when the upper rim of the flaming red sun crested the horizon. she wanted to see the sun rise. the surface world awakened to its warmth, its life-giving energy. she gazed out as long as she could bear it then turned her maroon eyes down twords the ground.

as they walked, rumors spread and talk of a dark elf became the highlight of conversation. she saw the gathering crowd, many angry and shouting, weapons readied; guards had to keep them back from attacking.
they entered the tavern part of the inn. most of the patron had gone to their rooms or headed off for the rest of their travels. many of the maids had been cleaning up after the night festivities. the barkeeper had heard of the arrangement just before the two companions entered. he was still grumbling as they walked to the farthest table and sat down. 2 guards stood by, one shooing off gaulkers. the barkeep kept wiping down the bar.
a clumsy maid walked over to their table, apparently ignorent of the recent events. for she was the only one willing to serve them.
"whaddayou'll have?"
her long chestnut brown hair flowed down framing her bronze oval face and highlighting her jade eyes. she wore a tawny leather bodice fastened with amber acorn clasps and a finely woven forest green woolen skirt. by human standards she was pretty.
Zarae let Dannil order first, then shrugged her shoulders. she didnt know what to order, and rarely did she partake of alcoholic beverages. she looked up to the maid to see her wink at Dannil, smitten. she ignore Zarae and walked off, stumbling over her feet. Zarae reached into her pouch and pulled a wrapped bundle out, "rothe jerky?" leaning over, offering a piece to him, she whisper softly, "soooo?"
it was a good time as any to begin introductions.

---
in the cave they rested. the light outside grew bright as the sun rose higher in the sky. the injured scout, Lesolg, passed out from the pain but was on the mend. the priestess sat in reverie, her snake headed whip across her lap.
the second scout sat their deep in thought. he signed on only because of the promise of status, and to refuse would likely ended him in Matron Mae'Vir's disfavor, the equivalent to suicide. it never crossed his mind the young female rogue would be so much trouble. yet they had been on the surface a tenday and the wretched rogue had eluded their grasp numerous times and even found allies among the surface dwelling drow and other lesser races.
Krendorl cursed her and her magic, nearly waking the priestess, Inqualyn Mae'Vir. they had her when she threw the cursed sunflash pellet; where had she even gotten one? he knew now what to expect from the crafty female. he wouldnt be caught off guard again.
what did Matron Mae'Vir want with her anyways? all he knew was that she was the youngest daughter of the destroyed second house. he managed a smile as he imagined his fine edged dagger drawn across her pretty throat.

Lance · Post by **Lance** » Sat Dec 19, 2009 1:43 pm

His enchanted cloak flowing in the wind, Lance flew over the landscape at a pleasant speed, the wind flowing in his face. A soft purr was heard from inside his backpack.
"No, Shaelzyn. I won't use the wings right now"
A chirping sound was heard.
"Because they are conspicuous, that's why"
Another chirp.
"Point. This isn't discreet either, but-"
Lance's eye caught something from the village underneath. A human eye wouldn't had reacted but Lance's draconic empowered vision caught it easily.
"Drow? Here?", he muttered, catching sight of the dark skin and the white hair. Lance quickly turned in flight and begun to circle the village.
"It is a drow without doubt, but what of the other one? Human? Elf?"
Shaelzyn chirped from inside the pack.
"Because it is a bit of, even for followers of Eilistraee, if that drow is one of them, one of us"
A disagreeing chirp was heard.
"But I am Shaelzyn. I serve both, as you well know. Let us investigate, this drow has piqued my interest"
With a mental command Lance terminated the magic of the cloak and begun to fall down, the lingering magic slowed the fall.

Still, he didn't land outside the inn in a way anyone could consider "discreet".
[i:3g3du2qw]So much for staying concealed[/i:3g3du2qw], he thought.
Lance strode up to the village inn and opened the door. He was a strange sight in any way. Above average height he looked very much like a human, but his long hair had the color of pure silver and his eyes looked like pools of molten mercury. He wore a large black cloak over his armor which seemed to be made of platinum. A coat in black and silver was draped over the armor and the hilt of a sword was visible from beneath the cloak.

