Disclaimer: Forgotten Realms belongs to RAS, WotC, and all the wonderful
writers who have contributed to the world of Faerûn. We seek not to steal
the ideas, only to embrace them and create a story of our own. The
characters and the world may belong to RAS, but the plot is our own.
Kristi looked to Alex as Pharaun fiddled with magical things she didn't recognize. "Bregan D'aerthe?"
Alex looked to Kristi, "Yeah I know about Bregan D'aerthe."
"Who is he?"
"It's not a he, but a band of rogue drow that are led by Jarlaxle."
"Ah," she said nodding, "I see."
Pharaun chanted a soft spell and contacted Jarlaxle via a sapphire encrusted mirror.
A bald headed drow appeared in the mirror. "What do you want?"
"Well, my dear friend. I need a little help of yours," Pharaun said.
"Friend?" Jarlaxle said in amusement. "An unexpected turn of words from you, what sort of help do you require?"
"I require some training in the drow ways," he said turning and motioning to the two girls.
Kristi waved and Alex said quietly, "umm hi."
Jarlaxle was inwardly stunned but didn't show it. "Oh really? How much training will they require?"
"As much as they would need to survive a day of two in the First House," Pharaun replied.
"Well, that will cost you. . ."
Kristi said quietly in shock, "what does he mean stay in the First House?!"
"What is the cost?" Pharaun asked as if he was anticipating such a thing.
Jarlaxle grinned, "how about this is a favor from me to you. . .when the day comes I will require a favor no questions you will do it. . .it's either that or you give me a few choice magical items that I desire."
"It is done. We need to start right away."
Alex whispered to Kristi, "I have a bad feeling about this. I really do."
"Me too," Kristi whispered back. Looking to Pharaun whispered, "You know, I wouldn't take the favors."
Grinning at Kristi, "Jarlaxle is a drow of many secrets. . .either way will wind up owing him something. But it is the only way."
Shuddered at his smile, "okay you have a point."
"Why us?" Alex said shaking her head. "Why us?"
Turning to the mirror Pharaun asked, "what magical items did you have in mind?"
Jarlaxle examined his fingers, "Ooh nothing too particular. The magical items are the ruby of Rayzznne. . .it prevents the wearer from the spells of priestesses I know that you have it. . .and the spell of levinithon which can levitate any drow noble or not. Of course you'll require both spells in this little bargain anyway." He smiled toward the girls.
"What in the nine hells are they talking about?" Kristi mumbled to Alex. "Damn drow are so cryptic."
Alex said quietly to Kristi, "that is a good item the second. We need something like that. And other than that I have no clue."
"Hmm, maybe we already can levitate we have to try that later."
Alex laughed with Kristi, "Yes we must."
Pharaun turned to look at the laughing girls, who both smiled innocently and quelled their laughter. Turning back to Jarlaxle, "So, do we have a deal?"
"Yes, I would say so. . .nice doing business with you."
"When shall we begin?"
"Now of course, it is best not to waste anytime. Give me a day and I'll have the arrangements you require."
"Thank you," Pharaun said as he closed the scrying connection. Pharaun motioned for the girls to follow him through a door to another room.
Both girls looked questioningly at the door, but followed him through.
"I'm not so sure about this," Alex said quietly.
Kristi walked to catch up with Pharaun. "Um. . .Pharaun, the first house? What did you mean by that?!"
"Well if all goes well, hopefully the First Mother will let us go on our journey," he said looking to her. "We need council with her before we take any action."
"I suppose you're right. . ." she then paused and looked back to Alex. "Council?!"
Alex mumbled, "I knew it we are going to die a slow and painful death. I just knew it."
"Thanks for the optimism!" She sighed and said sadly, "great just great, I hate slow and painful."
A bald headed drow appeared through a doorway and walked over to Alex. "Don't look so glum my dear. All will go as planned."
Alex jumped, very startled.
"See, now there's an optimist," Kristi said. She shook her head, "wait a minute. Where the hell did he come from? Never mind! I don't want to know!"
Jarlaxle laughed as he walked over to Kristi. "You are a smart one. I like you already." He cast a casual, long glance to Alex.
"A drow with a sense of humor. . .what's next?" Kristi said sarcastically.
"What is your name?" Jarlaxle asked her.
She looked to him skeptically, "Kristi. . .um nice to meet you, I hope. And that's my friend Alex over there."
Jarlaxle smiled, "the pleasure is all mine." He bowed low and swept off his wide brimmed hat, taking Kristi's hand and kissing it.
Alex blinked, "what the-?!"
Kristi looked to her hand in shock. Then she looked to Alex, then back to her hand. "Uh, nice hat it really compliments your very bright colored outfit."
Pharaun grumbled, "Great, there goes his ego."
Jarlaxle laughed. "I am glad you like it. Not let us get the training started." He put an arm over Kristi's shoulders and led her to the magical door that led to his hideout.
"Great. . .training. . .and I thought I had enough work from college," she paused. "Wait, what about Alex?"
"She will go with Pharaun. But you my sweet, I see something in you that she does not have. You will study under my lead and she under Pharaun. . .for now."
