T
The Fox and The Spider
Guest
Original poster
Paranoia, in most situations it often proved a weakness, but here within the dark world of the Underdark, it proved a potent ally. For within this world of stony sky, many dangers made their nest. Both Eveline and Ein proved blessed with ignorance, yet Zavrosh was burdened with knowledge. He knew all too well the insipid sting of complacency, for decades this was his home, the land of his ancestors. Yet even within the walls of the Drow homeland, the dangers proved even more prevalent. For his home was one of conspiracy, the only way to rise in station was through the blade of a knife. A government based on warring houses and greed, coveting was the norm and from it countless sins were birthed.
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Zavrosh could sense the heighten suspicions of both his female companions, but would not falter in his vigilance. In his eyes only one thing mattered, their survival and accomplishment of the mission at hand. He felt not the need to explain the reasons behind his actions, for there were greater things to consider rather than his paranoia. Those narrowed pale eyes of his found themselves averting from the swarthy embrace of his home. Drifting ever so casually toward Ein as she wove together some sort of spell, magic, elven magic coursed through the vast tunnels.
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The Fungi men understood her reasoning, showing no sign of aggression or resistance the four of them remained still. Her offering of peace proving a comforting sign in contrast to the world they have known. A world populated by elves who have forgotten the calls of the wild, the song of stone and wind, the basking rays of the sun. Beings whose hearts were darker than their ebony skin, hearts shriveled and harden far more than the stone around them.
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For now they will serve Ein, proving an extension of her will and arm. An act that will undoubtedly prove vital toward her own survival and that of the party. Eveline had remained silent, knowing not what to say as the spectacle unfolded around her. She was lost, lost to this alien world and its laws. Though facing the simple horrors of the Underdark, the Tiefling found herself admiring the resolve and strength of her Drow friend. How many stories of his remained unsung, for since they have met Zavros valued silence. Shielding her from his past, from his sins and laments, the likes of which she couldn't hope to understand.
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In such a world as this, idle hands often led to one's demise. Here one had to watch their back and front, always pressing onward less they suffer a cowardice deaqth. For within these walls rang an old Drow proverb, the deadliest knife of all is the Unseen one. For those who allowed themselves to relax for even a moment, often faced peril if not tribulations, a fate Zavrosh desired to avoid. "Let us be off." He whispered, not wanting to give away their position, for not even he knew what else may be creeping in the shadows.
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Those curious gazes still fixated on them, of this he was certain; however he had no interest on figuring out their intents. For his mind, just like Evelines was focused on a single goal and purpose, the accomplishment of their mission. With a wide yet casual stride, the Drow navigated the narrow tunnel with ease, leading the group deeper into the bowels of the Underdark. All the meanwhile he could sense that they were being stalked, undoubtedly by the same eyes that had rested on them for so long. Zavrosh had feared that soon they'd find themselves in battle, though what frightened him the most was the mystery behind their pursuerers. For he knew neither their intent, nor their number least of all their identity. If they were Drow, than both Eveline and Ein were soon to engage in a fight unlike any they've ever known.
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Mur'Dalla
Zuahnaliah
Finally relief had set in, as he felt the distance between their followers grow. Foolishly he had assumed that their fading gaze was a sign of retreat. In truth the two had simply moved on ahead, through another tunnel to cut them off. Finally after waltzing down the long tunnel they found themselves entering another opening, one with a lake filled with fish and large and dense mushrooms, that lit up the entire cavern. Suddenly like a black arrow a giant cat leapt out infront of them, as another dropped behind them from a nearby ledge. The cat was foreign, not of this plane and the other being a woman…human!?
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Silence settled in between them as the cat growled and the woman held her blade firmly as if to study this strange lot. How could a human survive in such a world? Least of all a woman…the thought though sexist still crossed the onyx skinned elf's mind. Eveline would be the first to call out to them. "Who are you?" Her words being greeted by only silence, it was clear this woman knew not the common tongue by the confused expression on her face. Finally Zavrosh called out in the goblin tongue. "Friend or foe?"
The woman blinked, understanding his words but pondering why a Drow would speak first, rather than strike. "That depends on you foul Drow?" Her words stung, but also revealed what she was. She use to be a slave, rothe or cattle for his kin. Somehow she escaped and survived…a marvelous feat in Zavrosh eyes. Speaking of which, those pale eyes noticed the heavily enchanted blade and buckler in her hand. Her blade composed not of metal, but energy itself, evoking countless questions.
The fresh wounds on her body, the bandages and scars told a tale of a harsh life. She was no older than twenty yet her eyes were like ice. Frigid and void of hope, a season of death settled within them, a being who moslty survived on one thing...instinct. An intimidating sight to say the least...