"Wow, wow," Imoen raved as she trailed ahead of the rest of the party. "We're going into a Drow city!"

"I wouldn't advise you to keep up that attitude," Viconia called ahead. "Be quiet and dignified. Drow hate loud noises and loud voices in particular. So shut your yap and please try not to get us all killed."

"Oh, come on!" Imoen chuckled. "Don't be such a pessimist," she added before happily skipping on into the darkness. "I'm a Drow now! What can hurt me?"

"Viconia," Dynaheir asked as the party continued their way towards the mantle-caves of Ust Natha. Already, they had passed several city markers, and had crossed a Drow-made bridge over a deep chasm. Beyond the bridge lay a smooth and broad path cut out from the obsidian that was abundant in this region. "Thou seemeth rather tense. Art thou worried about walking amongst your people once more?"

"Part of me wants to leave immediately," Viconia spoke softly. "My people abandoned me, and I... burned bridges behind me. But another part of me longs for... home. Though the Underdark is no longer my home, part of me still belongs here. I look forward to seeing the city, but I could do without the people..."

"AAAAAAAHHH," sounded a shriek from Imoen ahead. Laska was the first to speed towards the source of the shriek, but Viconia sped after her and actually overtook the running elf.

Turning around the corner, they found Imoen, backed in a corner and hyperventilating. Her eyes were fixed on her opponent : A gigantic hairy tarantula was towering over her. Easily the size of a small dragon, the tarantula's long legs were spread and squatted, and the creature's long, dripping fangs were only inches away from Imoen's face. Eight eyes were fixed on the little mage, who didn't dare to move or cast a spell. The spider would be upon her if she did.

To make matters worse, the multitude of pounding on the ground announcing the coming of a second spider, which soon emerged from the shadows behind the first one.

"Don't!" Viconia hissed when Laska raised her swords for an attack. "You'll won't be able to hurt them, and they'll kill Imoen before you're even near them!"

"By the gods!" Keldorn exclaimed, drawing his blade but keeping his distance. "What are they?!"

"Robodrin-izzarg," Viconia whispered. "Guardians of the mantle-caves. The first defense of cities. I never expected a small community like Ust Natha to have one, let alone two."

"Don't stand there yappin'," Laska hissed while a trembling Imoen still gazed into the spider's many eyes. "We have to get Imoen out of there! Let's circle them and try to draw them away, so Imoen can cast her invisibility spell and get away."

"No," Viconia said. "They're magical beasts, specifically trained for defense. Highly intelligent and deadly. They only reason why they're not attacking Imoen because she looks like a Drow. But because she doesn't smell like one, they're confused."

"Oh, but what can we do!" Minsc wailed. "Boo says we can't let the really big little itsy bitsy spider eat itsy bitsy Imoen. And there isn't a big enough water-spout nearby to wash them away!"

"Ermm, guys?" Imoen asked. "Could you help? Oh, oohhh," she added as the giant spider exhaled right in her face, "bad breath, bad breath! Take a mint, pal!"

"I can help," Viconia said. "I am a Drow, not a transformed Drow. If they see and smell me, they'll let us through... I hope."

"You hope?!" Laska exclaimed as she watched the spider with narrowed eyes.

"I've been on the surface for a long time," Viconia nodded. "They might not accept my scent."

Viconia stood still as the second spider proceeded to sniff Viconia. A few agonizing seconds later, the spider's screech resounded through the cave.

"Damn," Viconia sighed as the spider slowly advanced on her.

"Eeee, eeeep!" sounded from the party as little Khittix skittered towards his larger kin. Surprising everybody, the two spiders turned away from their prey and looked down at Khittix. Imoen took the opportunity to slide away, back towards the party, while Viconia stood still and remained near her spider companion.

Khittix chittered lightly, while the tarantula's chitters boomed through the caves. They chittered all in turn, apparently listening to each other.

"They're talking," Jan chuckled. "Heh, even the monsters are chatterboxes here."

"What're they saying, Vic?" Imoen asked.

