Disclaimer: To avoid any possible lawsuits (as if I have anything of worth, har har!) I own nothing and claim no ownership over anything Bioware, Atari, Neverwinter Nights, Baldur's Gate II, Interplay, Forgotten Realms, or Black Isle(r.i.p.) related. This fan fiction is simply a product of love and admiration for "Hordes of the Underdark" and of course my favorite tiefling, Valen Shadowbreath. The *only* character that belongs to me is Windeline Crystaliis.
R.A Salvatore's Drizzt Do'Urden makes a very brief "guest appearance."
Chapter Two: Into the Underdark
~
From Do'Urden to Delryn
~Live the way of the Forest~
May Mielikki bless you and your husband
On this special day.
He tucked the necklace into his traveling pack while continuing to follow the other two.
~
"You're Lady Windeline Crystaliis aren't you?" The guard at the gate signaled a salute as the hooded ranger approached the gate. "Sergeant Osyyr at your service."
"Pleased to meet you, sergeant." Windeline managed a smile as she gave a short nod of her head.
Osyyr motioned to the gates around him as he said, "I'm in charge of the defenses here at these gates."
"You've done a fine job so far, Osyyr." The tiefling gave the dark elf a hearty pat on the back.
"That means a lot, Valen." Osyyr cleared his throat as he continued on. "As you can see, we're keeping a close eye on the gates." The drow let out a small sigh, 'I wish I could spare a few more troops to shore up our position here. We don't want any surprises catching us unprepared."
Windeline eyed the cavernous stalactites and stalagmites and considered the various creatures that could be dwelling beyond the dark horizon. Already guessing the answer she decided to ask anyway, "What do you mean by 'surprises?'"
Deekin was already on cue with his lute, strumming along as he sang his 'Doom' song. While Valen shook his head in revulsion and Windeline tried to hide her grin, Osyyr kindly answered, "Out beyond the gates is where the true Underdark begins."
Osyyr glided a hand over his silver locks while lowering his grim stare, "The caverns out there are crawling with beholders, and illithids, and not to mention… a host of undead creatures."
"I see… Thanks for the welcome and warning, 'friend.'" She turned back to the other two, unable to hide her laugh. Poor Valen was alone in his grief unwillingly singing along with Deekin. "Come on you, two. The Underdark awaits us."
"Before we go, we must watch out for the Valsharess' allies." Valen pushed his way past the kobold toward the ranger's side. "If they come after us… and after you… they will do it out here in the caverns."
The lesser elf pulled back her hood, revealing a rather smug look toward Deekin, as they walked past the gates. "This epic journey continues to sound better and better with each moment that passes us by, huh Deek?"
~
The caverns beyond the gate were covered in a blanket of darkness making it hard to pick a path. Windeline carefully rubbed a gem of brightness with the tip of her finger, its soft light awakening to reflect the light for its master.
Deekin squirmed as the sounds of creatures, better left hidden among the shadows, echoed around them. Valen grinned as he noticed the ranger's uneasiness. "So this is your first time in the Underdark, I take it?"
Windeline's keen senses were flaring as she felt the movements of various creatures around her. "Yes, if you must know." She tilted her head toward Valen's direction, "Although I have heard many a story from quite a few reliable sources." Her grin widened as the last two words flowed through her lips.
Her expression didn't hold the grin for long, "Nothing, however, could prepare me for the cruelty known as 'drow politics.'" She sagged her shoulders as she sighed, "I'm just glad we could escape while we could."
With that last remark, Valen tried to control his quick temper as his blood slowly began to boil. "There is an exit to the surface not far from here that I know of… We could search for it if you wish." Deekin slowly took a few steps away from Valen, not wanting to be mixed up in the fight he feared would surely happen.
The tiefling wasn't prepared for the genuine smile Windeline flashed back at him. Her eyes shifted to the tiny bauble in her hands. She gazed into the shining gem as the tiefling's suggestion brought back the faint memories of nature that were bubbling in her heart. She closed her eyes and with a voice full of emotion she said, "You should know better than to tease a lady, Valen."
Deekin scribbled into his notes while he hummed his 'Doom' song and a reluctant Valen found himself joining along. The tiefling couldn't understand how Windeline was able to stand the lunacy of the 'melody.' There were a few other things that puzzled him about her. Her principles, humor, choice of a companion, and the pendant she cast aside.
There was also the unspoken curiosity of her choice between Nathyrra and himself. The dark elf seemed very willing to accompany the ranger, but instead she chose the brooding weapon master who had made it very clear that he did not trust her in the slightest.
