Vierna

*Smirks* So this is the surface??

What manner of races inhabit this backward and ignorant world??pathetic humans, even more pathetic elves?.assorted orcs, ogres and other creatures and???Drow!

This revelation both surprised and disgusted me. Surprise? Yes! Because of the number, many more than I expected. Disgust? Yes! Because I have yet to find a devotee of Lloth, divine Spider Queen.

*Sneers* Most are followers of Lloth?s weak and pathetic son Vhaerun! How na?ve to think that a son could ever equal that of a mother. To think that a male could ever equal that of a female. Such hearsay! But worse! Some even follow Eilistraee!!! Oh dear Lloth what manner of world is this?

How long have I been up here? Several moon cycles? The sun still hurts my eyes, that cruel yellow ball, Lloth curse you! But there is work to be done, assessments to be made. Why my House wants to gain a foothold in this world is not for me to question. So where do I begin?

Most Drow I have seen are surface born, soft, unhardened by the cruelty of the Underdark. This is a problem?..but not an unsolvable one. There is also a House, well a pitiful excuse for a House?.Von?Sah. I must get to the bottom of this mixture of surface born Vhaerun and Eilistree worshipers. Why is it split into so many factions? Which one is the strongest? Which one will serve my House the best? Or should we just wipe the lot out and begin again? A true Drow foothold in which to branch out and dominate.

Not my decision. Let my Matron Mother guided by Lloth decide. I will watch ,assess, and report. There is plenty of time, no need for haste. Unlike my surface softened kin, I will not let emotion get in the way. Poor fools *laughs wickedly* For now , perhaps some fun for me. Ah pleasure, so much enjoyment in its many forms????

Vel'drav l' sil'in qu'ellar d'Hun?ett zotrethen??Jal zhal sha-rasa!!!

Lloth tlu laoles, dosst handmaiden orn naut hojh dos!!!!

__________________

Vierna

Cursed yellow orb! I will limit my daylight activities until my eyes adjust, sooner rather than later.

I watch, I access, I report. A lone Drow is not unusual, but isolated. This does not serve my purpose. I must find somewhere, a "house" in which to "hide". I need a cover tale. False, of course, but it must feel right and contain an element of truth to be believable. Also, I must never fall into the trap of spinning a different tale to serve different situations, mistakes are made that way.

Hmmm??I am alone in a new world. I must seem vulnerable, that is logical. I must appear apprehensive, that is also logical. These qualities are against my nature, but I have been well trained. My skills and wit will see me through. One thing does concern me, the spoken language. I am entirely fluent in this "common" word. Compared to Drow, this language is easy. At first I thought I was too clever by being so fluent, yet I soon discovered no one has picked up on that. Perhaps because there are so many surface born Drow, fluency is accepted as normal. *chuckles* It amuses me to hear some non Drow attempt to speak my language. Pitiful but amusing. Give the humans a few centuries of practice and they might start to get it right. *chuckles again* Time they have not got *sighs sarcastically*.

Ah?..a small "house" and it contains Drow baring the name Von?Sah. Yes this will do. I watch, I access, I report. No it should not be hard to "hide" in this place. Assorted surface born Drow and ones up here so long I doubt if they would survive if they went back below. They are all renegades, yes that will suit. Involved in petty felonies that serve no real purpose, well I shall do my bit, just to blend in. Curse the feeble Vhaerun. No wonder these Drow here are soft. Ah well in time things will change and time is something a Drow has.

I watch, I access, I report.

Vel'drav l' sil'in qu'ellar d'Hun?ett zotrethen??Jal zhal sha-rasa!!!

Lloth tlu laoles, dosst handmaiden orn naut hojh dos!!!!

__________________

Vierna

*Shades eyes looking up* Oh cursed yellow orb, you will not win. My eyes are winning, you have your moments but I am beginning wear you down. *Rubs eyes, annoyed at the brightness*

Drow are distrusted by humans, even more so by elves *shrugs* this is to be expected and not without reason. But this hampers my reason for being here, it is difficult to gather the necessary information when none will even look at you. A new strategy is required. Yes it is a long long game I play but complacency is not an option. I watch, I assess, I report.

Clearly the way forward is to have a different persona for different situations. This is a tricky and complex life to lead, one slip in the wrong situation and the whole thing could come tumbling down. Failure will not be tolerated, my life will become forfeit and that is no use to me, I have ahead of me centuries to enjoy. So I will play this game with care and wit and intelligence and pray that Lloth?s favour stays with me. If she wants success she needs me as much as I need her. Gi Lloth dosst handmaiden ortelanthe nindel dosst favour neitar takrinen uns'aa. Belbau uns'aa l' z'ress lu' l' tools ulu xun dosst xund, ussta dro zhah dossta.

Ah! A stroke of fortune. I befriend a young human maiden. She is na?ve and ignorant of the true nature of Drow. She seems unhappy. Ah! The relationship she is having with a male is not going as she would like. *smiles* Time to introduce her to the sisterhood, time to reveal the true secrets of real pleasure. She is a soldier in the Army of Kaldor. It appears this land of Kaldor lays claim to the land I now walk. Now this is very interesting and useful. Could this be an opening? Also it seems Drow are completely unknown on Kaldor, so their only knowledge of my race is what they see around this land. Hmm?a possible opening. Perhaps I could offer my services as a mercenary to this Kaldorian army and learn more from the inside. Yes! I shall make enquiries and cultivate my friendship with the girl *shrugs* All work and no play is not good for the mind.

*growls* Minor and unexpected setback! The offer of my services to Kaldor is spurned. It seems their rules and regulations prevent me from joining. They also doubt my willingness to accept orders from males. Hmm?.good point that. No matter. I will get all I need from the girl. She really is fascinated by me, I am somewhat exotic to her. Makes things much easier. Ah falduna Lloth, l' ligrr zhah jal usst.

I watch, I assess, I report.

Vel'drav l' sil'in qu'ellar d'Hun?ett zotrethen??Jal zhal sha-rasa!!!

Lloth tlu laoles, dosst handmaiden orn naut hojh dos!!!!

