I am quiet for moment gathering my thoughts as everyone chatters through the mindlink. I can feel the growing sense of urgency and panic rising in everyone.
I take off my backpack, and remove the spade we had recieved from the dwarven ghost. In the Mindlink: "Use this it will makes things go quicker."
I try to listen for any digging sounds other than the immediate group.
In the Mindlink: "Astinos I will need your spear to search for pockets of air.
"Durr you can do the same using Nebebits spear. Just push through until the resistance of earth gives way."
"Nebebit, Fox, and Kemnebi... Do any of you have spells that can turn you into a mist or wraithlike? If so it could greatly aid our search for a way out. Even a dig spell of some sort."
While doing all this I keep an eye on everyone. Last thing we need is someone to loose it, and panic wasting valuable time and air.
Val
"There is a large boulder that pins your right ankle. Master Kosan; Goodman Dom, may we have your assitance here please, we will require either great strength; leveraage; or perhaps a lubricant."perception roll for Astinos; Caerwyne and Kosan please.
"There is a large boulder that pins your right ankle. Master Kosan; Goodman Dom, may we have your assitance here please, we will require either great strength; leveraage; or perhaps a lubricant."perception roll for Astinos; Caerwyne and Kosan please.
Spot roll Modifiers:
Light Source/Dark Vision 12
Weak Light 15
Darkness 17
-2 difficulty for Low Light Vision
helps dig you out.
"this cave in will not kill my sister, ...
<digging>
"There is a large boulder that pins your right ankle. Master Kosan; Goodman Dom, may we have your assitance here please, we will require either great strength; leveraage; or perhaps a lubricant."perception roll for Astinos; Caerwyne and Kosan please.
I Go over to where Decidio and Astinios are and look at the rock pinning his leg. I rolled 13 (1d20) + 1 (Spot Mod) + whatever + applies for this action(I am using Stone Cunning (+2) or Knowledge Dungeneering (+11) to see the safest way to dig Astinios' leg out, I also have the Gnome Goggles that give me Dark Vision and Low Lith Vision).
Awaiting for respose to my Roll.
I am quiet for moment gathering my thoughts ...
"Nebebit, Fox, and Kemnebi... Do any of you have spells that can turn you into a mist or wraithlike? If so it could greatly aid our search for a way out. Even a dig spell of some sort."
While doing all this I keep an eye on everyone...
In the mind Link: Or any eath based spells such as dig, rock to mud, meld into earth or the like. Do we need light I still have a couple of light sticks?
In the Mindlink: "There is a group of Drow that are near..."
Okay Kosan to safely dig out Astinos without crushing his foot or ankle will take 4 rounds.
Kosan
In the Mindlink: "There is a group of Drow that are near..."
Whispering to Decidio: Decidio use your mind powers and find Llevonic NOW.
In the mind Link: Aahz use your mind and extra sensory visual powers and tell me if anyone else is around and where besides us.
Spot (Enhanced low-light vision)
Decidio looks over to Kosan; "He's standing right there next to Jewell." She nods over toward the back of the tunnel.
Aahz, "Well there is this big black bird flapping above us. Then there are those damn liches, and three angels over there. They look like angels anyway from the stories. Eww and some demons, and... I think you probably just don't want to know. Just be happy we are under the bird."
SPOT
The pocket is much too short for the feline to stand, so after she hits her head on the ceiling, Fox does her best to calm her down. Placing her tiny hands on the cleric's and communicating by mindlink."First, as the others said, air is our biggest concern. If you hyperventilate in here, we will be unable to aid the mage. Keep your breathing easy, and use the mindlink. If and when we figure out where he is located, do you have any magic that will allow us to reach him? Do you have any magic that will provide fresh air if what we have runs out? Just calm down and think, friend."
For several moments Nebibit seems torn between either Listening to Fox or planning to desperately claw wildly at the walls (Whether in blind panic or to find Kemnebi is not clear)
After a moment she seems to calm herself She nods at fox's suggestion and follows her lead. Although it should be pretty obvious to Fox That Nebibit is still torn between trying to get out and trying to save Kemnebi Occasionally glancing back in the direction that (She thinks) Kemnebi is buried in
(Assuming it wont use up the air supply) Nebibit will cast light on her spear) and begin to hold it like a torch
Astinos you are to distracted watching Kosan using the spade to free you, and Decidio's delicate form giving you comfort to notice anything else.
