12 Nighthal
It was nearly dawn when the four companions were departing the apartment again. There was a cold breeze in the air this crisp morning, sending a sudden chill down the young drowess. Despite the mild winters of the southern country, Zarae was still adjusting to such changes her companions called weather while the brightening light continued stinging her sensitive eyes. At least she was not squinting in pain as much.
Jinx exited with a little spring in her step, followed by a few spins on her toes. The tabaxi was taking in the sea air when she accidentally bumped into the elf.
"Someone," the dwarf yawning as he spoke, "woke up in a good mood."
"every morning I am here and not in that hell," after an apology to Tahlethar.
"I wish I had your youthful perspective sometimes," the elf commented. "let us take the byways for today, avoid the fetid alleyway," leading them to the stairs up to the upper routes. "just act like you belong. Er," looking back at the three who were obvious to even the least perspective person being foreigners, "like you are worthy to walk up here," he tried anyway.
"no disguises today?" Zarae asked.
"I'd like to not," the scout crossing her arms in determination to keep her own skin.
The cleric thought about it, "I think we can manage ok as we are," before the sorcerer commented his thoughts.
"thought ye'd want less scrutiny," defending his decision at the gates.
Leaving the Villa apartment, they came to the sabban known and dominated by the entertainment and scholarly trades. Two visible guards in the defensive minaret watched and took note of the four entering the Emerald ward. The bazaar they were passing through was a typical jumble of shops and row houses, where merchants would soon be lining every lane, selling weapons, foodstuffs, exotic trinkets, even people. While in Almraiven it was less blatantly open than cities such as Calimport, slavey was still commerce. Most were just marketed as "hired hands". The slave population of Almraiven also lived under a somewhat lighter yoke than many other Calishite cities. A few streets were partially blocked by the carts being prepared for business. But the district walls serving as roads allowed them passage through the regions with no impediment. three kids dressed in ragged clothing were walking down a shady street, two neared an elder man of middle-class dress. The third split from the group flanking the man to better access the man's purse. Further down another alley they passed, a group of teens were congregating, eyeing another wealthy individual opening his shop. Their actions suddenly took the young drowess back mentally to a few years ago, her own time living on the streets of her home city, doing anything she could to survive. The once noble daughter of the second house, now houseless rogue clothed in rags she had managed to steal; the rough and dirty fabric nothing like the comfort or quality she's been used to. Oversized material hid her scrawny frame as it disguised her already barely notable feminine form. A male lay on the ground unmoving and left only in his undergarments. How low she sank, stealing a male's clothes to hide among the slums. Several unpatched holes showed her abdomen, holes that had provided her these clothes; desperation and needing to hide, the dagger found its mark as the unfortunate victim paid with his life. 'survival of the strongest,' she told herself with a soft kick of the dead before dragging the body behind a trash pile.
Zarae had to shake the thoughts from her mind as the elf nudged her on, noticing the drowess had slowed her pace quite considerably. He looked where her gaze was focused, understanding some of what she might be seeing as the kids vanished behind a large crate.
"come, we approach a gate."
they passed the district gate entering the center of the city, the Mage Quarter. Wizard Towers stretched up into the sky, each unique in design. Domed buildings with arch windows and doors were the dominate shape but each with their own take on the shapes. Almraiven was well known as the regional center for magical studies for over 3000 years and the intellectual capital of Calimshan with its many fine schools. And this section of the city showed it. The largest of the universities, the High Tower, took up several city blocks. The newest school, the Arcane School of Song, was a bardic college. The center of the Mage's Quarter was an open courtyard, centered around a magical fountain and numerous palm trees lining the boulevards. Walking about were a couple of richly robed individuals. As the wizards passed the group, one scrunched up his face in disgust when he saw the sorcerer.
The passage continued to a heavily guarded gate. Shrubs, not native to the city decorated the entrance. Guards halted the four companions, demanding documentation. Zyne pulled the 'key' the half drow in the tavern assembled for them. the guard nodded to her partner then allowed them to pass into the wealthiest ward of the city, the Palace ward.
"Guess they were made aware of us?" Jinx whispered.
"not sure if we should be concerned or appreciative,"
"don't question it," just go before they change their minds."
