Origins

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Gone was the fair skin and flaming red hair. When she left her room to join her family, they stared in horror at the transformation. "Out ye evil drowess, out! We nay not want any o' your kind here!", shouted the head of the family. Mavralyn asked, "But papa, do you not know your own daughter?" His face reddening with the anger in him, he stood and replied, "Nay evil one, ye are no daughter o' mine! Be gone with ye before I have ye thrown out!" Shocked and hurt at these words, her eyes filling with tears, she turned and ran from the mansion she had always known as home.

Running with no destination in mind, her mind in turmoil, Mav came upon a small inn. When she entered, no other patrons were around to point fingers or shout their hate at her. Sinking into the closest chair, she wondered at her position. Slowly the tears dried, the hurt became anger, and her heart hardened. "I shall search for others of my kind", she thought to herself. She muttered under her breath, "They will know how to help me. Lloth tlu Malla, usstan xun elamshin (I do Lloth’s will)!" She wondered where knowledge of this strange phrase came from.

Determined, her purpose unknown, Mavralyn searched 3 days for others of her kind. On the third day she entered an inn known as Mataga's and encountered a drowess dressed in black and red robes similar to her own. Thinking this a sign from Lloth, Mav approached her table.

"What is it you want, dear." spoke the lone drowess. Mavralyn, impressed by her stature, knew she should show her the utmost of respect. Bowing deeply, Mav spoke meekly, "I seek others who are devoted to the honored Spider Queen, Lloth." The drowess bid Mavralyn to take a seat at the table and questioned her extensively.

Just then, another young drowess entered the inn also dressed in the same colors. She approached the table and bowed in greeting to the older drowess. "Vendui' Ilhar (I greet you Mother)," the new drowess spoke quietly.

The older drow female turned to Mavralyn and said, "This is the Yathrin (Priestess) Arielana, the drado dalharil d' Rilynt'tar (second daughter of Rilynt’tar). If I am not near, you may call upon her to help you." Knowing what Arielana was thinking, the Matron looked at her daughter sternly and said, "You will find time to help the Mistress Mavralyn and still have time for your own studies. I know you will not disappoint me." In the end, it was the Malla Ilharess (Honored Matron) Jasra Dark d'Rilynt'tar who took her in, and her daughter, the Yathrin Arielana, who taught her of drow ways.

Still somewhat new in this incarnation, Mavralyn's emotions still churned from her human origins. Continuously calling upon Lloth's guidance and conducting her devotions with religious fervor, she hoped to eliminate the last dregs of her human heritage. Studies and training took up most of her days, and she gained mastery of the arcane and spiritual, learning to control and ignore the traitorous human emotions. Now she was ready for training in the arts of war.

Having heard of the Velgla Jabbuk (Master Assassin) and his skill in this art, Mav challenged him to spar with her. "I wish to test my skills Ryltarl. Escort me to the training area, if you are not busy that is?" Nodding, the assassin simply replied, "As you wish Mistress."

Quickly reaching the arena where all new warriors were taught, they both prepared for the session. Protective magic went up, weapons were readied. Mavralyn watched as Ryltarl started circling. Not sure of what to expect, she kept her eyes on this cunning male. He moved with grace and style, weapons seeming an extension of his body. As he darted and circled, only testing her defenses, she grew angry and summoned a spell to her lips.

Clouds of green smoke engulfed the male, causing him to cough and gasp. Eyes watering from the choking fumes, he quickly leapt away seeking fresh air. Trying to clear his sight he could only strain his ears for the whereabouts of the young Mistress. Ah, there she was, already starting another spell. Too late! Magical energy surrounded him, holding him fast. "I have defeated you assassin," she gloated.

After her session with Ryltarl, Mavralyn searched for another to spar with. Casting about with her mind, she sought and found another she had heard of yet had not met. Sending a mental command, she waited at the inn.

Summoned to the Inn, GrayFlame dropped to one knee in respect before the Mistress Mavralyn. Her keen eyes examined him closely as she walked slowly around his unmoving form. With a wicked smile, she spoke "I have defeated the Velgla Jabbuk Ryltarl in combat, yet I seek a greater challenge. I believe you would be a worthy fight."

"Thank you Yathrin," Gray replied politely while he remained at her feet. Eyes lowered he waited.

Pleased at hearing the title not yet earned, she continued, "If you have no immediate business for your Matron, we will spar now. You may stand and prepare yourself for battle," Mav spoke with confidence, watching while the male stood slowly and bowed.