Nebebit your light spell goes off illuminating the small tunnel that you, Fox, and Durr are in.
1d20+5
It would be very bad. Think of your foot being caught in a vise. Your foot would grow, but the vise wouldn't. You think something that would turn you gaseous, or shrink you would work alot better. Or just wait til Kosan digs you out.
Spot roll Modifiers:
Light Source/Dark Vision 12
Weak Light 15
Darkness 17-2 difficulty for Low Light Vision
Spot:
I help Kosan with the digging to free Astinos, hopefully this reduces the time it takes to free him.
in a whisper to Kenembi:
"Have you any ideas Mageling? I am afraid to attempt to move lest I crush your frail form by accident; the dirt around us is still soft; I may be able to pack it down away from us to give us a little room; though I warn you; in this tight space with our bodies pressed together; I am at war with my natural amorous instincts...and I fear I have little experience at self control and the smell of sex is still very strong upon you; did you like that other girl so much? No, do not answer me, this is bad; bad; you are not ready for this; (more husky voice) bad bad bad....Mortal; do you know why moths seek the Flame?"her aura become stronger; more attractive; seductive, alluring, frightening, alien; deva vamp type vampires are toddler amatuers compared to her.
"Mmm? Mmph?" Kemnebi mumbles from his well-padded facial placement. He takes another breath and holds it. There is a distinctly long pause, either because he is thinking, or temporarily overwhelmed by the sudden increase of pheromones in the tiny space. He shakes his head slightly, (sending a not-unpleasant feeling through himself as well as June).
'Later, not now, Later,...' Comes through the mindlink faintly. His mental voice obviously husky as he seeks to control himself.
'It's ok June, We're getting out of here! Just let me think a moment,... Gaseous, no. I have a helm that can provide air, but I don't know if it will function if it's not underwater. And I would need a little more room to get it out from my pack. I can conjure a creature to assist with the digging, but I need enough room to cast properly, and since I would have to chant, I would use up the air. AND I need to know how far away and in what direction an open space is so I can conjure it. <sigh> Nevermind,... Teleportation? yes. But I need a target to swap with, and they would end up in the same boat as,... wait a moment!" Kemnebi's mind-voice goes suddenly silent after that last sudden burst of excitement.
The feline mage focuses upon the 'voice' that he heard earlier.
'Do you have a name? For I should like to address you properly. Tell me, can you burrow through this dirt that surrounds us? For if you can escape, then I can use my magics to swap our places, and then you can tunnel out again.'
:)
There is a palpable sense of excitement from Kemnebi through the mindlink, and he takes another breath as he smiles,... and then promptly wishes he hadn't.
'Not now! I am in control, I am in control,...' He mutters mentally, trying not to move against his savior,...
Ack! I am blinded!
Astinos you are to distracted watching Kosan using the spade to free you, and Decidio's delicate form giving you comfort to notice anything else.
Nebebit your light spell goes off illuminating the small tunnel that you, Fox, and Durr are in.
I took into count that the three of you were helping free Astinos; takes 4 rounds subjective time.
Spot roll Modifiers:
Light Source/Dark Vision 12
Weak Light 15
Darkness 17-2 difficulty for Low Light Vision
Spot: 1d20+6
I help Kosan with the digging to free Astinos, hopefully this reduces the time it takes to free him.
"Sure boss, I am on it; which way?"
presumably from the centipede.
in a whisper to Kenembi:
"Have you any ideas Mageling? I am afraid to attempt to move lest I crush your frail form by accident; the dirt around us is still soft; I may be able to pack it down away from us to give us a little room; though I warn you; in this tight space with our bodies pressed together; I am at war with my natural amorous instincts...and I fear I have little experience at self control and the smell of sex is still very strong upon you; did you like that other girl so much? No, do not answer me, this is bad; bad; you are not ready for this; (more husky voice) bad bad bad....Mortal; do you know why moths seek the Flame?"her aura become stronger; more attractive; seductive, alluring, frightening, alien; deva vamp type vampires are toddler amatuers compared to her.
