On the Edge of the Breathing Swamp

[Aylstra Illianniis]

He gives Chub a puzzled frown, wondering what she means. "More your kind? In what way?" He looks out toward through the trees, knowing she is still out there. He can feel her watching, like a dark shadow across the moon. <Wish Vala was here,> he thinks forlornly. <She at least knows what Morg is capable of.>

He listens to Micha telling Inrii what they know of the threat from earlier, but pays little heed. In spite of the assurances of the Ladies and their followers, he knows that the bigger threat comes from his mad half-sister. At the very least, this Derek's motives are predictable, if perhaps commonplace. Hers, though.... He thinks back, wondering what could have caused her to seek him out again. then it hits him. He had stolen her pack and spellbook when last they met, along with most of her belongings inside. Surely this is not simply a matter of getting them back? Then again.... The book had several rare and powerful spells within its pages, and several items that were unfamiliar to him, but no doubt of value to her, or she would not have kept them. Most notable was a map of some tower or other, though what it was for, he couldn't guess.

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Morganna almost laughs aloud when she sees the mist form around the camp and the numbers appear to increase. What sort of fool did these pitiful Moondancers take her for? To think she could be tricked by such an obvious ploy is almost an insult. <Well, two can play at that game,> she muses darkly. She slowly makes her way through the branches of the tall trees, until she sees the male with the orcs and kobolds. She listens to his order to the chief, and nods approval. <Yes, I like this one,> she decides. <Perhaps he will provide some amusement while I decide how best to butcher that bleeding-heart s'wit slowly. A simple blade in the chest just won't do this time. No, this time, I want him to truly suffer...>

[Bhaern Quel]

Inrii she smiles softly to you. "We are here to rescue those we can, the Island is a good base for any, besides the grove is a good one for worship and dancing. This though is only a camp. The others except when called are in a dryer location. We are called here by the Lady of the Dance so we remain here." Gestures to the fog and the shadows. "Another watches us, but be not worried we have defenders.
I can look for your friend, if you tell me enough to search for her."

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Lother Chub ((male)) gives you a knowing smile. "Those short lifers only interfere with giving the Dark maidens message. Jenia of course is the worst of them, killing trees instead of evil."


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Derek waves a hand and a table appears, set for two. "Come and speak with me if you wish. Tell me why you intrude on my domain."

He glances to the orc leader and with a hand dismisses him.

[Aylstra Illianniis]

The half-drow woman glances at the table warily as the stranger calls out, realizing that only a fool would go for the gesture without some plan first. She mutters a spell of invulnerability, then lightly drops down just inches behind him, a dagger in hand and at his throat in seconds.

"This was just a warning. Had I wished, I could have simply slit your throat and been done with it, but you intrigue me. What do you want with those silly songbirds out there? Perhaps we can come to an- arrangement? I am interested in only one- the young male who just arrived. The others are nothing to me, but he has something I want, and I have a personal score with him, besides."

She moves around to his front, a cold smile playing at the edges of her lips. She is beautiful, but only in the way that a viper might be considered beautiful. One would do well to watch their hands around either, lest that beauty prove fatal. She gives him a menaingful glance, as she sizes him up. Her heritage is quite obvious at such close range- a mix of moon elf and drow, with a clear leaning toward the latter, except for her jet-black hair.

[Bhaern Quel]

((Oh good plotting, though we should not go too far in posts until Inrii posts again, as such this will be last post until that event.))

The doping behind his back could have been prevented, and even if the blade had pierced his protections the contingencies were in place. The Drow wizard smiles to Morg as she step to face him, his eyes take a moment to study her. Perhaps a suitable receptacle for his children, though there is time to decide on that. "Those songbirds hold the best land, they raid and kill my troops. I want them gone sooner, rather then later. I could wait for the human to die, but that is years from now. Also it is hard to know how well she might train a replacement. I of course give you leave to kill any on that Island, even my own should it further my goals and your own. But come now, you must be a bit tried and have not eaten at least the last few hours. Yes the food is safe for both of us to eat. I have not trick here for you." At least for now.

