The Illithid Mines and a Darthiir Priestess

[pattu]

Cal walked casually back into Sshamath. His person was heading to Gloura’s, but his mind wandered elsewhere.

“What was so important about that Darthiir priestess…”

The question repeated in his mind and not being able to find an answer was maddening to him. Cal had stumbled upon the scene when he was passing through the Illithid Mine. Three Drow and a gnome forming a half circle around the cornered priestess. The Darthiir represented everything despised by the Drow, yet she was being defended by this small group Ilythiiri. Why..? And not only defend, but kill in order to protect this Darthiir. Cal was not even sure why he was attacked, feeling it was a bit unnecessary. The faern rubbed his arm where the gnome had punched him. He would have to “address” this offense.

Cal reflected on those defending the Darthiir. The gnome and the Jaluk are nothing but pathetic fools and Cal would deal with them. The younger Jalil... youthful and ignorant, yet she has shown potential in previous meetings. Cal would have to “speak” with her. But the Jalil known as Alienor.. Her threat to Cal caused him some worry. And not just her threat, but more so the threat of those she represents. Cal would have to extinguish this fire before it grew out of control. Perhaps some drinks and a pleasant conversation would help Cal reach a better understanding with Alienor. Cal summoned a courier and handed over a note

“Please bring the note to this fiery Jalil. Tell her the Faern of Baendar wishes to share a glass of wine.”

[pattu]

A weak shadow limped back into to Sshamath..

"That was very close.. How dare that gnome ambush me! Such an offense is punishable by death!"

The faern of Baendar was ambushed and almost defeated by the gnome of yestercycle's events in the Illithid mines. Cal would have to be prepared at all times now leaving the City. It appears Bregan now indeed wanted him dead. And for what.. being curious about a Darthiir Priestess in the mines? Such a grand crime it seems. Perhaps Alienor already received his letter and dismissed it. Perhaps there is no reasoning with her, and therefor Cal will not. However, perhaps Alienor's motives are self only. All of Bregan D'aerthe may not side with her against Cal. Cal leaves a note at Gloura's in hopes of some way to start talks.

*Cal leaves a note at Gloura's to speak with a representative of Bregan D'aerthe*

*Cal retires to his estate to recover*

[Melisende]

Alienor wandered into the Gloura's Wings with a thoughtful expression. She had managed to evade an uncomfortably close set-to with a group of elves and a heavily armored human in the Searing Caverns. She allowed the irony of that situation to wash over her and her mouth curved into the hint of a rueful smile. She had used the blessed Water of Life to heal a Darthiir. The priestess was clearly of some importance to draw the attention and maiming touch of the slightly unhinged and thoroughly pathological Lilith of House Sshamath. Between Cazna and Lilith it seemed that the followers of Lolth were ready to sow as much dissension and cause as much trouble as possible. As good a reason as any then to counter their actions.

Her thoughts next turned to Israe, Kamila or whatever else the impetuous jalil would next give as her name. Alienor's former apprentice lived her life on a knife's edge and had a habit of causing or, at a minimum, getting into as much trouble as anyone she had ever known. For a moment Alienor recalled heady cycles in Eryndlyn where she was the wildcard and the cause of havoc of one sort or another on a regular basis. Blood and wine were both spilled freely in those cycles; she learned to channel her bloodlust, to revel in fighting with barely suppressed rage. She shook off the memories, she had put those events into context long ago, but there was still something uncomfortable in recalling her headstrong foolishness no matter the momentous changes since then.

Once given both messages from the mage of House Baendar, Alienor let out a soft chuckle after she had finished reading them. From calculation to concern in a few short hours. The gnome was, of course, free to act on his own account even if thus far a formal sanction had only been threatened as opposed to taken out on this Cal. A clearing of the air with the mage could prove useful, if for no other reason than to ascertain the extent of his role and knowledge of potential players in the ongoing drider disturbance.

Before leaving the tavern, Alienor wrote a few words on a magically prepared parchment sealed it with a glyph and dispatched a messenger with it to the compound of House Baendar. In the missive was an informal invitation to clear the air and reach an understanding with the mage, Cal before any untoward 'accidents' occurred.

[Israe]

Andrastia, Israe'anna, or Kamila, or whatever she decided to go by this cycle would be seen near the Gloura's Inn. Her armor would have been battered, and having a mean bruise on her jaw. However, she would be alive, and quick to drink after the confrontation and detainment at the hands of the surfacers. She would silently praise herself for escaping and cheating death yet again, however she would retire quickly after drinking to escape the impending torment and aftermath of her actions to come.