"It's about..." Viconia smirked. "Well, it seems Ardulace is not feeding her guardians to their satisfaction. They're hungry and will leave just about anyone through if they share some food with them."

"Awww," Imoen pouted. "That's kinda sad. Hey, I've got an idea! Why don't they go on a strike?!"

"A strike?!" Viconia almost exclaimed.

"Yes," Imoen grinned. "Hey, Khittix, translate it! Say 'Spiders of Faerun, unite! You have nothing to lose but your hunger'!"

"Are you sure that is wise?" Keldorn asked, but Khittix was already translating. The giant spiders looked at each other and even seemed to nod. They chittered back at Khittix with a roaring, yet oddly docile boom.

"They've agreed to let us pass," Viconia said. "I suggest we do not waste any time and hurry along before they change their minds."

Walking through the main gate, they came to a secondary gate to the city which was apparently secured as well. Several slits in the wall allowed for archers to fire into the room with adequate cover. It seemed that the gate very much served as a bottleneck during battles. But judging from the smoothness of the stone, it had hardly ever been used so.

A smaller door opened and a male guard in chainmail appeared.

"Who is there! You are Drow, but there are no scheduled patrols this day! How did you get past the spider guardians without announcing? Identify yourselves!" the male demanded.

"Why don't you get stuffed, you little..." Laska started to say, but Viconia quickly interrupted her.

"Stand fast, everyone," Viconia whispered. "But do not push him too far. I shall address this worm of a male for now."

"You there!" Viconia turned her gaze to the hapless male. "You! We are mercenaries from the city of Ched Nasad to help secure the city for the war-effort. We require rest and the services of your temples!"

"But... the spiders..."

"I suggest you speak with them yourself," Viconia nodded. "Now, you will let us pass, or suffer the consequences."

"Normally there would be extensive questioning," the male spoke. "But an urgent matter demands your attention. Report to Solaufein immediately. He'll be your commanding officer and is waiting for you in the marketplace just inside the walls."

That said, the party was led into the city, and what they saw took their breath away.

"Amazing," Keldorn nodded.

"Spectacular," Dynaheir whispered.

"OOohhhh, Boo likes the colors..."

"That's an eye-opener," Laska nodded.

"Wow," Imoen smiled.

"No turnips, but still impressive."

"Och," Korgan spat on the floor. "Shabby Drow crap..."

The city in front of them was built in a tall, gigantic volcanic caverns. Pools and rivers of Lava meandered peacefully over the bottom of the cavern, between a multitude of small stone cottages and huge fenced compounds. Eight enormous spires rose up from floor to ceiling, allowing for an endless amount of plateaus and walkways suspended high above the ground. They were standing on the market plateau, built high into the cavern, allowing a magnificent view of the city below. The glowing lichen at the ceiling, and the lava-streams at the bottom, mixed to light the cavern into an eerie foreboding glow.

"Vic?" Imoen asked when she noticed Viconia had turned her back to her friends and kept looking away. "Vic, are you okay?" Imoen put her hand on Viconia's shoulder, but on this rare occasion, Viconia allowed Imoen's semi-intimate touch in public. In fact, she turned towards Imoen and put her own hand on Imoen's.

"I'm fine, Imoen," Viconia said, and Imoen could see a hint of a tear in Viconia's eye.

"So, where we be findin' this Sola-chappy then, ey?" Korgan said. "I be rearin' for a good axin'."

"I advise caution in this place," Viconia said. "We are fortunate not to be taken hostage as foreigners and sold as slaves. Trade-city or not, Ust Natha seems to be in a state of war, so tention is high. If they mean for us to prove our place, we must serve the Matrons utterly."

"Take us as slaves>" Laska snarled. "Oh, I hope they try to capture us. This walkway goes a long way down, and I'd love to see one of those Matrons go SPLAT!"

