Achkinnal Falls- The Adventure Begins...

[BadInfluence]

Plans had gone awry in a way but nothing so bad as to interrupt their entire trip or anything like that. Strahd had come to help them make their way down into Menzoberranzan, his vehicles were better created to withstand the sort of light that incapacitates both Drow and Vampire alike, as such it had been the perfect thing to get them down there… However, the night before they were all supposed to meet up and go down? Strahd had been called back to Wallachia as a foreign army had begun to march towards it’s borders and Strahd, while he might have his flaws, had never left his people to fend for themselves under invasion. As such he had to leave literally the night they were all supposed to meet up but he had at least left behind the means of transportation for them so they could make the journey without too many issues.



The carriage was spacious for three… But a little cramped with five… Jacob, Rose, himself, Gia and Thaylan were all put into a space that was not meant to hold that many people and yet no one felt it wise to split off and try to find more spacious means of travel. They all knew there were risks involved in the trip down, regardless of the fact that Gia was a matron of a well-respected house, there were never really any guarantees on a safe trip. The surface world which they had to cross from Arvandor to get to Menzoberranzan was war tossed and full of strife as it was often an area that saw the most bloodshed between the surface, humans and witch elves, so their passing through had to be done with great care and caution. Gia was in a fragile state and Rose was so incredibly protective of her that she refused to allow any slip ups or slacking off. As such a two day trip became five but because of that? They ran into virtually no issues and were able to make their way down into the under dark mostly unmolested.



Once down there their first trip was to a smaller outlying house, one rich in opulence but poor in land, an old ally of the Navere house and one that had been intermarried into them for many generations. It was there they found their rest while everyone began their own new life down here… Gia had to network, to make alliances strong again, to forge new bonds and pacts… Much of which came in adding to her own flock and using the resources that came from her very rich husband, after all it didn’t matter who the masked man was, his gold was still gold and viable currency. Jacob and Rose were busy being the doctors they were, looking over the new slaves and ensuring they were healthy and good stock, Rose herself formulating the best care plan for Gia herself and not a detail was wasted. Thaylan was out planning the trip ahead into the wastelands where no drow dare tread due to the Sand Mantas and other vicious beasts that had long ruled like Gods over the ink black deserts in the biggest caverns ever in existence…



Nautilous however had little time if any to be idle. Once they were in the allied territory Llolth had come down with her first house he was to challenge. The house was one of the older ones, smaller though, weaker given the times… Rich in slaves like many older houses were they had grown idle, wasteful, their Matron preferring to party endlessly and neglected her army outside of the most basic of training. The name was old, one that had once been feared, respected and admired among the drow but now? A weak Matron and an even weaker Shield Master had begun to disgust Llolth and she had seen it in her favor to cull the house as a whole… Nautilous was to go down and challenge the Shield Master on behalf of the Navere House, and once he had done that he was to meet with the Matron and kill her as well, claiming the house for Gia Navere and adding the loot and slaves to their own household.



The job was easy enough from the outside but without his Magic he was going to be having to go at this in a way he had never known before. He had to rely on powers that he had not used in many, many years, the inherent gifts of the dragon that he was half of. Claws and extreme brute strength, armor in the form of impenetrable scales, rapid reflexes and toxic talons and fangs… He could drop a drow in seconds with the poison that ran rough his veins but he’d still have to do all his fighting up close. So, while he went out to fight? Gia was at the allied house preparing to head out once he had claimed the right to battle, Rose would be her shadow and ensure that the trip went smoothly, as well as to treat any issues that might occur from the fight for himself.





-Several Hours Later-





The approval to battle had been given, a time agreed upon for them to fight later in the day, giving enough time for his Matron to arrive. Rumors were flying, the whole place was buzzing, from the Matron down to the lowest slave chatter was nearly incessant. Who was the masked Shield Master? His height was imposing, his build far bulkier than that of the average male drow, his skin color that ideal ivory hued ash that only the highest breeding provided… A noble? Which family did he hale from? Was he any good? He wore simple weaponry, two chained scythes that he wore from his belt, his clothing simple yet somehow elaborate all at the same time… The mask was new though, what sort of Drow went about hiding his face? Only one eye was visible and it held the most startling blue, a rarity among the drow, more often the palest shades of lavender were as light as they went but sometimes… Very rarely… Blue did occur… And that made him even more mysterious because they could not place where he haled from or the family he belonged to. He gave the name Xunvyll, a name as dark and deadly as any given a Shield Master, but was it real? Who would dare bequeath a name like that upon their child? To give them such a dark fate?



Regardless of all that though he refused all food and drink and once he had given his name he was as silent as the grave itself, his breathing so soft it was barely audible standing right next to him, his stance perfectly still as narry a muscle so much as twitched… Everything about him was unsettling and given the last Shield Master of the Navere house… This one? Was imposing, like some sort of demon, his very aura radiated danger and it was obvious that the house Navere was intent on coming back with full force. War? Was clearly on the menu…




clothes     mask    weapons

[Deleted]

It was a little disappointing that she didn't get a chance to catch up with her Father before they headed off from Silverthorn.. aching muscles and slightly dreamy heads would have them all settled within that rather intriguing looking carriage.. not something she had seen before, but it would suit their needs and would get them through the first section of travel that would have otherwise been ..well quite on the dangerous side.. cramped it certainly was.. where it would have seated three of them more than comfortably.. the five were kind of squashed in together.. she spent the journey seated across the laps of both the men in her lives.. fingers curled and clasped around each others.. not a lot was spoken though.. at least on her part.. trepidation.. a spot of hesitation.. the fear of the unknown.. and then of course dejavu.. she had decided this would be the last .. the final time she attempted to lay down roots and form a proper House.. the previous few times she had failed.. and even though she knew deep down that their failures were not due to her own hand.. it still reflected on her.. she was the Matron.. and she should have known more about what was going on in the background.. her trust had been misplaced.. this time her inner circle would be a lot smaller.. tighter.. whilst there would be no issue with playing by the rules of the land.. she would also change it.. mold it to suit her and her newly expanding family.. her House would be a little more progressive .. though not enough that it would anger her goddess.. the core rules would always remain in stone..

They arrived at this outlying estate.. one of the Houses she knew the family allied with.. and had done so for even longer than she had been taking breath.. they would settle in.. and everyone would get to work doing whatever it was that was required.. a little networking on her part would keep her away from the House for a few nights.. she had been gone.. out of the spotlight for a while.. and she needed to get the word out through the right gossip channels that she has returned.. and if you shook the right grape vine the chain would just go on and on and on.. She was called back to the estate though when she knew about the first battle on the cards.. the first challenge.. Nautilous would have to succeed the weaponsmaster of this lower house.. the one who was steadily losing favour.. and in return she would gain their people and lands.. and he would get the first of no doubt many contests ticked off.. she would remain in her chambers.. sliding into the red gown.. the fur lined piwafwi.. her web crown.. looking every bit the part of a Matron.. her posture was straighter.. that poker face falling back into place.. she would be flanked by a few of the larger soldiers from their flock.. Thaylan a few steps behind her as she approached this.. arena.. her attention shifted over those that were gathered.. eyes shifting between the masked fighter and herself.. her piwafwi would be removed.. taken by Thaylan before she would move to sit.. a plunging deep neckline ..figure hugging as was the usual choice.. the fighters would be called upon to approach their respective Matrons for their final talk.. her legs were drawn in.. crossed at the knees as she waited for him to approach..

a red ribbon from her hair would be tied about his forearm.. she reached for his neck.. just beneath the mask.. fingers curling just softly about his throat as that garnet gaze met his solitary blue-.. Destroy him.. -almost inaudible.. -..and then bring me her head.. with her crown attached.. -the corners of her lips would curl into a smile.. before she would lean in.. her cheek pressing to the side of his rigid mask.. whispering into his ear-.. I know you can do it.. Show me how strong you are.. -settling back in her seat then.. her hand would rise to those waiting on her.. as if waiting for a cup to be placed in it.. at her position she shouldn't really have to request it.. it should be expected knowledge.. banners were being held by a great number of the slaves Nautilous had brought back up to better health. just waiting to be unrolled and hung with her victory call-

Crown

Piwafwi

Dress beneath though in red

[BadInfluence]

This fight was going to be dirty, there was no way to get around it and it was something he fully expected to happen, especially given what he was learning about the Drow. They were not straight on fighters, they preferred stealth and poison, and given that this was going to be an arena fight? He expected traps to be laid out just about everywhere, not to mention what ever else the fighter had up his sleeve, and that? Was just the beginning. He figured there were likely going to be a couple of assassins lurking in the shadows to pop off a dart or two heavily laced with poison before the fight was even out. Was it fair? Hardly. He knew he was going into this with the odds stacked against him. His consoling factor? Was that Lloth was not about to let him die so early on. She’d make him relive his death over and over again until he acted in such a way that he wouldn’t end up dead. A bit of a sick torture yes but at least he would be alive, right?