"Mmm? Mmph?" Kemnebi mumbles from his well-padded facial placement. He takes another breath and holds it. There is a distinctly long pause, either because he is thinking, or temporarily overwhelmed by the sudden increase of pheromones in the tiny space. He shakes his head slightly, (sending a not-unpleasant feeling through himself as well as June).
'Later, not now, Later,...' Comes through the mindlink faintly. His mental voice obviously husky as he seeks to control himself.
'It's ok June, We're getting out of here! Just let me think a moment,... Gaseous, no. I have a helm that can provide air, but I don't know if it will function if it's not underwater. And I would need a little more room to get it out from my pack. I can conjure a creature to assist with the digging, but I need enough room to cast properly, and since I would have to chant, I would use up the air. AND I need to know how far away and in what direction an open space is so I can conjure it. <sigh> Nevermind,... Teleportation? yes. But I need a target to swap with, and they would end up in the same boat as,......
June wiggles a bit and flexes and begins to glow a bit; so Kenembi your low light kicks in and you can see that she is in her gloriosly infernal demon form; her large black leathery bat wings holding back the crush of dirt and rock making a tiny little room; she has a seven small horns coming out of her head; about 3 inches that barely poke up through her hair looking like a permanent crown; her eyes swirl with the flow of the universe; galaxies can be seen deep within; she is staring right at your, into you, past you; through you; her lips quivering. At this moment she is about 8ft tall; the muscles on her stomach ripple and her ample chest rises and falls with each pained breath. Her arms are around you in a hug. You now have about 6 inches of space to move.
Llvenoc; Jewel motions for you to join her; she takes your hand and her vision becomes yours; with her mind assisting; you can see your standing upon a plane whose features are much like that of where you were; but somewhat removed; for you are in a larger tunnel chamber.
Approaching you can see a group of perhaps 9 robed and armored drow approaching; their features are mostly covered. As they approach; you see the clan markings of your house and recognise the hand signals as your family clan.
all round you can be heard odd noises; glimpses of other things that Jewel warns you not to look at as it would draw attention; from her you gain understanding you are in a dimension within the dimension of the plane of darkness that touches all in the prime material; a realm where those with the power can travel though the way is dangerous and used by many...things.
June wiggles a bit and flexes and begins to glow a bit; so Kenembi your low light kicks in and you can see that she is in her gloriosly infernal demon form; her large black leathery bat wings holding back the crush of dirt and rock making a tiny little room; she has a seven small horns coming out of her head; about 3 inches that barely poke up through her hair looking like a permanent crown; her eyes swirl with the flow of the universe; galaxies can be seen deep within; she is staring right at your, into you, past you; through you; her lips quivering. At this moment she is about 8ft tall; the muscles on her stomach ripple and her ample chest rises and falls with each pained breath. Her arms are around you in a hug. You now have about 6 inches of space to move.
Kemnebi Blinks, his eyes adjusting to the dim light, and go wide.
"Oh. Wow." He murmurs aloud, his low voice surprisingly loud in the tiny space. He notes her unusual features with an curious, and appreciative, glance, but stares into her eyes. Those luminescent, glorious, deep, eyes,...
'Just who is the moth, and who is the flame,...?' One part of his brain manages to think, all else is being absorbed by those eyes,...
"Sure boss, I am on it; which way?"
presumably from the centipede.
Kemnebi huffs, blinks, and shifts his gaze lower. (Which is no less pleasant, but less dangerous than those magnificent eyes!) And tenses as his thoughts race,... Those eyes, Way? What way? Wow. She's,... WOW. FOCUS! Where did,..? He threw Nebibit, turned around, grabbed June, kissed her, the earth,... Turned around!
'Behind me! If I were standing up, behind me! The others are there! Go swiftly!' Kemnebi 'shouts' mentally. (The mental equivalent of talking while releasing a long-held breath.)
Calmer, (or at least more 'quietly') he continues while reaching slowly and carefully for his component pouch. 'Hang in there June, I'm going to teleport out, and then dig you out. Alrigh,...? Whoa,...' He murmurs both aloud and mentally as his elbow jogs June's elbow, sending a tremor through their tiny cave,...
Llvenoc; Jewel motions for you to join her; she takes your hand and her vision becomes yours; with her mind assisting; you can see your standing upon a plane whose features are much like that of where you were; but somewhat removed; for you are in a larger tunnel chamber.