"My good Valen, I feel we must decide on something." The ranger slowed in her pace and nudged his side gently with an elbow. The tiefling looked down at the woman with a gaze of slight amusement and a hint of annoyance.
Valen gave a curt bow of his head, "I am yours to command."
"Ha! Are you?" He's pretty charming when he wants to be. The lesser elf smiled at her passing thought. She scratched at her chin thoughtfully, carefully selecting words for her question. "If one were to decide they wanted to hunt for some beholders… where would one find such creatures?"
"Ah I see, we are to hunt for the Eye Tyrant first I take it?" The tiefling's hand tightened around his mace in his excitement. "If we continue in our direction… we should come across a bridge of shadow string."
"Excellent. Do you mind if I take the lead?" Windeline readied her magical bow, Ripper, in her hand.
"By all means, lead the way…, my lady."
~
The three continued on in their trek across the Underdark. Windeline had managed to surprise the tiefling with her skill in archery. She was quick to deliver her arrows to the hearts of their foes, always the heart.
As soon as the creatures lay dead, the magical arrows that pierced their bodies would disappear. Ripper was an enchanted weapon that required no arrows to accompany it unlike normal bows.
Deekin merrily chirped his song and the weapon master could barely hide his frustrations. Finally he turned around with a scowl geared toward the kobold.
"Kobold, I have a question for you." The ranger eyed the two with a smile.
Deekin stopped his humming and looked to Valen with wide, surprised eyes. "You gots question for Deekin?"
The tiefling's response was spoken between gritted teeth, "Yes, but it is one question and one question only. If you attempt to sidetrack me into some tangent with your inanity I shall be forced to behead you."
"You takes Deekin's head off, Deekin not gets to answer question," the kobold replied. Windeline quickly covered her mouth with her hand, failing to hide her laugh.
"Yes, well... that is a risk I shall have to take. My question is this: this song you constantly sing, where did you learn it?" The tiefling continued to eye Deekin.
First Daelen and now Valen. Oh Deek! "I'll be up a few paces, gentlemen. Don't be too long." Windeline found she couldn't drop the corners of her mouth as she walked away from her companions. Thank the Gods for Deekin, indeed.
The lesser elf's eyes widened at the pit of darkness that was a distance away. The bridge was hard to make out amongst the deep shadow. No trinket of light would be able to dispel the darkness. She felt the tiefling's agitated presence creep up behind her. "It's a good song."
She chuckled as she heard his growl behind her. "Perhaps if he could carry a tune."
"He'll grow on you in time," She pointed out into the distance. "Is that the bridge you spoke of?"
"Yes," his voice held a tinge of excitement. Is he so ready for battle? Windeline quietly thought to herself. "Do you mind if I take the lead this time, my lady?"
"Be my guest, friend," The ranger paid no attention to the arched eyebrow the tiefling threw her way.
~
After solving the puzzle of the shadow string bridge, the lesser elf and her companions moved through the cavern only to find themselves engulfed further in the Underdark's shadows.
The light from the gem of brightness slowly faded and with a sigh the ranger tossed the gem back into her pack. Windeline held up her hand unable to make it out in the darkness. "Deekin, if you would be so kind to use your Chalice of Lathandar…"
Deekin reached for his chalice, cheerful that one of his trinkets would finally be of use. "Oh pretty chalice! Make lute of Deekin's glow with pretty lights!" The kobold's eyes danced with delight. "Oooo! Now Deekin can play more!"
"I'm overcome with joy," Valen sarcastically snapped.
Windeline rolled her eyes as she walked past the two and motioned for them to stay back. "Calling on a friend… Just one moment, if you don't mind."
With her delicate hands clasped together, Windeline offered up a soft prayer to Mielikki. The smell of spring and honey filled the air as a gentle breeze blew in from an unknown source. With a sudden flash of light that dazzled the insides of the cavern, a motherly grizzly bear appeared.
"Callisto!" Windeline sprang to her feet and embraced the furred neck of the majestic beast. She eagerly scratched behind the ears of the bear hoping to make up for lost time.
"Her pet?" Valen eyed the grizzly with an innocent awe.
"Nope. Boss's friend." Deekin replied with a toothy grin.
The ranger looked up to the kobold with her smiling eyes, "Deekin could you fetch me the snack I was saving for Cal?" Valen cautiously walked up to the bear as it lazily considered the tiefling.
Windeline could feel the man's gaze carefully examining the interaction between herself and her bear. She looked up with a grin and motioned for Valen to come closer.
"Valen, I'd like for you to meet Callisto." Her face held the warmth of her friendship for the bear. "She's been my friend and protector since I was a little girl. Say hello to him, Cal."