He’s remained in his seat, not eating or drinking anything offered, waiting for Gia and Thaylan to arrive with Rose and perhaps even Jacob in tow. Once they arrived though he would leave his seat and move over to her, kneeling at her feet as was proper for him now, such a strange thing but he was learning to accept it as what was to be his future. He was glad Thaylan was there, she’d be protected from most if not all outside attacks by him which took a burden off his shoulders, as for Rose and Jacob? He knew better than to worry about him. Gods blood flowed in their veins, if anything tried to take them down at this point, well good luck on that front. They would be just fine… Which allowed him to adjust his focus down to a very narrow point… Kill his opposition…



Kneeling at her feet he felt her tie the ribbon around his arm, that bright red a vibrant contrast to the deep, almost black shade of blue of his jacket. The hand about his neck was a touch of a thrill, made ice race up his spine in such a way the bones almost cracked, but he said not a word… Just that solitary blue gazing back at her. He knew better than to speak, the sound of his voice was as unique as a fingerprint, even if the drow didn’t know him his voice would give him away down the line somehow. The less anyone knew about him the better, hence the mask and the fact he was now dying his skin to look more drow-like, even his hair was dyed. He was… Unrecognizable with the mask on.



In regard to her words he simply inclined his head, she knew he would do anything for her, and if she wanted the other Matron’s head? He’d bring it to her on a silver platter with all the fixings. He couldn’t resist leaning in a bit against her as she pressed her cheek to the sharp line of his mask, moving back to stand and head towards the Arena, glad that Thaylan had thought to bring her wine and snacks versus expecting the enemy to provide it… Anything they gave? Would likely be laced.



Once he had entered the actual pit it was like someone suddenly found the volume control and the whole cave was suddenly echoing with blood thirsty cries. The Drow? Were a lot like the Romans, they loved little more than to fuck, fight, and eat. At least he was very used to this though and he debated if it might be better to play to the crows much as gladiators did, it would ensure the crowd really got into it, and if… No… When he came out the victor? Then he knew there would be absolute chaos… It wasn’t a bad thing… But Gia was not that type of woman and yet… They were a ‘new’ house… They needed reputation… A build up… If he made it into a huge event with plenty of bloodshed then the name would certainly spread that much faster…



Well… Better to beg for forgiveness than ask permission…



The sands were cold and damp under his bare feet, his jacket hanging about his waist from the wide belt he wore, his blades hanging at his sides. There were loud boos and the like from the house which he was about to take down, that was to be expected and given as such? He simply bowed to them which only made them madder… Good… The Navere house was a much higher tier of class and status than this pond slime pit… The arena however was good though, cold sand and well lit by thousands of flaming oil lamps, smoke rising and swirling about which he could make good use of. Over all this was more towards his advantage than not, sand and smoke were common as the plague in Rome and he had known more about it than most, he knew exactly how to move in this sort of terrain and that suited him beautifully…



And it would be needed to when he saw the man he was supposed to fight…



‘Bullshit’ He thought to himself as that monster of a man strode into he pit. He was too damn tall to be a drow, he was too tall to even be a human, the man easily stood at least eight feet and looked as solid as a boulder. There was no way this was the houses shield master, no way in hell which meant that the house was a hell of a lot more cowardly than they first appeared which was saying something, and with that in mind he knew he’d have to fight at least two more people beside this bulking monstrosity to get to the Matron… If that was even the real one and not some wench in her place…



{Roll(1d10)+0:5,+0Total:5 = Success}



He and this great hulking beast stood off face to face in the field and bowed to each other and just as he had expected… Before he even rose from his bow the opposition was taking a hard swing down at his head with the large mace he was wielding, and if he had not been faster on his feet he would have ended up face down in the sand with a split skull, his saving grace was his natural reflexes in this. He rolled forward versus tried to lurch backwards, closing the space between his enemy and himself, lifting the chained blades from his waist he dove forward and slashed at the insides of his knees. He had hoped to get to the tendon but he didn’t get deep enough though he did leave a nice long slice into the meat and through the armor he wore. He’d complete the roll on a crouch before he’d rise quickly and dig the blades into the kidney area, letting the metal sink in nice and deep, so sharp they easily cut through the leather jerkin and the flesh beneath like a hot knife through butter. The resulting scream was lovely as he tumbled out of reach and with a firm yank on the blades he had them pulled out of flesh and taking a good bit of skin and muscle with them before they’d returned to his hands.



{Roll(1d10)+0:9,+0Total:9 = Success}



They danced back and forth amid the screams of elation and the boos of disgust from both sides, slaves and highborn alike were getting into it and he was definitely giving them a show, dancing just outside of every blow the beast threw at him while leading him into the boobytraps he had sensed within the sand. Small things really, like anthills that didn’t belong he knew where each one was and watched as the opposition got stung with venom laced spines, feet caught in vicious traps and things of the like. They wanted a show, a bloodbath and that was what he was giving them, drawing it out for the benefit of those watching. Despite all that though, the wounds, the poisons and the traps this guy was still moving somehow. By all rights he should be stumbling, screaming in pain or fainting from blood loss, not marching on at him like some wind up toy.



{Roll(1d10)+0:2,+0Total:2 = Fail}



The fact that this guy kept coming at him and swinging that mallet around like it was made out of paper mâché, that wasn’t right in any sense of the word and he knew it yet for some reason it was happening all the same, and that made him thing either magic or some sort of potion or drug was involved. You can’t be THAT big and keep going on like that, it took too much stamina and energy, especially when wounded and poisoned to boot. Staying out of his reach was pretty easy though, his blades had range on them and the chains could be used to both restrain and trip his opposition up, it meant he could keep his distance and still do damage. But what he couldn’t avoid? Was one of the traps. This one wasn’t triggered by something in the field, this was a flat covering over an empty space, something that had to be pulled up… And once it was up? The thing inside him rushed at him faster than a shadow could move. It was a cave dragon, much smaller than the surface ones given the smaller space but they were far worse, using extremely powerful psychic attacks and that? Was what hit him… Straight to the chest like a cannon ball the thing came at him double duty and raked it’s talons across his chest, eager to kill but only wounding as his skin was hardened by scales of it’s own under the skin, protecting vital organs and things of the like.



{Roll(1d10)+0:10,+0Total:10 = Perfect Success}



He grappled with the dragon for several minutes, a tangled of limbs and blood on the sand, ending up dragging his opponent into it as well there was just a ball of chaos in the middle of the field… Blood shoot out, screams both Drow and Dragon alike, chunks of scale armor and skin flying off to spatter the sand and even the audience… He? Was at the bottom of it with both he dragon and that mountain of an enemy atop of him and he felt his body getting raked by claws and pounded by fists, his head ringing from the multiple blows he had received and his vision was starting to go, he couldn’t breathe properly under all the weight… This lasted for several minutes before the screams suddenly stopped… Silence… Perfect silence reigned in that pit for what seemed like eternity before he crawled out from under the pile of dead flesh, blades in hand and soaked red and green in blood, his mask still on his face and keeping his identity hidden… He’d reached down and began to hack and slice at the head of the Dragon and once it was severed, he threw the body into the audience who reacted with screams and cheers like you’d never heard before… Going to the champion who he had felled he repeated the same, the bulk of the body he lifted with a show of great strength and with a spin and pivot like a discus thrower he chucked the dead body towards the Matron of the enemy house, watching it land with a wet splat and organs spilling out onto her hem. The heads he saved and brought them over to where Gia was sitting with her drink and laid them at her feet with a perfect bow before he began to make his way towards the opposing matron.