"Oh. . .okay," she looked forlornly to Alex, but then grins. "Have fun with Pharaun!" She smiled far too innocently.
The door closed behind them and Alex ran to the door to try and catch up with Kristi, but it turned into a wall. She placed her hand on it.
Kristi tried to establish a thought connection. (Alex can you hear me in your mind?)
(Yes, I can hear you. Where the heck are you?!)
(I can see a whoa. . .lots of drow. . .way too many drow. . .and Jarlaxle still has his arm around me! I am seriously close to smacking him! Plus I did not like that sly look he gave you. How about you? Make sure you annoy Pharaun for me.)
(I will try to annoy him, but I still have a bad feeling abut this, and now we are separated.)
(I have an idea; we'll establish a mental link where we can see through each other's eyes the events that are in front of us. You know, separated physically, but not mentally.)
Alex had a startled look on her face. (I am going to be left here alone. . .?! No way in hell!)
(How do you think I feel? I'm heading to a frickin secret hideout! )
Pharaun looked to Alex, "You seem deep in thought."
"Errm, well not really," Alex said.
Kristi chuckled and Jarlaxle gave her an odd look.
(Not funny. What the hell do I say?!)
(I don't know. . .)
(Thanks for the help)
"So my dear," Jarlaxle said motioning to his hideout. "What do you think?"
(Okay, ask Pharaun what you'll be doing for your training) Kristi turned to Jarlaxle, "it's nice, I like the colors. . .it's really you."
(Hmm, good idea let me know what Jarlaxle wants from you)
(Don't worry I will)
Jarlaxle smiled widely. "Of course it's nice." Several drow in the hideout gave the pair odd looks. They knew not to compliment Jarlaxle because it would feed his ego.
Alex looked to Pharaun. "Umm Master Mizzrym, Sir. May I ask what my training will be?"
"You will be trained in the arts of wizardry of course," Pharaun said to Alex. "It was you who had the initial powers of the two of you. I wish for my curiosity to be quelled."
Jarlaxle turned to Kristi. "Now for a test. . ."
"A test?" She mumbled, "I hate pop quizzes."
Jarlaxle clapped his hands and a very tall drow appeared, with scimitars in hand. "Attack."
"What?!" Kristi yelled as she backed away quickly.
Kristi was starting to panic and ran to a wall lined with weapons. She grabbed a sword and held it up defensively, crying out slightly as the drow charged at her.
Alex overheard Kristi's yelp of surprise. (What's wrong? Are you okay?!)
Kristi ran around the drow. "That does it. . .now I'm angry." (Oh nothing. . .just gotta grab a sword and dodge a very tall drow!!) She ducked the drow's sword. (How are you doing?)
A shocked look appeared on Alex's face. (What?! Well, umm. . .I'm just talking at the moment.)
Kristi dodged the blades of the scimitar and managed a parry with the sword. She would congratulate herself later on this being her first sword fight. (That's good) She ducked again, which she found she was getting quite good at. (Did you find out what you're going to do?) "Boy, multitasking is interesting." The drow she was fighting looked stunned, but shoved her to the ground. She rolled out of the way and scrambled to her feet as fast as she could
Pharaun smiled to Alex. "And now my dear a test."
(Well, Pharaun said I'll be taking a test.)
(A test?! Be very worried!) She slipped and hit one of the swords out of the drow's hand by accident.
(Umm, okay)
(If I'm fighting a drow. . .what do you think you'll be doing miss sorceress? You retain some powers of light from our world still and now we have all this new powerful energy. Think of something quick!)
"What kind of test?" Alex asked Pharaun.
"This kind!" Pharaun sent a blast of lightening towards Alex who narrowly jumped out of the way.
Kristi still fought the drow, picking up an unnatural speed.
(Shit. . .I'm singed!)
(Was that lightning?)
(Yeah it was)
(Um, blast him with something)
Alex dodged another blast that was sent her way. (How the hell am I supposed to counter attack?!)
(Use a spell, try fire, water, air. . .anything. Concentrate.) The sword was knocked out of Kristi's hand, "uh oh."
Alex inwardly wondered if she possessed any magical power. She concentrated on fire and found herself chanting. To her complete shock a fireball shot out from her hands toward Pharaun.
Kristi slowly backed away from the drow, formulating a plan. She waved her fist in front of the drow. "Watch the fist, watch the fist." She was amazed the drow watched and was pleased that he was distracted, so she kicked him between the legs. Several drow winced at that action. Kristi tilted her head slightly as if she sensed Alex's spell. (Nice one Alex!) She quickly picked up her sword and held it to the drow's neck.
Pharaun laughed. "Very well done, but how can you handle this. . .?" He quickly chanted and the room darkened so Alex was no longer able to see.
(Whoa, I sense darkness, are you all right Alex?)
(Shit, shit, and double shit)
(Use the light Alex) She turned to Jarlaxle. "What the hell kind of test was that?!"
Jarlaxle clapped with several other drow. "Nicely done, not many can defeat one of our best swordsman."
"Pardon? Your best what?"
