Beloved Child 57

New chapter up, as I said last time the schedule will change a bit. Please enjoy.

Beloved Child 57

Haer`Dalis rolled his neck and felt the bones crack; it helped to relieve him of some of the tension he felt. Phaere was unlike most women he had met. True there had been those who were commanding and those who wanted to be worshipped, there had also been men like that but not one who demanded it like Phaere. The planar travelling bard stood waiting by the bar in the tavern. A message had been delivered and on this their third day of free time after the battle with the beholder, he was waiting for their patron as she had expressed the desire to see him once more.

He wondered what kind of impression he had left on her after that first tour of the city that she had taken him on. A request for a second meeting could be taken as a good sign but Drow were tricky. Haer`Dalis found the construct of their society to be stifling but it also seemed to teeter just on the brink of disaster and sweet oblivion.

“What are you musing about?” Phaere`s clear voice cut through his thoughts.

The tiefling looked up and noted with appreciation the dress that hugged the Drow noble’s forms. He smiled a genuine smile, Phaere was comely after all.

“Nothing important.” The bard replied.

Phaere arched a white eyebrow at him.

“Really now?” She said. “Oddly enough I do enjoy hearing your thoughts.”

“Then I shall spill them at your command, jabress.” Haer`Dalis bowed.

Phaere seemed hesitant for a second, seemingly weighing if she had been insulted or not. When she decided that she had not, she motioned for Haer`Dalis to come closer to her. They left the tavern together. As they made their way closer to the market Phaere suddenly asked.

“What is your position among your group?” The Drow regarded him with a sly interest.

Acting was in a round about way lying and Haer`Dalis had confidence that he could do both. It was not that he hadn’t expected a question like it, only that it would have come sooner.

“Merely a warrior of the house.” He responded.

“Mmm…” Phaere purred. “Such modesty does not suit you. There may be a great many things you can do to climb the hierarchy here. The Matron Mother already views you all with favour and perhaps you need not remain with the females.”

The two had passed through the market and ended up sitting on one of the small platforms. Haer`Dalis pondered how he should play this, the illusion would not last forever and as sad as he was to admit it, the party was less then perfect Drow. And there was The Raven whom perched on the bust of his heart. The Raven who was challenged by some fool and would eventually have to battle said fool for such were the ways of things.

“While I am not bound to any of them.” Apart from the Raven, he mentally added. “The sisters are extraordinarily demanding.”

“Really.” Phaere raised a curious eyebrow. “They seem to give much leeway from what I have seen.” The Drow said.

A waiter placed two goblets and a small bottle of wine on the table and then was promptly commanded away by Phaere.

“With Veldrin?” Haer`Dalis asked. “He knows his boundaries.” The bard assured.

The Drow noble shrugged. “They do all their chastising in private then?” She asked.

Haer`Dalis nodded. She had of course asked him in round about ways about his companions, the strong females most of all. He had fed her some truth changed for the Drow culture and plenty of lies.

“But enough about them…” Phaere all but purred. She leaned forward and sipped her wine. Haer`Dalis pretended not to notice her busom; it had become a sort of coy game they played. They both knew that Phaere would be more straightforward when she finally decided if she wanted to keep playing.

“There is something Matron Ardulace wishes you to do and she will call you to her soon.” She drew a finger along her wine soaked lip. “After that I hope to try and get your full attention.”

“And I am sure you shall have it.” Haer`Dalis smiled, his sharp shark like teeth now fine straight rows thanks to the illusion.

Phaere laughed a quiet laugh.

“I better have it.” And she smiled; it was frozen between mirth and a quiet cruelty.

They shared some of the wine in silence together with some silent flirtations, a wink here and a foot rubbed against a leg there.

“You should play something for me sometime.” Phaere suggested in a way that was more command then actual suggestion.

“It would be my pleasure, jabress.” Haer`Dalis said and finished off his wine.

When the wine was gone they walked through the marketplace and through crowded streets. The two stopped before the tavern.

“Two things before we part.” Phaere said. “First, I have heard that the boy you travel with and Istrovir Vol`Soress have some sort of problem. I suggest sorting it out quickly. Secondly…” The Drow noble reached behind Haer`Dalis and pulled his head down then she forcibly kissed him, raking her tongue in his mouth. After she broke off, she left him standing there.

