Beloved Child 55

This chapter was written kind of fast so… eh… enjoy anyways eh?

Beloved Child 55

Their second free day passed by quickly and the morning after it, the party sat waiting in the Inns restaurant for Phaere and Solaufein to appear. Not another word had been spoken of Lloth and her bequest.

“I wonder how long we will remain here.” Viconia said as their early meal was nearing its end. “We have to assume that Irenicus is moving forward with whatever plans he has.”

“Yes and I don’t think he and Bodhi will be having tea and cake while waiting for us to appear either.” Groder muttered.

“I would guess that the elven city is under siege and that it will take some time for them to gain entry but we cannot tarry here.” Jaheira commented seriously.

“Unfortunately we seem to be required to jump through several rings of fire before we can reach our prize.” Haer`Dalis said.

“Yes, we don’t even know where they have the damn eggs.” Groder grumbled.

“They would have them in the safest place in the city wouldn’t they?” Imoen offered. “They are pretty important after all.”

“And the safest place in the city is?” Nalia asked.

“The temple.” Viconia supplied. “Definitely the temple.”

“And getting in there will of course be the biggest problem.” Jaheira surmised.

“We will have to plan but also look for opportunities. That is what thieves do.” Imoen said nodding her head sagely.

“Isn’t that just common sense though?” Groder asked and stuck out his tongue at Imoen.

Viconia held up her hand to make them stop. Phaere and Solaufein had entered the tavern as was making their way over to the party’s table. Phaere was dressed in a chainmail much like the one she had worn the day they met her. A flail and a crossbow hung from belt. Solaufein looked as surly as always. Phaere cleared her throat.

“We have received word that a beholder is smuggling adamantium into the city. It cannot be allowed to continue so we shall put a stop to it.” She said holding a finger in the air importantly. “It may not seem like such a great task but we are at war and such overt illegal activities could undermine us. We know that the beholder will arrive sometime today at storage area in the south of the city.” Phaere motioned towards herself. “You will follow me there and we will set up the ambush.”

Somehow she had managed to drag Haer`Dalis to herself and they led the way out of the tavern, the party following.
“At least we were not charged with the mission to terrorize the deep gnomes.” Solaufein grumbled when Phaere had taken the lead.

**

They wandered at a good pace through the city, passing a few mansions and the great temple dedicated to the spider queen. Soon enough they arrived at a round platform where crates and various other things sat in small clusters. A pair of guards nodded at Phaere and scuttled off.

They all hid behind stacks of crates on the far end of the platform. Two hours passed and then a large fleshy orb floated into sight. The creature hovered in midair, in the middle of its grey lumpy existence sat a large single eye and below it a wide, many fanged mouth. Several independently moving tentacles with single baleful eyes on them protruded from what was the creatures back. After it several shady looking Drow followed, faces hidden deep in their hooded Piwafis. The party plus two Drow attacked then without warning.

“Ahh….” The beholder sighed in a rubbery voice. “Treachery…”

Swords were drawn and the beholders would be contacts charged. The air crackled as Nalia sent a spear of lighting at the charging Drow. It bounced off two of them and left one stunned. The beholder let loose a massive array of spells from its many eyes while Imoen and Phaere shot it with their crossbows. Solaufein narrowly dodged a ray that scorched the ground. The Drow warrior came up by the beholders side and slashed a long gash into the hovering creature’s side. The thing howled in pain.

Meanwhile Viconia chanted for spells and soon a glittering white ball jumped between the party and their Drow allies. She then concentrated on the beholder beginning the chant for another spell. Groder noticed the change almost immediately and the extra speed provided by Viconia`s spell gave him an edge over the man he had been fighting. Unable to keep up the Drow Groder fought went on the retreat. Groder moved too fast however even with the extra weight of Azure Edge and with clean hack severed the Drows hands from his arms. The sword and the now useless hands fell to the ground. The man screamed and after another swing by Groder, screamed no more. Haer`Dalis spun and cavorted behind him, engaged with a female Drow wielding a short spear. Jaheira whom had to avoid using too much of her druidic magic had joined Solaufein in harassing the beholder.

A silvery ray that emanated from one of the beholders many eyes traced along the ground and then by accident hit one of the Drow the beholder had come to meet. As soon as the dark elf was hit, his flesh began harden and then his entire body turned into stone. The beholder had closed its great eye and the bolts fired by Imoen and Phaere sank only into the thick flesh of it eyelid.

Another ray shot from one of the beholders eyestalks and swept over Haer`Dalis and the spear wielding female he was fighting. Both of them became perfectly still, Haer`Dalises blade resting an inch from the females throat. Yet another ray obliterated the crates that Imoen, Phaere and Nalia had been using for cover. The three women scattered quickly as more of the beholders rays flew after them.

Groder and Viconia had swarmed on the beholder as well after the Drow cleric had cast a spell to strengthen them. The beholder had opened its large main eye again and was staring balefully at the carnage around it.