__________________

Vierna

I see you cursed yellow orb, hiding behind dark clouds. My eyes are getting the better of you??soon??.soon.

Things go well. I absorb myself into this small organisation lead by twins. It suits my purpose. I spin my tale, whether it is believed or not is of no concern to me. Just as long as it is the same tale, then that is fine. I don a persona of a weak and apprehensive Drow, *sneers* I even supplicate myself before the stronger twin and call her Jabbress. *chuckles* She is impressed by that.

I show my loyalty, insomuch that a Drow can be loyal, by aiding in a kidnap. It was a simple thing, occasioned by the stupidity of humans. Still it was profitable, but more to the point it was clean and we succeeded without a chance of being caught. The brat belonged to a family belonging to some obscure religious sect, which made them very co-operative. What stupid deities they follow. I wanted to hold out for more, but my associate panicked. Never mind, it was still a fair amount of coin.

Alas it bothers me somewhat to get involved in such petty felonies. They are pointless and just get you noticed. This is all the fault of that weak and pathetic deity, Vhaerun! Because he has but a fraction of the power of his mother, his worshippers are reduced to such activities. Oh they think they are clever and rejoice in what they achieve, but the chaos they think they are creating is but a minor irritant to those in authority. *sneers* They are a disgrace to my race! *sighs* But I must blend in, I cannot afford to reveal my true purpose yet. When the time comes, how those Drow will tremble in the true face of chaos, how they will know what it is to be true Drow!

Hmm. An interesting development. I come across a human which gives me much thought. There is an evilness about him which is both dangerous but controlled, much in the same way as Drow. I say human but that is not quite true, was human would be more accurate. He preys on the lifesblood of others to keep himself animated and appears to have some Arcane power which draws energy from the dead. He is dead but not dead, an undead, a vampire. He and others of his kind have the potential to be strong allies in our overall objective, but because of their self interest in survival difficult to control. I shall befriend this un-human called G?..Ah careful no names?.and see where it leads. Like us time is of no real consequence, so there is no rush. I watch, I assess, I report.

And indulgence for myself. I secure a dwelling far from where I do my work. Quite fortuitous in a way. I had been searching for a safe haven for myself when I came across a large dwelling which suited my purposes. I watch, I assess. The owner is a young woman alone, how interesting. I seize my chance and knock on her door. I spin a tale of how I have been robbed and beaten and raped by a gang of brigands. I need a place to stay until I recover. She buys it and takes me in. Oh this will be easy. She cares for me, she bathes me, she enquires as to the lack of bruises. The colour of my skin I tell her, hides such marks. She believes me. I gain her trust and she tells me her sad and unfortunate tale. I let the details wash over me, why should I care. Suffice to say I learn that she has no one, she is all alone. I turn on my female charms, she is curious, never experienced the delights of such pleasure. As she reaches the height of her passion, I strike mercilessly. Beaten into submission she signs over the dwellings papers to me, this will satisfy any nosy neighbours. I then slit her throat and dispose of the body.

This place is luxurious compared to many I have seen. *giggles and chuckles* Well why not, I work hard why should I not indulge in such pleasant surroundings. But enough of this, time to think ahead.

I watch, I assess, I report.

Vel'drav l' sil'in qu'ellar d'Hun?ett zotrethen??Jal zhal sha-rasa!!!

Lloth tlu laoles, dosst handmaiden orn naut hojh dos!!!!

__________________

Vierna

Oh cursed yellow orb, you still manage to smart my eyes at times?but I will persevere, you will not win.

Vhaerun and Von ?Sah, two reasons why things are not as they should be. Who is/was this House Von ?Sah and why did they come here? It is clear from my investigations so far that when they came here at first there was no feud. But why did they come? There were only a few of them at first, were they forced from the Underdark? Was their House subject to annihilation and a few somehow escaped? Accepted practice is that when one house moves against another the victors shall leave no witnesses otherwise the victorious house incurs the wrath of the whole community and it too is annihilated. Both would therefore cease to exist. The name is unknown to me, certainly unheard of in the major cities of Ched Nasad, Menzoberranzan or Undraeth. So clearly not a noble house or even one on the fringes of nobility. Perhaps they are but a minor house on the edges of the Underdark. Ah Vierna, do not make assumptions, that way mistakes are made, you must learn more.

And what of their time on the surface? Hmm. They have bred and grown over time. Some have even bred with *sneers disgustedly* humans! Mongrels, half breeds?.neither drow nor human *growls*. So what went wrong? Given devotion to the right deity, they could have turned the yellow city into a drow stronghold. Was that it, a dispute over deities? Yet again though the rules were broken, the victors should have wiped out the defeated, but no. And now a feud festers. *shakes head*. How long this has been going on I can only guess. But I will find out the whole tale of Von ?Sah and if any side is of use, they will live, if not??*laughs long and wickedly*. Oh Great Lloth, what a tangled web of intrigue you spin, are you testing me?

I watch, I assess, I report.

Vel'drav l' sil'in qu'ellar d'Hun?ett zotrethen??Jal zhal sha-rasa!!!

Lloth tlu laoles, dosst handmaiden orn naut hojh dos!!!!

__________________

Vierna

Hah cursed yellow orb! Not so powerful on my eyes now. You still annoy me, but I will bend you to my will??not too longs *sneers*

I have now watched and assessed this land for several moon cycles now. I see the potential, but I also see my kin disgrace themselves. Even to the extent of being servants to the humans. This will change. Oh yes, not soon, but eventually. Over the years and decades to come, this land will learn to fear Drow. It will bow to the superior race or die in agony.

Curses! A mistake on my part, a foolish one at that. But despite my error I have learned much, so all is not lost. Oh dear divine Lloth forgive your handmaiden for this wrong judgement. I accept whatever punishment you see fit. Yes, poor judgement on my part. I became involved in a ill thought out abduction of a yellow town guard. The guard was to be hostage to secure the release of one of the twins which head the organisation I attached myself to. She was being held by the authorities for I crime which I do not know nor do not care. She was to receive 50 lashes then thrown out of town. The abduction was to secure her release and spare the lashings. I had but a minor part, my role was that of messenger. In hindsight I should have walked away. As I delivered the message, the authorities refused to negotiate and I was arrested for my troubles. I knew immediately we had been betrayed! I also noted as I was led away, the other twin looking on. She did nothing to help, she did nothing to aid the sister she claims to be devoted to. Interesting.

