The Tale of Negrath Chapter XXXII.

Upon returning to the Drow City, they were swallowed up into a series of harassment-jobs against the nearby svirfneblin settlement, at the faked completion of which, after a reward in the shape of a day to themselves, Negrath was informed that Phaere were awaiting him in the Female Fighters Guild.

Given directions by Viconia, who had spent some time wandering the city alone, he found himself outside the door to the named building, hoping he had the right door, and striving to come to a decision whether or not to follow Viconia's suggestions…

As it turned out, they were valid. Giving the Drow version of an apologetic smile, she informed him that, although among her better ones, she held no interest in taking him from his mistress. Proceeding to settle in for some sleep, she looked at him oddly as he remained where he was;

"I believe there are rooms for you in the tavern. This bed is mine, and I do not intend to share it unnecessarily. She really must do something about that endurance of yours. A male must be able to leave the room at a moments notice. Is that not the way in Ched Nasad?"

"…Not…not as strictly as here, I am sure….honored one." He finished a moment later.

"Hnh, she sure did not lie about the babbling." Phaere commented to herself, giving every sign that his job there was done.

Feeling a bit odd, as though nauseous, he climbed out of the too-large bed, got back into his clothes, and headed out, all the while trying to ignore the nagging voice that insisted that he show her which of them were fit to command whom.

Stepping through the door, he found himself face to face with his three spellcasters. Uncomfortably aware that, as females, they could treat him however they wished in this place, he closed the door behind him, and simply stood where he was, awaiting their words. Jaheira looked oddly at him, as if she could decide whether to laugh at him or leave the room in contempt, Aerie gave every sign of being there against her will, and Viconia of being the one having informed them of the specifics of the situation.

Neither of the full elves saying a word, the druid stepped forward;

"Would you mind telling me what you were doing in there? As if I didn't know?"

"…I…I had no say in the matter…" he awkwardly replied, looking to Viconia as his inner demon made a suggestion; "…did I?"

"Not much." The Drow stated, lazily studying the nails of her right hand.

Jaheira caught on first;

"There was no need for this, Drow! You had him. Did you have to remove what little attraction he had left to me?"

"Yes." Were the simple response. Turning to Aerie, the servant of Shar smiled venomously;

"And you? You still want him?"

Straightening her back defiantly, the avariel retorted;

"He cared for you despite you being a victim of men, why should I not care for him despite him being a victim of women!"

Looking at the mage in stunned silence, the Viconia smiled, almost benevolently;

"Are you aware what you just did?"

Looking at her in confusion, Aerie spent a few moments in thought…before a smile spread across her face, as though on a child being told it was her birthday;

"I stood up to you!"

"That she did." Jaheira commented, almost humorously.

Negrath, idly wondering if Viconia's current behavior simply were another act or some form of revenge on him, spent the opportunity to get the hell out of there…

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Last modified on September 2, 2001
Copyright © 2001-2003 by Hans-Olav Bråtun. All rights reserved.