The floating creature kept sending spells all around it, singeing and cracking the finely tiled floor work. The beholder bled from several wounds and Imoen as well as Phaere had managed to start firing bolts at it again. Nalia let loose a flaming arrow like projectile towards the beholder and it slashed through one of the eyestalks, breaking it off and making dark ichor spray into the air. The paralysis spell that had held Haer`Dalis and the Drow he had been fighting ended and the bards blade slid into the females throat ending the last of the Drow smugglers.

Soon after the beholder moaned loudly and crumbled to the floor with a dull thud its life expiring from many wounds. The party gathered around the fallen beast.

“Ha! We have spat at the great eye-tyrants this day and live to tell about it!” Solaufein exclaimed with obvious pride. “Now we just have to confiscate the goods and…”

Phaere interrupted him.

“No, there will be handmaidens along soon to take care of this.” She said sternly.

“But…” Solaufein began confused.

“But nothing!” Phaere replied. “You all have your orders now go! I will expect to meet you in tavern again in a few days.” She waved angrily at them and made sure to watch them as they stalked off.

**

“Well, then it is our treat.” Imoen said as she beamed at Solaufein as they walked down the streets. The Drow sighed and partly wondered how he had been suckered into sharing a meal with the foreigners.

“Alright, alright.” He held up a hand in a placating gesture. “I’ll come with you.”

Imoen nodded with satisfaction. Solaufien managed a wry smile.

“Do you always badger people until they do what you want?” He asked.

“Yes.” Viconia and Jaheira answered.

“Don’t listen to them.” Imoen whispered. “They are filled with lies.”

Solaufein raised a white eyebrow. He found the pink haired foreigner to be an oddity but rather entertaining in a way. He wondered briefly why she had not taken up the bardic profession; she seemed the type after all.

“You know, I’d like to take a look at that fighter’s guild after we have eaten.” Veldrin spoke up.
Solaufein made a face but then nodded as he remembered that he was supposed to chaperon them. He did not miss the hot glare Imoen sent the boy’s way.

“I’ll just drop him off there; it is nearly empty due to the war anyways.” Solaufein said.

**

As Solaufein had said, the fighter’s society was rather empty. The Drow had taken Groder there after they had eaten a quick lunch at the tavern. Solaufein returned there after he had let Groder in.

Left to his own devices and with a warning not to enter anyone’s private areas, Groder took a look around. Eventually he came to a circular room that held arrays of weapons on the walls, mats and benches were spread out in it and dummies stood in silent lines.

The training hall of the male fighters society was empty expect for one lone boy. Groder recognized Nym from the bathhouse; the young Drow was swinging away at a training dummy with a sword.

The youth observed the Drow silently and concluded that either he was beginner or not very good at all. Nym shared his brother’s sharp features but his face was for obvious reasons not as scarred.

Groder cleared his throat loudly. Nym`s reaction was like nothing he expected. He was reminded of a kitten in Candlekeep that had heard an alien noise and had jumped into the air and looked around startled. That was the young Drow`s reaction almost to a point.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.” Groder chuckled still a bit surprised at the reaction.

“Who…” Nym looked nervous and seemed to become more so when he recognized Groder.

“Veldrin.” Groder filled in and nodded.

“Uhm… I am Nym Vol`Soress.” The young Drow bowed slightly. Groder noticed that Nym`s voice wavered just slightly.

“There is no need to be nervous.” Groder laughed. “It’s not like I am going to…” He broke off. That was exactly it. He realized that Nym was worried that he Groder would hurt him or possibly kill him. Groder locked his hands behind his head and leaned forward a bit smiling.
He shifted again, resting one hand on his hip and waving the other in the air trying to appear as non-threatening as possible.

“As I said there is no need to be nervous.” Groder smiled again.

Nym apparently thought there was because he kept fidgeting ever so slightly.

“You where at the bathhouse with that idiot right?” Groder asked attempting to start a conversation.

“My… my brother, Istrovir, yes.” Nym nodded. Then he seemed to remember something and fidgeted some more. “I think… he wants to kill you. He… he talked about challenging you to a fight at the arena.”

Groder raised an eyebrow and then he laughed.

“He can try.” The youth said. “Hells, if I kill him all the better for you right?”

“Not really…” Nym muttered but Groder had moved close enough to the young Drow to hear it. Nym noticed the proximity and took a step away from Groder. The bhaalspawn sighed and moved quickly to lay an arm around Nym`s shoulders.

“There is no need to fear me, what do you say to a little sparring session?” Groder smiled.

Quick comments, as I am half-asleep.

“Yes and I don’t think he and Bodhi will be having tea and cake while waiting for us to appear either.” Groder muttered.

It'd be funny if they were, though.

