Founding a Facade

[Arya Baenre]

She inclined her head at Veraka and Aurora both as they introduced themselves, then listened to Aurora's story, wincing as Veraka addressed her as 'Lady'.

[color=indigo:2mpu7r6k][i:2mpu7r6k]you're words are kind, Maryne, but I sensed that the towering aasimar was in trouble, through the telepathic bond that he shares with me, and came because of that feeling[/i:2mpu7r6k][/color:2mpu7r6k]

Maryne smiled at Aurora, thinking that it was lucky that Veraka and Aurora had met each other for both of them.

[color=indigo:2mpu7r6k]"Fol sargtlinen noa ulu nindolen yibin oolos, lu'udos shlu'ta xun naubol bauth ol. Udossta che'el zhahus alur tir harl Lolth's ilstar!”[/color:2mpu7r6k]

She hid her surprise as Veraka walked over to the drow that had voiced those words. T'risstree didn't seem too concerned with it; her eyes seemed to be all for her love at the moment. Her eyebrow rose when Veraka let the drow go. He had all but openly declared blasphemy, as far as she had seen.

Mal'ai. Perhaps it was because she had spent most of her life worshipping the Spider Queen, but she still thought it was best to kill those who openly defied you. There was less chance that came back to stab you in the back. Much less chance.

Her eyes followed the drow as he made a break for it, running as fast as he could in the opposite direction. He would be back, she sighed. They all would, and the struggle to rule Lith My'athar would continue.

The sharp words of an irritated drow female made her turn and look at the city guard making its way to the mess. Behind them walked a drow female in the middle of a conversation with another taller drow male.

Maryne found it interesting that she walked, talked, and commanded like a priestess, and yet Maryne had not seen her in this city to date. It was odd, but not odd enough to warrant anything; this priestess seemed ready to take someone's head, but as long as it wasn't Maryne's, she was fine with that. Except for an odd choice of jewelry - spikes on your neck seemed more of a hazard than a fashion to her, the drow seemed like any other around here. The city could have used more of her, though, wherever she came from.

Another drow runs into the scene, apparently familiar with T'risstree and both paladins. They made a sizable group now, and the city guard picking up the dead drow bodies had to push past the still growing crowd.

[veraka]

[color=blue:to0a5nlk]"It seems that our presence is indeed provocative friend Veraka but at least we have a few captives in which to gleen some information from." He gestured to the unconscious drow who he head butted at the start of the battle. The armless one and the one suffering from acid burns had died from their wounds.[/color:to0a5nlk]

Veraka turned to the Knight-Captain, and nodded his agreement; "Talwyn, as much as I hate to admit it, but two shiny armored paladins isn't exactly subtle, nor is both our stature's; but that is beside the point. While I'm in agreeance with your idea of getting some information from any of these [i:to0a5nlk]aruetyc[/i:to0a5nlk] myself, I do believe that within the confines of House Helvighym might be more suitable for our needs."


[color=indigo:to0a5nlk]"I thought I told you to be careful?! When we heard the commotion, we came running."[/color:to0a5nlk]

He turned his attention back to an approaching Kalkyril and Zhay; "nice to see I'm still wanted around here, Mi'lady," he mock joked, then still in the same mind-set.
"Oh, me and Knight-Captain were careful; those morons weren't," he gestured toward the ravaged corpses that were being drug away at Zhay's orders.

"I'm just glad you weren't killed," Zhay said in an all-serious tone. His eyes said the same, for he really did care about the aasimar, who'd not only trained him when he asked for it, but also taught alll he knew about the Dark Maiden and his own views on life. Yes, if Kalkyril said that Zhay looked upon Veraka as a father-figure, albeit of a young one, she wasn't far from the truth.

"Oh, come now, Zhay. You should now me, it takes A LOT more than a dozen [b:to0a5nlk]areutyc[/b:to0a5nlk] to cause me to worry," Veraka replied with a grin.

Zhay rolled his eyes, but had to smile at his mentor's jest; it was Veraka's relaxed and humorous attitude on his life half the time that made him smile.