Alex nodded at Kristi's words. (I hope it works) She tried to conjure up a spell that would dispel the darkness but it failed.
Pharaun laughed again. "You will have to do better than that." He launched another bolt of lightening toward Alex and it hit her leg, causing her to fall.
Kristi winced a little. . .she could feel Alex's pain.
(That hurt. . .Kristi, I need major help here!) Alex barely dodged another attack and sent one of her own, one that Pharaun casually sidestepped.
(Okay okay, try to combat darkness with darkness. . .he won't expect it, then hit him with a blast of light as bright as the sun)
(Why do I have to get stuck with the wizard?) She winced as she was hit again, but this time in the arm. (Damn it!) She stopped realizing that Pharaun is listening to her movements, so she used a spell of silence and snuck up on him.
Jarlaxle walked over to Kristi. "Your reflexes are a bit slow." He drew his sword in the blink of an eye and put it at Kristi's throat. "But they'll improve." He motioned to a cut on Kristi's shoulder and dug into it a bit with the sword. Kristi winced but didn't cry out.
Pharaun growled in anger. "Damn you! A human will not best me, even if this is just a test!"
Kristi overheard Pharaun through their link. (Uh oh, Alex you've made him mad) She inwardly giggled. (Make that two humans working together)
"Tolerance of pain will be apart of your training," Jarlaxle said to Kristi.
Alex inwardly giggled as well. (And he does not even know I am here. I used a spell of silence)
(Good idea)
Alex slipped behind the wizard and unleashed a spell of paralysis and then started to giggle out loud.
Kristi inwardly laughed with her. (Revenge is sweet, nice spell Alex)
Pharaun groaned, dismissing the spell and darkness. "Well my dear, you are good, but you will need more training."
(Thanks, only wish I knew how I did that. How are you doing?)
(Oh you know, beat their sword fighter; got a cut, I think I impressed Jarlaxle, and something about pain and more training. . .you?)
Pharaun looked to Alex, "also there is one thing you must learn. . ."
Alex looked to him, "and what is that?"
Pharaun turned Alex's own spell against her and sent her into the wall. "Never trust a drow."
(Alex!)
Jarlaxle noticed Kristi was distracted and said, "oh yes Kristi you must also learn to never turn your-"
Kristi's eyes widened as she sensed movement and whirled about to narrowly block a sword from her fallen opponent. He nearly took her arm off and she went crashing to the ground.
"Back," Jarlaxle said, completing his sentence with a grin.
(Ow. . .)
Alex winced, (okay that really hurt. . .and I can't move!)
(I can but pain is helping me, need some help buddy?)
(As a matter of fact I do. . .but I hurt too much anyway)
Kristi got up painfully. "Hey Jarlaxle. . .mind if I go find my friend?"
Jarlaxle smiled. "I shudder to think what Pharaun did to her."
Kristi appeared through a wall and limped over to a stunned Alex. She tried to send calming emotions to Alex to dull the spell.
"Umm, hi there," Alex said to Kristi.
"Hey pal," she said sitting down beside her. "How have you been?" She mumbled, "Sitting is good."
Oh, I'm just peachy. (Kristi this really hurts. . .I think there was more to that spell)
Jarlaxle came out of the wall and walked over to Pharaun.
Kristi blinked looking to her, "what do you mean more?" She touched Alex but recoiled. "Geez, what did he do to you?" She absently touched the cut on her own shoulder feeling a little faint and mumbled, "damn cut."
Alex shrugged. "No clue but let me tell you it hurts like hell."
"Imagine you're surrounded by a white light; hey it helps when I have migraines," she suggested.
"All right but I don't think it will work."
"It will, you just have to believe it will."
Jarlaxle looked to Pharaun and said with amusement. "Interesting two aren't they?"
"Very," Pharaun said. Looked to Alex who was trying to sit up, but was failing due to the pain. "They are strong for humans."
Kristi tried to help Alex up.
Alex tried imagining a white light, but yelped in pain as her head started to throb. "Okay that is not going to work."
"That does it!" Kristi forced herself up and walked over to Pharaun. "What did you do to her? Whatever you did you better knock it off!"
Alex said quietly, "My gods. . .what kind of spell did he hit me with?"
Jarlaxle held back a laugh at the look on Pharaun's face.
Kristi glared at Pharaun, "well?"
He shrugged. "It is nothing really."
"You're lying! Whatever it is you better stop it now!" Her glare became very threatening.
"It is just a typical spell used to throw off enemies. It should wear away in about an hour or two."
"Typical!" Alex said.
"An hour or two?" Kristi mused aloud.
"I think I am going to die," Alex said groaning. "I can't stay like this for an hour."
Jarlaxle looked to Kristi. "You should really attend to that wound on your shoulder."
"It's just a little cut," she said looking to her shoulder. She paused as she saw it dripping blood and realized it was something more. "What the-?" She felt faint and walked back over by Alex, sinking to the ground.
Pharaun looked to Alex, "Pain is part of this training. . .deal with it." He grinned and walked off.
Kristi mumbled, "it's just a little cut, it doesn't hurt."