Haer`Dalis raised an eyebrow and chuckled once she was out of sight. He did find her to be interesting if nothing else.

**

“What where you thinking?” Jaheira yelled. “You have no idea what you may be up against.”

For the second day running, the half-elven druid asked Groder that question. The angry woman pointed at Groder. They were all there except Haer`Dalis gathered around the table in their room.

“What?” The youth responded. “He insulted me and I don’t think he is that though.”

“He is the son of a noble house; they tend to be good at their chosen professions…” Viconia moaned sarcastically from her seat.

“Too bad the slayer transformation is so flashy.” Imoen said and extended her own arms so that they stretched across the table and snatched a piece of bread of a platter.

“You shouldn’t toy with that, Imoen.” Jaheira remarked without looking.

Imoen took a bite of the bread and mumbled an apology.

“Well, Nym can give me pointers.” Groder shrugged.

“The way you describe that boy, he could not help even himself.” Viconia said and rolled her eyes. “It is remarkable that he has lived as long as he has.”

“He is kind of funny that way…” Groder smiled absentmindedly.

“Hey, we better get a healer in here quickly; Groder seems to actually like someone.” Imoen said through mouthfuls of bread.

“Yes, maybe we should check for some sort of head wound.” Viconia mused with a smile.

“Bah!” Groder waved dismissingly at them.

“Couldn’t we just avoid this man until we are done?” Nalia asked and took a sip of water from her goblet.

“I would say that it would be highly unlikely.” Jaheira said and glared at Groder. “We have to solve this somehow.”

The door opened and Haer`Dalis slipped in. He gave them all a wry smile as he could apparently guess what they were doing.

“And the bard returns from his meeting with Phaere.” Viconia supplied. “And from the look on his face I would say he enjoyed it.”

“Only as much as my heart allows, My Crow, but I think that she was destined to slide down into entropy’s sea even before she met us.” Haer`Dalis sat down and looked at them.

“Well, did she tell you anything at all?” Viconia asked.

“Apart from some empty promises?” Haer`Dalis asked. “Not much. They know about this Istrovir`s little vendetta and thinks it may impede our progress in whatever task comes next. Apparently Ardulace herself wants to see us for this.”

Viconia nodded.

“The matron mother herself?” She rested a hand on her chin. “This can be good. We need to be careful though.”

Groder began to sneak towards his room when Jaheira called.

“I am not done with you yet!” The druid grabbed the back of Groder`s shirt and pulled him back. The youth sighed and sat down on a free chair.

“We need to solve this business with Istrovir; do you have any suggestions, Viconia?” Jaheira asked.

“It would be unlikely that the fool will settle for anything less then a fight.” The Drow cleric responded.

“I doubt we can arrange something right away, we will have to deal with it after whatever it is they want us to do next.” Jaheira sighed in exasperation. “And we still have found no way to get to the eggs…”

“So what’s the plan?” Imoen asked and then clasped Nalia`s shoulder. “Just ask us if you need any sneakiness done.” Nalia nodded agreeing with the statement.

“I just wish that we did not have all these delays.” Jaheira said. “Since all we can do is hope that whatever Irenicus is doing will take time.”

**

Another day passed and the party kept a low profile. They were seated near the entrance to the gladiator pit the tavern sported and for about an hour the tavern had been graced with noises of battle and the roars of the spectators.

“That will be your battlefield when you face down Istrovir, My Raven.” Haer`Dalis remarked.

“In front of the adulating masses.” Groder filled in with a slight smile that disappeared after both Viconia and Jaheira glared at him.

“You know.” Imoen interjected. “I can`t help but think that this is a really and I mean really bad idea.”

“If you all keep being so damn negative…” Groder mumbled.
But the conversation died when Phaere glided into the tavern and stopped at their table.

“It is time.” she intoned. “For you to meet the Matron Mother and work for the glory of the Spider Queen and Ust Natha.”

Phaere looked at them expectantly as they rose to follow her. The party and the Drow noble left the tavern and proceeded through the streets, heading towards the center of the city and the temple.