The gate itself was nearly two stories tall, with a series of portcullises that could drop down to deter any unwanted entry. The streets were clean and the lavishly decorated large estates and villas boldly proclaiming their wealth; rather than the adobe bricks, most of these homes were carved stone imported from far way lands and set in the acceptable styles of the city. It was relatively quiet compared to much of the busy city and most business was conducted only in the district's center bazaar. Kingscourt, as it was usually nicknamed, prided itself on its luxury restaurants that catered to the rich and powerful. The banquet halls provide an alternate dining experience with a wide variety of foods, cooking styles, and the like. A litter carried by four servant men passed the group, an overweight pasha ignoring everyone. The group passed one estate, the arch over the gate read Aqua Majesta. Two guards were watching the party as they passed. Another estate, Springwine Jones Estate, was on the other side of the street and across from the Deadly Masquerade Tavern. The Sultan's Palace was the largest estate, consisting of a central four-story building connected to four smaller wings, spread out in a cross shape, with a solid gold dome topping each section. Stone walls hid the large courtyard full of exotic plants and the city's largest fountain. Within the central building rested the throne and personal quarters of the weavepasha, Sultan Supreme:Acham el Jhotos.
The party finally arrived at the Orlesithek Estate. 'Guild of Adamantite', Tahlethar translated. Before them was a stately black stone three-story building. Sloped rooftops were covered with deep brown clay tiles and golden domes on the towers. Inside the vine covered stone walls were statues of elegant elven figures that lined the courtyard. Lanterns of purple faerie fire hung along the wall's interior. The wrought iron gate was watched by seen and unseen guards.
The dwarf pulled the key out again expecting it to allow them entrance into the estate. The guards looked at the group but remained in place, not opening the gate nor speaking to them. Zyne looked back at the other three, everyone shrugging. They waited about a minute before the guard, having sent a magical message to her boss, opened the gate to allow passage within. The gate slammed behind them, ominously Jinx noted. Shrubs, fruit trees, and exotic flowers thrived inside the walls. The flagstone path led between four-foot-deep pools adorned with miniature waterfalls. As they neared, the vines on the awning moved and appeared to watch the visitors waiting for a command to attack. Another set of vines had beautiful yellow orchids with splashes of purple in their petals. Zarae charmed by the plants started moving closer to the until Jinx understood what was happening and yanked the drowess away from her pursuit.
"bad flowers! no touchie."
"I would listen to your cat," came a melodious voice from the shadow of the tall double doors. "Those are dangerous flowers."
Jinx gave a low growl at the condescending comment. There in the doorway was the very image of desire. Platinum curls were pulled up into an elaborate hairstyle that was decorated with a gem studded circlet and revealed sharp pointed ears. Her floor length black velvet skirt was slit up to her thighs showing strong shapely legs; her black leather corset top was tied up with gold lace and intentionally situated to amplify her ample 'feminine charm' and contrasted her pearl white skin. Everything about her captured attention to her alluring beauty. No obvious weapons, but nobody doubted she was dangerous. Tahlethar and even Zyne seamed charmed, taken in by her seductive pose as if a spell fell over them. Eventually Zarae and Jinx were magically drawn to enter with their male companions, pushing aside any mental warnings. "this way," one hand on her hip, she motioned for the four to enter with a sultry smile.
Inside the doors engraved with what Tahlether guessed were ancient elvish runes, was a large open space carpeted in deep red fabric. The room was considerably dark, light provided by another set of golden hued faerie fire globes that reminded Zarae of drow abodes. It was anything but empty, the white elf sparing no expense. Two sets of stairs twisted up to another floor, a catwalk encircling on the second floor. Exquisite doors were evenly spaced through the round room. The air lingered with the scent of incense and perfumes. Tapestries depicted various eras of elven history, Crown wars, the Dark Descent, and the elven pantheon war and banishment of Lloth and her children. The younger drowess walked to the nearest artwork, mesmerized at the stories told, and comparing what she remembered being indoctrinated.