Meanwhile Viconia chanted for spells and soon a glittering white ball jumped between the party and their Drow allies. She then concentrated on the beholder beginning the chant for another spell. Groder noticed the change almost immediately and the extra speed provided by Viconia`s spell gave him an edge over the man he had been fighting. Unable to keep up the Drow Groder fought went on the retreat. Groder moved too fast however even with the extra weight of Azure Edge and with clean hack severed the Drows hands from his arms. The sword and the now useless hands fell to the ground. The man screamed and after another swing by Groder, screamed no more. Haer`Dalis spun and cavorted behind him, engaged with a female Drow wielding a short spear. Jaheira whom had to avoid using too much of her druidic magic had joined Solaufein in harassing the beholder.

This whole fight scene flows really well. It's easy to picture who's doing what, and Groder seems pretty vicious. I especially like the idea of Haer'Dalis 'cavorting' in battle. It's a vivid description of his movements.

The youth observed the Drow silently and concluded that either he was beginner or not very good at all. Nym shared his brother’s sharp features but his face was for obvious reasons not as scarred.

Groder cleared his throat loudly. Nym`s reaction was like nothing he expected. He was reminded of a kitten in Candlekeep that had heard an alien noise and had jumped into the air and looked around startled. That was the young Drow`s reaction almost to a point.

I like this reaction, and Groder's analogy. It brings home his background, and it's kind of at odds with the whole underdark setting, which is why it works, I think.

“There is no need to be nervous.” Groder laughed. “It’s not like I am going to…” He broke off. That was exactly it. He realized that Nym was worried that he Groder would hurt him or possibly kill him. Groder locked his hands behind his head and leaned forward a bit smiling.
He shifted again, resting one hand on his hip and waving the other in the air trying to appear as non-threatening as possible.

“As I said there is no need to be nervous.” Groder smiled again.

Nym apparently thought there was because he kept fidgeting ever so slightly.

I agree with Nym! Be nervous! He just sliced off someone's hands!

Although... heh... you've got to 'hand' it to him, he's intimidating. Sorry. Couldn't resist the bad pun.

“There is no need to fear me, what do you say to a little sparring session?” Groder smiled.

Oh man. There's gonna be trouble. There always seems to be!

“Yes and I don’t think he and Bodhi will be having tea and cake while waiting for us to appear either.” Groder muttered.

He doesn’t actually expect you to appear at all.

“And getting in there will of course be the biggest problem.” Jaheira surmised.

I’d be more concerned about getting OUT afterwards.

Somehow she had managed to drag Haer`Dalis to herself and they led the way out of the tavern, the party following.
“At least we were not charged with the mission to terrorize the deep gnomes.” Solaufein grumbled when Phaere had taken the lead.

Yes, you’ll enjoy the follow up quest then.

Meanwhile Viconia chanted for spells and soon a glittering white ball jumped between the party and their Drow allies. She then concentrated on the beholder beginning the chant for another spell. Groder noticed the change almost immediately and the extra speed provided by Viconia`s spell gave him an edge over the man he had been fighting. Unable to keep up the Drow Groder fought went on the retreat. Groder moved too fast however even with the extra weight of Azure Edge and with clean hack severed the Drows hands from his arms. The sword and the now useless hands fell to the ground. The man screamed and after another swing by Groder, screamed no more. Haer`Dalis spun and cavorted behind him, engaged with a female Drow wielding a short spear. Jaheira whom had to avoid using too much of her druidic magic had joined Solaufein in harassing the beholder.

Good point, really, if she uses her druid spells, some of the Drow might get a bit too suspicious and inquisitive.

Another ray shot from one of the beholders eyestalks and swept over Haer`Dalis and the spear wielding female he was fighting. Both of them became perfectly still, Haer`Dalises blade resting an inch from the females throat. Yet another ray obliterated the crates that Imoen, Phaere and Nalia had been using for cover. The three women scattered quickly as more of the beholders rays flew after them.

Looks like Haer got hit with just a stun… Flesh to Stone might have been nicer.

“But nothing!” Phaere replied. “You all have your orders now go! I will expect to meet you in tavern again in a few days.” She waved angrily at them and made sure to watch them as they stalked off.

It seems that Phaere has her own plans regarding the dead beholder. Even though that sounds really disgusting and dirty.

“Do you always badger people until they do what you want?” He asked.

“Yes.” Viconia and Jaheira answered.

Theo: Ha, it never works with me!

Imoen: Oh yes it does!

Theo: Oh no, it doesn’t!

Imoen: Oh no, it doesn’t!

Theo: Oh yes it d-… oh f**k it!

Imoen:

Solaufein made a face but then nodded as he remembered that he was supposed to chaperon them. He did not miss the hot glare Imoen sent the boy’s way.

It did not seem that he did it to spite Imoen, though. All though that could be believable as well.

Groder cleared his throat loudly. Nym`s reaction was like nothing he expected. He was reminded of a kitten in Candlekeep that had heard an alien noise and had jumped into the air and looked around startled. That was the young Drow`s reaction almost to a point.