It loomed large over them, the upper body of the Lloth glared down at them from above the large doubledoors that served as the entrance. The doors stood ajar and dour faced guards watched them. Two Driders, the unfortunate beasts whom were Drow from the waist up and the rest was a bulbous dark spider body, stood vigil by the entrance as well.

The huge dome made up the centre of the temple and it was rather empty for such a large building. Guards could be seen here and there in the shadows but they were all female. The party and Phaere approached a lone Drow woman who seemed to expecting them.

Ardulace Despana was everything her daughter was and more. Her features were both delicate and sharp, she was tall and broad shouldered without appearing mannish. The reddish eyes set off against the silver hair flowing down her back. She wore dark armour the laid her midriff bare and a highly slit skirt that left little to imagination. The Matron of Ust Natha regarded them all coolly.

“So…” Ardulace began in a voice that was all command. “These are the ones that have served us so well. Unlike some…” The woman sent a meaningful glare at Phaere.

“But they said the Beholder was an elder…” Phaere started in a voice dangerously close to a whine.

“Prehaps if you had made sure.” Ardulace replied curtly.

“But mother…” Phaere`s voice was a whine now.

“Do you want another session with the tentacle rods?” Ardulace stated as calmly as if she was talking about the weather.

Phaere`s protests stopped and the proud woman reduced to a girl stared silently at the floor. Groder fought the urge to gloat and won. Ardulace turned her attention back to the party and levelled her gaze at them again.

“We send you after the Beholder for its blood. The fool girl thought it was an elder. We need powerful blood for a ritual that will aid us in our war against the surface scum.” She said.

“Then the darthirr still hold out?” Viconia asked.

“Yes, they have proven more resilient then we and our allies thought. About them however you need not know.” Ardulace said. “As I was saying, we need the blood of a powerful creature, an elder Beholder, an Illitihd brain or the blood of a noble Kua-toa.”

“We are to procure this?” Jaheira asked. “It shall not be easy.”

“Of course not.” Ardulace said and produced a scroll. “This is a map of the nearby area. By providence we are close to both a Beholder lair and an Illithid city. There are also some Kua-toa birthing pools in a system of caves near the closest exit to the surface.” She pressed the scoll into Viconia`s hand.

He wondered what kind of impression he had left on her after that first tour of the city that she had taken him on. A request for a second meeting could be taken as a good sign but Drow were tricky. Haer`Dalis found the construct of their society to be stifling but it also seemed to teeter just on the brink of disaster and sweet oblivion.

Heh. I would agree entirely, except that it's been hovering on that brink for quite a long time already... courtesy of official writers, I guess...

The two had passed through the market and ended up sitting on one of the small platforms. Haer`Dalis pondered how he should play this, the illusion would not last forever and as sad as he was to admit it, the party was less then perfect Drow. And there was The Raven whom perched on the bust of his heart. The Raven who was challenged by some fool and would eventually have to battle said fool for such were the ways of things.

That was a terrible, terrible metaphor.

But
(1) I'm loving H'D's thoughts/impressions...
(2) Thank you for giving H'D a subplot of his own.
(3) I'm loving this whole scene, actually: it's very... it's hovering. Tense - there is the sexual tension, but there is also the very palpable 'Phaere can order Haer'Dalis and the others to death any minute soon' feeling!

Especially this:

“I better have it.” And she smiled; it was frozen between mirth and a quiet cruelty.

...I can just about imagine the smile. It's great!

And I also love the farewell kiss, and how Haer'Dalis finds Phaere interesting, if nothing else...

“Apart from some empty promises?” Haer`Dalis asked. “Not much. They know about this Istrovir`s little vendetta and thinks it may impede our progress in whatever task comes next. Apparently Ardulace herself wants to see us for this.”

...because he knows that she is giving him very little. This is... tasty!

Ardulace Despana was everything her daughter was and more. Her features were both delicate and sharp, she was tall and broad shouldered without appearing mannish. The reddish eyes set off against the silver hair flowing down her back. She wore dark armour the laid her midriff bare and a highly slit skirt that left little to imagination. The Matron of Ust Natha regarded them all coolly.

Heh. That armour is on par with Groder's clothes, functionality-wise.