A fully covered and masked elvish male stood beside Lyra as she invited the companions to follow into another chamber. Smaller, it was no less decorated, containing a conference table. Surrounding the table were luxurious comfy chairs. The table held decanters of fine wine, goblets, and dishes of exotic foods. Zarae was quick to recognize a couple of the dishes as drow delicacies. They knew Aunrae had informed the bard of their intention to visit, but odd that Lyra would go out of her way to create meals for each of the companions. Jinx assumed it was to show off her abilities or wealth status.
Lyra motioned for her company to help themselves as she took a seat. The masked male excused himself and was gone before anyone realized. Zyne and Tahlethar sat in the seats next to Lyra and was already pouring themselves wine.
"While enjoying my graciousness, please, elaborate me more of why Aunrae sends you to me."
Jinx quickly responded, "you have an extensive knowledge of useless lore," a pause as she realized how it sounded, "I mean not being used for current events. Like…"
Lyra raised a snowy brow.
"you are well versed in ancient lore, of both N'Tel'Quess and of our own forgotten. Well informed, and good at your job," the male elf interjected for the stammering tabaxi.
"yes I have much knowledge in 'useless' information," she looked at Jinx quickly then return attention to Tahlethar
Documents with symbols, transcriptions of specific words they understood about the Cult were set before Lyra.
As she was reading, "when we were told bard, I expected something different," Zarae spoke while the white elf flipped through the parchments.
"I was trained in Bae'qeshel arts," not expecting the drowess to know of it. Few had ever heard of the antiquated drowic tradition, including most drow. When she observed a flicker of recognition in Zarae, she set the papers down. Quickly recovering the slight slip of her façade, "an ancient elven tradition that dates back before the crown wars." What she left out was it was a dark elven tradition.
Zarae studied the woman, starting to suspect the elf was not what she appeared. She knew about the existence of szarkai, the extremely rare albino drows that were viewed as the blessing of Lloth but she doubted Aunrae would willingly or knowingly send them to a priestess of the Spider Queen. Before she could continue to contemplate it more, Lyra was speaking and gathering the papers.
"I will look into this. But I need a favor. We can count this as payment and give me the time I need."
"favor?" Zyne asked, the enchantment over him beginning to fade.
"'If you're good at something, never do it for free'" a soft smile on her face. "You can't expect me to not be compensated for my time?"
Then a dusky-skin Calishite woman entered. She handed the parchment to Lyra. She stood behind the bard, arms crossed and face stern and emotionless.
"I need a potential threat removed. Many guilds are in danger."
"We don't do assassinations," the dwarf's arms crossed in finality.
"No need to kill," a parchment was pulled from a secret pocket showing an ad showing a conference for scholars to share their work- 10th Annual Almraiven Symposium of the Arcane. "A young acolyte scholar of the Guild Arcane has been studying the local Thieves Cant. Before he can receive his robes of matriculation, he is scheduled to present his research at a lecture within a day or so. While few people ever show up to these lectures, nonetheless guilds cannot risk the information being disseminated."
"and what you want us to do? Mind wipe him?" asked Jinx.
"Something like that. We have secured a rare memory-effecting serum that specifically targets language learning and which should render all attempts to use secondary languages to gibberish. Many a scholar has cracked under the pressure of tedious research, so while a murder might arouse suspicion, his mental faculties abandoning him would not."
"Knock him out and pour it down the lad's throat?" the sorcerer uncertain of the task.
"however you want to get it to him. But we also need yall to collect all the acolyte's notes and research. So their might be a little sweet talking before getting the potion into him. I also only have the one potion."
A pile of papers were handed over, gibberish and nonsense written on it, to replace the real research. The last page had a symbol of what looked like a set of antlers, and what was assumed to be a guild symbol.
"What type potion? Sound like a an illithid crafted thing." However Zarae's question was ignored.
"Which scholar?" Tehlethar asked, knowing quite of few of them personally.
"There are not many presenters at these so he should be easy to pick out. Especially an acolyte. But we believe his name is Byrac. Many of the students of the Guild Arcane usually hang out in the small "Goose Beep Honk Tavern" close to the Enclave."