The bear pushed it's maw against Valen's hand, hoping the tiefling would get the hint. The tiefling held a boy like innocence in his eyes as he marveled at the animal. He gently stroked his fingers through Callisto's thick fur and he was rewarded with a gentle lick to his hand.
Deekin offered up the dried fish and bottle of honey to the ranger. "Here my friend," Windeline poured a few specks of honey on the fish and offered the small meal to the bear. The bear's attention was poured into the small snack, much to the ranger's satisfaction.
"How's your lute of light holding up, Deek?" Windeline shifted her eyes to the kobold.
"Still glowy!" The lesser elf smiled and rose to her feet as soon as Callisto signaled she was done with her snack. "Alright…, let's continue on."
The bear nudged Windeline's side several times as they journeyed through the dark cave of the eye tyrants. The ranger would be quick with the response only the bear could understand: I'll tell you later…Cal... Not now.
Through their bond of friendship, Callisto knew what was causing the ache in the ranger's heart. With a brisk movement of her hand, Windeline motioned for the tiefling and the kobold to stop in their tracks the moment the hairs on Callisto's back started to stand on end.
A low growl rumbled through the thick neck of the beast. Windeline stepped back a bit and whispered into Deekin's ear, "I want you to play a beautiful song for me, my bard, the moment Cal and I strike at our opponents."
Deekin slowly nodded his head with his reptilian eyes wide opened. The tiefling could feel the presence of their foes and his weapon was grasped tightly within his hands. The ranger could hardly ignore the flash of red that flickered for but a moment in Valen's eager eyes.
The lesser elf held her bow with a magical arrow ready to pierce those that lurked in the shadows. The green eyes darted about carefully considering the area with each step she took.
Suddenly, a drow warrior emerged from the darkness with a grace of a cat about to attack its prey. The violet eyes caught the attention of the woman. Her heart felt a small ache as she looked into the eyes of that familiar color. Drizzt… The tiefling beside the woman noticed the flicker of pain that brushed across her features.
The cold lavender eyes slowly traveled along the frame of the woman's body as his face formed a smirk. "Well… What have we here?" The cold smile sent shivers down Windeline's spine. It was the same smile Zesyyr had delivered at the ranger's triumph over the deceased matron mother.
Windeline kept her bow at the ready, not relaxing her grip as the drow continued on with his words. "None other than the very one who hampered the attack efforts in Undermountain, it appears."
The ranger coolly shrugged off the words, "What can I say? I've been a busy girl."
"Indeed." The cold smile turned into a burning scowl. "We have been looking for you for quite a while, elven female," a low chuckled emitted from the warrior's ebony lips, "but we certainly did not expect you to fall right into our hands."
"How is it you've come to know so much about me? Why has the Valsharess set her eyes upon me?" The ranger's eyes followed the warrior's hands as it pulled out a large double-bladed weapon from his back. The time for words was almost at an end.
"I am not here to parley or listen to the pathetic mumblings of a surfacer." The violet eyes narrowed into a cold glare, "I am here to kill you."
As if triggered by the last words of the drow, the ranger's eyes widened as the light that usually shined within them disappeared. Her orbs had returned with the soulless gleam in her eyes.
With his weapon drawn in both hands the drow took a step forward. Callisto took a protective stance in front of the lesser elf. "The Valsharess has had quite enough of you."
The hand of the elf began to shake as she fought for control over her hate. Her eyes were wide unblinking emeralds that were determined to hold the stare of the dark elf. "I am sure…," Valen couldn't ignore the stoic tone that gripped the lesser elf's usually melodic voice, "we can come to an agreement of sorts."
The drow furiously shook his head with obvious disapproval, "Enough!" His thunderous yell signaled numerous drow to slowly emerge from the shadows. "It is time you felt the wrath of the Valsharess!"
With Callisto's mighty roar as his signal, Deekin bellowed his melodies as he strummed his glowing lute. As Valen charged into the thick of battle, his eyes flickered of the color red. His mace would feed well upon the flesh tonight.
The battle around the elf was a blur. Arrow after arrow shot from her bow. Each sank into the hearts of their target. The head drow was anxious to make his way toward the elf, who was distracted by the minions he had brought with him.
The bear slapped her large claws across many a drow as they dared to try to get near her beloved friend. From the corner of her eye, the bear noticed the pile of corpses that had amassed around the ranger.
Deekin frantically moved his little legs, dodging the various attacks aimed his way as he continued on with his tune. Valen's devilish laughter could be heard amongst the clashing of his mace against various adamantite blades.