_____

The orc chieftain dismissed goes to plan an attack with the reduced force that he has.

[Inriiaynrae Jaelre]

((alrights, me back now...Sunday's Im not available till late my time.))

"Erelurra. she was undercover back home in Minauthkeep, in Cormanthor. I dont know what 'house' or where her assignment came from, she didnt really discuss it. I just wanna know that she got somewhere safe or back to her 'house'."
Inrii picked up on some of the other conversations around her. Listening and 'easedropping' was how she stayed ahead and survived in House Jaelre.
There wasnt too much of interest till she heard Club and Lothir's.
Club's attitude surprised her. Not at all like the other males of the camp. It reminded her of some of the guys back home. She wondered if he was an undercover nightshadow. Vhaeraun sent spies into Lloth's and Eilstraee's clergy. Raya, her sister, was in training to be a traitor-priestess.

[Aylstra Illianniis]

The young drow suppresses a smile at the other's comment about felling trees, and shrugs. "I'm not especially knowledgeable on the Lady's dogma, myself. All I know is that she called to me, and I have never regretted it. If nothing else, it has given me strength and hope at times when I had none."

He finds a spot to sit and talk, and gives the other male a nod of invitation. He looks him over thoughtfully, unsure how to act. He has never known any other males who share his faith, so this is a new experience for him. "What drew you to her?" he asks, not certain if he is prying.

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Morganna gives him a catlike smile, knowing full well what he is thinking, as she has seen the same look on many a male before. And all of those are dead now. <Perhaps I might toy with him for a while- at least until he begins to bore me,> she thinks with relish.

"Well, that is so very- gracious of you. But I make it a point never to dine with someone unless I know his name first. As to my own, I am Morganna Bloodbane, a- traveller, shall we say, from another sphere. That young male who was meddling in your interests is my half-brother. Perhaps I can help you eradicate those bothersome Moondancers- for a price, of course. In return, you will leave him for ME. I assure you, I can be quite helpful."

She smiles at the stranger again, and waits for him to answer.

[Bhaern Quel]

Inri ((OOC: All I can do is cast the spell, you will need to decide how well the search goes (success or failure) )) I can search for your friend, perhaps there will be some goods news that I can find. It will take concentration, a pray and meditation so I might as well make myself as comfortable as possible before beginning." Micha rises to her feet and walks into the clearing, starting to hum a tune, then starting the steps to begin her dance. She plants her sword point down in the land. She starts to sing and dance to the point of dancing out of her clothing. The dance and song, tends to be a longer one and her arms and legs are cut by her blade as she danced to it.
As the song ends she folds down t the ground, her sword her back rest and closes here eyes. "Erelurra, Vel'klar ph'dos?
Micha waits for the what if any answer will come.

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Lothir, Chub peers though the new fog, then decides to sit next to you as you offer. Considers your claim, it is rare that any male claimed direct contact with her. It is true at times small aid might be given. How much to say to one that has seen the Goddess? "Oh the Ladies will be more then happy to tell you more should you remain with us. Our goal is to return to the light in peace, only fighting those that are Evil. Oh there are more, but that is what called me to her."

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Morg Stands and bows formally.

"M'Lady pray forgive my manners, I am Derek, Lord of the swamp. Please forgive me for not introducing myself sooner. My only excuse is that this is a time of war and very recently a blade was at my neck."

Considers what she offers in information. "So all you seek is to kill one? Knowing the songbirds you might have to kill a few others to get to him, if he stays. Know this, many visit them for aid of some kind, but do not join them. A day or two wait and he might leave the Island where the defenses are better on the trail out where the balance shifts to me, thereby to you. Get him a mile from the swamp, the odds of victory of your goal is far better with less cost in effort." That bloody human female, if only could get her.

"Now would you sit to dine, or fell welcome in my domain?
I give you permission for all you ask, even if you say no."