The calishite woman finally spoke, "If the target can reveal an informant or traitor…"
As they arose to leave, Lyra held Zarae back asking to speak to her for a moment. When everyone had exited, the elven woman opened a secret door that led to another chamber; it was smaller, and darker. The walls were of black marble with gold veins. On the wall, a beaten gold mask hung up above a large carved obsidian bowl atop a black wood altar. On each side, unlit black marble braziers stood.
Lyra turned to face Zarae to study her again, coppery tinted eyes evaluating the girl before her and internally debating how much to let her in on.
Speaking in the drowic dialect of elvish, "I want to offer a partnership. You already know, or can figure out what I really am. I know you are no Spider Kisser. Coming from that Dancer, Aunrae, I assume you are too." The albino drow, for that was what she was, began to circle the rogue, her hands behind her back, not concerned with any attack.
As Zarae watched, a shadow covered drow male of deep red hair and eyes shifting between blue and green was in her peripheral but gone when she looked directly that direction. Zarae narrowed her red tinted eyes that then began shifting to a violet hue, betraying her thoughts- she was intrigued.
Looking at the hanging mask on the wall, "You follow Vhaeraun?" which got a nod from the szarkai. "How do you keep house servants or the humans of the city discovering?"
"the human god Mask is commonly confused for my lord."
Zarae continued, "I know this means surviving another day for me and solving this adventure. So I don't have to ask what do I get out of this. What do you get out of it? Why would you choose to partner with me if you know I have chosen not to follow the Masked Lord."
Lyra, or Alya, which was her true name, cocked her head at the subtle admission from the younger drowess.
"You considered it? But rejected the one who can lead our people out of the Spider Queen's tyrannous claws. Who offers real freedom to the Ilythiiri? Freedom from the surfacers who hate our kind. And take our right place in the Night Above?"
"At the means of subjugating the lesser races under our boots?" Zarae took a steadying breath, "my twin brother and our sire chose the Night Above. But I could not keep with the means of accomplishing the goals. I wanted no more undeserving blood on my hands."
"Undeserving? Spider Kissers? Non-drow?" The szarkai shook her head when she could see the arguments were not going to convince her right now, not through religious debate. "Nevertheless, yes I am willing to partner with you. I worked with Aunrae. And I am invested in stopping the Cult. So I am willing to help with your mission. What I ask is to be kept aware of the progress," implied, she would be granted access to the Vale. "Accomplish the task and think on it. If you want my help in this, I suggest not revealing my real self to your…" switching to the darthiir dialect, "abbilen."
"abban then…?" agreeing to be allies in this quest as she was also asking for the szarkai's name.
Alya just smiled.
It was less than 20 minutes, but felt longer waiting in the large room, when Zarae rejoined her friends. Jinx looked back then attempted to sign a question of what the elven bard wanted. The males were talking about the beautiful woman, annoying Jinx who wanted to ask about questions on her mind.
Later, Zarae signed back without explanation.
Zyne and Tehlethar watched their exchange unable to read their hands but could guess the exchange. They exited the estate and headed for the "Goose Beep Honk Tavern in the mage district. The quickest path was through a lower district, down Caravan Run. The streets had only filled up the hour or so inside the estate. The sun had only risen higher the clear winter day. Several merchants had gotten up close and personal trying to hock their items to the foreigner. Flesh peddlers, spice merchants, narcotic dealers, and more ordinary sellers thronged the booths and shacks of the city. Jinx was directed away from a few stalls by Zyne, seeing her easily distracted and ability to say no to someone willing to tell a story behind their products. "we're never gunna get anywhere at this rate," he whispered to the cat.
"Goods the best around, come see," one merchant tried speaking elvish as Tahlethar passed. His rival also motioned to the group, "welcome, to shop, humble. Humble shop?" he said in broken common. "Have your needs!" Another tempted Jinx with a turquoise and jade necklace when the merchant woman was trying to suggest a scandalous story behind it. Zyne had to keep the tabaxi on task softly bumping her to keep her moving and not taken advantage of.
A small tavern shaped like a tower stood in the midst of a courtyard. The sign reading, "Goose Beep Honk Tavern, the actual word 'beep' crossed out and honk written above; the sign was held by a goose in a preparation to attack stance statue. Several geese statues were around the building in various means of living. A small pond was hidden by a couple shrubs. The center was a fountain of water shooting out of a goose mouth. The adobe building had large windows showing several students in various activities. Three older students were exiting as the companions were entering the tavern.