Meanwhile a battered Callisto frantically fought off the last of the minions that threatened to do Windeline harm. Even though she continued to pick off various drow with her skill, she was no longer there at the battlefield.
She was a scared little girl standing amidst the flames and corpses of her family were scattered around her. While lost in the back of her mind, her arrow hit the last of the head drow's minions that meant her harm.
Callisto snarled at the main drow as he made his way toward the ranger's direction. The bear rushed in to defend Windeline, but was halted as one of the blades from the drow's weapon cut through the bears flesh.
The bear's wail alerted Valen to the crisis at hand. He struck at the last of his opponents frantically hoping to reach his ally in time.
The force of the kick sent Windeline to the ground, knocking the bow out of her hands. The drow warrior stood over her triumphantly with his weapon ready to deal the death strike.
However, the drow that towered over her was not the same person she saw before her. His eyes were ablaze with a fiery red while his silver locks danced in the breeze. The blood of her family members decorated his armor and his weapon was eager to add the droplets of her own.
Suddenly leaping over the flames, another dark elf, with scimitars in hand attacked the drow who meant her harm. With a few skilled movements of the two blades, the red eyed dark elf fell to the ground defeated.
The victor knelt beside the girl with worried lavender eyes. His lips began to move as he spoke.
"Windeline?"
That's not what he said…
Slowly the violet eyes transformed into a familiar shade of blue. "Are you alright my lady?" The light returned to her green eyes as she traveled back to reality. Valen offered her a hand to help her up.
The lesser elf faintly smiled as she noticed the concern in Valen's eyes. "Well that was fun, wasn't it?" Winde noticed the pile of leaves behind him and she let out a sad sigh. "My poor Callisto."
The ranger took in the slaughter around her with a deep frown. It never gets any prettier does it? Deekin sidled up next to the ranger, eyeing her with his wide orbs, "We still going to hive?" Is that a hint of fear I hear in your voice, Deek? A low chuckle escaped her as she gently patted Deekin on the head.
"We could continue on, with out you, if you wish." A smirk flickered briefly across the tiefling's face. Windeline felt the crimson sensation stinging at her cheeks the moment she caught herself examining his face. He really is a handsome man. As soon as his blue eyes shifted to meet her gaze, she was already looking at the ground kicking at some rubble before her.
"Haha! You funny man! Deekin can't write story if Deekin not here!"
~
Windeline peered through the entrance of the Beholders Cave and motioned for the other two to follow. "I think the entrance is clear…" Her whisper held a tinge of hope that quickly faded from her eyes as a pair of beholders dropped before her, "… Or not."
With a few arrows and a few swings of a mace, the monstrosities laid lifeless before them. "And the trusty kobold companion… was in awe of the Boss's grace and Valen's scariness…" Deekin eagerly jotted down his thoughts into his tattered pieces of paper.
The cave reeked of a strange foulness while the dark tunnels dared the adventurers to tread within. Just as the woman was taking her first step further into the cave, the tiefling reached out to her with a gauntleted hand. She jumped at his touch and her wide eyes met his own amused gaze.
"May I have a word with you?" Was that her heart pounding in her chest?
"Sure, what do you need?" She carefully tucked a golden lock behind a pointed ear.
Releasing his grip on her shoulder, he looked past the ranger and into the tunnel beyond. "The Eye Tyrant is going to be somewhere in these tunnels. Finding it won't be easy, however... the beholders will all defend it to the last one of them, if need be."
"You don't say," A wide smile spread across her face with laughter shining in her eyes. "Don't worry good Valen, I'll keep my eyes peeled."
""So will they." The ranger wasn't prepared for the mischievous grin that betrayed his usual guarded nature. "All dozen or so of them."
She mockingly placed her hands on her hips as she turned her head to the side. "Oh ho ho."
His laughter echoed through out the cavernous room. Windeline couldn't help but notice the genuine smile that shown on his lips as he laughed out loud. It's a shame he doesn't do this more often… I'm going to have to make it a point to get more of this out of him!
Author's note: Well there you have it! Chapter 2. For those who are curious... Chapter 2 +3 were originally going to be one huge chapter going over 8k words! ^^;; Please be sure to read and review. I am ever hungry for your feed back.
R.A Salvatore's Drizzt Do'Urden makes a very brief "guest appearance."
~
She threw down her bow in heated frustration as she walked out of the House of Maeviir. By the gods! She wanted to rip her hair out in her frustrations and leave the drow to their own troubles! A plague upon those wretched beings!
Deekin warily squatted to pick the bow up and meekly stepped away from his 'boss.' Valen quietly observed the lesser elf as she vented out her frustration while she stormed off.