Alex looked to Kristi, "well we really screwed ourselves this time."
Kristi shook her head at Pharaun. "He always was such a downer. And us? Screwed? Never!" She felt as if the world swayed. "Red is such a pretty color." After those words she fainted.
"Well, I suppose I should bandage that now before she bleeds to death," Jarlaxle said. Looking to Alex, "what do you think?"
"Kristi? They, you okay?" She groaned in pain, then mumbled, "why does she get to pass out from a little cut while I sit here in major pain?" Looking up to Jarlaxle she nodded.
Jarlaxle ripped open the shoulder of Kristi's shirt part to reveal a long, deep gash. "You have a strange definition of 'little,' young one."
"Wow, that is bigger than what I thought," Alex said gasping in pain.
Kristi jolted awake as the cloth was tightened. "Hey Alex you okay?" She looked to her shoulder trying to get up. "You ripped my shirt."
Jarlaxle laughed. "You should worry more about your gash than your shirt."
"Calm down there tiger, if it was not for him you would have bled to death," Alex said. She groaned. "I can't take this for an hour. . .damn him."
"Oh really? Uh thanks Jarlaxle," she said. The turning to Alex, "tiger?" She managed a shaky laugh.
Alex nodded. "I am trying to lighten the mood."
Jarlaxle mumbled, "humans. . .they always find humor in the darkest moments."
Kristi tried to stand but fell. "Alex, can you move yet?"
Overhearing Jarlaxle's mumble Alex said, "well it helps, it really does." She sighed. "This is going to be a very long few weeks." Her voice started to tremble, "I just wish we could get home." Realizing Kristi said something, "what did you say?"
"Nothing. . .just keep holding on we'll make it out of here in one piece."
"I hope so," she said. Her eyes sparkled with unshed tears.
Kristi managed to stand, nearly stumbling into Jarlaxle. Walking over to Alex she offered her hand. "Me too." She looked to Jarlaxle, "so where are we staying?"
Alex took Kristi's hands and shakily tried to stand up but fell. "Yes, we need to know that at least."
"My secret hideaway. . .you should be relatively safe there, you will both share a room."
"Steady now Alex," she said helping her to her feet.
"Well, that's a plus that we'll be staying together," Alex said standing. She used Kristi for support.
"I'd say so." She winced as Alex touched her shoulder, but didn't let her see.
"I think I still have another hour with this spell. . .joy."
"Well, just don't think of it as an hour, think of it as 60 minutes."
Alex rolled her eyes. "Thanks for the help." She doubled over in pain and groaned aloud. "Simple spell my ass."
Jarlaxle motioned for them to follow through a doorway.
As Kristi helped her, "thanks for the help Kristi. I owe you one."
"No prob. Just think of a nice, soft bed. Right Jarlaxle?"
"Of course, would you expect anything less? My hideout is one of the most furnished of the mercenary groups in the city of Menzoberranzan."
"Right, of course. See Alex?"
Jarlaxle mused aloud, "Friendship. That is something rarely seen by the drow."
Kristi looked to Jarlaxle. "Well guess what? Friendship is common among humans." She stopped herself from going on, realizing she's too sarcastic.
"I just really need to sit down now. . .I think that if I keep. . .standing. . .I am going to. . ." Alex fainted before she could finish her sentence.
Kristi caught Alex's head before it crashed to the ground.
Jarlaxle took Alex from Kristi and carried her gently as Kristi followed painfully behind. "Hmm, maybe Pharaun was a little too rough on her for the first time around."
"Pharaun rough? Never!" She fell to a knee, but continued to follow behind Jarlaxle.
Alex groaned and opened her eyes to see that Jarlaxle was carrying her. "Hey!"
"Trust me Alex, it's a lot better than walking. Plus you don't have to worry about fainting and falling."
Jarlaxle placed Alex on a bed as they entered a room. "You should both get some rest...you'll be needing it, we start early tomorrow."
Kristi collapsed on the other bed. "Early. . .just great."
"Is the spell gone yet?" A jolt of pain made its way through her body. "Guess not."
"Well, you shouldn't have that long to go."
Alex groaned, "not again. I'm still suffering now."
"I will retire to my chambers, see you in the morning." He bowed to them and then left.
"Hmm, who is better Jarlaxle or Pharaun?" Alex asked Kristi.
"I don't know," Kristi said. "Jarlaxle seems okay, but there's something about him, like he wants to use us. And Pharaun is the loveable, huggable guy we all know and love." She coughed, "yeah right."
Alex sighed, "and I don't think we can trust Pharaun."
"I don't think we can trust either of them. . .but we have no choice."
"Lovely," she said, rolling over on her side and falling asleep.
Jarlaxle listened outside of the door and nodded silently to himself. "Clever little humans." Turning on his heel he walked down the hallway.
Kristi laid awake in bed for an hour staring. But eventually catered to sleep, sleep she hoped would give them strength for tomorrow.