Arya Baenre · Post by **Arya Baenre** » Wed Dec 23, 2009 5:52 am

Dannil ordered a pint of mead and the usual roast meat and potatoes. That running was excuse enough for the drink, he decided, wearily pulling off his cloak as he sat down with Zarae. He shot the waitress a grin before she left and turned to Zarae, one eyebrow raised in curiosity. Now was the perfect time for her to elaborate on her story.

He took a piece of the meat as she held it out to him, never having had it before. As he bit into it, the door opened. He would not have minded, his gaze would have returned to Zarae, but for the fact that the visitor was not human, or, for a matter of fact, any race he'd seen before.

Boy, was today a day of nevers.

Zarae Zyne Kilanatlar · Wed Dec 23, 2009 7:33 am

((Zarae has red streaked silver hair, but i reckon it would look white also from up so high.

im not sure, but are you dragonborn or half dragon?))

Zarae saw that Dannil was ready for an explanation. she took a small piece of rothe jerky for herself, wrapped the bundle up and put it back into her pouch. she thought for a moment and munched on her jerky when the door open to reveal a very unusual tall male with silver hair and eyes. his amour and dress were very different than the guards who stood nearby their table. his visible sword and causal manor made her uneasy.
was he sent by Matron Mae'Vir also? she must be desperate to hire such people to hunt her down.
her 'escorts' stood ready and edgy at the turn of events. one whispered very low, though her keen hearing heard it clearly, "first, a wretched black elf, now this? i better get overpay for this. we should just kill the black devil and be done."
the waitress (or whatever their called) returned with two mugs, one mead and another of a reddish liquid, and a plate of food Zarae didnt recognize. she served Dannil, eyes locked at him, and set the other mug in front of Zarae. "Winsten says to give ya this. most them fair folk order it, tho i reckon yer not be normal elven kind. Be ya really a drow?"
Zarae keeping an eye on on the male in the door, nodded, a bit uncomfortable at the attention she was getting. she preferred to be unnoticed and unseen in these lands.
“I’ve heard that drow be evil, but ya don’t seem so to me," she replied. turning her attention back to Dannil, "if ya need anythin' else, just hollar for me; me name's Lilly." with a final wink she left.
Zarae look cautiously at her drink and tried to smell if any poisons were in it, then whispered an arcane phrase, passing her hand over the glass. she watched the stranger in her peripheral.
"well...where to begin?" she started.

Lance · Post by **Lance** » Wed Dec 23, 2009 10:51 am

(Ah, ok, I didn't notice that. Lance is a dragonborn, actually)

Lance closed the door, no reason to let it stand open.
[i:2ck6v1t4]Indeed, a drow[/i:2ck6v1t4], he thought to himself.
Se was, however, different...he couldn't put a finger on it. But then, sometimes his draconic senses revealed things to him that he didn't fully understand. He had, however, known several "different" drow before.
His accute senses easily picked up the comment from the guards.
He smiled in his mind, not many knew his race. None at all, he would dare to guess. There was no sense in just standing at the dorr, though.
Lance walked calmly towards the table, as to not appear threatening, despite his appearance and armaments.
"Gentlemen, my lady", he greeted with a small bow.
"Please, do not be alarmed by my appearance. I can assure you that I mean no harm whatsoever. Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Lance Dragonmar, paladin and vassal of Bahamut, the platinum dragon"
[i:2ck6v1t4]And also of Eilistraee, but I doubt that invoking the name of the Dark Lady would do much to earn the trust of humans. Better to speak of such things in private[/i:2ck6v1t4], he thought.

Zarae Zyne Kilanatlar · Wed Dec 30, 2009 11:24 am

((just for the record, i cheated & looked up the drow words. some people actually speak it or understand it.