[Inriiaynrae Jaelre]

this work?:

~an image of the female in the promanade appears. she is resting on a bed and being tended to. a bandage is carefully warped around her ribs and her black clothes are piled neatly on the table. her fake mask is being wrapped and placed into a bag. The dark black sword is fading to silver again. a smile is on her face even though her eyes are closed.~

Inrii watched and waited by Zarstra as Micha sang and danced. She was trying to be patient with all the things going on around her. Reverie wouldnt come and she couldnt sleep. She just watched the fire and began to examine her sword.

((if that s not what u asked or if i messed w/ ur character, sorry. will fix))

[Aylstra Illianniis]

Lothir nods, listening to Chub's words thoughtfully. "I do not know how long I will remain here," he says finally. "I had thought to seek a place among your group, perhaps even as a protector, but with her out there..." He shugs, shaking his head with a soft sigh. "I sometimes think the gods are laughing at me," he muses sourly. "Now matter where I go, I cannot seem to get away from my family. It was bad enough when she was hunting me across one world, but two? It's beyond all understanding."


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Morganna sneers as the strange male introduces himself, looking around with obvious derision, and chuckles at the mention of a blade at his throat. "Lord of the swamp? Clearly, you have not set your sights high enough, then. Mine are much more ambitious. I seek something far better than a small island in the middle of a dismal bog. As should you, LORD Derek," she says, her tone almost mocking his title.

She turns, with a smile that is half pleasure, half madness. "You see, he holds something that will help me acheive nothing less than godhood. Does that perk your interest, milord?" She glances down at the table, then sits down at one seat. She frowns slightly at the fare offered, and looks up at him expectantly. "I don't suppose you have anything stronger than wine? My tastes run to much more potent pleasures." She gives him a little knowing smirk, one black brow raised.

[Bhaern Quel]

Jordon and Jenia rejoin the group, Nuta keeps an eye on Micha as she rests in her spell trance.

Seiw and Snust patrol about the camp as Eilae tends to her blades.

The fog starts to fade and those shadows, actually tend into people the same group found is now now much larger. The enlarged group between exchanging greetings with the first, also at to the patrol. A few from time to time appearing to pause to cast a ward or detection spell.

((No I am not going to name them all at this time as it is not needed yet.))


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Inrii after a few more minutes Micha opens her eyes and rises taking her blade in hand and walks to you and sits beside you. "Your friend appears well and in a safe place, down below. She has taken some injury that have been tended to, she rests with a smile on her face. Yes your friend did reach a place of safety."

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Lothir Chub looks to you. "There is strength in numbers and if you were chased two worlds and have not defeated her it clearly appears she will defeat you no matter how many worlds you travel to. Considering the level of magic she used the odds are when she defeats you she will kill others near you. Here is a place of strength and filled with hands ready to fight by your side. It surely is a better plan to stay here and defeat her as oppose to removing us from danger. For then you will not know when or where she will find you again." Consider what little you have disclosed of your sister and yourself. "Do you still carry a House token or something else from tat House? Of perhaps you have injured her in someway that she believes honor requires your death? The better you can figure out why she chases you so far and long, will give you a better way to face her, with or without friends. Finding understand of her motives can make it easier to defeat her. Think about this, you should at least stay this eve in any case."

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Derek chuckles at the sneer, did she really expect him to fully reveal himself to someone that was ready to kill him. Well Lord of a Swamp clearly a title safely claimed, there are others as well.

"My Lady Morganna, this swamp does have some treasurers not readily seen or found, but as that is not your interest there is no reason to tell you of them. If he is your only interest for what he carries it certainly does sound interesting, though often a element to accession tends to be usable by only one. If I should strive for more then this swamp, what reward do you offer me?

As to spirits and herbs, should your interest them, indeed I have a rather diverse supply. It is always hard to plan a meal for one one first meeting, it takes time to learn ones likes and dislikes. The meal and drink I offered you was one preferred by a Matron - I had hoped it would have suited you. Tell me what drink you would prefer or for that matter any changes to the meal I certainly will try to provide it at once. Nay not conjured, for that is false, rather teleported from my supplies."