Approaching you can see a group of perhaps 9 robed and armored drow approaching; their features are mostly covered. As they approach; you see the clan markings of your house and recognise the hand signals as your family clan.
all round you can be heard odd noises; glimpses of other things that Jewel warns you not to look at as it would draw attention; from her you gain understanding you are in a dimension within the dimension of the plane of darkness that touches all in the prime material; a realm where those with the power can travel though the way is dangerous and used by many...things.
I take heed of the Jewell's warning, and don't let my eyes wander into the shadows. Not unlike similiar dangers from the deep recesses of the Underdark. I don't wish to attract things that may be older than the light itself. I gesture to my Clan symbol to put the Jewell at ease of who approachs. Being the Sword I stay alert. There are always dangers.
Can I tell who in particular approaches?
Magus Kenembi; do you trust me; do you trust me with you eternal soul; I can get us out of here; but it will cost you; but you will not be lost; but you must give me your trust; all of it.
June wiggles a bit and flexes and begins to glow a bit; so Kenembi your low light kicks in and you can see that she is in her gloriosly infernal demon form; her large black leathery bat wings holding back the crush of dirt and rock making a tiny little room; she has a seven small horns coming out of her head; about 3 inches that barely poke up through her hair looking like a permanent crown; her eyes swirl with the flow of the universe; galaxies can be seen deep within; she is staring right at your, into you, past you; through you; her lips quivering. At this moment she is about 8ft tall; the muscles on her stomach ripple and her ample chest rises and falls with each pained breath. Her arms are around you in a hug. You now have about 6 inches of space to move.Kemnebi Blinks, his eyes adjusting to the dim light, and go wide.
"Oh. Wow." He murmurs aloud, his low voice surprisingly loud in the tiny space. He notes her unusual features with an curious, and appreciative, glance, but stares into her eyes. Those luminescent, glorious, deep, eyes,...
'Just who is the moth, and who is the flame,...?' One part of his brain manages to think, all else is being absorbed by those eyes,...
"Sure boss, I am on it; which way?"
presumably from the centipede.Kemnebi huffs, blinks, and shifts his gaze lower. (Which is no less pleasant, but less dangerous than those magnificent eyes!) And tenses as his thoughts race,... Those eyes, Way? What way? Wow. She's,... WOW. FOCUS! Where did,..? He threw Nebibit, turned around, grabbed June, kissed her, the earth,... Turned around!
'Behind me! If I were standing up, behind me! The others are there! Go swiftly!' Kemnebi 'shouts' mentally. (The mental equivalent of talking while releasing a long-held breath.)
Calmer, (or at least more 'quietly') he continues while reaching slowly and carefully for his component pouch. 'Hang in there June, I'm going to teleport out, and then...
to Kenembi:
"ok; boss"
the very large and thick centipede moves through the earth at astounding speed....
The small kitten watches the centipede move out and swats at his tail as it dissappears; looks at the hole; shimmers in the darkness and is gone....
"Found em; aint much room here though; you SURE you wanna come here; hehe go fer it then; make sure I land somewheres on that hot mamma that is nice and soft; sink me fangs into; and thanks much boss, and bosss; I dont think this is a normal kitten; dat thing just shimmered and appeared outta da darkness right here all creepy like."
Yes you can; but the point is moot; will just continue with the narrative for you:
The drow party of nobles arrives most gracefully and very heavily armed; two are your parents; mother and father; the others are royal guard.
Your mothers stands like the Queen she is; imperious and solid looking right at The Jewel and Taking Her Measure; as it were; she raises a finger and you Father speaks:
Fathers Voice: Son of our House; we greet thee and have come upon the summons of your forthwith betrothal to meet thus your bride to be, the Jewel of Clan Darkstromb and have brought the betrothal girding as required by custom if the Jewel be found fitting worth to the Clan.
Fathers fingers: What the bloody 'ell son; you in love with this demon faced daughter of a psychopath? This has thrown all the Drow councils from every clan in uproar, the surface elves hold the peace as commanded; but are all holding their swords with their fae horses as stamping. The only one more dangerous to pick as a wife is this ones elder not sister, your footfalls boom in the darkness now son; all drow know your name; good for us or ill; to soon to tell. We didnt expect to find you here in the Ways of Darkness; her doing I am guessing. If you wanted to just die fighting; you could have picked someone like that sun maddened surface Drow; Lori something or another that is among the paladins; that would be crazy; but this; this is the death of maddness son!