"I am serious, Laska!" Viconia hissed. "This city is in a state of martial law. Any misstep, no matter how slight, will draw the attention of the Spider Queen's watchers. And no doubt they are already curious of us... and we do not need their scrutiny, yes? This community is known to be more open, but I think the war has set the Drow here on edge. We'd do well to follow the rules that govern my native Menzoberranzan until we know how far we can go and how this society is built. I have never been here before, so I do not know. It's best to be safe rather than screaming in the torture-chambers. So remember : absolute obedience to those of greater rank, especially the Handmaidens of Lolth and the Matron Mothers. To those of equal or lesser rank: no mercy. Otherwise, take advantage of whatever favor is thrown your way. For ones such as us, it is the only way to achieve what you are not born to. No mercy. It is our way."

"But not your way," Imoen smiled, but Viconia could only look away.

"Torm almighty," Keldorn sighed. "I pity you Drow for your long lifespans. To life like that for hundreds of years... It must be unbearable."

"Perhaps," Viconia said. "Look, that male is wearing a general's insignia. That must be our contact."

"Korgan?" Viconia added. "Keep your mouth shut, please. Your accent is... unsettling."

"OY?!" Korgan roared. "Why should I be keepin' me mouth shut? Donnay I sound like bloody Drow-beast, 'ere. Och, I swears, them lousy dark elves are a bunch of daft rothe-shaggers..."

"Ah, see Handmaiden Imrae?" the armored male spoke to a haughty looking young female standing next to him. The male seemed to be younger than he looked, his gaunt face creased with unknown experiences, while the female seemed young and filled with malice. "They are here, finally. You are the elf-bane troupe... Hmm, strange, I was not informed that there were females among you."

"Females are best suited for every task, Solaufein," Imrae chuckled. "You should know that."

"Of course, maiden Imrae," Solaufein sighed.

"So," Imrae grinned. "Are you ready for the task I will present to you?"

"Hell, yeah!" Laska shouted. "What did you think we... OW!" Laska snarled as Viconia kicked her in the shins.

Immediately, Imrae reached for her whip. "Impudent..."

"WAIT, Imrae," Solaufein spoke. "I cannot have one of my soldiers crippled. This task is too important."

"Perhaps you are right," Imrae spoke. "You are fortunate, indeed, to have been called to our city. There will be no mundane guard-duties for you, since you have been lucky enough that a Matron Mother has decided to make use of you already. None other than First Matron Ardulace herself. Cling to that sole hope, worms, and do not fail the Matron Mother... for if you do, the horrors of your punishment shall be far more terrible than had we beset you at the gate!"

"Geez," Imoen whispered. "Where'd she get that cheesy line?"

"YOU WILL LOOK AT ME WHEN I ADDRESS YOU!" A lash of a whip cracked through the air, and Imoen yelped as she felt a sharp pain explode through her cheek. The pink-haired Drow felt warm blood and terrible pain. Her chest heaved and she fell back, only to be caught by Viconia.

Viconia pressed her cheek against Imoen and noticed Imoen was near tears. "Don't cry, Imoen. Whatever you do, don't cry," the was a soft gentleness in Viconia's voice. "Please, keep your tears back. Imrae will kill on the spot you for that weakness. Be strong. Use the pain to focus. I will heal your wound as soon as I can, just be strong."

Imoen sniffed, but nodded. In the meantime, Viconia noticed the party was stirring and getting ready for an attack. Laska was especially angry. But Viconia managed to calm them all, even Laska, with a single, piercing gaze.

"Ah," Imrae smirked and actually licked the blood off the whip. "Discipline is so... intoxicating."

"The matter at hand, maiden Imrae?" Solaufein asked. He seemed rather dejected.

"Hold your tongue or I will remove it and feed it to my pet spiders!" Imrae snarled back. "A Matron Mother's eldest daughter ran afoul of devourers while... scouting. Her fool companions fled or were slaughtered, and she was taken captive. We speak of Phaere Despana. She is vital to First Matron Ardulace's war-efforts, so rescuing her has been made a top priority. They know a prize when they have one, the devourers. They will bring the daughter to their city, and should they reach it she shall be lost forever."

"Devourers?" Keldorn asked.