Author's Note:
K: I remember when we first started out we both had a hand in playing the drow. However, after a while we evolved and we became the separate characters. It's really amazing how one's writing can evolve over time. In the way the training in the story parallels our own training or rather writing in an RP mode. There's more training to come! *Sends her trained monkey over by the review button and grins*
Kristi looked to Alex as Pharaun fiddled with magical things she didn't recognize. "Bregan D'aerthe?"
Alex looked to Kristi, "Yeah I know about Bregan D'aerthe."
"Who is he?"
"It's not a he, but a band of rogue drow that are led by Jarlaxle."
"Ah," she said nodding, "I see."
Pharaun chanted a soft spell and contacted Jarlaxle via a sapphire encrusted mirror.
A bald headed drow appeared in the mirror. "What do you want?"
"Well, my dear friend. I need a little help of yours," Pharaun said.
"Friend?" Jarlaxle said in amusement. "An unexpected turn of words from you, what sort of help do you require?"
"I require some training in the drow ways," he said turning and motioning to the two girls.
Kristi waved and Alex said quietly, "umm hi."
Jarlaxle was inwardly stunned but didn't show it. "Oh really? How much training will they require?"
"As much as they would need to survive a day of two in the First House," Pharaun replied.
"Well, that will cost you. . ."
Kristi said quietly in shock, "what does he mean stay in the First House?!"
"What is the cost?" Pharaun asked as if he was anticipating such a thing.
Jarlaxle grinned, "how about this is a favor from me to you. . .when the day comes I will require a favor no questions you will do it. . .it's either that or you give me a few choice magical items that I desire."
"It is done. We need to start right away."
Alex whispered to Kristi, "I have a bad feeling about this. I really do."
"Me too," Kristi whispered back. Looking to Pharaun whispered, "You know, I wouldn't take the favors."
Grinning at Kristi, "Jarlaxle is a drow of many secrets. . .either way will wind up owing him something. But it is the only way."
Shuddered at his smile, "okay you have a point."
"Why us?" Alex said shaking her head. "Why us?"
Turning to the mirror Pharaun asked, "what magical items did you have in mind?"
Jarlaxle examined his fingers, "Ooh nothing too particular. The magical items are the ruby of Rayzznne. . .it prevents the wearer from the spells of priestesses I know that you have it. . .and the spell of levinithon which can levitate any drow noble or not. Of course you'll require both spells in this little bargain anyway." He smiled toward the girls.
"What in the nine hells are they talking about?" Kristi mumbled to Alex. "Damn drow are so cryptic."
Alex said quietly to Kristi, "that is a good item the second. We need something like that. And other than that I have no clue."
"Hmm, maybe we already can levitate we have to try that later."
Alex laughed with Kristi, "Yes we must."
Pharaun turned to look at the laughing girls, who both smiled innocently and quelled their laughter. Turning back to Jarlaxle, "So, do we have a deal?"
"Yes, I would say so. . .nice doing business with you."
"When shall we begin?"
"Now of course, it is best not to waste anytime. Give me a day and I'll have the arrangements you require."
"Thank you," Pharaun said as he closed the scrying connection. Pharaun motioned for the girls to follow him through a door to another room.
Both girls looked questioningly at the door, but followed him through.
"I'm not so sure about this," Alex said quietly.
Kristi walked to catch up with Pharaun. "Um. . .Pharaun, the first house? What did you mean by that?!"
"Well if all goes well, hopefully the First Mother will let us go on our journey," he said looking to her. "We need council with her before we take any action."
"I suppose you're right. . ." she then paused and looked back to Alex. "Council?!"
Alex mumbled, "I knew it we are going to die a slow and painful death. I just knew it."
"Thanks for the optimism!" She sighed and said sadly, "great just great, I hate slow and painful."
A bald headed drow appeared through a doorway and walked over to Alex. "Don't look so glum my dear. All will go as planned."
Alex jumped, very startled.
"See, now there's an optimist," Kristi said. She shook her head, "wait a minute. Where the hell did he come from? Never mind! I don't want to know!"
Jarlaxle laughed as he walked over to Kristi. "You are a smart one. I like you already." He cast a casual, long glance to Alex.
"A drow with a sense of humor. . .what's next?" Kristi said sarcastically.
"What is your name?" Jarlaxle asked her.
She looked to him skeptically, "Kristi. . .um nice to meet you, I hope. And that's my friend Alex over there."
Jarlaxle smiled, "the pleasure is all mine." He bowed low and swept off his wide brimmed hat, taking Kristi's hand and kissing it.
Alex blinked, "what the-?!"
Kristi looked to her hand in shock. Then she looked to Alex, then back to her hand. "Uh, nice hat it really compliments your very bright colored outfit."
Pharaun grumbled, "Great, there goes his ego."
Jarlaxle laughed. "I am glad you like it. Not let us get the training started." He put an arm over Kristi's shoulders and led her to the magical door that led to his hideout.
"Great. . .training. . .and I thought I had enough work from college," she paused. "Wait, what about Alex?"
"She will go with Pharaun. But you my sweet, I see something in you that she does not have. You will study under my lead and she under Pharaun. . .for now."
"Oh. . .okay," she looked forlornly to Alex, but then grins. "Have fun with Pharaun!" She smiled far too innocently.