..i dont, so i will indicate if speakin drow))

Zarae shouldnt have been too surprised, at the new guest or the guards comment; she had been called worse.
Her years in the city of the drow brung many unusual races. She had known of a half dragon/drow even. But this male was one she hadn’t encountered before. The male walked up to the table, greeted them, and bowed. ‘lady’ was not an address she expected neither. She had her left hand on her dagger if he proved hostile. She looked to the human for a second to read how he reacted (body language idea) then back to the draconic male. She knew of one paladin, a priestess of the Dark Maiden from the rebel base back home; but were all ‘paladin’ like her? His words appeared reassuring but she was on guard against charm spells, especially having just escaped Mae’Vir’s “bounty” hunters.
She would wait to reveal her real name. speaking bluntly (but not harshly) she responded, “my grasp of the tongue of [i:3p79uvsg]rivval [/i:3p79uvsg]is not so good; call me Twilight for now.” She motioned for Dannil to introduce himself and continued, “What business does a clergy of a [i:3p79uvsg]tagnik'zur[/i:3p79uvsg] (dragon) deity have with me, or us?"
with a bit more sarcasm she continued, "or is Matron Mae’Vir promising some great reward you if you can capture me? If so, leave the [i:3p79uvsg]rivval [/i:3p79uvsg]out of it. the last three are likely still cursing my name. I’ll not go so easy.”
Outside the commotion grew. talk of the newcomers was the choice of gossip. A betting pool began and arguments grew louder from the outraged villagers. The inside guards grew more uneasy, but held they position; one eying the paladin and easy-dropping on the conversation. He changed temperament when he heard Lance mention Bahamut.

Arya Baenre · Post by **Arya Baenre** » Sun Jan 03, 2010 4:48 pm

At first seeming slightly apprehensive, Dannil relaxed visibly as Lance introduced himself, and gestured to the empty seat in front of him, "I am Dannil. Would you care to join us?"

He eyed Zarae behind his mug, wondering why she seemed so hostile, never thinking of the life she must have led below. He turned to shout for Lilly and looked at Lance, grinning, "What'll you have?"

If Zarae didn't trust Lance, should he? Lance introducing himself as a Paladin was good enough for Dannil, but ... although he could not fully understand what Zarae had said and meant, apparently she thought him allied with the Drow that had attacked them. The tales he had heard of Drow definitely made it possible that one would masquerade as a Paladin, but he felt that he could trust Lance for some reason.

He took another sip of his mead, offering Zarae and Lance the food he had as Lilly walked to the table to take Lance's order. Perhaps he was just looking into it too much. He glanced at Zarae, wondering if her tale would have to wait now.

Lance · Post by **Lance** » Mon Jan 04, 2010 1:26 am

Lance nodded and smiled at Dannil.
"If you offer me a seat I would gladly accept it. It has been a very long day, after all".
Lance took a seat, calmly as to not appear threatening. He waited for the waitress and ordered a mead. Then he turned to Zarae.

"It is a matter of curiosity and little more, lady Twilight", Lance replied to Zarae.
"I do have some experience with your people, the drow. More than most, some would say, and I was simply curious of your business in the area, though I understand if you would like to keep such matters private. A of my own business I have recently visited a great seer of Bahamut and are delivering a sacred relic to a safe haven. More than that, I cannot say", he cotinued.
Lookng somewhat perplexed at Zarae's mention of Matron Mae'vir, Lance continued.
"No paladin of the Platinum Dragon would stoop to bounty hunting or assassination, an no one could falsely claim to be one of his vassals without being struck down. Rest assured, lady Twilight, that I mean neither you nor your companion any harm. Quite the contrary, I assure you"