As I sat in the cell awaiting interrogation, two things became clear. Firstly, as I delivered the message the authorities where already aware of the abduction and were mounting a search. Secondly, given that the authorities were unwilling to negotiate and stall for time while the search was conducted, meant they were prepared to let one of their own die! The answer to the first point will take longer to resolve, the answer to the second point soon became apparent.

Most interesting. The interrogation is conducted, not by a senior guard or the magistrate, but by the Baroness. *sneers* What right does a half breed mongrel have to question me! Neither human nor Drow, a nothing! But wait Vierna, think on this. Why does someone in high office want to question a mere messenger? Time for the game to commence *smiles*

Over the days, the interrogation goes beyond my crime as messenger. The half breed tries to play mind games with me?that was her error, she lost *grins*. I learn more about her than she will ever learn of me. This charade has nothing to do with an abduction, nothing to do with the life of a guard which she values as worthless. This has everything to do with Von ?Sah! She thinks my loyalties lie with the twins *giggles*. No half breed my loyalties lie with me. Are you so bitter and hate filled that you would sacrifice a life so that you can enjoy watching another few extra lashes? She thinks she can get at the twins by getting at me. She is of Von ?Sah?they are of Von ?Sah, this stupid and pointless feud must end!

So in the end, she gets absolutely nothing out of me. I am sentenced to 10 lashes and thrown out of town. 10 lashes *smirks* , I have suffered more pain in the El?lar d?Ssinssrigg! Did you enjoy watching Baroness? Do you think this makes you a Drow? Hah *laughs loudly* you will never be a Drow! And the betrayers? I have my suspicions, once confirmed I will act. The purge begins!

I watch, I assess, I report.

Vel'drav l' sil'in qu'ellar d'Hun?ett zotrethen??Jal zhal sha-rasa!!!

Lloth tlu laoles, dosst handmaiden orn naut hojh dos!!!!

__________________

Vierna

Vendui? yellow orb, not so powerful now?..told you I would win?..I always do, no matter how long it takes. *smiles*

I spend some time gathering and assessing the information before me. I know who rescued the guard, I know who told them where the guard was held. I find out who owns the property. It all fits. But that can wait. That will be dealt with when I am bored. It is of minor importance for the time being.

First there is J and the twins. J is young and volatile, she needs to be brought under control. The abduction of the guard was down to her, it was her error of judgement that caused problems. It was her error of judgement attempting to "save" A. So I confront her, I need answers regarding who framed who. She panics?.big mistake. I claim I hold her daughter and the silly elg?caress attacks me?.even bigger mistake. She learned a harsh lesson. Pliant now she makes another mistake. She reveals to me how she spent time as a hostage to worshippers of Lloth. *grins* Now I have her. I will groom her well for despite her rashness she has potential, potential I can utilise. She will become my apprentice and although she does not know it yet, she will become devoted to Lloth. *laughs wickedly*

As for the twins, not quite the result I wanted but that can be rectified in time. Ah Vierna, you were too overconfident that time, you dropped your mask too soon. I expected to see the stronger one alone, my so called *sneers* jabbress. Huh! But the insane sister was there too. That should have been my cue to leave, but I did not. So instead of answering my questions, she berates me for lack of respect. Respect! Who can respect a petty villain who pursues a feud beyond its natural conclusion. Who can respect someone too weak and cowardly to end a feud the right way. The Drow way! With my temper risen I take my eye of the insane one. In that split moment I am knocked cold by some Arcane trickery. You deserved that Vierna, just make sure it does not happen again. Lloth does not reward incompetence.

I regain my wits some moments later to find A gone, now I am left with the mad one Z. Despite her Arcane skills, I know I am stronger than this one. Hmm?.keep them apart and their strength is diluted 10 fold. Yes this one is nothing without her twin. In a previous meeting with her she revealed to me her weakness. She actually boasted about her love and devotion to her sister. *shakes head* A Drow openly displaying such emotions is a stupid Drow. I will use that. *smiles distantly* I question her again about this Von ?Sah feud but the answers I get are rambling and senseless. Either this one knows nothing or is too mad to understand. Eventually she leads me down to the basement and shows me a wretch rotting away in a cell. Her explanation means nothing. It is time for me to leave, I will seek my answers elsewhere.

I watch, I assess, I report.

Vel'drav l' sil'in qu'ellar d'Hun?ett zotrethen??Jal zhal sha-rasa!!!

Lloth tlu laoles, dosst handmaiden orn naut hojh dos!!!!

__________________

Vierna

Vendui? again yellow orb?*smirks*

Strange. After a somewhat quiet period, things begin to move rapidly. Since I have been banned from the yellow town, I had to change tactics slightly?become "invisible" in a way. By not drawing any attention to myself, most of the guards ignore me and I am able to wander the streets un-noticed. Well all drow look the same to humans?do they not? *smirks* So I am able to watch, and to assess without much difficulty. Then three events happened quickly. I acquired a very useful slave, gained some information on the twin A and was given news that a priestess will be sent by Matron Mother to aid me. *smiles* She will start by helping me build the temple to Lloth. The first on this surface world. *sneers* Soon Vhaerun will feel a mothers wrath. *laughs wickedly*

One evening I am minding my own business, as is my wont, when a young human girl approaches me in the street. Hmm. This one shows no apprehension of me. Seems she has just arrived at the yellow town and is looking for some directions, would I help? But of course *smiles* As we stroll around the town she reveals much of her background to me. This one has led a sheltered background, she is very much na?ve. I listen and I assess. I ask her what she knows of my race. She tells me she has heard stories but she prefers to keep an open mind. She says how can Drow be so bad, when I have shown her nothing but kindness. I almost laughed out loud at that. I also learn of her hopes and ambitions for the future and what skill she wishes to train in. She wants to train in one of the ancient eastern arts offered by the inhabitants of this place referred to as "the new lands". This interested me. Although a pretty and pleasant enough girl, I had other assignments on my mind but this skill she was determined to learn made me think. She then threw away a remark that she had no interest in males. It was then I decided to seduce her.