[color=blue:to0a5nlk]"Huh. I was only joking about a small world, but apperantly, it's true. Good to see you again, Sir- ah, Veraka, wasn't it?" He says, fishing in his memory for the aasamar's name.[/color:to0a5nlk]

Veraka turns to see an all too familiar bard face that he knows.
"Ah, The master musician himself; Lothir, and your still an old fool as far as I'm concerned," he laughed, "besides seeming to have missed the fun, what are you doing here?"



Aurora, still sitting near Maryne, watches Veraka first stalk over to the loud, obnoxious drow and berate him , then send him scurrying. It is Maryne's reaction to the aasimar's actions that spikes her curiosity. The wolf glances up at the priestess, her expression that of genuine confusion.

[i:to0a5nlk]Forgive me, Maryne, but do you think that Veraka should have throttled that idiot male for his ranting, as he did when he was in battle?[/i:to0a5nlk]

[Talwyn Aureliano]

Remaining quiet at the moment seemed the wisest thing to do as first the crowd showed up then the city guard. T'risstree though seemed to be getting extremely agitated by the unfolding of events, especially when Kalkyril appeared on the scene and started snapping out orders.

Hmm...it must be a female drow thing...dominance and the perception of who is in charge he thought to himself. Kalyrin's suddenly appearance and the way she is acting must really be pissing her off.

[color=indigo:ombr1v9h][i:ombr1v9h]"Talwyn, who is this....brane'j'nesst? Lu'vel'uss l'vith 'udtila il talinth il zhah belbaun undva? Xuat tesso uns'aa dos zhaun ilta 'zil al?" [/i:ombr1v9h]she hissed quietly into Talwyn's ear while glaring at this new female who seemed to think she was the SpiderQueen herself. [/color:ombr1v9h]

Yep...she's pissed alright.

"Love, that is Kalkyrin and I only met her on the outskirts of the city earlier today. She claims she comes from some other city and that her house was destroyed." He spoke to her very softly while trying to work out what to do next.

T'risstree's eyes narrowed and glowed briefly as she digested that bit of information, all the time watching Kalkyrin.

He was just about to say something else when Lothir wandered up with a wry grin on his face.

[color=olive:ombr1v9h]"Well, what a small world!" Lothir laughs, and strides right up to the pair. "And here I thought I'd seen the last of you two. Out honeymooning?" He holds out a hand to Tal, then gives T'risstree a sweeping bow. "As lovely as ever, I see, milady," Then he turns to give a nod and wamer smile to the others. "And well met to you all, as well."[/color:ombr1v9h]

Thank Torm for friendly bards Talwyn silently preyed in gratitude.

T'risstree snapped her baleful gaze from Kalkyrin and smiled at Lothir.

"Well met to you old friend. I see you manage to drag yourself away from the luxuary of the Inn. That must have been a terrible struggle," said Talwyn to Lothir with a cheeky grin. "I should be surprised that you are familiar with Lord Veraka but somehow, knowing your easy going and open friendly nature, I'm not."

Talwyn smiled at the Drow bard and quietly hoped that the fellow might be able to soothe T'risstree's vexated feelings. She always liked Lothir.

[T'risstree Helviiryn]

T'risstree had been thinking hard as to what to say in response to the appearance of this outsider female.

Then, from out of the black, Lothir came wandering along with a warm smile on his handsome face. She smiled at the bard with real warmth as he was someone she felt was one of her first true male drow friends who was not connected with her past.

"Vendui Lothir, it is a joy to see your face once again," she said with brief but warm smile. She'd love to have hugged Lothir but this was not to time for displays of warmth and affection. She turned back to Talwyn with a serious look.


"Lover of mine, I must step forward and deal with this upstart outsider. If I don't, the lustre of Eilistraee and the authority of her priestesses in this city will be undermined," she said in a low and very serious tone. She saw Talwyn frown in concern but she had no time to let him try and argue her out of this course of action. Pulling out her holy symbol of Eilistraee and letting it hang prominently on her chest, she stood taller, set her jaw and gestured to Maryne to stand by her side as she strode forward and stood in front of the guards who'd began the process of cleaning up the bodies.