Yes you can; but the point is moot; will just continue with the narrative for you:
** spoiler omitted **
In The Realm of Darkness
To my Father in Hand Sign: Father, I have seen past the Demon Mask, and gazed into the eyes and face that lie beneath. There is more here than just a Jewell, or ornament. I may very well be mad. I know a cruel death comes for me. Long is the line of cowards who dared not approach her, but will strike from the shadows to end me. If I am not up to the task. Then I don't deserve to be The Sword of the Drow, or your Son. Is it love? Its to early to say, but there is trust. Thats a better start than most.
Outloud: "Mother, Father; You honor your Son. May your eyes find no flaw in the Jewell of Clan Darkstomb. That we make a strong pairing worthy of your blessing."
Deep down I wondering if she really trusts me. For she has never given me her real name.
to Kenembi:
** spoiler omitted **
'Hey. Hey! MInd your manners! Wait, how much room is 'not much'?'
Kemnebi asks the centipede, having visions of teleporting into an area not much bigger than he is in now.Magus Kenembi; do you trust me; do you trust me with you eternal soul; I can get us out of here; but it will cost you; but you will not be lost; but you must give me your trust; all of it.
Kemnebi looks up at June in all the exotic glory of her current form. Then into her eyes. He cannot remember whether he stared into them for a moment, or a week. He takes another breath, and all of the tension seems to melt from him. He murmurs,...
"Yeah,... Yes, I do."
In a flash of insight; like an epiphany; you get this thought:
Perhaps she doesnt have one; no personal name; thus so hidden that it leaves no clues to find her truename; thus she cannot be controlled or attacked by various magics that work by identity; thus without personal identity; she is separate; isolated; a jewel. Imagine what it would be like for you growing up without any name; no personal identity; just and object. Thus you begin to understand; she is the Jewel and she is the Mage of the Oni Mask; and had very little other personal identity; you may be the only living creature to have ever; ever; ever, since her birth; looked upon her true face. She is standing her facing your parents; unafraid; alone except with you; close enough your shoulders could touch. <wow your rolling good, am just rolling for you so I dont break the train of narrative, hope you dont mind> thus you get another insight; often you worry or have concern over Jewel reading your thoughts; thus you see the very depth of her loneliness; crippling, stifling loneliness; perhaps she reads minds to feel a sense of other people; does she read others in the party; probably not a tenth as much as you. Imagine what it is like for her to see your memories; the kindness and love your family has given you; the personal training; all the laughter; but the intrigue of you not being like other drow; not enjoying cruelty, not feeding pain or arrogance; not taking advantage of others, the nobility of your character; it doesnt fit with her experience of other Drow; none; not one.
She is watching your thoughts as you have these ideas; from the outside; just that familiar feeling of her watching you; strangely you feel no judgement; just a very very strange feeling of...hope. With this epiphany; you suddenly feel something like the wieght of the cosmos; the alignment of all that is; The Mistress Of Fate stands with many threads in her loom; some are short; some are long; some weak; some strong; right now; right this instant; you are in a "Pivital Moment" powerful enough to change the world. This is far more than the political alignment of your two noble houses; that in it self shakes the world. This alliance between the Blade and the Jewel is a thing of legend; the Bards are going to have a field day with this. It would be in your tradition to find a true Oracle and get a "prophesy" about your bonding.
Yes you can; but the point is moot; will just continue with the narrative for you:
** spoiler omitted **
In The Realm of Darkness
** spoiler omitted **
Llvenocs's Mother:
<nods respect precisely to her station>
"Why have you done this thing? We are not weak; so you seak to crush us; we are strong; we will fight you our houses will clash with thunder that will shake the world; the perfect excuse to get rid of that Herectical Abomination you call a father"
"Do you think we are all weak as him, my son, perhaps it is my fault; it is your fault Husband; you brought us her; perhaps my sister was right; we coddled him to much; to much freedom and he abused it; so weak; feelings of compassion and caring for such low creatures; not afraid; but wont take advantage of others; no drive; no ambition; sigh; what can a mother do; you have a child; but then it is maddness; they go there own way; what is a mother to do; you cant kill them all; there wouldnt be any left to breed."
