Dragon Revived, Chapter 2- Soaring on wings of pain

[Lady Blue03]

Alliene's eyes narrowed, but before she could move, Loanna snatched Tagnik from her mother's hand and stalked towards the unfortunate male. The glare she gave him was vile enough to match any of Alliene's, and without a word she drove the sword through is heart and spit upon his corpse. She wiped Tagnik off on his tunic, gave Zennenn (who was one of the males that had been holding the would-be-assassin) a wink, then calmy walked back to Alliene and presented it to her. Alliene smiled a small approval at her daughter and waited for anyone else to proclaim themselves as traitors, then collected them together and let the priestesses deal with them. A more stealthy way of rooting out the ones who didn't step forward would be used later.
"My thanks for stopping that blade. I would have been most upset if it had struck home." Alliene told Arlyth.
Loanna looked from Alliene to Arlyth, "Who is this, mother? Is he a new pet?"
"No...I will talk to you about it later. For now, let us have something to eat." She turned to Xvim, "I will have them find you something raw."
The kreen clicked in thanks.

[Calaethis Dragonsbane]

Arlyth glared, and said softly, "I would appreciate it greatly if my sword was not... oh never mind. Your lucky Tagnik allowed you to wield him..." Arlyth murmered to Loanna. "And no, I am not a pet." then he looked up at Alliene, "No thanks are needed, Mistress. I pledged to serve you, and I shall." then he looked up at her shyly, "Might I dine with you?"

[Lady Blue03]

"Yes, I would prefer we dined together so I can tell you our next step. Follow me please."
She lead the party to the elaborate stone room that was the dining hall.

[Calaethis Dragonsbane]

Arlyth nodded, and replied simply, "Thank you." he stayed close to his new mistress's side, almost becoming her shadow, almost seeking her approval or afraid to annoy her. Besides, she still had Tagnik. The sword's "mind" felt odd when it spoke to him, not how it was before. He had picked up the dagger he'd deflected as they walked past, and closed his eyes and focused on it for a moment. Alliene felt an aura of magic around him, his eyes going from left to right behind his closed eyelids and then wrodlessly handed it to Alliene. When she accepted it, he said softly, "It's poisoned... it... it would have killed her instantly, and it also does fire damage." the boy whispered. The dagger was of enchantment +3, fairly powerful considering. He bowed slightly to the matron, and asked, "Mistress, might I suggest raising the warrior who threw this and interogating him?" he waited for her reply... he didn't ask for Tagnik back, and the sword seemed perfectly content to stay in Alliene's hand. Or at least, it didn't complain to Arlyth. It had hissed in annoyance at the assassination attempt though.

[Lady Blue03]

Alliene took the dagger and examined it briefly, then handed it Loanna, who smiled and slid it into her boot. The party took their seats (Xvim removed a seat and stood). Alliene gave Alaerth a look,
"It's been awhile. Are you sure you can't speak still?"
Alaerth frowned, "I've tried...oh. Nevermind." He turned red as Alae unsuccessfuly held back a giggle.
Alliene lay Tagnik across her lap, out of the way, "There is only one thing we need to accomplish here before we can move on." She started as the food was served, "And that is the kua-toa. Zachana told me there were several in the castle." The little dragon peeped agreement from her shoulder, "There is a sizable kua-toa clan south of here. These may be the ones we are looking for." She looked at Gus, "Perhaps we could send your shade familiar to double check for us?"

[/)eathKiller]

Gus nodded and immediatley commanded the shadow to do so.

[Calaethis Dragonsbane]

Arlyth sat beside Alae, and sighed, somewhat tired. Softly he asked her, "What sort of social structure do the Koa-toan have? And... would they be allied with another House? From what I know of them, they don't seem to be that organised at least, not for something as complex as this... and why would they strike at your castle?" he shot a look at Loanna and sighed, shaking his head somewhat. Softly he murmered, "Yes, it was my pleasure to deflect the dagger from you, my lady..." his tone has a slight edge in it, but barely detectable.

[Lady Blue03]

Loanna's mouth pulled to the side in much the same way the Alae's did, and it looked as if she were ready to give him back the dagger...in a bad way. Alliene said a harsh word in drow to her to keep her seated, then shot Arlyth a death look that said another comment like that would get him into trouble with her.

"They are allied with the former first house, as far as I know. Perhaps another minor house, since the former's wouldn't be strong enough in numbers to keep them under control."

It would take Gus's shade about 6 hours to reach the kua-toan caves.

[ 10-25-2003, 12:35 PM: Message edited by: Lady Blue03 ]

[Calaethis Dragonsbane]

Arlyth murmered an apology and asked "Have you found out anything more on the former first House, Mistress?" he asked Alliene, "I wonder who the former first House's Allies were..."

[Lady Blue03]

Alliene waited patiently for the food to be served before continuing. Not surprisingly, most of it was surface food. Alliene had never liked the drow cuisine, "There are always a few minor houses who attatch themselves to the first house. I don't reacall any of the names of the ones who were allied with the old one, but chances are if they think they can crush House Streea, they will try." Both she and Loanna sighed at the ridiculous of this and started eating.

[ 10-25-2003, 12:41 PM: Message edited by: Lady Blue03 ]