| For once on this accursed surface I feel elated. The scum renegade Shaex was due to be executed. I wanted his body for a proper Drow burial but the weak Duke refused pointing out that Shaex had willed remains to Alynora and Garod of Tremere in Naeloth. No matter I had another plan. On the day of the execution I was ready. I quietly manoeuvred myself close to where the renegade was to be shot full of arrows and prepared myself to pounce as soon as the missiles hit him. The volley stuck and I swiftly moved and plunged my dagger into him with unparalleled viciousness, ripping open his chest. I thrust my hand in and tore out his corrupted heart. As soon as the crowd, that came to watch the spectacle, recovered from the shock of my actions, they where upon me.
Curses. I should have planned for a getaway. Like a pack of baying animals they surrounded me and demanded that I give it back. When it became clear that I would not, they began to attack me. What is it with these pathetic humans that the heart of a scum renegade Drow was so important? In the ensuing melee it was taken from me. Still I achieved my aim. I had the heart long enough to murmur the proper incantation and dig my fingers deep into it. Whatever plans the ghouls of Tremere have for the remains of Shaex, I could not careless. Why should I? The only thing that mattered was that his soul was sent to Lloth and the Demonweb Pits where it will rot and fester and endure unimaginable suffering for all eternity.
A few days later I was experimenting with some transformations. Xun’riia assisted me and as I watched her unseen, I made up my mind. It was time for her rite of passage, time to make her a full Priestess of Lloth. We finished what we were doing and I told her of my decision. The delight that shone in her eyes was so profound they seemed to light up the room. I told her to rest whilst I prepared for her ceremony.
When I passed my rite of passage it was my honour to sacrifice my brother, a third born son. He was not even 60 heartbeats old when I plunged the ceremonial dagger into his heart. The pride I felt in becoming a priestess that day will never be equalled. That was special. For Xun’riia, circumstances dictated it could not be that special. There being no Drow male brats newly born, I settled for the next best thing, an elf. I raided an elves encampment not too far from our stronghold, found what I was looking for and returned.
I instructed Xun to bathe and prepare, whilst I prepared the elf brat for sacrifice. I estimated it was about no more 2 weeks old, which would do nicely. Xun’riia was ready dressed in only a red cloak, red sash and gossamer thin black robe. I was dressed the same. With the brat ready, I handed Xun the ceremonial dagger. The hilt was the head and body of a spider with four blades on each side, representing the 8 legs. I told her to hold the dagger above the brat’s heart and await my signal, I then proceeded to chant the words of acceptance. I nodded and without hesitation Xun’riia thrust the dagger into the heart. It was so clean and precise, the brat never even made a sound. A peal of thunder echoed round, Xun’riia was accepted.
Xun’riia stood radiant, beaming in delight. I was so proud of her, not once did she hesitate or show doubt in what she was doing. She showed no emotion as the brat was sacrificed. She stood the test and passed. I had chosen well. |