"The world is changing so fast; deadly portents of things to come; a rain of death for all races. Do you see it Child Jewel, you lack the years, but have you the Wisdom; are we to all be extinguished; to walk no more; leave but a silent world of peaceful death as the Pyramander desires; that is maddness; is that what you want; perfect destruction?"
"I am the Jewel, the one; the only; set aside for perfection, I need not answer anyone; not even a Queen of Drow. Only the Emperor can take me to task; and not lightly even then for the Orb of Imperial might protects me; I am thus; the Jewel, flawless by decree.
But my Husband, my mundane protector would not understand that, he is just a male, but I would have it all; more than just a title next to his title, one object next to another.
Thus the Oracle at Delphi spoke to me, in truth I tried to stay away; I fled; I ran; I tried and failed to escape this fate. Hope hounds me like a pack of wild dogs that yap and bite at my heals. Thus in the honor of my people I run no more, in the tradition of the Greeks I offer this Olive Branch <she gives you an olive branch Llvenoc; you should give it to your Father> and I will answer your question>
I choose Hope. This is the only path that will save our people. I choose Hope; thus I choose the Blade of the Drow. I will be the stone that sharpens him; he will be the blade holds me; together; perfection in the making.
thus to you Queen and Mother of Prince Llvenoc; I give you the free gift of a true answer spoken thrice that you know it true. In return I take your son."
hehe little pause for building tension.....heeh the room the centipede chose was big for him; but you wouldnt fit; wasnt sure how to handle that with your spell; glad you answered June so she can do something instead...
to Kenembi:
** spoiler omitted **'Hey. Hey! MInd your manners! Wait, how much room is 'not much'?'
Kemnebi asks the centipede, having visions of teleporting into an area not much bigger than he is in now.Magus Kenembi; do you trust me; do you trust me with you eternal soul; I can get us out of here; but it will cost you; but you will not be lost; but you must give me your trust; all of it.Kemnebi looks up at June in all the exotic glory of her current form. Then into her eyes. He cannot remember whether he stared into them for a moment, or a week. He takes another breath, and all of the tension seems to melt from him. He murmurs,...
"Yeah,... Yes, I do."
Kemnebi, I would give you a gift of knowledge, the foundation of "all that is"; true knowlege; do you accept that as well?
Kemnebi, I would give you a gift of knowledge, the foundation of "all that is"; true knowlege; do you accept that as well?
Again, those eyes,... again loss of time. It only feels like a few seconds,... or were those days? He blinks, just to give himself time to remember to breathe. And then looks into the eyes again,...
"I don't know if I'm worthy of such a gift,..." He murmurs, gazing, relaxing completely. His eyes are half-closed as he gazes into June's eyes.
"But if you think so, if it will help,... Yes. I accept." He whispers hoarsely, his voice thick with hunger.
Whether the hunger is for such powerful knowledge, or for June herself, it is impossible to tell. Or perhaps there is little or no separation between the two now,...
"It is not about worth; not ever; there is no such thing as worthy or not worthy; it is all illusion; there is only what is and how it all fits; worth is relitive to time and place; an illusion of discernable judgment. Cast off such trappings and behold"
Gripping you tight; enwrapped in her naked body, arms and wings; you begin to fade; microsecond by microsecond you are attuned as your body is broken into thousands of molucules; like a slow teleport; plane shift; you are uncertain what is happening; for and instant lasting a millenia; you are in the deepest, despairing pit of Hell or the Abyss; you know not which; the agony to a mortal soul is total and overwhelming; then it is gone and you stand on solid darkness; darker than dark; the abscence of all light; total darkness without sound or sensation; there is no time; no external perception other than you and her holding each other and your internal thoughts. The emptyness of it seeks to rip apart your mind; so vast; so empty; the void. Time in meaningless; touch is your only grounding sensation.
then you see a point of light in the distance; it grows and grows giving the sensation of movement; it becomes massive in scale; larger than a galaxy; a span that consciousness of a mortal mind cannot grasp totally; you see the massive dark; and the massive light; elemental and vast yet aware. In the center of the light is a pinhole; something wrong; elementally wrong and vast; a blight of utterance so awful your mind recoils and seeks to turn away. you see that between the light and the dark is a think strip of grey; a merger of light and dark.