Together they traveled swiftly to their destination and then prepared for the fight. As GrayFlame entered the arena, he heard the sounds of the female's prayer to the Quarval’sharess, "Lloth Tlu Malla!" Concentrating for a moment, the male summoned a shimmering globe of energy calling for protection against the magic of the young Mistress. Stepping within the corridor and then gliding gracefully toward the male, Mavralyn also cast protective magic that flared brightly for a moment against the dimness.

Stepping next to Gray, she drew a foul smelling cloud and thrust it upon him. Coughing and choking the male retreated till he caught his breath once more. The spells came in earnest then, as each cast Hold after Hold, seeking to entrap their opponent. GrayFlame began a relentless attack, dancing within range of Mavralyn, touching her lightly and then releasing the magic. With a cry of anger she retaliated, but for some reason the effects of her spells were not as powerful. As the male's globe failed, Mavralyn, now badly wounded, cast a powerful Lightning bolt directly at the male. It seared his flesh, bounced off the nearby wall striking him again and then slammed directly into the weakened priestess. She fell to the ground instantly. The words of another spell died on Grayflame's lips as he watched the young mistress fall.

Wanting to live, Mavralyn used her last bit of strength to reach for the healing amulet in her bag. Placing it on the wound she stopped the blood from flowing. His face showing no expression, GrayFlame watched as the young mistress healed herself. Recovering some of her strength she stood and spoke, "Escort me to the inn." Nodding, GrayFlame offered his arm to Mavralyn. Taking his arm, the mistress indicated she was ready. His eyes ever watchful for ambush, they quickly returned to the inn. Dismissing GrayFlame when they arrived, she retired to a private room.

Fully recovered, Mavralyn received a message from the Ilharess. Upon reading it, she quickly packed and headed back to Rilynt'tar.

Immediately on Mavralyn’s return to Rilynt'tar, the Ilharess summoned her. She entered and bowed to her Matron. Before the new Mistress d' Rilynt'tar could rise, the Matron's quick back hand struck her to the ground. Still wondering what had hit her, she slowly arose and asked, "Ilharess, what have I done to lose favor in your eyes? Teach me, so I will not repeat my mistake."

With anger upon her face, Matron Jasra spoke, "You NEVER ask a male what he wishes!!! You are Mistress and the males will do as they are TOLD. Always, ALWAYS remember who you are." Mav's head bowed under the harsh words that followed, but she listened, and learned. Upon dismissal, she returned to her chambers pondering all that Matron Jasra had explained to her.

Mavralyn decided to head for the temple.

Still hurting from the blow, and thinking on the words of the Matron, Mavralyn entered the house temple. Reaching a decision, she again called upon Lloth by fasting and praying. Seconds became minutes, minutes became hours, and hours became days. Weakened from hunger and the labor of her vigil, Mavralyn slipped in and out of consciousness until finally Lloth was able to enter her mind.

Then, Lloth showed her what sacrifice would mean, "Look to your battles Mavralyn and you will find the answer." From above the battle ground Mavralyn saw herself standing over the held Ryltarl, gloating at her easy victory. Lloth spoke again, "No, Mavralyn, you bring no honor to me by gloating about a victory you know you were allowed to win! Look again!"

This time Mavralyn saw herself lying on the ground, her blood draining from her body after her battle with GrayFlame. Wanting to live, Mavralyn used her last bit of strength to reach for the healing amulet in her bag. Placing it on the wound she stopped the blood from flowing.

"Yes, Mavralyn, your answer lies in this battle. Your form might no longer be human, but the blood you stopped from flowing is."

Resolve firm, Mav took the sacrificial dagger from the altar and plunged it through her heart. With her dying breath she committed her human soul to Lloth.

When Mav opened her eyes, she thought it had been another dream. Looking around and finding herself in her sleeping chamber, she stood up from the bed. She felt different, stronger and more powerful than before. Running to the mirror, she stared at features that were the same, yet not the same. Now more refined, more sensual, she touched her face in awe and reverence of Lloth's power. Saying a quick prayer in thanks for yet another incarnation, she quickly notified the Ilharess of what had happened.

Once more she prepared herself to relearn the powers of the priestesses of Lloth. This time, Lloth must have favored her. Instead of 3 days of intense clerical training, she was ready in one day to begin the study of the mystic arts. Again, it took only half the time to achieve mastery of the arcane as well as the spiritual. Stronger, power coursing through her, she sent word that her training was complete. Having some time on her hands, and wishing to learn more of her knew heritage, Mavralyn called upon the Yathrin Arielana, finding her in the gardens of Neverwinter.