"Deekin be thinking the boss mad."
"Deekin would be right." Valen picked up his pace to meet up with the agitated ranger. The battle against the Matron had gone smoother than he had hoped.
The tiefling couldn't shake the soullessness the almond shaped emeralds had taken as they pierced an arrow, point blank, into Matron Myrune's heart. They were a complete contrast to the cheerful eyes that greeted his own sapphires before their hand-shake the other day.
"Sometimes…the things the drow are willing to do make even my own fiery blood run cold." Windeline stopped in her tracks as she peered up to Valen. He was taken aback as he noticed her eyes were glossed over with tears.
"I've… never killed someone for the sake of someone's ambition, knowingly." Her eyes darted about her surroundings not wanting to focus on anyone or anything. She sighed with a heavy frustration and continued on.
Valen and Deekin watched as she tore something from her neck and flung it to the ground. "I'm not worthy to wear 'you' anymore." The kobold tried to keep up with the woman while Valen stopped to pick the golden chain up from the ground.
The delicate chain was accompanied with a small oval marble pendant that had the profile of a unicorn carved upon it. His fingers turned the piece of marble over and carefully read the words elegantly engraved across its surface.
~Live the way of the Forest~
May Mielikki bless you and your husband
On this special day.
"You're Lady Windeline Crystaliis aren't you?" The guard at the gate signaled a salute as the hooded ranger approached the gate. "Sergeant Osyyr at your service."
"Pleased to meet you, sergeant." Windeline managed a smile as she gave a short nod of her head.
Osyyr motioned to the gates around him as he said, "I'm in charge of the defenses here at these gates."
"You've done a fine job so far, Osyyr." The tiefling gave the dark elf a hearty pat on the back.
"That means a lot, Valen." Osyyr cleared his throat as he continued on. "As you can see, we're keeping a close eye on the gates." The drow let out a small sigh, 'I wish I could spare a few more troops to shore up our position here. We don't want any surprises catching us unprepared."
Windeline eyed the cavernous stalactites and stalagmites and considered the various creatures that could be dwelling beyond the dark horizon. Already guessing the answer she decided to ask anyway, "What do you mean by 'surprises?'"
Deekin was already on cue with his lute, strumming along as he sang his 'Doom' song. While Valen shook his head in revulsion and Windeline tried to hide her grin, Osyyr kindly answered, "Out beyond the gates is where the true Underdark begins."
Osyyr glided a hand over his silver locks while lowering his grim stare, "The caverns out there are crawling with beholders, and illithids, and not to mention… a host of undead creatures."
"I see… Thanks for the welcome and warning, 'friend.'" She turned back to the other two, unable to hide her laugh. Poor Valen was alone in his grief unwillingly singing along with Deekin. "Come on you, two. The Underdark awaits us."
"Before we go, we must watch out for the Valsharess' allies." Valen pushed his way past the kobold toward the ranger's side. "If they come after us… and after you… they will do it out here in the caverns."
The lesser elf pulled back her hood, revealing a rather smug look toward Deekin, as they walked past the gates. "This epic journey continues to sound better and better with each moment that passes us by, huh Deek?"
The caverns beyond the gate were covered in a blanket of darkness making it hard to pick a path. Windeline carefully rubbed a gem of brightness with the tip of her finger, its soft light awakening to reflect the light for its master.
Deekin squirmed as the sounds of creatures, better left hidden among the shadows, echoed around them. Valen grinned as he noticed the ranger's uneasiness. "So this is your first time in the Underdark, I take it?"
Windeline's keen senses were flaring as she felt the movements of various creatures around her. "Yes, if you must know." She tilted her head toward Valen's direction, "Although I have heard many a story from quite a few reliable sources." Her grin widened as the last two words flowed through her lips.
Her expression didn't hold the grin for long, "Nothing, however, could prepare me for the cruelty known as 'drow politics.'" She sagged her shoulders as she sighed, "I'm just glad we could escape while we could."
With that last remark, Valen tried to control his quick temper as his blood slowly began to boil. "There is an exit to the surface not far from here that I know of… We could search for it if you wish." Deekin slowly took a few steps away from Valen, not wanting to be mixed up in the fight he feared would surely happen.
The tiefling wasn't prepared for the genuine smile Windeline flashed back at him. Her eyes shifted to the tiny bauble in her hands. She gazed into the shining gem as the tiefling's suggestion brought back the faint memories of nature that were bubbling in her heart. She closed her eyes and with a voice full of emotion she said, "You should know better than to tease a lady, Valen."