Zarae Zyne Kilanatlar · Mon Jan 04, 2010 9:44 am

Zarae relaxed a bit, but kept her guard as she always did.
"if your not with the hunters, then your timing is rather curious."
she sipped her reddish drink, having detected it wasnt poisonous.
"my people would not hesitate to steep so low to get what they want. its just that way. i was told by the priestess from the temple back in the woods to be careful, we drow are not wanted here." she motioned to the angry crowds and disgruntled barkeep and guards. she was a bit uncomfortable so she would tell the basics for now; no need to burden them with more than needed.
"but i promised a story so ill fill in some details. i tell you, and you tell me your stories.
i have been on the surface a short time, 7 sets and rise cycles. well today makes 8 rises."
everyone looking at Zarae could see a bit of pain in her eyes as they shifted more to an indigo from the violet they just were (from the maroon they normally are).
"years ago my House was attacked. most everyone killed as far as i know. Lloth had decreed that out House be destroyed, for we fell out of favor. i saw most my family fall beneath drow blade before i escaped." Zarae's tone and reactions seamed like it was a normal and usual thing.
"i was supose to be killed with the rest of my family but i was found by a 'matron,' Matron Helvighym, and another priestess. i later found out that the Matron was High Priestess for the rebel group my older sister was hunting, followers of Eilistraee. it was hard, the way some of fellow [i:1zoz1lv2]Dalharil [/i:1zoz1lv2], um i not sure of the equivalent word, treated me. its kinda funny, i ran away a few times in the early days. i was there for many moon cycles, trained and was opened to new things. tho i never was faithful to Lloth, i turned from her ways for the Light Above. an attack on Lith My'athlar from its warring neighbor caused the priestess to take many of us to the surface temple those 7 moons ago. i was taking a walk to think when i met up with Dannil." she motioned to Dannil if he wanted to add to the story his side.
"those hunters," looking at Dannil specifically, "Lloth's not letting me go so easy i can see. my past is catching up with me."
Lilly brung out the order and handed Lance his mead.
she took another sip to watch everyone's reactions and hear their tales. it might be a long morning for everyone.

Lance · Post by **Lance** » Tue Jan 05, 2010 10:16 pm

"How curious", Lance said as he took a drink from his mead.
"I have heard of such things and I am somewhat...familiar with the politics of the drow, but a follower of the dark maiden? It is indeed a strange world we are living in"
Lance took another drink and paused for a moment.
"My timing is indeed...curious, but the platinum dragon works in mysterious ways. He is, after all, a god of prophecies so perhaps my arrival here serves some higher purpose? No matter. Lady Twlight, as I can see it there are two possible paths. Either you confront these hunters or you seek out a sanctum or haven of some kind where you are safe from them"
Considering his options, Lance fell silent a few moments. Then he spoke:
"Either way, I am able and willing to assist you. As a vassal of the platinum dragon it is my duty to aid those in need and I do it gladly. Whether course you decide, I will aid you"

Zarae Zyne Kilanatlar · Fri Jan 15, 2010 12:33 am

((i was hoping Arya would be back to post sooner...))

Zarae looked back at Lance.
"curious? how so?"
She could only hope that the people around here had known about the Dark Maiden and of good drow; and it seamed like some did. she knew that surfacers believed that stories of good drow were believed as myth or a ploy of Lloth. she sipped her drink and took the last bite eof the rothe jerky piece.
"im not sure what to do now. the 'prophesy' is true. they will never stop it seams. and anyone can get tied up into this 'game' of hers." and if you stay around long enough, you both may end up..." she paused, not finishing the sentence so as to not seam as a threat for the ease-dropping guards.

Lance · Post by **Lance** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 11:20 am

"Curious because it is similar to when...", Lance words trailed of, his eyes becoming distant.
"Never mind. It is not important anyway. I have crossed bblades with the minions of the Spider Queen more than once, lady Twilight, and i seems I am still alive after all. Besides, I will never abandon anyone who could be in need of my assistance. If it is a safe haven you need, I know of a few place beyond the reach of even the drow"