Having some time on her hands, and wishing to learn more of her knew heritage, Mavralyn called upon the Yathrin Arielana, finding her in the gardens of Neverwinter. Since Ari was busy talking to a strange spirit and the Velgla Jabbuk, she made her apologies for intruding. Starting to leave, Ari waved her back, saying, "Nau Mavralyn, you may join us. Our business here is finished." Interest peaked as Mav watched the spirit depart. Ari then gestured for Mavralyn and Ryltarl to follow her, saying, "We should head back to Rilauven."

On their journey back, Arielana, Mavralyn, and Ryltarl stopped by a tavern for a drink to soothe their thirst. Once at the Tavern Ryltarl acquired a private room so they could speak without fear of being overheard. At last secure against spying eyes both took seats at the small table. As the two made themselves comfortable Ryltarl leaned casually against the wall, his eyes moving constantly.

As they chatted of recent events and rumors, Mavralyn looked up and slyly asked, "Ryltarl, would you get myself and Arielana a nice bottle of wine. Add a bit of spice as well." Mavralyn smiled mischievously as Ryltarl nodded quietly and turned to open his pack. While Ryltarl retrieved the flask of wine and two goblets made of silver from his pack (kept there for just such emergencies) the Yathrin and Mistress continued to speak of house matters and intrigue.

Ryltarl set the two silver goblets on the table and poured wine into each until they were about three quarters full. As he drew his dagger, he noticed both their eyes drawn to him and his actions. Their conversation drifted off as they watched his every movement. They both seemed mesmerized by Ryltarl's actions and fluid movements.

Ryltarl slowly opened his tunic revealing the ancient scar on his chest from the now gone Yathrin Tanaroa. Mavralyn took a quick breath at the sight of the massive scar, while Arielana merely raised an eyebrow. He let out a light chuckle at their reactions. As they watched, he drew the dagger across his left breast making a cut several inches long in his chest. Ryltarl grimaced as the dagger sliced him open, but he did not utter a sound from the searing pain in his chest.

Again Mavralyn gasped and Arielana's hand moved slightly as if to reach toward Ryltarl, but then Arielana pulled the hand back with a shake of her head. He picked up each goblet in turn and let his blood fill the goblet until almost full. As he replaced each goblet back onto the table he reached into a pouch hanging at his belt and removed several different types of herbs.

Watching closely, Mav's eyes reddened at the sight of Ryltarl's blood, her breast swelling as she inhaled, deeply feeling the stirrings of passion within her. Ryltarl touched his amulet with one hand as his other hand covered the bleeding wound on his chest. Again he grimaced, but did not make a sound as the wound quickly healed itself.

Finally Ryltarl began stirring the wine with a small wooden spoon. Still mesmerized, the two barely noticed when Ryltarl pulled a small berry from his pouch and flipped it into his mouth, chewing on it. Arielana noticed first and asked, "What was that you just ate Tarl?" He continued to stir for a moment before answering, "Just a surface berry." Arielana nodded and forgot the berry as she returned her attention to the unique wine ceremony. Mavralyn, still feeling the stirrings of passion, ignored it altogether.

He grasped his amulet once more with one hand, and then uttered a short incantation as he waved the other hand over the two goblets. The goblets began to boil and froth as the incantation continued. Suddenly, a bright flash of light from the amulet at Ryltarl's chest caused them to draw back covering their eyes. Each let out a sharp gasp of surprise.

Opening his eyes as the light faded, Ryltarl raised first one glass then the other to his lips, tasting the magical wine. Then placing one goblet in front of Arielana and the other in front of Mavralyn he purred, " Your wine my beautiful Yathrinen!"

Both Arielana and Mavralyn, still under the strange effects of watching the Velgla Jabbuk, lifted their goblets without realizing or remembering Ryltarl's ever-present knack for giving them more than just a simple wine. As they took a long sip of the magically sweet wine, he stepped back and watched with an amused glint in his eye.

They began to talk again of the rumors and political intrigue of Rilauven, when Arielana looked up at Ryltarl and saw the glint of amusement. Suddenly, Arielana remembered Ryltarl's abilities with potions, realizing this could be one as well. Arielana held a hand up to Mavralyn stopping her comment as she looked at him. In a stern voice she asked, " What is in this wine Velgla Jabbuk?" Looking from Arielana to Mavralyn, he quietly replied, " What makes you think there is anything in the wine Arielana? "

Arielana's eyes began simmering with anger, as she demanded, “I want to know what is in the wine Tarl, and I want to know NOW! I am in no mood for your games!" Ryltarl, knowing that he had pushed Arielana as far as she would go on this day, nodded and replied, " It is a potion that will allow me to feel yours and Mavralyn's thoughts and emotions. It has created a bond between the three of us."