The inside was a rather general looking tavern. Tables of patrons dotting the floor, a bar with a proprietor serving drinks. A small lit fireplace was keeping the room warm. What differentiated it was the back half the bottom floor was several cubby desk for students who chose to stay late to study and have a personal space away from roommates or study near food and drink. Most of the people were young adult mages in their later years of studies. A few older mages sat near the fireplace in deep discussion.
The four took a table in a darker corner, trying to ignore the stares directed at them. A barmaid walked over to take an order. "We don't often get your kinds in here, gharab," the brunette woman condescendingly commented.
"How do you mean?" Jinx responded, trying to hide the offense from the woman.
"Coin is coin, and I have seen worse," staring at the Zarae who kept her cloak hood low over her face, even inside. "But I want no trouble in here. And we have plenty of mages should you think otherwise," thumb pointing over her shoulder to the patrons.
"We would not plan on such a thing," Tahlethar sliding over a couple of gold coins, "we only seek a place to stop at. and information." The elf gave his most disarming smile twords the barmaid.
She was still staring at the cloaked drowess, as the coins slid into her pouch. Then she glanced to the cleric, undecided if she wanted to accept his attempted flattery. She then had to playfully roll her eyes heading back to the proprietor and whispering in his ear. Jinx noticed that the male was watching their table as the barmaid was speaking with him.
Zyne leaned over to whisper, "so? What did that elf lass want with ye?"
Eyes were on Zarae to explain. She started and stopped as she was trying to think of what she wanted to say. "She offered partnership in finding this location."
"Ok but what about you she wanted?" the cleric asked more directly.
Quick thinking, "She needed to evaluate me because of my heritage," partially lying.
They didn't quite take her at her word, thinking she was hiding something else.
"yall find it odd she had Underdark food?" Jinx inquired while her eyes were still watching the bar.
"I'll admit her captivating. Something about her, magical?" the elf seaming to drift into his thoughts.
Jinx snapped a finger at the elf. Before she could say anything, the barmaid returned with a small glass of mead for each person while slipping a tiny piece of paper to Tahlethar. When she was back serving other patrons, he opened the paper, flipping it to show the other three. On it was a question: what is it worth to you?
"Hate this game," Zyne retorted.
"Just the usual," Zarae replied. "We have to spend in attempting to gather information."
"What else ye plan to get from the barkeep?"
"They suspect a traitor in their guild, it might be wise to have that information to barter with also," Jinx answered for the elf. "though as powerful as our bard lady seams, you'd think she could figure out herself."
"How powerful ye think this traitor might be?" Zyne asked.
"Probably more guild politics than power. Cant appear to be weak or… hole'd?" Zarae trying to give figure out the correct word in the common tongue.
"Close enough," finishing the glass. The elf got up and headed to speak to the proprietor.
While most of the patrons returned attention to their own matters, a few mages continued to watch the odd four with heavy suspicion. Unable to see the cloaked girl's face, one got up to walk over. She stood before the table, a younger adult woman of tanned skin and dark hazel eyes dressed in prestigious mage robes.
"Why are you here, muzha-dahyarif?" she asked bluntly, and calling them shady, "you are not students or apprentices."
"Does it say we cant be here," the sorcerer asked annoyed. Then allowed a small candle sized flame to appear in hand.
The female mage was surprised the dwarf could cast arcane magic. She then studied each of their faces, stopping on the covered female. A simple spell, she forced the cowl to fall back enough to reveal her ebon face. Faces went from shock to outrage. The wizardess narrowed her eyes at the drowess, hand moving twords a wand on her belt. Zarae held up her hands in an attempt to diffuse the rising tension.
"We don't want her trouble making kind. I suggest you find a tavern more suited."
Jinx didn't hesitate, "looks like you are causing the trouble here. All we did was come in and show up. So…" a shooing motion at the wizard to leave. The dwarf bit his tongue, hiding his glower in his mug.
The female mage's gaze turned on the tabaxi. "You are not much better, sayedotta. So find accommodations for your own kind."