He sucks at being Drow.

“My… my brother, Istrovir, yes.” Nym nodded. Then he seemed to remember something and fidgeted some more. “I think… he wants to kill you. He… he talked about challenging you to a fight at the arena.”

Ah yes, offended male ego… boo hoo. Suck it up, idiot.

“Not really…” Nym muttered but Groder had moved close enough to the young Drow to hear it. Nym noticed the proximity and took a step away from Groder. The bhaalspawn sighed and moved quickly to lay an arm around Nym`s shoulders.

…was that supposed to be a reassuring gesture?

“The temple.” Viconia supplied. “Definitely the temple.”

“And getting in there will of course be the biggest problem.” Jaheira surmised.

“We will have to plan but also look for opportunities. That is what thieves do.” Imoen said nodding her head sagely.

“Isn’t that just common sense though?” Groder asked and stuck out his tongue at Imoen.

Ah. Battle council... in the middle of a crowded tavern when they know they are followed, listened on, and so on.

“We have received word that a beholder is smuggling adamantium into the city. It cannot be allowed to continue so we shall put a stop to it.” She said holding a finger in the air importantly. “It may not seem like such a great task but we are at war and such overt illegal activities could undermine us. We know that the beholder will arrive sometime today at storage area in the south of the city.” Phaere motioned towards herself. “You will follow me there and we will set up the ambush.”

Yess... nothing like entrusting delicate missions to foreigners. I love the game for it.

Somehow she had managed to drag Haer`Dalis to herself and they led the way out of the tavern, the party following.

Ah. That explains it! It's H'D's contribution to the party's well-being!

“At least we were not charged with the mission to terrorize the deep gnomes.” Solaufein grumbled when Phaere had taken the lead.

I love the way you're writing him. He's so surly, I want to hug him.

Soon after the beholder moaned loudly and crumbled to the floor with a dull thud its life expiring from many wounds. The party gathered around the fallen beast.

Oh, dear. Hot action, indeed.

Methinks they will be heading for the Kuo-Toa Prince's blood... If they had so much trouble with one beholder, taking on an imprisoning Elder Orb...

“Well, then it is our treat.” Imoen said as she beamed at Solaufein as they walked down the streets. The Drow sighed and partly wondered how he had been suckered into sharing a meal with the foreigners.

That's because you are a big softie at heart, Sola!

“Alright, alright.” He held up a hand in a placating gesture. “I’ll come with you.”

Imoen nodded with satisfaction. Solaufien managed a wry smile.

“Do you always badger people until they do what you want?” He asked.

“Yes.” Viconia and Jaheira answered.

“Don’t listen to them.” Imoen whispered. “They are filled with lies.”

Imoen's subquest is moving forward...

Solaufein raised a white eyebrow. He found the pink haired foreigner to be an oddity but rather entertaining in a way. He wondered briefly why she had not taken up the bardic profession; she seemed the type after all.

Ooh, and he's an intelligent creature, too, that Sola! One day, and he may even start to wonder why those females treat him like an equal, instead of throwing around all those 'male worm' curses...

Hopefully, it'll be too late by then.

Groder cleared his throat loudly. Nym`s reaction was like nothing he expected. He was reminded of a kitten in Candlekeep that had heard an alien noise and had jumped into the air and looked around startled. That was the young Drow`s reaction almost to a point.

Err... That would be my reaction, too, probably... What'd be so weird about it? I'm asking seriously, because I'd love to know what kind of reaction Groder was expecting...

Also. Y'know what? Those were, imho, several very good descriptive chapters. Very good, very... efficient, if I may say so. I don't know where you're planning to take this, but I'm liking the additions, the subplots - I don't know how many of the additional crew will survive, or if any - but I'm liking what you're doing with it. With the whole of Ust Natha - I think I commented on the descriptions before...

“There is no need to be nervous.” Groder laughed. “It’s not like I am going to…” He broke off. That was exactly it. He realized that Nym was worried that he Groder would hurt him or possibly kill him. Groder locked his hands behind his head and leaned forward a bit smiling.
He shifted again, resting one hand on his hip and waving the other in the air trying to appear as non-threatening as possible.

Well, paranoia is healthy.

“You where at the bathhouse with that idiot right?” Groder asked attempting to start a conversation.

Groder's tongue strikes again!

“He can try.” The youth said. “Hells, if I kill him all the better for you right?”

Ah. Local wisdom...

“There is no need to fear me, what do you say to a little sparring session?” Groder smiled.

Nym: :runs away:

Really, after I heard that that guy can kill my brother, after I refused his apparent offer to kill him, I'd be out of there... Fast.

But, um... Groder is searching for colleagues? His own age? (I mean, Nym's probably several decades older than him, but it's maturation-age I'm speaking of here...)