"MIR! Che'el kyorle, Usstan tlun T'risstree Helviiryn, yathrin d'Eilistraee. Vel'drav xunus ol doera rivvin practice ulu plynn orders dal niki? Inbal dos alus viggtu? Nindol nika uriu tlus wun l'che'el er'griff uss tangi lu'dos ju'zhas saph tahta jora vel'drav il pahnte ilta norrs! Ol zhah zuul'raght nindel dos inbal naut tlus troubled z'lonzic ulu check l'identity d'natha xun nika! Udos xal 'zil al fridj pahntar l'che'el vidennen lu'ori'gato wun jaluss!Ka dos zhahen ussta qu'ellar glennen, dos jal orn'la tlu whipped wund biu sin d'dosst yeunn dron!" said said in a low meancing tone that left no doubt of her barely restrained fury. The guards looked suitably shamefaced and cowed.

T'risstree whirled on Kalkyrin.

"Lu''zil whol dos, zhaun dosst k'lar lu'ibo'a dosst k'lar ghil nika! Dos inbal nau qu'ellar, nau ka'lum, nau yorn ghil lu'nau uss zhaun dos! Z'hin kyone nika lu'xun naut assume udos ph'jal oolos," she hissed at Kalkyrin. She glared at the strange and unfamiliar female, her eyes blazing.


{OOC: sorry about all the drow speech but it looks better I think than normal english and T'riss switches back to Drow when she is mad She does not think that a total stranger in a city should be listened to at all }

[Arya Baenre]

{{OOC: This question is probably stupid, but are we all speaking common in this?}}

[color=indigo:1c77bfyc][i:1c77bfyc]Forgive me, Maryne, but do you think that Veraka should have throttled that idiot male for his ranting, as he did when he was in battle?[/i:1c77bfyc][/color:1c77bfyc]

She stared at Aurora, wondering if she was that easy to read, she nodded when her moment of worry passed, though. "Yes and no. I think it's better Veraka did not [i:1c77bfyc]fight[/i:1c77bfyc] him necessarily, but a punch would have worked." She crossed her arms and nodded to the City Guard as they went to work. "He seems to have some hold with them, as well. I am sure the Guard will not have any hesitation when given the opportunity to remove a threat from the city's streets, however small. He may not have done much by himself, but he will rouse the crowds. I am sure you know of drow and their xenophobic nature. That Eilistraee's priestesses side with and aasimar paladin will not help us, I'm sure." She grinned, the scar on her left cheek giving her a feral, crazed look for a moment, "But the harder they will fall."

She saw T'risstree motion for her to follow, and moved to join the other drow as she went to reprimand the female she had just seen. Maryne stood beside T'risstree as she snapped at the guards, and then turned to deal with the drow female.

When T'risstree's tirade was done, Maryne felt that it was better that she not add that it was good someone had finally attempted to discipline the guard. "Miss, while you have helped us, what my friend here is trying to say is that she is curious as to who you are and why you are here. You must understand that we are only concerned with the good of the city, and a new priestess such as yourself often warrants concern." She shot a glance at T'risstree, remembering the words T'risstree had told her earlier. One eyebrow rose slightly in question directed at T'risstree. Apparently vinegar [i:1c77bfyc]was[/i:1c77bfyc] better than honey at times.

[Pheurazath]

Surely, all around her probably expect all manner of insults, rage, possibly spells to begin flying about. Musing, as a brief flash of anger wells within her, the disguised dragon's honor slighted, however minutely, initially tempted to revert and blast T'risstree with her acid breath.

It is gone in an instant, the unmoving, well-concealed Charir telepathically reminding and pleading with her, [i:24aq8dad][color=red:24aq8dad]~Please, Mistress, remain calm. Revealing yourself now will ruin your plans, and I do not wish to see your subsequent rage. Smile, and remember diplomacy.~[/color:24aq8dad][/i:24aq8dad]

And so it is, Kalkyril finds her smile, reviewing what is said, and all the scouting and observations she made in order to devise her disguise and story, then answers the assault of words, "KA, wun ywrazz dos ph', xor rin'ov inbal tlus natha yathrin d'Lolth, lu'inbal rin'ov tlus wund natha Lolthite che'el, t'yin dos zhaun 'zil al 'zil Usstan xun, nindel kivvin muth au jivviim xor elghinyrr Ilythiiri, orn'la tlu muth guilty d'venoch, lu'mzilst ves'aph elggen, xor skrel areion natha verve dro d'jiv'elgg lu'o'gothin. Xuil nindol che'el inbalin ji mzil Lolothites wund ol, Usstan gumash naut pi'rescho usieva lu'oh nind orn'la t'zaraw xuil l'martheo. Talinth nindol kyone nin, inbalus l'kyorle reacted wun nindel valyr, ussta orders, xal inbal saved nind dron."