[Inriiaynrae Jaelre]

"thank you, lady. She needs to be among her family. And it answers a few questions."
Inrii walked back twords the fire with Zarstra and sat down. Zarstra yawn, and crawled onto Inrii's lap. Inrii stroked her as she sat and thought about the days events.
Her curosity lead her to follow the female who vanished, then to meet up with Lothir and Eilistraee's followers. after arriving to be involved in an attack and personal grudge/battle...
Inrii hadnt had such a day since leaving Minauthkeep and fighting the gnolls. that had been a while too.
She leaned back on the ground using her pack as a pillow, watched the stars pass.
If any thought her off guard, they would be sorely mistaken.

[Aylstra Illianniis]

He sighs, waving absently to Chub. "Yes, I know that. To tell the truth my being here was purely accidental. I somehow managed to stumble through a portal back home and ended up here. I have no idea how she even knew I was still alive. I'm not worried about facing my own death- it woudln't be the first time, after all- but I'd rather no have anyone else in harm's way. As to why she is hunting me again, I haven't a clue. It goes far beyond the normal boaunds of sibling rivalry or vengance, even for her!"

He shrugs. "I suppose it doesn't matter now. I'm not sure she CAN be beaten. I've faced her twice already, and both times only outside interference ended it. The second time we thought she was dead, but then the body disappeared, and... She must have had some contingency ready, which means that even if she is beaten, it may not be as permanent as one would like. And if she brought along help? Who can say what might happen. She has access to power that even a Matron would envy. Namely, the ear of one particularly nasty goddess by the name of Tiamat. She's no cleric, mind you, but favored, none-the-less. I'm sorry that I brought this mess to your doorstep, so to speak."

He shakes his head sadly, wondering what she is plotting out there in the dark. He knows it would take a small arny to stop her, and perhaps not even that is certain.

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The half-drow eyes Derek thoughtfully, wondering just how far she should take this possible alliance. The youth is her main concern, though a side-trek with this one might prove interesting, if he holds more ambition than merely taking over some fetid swamp.

"Tell me, Derek," she purrs, "how does ruling an entire world sound to you? This one, or any other you might wish." she lifts her lips in a tempting smile, knowing she has perked his interest already. <Well, even a goddess sometimes has need of a consort,> she muses.

"And to answer your question, yes, he does have something valuable to me, for which I am prepared to reward you greatly if you can take him for me without damaging the merchandise. He holds an item which is the key to a great treasure, one which can be used to attain divinity by anyone who procures the proper components. But the timing must be right, or it becomes useless until the next lunar conjunction. The trouble is that he does not even know he has it. I wish to end this quickly, for my time to use it is drawing close. I've grown rather tired of the game, you see. He's begun to bore me, and that is dangerous."

"As to your fare, friend, I did not mean it was inadequate, though perhaps a bit boring to one accustomed to more- exotic tastes. Do you have something like Dwarf Blight, perhaps? If not, then allow me to introduce you to some of the finer aspects of my home. I warn you, though, it goes down like an angry tarrasque, and the after-effects can be quite harsh if you're not used to it!"

[Bhaern Quel]

Inrii Micha nods at your thanks and as you depart, tends to her own blades. As you settle in the ground., Nuta having already made herself assured that Micha did not cut herself so deeply, approaches you as you settle to rest out side "Abbil (friend), we have beds ready for you and your friends. Would you not prefer them then the damp of the night air?"

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"Lothir, any can be beaten even deities have been felled." He studies you in some ways trying to judge you. "You can not know it is chance that brought her here, now. The fact you survived the last two attacks, though clearly means you will die without aid. The logic of that thought is to just give up and walk to her to die. This though will not serve the Dark Maiden, Jenia serves better then that as she is willing to continue to fight and defeat those that wish to stop the message. The Goddess has called to you, that clearly means she favors you perhaps more then some Tiamat. What does a Dragon or five matter to us, killing Dragons are one of our tasks. If as you say that is her patron we are already her foe to be attacked when she wills. Abbil, it becomes more important from what you say to stay rather then go. Your foe is clearly our foe."