It transpired that not only did she have a low opinion of males, she told me she had never experienced the joys of ultimate pleasure at all. Not even self satisfaction. I was totally bemused at this and almost at a loss. Her mother had taught her some, to me, barbaric ritual she had to perform whenever she felt certain urges. What a cruel mother! I soon put her at ease, told her what she had missed out on and explained how I could show her how to have real enjoyment. With my best female charms I began my work. *sighs* At the last moment she took fright. Ah such is the problem with virgins. No matter this one is worth a second chance.

She sought me out the following night, deeply apologetic and a little shamed. She liked me she said, she trusted me, could we try again? So I invited her to my home. Once there she let it be known that she was all alone, no family whatsoever, my decision was made. I started my seduction routine and when she became relaxed and comfortable, I struck! She struggled hard, I liked that, I wanted a strong slave. I wanted more than a house slave, I wanted someone who could act as my assassin. But at the same time I did not want to mark her too much, especially not her pretty face. I therefore changed tact. After rendering her semiconscious, I dragged her to the table near the furnace, ripped off her shirt and held her face down. A dagger was already glowing white hot in the furnace as she came too. I asked her once?"I obey mistress", say it. She refused saying how much she liked me, how she trusted me and to please let her go. She let out a piercing scream as the white hot dagger seared her lower back. Still she refused. Then the screams rang out relentlessly as I twisted the burned flesh with my fingers and thumb. Again she refused. I reached for the hot dagger again and pressed it on top of the original burn. She let out a tortured silent scream of agony and said " I obey mistress". She then passed out. It was over.

When she came round, I dressed her wounds and gave her something to take away the pain. I then gave her what she desired. Now she knew the pain and the pleasure. I looked into her eyes, saw no fear, no hate, but gratitude. Nothing but gratitude. Ah Vierna the perfect technique. Later she accepted being branded with the mark of Lloth without a whimper. She now belongs to me and Lloth.

Some days later, using my slave to entrap her, I confronted the guard who had been abducted. I had long suspected that the one who had framed J was in fact the twin she tried to "save". I had previously spoken to the male guard whom A had taken an unhealthy liking too. What they got up to during their little trysts, Lloth only knows, not that it bothered me. But why would a guard risk his career associating with a despised outlaw Drow? It was this relationship that first raised my suspicions, for it was he who arrested J. In my talk with him he denied that A framed J, but his responses did not ring true to my ears. His body language was all wrong. And there was something else, clearly the twin had some sort of hold over him.
Despite my efforts to persuade him that I could take away her hold and release him, he would not change his story. Drow cannot be trusted he said, they are all evil and should be shunned. Hmm. There was my answer. He trusts A, but not me. The conversation over he insisted that I leave town since I was banned. I left quietly. It was not in my interests at this time to make a fuss. It was then I decided I had to speak to the elf guard.

My slave performed her duty well and delivered the elf to me. Despite showing kindness and consideration, she remained hostile. I was just a filthy Drow she insisted. I shrugged and reminded her that it was the Baroness and one of her own kind, the magistrate Reann who were prepared to let her die. This clearly opened a wound. Her eyes filled with hate, not for me but for the ones who sacrificed her. Now I could ask my questions. Hmm. The same answers as the other guard gave me, almost word for word. Some collusion going on here, now why are they shielding an outlaw? Was some sort of unholy bargain made? I told her I could take away the hold A had on them. But no I was a filthy Drow, not to be trusted. Ah ha. There it was again! I persisted that she tell the truth, but she became more flustered and frustrated. So far the soft approach was getting nowhere. *sighs*

Suddenly it was she who changed tact. She insisted that I leave the male guard alone, never speak to him again. Oh she was getting feisty now. *laughs* When she threatened to harm me, I demonstrated that I was unarmed and told her I would not retaliate. There were reasons for this. Firstly, I did not think she had it in her despite her bravado. Secondly I wanted to gain her trust and finally and most importantly I could not afford to waste time in a cell. There is only one reason why a female will defend a male with such ferocity. Time to open up the game further.

I let her go but followed her deeper into town still asking my questions. Finally my baiting got to her and she said I was under arrest. Catch me if you can I said and laughed. So I let her chase me over town then up onto the battlements. There was no way she could catch me so I slowed letting her get a little closer. Realising that she could not catch me, she began to let off the odd arrow. Oh that sudden streak of courage. *chuckles* Time to conclude the game. She finally nicked the top of my thigh, so I went down as if badly hurt. She approached me expecting retaliation, I surprised her by offering none. Oh I could have taken her down at anytime but doing so would have curtailed my freedom, few guards bother with me, harming one might remind them to look closer. She offered me a bargain. If I promised to leave the male guard alone, I could go free. I promised. It was an easy promise to make. I had my answers, I had no further need of him. I looked at the elf and said "you love him don?t you?". She did not need to answer, her body language gave it all away. By that fact alone I was now certain who gave up J. The two guards attitude regarding A was all wrong. She has a hold on them and she gave them something in return. In my mind I am satisfied. I left the elf and strolled into the night chuckling.

So it is complete. I now have all the answers to this whole fiasco, all except one. Why did A frame J?
And the common denominator?? Von ?Sah!!

I watch, I assess, I report.

Vel'drav l' sil'in qu'ellar d'Hun?ett zotrethen??Jal zhal sha-rasa!!!

Lloth tlu laoles, dosst handmaiden orn naut hojh dos!!!!