“So…” Ardulace began in a voice that was all command. “These are the ones that have served us so well. Unlike some…” The woman sent a meaningful glare at Phaere.

“But they said the Beholder was an elder…” Phaere started in a voice dangerously close to a whine.

“Prehaps if you had made sure.” Ardulace replied curtly.

“But mother…” Phaere`s voice was a whine now.

“Do you want another session with the tentacle rods?” Ardulace stated as calmly as if she was talking about the weather.

But Ardulace's one tough lady!

Phaere`s protests stopped and the proud woman reduced to a girl stared silently at the floor. Groder fought the urge to gloat and won. Ardulace turned her attention back to the party and levelled her gaze at them again.

Someone really needs to check Groder's head. First, a friendship... Then, tact? One could almost say he was growing up...

Much as I loved Jaheira and Viconia and Imoen's little jabs... I really loved Haer'Dalis in this chapter. It's his first independent scene for what feels like forever - or, at least, I don't remember another since he gathered tokens after Groder turned into the Slayer - and... well, I loved it. I'd ask for more H'D content, excpet that... yeah, Groder and Istrovir, Imoen and Sola... Did I tell you how much I think you've improved? I think I did, but I'll repeat.

If only you just... um, remembered that instead

“It is time.” She intoned.

it should be

“It is time,” she intoned.

I would be a very, very happy reader.

“Really now?” She said. “Oddly enough I do enjoy hearing your thoughts.”

Really… you must be the only one then…

“Mmm…” Phaere purred. “Such modesty does not suit you. There may be a great many things you can do to climb the hierarchy here. The Matron Mother already views you all with favour and perhaps you need not remain with the females.”

I’m sure everyone involved would appreciate this arrangement.

“While I am not bound to any of them.” Apart from the Raven, he mentally added. “The sisters are extraordinarily demanding.”

Well that much is true…

“Two things before we part.” Phaere said. “First, I have heard that the boy you travel with and Istrovir Vol`Soress have some sort of problem. I suggest sorting it out quickly. Secondly…” The Drow noble reached behind Haer`Dalis and pulled his head down then she forcibly kissed him, raking her tongue in his mouth. After she broke off, she left him standing there.

Poor Phaere… so sad that there are no other suitable males for her to pursuit, only Haer.

“What where you thinking?” Jaheira yelled. “You have no idea what you may be up against.”

…as is usually the case, isn’t it?

Imoen took a bite of the bread and mumbled an apology.

“Well, Nym can give me pointers.” Groder shrugged.

About what?

“He is kind of funny that way…” Groder smiled absentmindedly.

Hmm… maybe Haer has competition…

“I am not done with you yet!” The druid grabbed the back of Groder`s shirt and pulled him back. The youth sighed and sat down on a free chair.

Heh heh.

“In front of the adulating masses.” Groder filled in with a slight smile that disappeared after both Viconia and Jaheira glared at him.

Glory hound!

Ardulace Despana was everything her daughter was and more. Her features were both delicate and sharp, she was tall and broad shouldered without appearing mannish. The reddish eyes set off against the silver hair flowing down her back. She wore dark armour the laid her midriff bare and a highly slit skirt that left little to imagination. The Matron of Ust Natha regarded them all coolly.

The head nutcase. Ah, how I always enjoy the demon chunking her to bits!

“Do you want another session with the tentacle rods?” Ardulace stated as calmly as if she was talking about the weather.

…kinky!

“We are to procure this?” Jaheira asked. “It shall not be easy.”

I presume that is why they ask you?

“Of course not.” Ardulace said and produced a scroll. “This is a map of the nearby area. By providence we are close to both a Beholder lair and an Illithid city. There are also some Kua-toa birthing pools in a system of caves near the closest exit to the surface.” She pressed the scoll into Viconia`s hand.

I usually went for the kua-toa, though afterwards I cleared the illithid and beholders as well for exp.

He wondered what kind of impression he had left on her after that first tour of the city that she had taken him on. A request for a second meeting could be taken as a good sign but Drow were tricky. Haer`Dalis found the construct of their society to be stifling but it also seemed to teeter just on the brink of disaster and sweet oblivion.