{Roll(1d10)+0:3,+0Total:3= Success}



He made it across that sand at a dead run, moving faster than should be possible and because of that he was able to avoid the many traps that were being set off in the pit to try and stop him from reaching his goal, the Matron showing fear on her face as she ordered the Shield Master and her soldiers to defend her. He knew he had a battle ahead of him as he began to slice down any who opposed him but as he saw it was only the soldiers who dared get in his way, the slaves were already started to defect to Gia’s side, they knew the battle was lost and were quick to curry favor with the new Matron… But he? Couldn’t pay attention to all of that right now, he was fighting off both soldiers and two more angry dragons who were in a frenzy now due to the blood, but luckily he smelled more like them than not and they were turning their attentions on the soldiers versus him… Most of the time. He made his way to the Dias where the Matron stood and was attempting to flee, leaving the remaining solders and the Shield Master to try and finish him off, or at least bide her enough time to run…



{Roll(1d10)+0:2,+0Total:2= fail}



He was going toe to toe with the shield master who was a much smaller opponent than the one he had just faced off, slender as all drow were but quick and heavy with the venom. He could feel it sinking into his skin as the dragons raked him with claws and the shield master eager to throw multiple packets of poisoned dust at him. He was starting to get extremely pissed as he continued to slash and cut at those who opposed him, using his weapons flexibility to keep the group at a distance as he kept it whistling through the air in an arch. The Matron? He’d lost sight of her and that just made his blood boil as he searched for her more and more… Only to finally find her caught up at the arena doors… Her own slaves had turned against her and locked her in so that she could not escape… He had to get to her before the poison took the full effect but he still had a handful of soldiers on him as well as that annoying ass poison happy shield master to go through…



{Roll(1d10)+0:5,+0Total:5= Success}



With a burst of energy he drew from he knew not where he released his second weapon and began to use them much as a fire dancer does their flaming whips, kicking up dirt and sand to hide their movements as he began to unleash them in a rapid fury of movements that began to sever arms and legs, removing heads from bodies… Tearing through spines and torso’s and leaving more than a few half men in his wake as legs remained standing while their upper bodies slid off with a sticky splatter of offal on the ground. He ran after the Shield Master who began to turn tail and run as well, catching up to him and tackling him into the red sands before he’d cut his head off as well and tuck the long green dyed hair into his waist so he could give it to Gia as well, making his way quickly to where he had last seen the Matron.



{Roll(1d10)+0:6,+0Total:6= Fail}



Before he could get to her he lost her again and because of the energy he had put out the poison was moving much faster through his veins, and while it was intended to be lethal all it did to him was make him feel extremely ill, collapsing to his knees once or twice to vomit into the sand before he’d force himself back to his knees. Each time he fell someone would take advantage of it, one of the soldiers still Loyal to the Matron would come at him, stabbing him repeatedly before he’d fell them and get back up to his feet… Moving at a much slower pace it took him longer than he wanted to see happen, the Matron knowing her fate was closing in and he could hear her panicked screams, the rapid orders in Drow that he did not fully grasp yet… He knew some but… When someone spoke it quickly? He was at a complete loss… Because of that he had missed the fact someone had just thrown a bucket of oil on him and was seeking to burn him alive.



{Roll(1d10)+0:7,+0Total:7= Success}



He had to move quickly, tearing off the clothes he wore so he stood in nothing but his skin suite, rushing at the Matron with all he had left, tearing heads off with brute strength and his own dragon talons as he went along. Once he was within range of her he didn’t try to close the gap rather he just grabbed up one of the fallen swords and threw it at her with enough force to slide right through her torso and beyond, dragging her with it’s momentum into the wall where it pinned her. The screams? Were loud and bloody… Shrieks of fear and pain… All while he closed the gap at his leisure, with her death imminent the last of the fight went out of the soldiers and everyone fell back, and perhaps… Just a bit…It was out of fear and respect for the Shield Master of the House Navere…



{Roll(1d10)+0:5,+0Total:5= Success}



Coming to stand before her he didn’t even say a word, just looked at her with his one eye through his bloodied mask, his hand coming up to rest about her throat and slowly… So slowly he began to squeeze… And Squeeze… And Squeeze… Her screams becoming whistles as her dark face took on an even darker shade of plum, eyes turning blood shot and protruding from her head as he killed her, ensuring she was still conscious enough at the end to feel her spine snapping as he ripped her head from her shoulders… Making sure it still had it’s crown atop it’s head he walked back, picking up a shield along the way and placing the head on it like a saucer and once he got to Gia atop her throne, he knelt before her and offered up the matrons agony rich expression wearing head to her.





Pit     fighter

[Deleted]

She knew he would be ok.. right?.. realistically she'd only seen him fight the once.. and that was up against some of the weakest of her opponents.. what she had left before her house crumbled and fell.. but this was a whole different ball game.. and though she'd not admit it.. she was a little concerned.. the red tie was placed around his arm.. the orders.. the whispered words given.. before he would move into position.. her gaze.. that striking garnet shifted around the arena before her.. hearing the roar of the crowds.. the slaves getting right rowdy.. her fingers curled around the base of the wide round glass she was handed.. he was right.. she was not usually one for such displays of entertainment..at least not in the fighting arena.. but everything was different this time around wasn't it?.. she was starting again.. but whilst from the outside it looked as though she was coming in with very little.. the simple fact she had Thaylan and Nautilous there.. along with her jewel safely back in Silverthorn.. well she had more than she had Ever had before.. her free hand rose as she rested it atop her brothers there upon her shoulder.. it was an .. almost odd feeling.. to be able to be free in public like that.. the generations had shifted and it would be quite rare to come across anyone that knew him as her brother..the fight began..the opponent was not what she expected.. larger.. thicker.. it caused her brow to rise there upon those youthful features as she glanced toward the opposing Matron with a questioning look.. the woman quickly averted her gaze.. even going so far as to pull her veil across..

she took a breath.. turning her attention back to the arena.. this particular House appeared to be rife with dishonour ..she drank a little more of that ruby coloured liquid.. watching each round as it hit.. She was impressed with his technique.. he was not a slight male.. he had muscle on him and yet he was incredibly light on his feet..much like a dancer.. his ability to be stealthy whilst also landing hard hits had her nodding her head.. blood was spilt.. cries of pain and grunt anger sounded.. the crowd yelled and stamped their feet.. she remained silent.. her eyes locked upon the dance being played out before her..her stoic expression faltered when her gaze squinted.. just for a moment.. all in response to that dragon.. the trap that caught him off guard.. the psychic attack and raking talons.. she dragged her tongue across her teeth.. though it was hidden within her mouth.. she couldn't intervene.. she just kept telling herself that.. Get up.. Get up.. Get up.. circled her mind.. Thaylan would have noticed her shoulders tense up as the bloody violent pile on occurred.. the scent of blood was rich and thick in the air.. before silence fell.. everyone froze.. .. before he crawled out and she exhaled the breath she had No idea she had been holding .. she placed her drink down..the strangle hold her fingers had upon the glass nearly snapped it.. the crowd picked up quickly.. easily figuring they would be switching sides for their own safety.. the heads were placed down at her feet.. she inclined her head as the corners of her lips curled into an approving smile.. she nodded in response to his bow.. before she motioned for those two heads to be picked up.. several slaves stepped across.. holding them in their hands as they moved off to the side..

her gaze followed him as he took off in a sprint.. setting off several traps along the way but each and everyone missed its mark.. bodies hit the sand.. one after the other.. falling like dominoes as he fell anyone that even dared try and get in his way.. The actual shield master appeared.. much leaner.. smaller.. but with poison.. they had moved out of her sight line.. fingers curled around a glass orb.. it grew like someone blowing a bubble till it rested comfortably against her palm.. and she was gifted with the view of what was happening .. the poison.. the soldiers.. and then the slaves that locked the Matron in.. the fire dancer routine had her tilting her head.. watching with.. interest.. the use of sand and clouds of dust.. the oil was a dirty tactic.. but always used last when you were about to lose.. she didn't need to see what happened next.. she heard it.. those loud bloody shrieks made her lids close over.. she counted down silently.. her painted lips curling with each number formation.. and when she opened her eyes.. there he was.. knelt down.. his body was coated in blood, poison, dust and oil.. but he remained in perfect posture and positioning.. offering up what she asked of him.. she reached down.. her fingers were soft and warm as she dragged a nail down the side of his neck.. drawing a small cross at the base.. before she would reach for the head of the Matron.. the expression only made her smile widen.. she looked down into the soulless eyes.. tearing the crown from atop its head.. she slid it to rest against her elbow before she thrust up the head into the air-.. VICTOR -the crowd settling around the arena broke out in cheers and applause.. stamping their feet and waving their oil torches.. one of her own flock approached with a wooden pike.. she slammed the head down onto it.. -.. We did not come this far to walk away without the victory.. -she called out.. her voice carried easily.. and silenced a great number.. authoritative.. she was a leader.. it ran in her veins.. born into it.. bred into her.. but she just had that little extra something that meant people stopped.. and they listened when she spoke..