The door closed behind them and Alex ran to the door to try and catch up with Kristi, but it turned into a wall. She placed her hand on it.
Kristi tried to establish a thought connection. (Alex can you hear me in your mind?)
(Yes, I can hear you. Where the heck are you?!)
(I can see a whoa. . .lots of drow. . .way too many drow. . .and Jarlaxle still has his arm around me! I am seriously close to smacking him! Plus I did not like that sly look he gave you. How about you? Make sure you annoy Pharaun for me.)
(I will try to annoy him, but I still have a bad feeling abut this, and now we are separated.)
(I have an idea; we'll establish a mental link where we can see through each other's eyes the events that are in front of us. You know, separated physically, but not mentally.)
Alex had a startled look on her face. (I am going to be left here alone. . .?! No way in hell!)
(How do you think I feel? I'm heading to a frickin secret hideout! )
Pharaun looked to Alex, "You seem deep in thought."
"Errm, well not really," Alex said.
Kristi chuckled and Jarlaxle gave her an odd look.
(Not funny. What the hell do I say?!)
(I don't know. . .)
(Thanks for the help)
"So my dear," Jarlaxle said motioning to his hideout. "What do you think?"
(Okay, ask Pharaun what you'll be doing for your training) Kristi turned to Jarlaxle, "it's nice, I like the colors. . .it's really you."
(Hmm, good idea let me know what Jarlaxle wants from you)
(Don't worry I will)
Jarlaxle smiled widely. "Of course it's nice." Several drow in the hideout gave the pair odd looks. They knew not to compliment Jarlaxle because it would feed his ego.
Alex looked to Pharaun. "Umm Master Mizzrym, Sir. May I ask what my training will be?"
"You will be trained in the arts of wizardry of course," Pharaun said to Alex. "It was you who had the initial powers of the two of you. I wish for my curiosity to be quelled."
Jarlaxle turned to Kristi. "Now for a test. . ."
"A test?" She mumbled, "I hate pop quizzes."
Jarlaxle clapped his hands and a very tall drow appeared, with scimitars in hand. "Attack."
"What?!" Kristi yelled as she backed away quickly.
Kristi was starting to panic and ran to a wall lined with weapons. She grabbed a sword and held it up defensively, crying out slightly as the drow charged at her.
Alex overheard Kristi's yelp of surprise. (What's wrong? Are you okay?!)
Kristi ran around the drow. "That does it. . .now I'm angry." (Oh nothing. . .just gotta grab a sword and dodge a very tall drow!!) She ducked the drow's sword. (How are you doing?)
A shocked look appeared on Alex's face. (What?! Well, umm. . .I'm just talking at the moment.)
Kristi dodged the blades of the scimitar and managed a parry with the sword. She would congratulate herself later on this being her first sword fight. (That's good) She ducked again, which she found she was getting quite good at. (Did you find out what you're going to do?) "Boy, multitasking is interesting." The drow she was fighting looked stunned, but shoved her to the ground. She rolled out of the way and scrambled to her feet as fast as she could
Pharaun smiled to Alex. "And now my dear a test."
(Well, Pharaun said I'll be taking a test.)
(A test?! Be very worried!) She slipped and hit one of the swords out of the drow's hand by accident.
(Umm, okay)
(If I'm fighting a drow. . .what do you think you'll be doing miss sorceress? You retain some powers of light from our world still and now we have all this new powerful energy. Think of something quick!)
"What kind of test?" Alex asked Pharaun.
"This kind!" Pharaun sent a blast of lightening towards Alex who narrowly jumped out of the way.
Kristi still fought the drow, picking up an unnatural speed.
(Shit. . .I'm singed!)
(Was that lightning?)
(Yeah it was)
(Um, blast him with something)
Alex dodged another blast that was sent her way. (How the hell am I supposed to counter attack?!)
(Use a spell, try fire, water, air. . .anything. Concentrate.) The sword was knocked out of Kristi's hand, "uh oh."
Alex inwardly wondered if she possessed any magical power. She concentrated on fire and found herself chanting. To her complete shock a fireball shot out from her hands toward Pharaun.
Kristi slowly backed away from the drow, formulating a plan. She waved her fist in front of the drow. "Watch the fist, watch the fist." She was amazed the drow watched and was pleased that he was distracted, so she kicked him between the legs. Several drow winced at that action. Kristi tilted her head slightly as if she sensed Alex's spell. (Nice one Alex!) She quickly picked up her sword and held it to the drow's neck.
Pharaun laughed. "Very well done, but how can you handle this. . .?" He quickly chanted and the room darkened so Alex was no longer able to see.
(Whoa, I sense darkness, are you all right Alex?)
(Shit, shit, and double shit)
(Use the light Alex) She turned to Jarlaxle. "What the hell kind of test was that?!"
Jarlaxle clapped with several other drow. "Nicely done, not many can defeat one of our best swordsman."
"Pardon? Your best what?"
Alex nodded at Kristi's words. (I hope it works) She tried to conjure up a spell that would dispel the darkness but it failed.