While she's on a roll Kalkyril adds in, speaking half to both T'risstree, and Veraka, and flashing the Aasimar a fond smile, "Gil'ssrigghinn, Veraka lu'Usstan, ph'abbilen d'natha s'enar, Usstan snap a ukta, uk chu rath xuil natha yutri et'zarreth comment, lu'udos tu'l'amith l'nibele."

In finality, she purrs calmly to the irate priestess, reverting to Common (or Undercommon if you prefer it be called), for all to hear and understand easily, "So, unless you have anything more to add, than this childish tantrum, solely because someone new in the city, is doing her level best to look after fondly kept companions, and friends, then I suggest you spare me your opinions until I ask for them."

[OOC: I don't mind at all, by the way, and that's very sound reasoning. Since we're assigning colors to certain lines of speaking, I've decided to keep Charir's in red. Moxt Charir, draconic for 'Little Red']

[Talwyn Aureliano]

[OOC: good point Arya about all the drow speech. Maybe if we use a colour and/or a qualification at the end if a character is going to give a longer speech? ]

Talwyn sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose as his firey lover tore strips of the guards for their lax attitude. Then she ripped into Kalkyrin but he had to concede she did have a fair point. Still, he'd never seen her like this and wondered what had gotten into her?

He felt a bit sheepish as well in that he hadn't remembered to check to see if Kalkyrin was indeed evil in her hear when they first met her. He'd check her soul when they were inside House Helvighym. It'd also be a good spot to see who could be trusted...well ...who at least wasn't overtly evil.

"When I jumped through that portal, I must have left my common sense behind," he muttered to himself.

It was time to step in and avert a battle that was threatening to break out between the two drow women but T'risstree's companion got in first.

[color=indigo:qlai84oe]When T'risstree's tirade was done, Maryne felt that it was better that she not add that it was good someone had finally attempted to discipline the guard. "Miss, while you have helped us, what my friend here is trying to say is that she is curious as to who you are and why you are here. You must understand that we are only concerned with the good of the city, and a new priestess such as yourself often warrants concern." She shot a glance at T'risstree.[/color:qlai84oe]

Best get in while they're both distracted he thought.

"AHEM! Excuse me ladies! As much as I value and respect the need for discipline and security in city guards and know full well the absolute imperative for vigilence, I suggest that we all head over to House Helvighym with this detachment of the guard, introduce ourselves and ask for their help in determining who these villians that assaulted us are. Is that not a wise and sensible suggestion Lord Veraka?" he asked of the Aasimar in the hope that if both paladins called for calm, then T'risstree and Kalkyrin might back down from blowing things up into a full scalel fight between them.

It seemed he'd caught T'risstree's attention at least after he spoke.

[T'risstree Helviiryn]

{OOC: okies on all the drow speech less is more }

[color=indigo:3c3b2pl8]In finality, she purrs calmly to the irate priestess, reverting to Common (or Undercommon if you prefer it be called), for all to hear and understand easily, "So, unless you have anything more to add, than this childish tantrum, solely because someone new in the city, is doing her level best to look after fondly kept companions, and friends, then I suggest you spare me your opinions until I ask for them."[/color:3c3b2pl8]

T'risstree went icy cold with burning hatred at those words and let out her breath in a long slow exhalation. Then she smiled at Kalkyrin.

Despite Talwyn's words she would not let that pass unanswered.