she came down though.. her hand rested atop Nauts shoulder.. she knew he had to be hurting.. a Lot.. and yet.. he was remaining as stoic as she always was.. she glanced back toward Rose.. nodding.. before turning to Thaylan.. -.. He will need antidotes for the poison immediately.. and make sure he is thoroughly spoiled..as is tradition -whispered words spoken in passing.. to anyone glancing on they barely even shared a glance.. she knew her brother would be able to guide Rose.. even if to just let her know what he had been hit with so she would know what to fight it with.. Rose was smart.. she would pick it up quickly.. the Matrons head was coated in oil.. and set alight.. the pike was carried by several of the Matrons own slaves toward the mass of bodies in the middle of the blood soaked arena.. and the pile would be a burning bonfire in no time.. the banners were torn down and replaced.. and she got to witness it.. those long deep ruby velvet banners being unrolled as the land was claimed in her Houses name.. her hands came down to rest there upon the rounds of her hips as she send the larger of the trained men in to round up the slaves and Houses original soldiers.. they would need to be picked through.. Jacob would be ordered to do medicals on each and every slave and worker.. any that were unfit or order would be put to death.. the stronger ones would be re branded.. The House itself would be raided for anything of true value.. the lands were worth nothing to her.. it was swampy and not looked after.. the Priestesses ..daughters of the now passed Matron were captured.. they would be held until their purpose was known.. either as sacrifice.. or if they were useful to be re-trained..along side Anya.. that was the hardest thing about only having one child.. one daughter.. Priestesses were needed.. and she was well behind..

she would remain on the grounds for quite some time..flanked naturally.. but she refused to hide away simply because she was seen to be in a delicate state by those who knew.. there would be a lot of bodies on this particular night.. a House that didn't care much for its flock meant it was weak.. its people were weak.. whilst some did have potential.. the grand majority certainly did not.. whispers would start to float about.. slaves that had managed to run before being caught .. Mistresses that took the tunnels rather than affording capture.. only to be caught at opposite ends by opposing factions.. word was getting around about this Shield Master and the Navere house looking for war.. chatter and gossip.. chinese whispers recounting the tale to be a lot more colourful and larger than it ever could have been.. but still.. it struck fear in a lot of the smaller houses.. and a rivalry in the larger.. loose ends were being tied up.. she would move to make her way back to their home away from home-

[BadInfluence]

The fight had been varied and unlike what he expected, the things working in his favor were both the smoke and the sand, familiar to any Egyptian or Roman and as comforting as a kiss. That, however, was the only thing familiar about anything down here. The fighter was dark like a drow but there the genetic similarities ended, it was rare he ran into someone as tall as he was, rarer for someone taller… And going against him? Had been a struggle without his magic at his beck and call. He’d had to go in with speed and finesse while also making sure he hit hard enough to actually do damage, that in turn meant he had to push himself to some extent, something he hadn’t had to do in more years than he’d like to recount. He was rusty, he should have done better and he knew it, he had a long way to go before he was in prime condition again… His life of stability had made him soft… Weak… Complacent… Which meant that a serious change would need to be taking place. Especially if he wanted to finish these trials Lloth had laid down for him. He certainly didn’t want them to be as big of a pain in the ass as this one had been.

Between the hulking beast of a man he had fought, the dragon, the booby traps and soldiers… The actual Shield Master and the poisons, the chaos of slaves defecting to their side and the Matron turning tail and running, all of it combined drained him. When he presented Gia with the head it was taking every last sliver of his strength to remain still and stoic, as if nothing bothered him, as permanent as stone… If they could see him falling to poison or blood loss they’d see he was just a man. Gia? Needed more than just a man as her Shield Bearer. She needed a demon, a monster, a ghost to strike fear into the hearts of those who she wished to take down and grind beneath her lovely heels. Valkryn had destroyed the name of Navere when he had been the Shield Bearer, showing a weak set of skills, an idiotic and vain demeanor. He was going to obliterate that past image and leave the name Navere as one to both respect and fear.

He watched as best he could, his hand coming to rest on hers as she pressed his shoulder softly, the cross on his neck was new and he couldn’t place it… What ever it was though he was just glad he could still feel her touch at the moment. Currently his head was spinning a bit and his body was going through cycles of hot and cold, wanting to sweat and shiver all at the same time. Looking around with his good eye? It was currious to see what came next though… Many people tarred heads and kept them as trophies to put up on walls of their castles… Some made death masks for those famous criminals who were finally brought to justice… Some even pickled them in formaldehyde so they could look back on it forever and derive joy or pleasure from the decapitated head… But the Drow? Lit it on Fire. He watched as she spoke with natural authority, claiming Victory over the enemy house, the slaves all going forward to capture the runners and raid the house of anything worthy. From there? The house would be put to the torch and the land left to return to what ever nature designed for it…

As Gia moved away he was left in the care of Thaylan and Rose while Jacob was ordered to look after the other slaves and decide to who cull and who stayed. Thaylan helped him rise to his feet and assisted him to walk out of the Arena and into a place where he could get cared for. Lucky for him Rose and Jacob had already gone ahead to set up a sort of medic tent for him and that was where he was laid out until he was patched up enough to get into the carriage and make their way back to the between house as he called it, the place they rested on family ties until Achkinnal Falls could be properly located and moved to. Upon their arrival he was taken to a much cleaner, nicer room where he was bathed and then put into a soaking tub full of the proper herbs and potions to leech the poison out of his body, and yes… He also had several leeches on him to keep blood flowing to the areas where necrosis poison had hit open skin, and he knew without being told that he was going to be having more than a few new scars from this, but hey… At least Gia thought his scars were attractive, right? It could be worse.

He'd rest in that tub, only getting out to be toweled down, looked over and the tub to be drained. This happened on and off for what felt like hours but by the end of it he was starting to feel better even if he was pretty sure he drank more potions and antidotes in the last few hours than he ever had in his life. And in the end? He just wanted to see her… Hear her voice… Had she been impressed? Why had she drawn the X on his neck? Was she upset about something? Or was it something else? But most of all? He just wanted to feel her arms around him… “Gia… Can I see her now?” And, after some discussion between Rose and Thaylan, ensuring he was both out of the woods himself and didn’t carry anything contagious to Gia? They agreed to see if they could bring her up, settling him into the big bed with little more than a towel about his hips and covered with blankets, the fires burning low and healing incense lit and slowly smoldering away…

[Deleted]

She kept an eye on the three of them as they made their way back toward the medical tent.. she knew deep down he had to have been hurting.. a Lot.. the amount of poison dust she saw being thrown around.. the blistering hot oil.. the fair beating he received.. all of it .. it made her pause..made her still.. but in all of this.. there was one thing she knew.. they would look after him.. they would do everything within their power to make sure he was comfortable and cared for.. and in as much as she wanted to go back with them she knew she couldn't.. not yet.. protocol demanded she remained in sight..she was flanked though.. the hulkier.. the heavier and more muscle bound of the soldiers were at her sides.. ready and just begging anyone to even attempt laying a single finger on their Matron..seeing the banners rolling out .. being hung up so high upon the wooden rods made her heart seize in her chest.. it had been so long.. such an incredibly long time since she had seen that.. and it actually caused a shiver to snake the length of her spine...the fires were lit.. the bodies burning.. the old banners torn.. violence was rife as slaves turned on each other.. anyone daring to pledge allegiance to any other House than Navere was cut down.. the House was raided.. anything of value.. golds, jewels, fabrics, clothing was neatly piled and stacked upon rainbow coloured driftdics.. and sent on their way back toward the House they were staying in..gifts and payment for allowing them to settle safely ..

she would make sure Jacob was well situated.. he would be working quite a few hours.. his job being to check over the new flock.. any that were older and that had no value.. any that were injured or sick.. would need to be culled.. but to make it easy she sent the soldiers in...there would be two doors.. those who were well enough.. strong enough.. smart enough.. would go through the second door.. where they would be afforded a feast.. a party of sorts.. a celebration .. a welcoming to their new home.. those who did not have such luck though would be sent through door number one.. where they would meet their fate.. swift and quickly.. weaponry at the ready and fire pits waiting ..Jacob would simply have to point them in the right direction.. she made sure everything was in order.. one of the deceased Matrons daughters was being.. well.. disobedient.. the soldiers had restrained her and put her in a body length cage..orders were given to have her waiting in the ceremonial chambers.. she would see to her later in the evening.. a driftdisc would take her back to the House.. Ahh something she was incredibly talented in wielding.. having spent far to much time on one as a child.. it was nice to feel the air as it rushed by her.. catching her hair.. flicking up the sides of her piwafwi.. before she would arrive.. nodding to those waiting at the door.. a great number of the staff would be sorting through the spoils of the fallen house.. she stunk of blood, sand and steel.. making her way back up to her chambers.. sliding out of the red gown.. she ordered a slave to give her an update as to how their Shield Bearer was faring.. before she would slip beneath the heated water .. the shower was soothing against her splattered skin.. it removed every drop of blood and grain of sand.. the scent of smoke and charred flesh.. a little soap.. a soft sponge across her skin..