Pharaun laughed again. "You will have to do better than that." He launched another bolt of lightening toward Alex and it hit her leg, causing her to fall.
Kristi winced a little. . .she could feel Alex's pain.
(That hurt. . .Kristi, I need major help here!) Alex barely dodged another attack and sent one of her own, one that Pharaun casually sidestepped.
(Okay okay, try to combat darkness with darkness. . .he won't expect it, then hit him with a blast of light as bright as the sun)
(Why do I have to get stuck with the wizard?) She winced as she was hit again, but this time in the arm. (Damn it!) She stopped realizing that Pharaun is listening to her movements, so she used a spell of silence and snuck up on him.
Jarlaxle walked over to Kristi. "Your reflexes are a bit slow." He drew his sword in the blink of an eye and put it at Kristi's throat. "But they'll improve." He motioned to a cut on Kristi's shoulder and dug into it a bit with the sword. Kristi winced but didn't cry out.
Pharaun growled in anger. "Damn you! A human will not best me, even if this is just a test!"
Kristi overheard Pharaun through their link. (Uh oh, Alex you've made him mad) She inwardly giggled. (Make that two humans working together)
"Tolerance of pain will be apart of your training," Jarlaxle said to Kristi.
Alex inwardly giggled as well. (And he does not even know I am here. I used a spell of silence)
(Good idea)
Alex slipped behind the wizard and unleashed a spell of paralysis and then started to giggle out loud.
Kristi inwardly laughed with her. (Revenge is sweet, nice spell Alex)
Pharaun groaned, dismissing the spell and darkness. "Well my dear, you are good, but you will need more training."
(Thanks, only wish I knew how I did that. How are you doing?)
(Oh you know, beat their sword fighter; got a cut, I think I impressed Jarlaxle, and something about pain and more training. . .you?)
Pharaun looked to Alex, "also there is one thing you must learn. . ."
Alex looked to him, "and what is that?"
Pharaun turned Alex's own spell against her and sent her into the wall. "Never trust a drow."
(Alex!)
Jarlaxle noticed Kristi was distracted and said, "oh yes Kristi you must also learn to never turn your-"
Kristi's eyes widened as she sensed movement and whirled about to narrowly block a sword from her fallen opponent. He nearly took her arm off and she went crashing to the ground.
"Back," Jarlaxle said, completing his sentence with a grin.
(Ow. . .)
Alex winced, (okay that really hurt. . .and I can't move!)
(I can but pain is helping me, need some help buddy?)
(As a matter of fact I do. . .but I hurt too much anyway)
Kristi got up painfully. "Hey Jarlaxle. . .mind if I go find my friend?"
Jarlaxle smiled. "I shudder to think what Pharaun did to her."
Kristi appeared through a wall and limped over to a stunned Alex. She tried to send calming emotions to Alex to dull the spell.
"Umm, hi there," Alex said to Kristi.
"Hey pal," she said sitting down beside her. "How have you been?" She mumbled, "Sitting is good."
Oh, I'm just peachy. (Kristi this really hurts. . .I think there was more to that spell)
Jarlaxle came out of the wall and walked over to Pharaun.
Kristi blinked looking to her, "what do you mean more?" She touched Alex but recoiled. "Geez, what did he do to you?" She absently touched the cut on her own shoulder feeling a little faint and mumbled, "damn cut."
Alex shrugged. "No clue but let me tell you it hurts like hell."
"Imagine you're surrounded by a white light; hey it helps when I have migraines," she suggested.
"All right but I don't think it will work."
"It will, you just have to believe it will."
Jarlaxle looked to Pharaun and said with amusement. "Interesting two aren't they?"
"Very," Pharaun said. Looked to Alex who was trying to sit up, but was failing due to the pain. "They are strong for humans."
Kristi tried to help Alex up.
Alex tried imagining a white light, but yelped in pain as her head started to throb. "Okay that is not going to work."
"That does it!" Kristi forced herself up and walked over to Pharaun. "What did you do to her? Whatever you did you better knock it off!"
Alex said quietly, "My gods. . .what kind of spell did he hit me with?"
Jarlaxle held back a laugh at the look on Pharaun's face.
Kristi glared at Pharaun, "well?"
He shrugged. "It is nothing really."
"You're lying! Whatever it is you better stop it now!" Her glare became very threatening.
"It is just a typical spell used to throw off enemies. It should wear away in about an hour or two."
"Typical!" Alex said.
"An hour or two?" Kristi mused aloud.
"I think I am going to die," Alex said groaning. "I can't stay like this for an hour."
Jarlaxle looked to Kristi. "You should really attend to that wound on your shoulder."
"It's just a little cut," she said looking to her shoulder. She paused as she saw it dripping blood and realized it was something more. "What the-?" She felt faint and walked back over by Alex, sinking to the ground.
Pharaun looked to Alex, "Pain is part of this training. . .deal with it." He grinned and walked off.
Kristi mumbled, "it's just a little cut, it doesn't hurt."
Alex looked to Kristi, "well we really screwed ourselves this time."