__________________

Vierna

Vendui? yellow orb *waves and sneers*

The priestess I was promised has arrived from the Underdark. A young apprentice. Although I am disappointed that someone stronger and more experienced was not sent, she will be adequate. Under my guidance and instruction she should do well. Her first duties are to put the finishing touches to the temple I have constructed. Ah *smiles broadly* the first temple to Lloth on the surface. Such a wonderful feeling. The priestess and I consecrate the temple, now all is set. This is an important step. Now with the temple and the priestess, I am directly connected to the will of Lloth. She in turn can send me any power that she sees fit do her will. Now the changes can begin. Not dramatic, but slow and subtle. This will be a clean take-over, the proper way?.the Drow way!

I am no longer alone on this world. Apart from the priestess, one other has pledged allegiance. Her name is *laughs a little* T of House Von ?Sah. This was a tricky and drawn out negotiation but she spelled out enough reasons why an alliance would be good for both of us. Of prime importance is she has a hatred for those at the top end of the hierarchy of the Von ?Sah House. Or more to the point the rump of that house. It is a complicated business. Some form of House does exist but it is fractured and probably impotent. It would appear that those "inside" the House are opposed by those "outside" the House. The real difficulty lies in the fact that it would seem that those "outside" resent those "inside" for many and varied reasons. What is worse is that many of those "outside" detest others who are "outside", therefore there is no cohesion, no unity. This is what has made things so difficult, this is why gaining reliable information has been fraught with setbacks.

So T and I made our alliance and sealed the deal with a blood pact in front of Lloth in the temple. Now she is mine. Despite this exchange of blood, I do not trust her one bit. Younger than me, she exudes an air of confidence which borders on rashness. Such is the folly of youth. Her attitude tells me she thinks she is at least my equal. *smirks* Ah little T you will soon learn. Cross me and you will not see out your second century.

In a chance meeting I come across another Von ?Sah one who belongs to the rump. Oh dear Lloth, she is a stinking priestess of Vhaerun. Forgive me divine spider queen that I did not kill her on sight, but I needed the information she processes. Furthermore by doing so would have revealed my allegiance to you. A priestess and therefore part of the rumps hierarchy, now I might get some real information. Hmm. The bitch is wary of my questions. But I learn some new information and some new names. She was also contemptuous of the twins, describing them as nothing more than idiots. Perhaps in hindsight I should not have joined the twins organisation, I can see now the difficulties this has caused. *shrugs* No matter, it is done now. As she leaves, two things give me cause to ponder. Firstly this whore of Vhaerun is with child, and secondly I know what caused the Von ?Sah split.

*growls* The explanation gives me more problems. It would seem House Von ?Sah did hold some power in this land but it then crumbled in what is known as the "Lloth War". So where they originally a Lloth house and some decided to switch allegiance causing an internal struggle? Or was it the other way round? And where are the Von ?Sah Llothians now? Back underground or totally wiped out as a feud should be? And why is there a feud continuing when they all follow Vhaerun? When I asked this priestess why the Von ?Sah feud was not ended the Drow way she told me it was because K, the head of the House, was merciful!! Oh dear Lloth , what a stupid arrogant male. Where is the mercy when everyone is continually at each others throats? Fool!!!

I also chanced upon a Von ?Sah slave girl. Her name was A and she is a half breed. Slave to a male Von ?Sah by the name of K, not the same one as the head of house. I gained her trust and gained some more information in return. I offered to "free" her, by which I meant that she would swap slavery to K for slavery to me. She of course thought I was offering freedom. But she declined saying that K was leaving to return to the Underdark soon and that she would bide her time and escape then. Poor fool. And K *shrugs* he will probably die soon after arrival.

Thinking over the new information to hand, there was much that was still unclear. I am still unsure of the name Von ?Sah, where it comes from, did it have power, is it now a fly to be given to a spider? Hmm. I pass on all known names to Matron Mother for her to analyse. No doubt she will utilise the services of Bregan d?Aerthe to gather further information from the Underdark. For myself, I must try and make contact with either K, his partner the Baroness or both and get to the bottom of this enigma once and for all.

I watch, I assess, I report.

Vel'drav l' sil'in qu'ellar d'Hun?ett zotrethen??Jal zhal sha-rasa!!!

Lloth tlu laoles, dosst handmaiden orn naut hojh dos!!!!

__________________

Vierna

*looks at the yellow orb through shield eyes, says nothing*

More information gathered as I await news from Matron Mother. I confront A again, but it is a bad situation. Once again it was not on my terms and I come off second best. *shrugs* That is of no consequence, I will win out in the end. Just as a spider persists against the elements to spin her web where she wants it, so will I persist. And just as the spider wins out eventually, so will I. The days of the twins are nearing the end, they will bend to me or die. Its their choice, I care not which one they make.

Whilst I debate with A, another Von ?Sah surfaces. This one goes by the name of S. A most pathetic specimen of female Drow I have ever seen. Whilst A has delusions of power and Z is clearly insane, this one is just nothing. As I watch and assess her, it is clear that she is of no use to me or my cause. Whatever information she may possess will be worthless. A female prepared to humiliate herself so openly in the service of Vhaerun is lower than a human male. *sneers* A disgrace to my race! Without further thought I dismiss her. Her days are numbered. The only thing in her favour is she opposes the rump of House Von ?Sah, but I doubt if that will save her.

The next evening I meet up with a renegade called SD. I have been assessing this one closely. She has the right attitude and qualities that a true Drow should have. She could be an asset to me and my purpose. Furthermore she has some interesting and impartial information on Von ?Sah. She gives me a lot of useful background on the family and individuals. One name she mentions caught my attention. It was S, the one I met last night. What she related confirmed all my suspicions about her. I felt rather pleased with myself, especially when she told me why S opposes the rump of the House.

According to SD, S along with the now partner of K2 and a third un-named female, where collectively known as the "Whores of Trinsic". Not that they charged for their services, just that they were willing to go with anyone who looked at them. Seems whether Drow, human, elf or orc, the answer no was not in their vocabulary. But the most interesting revelation is that I know why S detests the Baroness. The stupid elg?caress wants her partner, K, for herself! Oh dear Lloth see what stupidity your son creates. A Drow in love is bad enough but one too gutless to dispose of her rival and claim the prize! Yes my original assessment of S was correct.