before she would be handed a towel.. wrapping it around herself.. this soon would be replaced by a familiar vibrant red satin robe.. a comb through her hair.. a ribbon pulling it back in a loose pony tail.. though even when she wore nothing beneath a robe she would always have heels upon her feet.. always.. the newly cleaned deceased Matrons crown rested against her elbow once more as she made her way up to the room he had been put in.. rapping her knuckles against the door a few times before they would be drawn open for her.. the scent of healing incense struck her first.. the soft orange glow of the low lit fireplace.. that garnet gaze shifted as she turned toward the bed.. catching sight of him there..her head tilted a little to the side as her smile grew considerably-.. Ahh.. now there is my handsome champion.. -softly spoken as she closed the doors behind her.. making her way across the room.. a saunter of liquid red satin before she came to his bedside.. she pulled the crown that was resting against her elbow.. drawing it the length of her arm before she reached up to place it upon her head.. it was very basic compare to those she would normally wear.. especially when she was in court.. but it had been a very long time since she was able to wear a victory crown.. -.. I missed your face.. underneath all that gear.. -she reached across.. soft warm fingers would cradle his cheeks.. his jawline.. -.. How are you feeling?.. -concern crossed her features as she inclined her head a little to the side.. -.. You got hit.. with a lot of poison and venom .. and yet.. You remained in perfect form.. You showed no weakness.. You showed no dishonour.. the show boating.. -her smile grew a little more before she laughed-.. well..That was very well received.. forever the entertainer..In hindsight Im not sure why I was surprised.. You impressed me today.. on so very many levels.. Even when you were fronted with an enemy that was clearly planted to take you down.. You stood strong..

-her hands fell back to her lap.. one rose to press over her heart-.. You moved with such grace and speed for someone as large as you are.. it was purely magical to observe.. -she nodded her head-.. You are my Hero, My Champion.. My Knight.. and I thankyou.. from the bottom of my heart for bringing our home our first true Victory.. -her hands rose as they came to settle there upon his shoulders.. making sure to avoid any healing cuts and abrasions .. she didn't want to aggravate anything.. she needed him in top form as quickly as was possible.. drawing him in close.. to embrace.. to wrap those same arms around him.. her palm coming to press against the back of his head as she guided it to her shoulder.. - Thankyou.. -she whispered into his ear.. holding him close.. he'd be able to feel her warmth if he was still coming down from the after effects of the venom.. -.. Tell me what you need.. Anything at all.. Ill organise it..nothing is too good .. or too hard to find or do.. for the Champion of the House.. -she brushed her lips just beneath his right ear.. the Shield Barer was always treated incredibly well after a Victory.. afforded anything he or she desired.. -.. I have to slip away in a few hours to sacrifice one of the Priestesses.. my daughter is not here to do it.. so I will step in.. keep the goddess pleased..But you will stay.. in this bed.. and get better.. I need you in prime condition before we can move forward


Deceased Matrons Crown

Tensers Floating Disc -Gias preferred mode of travel

[BadInfluence]

I wasn’t sure of all that happened after the head had been put on a spike and roasted like a marshmallow. The entire event was a bit off, some moments seemed to stretch on forever, others blurred entirely and the rest seemed more like it all happened at rapid speeds. He knew he’d been hit hard by that damned dragon, he hadn’t expected anyone to be able to catch one of the bastards, let alone trap it effectively enough to use it in a ring like that. It had done him double duty at that point and when he had been hit with the poison oh yeah, he knew he’d be out for the count if he didn’t move fast, so fast he had gone… And just in time too because after he had given Gia the heads? He was standing on his last leg so to speak. There was a reason Thaylan had to let him lean on him or he would have hit the floor about four steps in.

All he knew really was that Rose had her work cut out with him, he didn’t see any way to repair a lot of the damage, not without his own magic to kick it off. Rose however, under the guidance of Thaylan and his knowledge of Drow poison and trickery, allowed her to manage much better than he had expected. His organs would be healed up though they’d be extremely tender within himself and fragile until they toughened up again so to speak… The exterior… Well… He wasn’t exactly the pretty boy he used to be so he wasn’t exactly going to cry about that. More scars just meant he had a map of his victories and what he had survived on his skin. Might have been ugly on a whore but on a warrior they were like medals of honor… And it was… Good… To finally be able to think of himself like that… As something other than the famous whore with the elusive eight diamond mark of perfection.

Several baths later, each fresh one being tainted quickly by the poisons, oils and honestly what ever else he had been hit with… The bath waters ranging from green to red, even black as it was all slowly drawn out of him, but the worst part were the leeches… Oh GOD he hated Leeches and it took all he had in him not to rip them off. If not for Rose telling him that until the nitroglycerine took effect his skin would necrose without them?... Ok yeah… He managed… Thankfully it didn’t take too long though and they were removed about two hours after they were put on and he was stitched up after the rotten flesh was snipped and sliced away. Ohhhh THAT would hurt in the morning he could tell that much, some of those stitches had to go down into the muscles to fuse them back together, the scars would be exceptionally deep then… But at the end of it all? He just wanted her…

Strange that more than anything else in the world right now he just wanted a cuddle… A nice, warm, tender bit of snuggling was what he wanted. He’d asked for Gia but without knowing all that was expected to occur after the fall of the rival house he had no idea how busy or not she was going to be. Would she be able to come? Or would she send her regards and meet him later? He seriously hoped not cause Rose was a tiny thing and he didn’t want to snuggle up with someone his arms could wrap around twice… Gia had spoiled him in that way, he couldn’t really go for the short ones anymore, there was something so much more satisfying about a curvaceous, woman sized armful… Bit like having only tofu then realizing what it’s like to eat a big, juicy, tender mouth watering slab of steak… She just ruined him for anything less at this point.

Blessedly she was able to come in though and as soon as she came in? His arms were open for her and silently demanding snuggles, the scent of the healing incense was thick and soothing but it couldn’t hide her scent from him, the sweet hints of floral notes and licorice… More decadent than opium to him. Seeing her saunter over on those heels… There was no way to hide the half chub he sported but… Given his condition he couldn’t do much else sadly… And that was NOT from lack of want… He’d always be hungry for her. “How interesting… It’s not a bad crown all the same though…” He said as she donned it on her head, his lips curling in a warm smile as she said she missed his face under the mask, leaning into the caress of her hand over his cheek. “Mmm it’s vital though… Masked, voiceless, nameless I become your ghost… An Avenging spirit… A man can be killed but a spirit? The better I do the more this reputation becomes embellished by others, told over and over again it will become even more terrifying and people will fall beneath your boot rather than fight, making your rise to power that much smoother…” Fear was a beautiful thing like that… The more you could intimidate someone the better chances of them falling under your sway with little to no effort on your part. He sincerely hoped that with Gia in her condition this sort of thing would make her transition that much easier… Smoother…

“Though that aside… I feel like horse shit ran over by a cart carrying more shit.” He said with a chuckle that he instantly regretted and held his sides with a smile all the same. “That dragon was a nasty trick… Exterior I’m solid and can take a beating… But the dragons down here are psychi so they hit well below the skin. Nasty bastards and very hard to kill…” Hence the dog pile he had been under that took him several minutes to get out from under. That? Had been probably the hardest part of the whole fight for him. He’d come out by sheer damn dint of will though, no one in this world was more stubborn than he was, that was just God’s given truth right there. “Poison effects me differently usually… But I’m ill prepared to have any immunity to the Drow poisons so that hit like a rock… Nasty stuff… But that aside you most certainly shouldn’t be surprised. Showboating makes the whole thing look easy, almost effortless, keeps people from looking too closely.” Hard to see his stagger when you got a twitching dragons body in the seats, right?

But oh… It felt so good to hear he had impressed her, that she was proud of him, that touched a part of him so blackened and broken… That first touch was like a balm, a soft drizzle of rain after a drought that had been lasting his whole life, just enough to give him hope that perhaps… Something inside him might be able to heal after all… “We’re taught to dance as fluid as silk in water while carrying about a hundred or so pounds worth of weight on our bodies in the form of lead chain mail… Fast and smooth you have to be able to impress…” And it stood him in good stead too. He was brawny but not quite heavy- his body was formed as such that he could pack on a beautiful shape without loosing much in flexibility or speed, a rare attribute he owed to his skeletal and muscular genetics… Something likely passed down to their daughter as she grew into the world… She’d be a power house packed into a slender, beautiful little package he just knew it, he couldn’t wait to see… Well… He could but it didn’t hurt to dream.