Mavralyn who up until then had not really been paying attention suddenly snapped a snarling reply, " You dare to think you can know our thoughts and feelings? I should..." Arielana, as she slowly arose, cut off Mavralyn's next words. Her flashing eyes fixed on Ryltarl. Ryltarl, still leaning against the wall, shifted his weight slightly; unnoticeable in case he needed to move quickly. Arielana's hand dropped to her whip as she said with calm fury, " You have a means of undoing this I hope, for your sake."

Ryltarl nodded as he removed two small berries from his pouch. He stated in a subdued voice, " Yes Arielana, you have but to take this berry and the effects will be gone. But there are benefits to keeping the potion. The bond between the three of us was already there, this merely strengthened it! " He handed a berry first to Arielana and then Mavralyn.

Both looked at Ryltarl for a long moment, then Mavralyn looked to Arielana for guidance. Arielana put the berry away as she replied, " We will see how this Bonding Potion of yours works Ryltarl, and then I will decide. But, I warn you Velgla Jabbuk, do not ever give me other than wine again or my retribution will scourge your soul." Ryltarl bowed slightly as he murmured, " As you command My Yathrin."

Mavralyn after watching the exchange between Arielana and Ryltarl also put the berry away and stated, " I shall wait as well, this could prove most interesting indeed! "

Arielana turned to Mavralyn and said her Aluve's, giving Ryltarl a fierce glare as he bowed to her. She then glided from the room to return to her chambers at Qu'ellar Rilynt'tar.

After Arielana left, Tarl as well asked permission to go. Feeling a different lust entering her body, she called him back, denying permission. Watching him standing there, completely at ease, she saw the amused expression on his face. Angered for some strange reason by this, Mav wanted to wipe the smug look off his face.

Standing up, she moved closer to the male. Seeing the flash of anger in her eyes, Tarl watched carefully, face going bland. "And what is it you wish Mistress,” he inquired. Moving even closer still, until her body was almost touching his, she looked up. "Can't you guess, Tarl?" "Nau, why don't you tell me Mistress," he chuckled, "for I do not wish to offend you," he commented with a slight gleam in his eye. Her eyes still flashing a hint of anger, she lightly caressed his cheek.

Letting her hand slip behind his neck, she slowly drew him towards her. Intending only to disrupt his composure, she teased his lips with hers. When he returned her kiss with his own, desire suddenly exploded through her body. Voice husky with pent up passion, she again asked, "Are you sure you cannot guess assassin?" His eyes flared with desire. "Xas, I think I can at that." Holding her body tightly, he carried her to the bedroom. The dance of passion had begun.

After reluctantly letting Tarl go, Mavralyn stretched languorously, relaxed and fully sated from their intimate encounter. Smiling fondly at the remembered bedroom battle, she arose from the bed. Going to the small vanity, her naked figure firm and youthful, she seated herself. Staring at her reflection in the mirror, somewhat distracted, she began brushing her tangled tresses. "How passionate and gentle the Velgla Jabbuk is," she spoke softly under her breath. If only it were as simple to appease the bloodlust side of herself. Shaking off the after glow of his lovemaking and setting the brush down, she stood and headed to the small altar in the antechamber.

Kneeling in front of the spider figure of Lloth, she began chanting. "Lloth tlu Malla! Usstan bel'la Dos! Lloth tlu Malla! Kyorl usstan dal lil ogglin!"^*1 As she chanted, Mavralyn reached forward and grasped a sacrificial dagger in her hand. With the other, she took a small chalice from the altar, and then lifted both over her head in dedication to the Spider Queen. "Lloth tlu Malla! Usstan bel’la usstan ulu l'elamshin!"^*2

Quickly cutting into her flesh, she held the chalice to catch her blood. As the blood flowed into the chalice, she set the dagger back in its place. When the cup was almost full, she gestured and spoke a simple healing spell to close the wound. "Lloth, dos inbal elamshinuz usstan!"^*3 Chanting this last, she raised the chalice in both hands and drank the thick red fluid without stopping.

Setting the cup upon the altar, Mav suddenly felt a presence enter her. She had felt this before, and knew it to be a sending from Lloth. Continuing the praises, she opened her soul to the Evil Divinity.