"If having a childish tantrum protects this city from spies, invaders and other forms of treachery then it seems we should have more of them. And as the goddess teaches us, strangers are our friends, even ones as who are homeless trash that did not have the strength to defend their own house and have fallen to begging in the sewers with the other refuse and garbage. We must be charitble to those pathetic pitiful cases that have fallen so low and are incapable of helping themselves. Oh...I'm not giving you an opinion...just stating a fact...it's the creed of the goddess you know?" she said in a sweet pleasant tone to Kalkyrin while wishing the woman was being slowly dipped in firey magma.

"Still, you really you weren't needed here as we had everything under control. However, now you are here and since you are new to the city, it would be a wonderful idea that we all go to House Helvighym determine the veracity of your claims and find out who ordered the attack on the two surfacers. You shouldn't have a problem with them hmm? After all, you have no house, no honor and therefore nothing.....to hide. Isn't that right hmm?"

She grinned with a beaming smile at Kalkyrin but there was a look of daggers in her eyes. T'risstree turned and returned Marynes look with a nod of understanding. Using the silent finger signals of the drow she said: [i:3c3b2pl8]I don't trust her - watch her carefully[/i:3c3b2pl8]

"Guards, pick up the trash and the prisoner and follow me to House Helvighym! Veraka, Maryne, Talwyn, come it is this way," she ordered in a tone that made it clear that she was not to be argued with.

The guards looked at one another, then at Zhay and Kalkyrin. With a nod they gathered up the bodies and the prisoner and began to follow T'risstree who was walking to the gates of House Helvighym. It was better to follow the devil you know than the devil you didn't and T'risstree was a priestess of Eilistraee who had the backing of Maryne where as Kalkyrin was completely new to them. Plus T'risstree seemed to be able to command the two surfacers so it was probably best they do as she says then get the hell away from this crazy bitch.

[veraka]

((OOC: blast you and your post sniping-ness, T'riss ))

[color=indigo:dfhaimpg]She stared at Aurora, wondering if she was that easy to read, she nodded when her moment of worry passed, though. "Yes and no. I think it's better Veraka did not fight him necessarily, but a punch would have worked." She crossed her arms and nodded to the City Guard as they went to work. "He seems to have some hold with them, as well. I am sure the Guard will not have any hesitation when given the opportunity to remove a threat from the city's streets, however small. He may not have done much by himself, but he will rouse the crowds.”[/color:dfhaimpg]

Hearing Maryne’s thought, she chuckles to herself as the priestess goes over to join a now fuming T’risstree, though has yet to learn her name, as does Veraka and Zhay.

[color=indigo:dfhaimpg]
“I am sure you know of drow and their xenophobic nature. That Eilistraee's priestesses side with and aasimar paladin will not help us, I'm sure." She grinned, the scar on her left cheek giving her a feral, crazed look for a moment, "But the harder they will fall."[/color:dfhaimpg]

At remembering Maryne’s little crazy look and thought, Aurora merely grinned a little wild look herself, saying [i:dfhaimpg]If only you knew how close you were to that statement, Maryne. They’ll fall hard, oh yes; they will fall very, very hard, especially with what lurks inside Veraka when he really gets pissed. I do know what drow are like in their quest for perfection; I also know that beneath that smiling facade of his lies a slumbering volcano ready to release its built up power and fury.[/i:dfhaimpg]

With that thought out of the way, and the two priestesses ready to engage Kalkyril in a battle of dominance, Aurora padded her way over to Veraka, who was now chatting and cracking jokes with everyone around him, save the gathering crowd, and the three females who looked like they were going to turn the scene into a bloodbath.

The great winter wolf then watches the aasimar walk over to Zhay and Kalkyril and start joking in his good sense of humor. Shaking her head, Aurora thinks out loud: [i:dfhaimpg]I still marvel at his ability to make witty jests and sayings, all in good humor, even after he has a near brush with death itself, because of the damn Lolthians in the city.[/i:dfhaimpg] She shakes her head at Veraka.