My priestess and I met up later and discussed some business. Afterwords we were entertained by a most delightful human girl. I decided that she would make a most useful informant. This was something she was willing to do. Hmm. My charms never fail. My network grows and information flows. The hard part is sorting out the good from the bad.

What a night. Later still my Kaldorian friend returned from her long sojourn to her homeland. Feeling comfortable with her, I made a decision to outline some of my plans to her. I wanted to see how she would react and to glean an impartial spin on my intentions. I even let her in on a little secret, again to test her reaction and loyalty. Things turned out favourably so I was pleased. Had she reacted differently, I would have been forced to slit her throat. It would have been a shame, but in this business there is no room for sentiment. With my work done, I drifted into a deep and untroubled slumber.

I watch, I assess, I report.

Vel'drav l' sil'in qu'ellar d'Hun?ett zotrethen??Jal zhal sha-rasa!!!

Lloth tlu laoles, dosst handmaiden orn naut hojh dos!!!!

__________________

Vierna

*Looks up at the sky* Vendui? yellow orb. Alu tsoss natha orbb. *smirks*

Things are moving sweetly now. Firstly, as I predicted, J has converted to the divine Spider Queen. It was not difficult, her previous encounter with fellow followers ensured that it would not be a difficult job. However I am not such a fool to accept that easy converts are totally loyal. Oh no. She will be watched carefully. The poison that is Vhaerun is not altogether removed. I could see that in her attempts to bring her daughter into line. It was not my place to interfere too much, this was between mother and daughter. Had it been me, the daughter would have paid dearly for her insolence and disobedience. J was much too soft. In the end she let her go with a denouncement ringing in her ears?"I no longer have a daughter!". I have my doubts as to whether J will hold to those words. I also noted that the daughter had taken her fathers name.

Ah little J, so much to learn. This was Vhaerun?s doing, but that is no excuse. Now a defiant and resentful half breed walks this land, ready to plague your life, ready to betray you one day. There is only one way to ensure this would not be so. A product of such a union, whether contrived or accidental, should have been killed as it left your womb. Better still, you should have destroyed it before it was born!

Two renegade Drow I have been watching closely have now joined my cause. I am pleased with this because I had long noted they had the right attitude and their talents will be an asset to me. For different reasons, they both harbour a return home one day, under their present status both know that this would mean certain death. Without the protection of a house, it is impossible for a renegade to return to the Underdark and live. So I offer them a tempting carrot. The deal is, they help me in what I want to achieve and in return for services rendered, they receive the protection of House Hun?ett. They are no longer renegade or outcast. It does not take long for LL and SD to decide. *smiles broadly*

Ah life is good. *chuckles* An initial brief has been sent back to me following the list of Von ?Sah names I had sent to Matron Mother. It would seem the name Von ?Sah is not as obscure as I had first thought. Not a major house by any means, far from it, but it seems an irritant to divine Lloth and another minor house, House Maerret. *sneers* So the twins are not Von ?Sah after all, but Maerret! Interesting. *laughs* Natha orbben cress orn zuch atsar dos!

My mother has within her ranks a high priestess, Angaste Hun?ett, one time Matron Mother of House Maerret. Seems she gave birth to twin daughters who were abducted and taken from her shortly after birth by the father. *shakes head* A foolish mistake for a Matron Mother to make. The father should have been killed as soon as she conceived! She had long thought them dead, Lloth?s punishment for her stupidity. Now clearly back in the divine Spider Queen?s favour, Angaste now knows they are alive.

Angaste and her House were involved in a war, the same war described as the "Lloth War" I have heard mentioned on the surface by Von ?Sah. I now know another reason why my mother wanted me to gather information. She must have mentioned the name to Angaste and this has revived memories. It is natural that she would wish revenge on the house that defeated her. Gi folt natha bryklyth cress! *chuckles humourlessly* In all likelihood mother and daughters would have fought each other without realising it. Oh dear Lloth how cruel you can be sometimes. And Angaste? What services have you provided to Lloth that she now smiles so favourably on you? Clearly it was with her guidance that I chose a Von ?Sah controlled outfit out of the many I could have chosen. Clearly it was with her guidance that inspired me to begin to usurp it. Now Lloth has given you the opportunity to have it all?.revenge, your daughters and the bloodline to rebuild.

????Lu' l' orbb said vendui ulu l' tiu?????.

I watch, I assess, I report.

Vel'drav l' sil'in qu'ellar d'Hun?ett zotrethen??Jal zhal sha-rasa!!!

Lloth tlu laoles, dosst handmaiden orn naut hojh dos!!!!

__________________

Vierna

I look up at the cursed yellow orb through partially shielded eye and smile.

Things are progressing well on several fronts now. My plans to take down the twins and return them to the bosom of their mother are well in hand. When the time is right, I will strike. This will be a clean operation, no mistakes. Once removed, I feel that my job will become that much easier. Without their stupid pointless terrorising around town, I can begin to infiltrate that much easier.

The relationship with my Kaldorian "friend" has just about ran its course. My initial thoughts that they could be a useful ally have been set aside. Despite their posturing, they are not as strong as they claim to be, they fear making a move. Sitting waiting for the right opportunity, their time has passed. Many of their so called army have become more Sosarian than Kaldorian. They will never take over?.they have become absorbed! So as a test of loyalty, some nights earlier I fed my Kaldorian some false and outdated information, just to see how she would react. As I already noted, she reacted favourably at the time, but now that she has had time to ponder over my words, would she remain with a weakening and increasingly impotent ideal or stay by my side? *sighs* She failed me.

Having observed from a distance, I became interested in an elf. As I made my presence known, I was pleased to note that she did not react in the usual elven way when faced with a Drow. Initially, my first thoughts where pure entertainment. Ah well a girl needs some play after working so hard. However as time went on and I got closer, I realised, here was a potential asset. Over the days we have had a lot of fun. She is intelligent and witty, but I have seen demonstrations of her arcane power which has given me great cause for contemplation. Clearly, this would be no easy take down. I want her under my control, I want her power at my command, but the usual slave breaking methods will not be so successful. Oh yes I have no doubt I could do it, it would be a long process but eventually she would be broken. The problem is, she would be left damaged by the ordeal to such an extent that she would no longer be of use. Now had I only wanted a house slave, then that would not worry me. She will not be my house slave, but my bodyguard! In front of me therefore lies my greatest challenge, make her subservient to me and at the same time retain her assets for my use.