"Mindflayers," Viconia said. "Hmm, I have heard of this Phaere Despana. She has made quite a name for herself in trade and business."

"Hey, hey, hey," Laska spoke up before Viconia could stop her. "I am the leader of this party, I'll do the talking!"

"Indeed, young female," Solaufein spoke. "Your name, then?"

"Name's Laska," the elf spoke. Viconia gasped, then buried her head in her hands. Laska had just endangered them all by mentioning her obviously elven name. "Laska Le..." Viconia all but yelled out in frustration as Laska was about to announce herself as a daughter of the elven Leafwalker clan. "I mean, Laska Levorirr."

Viconia perked up immediately. Levorirr, the Drow word for 'defiler', would be very fitting for a mercenary. Viconia wiped the sweat of her brow and praised Tymora for having taught Imoen some Drow words while Laska was listening to them in the back at the house in Athkatla.

"Laska?" Imrae blinked. "Odd name. Is it a common name in Ched Nassad?"

"No, it's rather... special," Laska grinned.

"Indeed. But... DO NOT INTERRUPT ME!" the whip lashed out again, but before Imrae could react, the whip was ripped from her heads. Laska had caught the tip and yanked it clear out of Imrae's hands. With a grin, Laska rolled up the whip and tied it to her pack.

"Thanks," Laska grinned as she licked the blood from the small gash in her hand. "This'll come in handy." Again, Viconia buried her head in her hands.

"How... how dare you!" Imrae snarled.

Solafein chuckled briefly. "Oh, she'll do fine. The Matron Mother has no desire to see her eldest daughter become a snack for the devourers... Not while she desperately needs her, that is. The longer we stand here yapping, the more time they have to kill her, so lets get moving..."

That said, they were led once more away from the magnificent city.

"There," Viconia whispered as she and Imoen has temporarily retreated out of sight. "All better," she smiled gently as the soft healing magics did their work. "You were very brave."

Imoen smiled back and embraced the Drow tightly. "Thanks Vic," Imoen sniffed while Viconia reluctantly hugged back.

"You go on ahead," Viconia smiled. "I'll go heal Laska's hand and tell her you're alright, okay?"

Imoen nodded, leaving her to join the group. But Viconia's eyes narrowed when Imrae came into sight. Imrae, like all handmaidens, trailed behind the party at a safe distance... or so she thought.

"Handmaiden Imrae," Viconia strolled over to her. "May I have a word?"

"Ah, there you are, female," Solaufein addressed Viconia. "I was afraid we had lost you in these caves."

"Oh, no," Viconia smiled blissfully. "I can find my way."

"Have you seen Handmaiden Imrae? Is she not with you?"

"I gather she returned to the city," Viconia spoke with confidence. "You know what cowards handmaidens are without their whips and their safety in numbers."

"Indeed... What is that in your hand, female?"

"Oh, it's a small stiletto normally hidden in my boot," she said as she wiped it with a rag. "It seems to have gotten dirty somehow, so I am cleaning it."

"I see," Solaufein nodded. "Please rejoin the group then, female."

Phaere was near desperation. She had been locked in the same position for almost an hour, and aside from a terrible cramp, she got the feeling it was only a matter of time before the mindflayers would turn up... And in this state, she would be nothing but a quick snack. Oh, she had killed mindflayers before, and could handle them expertly... but they do not forget past transgressions. Nor did they pass up an opportunity to snack on a Drow brain.

Someone had did this to her. Someone wanted her dead... 'So, what's new?!' Phaere snorted. But she had never come this close to death.

But then it happened... the doors to the enclave opened. She heard them clanking open behind her. Fleshy footsteps followed, accompanied by the slosh of wet tentacles sliding over each other. Phaere all but whimpered as a shadow passed over her... she was eye to eye with one of the dreaded Mindflayers and it stared into its milky white eyes, its tentacles waving. It was laughing at her... she knew it. If she could snarl, she could. At her moment of death, she would not cower... but instead hope. Hope that her beloved sisters would somehow manage to survive without her.