Deekin scribbled into his notes while he hummed his 'Doom' song and a reluctant Valen found himself joining along. The tiefling couldn't understand how Windeline was able to stand the lunacy of the 'melody.' There were a few other things that puzzled him about her. Her principles, humor, choice of a companion, and the pendant she cast aside.
There was also the unspoken curiosity of her choice between Nathyrra and himself. The dark elf seemed very willing to accompany the ranger, but instead she chose the brooding weapon master who had made it very clear that he did not trust her in the slightest.
"My good Valen, I feel we must decide on something." The ranger slowed in her pace and nudged his side gently with an elbow. The tiefling looked down at the woman with a gaze of slight amusement and a hint of annoyance.
Valen gave a curt bow of his head, "I am yours to command."
"Ha! Are you?" He's pretty charming when he wants to be. The lesser elf smiled at her passing thought. She scratched at her chin thoughtfully, carefully selecting words for her question. "If one were to decide they wanted to hunt for some beholders… where would one find such creatures?"
"Ah I see, we are to hunt for the Eye Tyrant first I take it?" The tiefling's hand tightened around his mace in his excitement. "If we continue in our direction… we should come across a bridge of shadow string."
"Excellent. Do you mind if I take the lead?" Windeline readied her magical bow, Ripper, in her hand.
"By all means, lead the way…, my lady."
The three continued on in their trek across the Underdark. Windeline had managed to surprise the tiefling with her skill in archery. She was quick to deliver her arrows to the hearts of their foes, always the heart.
As soon as the creatures lay dead, the magical arrows that pierced their bodies would disappear. Ripper was an enchanted weapon that required no arrows to accompany it unlike normal bows.
Deekin merrily chirped his song and the weapon master could barely hide his frustrations. Finally he turned around with a scowl geared toward the kobold.
"Kobold, I have a question for you." The ranger eyed the two with a smile.
Deekin stopped his humming and looked to Valen with wide, surprised eyes. "You gots question for Deekin?"
The tiefling's response was spoken between gritted teeth, "Yes, but it is one question and one question only. If you attempt to sidetrack me into some tangent with your inanity I shall be forced to behead you."
"You takes Deekin's head off, Deekin not gets to answer question," the kobold replied. Windeline quickly covered her mouth with her hand, failing to hide her laugh.
"Yes, well... that is a risk I shall have to take. My question is this: this song you constantly sing, where did you learn it?" The tiefling continued to eye Deekin.
First Daelen and now Valen. Oh Deek! "I'll be up a few paces, gentlemen. Don't be too long." Windeline found she couldn't drop the corners of her mouth as she walked away from her companions. Thank the Gods for Deekin, indeed.
The lesser elf's eyes widened at the pit of darkness that was a distance away. The bridge was hard to make out amongst the deep shadow. No trinket of light would be able to dispel the darkness. She felt the tiefling's agitated presence creep up behind her. "It's a good song."
She chuckled as she heard his growl behind her. "Perhaps if he could carry a tune."
"He'll grow on you in time," She pointed out into the distance. "Is that the bridge you spoke of?"
"Yes," his voice held a tinge of excitement. Is he so ready for battle? Windeline quietly thought to herself. "Do you mind if I take the lead this time, my lady?"
"Be my guest, friend," The ranger paid no attention to the arched eyebrow the tiefling threw her way.
After solving the puzzle of the shadow string bridge, the lesser elf and her companions moved through the cavern only to find themselves engulfed further in the Underdark's shadows.
The light from the gem of brightness slowly faded and with a sigh the ranger tossed the gem back into her pack. Windeline held up her hand unable to make it out in the darkness. "Deekin, if you would be so kind to use your Chalice of Lathandar…"
Deekin reached for his chalice, cheerful that one of his trinkets would finally be of use. "Oh pretty chalice! Make lute of Deekin's glow with pretty lights!" The kobold's eyes danced with delight. "Oooo! Now Deekin can play more!"
"I'm overcome with joy," Valen sarcastically snapped.
Windeline rolled her eyes as she walked past the two and motioned for them to stay back. "Calling on a friend… Just one moment, if you don't mind."
With her delicate hands clasped together, Windeline offered up a soft prayer to Mielikki. The smell of spring and honey filled the air as a gentle breeze blew in from an unknown source. With a sudden flash of light that dazzled the insides of the cavern, a motherly grizzly bear appeared.
"Callisto!" Windeline sprang to her feet and embraced the furred neck of the majestic beast. She eagerly scratched behind the ears of the bear hoping to make up for lost time.
"Her pet?" Valen eyed the grizzly with an innocent awe.
"Nope. Boss's friend." Deekin replied with a toothy grin.