As I await the perfect time to strike, another amusing situation comes along. A young yellow town guard seeks my aid. I think he believes me to be some sort of witch, rather than a cold calculating Drow. His problem is he is besotted with a female guard and he wants my help to win her over. *laughs joyously* Ah Vierna this will be fun for you. But it gets better. It turns out that the girl he fancies is that ungrateful bitch of an elf whom I offered to release from the twin who terrorises her. She is in love with that oaf of a guard who is also entrapped by the twin. Oh dear Lloth, clearly I am still in your favour that you send me such amusements to keep me happy. Will I help the young guard? Why not. And when I am done with it, he will be ever so grateful. *grins* And in his gratitude he will belong to me!

I watch, I assess, I report.

Vel'drav l' sil'in qu'ellar d'Hun?ett zotrethen??Jal zhal sha-rasa!!!

Lloth tlu laoles, dosst handmaiden orn naut hojh dos!!!!

__________________

Vierna

I look up with contempt as I watch the cursed yellow orb hide behind a cloud.

I watch, I assess, I report.

As I patiently wait to make my move, I take time to reflect what I have seen and learned. In some 5 moon cycles much has been learned, much has been achieved?.more than I had expected. Maybe too quickly. This is a human environment and things move at human pace?this is much much too fast for my liking but I had to adapt to the pace.

I watch, I assess, I report.

As I look around this land and observe others of my race, the question flirts across my mind. What am I?
What is a Drow?

Physically I am not all that unique. 5 foot 4 inches (162cm) tall, just slightly above average height for a female. Taller than a male, who rarely exceed 5 feet (150cm). Weighing in at around 60kg, nothing unusual there. Curves in all the right places, I am told I am extremely attractive. This has more to do with my training as a warrior, keeping me fit and lithe, than any effort on my part. Generally, females are slightly physically stronger than males and that is how it should be. Nor can they endure the level of pain a female can endure. It is these aspects and the fact that only a female can prove beyond doubt the purity of a bloodline that makes us superior to males. A female always knows her offspring, a male can never be sure. He only knows what he is told.

See Drow, see evil?..wrong! Unless total self interest is evil. A Drow exists for personal ambition, to climb to the top of the ladder within the boundaries of their status. Once at the top the ambition is to stay there. If that means murder and torture, so be it. But is it evil? By necessity, I have taken on many different persona to achieve my aims. I can appear nice and kind to one or cruel and heartless to another, the circumstances will dictate how I appear. Is that evil? No. Mostly its a psychological game I play, messing with the mind. Why dispose of something when it can become a valuable asset to you. I am a user, a user for personal ambition. Is that evil?

When I first made my observations on the Drow I have seen and met on this surface, I described them as soft. Oh not in a physical or skilful sense, but in a purpose sense. They have no purpose, no reason, no sense of ambition. They are akin to the mindless zombies I have seen wandering graveyards. Clearly being so long on the surface - and the aberration that is Vhaerun - has effected their minds. They have become psychotic, a disgrace to my race! The petty felonies committed, the futile antagonism against other races, the "look at me I?m Drow - you?re dead" attitude is not how it should be. Granted there are some who have joined non Drow organisations, acting as mercenaries. This has purpose and if that Drow has ambition, the leader should beware. That is not soft. But the many others around, those that carry the Von?Sah name, they are soft. Whatever the Von?Sah?s are in all their various guises, they are no longer Drow! Natha cha'kohk pholor l' aberration nindel zhah Von?Sah!!!

I am a mass of contradictions. I can say one thing and do the opposite. I see no fault in that if my goal is achieved. It is said Drow are emotionless, but this is not quite true. We are not machines, we do have some emotions, but by necessity they are suppressed - switched on and off as required. Take the emotion of love, what is it? Outside the carnal sense, love does not exist for a Drow and because of that, I have no guilt, no remorse, no feeling for what I do. Without love, my mind is unclouded. It allows me to make the cold calculated decisions necessary, totally pragmatic, total self interest. No there is no love in a Drow and therefore no trust, only grudging respect for those who can earn it.

And the opposite of love is hate! The most powerful and dangerous of all emotions. The one which is hardest to control. The one that can blind you from the cold hard pragmatic decision. Yet the one that drives you on to fulfil your ambition. I hate my mother, I hate her for bring me into existence. I hate my unknown father, I hate him because he was too gutless to die rather than impregnate my mother. I hate my older sister because I covet her position. I hate my younger sister because she covets mine. I hate my brothers for being what they are. I hate what I am and what I am to become. I hate what I have done in the past and what I am about to do in the future. But of all the things I hate and will hate, what I hate most of all is me!!!!

I watch, I assess, I report.

Vel'drav l' sil'in qu'ellar d'Hun?ett zotrethen??Jal zhal sha-rasa!!!

Lloth tlu laoles, dosst handmaiden orn naut hojh dos!!!!

__________________

Vierna

I look up and see the cursed yellow orb obscured by heavy black clouds. An omen perhaps??*laughs sweetly* but for who?

Everything is set, all I need now is for the right time. The time that suits me. I can wait, I can wait for a long, long time. So as I wait things are quiet, just as I like it sometimes. Strange is this quietness from another aspect. No doubt the yellow towns authorities have noticed a downturn in the number of petty felonies committed by Drow. Oh it still goes on, the muggings, the fights even the odd murder. But these have been committed by humans. And yes there are some Drow acting with inherent stupidity, but not the ones under my control. No these are under the control of Kalannar?s fractured and dispirit House whether from within or without. Is it because your "family" no longer respects you Kalannar? Or is it because you do not have the strength to wield authority?