“I just want some of your time… A cuddle… I’m not exactly feeling my best and all I want is you beside me with your arms wrapped around me for as long as you can spare… Perhaps even fall asleep with your perfume on my skin…” He didn’t want drugs or women, no food stuffs or special favors, he really just wanted her… Only her… His hands coming to rest on her legs as he couldn’t hold his arms up for very long before they fell to his sides. He’d be down for a couple of days but if he ate his weight for a while he’d be just fine… He just needed raw meat and a lot of it… He’d trust Thaylan or Rose to procure it. “Sacrifice something for my favor too? She’s not happy with me in the least.” He said with a watery chuckle as he curled into her as much as he could. “It was interesting to see what happens as a house falls… As much as I could see… Very much like the Romans when sacking enemy territory… It’s almost… Comforting…” It was like… Being home… Just in a perpetual sort of night… “By the way… Like the new skin tone? Thaylans idea… I take a bath in this stuff every night… Turns my skin the perfect shade as he says… Helps me fit in better along with my hair… terribly flamboyant…” Just small ways he was adjusting to fit her world better…

He didn’t ask about the pregnancy though, he wasn’t about to draw the Goddess eyes to it lest she do something to ruin it just to spite him, preferring to err on the side of caution as much as possible. Instead he just held her a little closer and closed his eye with a yawn, healing took a lot out of him, he’d likely sleep for a solid twenty four hours after she left… “I couldn’t move out of this bed even if I wanted to… My body is working harder now than it ever has before, my magic gone means it has to resort to good old fashioned genetics, so I’ll stay right here… Sleeping and eating for a couple of days…” And while all that was going on he wasn’t allowed any pain medication. His body was a bit too complicated to allow that type of thing, his being doped up could possibly lead to something being wrong and no one noticing until too much had happened, making the healing process even longer. Rose was a hard doctor but a damned good one, almost as good as his boy, which did remind him of something… “Wait… Actually… There is something I’d like… I need to go back to the surface and adopt Jacob… Give him my name before he settles down and marries his sweetheart… I’d like your help in getting back up to the surface to do that… Then perhaps a small party to celebrate… Is that alright?...” He asked in a bit of a daze as his body was starting to kick in and demand he sleep and heal…

[Deleted]

She had entered his room.. allowing the doors to close quietly behind her.. the sight of him with his arms outstretched to her made her smile..it was the sweetest gesture.. she moved to approach.. settling down to sit upon the edge of the bed there as she placed that crown upon her head-.. Its even better since you got it for me.. went up in value -she shot him a wink.. she had told him she missed his face.. and she did.. though she understood the reasoning all to well for it.. nodding her head a little in response-.. mm.. no I know.. I understand it.. I do.. it's just something I will have to get used to.. Though.. -she paused a moment-.. I will say that behind closed doors.. I dont want you wearing it.. it could set a lethal precedence.. -she could see it being used against the family.. or even her.. how easy would it be to infiltrate the House looking like the Shield Master.. it would make them all very vulnerable.. she asked him how he was doing and she exhaled when he spoke about feeling utterly terrible-.. mm.. I figured you would..You took quite a beating.. and those poisons with your body not being used to them.. well.. a lesser man wouldn't have gotten a quarter of a way through that battle.. You are incredibly strong love.. and this is you with a handicap.. I am.. stunned.. -her fingers came down to rest there upon his hands.. curling in to hold.. -.. I think once we are settled we wll get Thaylan to get you well versed on the nastier toxins and venom.. maybe even see if we can find a way to get you an immunity.. even if it is only slight.. -it was worth a shot.. and it would make him stronger for it.. especially if he wasn't gifted with his magic anytime soon.. she was really impressed by him.. by it all.. everything that had happened had struck her so deeply.. and she made sure he knew about it.. that she was proud.. that she was in essence his biggest fan in those moments.. the dancing made her smile- Your movements are so fluid and smooth.. they are almost hypnotic..You should talk to Thaylan about learning the sword dancing..

-her gaze lifted.. catching that solitary single blue orb-.. Its generally only reserved for those that would be classed as lower in status than you.. due to the sacrificial nature of it in the finale.. you were given a small taste of it back in the pool room.. i couldn't allow them to perform it entirely.. surface folk would usually faint or most possibly worse if it were done at the speeds required and desired.. but.. Its an honour.. to perform it..-she would shift around the bed then.. coming around to the opposite side.. noticing his arms were getting tired.. he was growing a little weaker.. she slipped out of her heels as she settled beneath the covers beside him.. drawing him in closer.. her body soon wrapped around his.. fingers stroking along his arms.. his back.. through his hair as she spoke softly- Its a tradition.. the dance is performed by the one member of the House with the most talent in stealth, mobility, movement and seduction.. To the Matron.. its a private show.. its hot and its hard and its long.. it can kill if not done correctly.. Drow in the past have died of exhaustion mid way through.. but if done correctly.. its meant to cause euphoria for the Matron.. its meant to bring on an intense climax though no touching would be made.. its purely the bodies reaction to the movements of the dancer.. -whispered as she drew her fingers down the back of his neck-.. I want you to do it for me.. no one in the last five hundred years has succeeded .. regardless of house.. the old skills seemed to have died off with the older generations.. -lips pressed to the side of his head-.. It would be instant recognition from the goddess if you succeeded.. Watching you today.. and knowing.. quite intimately how well you can move that body of yours.. i think you might just achieve.. what has been long thought a lost cause.. -she honestly thought he could do it.. but it would be hard.. it wouldn't be easy to learn the moves.. the speed.. it was like spinning about a hundred plates.. you had to get them all working together.. or you'd fail..

she asked him what he wanted.. his response made her smile..-.. cuddles it is.. -she held him a little tighter.. his head to her chest.. just stroking his skin.. feeling him relax in her arms.. -.. just relax.. you arent needed anywhere right now.. Just here.. Right here.. in this bed with me..-she told him about the sacrifice she was going to be making.. -.. I was planning to yes.. I was going to make it extra gruesome for the goddess.. the woman is a high ranking priestess.. the status gained from sacrificing her will definitely give you favour my love..though yes.. I fear you have a bit of a road ahead of you. . -she knew Lloth could be fickle.. but she was fair.. most of the time.. -.. I keep forgetting that you havent seen any of this before.. that its all so very new to you.. this small house is nothing compared to the rukkis that occurs when its one of the higher ups.. it can get very dramatic.. You might need to lift your game a little.. -she laughed softly-.. they have their showboating down pat.. -he asked her about the skin tone change.. and it was certainly something she noticed when he appeared in the arena-.. mmhmm.. I do.. I like it a lot.. makes you.. very mysterious.. whilst your tanned skin was a delight, this.. this is beautiful-she watched as her fingers slid down over his bare shoulder.. she took a quiet breath-.. .. but I do have to ask you this.. and dont take it as an attack.. it's simply.. a caution.. You are making a lot of changes for me my love.. -her chin came down to rest there atop his head.. she recalled all to well when he spoke about how much he changed for Sydel.. how he turned his life upside down for her.. even going so far as to switch gods.. which.. almost felt like a little bit of dejavu-.. This is also for you yes?.. Dont lose who you are.. I really love this Nautilous fellow and Id hate for him to get lost..

-she smiled.. just curling in closer.. giving him all that he desired.. the closeness.. the cuddles and soft touches.. he spoke about wanting something though.. to go back to the surface.. her brow rose a little and she chuckled-.. Oh but of course.. yes we can do that.. Probably would have been good to do that whilst we were still there.. -she laughed-.. but none the less.. before we move on from here.. we will head back.. you simply need only tell me where you want to go.. and Ill organise it whilst you are resting.. the party.. -she waved her hand a little-.. naturally.. consider it done.. -she pulled back just a little then so her head could come down to rest upon the pillow directly before him.. they would be face to face.. she was watching as he began to falter.. leaning in to press her lips to his in the barest hint of a kiss-.. Rest now.. Ill stay right here until you are sleeping.. Ill leave a my seeing eye orb on the table beside the bed.. so you can see where I am should you wake and Im not here.. -it would give him an insight into the ceremonial sacrifices .. how it worked behind the scenes.. -

[BadInfluence]

“Be still my heart, such a charmer…” He said with a smile on his face despite the pain. He’d been with a lot of women in his life but never once had they been romantic. Charming sure, but honest to god, long love letters sort of romantic? Never. But he was coming to see this scarlet haired woman he so loved was also at her core as romantic as he was. They’d give the entire race of Drow a case of cavities with how sweet they could be. Though he also figured that this sweet, romantic side was something seen behind closed doors, outside in the public? She had to be a sort of Amazon, fierce and strong, able to be both a pillar of strength but also a leader… Yet somehow also manage to let her people know she could also be compassionate. Quite the hard line to walk… “I have a mighty big weakness for romantic women as I am something of a sappy romantic myself at heart… We’ll give each other diabetes and what a wonderful way to go…” He said as she came to settle beside him, saying how much she missed him, her pride in his performance out in the arena… Though bringing up the mask he nodded and smiled for her, just for her, something very warm and open… Almost child like in how absolutely genuine it was, nothing hidden in it, no anterior meanings… Just a smile because he was around her.