"I want my own knights priestess-to-be. They will serve me in House Rilynt'tar under the Ilharess Jasra Dark. I have chosen you for this purpose. You remember your human past, even though you are fully mine now. Go out and seek them one by one. Bring me 3 within a fortnight and I will bless you with my favor. Bring me a KORT, and one day I might favor you above all others of your rank and your house will know fortune and wealth. The knowledge you need for this task is already within you. Go, and I will be with you." The presence left as suddenly as it came.

"Lloth Tlu Malla!!!! Lloth kyorlen phor Qu'ellar d'Rilynt'tar!!"^*4 Slowly, replacing the cup upon the altar, she wondered why she of all people should be so favored. Looking up at the figurine of Lloth she spoke with firm conviction, "I shall do as you command my Goddess!"

Finished with her devotions, Mav arose from the altar. Gesturing again, she called forth a steaming tub of water and proceeded to bathe. Almost without thinking, she moved the sponge along her body, following the path of Tarl's lips earlier. Shaking her head, she stopped and laughed. "That male has bewitched me I think", she murmured. Quickly finishing her bath and drying off, she waved the tub away with another gesture. Donning a fresh gown, Mav looked about her chambers once more than prepared to leave. "A good hunt should get my mind back to business", she mentally admonished herself as she walked out the door.

Leaving the gates of Rilynt'tar behind, Mavralyn quickly made her way to the surface. Finding herself in the hills near Triboar, she scanned the area for any signs of life. A wicked smile curved her lips as she noted signs of a recent campfire. Stealthily, she tracked the traveler. Shortly Mav had caught up with the rivvil. Spying through the natural cover, she noted his shining armor and the sigil on his shield. *A Palamu!*^*5 she thought. Stepping from the bushes, she waited a moment before the rivvil finally noticed her. Startled, but unafraid he inquired, "May I help you drowess?"

"Nau, I need no help little palamu," she purred. "I seek a sparring partner is all." Sensing his interest, she moved closer. "You seem a worthy opponent, little palamu. Perhaps you would spar with me," she inquired in husky tones. Discomfited by her nearness, he stepped back. "Why me, evil one?"

Shrugging, she once again moved nearer. "No reason, other than you are here, as am I." Mav laughed, "Besides, I could use the practice." This time he did not step away. Looking up at the human, she spoke once more, "I only ask a small price should I defeat you." Now slightly bemused at her nearness, he asked, "and what is the price milady?" Smiling at his rivvil term of respect, she said simply, "your heart." Startled by this he asked, "My heart?" Frowning, he continued, "Why should I pay this price for a simple sparring match?" Moving closer, almost touching the young knight, Mavralyn laughingly replied, "But it is such a small price, and I may not win at all against such a skilled knight as you." Inhaling her fragrance, once more bemused by her nearness, he agreed to the challenge.

Calling on Lloth's blessings, Mavralyn cast protective spells that shimmered with magical energies around her. The knight also called on his god to aid him in this battle. Both circled each other warily, testing for weakness. Gesturing and murmuring arcane words, the yathrin sent a cloud of acrid fumes to distract the knight. Quickly calling forth another spell while he was blinded, strong magic surrounded the man, holding him fast.

Stepping close to the magically bound male, Mav drew forth the sacrificial dagger. With a simple gesture and word his armor fell to the ground, revealing the travel-stained tunic underneath. Cutting through the fabric, Mav looked into the eyes of the knight. Seeing fear and resignation, she laughed wickedly and cut deep into his chest. The razor sharp dagger sliced through flesh with ease. Her eyes glowing as the blood spilled, she reached forward and ripped the still beating heart from his chest.

Holding the trophy aloft, Mavralyn chanted "Lloth tlu Malla; jal ultrinnan zhah xundus!"^*6 Sending the body and armor away with another spell, she removed a rune carved jar from her bag. Placing the heart inside and sealing the jar, she watched as the heart began beating once more. A pleased smile on her lips, she put the object away and continued on towards Crossergate.

*1. "Lloth be Praised! I honor You! Lloth be Praised! Guard me from the enemy!"
*2. "Lloth be Praised! I dedicate myself to the will of Lloth!"
*3. "Lloth, you have favored me!"
*4. "Lloth be Praised! Lloth watches over House Rilynt'tar!!"
*5. A palamu was a term created in the old game of Neverwinter Nights on AOL and was a short word for a paladin/mage dual classed character.
*6. "Lloth be Praised; all victory is Hers!"