...and you just know it's gonna end in a big bloodbath, anyway. But I'm loving how one moment, Groder is calmly killing beholders, and the other, he's a fairly normal teen, unless I'm grossly mistaken about the last scene and he's there on some super secret mission, or something.

I'm loving all the Drow chapters! I feel a little sorry for this boy Groder's apparently going to take under his wing, though...

Anyway, still reading and enjoying!

“We have received word that a beholder is smuggling adamantium into the city. It cannot be allowed to continue so we shall put a stop to it.” She said holding a finger in the air importantly. “It may not seem like such a great task but we are at war and such overt illegal activities could undermine us. We know that the beholder will arrive sometime today at storage area in the south of the city.” Phaere motioned towards herself. “You will follow me there and we will set up the ambush.”

Adamantium smuggling seems like such a mundane thing for a beholder to be doing

Meanwhile Viconia chanted for spells and soon a glittering white ball jumped between the party and their Drow allies. She then concentrated on the beholder beginning the chant for another spell. Groder noticed the change almost immediately and the extra speed provided by Viconia`s spell gave him an edge over the man he had been fighting. Unable to keep up the Drow Groder fought went on the retreat. Groder moved too fast however even with the extra weight of Azure Edge and with clean hack severed the Drows hands from his arms. The sword and the now useless hands fell to the ground. The man screamed and after another swing by Groder, screamed no more. Haer`Dalis spun and cavorted behind him, engaged with a female Drow wielding a short spear. Jaheira whom had to avoid using too much of her druidic magic had joined Solaufein in harassing the beholder.

Nice fight sequence! (It's 'Jaheira who', though)

“Well, then it is our treat.” Imoen said as she beamed at Solaufein as they walked down the streets. The Drow sighed and partly wondered how he had been suckered into sharing a meal with the foreigners.

They're just ruining the reputation of Ched Nasad, aren't they

“There is no need to be nervous.” Groder laughed. “It’s not like I am going to…” He broke off. That was exactly it. He realized that Nym was worried that he Groder would hurt him or possibly kill him. Groder locked his hands behind his head and leaned forward a bit smiling.
He shifted again, resting one hand on his hip and waving the other in the air trying to appear as non-threatening as possible.

“As I said there is no need to be nervous.” Groder smiled again.

Nym apparently thought there was because he kept fidgeting ever so slightly.

Considering this is a Drow city, I'd be very nervous indeed if someone approached me, smiling and trying to look harmless!

“Not really…” Nym muttered but Groder had moved close enough to the young Drow to hear it. Nym noticed the proximity and took a step away from Groder. The bhaalspawn sighed and moved quickly to lay an arm around Nym`s shoulders.

“There is no need to fear me, what do you say to a little sparring session?” Groder smiled.

Right now, I'd almost expect Nym to wet his pants and run for his life!

[quote]Quick comments, as I am half-asleep.

“Yes and I don’t think he and Bodhi will be having tea and cake while waiting for us to appear either.” Groder muttered.
[/quote]

It'd be funny if they were, though.
[/quote]

Heh... They practically are in the game...

[quote]
[quote]Meanwhile Viconia chanted for spells and soon a glittering white ball jumped between the party and their Drow allies. She then concentrated on the beholder beginning the chant for another spell. Groder noticed the change almost immediately and the extra speed provided by Viconia`s spell gave him an edge over the man he had been fighting. Unable to keep up the Drow Groder fought went on the retreat. Groder moved too fast however even with the extra weight of Azure Edge and with clean hack severed the Drows hands from his arms. The sword and the now useless hands fell to the ground. The man screamed and after another swing by Groder, screamed no more. Haer`Dalis spun and cavorted behind him, engaged with a female Drow wielding a short spear. Jaheira whom had to avoid using too much of her druidic magic had joined Solaufein in harassing the beholder. [/quote]

This whole fight scene flows really well. It's easy to picture who's doing what, and Groder seems pretty vicious. I especially like the idea of Haer'Dalis 'cavorting' in battle. It's a vivid description of his movements.
[/quote]

Thank you.

[quote]
[quote]The youth observed the Drow silently and concluded that either he was beginner or not very good at all. Nym shared his brother’s sharp features but his face was for obvious reasons not as scarred.

Groder cleared his throat loudly. Nym`s reaction was like nothing he expected. He was reminded of a kitten in Candlekeep that had heard an alien noise and had jumped into the air and looked around startled. That was the young Drow`s reaction almost to a point. [/quote]

I like this reaction, and Groder's analogy. It brings home his background, and it's kind of at odds with the whole underdark setting, which is why it works, I think.
[/quote]

Thank you, it is a bit ironic as well as Groder did not exactly like Candlekeep.

[quote]
[quote]“There is no need to be nervous.” Groder laughed. “It’s not like I am going to…” He broke off. That was exactly it. He realized that Nym was worried that he Groder would hurt him or possibly kill him. Groder locked his hands behind his head and leaned forward a bit smiling.
He shifted again, resting one hand on his hip and waving the other in the air trying to appear as non-threatening as possible.