I came across Kalannar in the street, I said the we should talk. Then Moiraine, the Baroness appeared together with the male guard who is in the twin, A?s pocket. *smirks* Kalannar was happy to talk in the street, well that just showed how uncouth the male is. Moiraine suggested that it should be in private, hmm, it takes a female to show the proper class even if she is only a half breed. She dismissed the guard and we retired to her offices.

It is a funny thing when in discussions with persons who are wary of you. More often than not, it is what is not said that is more important than what is. A hesitant reply, a quick denial, an expression of humour or contempt at what is spoken, all these tell you more than a straight answer. And so it was with this meeting. I threw away odd bits of information, just to assess reactions. It told me a lot, especially about Kalannar. In that short meeting I found out more about him then, than what my network had told me, just by reactions. And Moiraine? Well she tried playing mind games with me before and lost. I teased her about how some guards shielded the twin A, someone the Baroness detests. She retorted that she already knew about it. Huh an obvious and futile bluff. But then I remembered, the guard who accompanied Moiraine whilst I spoke with Kalannar, he is one of the ones involved. *smirks* The poor male must have spilled the beans. *shakes head* You lost again Moiraine.

As the meeting ended, Moiraine made a strange remark to me. She asked me if she looked dead. Such a curious thing to say. Well she was certainly animated and most definitely alive. No necromancer could ever get a corpse to look that alive. She appeared healthy enough, in fact she showed a little more radiance than the last time I saw her. What did she want me to say? No? Ah Moiriane, are you setting up a new game to play? I hope you are because I so enjoy them, I so enjoy our games. *smiles with a hint of warmth*

A guard appeared to escort me from the town. *sighs* Still bitter Moiraine, maybe I will let you win once. As it happened I was suddenly feeling bored now. I felt like having some frivolous fun. So I gave the poor guard the run around for a little while, all harmless fun. That is until we ran into a crowd of brigands spoiling for a fight just outside the East Gate. My first thought was to leave the guard to it and disappear but I could see she was well outnumbered and unable to cope. No leaving her to the mercy of those thugs was not in my interests. So I set about them with gay abandon - no contest! I then made the pretence to seduce her. *laughs at the memory* Oh how embarrassed and flustered she got. I then went back to playing "catch me if you can" and the she enlisted the help of two other guards. After a while I got bored with even this. Just outside the South Gate, I dived to avoid one of those crazy arcane spells and in doing so knocked my head on a tree stump. I was laughing so much beforehand, I was not paying attention. So they caught me. I pretended to be dazed so that they would leave me alone, it worked. Satisfied with my days work, I went home and drifted into a contented sleep.

I watch, I assess, I report.

Vel'drav l' sil'in qu'ellar d'Hun?ett zotrethen??Jal zhal sha-rasa!!!

Lloth tlu laoles, dosst handmaiden orn naut hojh dos!!!!

__________________

Vierna

Curse you yellow orb, you are defeated, just like I told you. *laughs*

It is done. One twin down the other to follow. Mother will be pleased. Lloth will be pleased. And another mother will be pleased when soon she gazes on her offspring.

Word from my informants told me Aly?riia was in the yellow town skulking about. Like me she is not welcome and like me she uses the same way to enter un-noticed. Like me she would use the same way to leave. *grins* This was the ideal time to strike. At last we would meet on MY terms! I quickly rounded up my associates and formulated a plan. Aly?riia is a dangerous opponent, if things did not go according to plan, this might be my last chance. If I lost a third time, my credibility would be shattered, I would be recalled and my humiliation would be complete. No. Nothing was left to chance, the ambush would be swift and with precision. So, with all knowing their place and duty, we waited. This was it. Failure was not an option.

She seemed momentarily surprised when she saw me waiting. Curses, there was a guard lurking around and some unwelcome onlookers too. *growls* It was too late to pull out now. As is my wont, I offered her the chance to come with me quietly. She wanted to know where. When I told her she was going home, she said this was her home. *smirks* Oh foolish Drow, this is not your home, not your real home. Your real home is below and that is where I am taking you. As expected, she would not come easily. She moved to draw her weapon, that was the signal! Now! As one we all attacked. It was swift, clean and over before she had a chance to cause any damage to us. My associates, on my instructions, had used heavily poisoned weapons, they may have overdone it. *shrugs* Too bad. As one of the onlookers tried to revive her, someone shouted that she was dead. This animated the guard who seemed, up till then, too stunned over what she was seeing to take any action. *curses* I did not want this, but she had to be dealt with. She fought well, but was soon overcome. Leaving her dazed and semi conscious, I returned to the unmoving form of Aly?riia. *frowns* We had overdone the poison. With the guard being tended to by onlookers, I quickly lifted Aly?riia onto my shoulder and we all swiftly disappeared into the nearby woods. *beams* We had done it!

Our escape was well planned and we got her to the temple without incident. Then she groaned. She was not dead after all. We stripped her of all possessions and bound her securely. I dearly wanted revenge for the grief she had caused me but if taken alive, her mother did not want her marked badly. So I stayed my hand. *sighs* I told Aly?riia her mother wanted her back, I showed her the ring, I told her that her name was not Von?Sah but Maerret. Still groggy and dazed, she could not take it in. She could not comprehend what was happening. No matter she will soon realise. With great delight, I administered the mark of Lloth on the left side of her neck, behind the ear. Now you are Lloth?s I told her, but she did not seem to understand. I then administered a paralysis potion, one that rendered her incapable of movement, but would not unduly effect her internal organs. She would stay that way until an antidote is administered.

And now to track down the other twin. That should not be difficult. When she hears of Aly?riia?s demise, she?ll come crawling out of the hole she is hiding in. This take down will not be as tricky, she is not the equal of Aly?riia. Nevertheless, the same detailed planning will be utilised, I want no mistakes. Once the other is captured, I will inform home and an escort party will arrive to take both back to the Underdark. Then things can move on. This signals the beginning. Soon the name Von?Sah will cease to exits on the surface!

I watch, I assess, I report.

Vel'drav l' sil'in qu'ellar d'Hun?ett zotrethen??Jal zhal sha-rasa!!!

Lloth tlu laoles, dosst handmaiden orn naut hojh dos!!!!

__________________