((Tiamat is deity of evil Dragons and as such all faithful would seek to defeat all of her followers that could not be changed to a better path. I mention this because some Dragon lover players appeared to get upset about idea of killing a Dragon.))

"It might be that a silver path led you here to us because of the mess, that it is for both of us to meet and defeat."

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Getting a better sense of her, maybe, Derek considers his words with care. "Two sound better, depending on what worlds they are. There of course are things of worth here and having all of it under my control clearly a value. Another greater world to add would be better." His wards in place he does wonder if somehow his thoughts are read, if so let this one thought clearly be known, no deity controls this world and all indications no one deity will ever control the world. Steels his mind as he continues. "Take him out with out damage turn to stone['i] perhaps would serve you well, though being your brother it might take a few tries to succeed. An attack by my followers certainly can not assure a no damage result. In fact after the last attack an order not to harm a male would likely result in a high injury report on the march to the attack. At this time they want blood for the blood their companions lost."

Considers, the orc chief might get to leave longer, the attack delayed a day or two, until you mention your time is short.

"How much time is there, or is it the next lunar conjunction far distant that a young female like you have not the time to wait? Dwarf Blight, I do not have at least by that name, however my wine cellar doe include Dwarven Bliss, Ale of Thunder and a few others of their brewing. In friendship I would gladly sample the finer aspects of your home."

[Inriiaynrae Jaelre]

Inrii listened as the footsteps closed in. She could tell by the way they walked they were friendly. "Vendui again. I enjoy sitting beneath the expanse of the sky and staring up at the stars, watching them pass by. Once in a while once can spot a falling star. I use to do this all the time during my first decade."

[Aylstra Illianniis]

Morg gazes at him thoughtfully; she can sense that he has strong wards up, most likely to keep her from pying into his thoughts. And perhaps some more physical protections, if he is wise. She chooses her words carefully, though clearly he is a more interesting ally than she has first thought.

"I cannot be certain how much time is left, as I do not know whether time passes differently here. For all I know, there might be some delay between the two, and my chance has already passed. If so, then it would be thrity years before I could try again. I am not THAT patient. In any case, there are other considerations, my other partner, for one. He is even less patient than I, as he would not doubt pass to the Twilight before the next one comes around. We had agreed to share the tome, as there is no limit on it being used by only one. And quite frankly, I am eager to return. I find this place of little interest, and with far too many of those dancing fools for my liking. At least back home we have the good sense to execute them before they can spread their nonsense."

She blythely waves a hand as she secretly casts a spell to test the food, before taking a bite. Assurance or not, she has not survivied this long by trusting anyone's word. "Of course I know that no one deity controls everything, but you miss the point, abbil. I have access to power you've not even begun to imagine- for one thing, I am privy to the secret dealings of a great network of spies, assassins, government agents, and thieves that controls some of the most important lands of my home. They could just as easily be brought here to do your bidding, as well. And let us not forget that my family rules the Underdark and the seas of an entire island nation of dark elves- who are far more united then your own fracious people, I might add. What is the loss of a few orcs and lesser creatures to an entire army at our fingertips?" She teases.

OOC: Yes, she really is THAT power-hungry..... A little insane, too....

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Lothir scowls in frustration. "Yes, I know that even gods can be destroyed, but I never said I would just walk out there to die," he says, slightly annoyed. "But having her turn on everyone here does not serve the Lady, either. Favored or not, I'm not so selfish as to think I'm important enough to risk the lives of all your friends. Unless you have a better solution. It's just- I've seen what she can do..." he finishes quietly.

"Too many innocent lives have been lost already because of this. I'd rather face her alone than let anyone else get hurt. Whatever comes of it, at least I would know I tried."

He turns as Nuta mentions the beds, and gives Chub a slight nod. "But I do thank you for the kind words. Perhaps there is hope for our kind yet. I will stay the night, and perhaps later we can try to think of some way to stop her madness for good."