<font color=lightblue>"The rules of the drow have not changed in so short a time. If it were a lesser house invoking the right on another lesser house, the council would pay it no heed. However, this is a former First House invoking the right on the current First House. My House."</font> She placed her fists on a desk in front of her and leaned toward Sylquis, <font color=lightblue>"The only way a noble of their would live is if they were absent from the house when we destroyed it."</font> Her voice became tight, reminding the cleric of the Matron she had Tyra had lived in fear of, <font color=lightblue>"This is a serious matter, and I will not stand idly by and let this pathetic noble take my House down. I will find this fool and spill his blood with my bare hands."</font> The last sentence was said in a deadly whisper, a fierce vow. Sylquiste knew well what Alliene had done to Calaethis all those years ago-tortured him nearly to death, having that twisted drow pleasure at the sight of his blood.

Alliene straightened and walked to one of the tall windows, staring out at the starry sky. Alaerth frowned and got up, crossing the room to her and laying a hand on her shoulder. Alliene started, then relaxed. She patted Alaerth's hand in thanks and turned back to Sylquis, her cold eyes hard,
<font color=lightblue>"I am aware that this child is not the fool I know his father to be. I have not laid a hand on him, and do not plan to. But if he does get in my way, and you are not there to move him, I will teach him to stay out of my way. I hope we are clear on this, for there are more important things to talk about."</font>

<font size=1><font color=silver>Sylquis nodded slowly. <font color=navyblue>"I see,"</font> she replied, <font color=navyblue>"And you assume that this heir is male? It must be... though how he could gain power... I don't know."</font> She paused, <font color=navyblue>"There is another matter you should consider as well, Matron. If this rogue House has come back from the grave; who supports it, and who else knows? I know you have many enemies, as do we all... but who would support slaying us all? My brother implied as much; saying that this would not be a single pronged attack; but these enemies of ours wished to wipe out our entire bloodline."</font> she gave a pointed look at Alliene, <font color=navyblue>"You will remember that your late sister, my mentor also addopted me into her house. Unless you plan on denying that; I am as much family to you as your sister's children are."</font> she paused, <font color=navyblue>"And though there are more important matters, I would thank you not to forget that my sister's son may also claim kinship through that."</font> she sighed, <font color=navyblue>"But there is not time for that."</font> Sylquis looked curious for a moment, <font color=navyblue>"Matron, you said said that only us four may enter and leave this room; might I ask how this ward works? Does it function upon our family's blood or...?"</font> she waited for a responce.</font></font>

[ 09-12-2003, 06:41 AM: Message edited by: Calaethis Dragonsbane ]

Alliene's eyes flashed, <font color=lightblue>"I did not come here to argue about bloodlines and whom is related to whom, Sylquis."</font> It was obvious her temper was close to snapping, <font color=lightblue>"It does not matter whether the noble is male or female, but the fact that it exists is enough to bring ruin to my House. Whatever bade this noble to suddenly come into existence, is what is targeting everyone else, and that is what needs to be destroyed."</font> She started pacing, lost in thought.
<font color=pink>"I believe aunty uses her traps based on identity, Sylquis. She attunes it specially to each specific person, so that there can be no deception."</font> She shrugged, <font color=pink>"Like she said, we, and we alone can pass through that door."</font>

<font size=1><font color=silver>Sylquis gave Alliene an exasphated look, <font color=navyblue>"Alliene. There is a point behind my questions. I see you are not in the mood for my reasoning at the moment however. Yes, there is a threat to your House, and yes, it matters what gender the escaped noble is. It matters because of who might support him, and who his Alliances are. It also matters because it will determine how long he has been planning this. If he is mated with another, say, of your rival house, then the threat will have doubled. If he is alone, he will be easy to eliminate."</font> she paused, <font color=navyblue>"And I was asking about bloodlines, for were we to summon another, say, Lord Avalon, I was curious to know if your spell would affect him. But such things can wait. I must confere with my deity again."</font> she sighed. <font color=navyblue>"Nothing is ever easy,"</font> she murmured. <font color=navyblue>"I will not keep you further, Matron, and I appologise if I seem somewhat stressed, but I am as concerned as you are."</font> she sighed again.</font></font>

<font color=lightblue>"My patience wears thin, young elf. I merely said 'he', for I do not know this noble's gender."</font> The drow growled, pressing her forefinger to her forehead in an effort to clear her head, <font color=lightblue>"And once a ward is set, I cannot change it. I very much doubt Avalon wants to be involved with this anyway, he is getting old."</font> The two twins nodded their agreement.

<font size=1><font color=silver>Sylquis curtisied deeply, and replied softly, <font color=navyblue>"Forgive me, Matron; I mean no offense; only, I am as concerned about this as you are."</font> She sat back down, and waited for the Drow to depart.<font></font>

<font color=silver>"But when are we to depart, Aunt Alliene?"</font> Alaerth pressed.
<font color=lightblue>"You both agree that Sylquis will look after the kingdom while you are gone?"</font>
<font color=pink>"Yes."</font> The twins said in unison.
Alliene nodded, <font color=lightblue>"Very well. We will leave tomorrow evening, so that you have time to settle affairs here before we leave. Is that acceptable?"</font>
<font color=pink>"Yes, aunty."</font> They said together again.
<font color=lightblue>"Good. Till the morrow, then. Good night. I will be in Verloren's chambers if you have need of me during the night."</font> Alliene made a small bow and exited, dispelling her ward.

<font color=pink>"I hope we don't need her in the night. She would be terribly grouchy."</font> Alae mused to herself with a half smile.
Alaerth rolled his eyes, <font color=silver>"Don't you remember anything mother told you? Alliene doesn't sleep anymore."</font>
Alae shoved him, <font color=pink>"I know that, sheep brain. I was making a joke!"</font>
<font color=silver>"Oh...I get it now."</font>
Alae sighed. Alaerth's snse of humour had been dwindling as of late.

<font size=1> <font color=silver> Sylquis smiled at the two half dragons, and replied <font color=navyblue>"Now, I suggest we all get some rest, don't you?"</font> she put an arm around each of the half dragons, hugging them both. She sighed, <font color=navyblue>"It is a shame about Alliene and Arlyth. Still, it cannot be helped. I would ask if you plan to take him with you?"</font></font>

Alaerth frowned, <font color=silver>"I'm not sure if thats wise. He is young, and Calaethis's only child. If something were to happen to him..."</font> He opened the door for the two women and let them out before stepping out himself and shutting the door.

<font size=1> <font color=silver> At that point, the said elf in question fell through a portal right in front of his cousins and aunt. He was dressed for bed, and was holding his katana; blood dripped down his side, and he panted, <font color=skblue>"Alae! Aunty! I... four..."</font> the boy burst into tears, and his blade hung loosely in his grasp. He didn't seem to be too badly wounded, but...</font></font>