“I already thought that might be a risk. It’s why no two masks are alike and I make them all myself.” If there was no one to sell you out then you were pretty safe. Having someone else make them for him was going to put him at risk because anyone could be bought or sold… You just had to know the price. Making them all himself not only gave himself something to do in his empty time but also allowed him to design things in his own nightmare style that would suit the clothing he wore down here. It also allowed him to make the masks with the added touch to strike fear into the enemy. Things that could be cultivated, learning fears from those closest to his opposition, a bit of gold in the right pocket, well that just did wonders. When she asked how he was doing though he didn’t lie or dress it up pretty. He was hurting pretty damn bad but he also knew it could be worse. He could be wracked with agony as his body processed the pain. He was faring extremely well all things considered, especially given he had been hit by a damn dragon, that was what really rocked his world… “You talk incredibly sweet love, you know that? No one’s ever offered me so much praise in such short oder… Feels as though I’m dreaming in which case I don’t want to wake up just yet…” Though the idea of getting an immunity built up made his face sour just a bit, a slight turn of his lips, a wrinkle of his nose. “We had to do it at the brothel… I’m immune to everything on the surface and anything that might be found in Arvandor. I can do it here just… I remember how nasty it all tasted. Not eager to undergo that again but it’s important…” He’d just have to buck up… Just… He really wasn’t looking forward to the pain or the rancid taste of it when you got down to the brass tacks.

“Sword dancing?” He’d never heard of it, either on the surface or Arvandor, the closest he had ever heard of was done on the surface but… He had a feeling it wasn’t even close to what was down here. When she went on to explain that it was something like what they had seen in the pool room and he knew the guy who had been bitted didn’t come back from it. He asked for cuddles though and they were given, his arms around her soft as he was starting to fade, happy in the simple pleasures of her arms around him… The warmth there… The smell of her perfume… The softness of her skin… She was so beautiful… Inside and out… “Thaylan would know what it was then… He’s beautifully informed on tradition… And I wouldn’t be against gaining some favor from Llolth if it meant she’d ease up a little…” But… He wasn’t too keen on the possibility of death… Not that he thought she’d kill him, not even a bit, but there was always a risk… But in his mind… And what came out his mouth… “So what you’re really asking for… Is for me to make you climax without touching you… I can do that.” Yep… Half dead or at least feeling like it there was no way to deny the fact he was always going to be something of a flirt.

“Cuddles are like cocaine… Done right it’s a high unlike any other… And I… Really just want to be held by you… You see me… More than anyone else.” And because of that? He could be vulnerable with her… Show her his soft sides, the weak places in his armor, the spots where she could kill him with little more than a well timed strike… And trust that she would never do it. Outside of Jacob? He had never done anything even close to this… Jacob was the one soul he trusted outside of Gia and Thaylan… The only people who really knew him… “Besides… I couldn’t move out of this bed if I tried… And if I did… Rose said she’d knock me out and keep me under so it’s best I listen to the good doctor…” His smile was genuine though… He was so happy for his son, finding someone who fit him so perfectly, who could bend for him but also be strong enough to lift him above the wreckage if needed… And for the first time he understood what that meant… And as funny as that was? The more he was with Gia the less he found Rose appealing in any sort of a perverse way… It was more… A comradery and a mutual respect… Gia… Well… She pretty much ruined all other women for him. For the first time? He had no appetite… Not for anyone but her.

“Give me favor? I won’t be the one torturing her… In all truth I hope it shows more for you… Like you said there is a long road… Not just for me either. Establishing your house is going to take a lot of work and you need her favor more than I… What I did? Was wrong… Llolth is pretty justified in her anger and what she’s set out for me… That’s just what I have to do… But you? You have Anya, your precious daughter, and three more little ones on the way… Sacrifice this priestess to Llolth… And take all the favor for yourself and our little girls…” He wasn’t new to playing dad to other peoples kids, it was just part and parcel honestly, he had no issue what so ever in helping them with the twins or anything else. A child? Was love. Pure and simple. Even more so coming from her.

It was the show boating thing that made him wince while he chuckled. Ah yeah… He figured as much. Today he’d done very little in the ways of art or allure, he hadn’t built up the crowd or drew the fight out, what he had done? Was survive and brutally murder his opposition. Once he healed up and gained even more understanding of these fights he’d really be able to put on a show. “Sounds every inch like the Gladiators of Rome… Slaves sold to various men for sport, a bloodbath was what they were asked to provide regardless of the cost, and the better you made it… The greater your favor. They used various weapons and many a time the pits are trapped as todays was… The best gladiators made it a spectator sport, let the crowd seem to guide them into the type of murder committed, they could have the crowd frothing at the mouth… It’s bloody, full of gore and screams, which I suppose is terribly well suited to here… At least I’ll be familiar with it.” Regardless of the race, there was always a need for violence, controlled or not it was simply the way life took form… Chaos was a must in order for anything to come into existence…

He'd ask her about his skin, if she liked the change in the color, the fact he was more similarly hued to Gia and Thaylan than anything else… Ash coated ivory… A rather beautiful shade of grey in his mind and it didn’t take too much of the pigmented dye to alter his skin color so he fit in better. When she spoke about her concern though he pulled his eyelids open so he could look up at her, or rather as much as he could in their current position, especially when his eyes kept wanting to fall closed with every passing second. “I did it for me… It helps me fit in better, keeps people from acting strange or uncomfortable about me which makes my life easier and more pleasant, not to mention it will also help our daughters feel more grounded. Everything I do down here… I’m doing it for me. I’m… Discovering the man I want to be… Free from Gods and the weight of my past I can move without being chained down, I’m not trapped in a terrarium where I can only grow so much, here… I’m freer than I have ever been before.” Which was almost halarious given the fact that this was a cave system deep in the pits of the word, dark and ever confined and yet, despite all that? He felt as if he could fly if he wanted to, far more at ease and comfortable in his own skin than he had ever, ever been before. “I won’t get lost… I just hope you will still love me as I continue to evolve… I was pretty stunted for a long time… But now… I have a place to set my roots down in… You gave me a home Gia… Now? All I can do is grow…”

Lids fell once more as he continued to fall, to slip into the spell of her soft hands on his skin and in his hair, the fatigue from the fight combined with her warmth was a drug he could not fight. He remembered to ask for one more favor… To go to the surface with her help, to adopt Jacob as his son officially, then to have a bit of a private party to celebrate it. He? Would never throw another party again. He was bad mother fucking juju. Every party he had ever thrown had gone sideways for some reason and he was done with the whole damn mess. One extreme benefit of being in a position of support versus control meant he wouldn’t have to do that ever again. “Thank you my love… Jacob means the world to me, the son of my heart and my soul, I really want to give him my name so he can drop the shame of his fatherless past… Allow him to step forward a new man all in his own right before he and Rose get married…” He said with a yawn as he continued to slip and slide down into oblivion. “Mmm… If I wake up I’ll look… Rose said… I’ll probably sleep…For a whole day and night… To heal… So don’t be scared… But… Feel free… To kiss me while… I sleep… I’ve… Always wanted to be… a male version… Of sleeping beauty… Woken up… True loves kiss…” And with that he was out… Falling into a sleep so deep the dead would envy it.