The ranger looked up to the kobold with her smiling eyes, "Deekin could you fetch me the snack I was saving for Cal?" Valen cautiously walked up to the bear as it lazily considered the tiefling.
Windeline could feel the man's gaze carefully examining the interaction between herself and her bear. She looked up with a grin and motioned for Valen to come closer.
"Valen, I'd like for you to meet Callisto." Her face held the warmth of her friendship for the bear. "She's been my friend and protector since I was a little girl. Say hello to him, Cal."
The bear pushed it's maw against Valen's hand, hoping the tiefling would get the hint. The tiefling held a boy like innocence in his eyes as he marveled at the animal. He gently stroked his fingers through Callisto's thick fur and he was rewarded with a gentle lick to his hand.
Deekin offered up the dried fish and bottle of honey to the ranger. "Here my friend," Windeline poured a few specks of honey on the fish and offered the small meal to the bear. The bear's attention was poured into the small snack, much to the ranger's satisfaction.
"How's your lute of light holding up, Deek?" Windeline shifted her eyes to the kobold.
"Still glowy!" The lesser elf smiled and rose to her feet as soon as Callisto signaled she was done with her snack. "Alright…, let's continue on."
The bear nudged Windeline's side several times as they journeyed through the dark cave of the eye tyrants. The ranger would be quick with the response only the bear could understand: I'll tell you later…Cal... Not now.
Through their bond of friendship, Callisto knew what was causing the ache in the ranger's heart. With a brisk movement of her hand, Windeline motioned for the tiefling and the kobold to stop in their tracks the moment the hairs on Callisto's back started to stand on end.
A low growl rumbled through the thick neck of the beast. Windeline stepped back a bit and whispered into Deekin's ear, "I want you to play a beautiful song for me, my bard, the moment Cal and I strike at our opponents."
Deekin slowly nodded his head with his reptilian eyes wide opened. The tiefling could feel the presence of their foes and his weapon was grasped tightly within his hands. The ranger could hardly ignore the flash of red that flickered for but a moment in Valen's eager eyes.
The lesser elf held her bow with a magical arrow ready to pierce those that lurked in the shadows. The green eyes darted about carefully considering the area with each step she took.
Suddenly, a drow warrior emerged from the darkness with a grace of a cat about to attack its prey. The violet eyes caught the attention of the woman. Her heart felt a small ache as she looked into the eyes of that familiar color. Drizzt… The tiefling beside the woman noticed the flicker of pain that brushed across her features.
The cold lavender eyes slowly traveled along the frame of the woman's body as his face formed a smirk. "Well… What have we here?" The cold smile sent shivers down Windeline's spine. It was the same smile Zesyyr had delivered at the ranger's triumph over the deceased matron mother.
Windeline kept her bow at the ready, not relaxing her grip as the drow continued on with his words. "None other than the very one who hampered the attack efforts in Undermountain, it appears."
The ranger coolly shrugged off the words, "What can I say? I've been a busy girl."
"Indeed." The cold smile turned into a burning scowl. "We have been looking for you for quite a while, elven female," a low chuckled emitted from the warrior's ebony lips, "but we certainly did not expect you to fall right into our hands."
"How is it you've come to know so much about me? Why has the Valsharess set her eyes upon me?" The ranger's eyes followed the warrior's hands as it pulled out a large double-bladed weapon from his back. The time for words was almost at an end.
"I am not here to parley or listen to the pathetic mumblings of a surfacer." The violet eyes narrowed into a cold glare, "I am here to kill you."
As if triggered by the last words of the drow, the ranger's eyes widened as the light that usually shined within them disappeared. Her orbs had returned with the soulless gleam in her eyes.
With his weapon drawn in both hands the drow took a step forward. Callisto took a protective stance in front of the lesser elf. "The Valsharess has had quite enough of you."
The hand of the elf began to shake as she fought for control over her hate. Her eyes were wide unblinking emeralds that were determined to hold the stare of the dark elf. "I am sure…," Valen couldn't ignore the stoic tone that gripped the lesser elf's usually melodic voice, "we can come to an agreement of sorts."
The drow furiously shook his head with obvious disapproval, "Enough!" His thunderous yell signaled numerous drow to slowly emerge from the shadows. "It is time you felt the wrath of the Valsharess!"
With Callisto's mighty roar as his signal, Deekin bellowed his melodies as he strummed his glowing lute. As Valen charged into the thick of battle, his eyes flickered of the color red. His mace would feed well upon the flesh tonight.
The battle around the elf was a blur. Arrow after arrow shot from her bow. Each sank into the hearts of their target. The head drow was anxious to make his way toward the elf, who was distracted by the minions he had brought with him.