“As I said there is no need to be nervous.” Groder smiled again.

Nym apparently thought there was because he kept fidgeting ever so slightly.[/quote]

I agree with Nym! Be nervous! He just sliced off someone's hands!
[/quote]

But that was during a fight!

[quote]
Although... heh... you've got to 'hand' it to him, he's intimidating. Sorry. Couldn't resist the bad pun.
[/quote]



[quote]
[quote]“There is no need to fear me, what do you say to a little sparring session?” Groder smiled. [/quote]

Oh man. There's gonna be trouble. There always seems to be! [/quote]

Oh yes!

“Yes and I don’t think he and Bodhi will be having tea and cake while waiting for us to appear either.” Groder muttered.

He doesn’t actually expect you to appear at all.

Oh that is right. He doesn`t...

“And getting in there will of course be the biggest problem.” Jaheira surmised.

I’d be more concerned about getting OUT afterwards.

Well, you know they have to get in to get out.

Somehow she had managed to drag Haer`Dalis to herself and they led the way out of the tavern, the party following.
“At least we were not charged with the mission to terrorize the deep gnomes.” Solaufein grumbled when Phaere had taken the lead.

Yes, you’ll enjoy the follow up quest then.

Fortunatly for all of us there will be no silly scaring of Gnomes.

Meanwhile Viconia chanted for spells and soon a glittering white ball jumped between the party and their Drow allies. She then concentrated on the beholder beginning the chant for another spell. Groder noticed the change almost immediately and the extra speed provided by Viconia`s spell gave him an edge over the man he had been fighting. Unable to keep up the Drow Groder fought went on the retreat. Groder moved too fast however even with the extra weight of Azure Edge and with clean hack severed the Drows hands from his arms. The sword and the now useless hands fell to the ground. The man screamed and after another swing by Groder, screamed no more. Haer`Dalis spun and cavorted behind him, engaged with a female Drow wielding a short spear. Jaheira whom had to avoid using too much of her druidic magic had joined Solaufein in harassing the beholder.

Good point, really, if she uses her druid spells, some of the Drow might get a bit too suspicious and inquisitive.

Yep!

Another ray shot from one of the beholders eyestalks and swept over Haer`Dalis and the spear wielding female he was fighting. Both of them became perfectly still, Haer`Dalises blade resting an inch from the females throat. Yet another ray obliterated the crates that Imoen, Phaere and Nalia had been using for cover. The three women scattered quickly as more of the beholders rays flew after them.

Looks like Haer got hit with just a stun… Flesh to Stone might have been nicer.

Heh, There are no stone to flesh scrolls here...

“But nothing!” Phaere replied. “You all have your orders now go! I will expect to meet you in tavern again in a few days.” She waved angrily at them and made sure to watch them as they stalked off.

It seems that Phaere has her own plans regarding the dead beholder. Even though that sounds really disgusting and dirty.

Well, in the game they thought that it was an elder orb which is why they went after it in the first place.

“Do you always badger people until they do what you want?” He asked.

“Yes.” Viconia and Jaheira answered.

Theo: Ha, it never works with me!

Imoen: Oh yes it does!

Theo: Oh no, it doesn’t!

Imoen: Oh no, it doesn’t!

Theo: Oh yes it d-… oh f**k it!

Imoen:

Immy...

Solaufein made a face but then nodded as he remembered that he was supposed to chaperon them. He did not miss the hot glare Imoen sent the boy’s way.

It did not seem that he did it to spite Imoen, though. All though that could be believable as well.

Yeah but not in this case.

Groder cleared his throat loudly. Nym`s reaction was like nothing he expected. He was reminded of a kitten in Candlekeep that had heard an alien noise and had jumped into the air and looked around startled. That was the young Drow`s reaction almost to a point.

He sucks at being Drow.

Oh yeah... there has to be some that do and are not total Drizzts.

“My… my brother, Istrovir, yes.” Nym nodded. Then he seemed to remember something and fidgeted some more. “I think… he wants to kill you. He… he talked about challenging you to a fight at the arena.”

Ah yes, offended male ego… boo hoo. Suck it up, idiot.

Istrovir: NEVER!!!!

“Not really…” Nym muttered but Groder had moved close enough to the young Drow to hear it. Nym noticed the proximity and took a step away from Groder. The bhaalspawn sighed and moved quickly to lay an arm around Nym`s shoulders.

…was that supposed to be a reassuring gesture?

Well, Groder thinks it is...

[quote]“The temple.” Viconia supplied. “Definitely the temple.”

“And getting in there will of course be the biggest problem.” Jaheira surmised.

“We will have to plan but also look for opportunities. That is what thieves do.” Imoen said nodding her head sagely.