Kristi shook her head at Pharaun. "He always was such a downer. And us? Screwed? Never!" She felt as if the world swayed. "Red is such a pretty color." After those words she fainted.
"Well, I suppose I should bandage that now before she bleeds to death," Jarlaxle said. Looking to Alex, "what do you think?"
"Kristi? They, you okay?" She groaned in pain, then mumbled, "why does she get to pass out from a little cut while I sit here in major pain?" Looking up to Jarlaxle she nodded.
Jarlaxle ripped open the shoulder of Kristi's shirt part to reveal a long, deep gash. "You have a strange definition of 'little,' young one."
"Wow, that is bigger than what I thought," Alex said gasping in pain.
Kristi jolted awake as the cloth was tightened. "Hey Alex you okay?" She looked to her shoulder trying to get up. "You ripped my shirt."
Jarlaxle laughed. "You should worry more about your gash than your shirt."
"Calm down there tiger, if it was not for him you would have bled to death," Alex said. She groaned. "I can't take this for an hour. . .damn him."
"Oh really? Uh thanks Jarlaxle," she said. The turning to Alex, "tiger?" She managed a shaky laugh.
Alex nodded. "I am trying to lighten the mood."
Jarlaxle mumbled, "humans. . .they always find humor in the darkest moments."
Kristi tried to stand but fell. "Alex, can you move yet?"
Overhearing Jarlaxle's mumble Alex said, "well it helps, it really does." She sighed. "This is going to be a very long few weeks." Her voice started to tremble, "I just wish we could get home." Realizing Kristi said something, "what did you say?"
"Nothing. . .just keep holding on we'll make it out of here in one piece."
"I hope so," she said. Her eyes sparkled with unshed tears.
Kristi managed to stand, nearly stumbling into Jarlaxle. Walking over to Alex she offered her hand. "Me too." She looked to Jarlaxle, "so where are we staying?"
Alex took Kristi's hands and shakily tried to stand up but fell. "Yes, we need to know that at least."
"My secret hideaway. . .you should be relatively safe there, you will both share a room."
"Steady now Alex," she said helping her to her feet.
"Well, that's a plus that we'll be staying together," Alex said standing. She used Kristi for support.
"I'd say so." She winced as Alex touched her shoulder, but didn't let her see.
"I think I still have another hour with this spell. . .joy."
"Well, just don't think of it as an hour, think of it as 60 minutes."
Alex rolled her eyes. "Thanks for the help." She doubled over in pain and groaned aloud. "Simple spell my ass."
Jarlaxle motioned for them to follow through a doorway.
As Kristi helped her, "thanks for the help Kristi. I owe you one."
"No prob. Just think of a nice, soft bed. Right Jarlaxle?"
"Of course, would you expect anything less? My hideout is one of the most furnished of the mercenary groups in the city of Menzoberranzan."
"Right, of course. See Alex?"
Jarlaxle mused aloud, "Friendship. That is something rarely seen by the drow."
Kristi looked to Jarlaxle. "Well guess what? Friendship is common among humans." She stopped herself from going on, realizing she's too sarcastic.
"I just really need to sit down now. . .I think that if I keep. . .standing. . .I am going to. . ." Alex fainted before she could finish her sentence.
Kristi caught Alex's head before it crashed to the ground.
Jarlaxle took Alex from Kristi and carried her gently as Kristi followed painfully behind. "Hmm, maybe Pharaun was a little too rough on her for the first time around."
"Pharaun rough? Never!" She fell to a knee, but continued to follow behind Jarlaxle.
Alex groaned and opened her eyes to see that Jarlaxle was carrying her. "Hey!"
"Trust me Alex, it's a lot better than walking. Plus you don't have to worry about fainting and falling."
Jarlaxle placed Alex on a bed as they entered a room. "You should both get some rest...you'll be needing it, we start early tomorrow."
Kristi collapsed on the other bed. "Early. . .just great."
"Is the spell gone yet?" A jolt of pain made its way through her body. "Guess not."
"Well, you shouldn't have that long to go."
Alex groaned, "not again. I'm still suffering now."
"I will retire to my chambers, see you in the morning." He bowed to them and then left.
"Hmm, who is better Jarlaxle or Pharaun?" Alex asked Kristi.
"I don't know," Kristi said. "Jarlaxle seems okay, but there's something about him, like he wants to use us. And Pharaun is the loveable, huggable guy we all know and love." She coughed, "yeah right."
Alex sighed, "and I don't think we can trust Pharaun."
"I don't think we can trust either of them. . .but we have no choice."
"Lovely," she said, rolling over on her side and falling asleep.
Jarlaxle listened outside of the door and nodded silently to himself. "Clever little humans." Turning on his heel he walked down the hallway.
Kristi laid awake in bed for an hour staring. But eventually catered to sleep, sleep she hoped would give them strength for tomorrow.
Author's Note:
K: I remember when we first started out we both had a hand in playing the drow. However, after a while we evolved and we became the separate characters. It's really amazing how one's writing can evolve over time. In the way the training in the story parallels our own training or rather writing in an RP mode. There's more training to come! *Sends her trained monkey over by the review button and grins*