I like this whole inner monologue of Haer'Dalis's. It really gets across a sense of cunning behind his apparent lightness. I'd wonder who'll come out on top between him and Phaere, but it might come out wrong.

“While I am not bound to any of them.” Apart from the Raven, he mentally added. “The sisters are extraordinarily demanding.”

Ah, he is a good actor, and a good liar. It's better to see it in the dialogue here, I think. Just bring it to life a little, anyway, for me.

“There is something Matron Ardulace wishes you to do and she will call you to her soon.” She drew a finger along her wine soaked lip. “After that I hope to try and get your full attention.”

“And I am sure you shall have it.” Haer`Dalis smiled, his sharp shark like teeth now fine straight rows thanks to the illusion.

Ooh. The scene moves from the erotic to the intriguing very, very easily. If you'd mentioned HD's teeth before, I'd forgotten. You have to wonder if Phaere would be so eager to seduce him if she knew...

Secondly…” The Drow noble reached behind Haer`Dalis and pulled his head down then she forcibly kissed him, raking her tongue in his mouth.

Is she gonna feel his teeth?

Sorry, that's just in my mind now. It's an excellent little detail to include. I don't know if someone could 'feel' past the illusion, but if she did, would she let on she could? Dorw, eh? Tricksy.

“He is kind of funny that way…” Groder smiled absentmindedly.

“Hey, we better get a healer in here quickly; Groder seems to actually like someone.” Imoen said through mouthfuls of bread.

“Yes, maybe we should check for some sort of head wound.” Viconia mused with a smile.

“Bah!” Groder waved dismissingly at them.

I like this. You write party banter exceedingly well, F. It always seems just light enough and revealing enough to sound natural.

Groder began to sneak towards his room when Jaheira called.

“I am not done with you yet!” The druid grabbed the back of Groder`s shirt and pulled him back. The youth sighed and sat down on a free chair.

I love the way she acts so motherly around him. if it were anyone else pulling Groder around, I'd be worried.

“Do you want another session with the tentacle rods?” Ardulace stated as calmly as if she was talking about the weather.

Phaere`s protests stopped and the proud woman reduced to a girl stared silently at the floor. Groder fought the urge to gloat and won.

Eerie, especially considering what we know about Phare and Groder. Their little reactions are very, very revealing.

“Of course not.” Ardulace said and produced a scroll. “This is a map of the nearby area. By providence we are close to both a Beholder lair and an Illithid city. There are also some Kua-toa birthing pools in a system of caves near the closest exit to the surface.” She pressed the scoll into Viconia`s hand.

Hi-jincks to follow?

“Mmm…” Phaere purred. “Such modesty does not suit you. There may be a great many things you can do to climb the hierarchy here. The Matron Mother already views you all with favour and perhaps you need not remain with the females.”

I'm glad you made him interested in this offer. Any other character might have turned it down easily, but it's the kind of thing Haer'Dalis would go for.

They shared some of the wine in silence together with some silent flirtations, a wink here and a foot rubbed against a leg there.

I really liked this entire scene with the two of them. It has just the right mood to it.

“What where you thinking?” Jaheira yelled. “You have no idea what you may be up against.”

I don't think she needs the word 'what' in that question...

“It is time.” She intoned. “For you to meet the Matron Mother and work for the glory of the Spider Queen and Ust Natha.”

*cue dramatic drumroll*

Sorry about the delay with the replies. I was ambushed by someones birthday and stuff. Also BL may not update this sunday...

[quote][quote]He wondered what kind of impression he had left on her after that first tour of the city that she had taken him on. A request for a second meeting could be taken as a good sign but Drow were tricky. Haer`Dalis found the construct of their society to be stifling but it also seemed to teeter just on the brink of disaster and sweet oblivion. [/quote]

Heh. I would agree entirely, except that it's been hovering on that brink for quite a long time already... courtesy of official writers, I guess...
[/quote]

Yeah, it is kind of odd how they manage to keep it all togheter... I suppose War of the Spider Queen could have been good without the five million writers...

[quote]
[quote]The two had passed through the market and ended up sitting on one of the small platforms. Haer`Dalis pondered how he should play this, the illusion would not last forever and as sad as he was to admit it, the party was less then perfect Drow. And there was The Raven whom perched on the bust of his heart. The Raven who was challenged by some fool and would eventually have to battle said fool for such were the ways of things. [/quote]

That was a terrible, terrible metaphor.
[/quote]

Heh...