“Isn’t that just common sense though?” Groder asked and stuck out his tongue at Imoen. [/quote]

Ah. Battle council... in the middle of a crowded tavern when they know they are followed, listened on, and so on.
[/quote]

*facepalm*

Lets us say that it is early and the tavern is kind of empty eh?

[quote]
[quote]“We have received word that a beholder is smuggling adamantium into the city. It cannot be allowed to continue so we shall put a stop to it.” She said holding a finger in the air importantly. “It may not seem like such a great task but we are at war and such overt illegal activities could undermine us. We know that the beholder will arrive sometime today at storage area in the south of the city.” Phaere motioned towards herself. “You will follow me there and we will set up the ambush.” [/quote]

Yess... nothing like entrusting delicate missions to foreigners. I love the game for it.
[/quote]

Well, I say they gained a lot of plus points for saving Phaere.

[quote]
[quote]Somehow she had managed to drag Haer`Dalis to herself and they led the way out of the tavern, the party following. [/quote]

Ah. That explains it! It's H'D's contribution to the party's well-being!
[/quote]

That too!

[quote]
[quote]“At least we were not charged with the mission to terrorize the deep gnomes.” Solaufein grumbled when Phaere had taken the lead. [/quote]

I love the way you're writing him. He's so surly, I want to hug him.
[/quote]



[quote]
[quote]Soon after the beholder moaned loudly and crumbled to the floor with a dull thud its life expiring from many wounds. The party gathered around the fallen beast. [/quote]

Oh, dear. Hot action, indeed.
[/quote]

Thankee.

[quote]
Methinks they will be heading for the Kuo-Toa Prince's blood... If they had so much trouble with one beholder, taking on an imprisoning Elder Orb...
[/quote]

They will go for the easy way I think.

[quote]
[quote]“Well, then it is our treat.” Imoen said as she beamed at Solaufein as they walked down the streets. The Drow sighed and partly wondered how he had been suckered into sharing a meal with the foreigners. [/quote]

That's because you are a big softie at heart, Sola!
[/quote]

Well, he is a follower of Lady Silverhair so...

[quote]
[quote]“Alright, alright.” He held up a hand in a placating gesture. “I’ll come with you.”

Imoen nodded with satisfaction. Solaufien managed a wry smile.

“Do you always badger people until they do what you want?” He asked.

“Yes.” Viconia and Jaheira answered.

“Don’t listen to them.” Imoen whispered. “They are filled with lies.” [/quote]

Imoen's subquest is moving forward...
[/quote]

It is advancing at a slow pace.

[quote]
[quote]Solaufein raised a white eyebrow. He found the pink haired foreigner to be an oddity but rather entertaining in a way. He wondered briefly why she had not taken up the bardic profession; she seemed the type after all. [/quote]

Ooh, and he's an intelligent creature, too, that Sola! One day, and he may even start to wonder why those females treat him like an equal, instead of throwing around all those 'male worm' curses...

Hopefully, it'll be too late by then.
[/quote]

We just have to hope eh?

[quote]
[quote]Groder cleared his throat loudly. Nym`s reaction was like nothing he expected. He was reminded of a kitten in Candlekeep that had heard an alien noise and had jumped into the air and looked around startled. That was the young Drow`s reaction almost to a point. [/quote]

Err... That would be my reaction, too, probably... What'd be so weird about it? I'm asking seriously, because I'd love to know what kind of reaction Groder was expecting...
[/quote]

Well, he did not expect a Drow to act like that.

[quote]
Also. Y'know what? Those were, imho, several very good descriptive chapters. Very good, very... efficient, if I may say so. I don't know where you're planning to take this, but I'm liking the additions, the subplots - I don't know how many of the additional crew will survive, or if any - but I'm liking what you're doing with it. With the whole of Ust Natha - I think I commented on the descriptions before...
[/quote]

Thankee, Thankee.

Right now there is writers block however...

[quote]
[quote]“There is no need to be nervous.” Groder laughed. “It’s not like I am going to…” He broke off. That was exactly it. He realized that Nym was worried that he Groder would hurt him or possibly kill him. Groder locked his hands behind his head and leaned forward a bit smiling.
He shifted again, resting one hand on his hip and waving the other in the air trying to appear as non-threatening as possible. [/quote]

Well, paranoia is healthy.
[/quote]

Around Groder? Oh yes!

[quote]
[quote]“You where at the bathhouse with that idiot right?” Groder asked attempting to start a conversation. [/quote]

Groder's tongue strikes again!
[/quote]

Oh yep!

[quote]
[quote]“He can try.” The youth said. “Hells, if I kill him all the better for you right?” [/quote]

Ah. Local wisdom...
[/quote]

That it is. He get a higher positon.

[quote]
[quote]“There is no need to fear me, what do you say to a little sparring session?” Groder smiled.[/quote]

Nym: :runs away:

Really, after I heard that that guy can kill my brother, after I refused his apparent offer to kill him, I'd be out of there... Fast.
[/quote]

Well, Groder didn`t precisely offer to kill Istorvir, he just stated that Istorvir could not kill him.

