"Not like snow is that troublesome," Nolletta says.
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Nolletta quietly assembles a bed for herself and goes to sleep.
"It shouldn't be if those cowardly folk manage to be home before dark each day," Nolletta remarks.
"I was planning on being home by now, so I don't have anything to offer," Nolletta says, reverting to her natural form.
"This is the Grey Plains," Nolletta says as they fly over the strange land. "It's not as empty as it seems."
"I figured we should have a little less tension between us since we are going to be traveling together for a while," Nolletta responds. "Suit yourself though."
Nolletta climbs on top of Tesia first, extending her hand to help the others up.
The drow puts her hands in the air and goes to join Tesia and Rhadaya.
"That's all I ask," Nolletta says. "You don't betray me and I'll do my best not to betray you." She digs in her sack and pulls out some parchment. She scribbles some lines and buildings. The drow passes the paper to Sadhana. "Here are directions to Ilneas. I've even included estimates for travel times. You should make it to the Temple of Iomedae by nightfall. It may be safe to spend the night there. Or you can just have your sorceress conjure up this manor again." She looks the magus dead in the eyes. "The Fissure is about a day and a half due north beyond Ilneas. You might find Tichran there, you might not."
"Then why didn't you just leave me?" Nolletta asks. "And I wasn't talking about giving you directions."
"Some assurance of my safety would be nice," Nolletta answers.
"I just find it amusing that you don't know where you're going," Nolletta says. "I could remedy that, but not freely."
Nolletta smirks as she drinks her juice.
Nolletta quietly helps herself to some food.
Nolletta merely smirks.
Nolletta sits at the huge dining table. "No. Partly because I wouldn't survive on my own, partly because I don't want to lead you to the other drow."
Nolletta says nothing and heads to the kitchen as well.
Nolletta approaches the two Anizari. "Which is precisely why I didn't leave."
Alone with Sadhana, Nolletta simply glances at the magus briefly before getting up and finding a room for herself.
Nolletta finds a chair and sits down.
Nolletta shrugs and walks through the doorway.
"We've known about the Great Old Ones since the Shard of the Sky fell," Nolletta answers. "They were no allies of our gods, so we gleaned what we could from their forces, though some drow went mad from what they learned. Hastur and Cthulhu are the Great Old Ones' greatest threats to Vesaria. Both long to conquer and destroy."
"If I were to wager a guess, this is the doing of Hastur," Nolletta says. "Rather than engage you in battle, he would rather test your convictions. You could kill me and be free, but who knows what toll that would take on your soul. But, if you don't, he will keep you here."
"And why should I care about your intentions?" Nolletta asks. "The blood has already been spilled. Apologies won't return my family to me."
"Before the drow were strong enough to defend themselves, many of us were put under the Anizari's blades, many in my family being their victims," Nolletta answers. "The Anizari believed they were the one true race of Zahvroma. They slaughtered many races during their crusades to 'purify the land' and made pacts with your so-called 'civilized' races since they shared the same hatred of those they didn't understand. There is no such thing as 'good' or 'evil' in the world, just 'us' and 'them'."
"It may not last long," Nolletta replies, her voice echoing in the dark. "It seems I will be prey to some monster, Anizari or otherwise."
Nolletta, devoid of the mythic power she held so briefly, gazes up at Celia. In her eyes, there is no gratefulness or relief, only fear.
Nolletta gasps as she is returned to the land of the living.
Nolletta gasps and kicks her legs as her vision dims.
"I ask for mercy and you won't give it?" Nolletta asks, as the lone figure cuts down the last of her company.
A familiar voice calls out to the group.
After she runs out of questions, Nolletta stands up. "Thank you for your help tonight. I better get back home. If the fates allow, we'll meet again. Thank you for all your answers, Mirrin." She then makes her way out the Ivory Hammer's door.
As you wait, Nolletta drinks her wine and chats up Mirrin, trying to learn more about the Anizari.
"I'll have whatever wine you have available," Nolletta says as she pulls out a chair for Mirrin.
"Perhaps you ought to meet the individual who went there," Nolletta suggests. She turns to Luther. "Where would he be?"
Mirrin's last word brings a blush to the elf's cheeks. She brushes back her red hair and smiles. "I would enjoy that."
After glancing at Sadhana, Celia and Magestreia, Nolletta looks intently at Mirrin's tattoos. "Oh, you're an Anizari? I've heard much about their culture but haven't met one in person."
Nolletta stands near Mirrin. "If you don't mind, I'd like to spend some time with our heroes."
Nolletta approaches Mirrin. "Would you mind if I rode with you?"
"The gods give nothing freely," Nolletta says. "That is what our history teaches us."
"To be seen so brightly from the surface gives me reason to believe that this is far more powerful than some demigod's artifact," Nolletta reasons.
Nolletta points toward one of larger remains of a building. "Look there and then look down toward the ground."
"Well, he didn't get to the interesting part," Nolletta says. "Can any of you detect magic?"
The elf nods. "Let's just say I have an interest in things that do not belong here."
"Yeah," Nolletta says. "It's been nice spending time with you all."
"Thank you," Nolletta says to Eir.
"Don't be hard on Dan," Nolletta says. "He just wanted to provide for his family and got more than he bargained for."
"I hope not," Nolletta says, joining everyone.
"Water please," Nolletta says.
Nolletta smiles. "Books give me something to do while I'm stuck indoors."
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