[quote]
But
(1) I'm loving H'D's thoughts/impressions...
(2) Thank you for giving H'D a subplot of his own.
(3) I'm loving this whole scene, actually: it's very... it's hovering. Tense - there is the sexual tension, but there is also the very palpable 'Phaere can order Haer'Dalis and the others to death any minute soon' feeling!
[/quote]

Thankee. I was kind of worried about these scenes.

[quote]
Especially this:
[quote]“I better have it.” And she smiled; it was frozen between mirth and a quiet cruelty. [/quote]

...I can just about imagine the smile. It's great!
[/quote]

Thankee, Thankee. I still feel the entire scentence is a bit odd though.

[quote]
And I also love the farewell kiss, and how Haer'Dalis finds Phaere interesting, if nothing else...
[/quote]

Well, yes. He has his sights elsewere as we all know...

[quote]
[quote]“Apart from some empty promises?” Haer`Dalis asked. “Not much. They know about this Istrovir`s little vendetta and thinks it may impede our progress in whatever task comes next. Apparently Ardulace herself wants to see us for this.”[/quote]

...because he knows that she is giving him very little. This is... tasty!
[/quote]

Well, he isn`t a fool after all...



[quote]Ardulace Despana was everything her daughter was and more. Her features were both delicate and sharp, she was tall and broad shouldered without appearing mannish. The reddish eyes set off against the silver hair flowing down her back. She wore dark armour the laid her midriff bare and a highly slit skirt that left little to imagination. The Matron of Ust Natha regarded them all coolly. [/quote]

Heh. That armour is on par with Groder's clothes, functionality-wise.
[/quote]



She is also in a temple surrounded by guards so she can actually wear it.

[quote]
[quote]“So…” Ardulace began in a voice that was all command. “These are the ones that have served us so well. Unlike some…” The woman sent a meaningful glare at Phaere.

“But they said the Beholder was an elder…” Phaere started in a voice dangerously close to a whine.

“Prehaps if you had made sure.” Ardulace replied curtly.

“But mother…” Phaere`s voice was a whine now.

“Do you want another session with the tentacle rods?” Ardulace stated as calmly as if she was talking about the weather. [/quote]

But Ardulace's one tough lady!
[/quote]

I imagine that she is. I had this idea lying around about her going rather unwillingly with the party... well another party before there was Groder.

[quote]
[quote]Phaere`s protests stopped and the proud woman reduced to a girl stared silently at the floor. Groder fought the urge to gloat and won. Ardulace turned her attention back to the party and levelled her gaze at them again. [/quote]

Someone really needs to check Groder's head. First, a friendship... Then, tact? One could almost say he was growing up...
[/quote]

Don`t blink or it will pass!!!


[quote]
Much as I loved Jaheira and Viconia and Imoen's little jabs... I really loved Haer'Dalis in this chapter. It's his first independent scene for what feels like forever - or, at least, I don't remember another since he gathered tokens after Groder turned into the Slayer - and... well, I loved it. I'd ask for more H'D content, excpet that... yeah, Groder and Istrovir, Imoen and Sola... Did I tell you how much I think you've improved? I think I did, but I'll repeat.

If only you just... um, remembered that instead
[/quote]

Thank you, thank you. Once we are out of the Underdark there is going to be much more HD.

[quote]
[quote]“It is time.” She intoned.[/quote]
[/quote]

[quote]
it should be
[/quote]

[quote]
[quote]“It is time,” she intoned.[/quote]
[/quote]

[quote]
I would be a very, very happy reader. [/quote]

Right! I`ll get on it.

“Really now?” She said. “Oddly enough I do enjoy hearing your thoughts.”

Really… you must be the only one then…

And she is probably not serious.

“Mmm…” Phaere purred. “Such modesty does not suit you. There may be a great many things you can do to climb the hierarchy here. The Matron Mother already views you all with favour and perhaps you need not remain with the females.”

I’m sure everyone involved would appreciate this arrangement.

Except the author and he has executive control...