[quote]
But, um... Groder is searching for colleagues? His own age? (I mean, Nym's probably several decades older than him, but it's maturation-age I'm speaking of here...)
[/quote]

Well, he hasn`t really been around anyone his own age for a very long time and Nym almost fits the bill.

[quote]
...and you just know it's gonna end in a big bloodbath, anyway. But I'm loving how one moment, Groder is calmly killing beholders, and the other, he's a fairly normal teen, unless I'm grossly mistaken about the last scene and he's there on some super secret mission, or something. [/quote]

I had... have? horrible ideas for them.

Groder seems normal? And no, he is not on a mission.

I'm loving all the Drow chapters! I feel a little sorry for this boy Groder's apparently going to take under his wing, though...

Anyway, still reading and enjoying!

Thankee and it would be worse for Nym if I did what I originally planned.

“We have received word that a beholder is smuggling adamantium into the city. It cannot be allowed to continue so we shall put a stop to it.” She said holding a finger in the air importantly. “It may not seem like such a great task but we are at war and such overt illegal activities could undermine us. We know that the beholder will arrive sometime today at storage area in the south of the city.” Phaere motioned towards herself. “You will follow me there and we will set up the ambush.”

Adamantium smuggling seems like such a mundane thing for a beholder to be doing

Yeah, well it is in the game.

Meanwhile Viconia chanted for spells and soon a glittering white ball jumped between the party and their Drow allies. She then concentrated on the beholder beginning the chant for another spell. Groder noticed the change almost immediately and the extra speed provided by Viconia`s spell gave him an edge over the man he had been fighting. Unable to keep up the Drow Groder fought went on the retreat. Groder moved too fast however even with the extra weight of Azure Edge and with clean hack severed the Drows hands from his arms. The sword and the now useless hands fell to the ground. The man screamed and after another swing by Groder, screamed no more. Haer`Dalis spun and cavorted behind him, engaged with a female Drow wielding a short spear. Jaheira whom had to avoid using too much of her druidic magic had joined Solaufein in harassing the beholder.

Nice fight sequence! (It's 'Jaheira who', though)

Ah, Thankee.

“Well, then it is our treat.” Imoen said as she beamed at Solaufein as they walked down the streets. The Drow sighed and partly wondered how he had been suckered into sharing a meal with the foreigners.

They're just ruining the reputation of Ched Nasad, aren't they

Oh yeah. The real Ched Nasadans will never live this down.

“There is no need to be nervous.” Groder laughed. “It’s not like I am going to…” He broke off. That was exactly it. He realized that Nym was worried that he Groder would hurt him or possibly kill him. Groder locked his hands behind his head and leaned forward a bit smiling.
He shifted again, resting one hand on his hip and waving the other in the air trying to appear as non-threatening as possible.

“As I said there is no need to be nervous.” Groder smiled again.

Nym apparently thought there was because he kept fidgeting ever so slightly.

Considering this is a Drow city, I'd be very nervous indeed if someone approached me, smiling and trying to look harmless!

Yep but as was said Nym sucks at being Drow.

“Not really…” Nym muttered but Groder had moved close enough to the young Drow to hear it. Nym noticed the proximity and took a step away from Groder. The bhaalspawn sighed and moved quickly to lay an arm around Nym`s shoulders.

“There is no need to fear me, what do you say to a little sparring session?” Groder smiled.

Right now, I'd almost expect Nym to wet his pants and run for his life!

He wouldn`t be able to get away!

Late, as usual, I'm afraid

1) The fight scene was brilliant, and as I've told you nearly every chapter before, you're excellent at it. Remind me to ask you for some tips later on...

2) Leaving Grdoer *anywhere* in *any* city is a bad idea, let alone a Drow one. Even it is supposed to be an empty place...

3) For some reason, in the Nym scene, I found Groder to be extremely creepy. I don't know if that was supposed to happen but *shrugs*. Oh, and I think Nym has good reason to be scared. I wouldn't spar with Groder even if I was paid.

Anyway, I'm late again, so sorry for giving such rubbish comments. On to the next story!

Late, as usual, I'm afraid

1) The fight scene was brilliant, and as I've told you nearly every chapter before, you're excellent at it. Remind me to ask you for some tips later on...

Thankee.

2) Leaving Grdoer *anywhere* in *any* city is a bad idea, let alone a Drow one. Even it is supposed to be an empty place...

Yeah, but its fun when he thinks he can make it on his own eh?

3) For some reason, in the Nym scene, I found Groder to be extremely creepy. I don't know if that was supposed to happen but *shrugs*. Oh, and I think Nym has good reason to be scared. I wouldn't spar with Groder even if I was paid.

Anyway, I'm late again, so sorry for giving such rubbish comments. On to the next story!

It was supposed to be a little eh... unsettling at least. Glad you liked it.