"So uncouth and rude. May I suggest you pull that stick out of your…?"
Just as the tension was nearing a breaking point, the barmaid walked over, interrupting, and forcing the wizardess to return to her own table, but not before a few more vulgar words were expressed.
"yall really do not like non-humans," Jinx retorted, to which the barmaid only shrugged.
"We have many breakfast dishes," the woman trying to heavily push them to order something, "though probably not to your taste," the last part under her breath.
"More ale. And something stronger," Zyne replied, "and larger tankard."
"And a few more of these," Zarae requested raising the empty glass of mead. "and those small…they are sweet and round …a bread with brown pieces of…"
"are ye asking for cookies for breakfast?"
"yes! A plate of cookies."
The barkeep rolled her eyes then left the table. The conversations at various tables, which had been interrupted, were resumed, continuing in the same spirit as before.
Tahlethar returned to his seat at the table, "what little I was given, if truthful, Bryac tends to only be here late evenings. The barkeep accidently slipped a name, a roommate of his, Finjat, who tends to be here in the mornings. And a girlfriend who works here."
"Wait here or go hunt our man down?" asked Zyne.
"I say we wait a bit, see if the boy shows up," Tahlethar looking around to the troublesome patrons becoming less certain of this course of action.
"What angle of infiltration?" Jinx asked, ignoring the glares from the mage table.
"Well, I do not think we will need to infiltrate."
"You know what I meant."
"Pretend to be masters looking to hire acolytes?" the dwarf suggested.
"I like that idea. Always wanted to be a master. As in a job profession," Jinx clarifying the last part.
Ordered items set down and paid for, the four enjoyed the drinks in small talk. The door opened a female gnome dressed as a barmaid entered for work.
"Lilla, your late!" a new voice from the back hollered, "you better tell that boyfriend to not be interfering in your job." It wasn't clear if it was meant in jest or seriousness.
The gnome ignored the voice and was already trying her apron on to begin her shift. Visiting the usual guest first, she eventually walked up to the companions' table. There was smudged eye makeup and a dried tear on her cheek, red eyes from having been crying not too long ago.
Jinx first to respond, "who did it?" getting defensive for the girl.
The gnome looked confused before realizing that her appearance hadn't been cleaned up. Wiping the smudges and rubbing her eyes she apologized. "it is nothing. A discussion with my boyfriend didn't end well."
"My feline friend means, how can we help you, tabarifa?" Tahlethar clarifying and using a local word.
"Lilla yr Kwalu, and I doubt you can fix a broken heart."
"Ah. That trouble," Zyne unsure to believe her or if she was covering for her significant other. Quick glance didn't reveal bruises or injuries, but that didn't stop the questioning gaze.
"Finjat, Mizram, Loiy, and Bryac are set to graduate this tenday and advance to master levels to further their studies. Which means traveling abroad and leaving me behind. So nothing like what you are thinking," hoping to clarify. "My boyfriend Bryac would never lay a hand on me."
Perking up slightly at the names, "so why cant you go?" Jinx asking questions to keep her talking.
"My mother is sick and I cant leave her alone."
"I understand. And your, Bryac, he wont stay for you?" Tahlethar responded before Jinx could.
"I would never ask that of him. He wants to travel the world, study in Halruaa and it would be unfair," she hesitated, "why are you asking?" a little suspicious or perhaps nervous.
"We are here to recruit our next member from the graduates. But if we shouldn't look your boyfriend?" the elf covered quickly.
She seamed to deeply consider it; but shook her head. No, she would do everything to help him fulfill his dream. Even help him get ahead if she could. "You would lose out on the best if you did that."
"Really? Ye'd push him forward and risk losing him?" Zyne inquired.
"I don't suppose we could get a sneak peek at his work?" Jinx asked a little too soon.
Subconsciously, the gnome's hand went to her necklace, a tiny key on a chain. She was still suspicious and uncertain. Looking at each, trying to study their intention and potential credentials to prove what they were saying, "how about yall come to the pre-lecture party this evening and speak with him. It is tradition to celebrate before. Maybe he will be willing to allow you to see his work."
The elf nodded, raising a glass in a toast like fashion, "tonight then."