“While I am not bound to any of them.” Apart from the Raven, he mentally added. “The sisters are extraordinarily demanding.”

Well that much is true…

Oh, yeah. The payoff is that you can rest your eyes on them.

“Two things before we part.” Phaere said. “First, I have heard that the boy you travel with and Istrovir Vol`Soress have some sort of problem. I suggest sorting it out quickly. Secondly…” The Drow noble reached behind Haer`Dalis and pulled his head down then she forcibly kissed him, raking her tongue in his mouth. After she broke off, she left him standing there.

Poor Phaere… so sad that there are no other suitable males for her to pursuit, only Haer.

Well, he has the exotic thing going for him...

“What where you thinking?” Jaheira yelled. “You have no idea what you may be up against.”

…as is usually the case, isn’t it?

It sure isn`t a deviation from the norm!

Imoen took a bite of the bread and mumbled an apology.

“Well, Nym can give me pointers.” Groder shrugged.

About what?

How his brother fights of course.

“He is kind of funny that way…” Groder smiled absentmindedly.

Hmm… maybe Haer has competition…

Maybe..........

“I am not done with you yet!” The druid grabbed the back of Groder`s shirt and pulled him back. The youth sighed and sat down on a free chair.

Heh heh.

He should know he can`t run by now

“In front of the adulating masses.” Groder filled in with a slight smile that disappeared after both Viconia and Jaheira glared at him.

Glory hound!

Ardulace Despana was everything her daughter was and more. Her features were both delicate and sharp, she was tall and broad shouldered without appearing mannish. The reddish eyes set off against the silver hair flowing down her back. She wore dark armour the laid her midriff bare and a highly slit skirt that left little to imagination. The Matron of Ust Natha regarded them all coolly.

The head nutcase. Ah, how I always enjoy the demon chunking her to bits!

He he... Maybe I should write a short with my ideas for her...

“Do you want another session with the tentacle rods?” Ardulace stated as calmly as if she was talking about the weather.

…kinky!

I wonder what they to with the hardcore masochists?

“We are to procure this?” Jaheira asked. “It shall not be easy.”

I presume that is why they ask you?

Lloth forbid that the Drow should do something themselves.

“Of course not.” Ardulace said and produced a scroll. “This is a map of the nearby area. By providence we are close to both a Beholder lair and an Illithid city. There are also some Kua-toa birthing pools in a system of caves near the closest exit to the surface.” She pressed the scoll into Viconia`s hand.

I usually went for the kua-toa, though afterwards I cleared the illithid and beholders as well for exp.

Yep, the prince is far easier then the others.

He wondered what kind of impression he had left on her after that first tour of the city that she had taken him on. A request for a second meeting could be taken as a good sign but Drow were tricky. Haer`Dalis found the construct of their society to be stifling but it also seemed to teeter just on the brink of disaster and sweet oblivion.

I like this whole inner monologue of Haer'Dalis's. It really gets across a sense of cunning behind his apparent lightness. I'd wonder who'll come out on top between him and Phaere, but it might come out wrong.

We shall see...

“While I am not bound to any of them.” Apart from the Raven, he mentally added. “The sisters are extraordinarily demanding.”

Ah, he is a good actor, and a good liar. It's better to see it in the dialogue here, I think. Just bring it to life a little, anyway, for me.

Ah, Thank you

“There is something Matron Ardulace wishes you to do and she will call you to her soon.” She drew a finger along her wine soaked lip. “After that I hope to try and get your full attention.”

“And I am sure you shall have it.” Haer`Dalis smiled, his sharp shark like teeth now fine straight rows thanks to the illusion.

Ooh. The scene moves from the erotic to the intriguing very, very easily. If you'd mentioned HD's teeth before, I'd forgotten. You have to wonder if Phaere would be so eager to seduce him if she knew...

I don`t think Phaere would mind a Tiefling.

Secondly…” The Drow noble reached behind Haer`Dalis and pulled his head down then she forcibly kissed him, raking her tongue in his mouth.

Is she gonna feel his teeth?

He will just say that he has sharp theeth...

Sorry, that's just in my mind now. It's an excellent little detail to include. I don't know if someone could 'feel' past the illusion, but if she did, would she let on she could? Dorw, eh? Tricksy.