"what you see is what your mind comprehends as the basic material of all there is; I was born in the instant of realization of Father Dark and Mother Light; during the instant of creation of the universe; thus you see also is the Perversion of all that is; that wrongness you see.
Just look and remember; we can talk about what you see later; you must understand what you see and know it with all you are; that you may prepare Astinos for his desire to become a Champion of Light; and all that that means; their exists Champions only in dichotomy; for a Champion of Light; there must be a Champion of Dark.
I will take you to the others now"
June and Kemnebi appear next to March.
"I am the Jewel, the one; the only; set aside for perfection, I need not answer anyone; not even a Queen of Drow. Only the Emperor can take me to task; and not lightly even then for the Orb of Imperial might protects me; I am thus; the Jewel, flawless by decree.
But my Husband, my mundane protector would not understand that, he is just a male, but I would have it all; more than just a title next to his title, one object next to another.
Thus the Oracle at Delphi spoke to me, in truth I tried to stay away; I fled; I ran; I tried and failed to escape this fate. Hope hounds me like a pack of wild dogs that yap and bite at my heals. Thus in the honor of my people I run no more, in the tradition of the Greeks I offer this Olive Branch <she gives you an olive branch Llvenoc; you should give it to your Father> and I will answer your question>
I choose Hope. This is the only path that will save our people. I choose Hope; thus I choose the Blade of the Drow. I will be the stone that sharpens him; he will be the blade holds me; together; perfection in the making.
thus to you Queen and Mother of Prince Llvenoc; I give you the free gift of a true answer spoken thrice that you know it true. In return I take your son."
I accept the Olive Branch from The Jewell, and in turn offer it to my Father in a symbolic gesture. I await her answer. I also await the response my family will give.
June and Kemnebi appear next to March.
Kemnebi stands stock-still, then his legs wobble like jelly, then they are firm as rock and he cannot move. He turns his head slowly, ponderously, to look at June. (Why does his head feels like it is made of stone, but his feet suddenly feel like they are made of air?) He opens his mouth, but no sound comes out. Through the mental link from him there is only silence. Not the silence of shielding ones thoughts, but the silence of the absence of coherent thought.
He realizes that he is still clinging to June, and for a moment that touch is somehow the only thing that holds his world together. He looks into her eyes and seems to relax, and regain some semblance of control. His mind struggles to make sense out of what he has seen, to order it into some form of rational thought. And for a moment there is panic as he thinks that it might be impossible. But that very thought triggers another, stubborn thought. Kemnebi refuses to admit that anything is impossible.
He looks into June's eyes for another brief, impossibly long moment, and squeezes her hand. That wordless, silent communication speaks volumes. He gives a small smile.
Kemnebi looks slowly around, still holding June's hand, and notes who he can and cannot see. He speaks softly with a voice that seems impossibly loud to his own ears, although it comes out barely a whisper.
"Where are the others,...?
In the mind link: 'bout time you two showed up. Now we only need to find out where Llevonic and June disapeared off to and get out of this sealed room then I can have my lunch.
I go over to where Llevonic was in pick up his spade.
In the mind link: Astinios, Nebbit, fox, and anyone else with a staff poke around the walls and get, me an open space ta dig to. Kenebi why in tarnation is your mouth open ya got something ta say or you trying to catch flys, Get busy and start helping us get out of here.
Grumbling under my breath about that durnd fool boy and not knowing what june saw in him. she sure did make one fine dwarf. That boys always getting himself into, mistchief, and never getting to the task at hand. Ifn he keeps this up I may have to pull a few whiskers ta get him moving...
Just a reminder; March and June look very much like whatever your dreamgirl would look like or female perfection; each see them as their own race just like thier desires.
Kenembi; you saw a bit of the truth of the cosmos so to speak; interpretted through your mind; so I took a few liberties; June needed to look more real and more powerful for what you guys just did; so she did; that is the power of the magic of what she is; now that you are back with the others and in a more rational...closed environment, she looks like what you desire; she does have some control over this; so maintains personal touches such as hair color; fingernails; clothing; so you can tell her and her sister apart.