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She couldn't help the smile that settled when he called her a charmer.. -..What can I say.. Im an old soul that believes in chivalry, romance and love.. even if in the world we live in it seems like a bit of a foreign concept at times.. but hearing such .. well I would wager you and I hold similar beliefs.. -she'd cradle his cheek with a warm palm-.. an old soul with young eyes.. -her hand would trail down to caress the barest tips of fingers across his upper chest-.. a vintage heart.. and a beautiful mind.. -she was a romantic at heart and always had been.. a preference for hand written letters and shared new experiences.. over jewels and riches anyday.. flowers would be something she never really had a lot to do with.. only ever really being up on the surface during the evening hours meant she never saw them in bloom.. only a few cut ones in vases in the castles of Silverthorn and Caernarfon..he would find out over time that this.. was just how she was.. a huge heart for those she cared for.. but yes he was correct.. it would be most notably behind closed doors.. for at least in Menzoberranzan.. her reputation was what carried her.. That didn't mean she would ignore them.. far from it.. public displays of affection would happen.. especially after they all got married.. it just wouldn't be as tender or as loving as what they would share in private.. an idea had popped into her head earlier.. that if he were able to perform the traditional sexual sword dancing that he would gain favour.. providing he succeeded.. it was incredibly taxing upon a person.. it killed many.. but something told her that if anyone could do it.. it would be him.. especially after what she had witnessed today.. -..

Thaylan will know some of it yes.. he would have been privy to those that were in training for it.. You wouldn't be dancing with a partner.. so there would be no spiders kiss at the finale.. -..no the finale would be her climax and a very impressed goddess if he succeeded- ..You're strong and young.. I feel with the proper training you would succeed the exertion it would put upon your person.. but you dont have to.. its simply an idea.. something that had come to me earlier.. -his cheeky comment about making her cum without touching her made her laugh-.. mmhmm.. Oh of this I have no doubt my love..You have well proven your talents so far.. and I have a feeling we have barely scratched the surface.. -she settled down into the bed with him.. curling in close.. legs and arms wrapped around him.. caresses and soft touches.. he desired closeness.. and she gave it to him in spades.. she told him that she had a sacrifice to make.. one that she would share favour earned from.. and he only wanted her to take it.. for Anya and the babies.. -.. I do this for all of us.. for Our house.. Our family.. For myself, for my beautiful Anya, for Thaylan.. For you.. and our growing brood.. -she made sure to check that he was doing it all for the right reasons...being himself.. the colour changing.. all of it.. because the last thing she wanted was for him to fall in a vicious cycle of dejavu.. -.. Ill still be here.. with my hand out stretched to take yours.. until you turn it away.. now and forever.. all your forms Nautilous.. -her head came down to rest there upon the pillow directly across from him.. watching as he was fighting that sleep.. his lids growing heavier.. his head nodding a little bit deeper on the cushions.. he asked of her to organise this jaunt to the surface.. the reasoning being the formal adoption of young Jacob.. she agreed of course.. something they would organise before they moved on.. once he was stronger..

she reached down and pulled the quilt up a little higher upon him.. covering his shoulders.. -.. Sleep now my champion.. Dream like they will all come true.. -she leant in.. pressing her lips to his forehead.. watching as he drifted off.. the way his face seemed to soften.. how peaceful he looked.. she stayed with him for quite some time.. before she would move to slip out of between those covers.. placing the orb down upon his bedside.. a little magical energy would crackle around it.. a fog appearing within it.. as though it were filled with clouds.. she slid out of that red satin robe of hers.. placing it back near his pillow.. her scent would remain in the room with that action.. sliding her heels back on.. she plucked a coat from the back of the door.. tying the band about her waist before she would step out.. drawing the door closed behind her.. she would alert the staff that he was resting now.. to let Rose know that this was the case should she need to check in on him.. she made her way out of the grand house.. the guards stepped to the side.. a couple of soldiers flanked her.. accompanied her along that well worn path to the ceremonial chambers.. though they would not step inside..guarding its exits.. the doors would close and she would step in.. the orb inside upon his bedside table would switch and change.. the foggy clouds disappearing.. and a crystal image of what was happening would appear.. he would be sleeping now yes.. but he could review this when he woke.. a lesson in the culture of ceremonial sacrifice.. a childs first magic lesson would have the room flooded with fae fire lights.. they would float to the ceiling.. out of her line of sight.. just enough light to give the room a healthy glow.. the caged Priestess was near the altar.. heavily drugged.. silent.. she slid out of her coat.. letting it pool at her feet..

the gentle click of her heels hitting the polished boards sounded out as she began her slow saunter toward the altar- O Flesh Carver; who wove the world -her voice would ring out smooth and true- Who made us from the darkest clay. Spinning in it a red web of vein and artery. -each step that she took in her pure naked form would draw attention to the hundreds of spiders that would slowly begin to crawl up those long shapely legs of hers.. they had shocking red stripes upon their backs.. adult versions of the one she used in the pool room..- We feel thy hunger. , O Lolth, humbly today we feed thee. -soon enough those arachnids would coat her bare frame as if she were wearing a skin tight gown.. moving with a fluidity at every roll of her hips- We feed you this flesh, this quivering meat. With a blade like your jaws. -she approached the altar.. fingers would glide across the jewel encrusted ceremonial blades.. a gentleman would step out of the shadows.. a lute upon his back.. a flute in his pocket.. notepad in his hands.. he was writing.. watching with an eagerness in his eyes.. It was a Drow Bard.. for if there was one way to spread the word of sacrifice and execution.. it was through the words of song and the melody of music..she turned toward the cage.. the metal doors fell open.. she was being held up by her restraints.. - We divide muscle from bone. Eat of this, the meal we consecrate to thee, And do not this day devour us. -she spoke with strength.. her voice only growing louder as she came to her close.. her head bowing.. the Bards head did much the same.. before she looked up and she back handed that young woman so hard the slap rang out fiercely.. anyone within a mile radius would have felt it.. -.. Wake up You worthless sack of meat.. -she sneered.. the softness in her face disappeared.. harder lines took their place.. her brows drew in as her garnet eyes narrowed.. her teeth were bared.. and those canines were pretty hard to miss.. -..


Priestess: shrieked and screamed in response.. blinking in rapid succession as her eyes watered.. vision took a moment to focus..- You!.. You had my Mother killed..


G Your Mother was weak, had lost favour with the great Goddess and on top of all that she was dishonerable. She's lucky she died the way she did, My Shield Master could have drawn that one out until she was begging for mercy


Priestess: Lies! -drawing back before attempting to spit at the Matron-


..she saw that coming a mile away.. reaching up to grab a hold of the young womans jaw with a strong firm hand-.. I dare you to even entertain that thought for a second longer.. You can go tonight to your goddess with a lot more honour than your Mother would have Ever had by keeping your nasty trap shut.. Or.. you can continue to spill nonsense, lies and deception until you take your last breath and The Flesh Carver will deal with you in her own special way.. -the priestess whimpered knowing full well how Lloth enjoyed ruining those that came to her with ill favour.. how they would never truly die.. just teeter upon the edge of it with so much pain and suffering..without warning she yanked down hard upon that jaw she was holding.. hearing the crackle.. the snap as it dislodged and broke.. the woman screamed as best she could now that her mouth was permanently dropped open.. drool was beginning to pool and catch.. gurgling noises when the Priestess attempted to speak.. -.. Much better.. -The priestesses skin was flayed with such a delicate hand.. blood pooled quickly tot he surface.. trickling down to form quite a puddle at their feet.. the blade was drawn from wrist to shoulder.. it circled each breast.. carved the stomach and ribs.. nicked and dragged against the womans thighs.. knees.. ankles.. - She is hungry - how shall we feed her?..She takes our young males and our maidens; - ours to obey her.. -she moved to stand.. the blade dug into the womans lower abdomen.. the groans and bloodied gurgles continues as she began to drag it up.. slicing through organs.. spilling flesh and innards to the very heels she wore.. - We are loathed and feared and reviled of all Elvenkind; that is our pride. She feeds us, protects us, loves us, and kills us; no longer shall we hide.-between the breast bone.. she grit her teeth as the ribs caught..her voice lowered.. her gaze brightened- Death is strong; But Lolth is stronger. Time rules long; But She rules longer.

-she stabbed that blade directly through the throat.. the hissing and squeaking of those last few breaths sounded.. blood spurted out.. splashing across her spider coated chest.. -..My Goddess.. The Mother of Mandibles, Flesh Carver. and the Weaver of Webs, I offer you this sacrifice.. bid you willing to accept it.. on behalf of the Navere House and family.. we pledge full honour and allegiance.. We bow only to you and understand that life is but a fleeting dance between predator and prey.. and You are the wielder of the sharpest blade.. Feast great Goddess.. for this is only the beginning.. -she bowed low.. lingering there a moment longer.. the Bard had slipped back into the shadows.. the body fell limp finally as the bloody puddle continued to grow.. she stepped across the organs that had spewed from the open cavity.. the spiders slowly moved away as she made her way back down that aisle toward the exit..