The Mindflayer's tentacles spread, revealing a sharp, parrotlike beak. Soon, it would crack her head over like an egg and feast on the soft tissue inside. Strangely enough, Phaere wasn't afraid, but she was angry. She would die without knowing who had wanted her dead... and without exacting a terrible revenge.

Suddenly, however, a group of Drow warriors exploded from the darkness and descended on the gathered mindflayers. Yes, YES! Phaere chuckled inwardly. Still, of all the warriors, she only recognized Solaufein. In tow, however, were eight strange mercenaries... Their gear was strangely undrowlike, but definitely effective.

The Mindflayer was yanked away from her face by a rather impressive tall female. Phaere wished she could laugh out loud when she saw that the female was gleefully strangling the mindflayer with its own tentacles. That sneer, that sheer bloodlust was most intoxicating. The Mindflayer, gurgled one more time before letting out a final cry of denial. The female let out a gale of laughter as the dead mindflayer lay at her feet. For the first time, Phaere noticed how truly beautiful this female was. Tall, whitest possible hair, perfectly proportioned body...

And then her fighting skills. She drew her blades and engaged another mindflayer. Again, Phaere was offered another perfect view. This female was a dancer, a queen of blades. Her two blades and her body moved in complete harmony as she sliced her deadly weapons through the fragile flesh of the Mindflayers. And that smirk on her face while the psionics of the Mindflayers bounced from her body because of the protective magics was just priceless. Even her tattoos, those that were visible, were beautiful. Everything about this female was magnificent... simply divine.

"There you go!" sounded a painfully cheerful voice as Phaere was suddenly released from the magical power that held her. Phaere quickly got her footing, though her body was stiff and sore. She was determined to make a good impression in front of the female.

"Well," the Phaere spoke. "I feel I must thank you for my timely rescue," she said, directing her words at the female. "I do not believe I have met you, yet, female. Might I ask your name?"

"I am here too, Phaere," Solaufein announced himself.

"Really?" Phaere snorted. "Truly, I had not seen you. You must have been in the back of the battlefield, like any good general."

The tall female snickered, and Phaere was more than pleased.

"My name is Laska. Laska Levorirr," the female spoke.

"I see," Phaere nodded. "And just what would you like to defile, then?"

"I'll... think of something," Laska spoke. Phaere felt the female's eyes roaming over her body, even though this Laska did her best to hide the looks she stole. Still, Phaere was more than pleased.

"I expect you wish a reward for this grand deed?" Phaere asked slowly. "Just what would you expect from a simple merchant such as I?"

"I'm sure we could work something out between the two of us," Laska smirked. "A private arrangement."

'Oh, she is a flirt!' Phaere grinned and decided to continue the game. "Yes, I expect you to be the leader of this bad? You seem to be a female who likes to be... on top of everything."

"I am a democratic leader. Positions are... negotiable. We'll keep at it until both parties are... blissfully satisfied."

"Yes," Phaere grinned. "I noticed you are a lover of tattoos. Perhaps you could show me your art sometimes?"

"I am a lover of many things," Laska grinned. "I would have to remove some garments to show you all of them. Perhaps... in a more private setting?"

'Keep her wanting for more,' Phaere grinned inwardly, being eminently satisfied with this turn of events. "As your reward... I will allow you all to stay in my beautiful inn free of charge. You'll be my guests. Feel free to rest and heal your wounds. Now... I look forward to speaking with you again, Laska. But now I must really return to the city."

"Wait! You cannot..." Solaufein started.

"I can and I will!" Phaere snarled. "Do not presume to command me!" After offering a final smile at Laska, she turned and followed the path back to the city.

"Blasted arrogant wench!" Solaufein snarled when Phaere was out of sight. "May the Spider Queen bite at her black heart!!"

"Apparently, we don't exist," Keldorn blinked.

"Did you see that?!" Imoen said. "They were standing in mindflayer guts and they were practically humping each other's leg. Weird, those elves."

"Oh, yeah," Laska grinned as she watched Phaere disappear into the darkness. "She wants me..."

"Let's just get back to the city," Solaufein snarled.