Jewel and the Queen stare at each other; Llvenoc father holding the olive branch.
The Queen says: "I shall give this some thought, see how it can be made to serve our House. Pursue this my son, it has possibilities"
She turns away and begins leaving; your father gives you a nod and a quick smile and his fingers say "have fun with that" and they all leave.
Hmm, I think that went well; I think your mother initially likes me; your dad too obviously; I think they will break out laughing once they get out of range of our hearing. To them we are so very young.
Hmm, I think that went well; I think your mother initially likes me; your dad too obviously; I think they will break out laughing once they get out of range of our hearing. To them we are so very young.
In the Plane of Darkness
My house has known Clan Darkstrom for a long time. It is well known in Clan Durvenian that there royalty are powerful mind witchs. That every thought in front of the Jewell may as well been said aloud. Every word in the open was done for the benefit of other eyes watching. My parents disappeared for a reason making me think they were dead. They would only reveal themselves if they truly saw worth in this union. Why was my Aunt not here? Is she not trusted advisor to my Mother?
I wonder if the exchange between Cordoba, and the Jewell's Mother will go as well? I also think of the many dangers that will quickly approach. How many will seek to kill me for Cordoba's favor. How many will try to snatch power, and not care for the Jewell at all. I think of how traditional my house is. Remembering all the old stories of Lolth, before the Sundering. The feeling of standing beside the Jewell how if felt like the whole of the multiverse realigned to us. How long its been since someone chose a Jewell of the Empire. Even longer has it been since one has been name the Sword of the Empire. All noble male drow are wizards. As I was suppose to be trained. Its an odd twist of fate that I was instead taught in the art of generalship, and rruckles. My hand brushs against the bag of garlic I was given, and think of the words the stranger gave me. The test I agreed to take after the Earth Mother is freed. "I would like to hear what words the Oracle shared with you. I also believe we need to visit a True Oracle together."
I have no doubt there is a prophecy written about this joining. It hasn't been since before the Sundering that "the Jewell", and "the Sword" have been together.... She deserves more of an idenity than the position. That there is an "US", and not just the sum of her titles. That everytime she hears the word Jewell, its like a pin prick into her very heart. I must think of an endearment that is special to the both of us.
I wait some time for her response, before I speak again. "We must get back to the others. I doubt they can find there way out of the cave in without our assistance."
I choose Hope. This is the only path that will save our people. I choose Hope; thus I choose the Blade of the Drow.
Val
"perhaps you would like to kiss me again before we go back; and not like a thief this time"
she steps close to you.
Ok; Astinos is freed from the cave in; Kosan detects the sound of digging coming toward them; presumably Durr and company; the party has found no way out of the this little pocket; the air is getting a bit stale.
Durr and company; make your Fortitude checks; you air is getting very bad.
"perhaps you would like to kiss me again before we go back; and not like a thief this time"
she steps close to you.
In the Plane of Darkness
Fort save
In the mind link: 'bout time you two showed up. Now we only need to find out where Llevonic and June disapeared off to and get out of this sealed room then I can have my lunch.
I go over to where Llevonic was in pick up his spade.
In the mind link: Astinios, Nebbit, fox, and anyone else with a staff poke around the walls and get, me an open space ta dig to. Kenebi why in tarnation is your mouth open ya got something ta say or you trying to catch flys, Get busy and start helping us get out of here.
Grumbling under my breath about that durnd fool boy and not knowing what june saw in him. she sure did make one fine dwarf. That boys always getting himself into, mistchief, and never getting to the task at hand. Ifn he keeps this up I may have to pull a few whiskers ta get him moving...
"Wha,...? Um,... Right. Right!" Kemnebi says determinedly. Then looks around for a clue as to what he can do that might be helpful. He takes a look at June, and smiles a her perfect feline face. With just a smudge of dirt on one cheek. He grins. Then blushes slightly as he realizes that he is still holding June's hand. But he doesn't let go.
He looks around the space, and at Kosan digging and offers. "I can summon a creature to help us dig. But It has to breathe like the rest of us, and I notice the space is kind of limited,..." Kemnebi trails off, thinking ,...
It is a bit close in there; those poking with spears need to be careful they dont whack someone in the head; air getting stale; lots of hole pokes attempted; nothing found yet; might just need best guess...