I actually assume that you could "feel" past the illusion so...

“He is kind of funny that way…” Groder smiled absentmindedly.

“Hey, we better get a healer in here quickly; Groder seems to actually like someone.” Imoen said through mouthfuls of bread.

“Yes, maybe we should check for some sort of head wound.” Viconia mused with a smile.

“Bah!” Groder waved dismissingly at them.

I like this. You write party banter exceedingly well, F. It always seems just light enough and revealing enough to sound natural.

Thank you. I never really manage to like my own dialouges.

Groder began to sneak towards his room when Jaheira called.

“I am not done with you yet!” The druid grabbed the back of Groder`s shirt and pulled him back. The youth sighed and sat down on a free chair.

I love the way she acts so motherly around him. if it were anyone else pulling Groder around, I'd be worried.

Well, he knows he has very little chance against her.

“Do you want another session with the tentacle rods?” Ardulace stated as calmly as if she was talking about the weather.

Phaere`s protests stopped and the proud woman reduced to a girl stared silently at the floor. Groder fought the urge to gloat and won.

Eerie, especially considering what we know about Phare and Groder. Their little reactions are very, very revealing.

Groder is smarter then he seems and I since the Matron Mother is kind of absolute...

“Of course not.” Ardulace said and produced a scroll. “This is a map of the nearby area. By providence we are close to both a Beholder lair and an Illithid city. There are also some Kua-toa birthing pools in a system of caves near the closest exit to the surface.” She pressed the scoll into Viconia`s hand.

Hi-jincks to follow?

If by hi-jinks you mean killing fish men? Then yes!

“Mmm…” Phaere purred. “Such modesty does not suit you. There may be a great many things you can do to climb the hierarchy here. The Matron Mother already views you all with favour and perhaps you need not remain with the females.”

I'm glad you made him interested in this offer. Any other character might have turned it down easily, but it's the kind of thing Haer'Dalis would go for.

Well, he still has his Raven to think off...

They shared some of the wine in silence together with some silent flirtations, a wink here and a foot rubbed against a leg there.

I really liked this entire scene with the two of them. It has just the right mood to it.

Thank you.

“What where you thinking?” Jaheira yelled. “You have no idea what you may be up against.”

I don't think she needs the word 'what' in that question...

“It is time.” She intoned. “For you to meet the Matron Mother and work for the glory of the Spider Queen and Ust Natha.”

*cue dramatic drumroll*

Yep, then its back into the underdark!

Ooh! Which one will they choose? Personally, I always go for the Hive Mother, because it involves very little walking about, but from a story perspective ... hmm. Kua Toa?


I love Groder's and Nym's friendship, which is adorable. I also think Imoen seemed a little jealous in this chapter. I loved it!


The scene was Haer'Dalis was brilliant. I think he was suitably cunning and flowery enough in this chapter. I've tried writing him recently and can't for the life of me get it right.... Darn it. I'll have to make pointers.


Ardulace was ... as horrible as she hould be. She managed to make Phaere whine, so that's an achievement in itself. I can't imagine that's easily accomplished! Her outfit made me laugh. The trouble is that she's probably competent enough to have something that impractical and still whup ass!


Keep up the good work!

Ooh! Which one will they choose? Personally, I always go for the Hive Mother, because it involves very little walking about, but from a story perspective ... hmm. Kua Toa?

Well, both a hive and the mind flayer city is a bit too powerful really.

I love Groder's and Nym's friendship, which is adorable. I also think Imoen seemed a little jealous in this chapter. I loved it!

She did? Thank you...

The scene was Haer'Dalis was brilliant. I think he was suitably cunning and flowery enough in this chapter. I've tried writing him recently and can't for the life of me get it right.... Darn it. I'll have to make pointers.

Keep at it!

Ardulace was ... as horrible as she hould be. She managed to make Phaere whine, so that's an achievement in itself. I can't imagine that's easily accomplished! Her outfit made me laugh. The trouble is that she's probably competent enough to have something that impractical and still whup ass!

Keep up the good work!

I envison Ardulace as one tough lady so I hope that comes across. I don`t really know how much of her we will see before the entire demon thing...