[color=indigo:dfhaimpg]“Lu''zil whol dos, zhaun dosst k'lar lu'ibo'a dosst k'lar ghil nika! Dos inbal nau qu'ellar, nau ka'lum, nau yorn ghil lu'nau uss zhaun dos! Z'hin kyone nika lu'xun naut assume udos ph'jal oolos," she hissed at Kalkyril. She glared at the strange and unfamiliar female, her eyes blazing.[/color:dfhaimpg]

Veraka spins about upon hearing the murderous shout that comes from behind him. Seeing Maryne and T'risstree, who is seething rage at Kalkyril, he inhales sharply; “oh no, not good.”
----------

At first he’s relaxed completely, what with his mentor cracking jokes left and right; it is when one of the priestesses, both of whom he doesn’t know, starts berating his unit that Zhay nearly snaps.
Only the fact that he’s in both Veraka’s and Kalkyril’s presence kept both his tongue and his temper in check. Zhay knew that, like all drow females, if there wasn’t a clear command chain, then it was usually solved and quickly. The fact this priestess was shouting at his men because of [b:dfhaimpg]his[/b:dfhaimpg] orders that he gave them, made the young warrior tense up with anger. He balled his fists at his pent up rage.
Zhay knew that the two priestesses in front of him, Veraka, and Kalkyril were among the ranks of the Dark Dancers, but does that give them the right to berate his men; he certainly didn’t think so.

------------------

Veraka felt something from behind him, turned and found his student glaring at the Eilistraeen priestesses with what could only be a cold, calculating rage; the aasimar cast a wary glance to his young learner and narrowed his silver eyes at him.

---------------

It took Zhay a couple of moments to notice that his mentor was staring at him with those silver blazing eyes. When he caught on, he saw that Veraka meant what he was saying to him through his stare; [i:dfhaimpg]don't do anything stupid and remember your training[/i:dfhaimpg] was what he recalled one time when Veraka had been dead on serious about the subtle things in social interactions.

The young drow warrior took a deep breath, held it for a second, and slowly exhaled, expelling his pent up anger.

-----------

Veraka nodded to his pupil and turned around to regard Maryne and T'risstree.
What Kalkyril said to T'riss made tactical sense, to both him and Zhay.
At her second response, he instantly doubled over in laughter. Zhay had a slight smile to his face at the remark.

[color=blue:dfhaimpg]"AHEM! Excuse me ladies! As much as I value and respect the need for discipline and security in city guards and know full well the absolute imperative for vigilance, I suggest that we all head over to House Helvighym with this detachment of the guard, introduce ourselves and ask for their help in determining who these villains that assaulted us are. Is that not a wise and sensible suggestion Lord Veraka?" he asked of the Aasimar in the hope that if both paladins called for calm, then T'risstree and Kalkyril might back down from blowing things up into a full scale fight between them.[/color:dfhaimpg]

Upon hearing this from Talwyn, Veraka calms to a steel-edged seriousness, and takes the initiative, saying "Yes, Knight-Captain, I believe that is the most [i:dfhaimpg]wise[/i:dfhaimpg] course of action, in both logical and tactical terms. There, we will be able to determine why these attackers are after you and myself, aside from our [b:dfhaimpg]outwardly[/b:dfhaimpg] appearances, perhaps gain some insight to this situation, as well as settle any [b:dfhaimpg]particular[/b:dfhaimpg] indifference's we have with each other." Veraka nods in agreement to Talwyn.

[Pheurazath]

Composure held, Kalkyril seems unaffected by the attempts to insult her, to perhaps even provoke a reaction, all while receiving silent coaching from Charir. Instead she files away the whole cynical speech, for future use, perhaps against T'risstree, whose heart does not appear (to Kalkyril's estimation) into the teachings that she rants on about. Disinterested as she is during this, and curious how he's holding up, Kalkyril glances aside to spot Zhay's glare, and the silent exchange between he and Veraka.

The question about something to hide, while it does draw her eyes back to T'risstree, she does not deem the question worth answering, and instead, looks away once more, glad for Talwyn's, and then Veraka's interrupting suggestions, and agreeing, "Well said, and indeed, I would like to know as well, why this attack occurred... besides the blaring shine of your armor, and not being Drow."

A look toward Zhay, and a faint smile, is all she gives for now, pleased, and thankful for his outrage and concern. More praises would surely follow soon, if she can manage to survive the remaining duration of T'risstree's presence, without bringing ruin to her plans.