The bear slapped her large claws across many a drow as they dared to try to get near her beloved friend. From the corner of her eye, the bear noticed the pile of corpses that had amassed around the ranger.
Deekin frantically moved his little legs, dodging the various attacks aimed his way as he continued on with his tune. Valen's devilish laughter could be heard amongst the clashing of his mace against various adamantite blades.
Meanwhile a battered Callisto frantically fought off the last of the minions that threatened to do Windeline harm. Even though she continued to pick off various drow with her skill, she was no longer there at the battlefield.
She was a scared little girl standing amidst the flames and corpses of her family were scattered around her. While lost in the back of her mind, her arrow hit the last of the head drow's minions that meant her harm.
Callisto snarled at the main drow as he made his way toward the ranger's direction. The bear rushed in to defend Windeline, but was halted as one of the blades from the drow's weapon cut through the bears flesh.
The bear's wail alerted Valen to the crisis at hand. He struck at the last of his opponents frantically hoping to reach his ally in time.
The force of the kick sent Windeline to the ground, knocking the bow out of her hands. The drow warrior stood over her triumphantly with his weapon ready to deal the death strike.
However, the drow that towered over her was not the same person she saw before her. His eyes were ablaze with a fiery red while his silver locks danced in the breeze. The blood of her family members decorated his armor and his weapon was eager to add the droplets of her own.
Suddenly leaping over the flames, another dark elf, with scimitars in hand attacked the drow who meant her harm. With a few skilled movements of the two blades, the red eyed dark elf fell to the ground defeated.
The victor knelt beside the girl with worried lavender eyes. His lips began to move as he spoke.
"Windeline?"
That's not what he said…
Slowly the violet eyes transformed into a familiar shade of blue. "Are you alright my lady?" The light returned to her green eyes as she traveled back to reality. Valen offered her a hand to help her up.
The lesser elf faintly smiled as she noticed the concern in Valen's eyes. "Well that was fun, wasn't it?" Winde noticed the pile of leaves behind him and she let out a sad sigh. "My poor Callisto."
The ranger took in the slaughter around her with a deep frown. It never gets any prettier does it? Deekin sidled up next to the ranger, eyeing her with his wide orbs, "We still going to hive?" Is that a hint of fear I hear in your voice, Deek? A low chuckle escaped her as she gently patted Deekin on the head.
"We could continue on, with out you, if you wish." A smirk flickered briefly across the tiefling's face. Windeline felt the crimson sensation stinging at her cheeks the moment she caught herself examining his face. He really is a handsome man. As soon as his blue eyes shifted to meet her gaze, she was already looking at the ground kicking at some rubble before her.
"Haha! You funny man! Deekin can't write story if Deekin not here!"
Windeline peered through the entrance of the Beholders Cave and motioned for the other two to follow. "I think the entrance is clear…" Her whisper held a tinge of hope that quickly faded from her eyes as a pair of beholders dropped before her, "… Or not."
With a few arrows and a few swings of a mace, the monstrosities laid lifeless before them. "And the trusty kobold companion… was in awe of the Boss's grace and Valen's scariness…" Deekin eagerly jotted down his thoughts into his tattered pieces of paper.
The cave reeked of a strange foulness while the dark tunnels dared the adventurers to tread within. Just as the woman was taking her first step further into the cave, the tiefling reached out to her with a gauntleted hand. She jumped at his touch and her wide eyes met his own amused gaze.
"May I have a word with you?" Was that her heart pounding in her chest?
"Sure, what do you need?" She carefully tucked a golden lock behind a pointed ear.
Releasing his grip on her shoulder, he looked past the ranger and into the tunnel beyond. "The Eye Tyrant is going to be somewhere in these tunnels. Finding it won't be easy, however... the beholders will all defend it to the last one of them, if need be."
"You don't say," A wide smile spread across her face with laughter shining in her eyes. "Don't worry good Valen, I'll keep my eyes peeled."
""So will they." The ranger wasn't prepared for the mischievous grin that betrayed his usual guarded nature. "All dozen or so of them."
She mockingly placed her hands on her hips as she turned her head to the side. "Oh ho ho."
His laughter echoed through out the cavernous room. Windeline couldn't help but notice the genuine smile that shown on his lips as he laughed out loud. It's a shame he doesn't do this more often… I'm going to have to make it a point to get more of this out of him!
Author's note: Well there you have it! Chapter 2. For those who are curious... Chapter 2 +3 were originally going to be one huge chapter going over 8k words! ^^;; Please be sure to read and review. I am ever hungry for your feed back.