[i:1ituk0xg]'Aasterinian, give me patience to suffer this annoying priestess.'[/i:1ituk0xg] thinks Kalkyril, in silent prayer, and musing afterward, how she'd rather put up with Grofsnuttle's company.

[veraka]

Zhay snorted at T'risstree's orders that she'd just issued his own men. He leaned over to his mentor and whispered "what's with the queen bee over there?"
---------
Veraka looked to his pupil and, with a half-smirk plastered to his to face, replied "I think it has something to do with your new 'girlfriend', Zhay." The aasimar then gave his student a friendly elbow to the stomach.
---------
"HEY!!" Zhay exclaimed at his mentor's remark as Veraka marched off toward Talwyn. Zhay didn't even have to issue his orders to the guards as they immediately set out doing what T'risstree had just ordered.
Zhay sighed, his expression flustered, as he started off toward House Helvighym.
"First, T'risstree issues orders to my own men, without even bothering to let me do my job as their commander, whom immediately follow her orders, though I understand why. Then my mentor goes on with his insufferable joking, with me as his target," he mutters to himself, keeping his tone low.

"I heard that, young grasshopper!!" Veraka shouts from his position next to Talwyn.

The young warrior issued an audible groan at his teacher's flamboyant retort.

-------

Veraka catches up to Talwyn as they start to make off for House Helvighym. Looking at the Knight-Captain, he asks in a low tone, "So tell me Talwyn, how exactly did you get along with that end of T'riss's attitude when you were with her? The only thing keeping me, and probably my young apprentice in line, is the fact that both of us have had military training in our pasts, and by that, know the discipline and rigidity with which comes with that training. I must say that she can definitely be a hardliner, but I suppose that the attitude comes with the rank? After all, that is what comes with being raised the way drow society is established, blast it that bitch queen of arachnids anyways."

He turned his head slightly, picking up Zhay's complaining; "I heard that, young grasshopper!!" he shouts back to his young pupil, laughing all the while.



Aurora had taken up a position alongside T'risstree and Maryne, her massive 4'8" frame keeping her head level with T'riss's and Maryne's as she walked slowly alongside them.

The majestic winter wolf let loose a low chuckle; [i:2ngs5ks5]oh, if only either of you knew what my dear aasimar friend is thinking right now, you might have asked him to lead on toward House Helvighym. After all, he does have access to it, it's just a matter of keeping a low profile with the key he was issued.
Lady T'risstree, I must confess that you handled that quite well, you were even able to get my younger aasimar brother to follow your command; a rarity indeed, knowing his stubborn personality. I also noticed you have certain golden armored paladin under your command and in your clutches as well, very commendable.[/i:2ngs5ks5]
((OOC: T'riss I'm not sure if you can hear Aurora, seeing as she communicates telepathically; if ya can't then I guess Maryne will hear it ))

[Talwyn Aureliano]

Talwyn thought about what Veraka had said about Drow society and spiders.

He slowed his pace, indicating that Veraka hang back with him while Trisstree marched on ahead of their little column.


"Brother, I believe you are right on the money with that assessment. Despite her dedication to Eilistraee, old habits die hard it seems. By what she told me, she was 2nd in line to a fairly powerful house in some other Drow city. That means she was used to commanding Drow and being obeyed. Yet while she was on the surface, her attitude mellowed but it looks like since she has come back here, the old ways are rising to the surface once more. I don't think she is aware that she is behaving in such...." he paused for a moment, "....a chaotic manner," he concluded with a regretful sigh.

"I love this woman Veraka but I am deeply concerned that she is in the wrong environment. It's effecting her judgement and attitude. Both women have made valid points as well. I was remiss myself in not looking into Kalkyrins soul when we first met and I intend to rectify this mistake once we get inside this house. Kalkyrin too needs to pull her head in here as she has no standing in this city and it is plainly obvious that this is a troubled city. She should be careful not to assume authority that is not hers to assert as it won't just be T'risstree that takes offense at an unknown person who thinks that they can call the shots. It's presumptive to say the least and will only put noses out of joint and get peoples backs up. I think we will have a lot of work ahead of us in keeping the peace and making sure that the rule of law, justice and fairness are able to be established here in this city. The sisters of Eilsitraee need our help in solidifying their grip on power in this city and I intend to do my damndest to make that a reality."

They approached the gates of House Helvighym and T'risstree was signalling for the group to halt.

"If we," he indicated to himself, Veraka and Zhay," can keep the ladies from pulling their hair out, I think we might have a chance in forging something good out of this mess. I'll make sure T'riss calms down if you can get Kalkyrin to pull her head in. She needs to stop "helping" for a bit and let the locals take charge of matters."

[Pheurazath]

Keeping her distance from T'risstree, and keeping a casual proximity to, albeit from behind, Zhay, and watching the two paladins talk amongst themselves, while reviewing the conversation thus far. Attempting to find any ways she might have improved her responses.

To her relief, Charir, as usual has something helpful to say, [i:1moli0x7][color=red:1moli0x7]~Mistress, please don't fret over it, you handled that priestess splendidly. I agree though, she is a pain in the tail, perhaps sometime in the future, you can show her the error of testing a dragon's patience.~[/color:1moli0x7][/i:1moli0x7]

While not so many eyes are on her, Kalkyril slips in a brief scritching under Charir's chin, silently praising him for his support, meanwhile, a satisfied smile finds its way to her face again, all while entertaining notions of that wondrous day when T'risstree, would be at a loss for words, face to face with her mighty, true self.

[T'risstree Helviiryn]

{OOC: Veraka - T'riss can't hear animal telepathic communication, its not one of her abilities }

As she power walked along with Maryne keeping pace by her side, she saw Veraka's pet? or whatever it was, looking at her with intelligence she'd not normally credit to such an animal. She knew about dogs and wolves but this creature was like nothing she'd ever encountered before. She didn't know what to make of the huge canine only that it could be very dangerous if it choose to be. At least it wasn't trying to lick her or get too friendly as some of the pet dogs she'd encountered back on the surface had done to her before. She frowned briefly as she recalled one particularly loathesome beast which had taken such a liking to her that it'd tried to vith her leg. That overly friendly mutt had deeply regreted its terrible mistake.

She looked at the huge winter wolf and altered her direction so that she put a bit of distance between her and it as she walked along the street. [i:r1a3wfop]No need to take any chances[/i:r1a3wfop] she thought and besides, she didn't like the smell of dog much either .

The gates to House Helvighym came into view.

She stopped the party and went forward and rapped on the massive iron gates.

"Vendui'. Usstan joros whol biu ashl'ah xuil l'jabbress d'nindol qu'ellar. Ussta kaas zhah T'risstree Helviiryn lu'Usstan kla'ath Eilistraee," she called out formally in a loud strong voice. She looked around and saw that Talwyn and Veraka had dropped back a bit from the front of the party. She quickly waved to them to come forward to stand next to her as well as the large male drow who seemed to be connected to the city guard. She ignored Kalkyrin totally.

A few long moments went by as the men made their way forward to where she, Maryne and the wolf where standing. Then there was a loud click as bolts behind the gate slid free and it swung open noiselessly.

A female drow dressed in silver colored adamite chainmail and flanked by a squad of house soldiers stood in the gateway.



{OOC: Ok, someone else can run the house NPC's & as you can see T'riss is not fond of dogs }

[Talwyn Aureliano]

[OOC: @ T'riss - very funny! bad doggie!]

Seeing T'risstree wave to him and Veraka, Talwyn made his way forwards and stood next to her in front of the massive iron gates of House Helvighym.

He heard the locking mechanisms shunt and move as the bolts slid free then looked on with admiration at the Drow skills in engineering as the gates swung out effortlessly and without a sound.


A female drow with her foot soldiers flanked around her stood waiting in the gateway. She scanned the party in front of her very carefully. The female did not look very pleased to see all these people at her gateway. Her eyes narrowed and she pursed her lips as it looked as though she was deeply thinking as to what to do with this bunch of guards and strangers.

"[i:20iu67s1]Veraka my friend, I hope you have some friendly contacts here[/i:20iu67s1]," he whispered to the Aasimar.