A New Yathrin

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The powerful mind of the Ilharess brought her out of her reveries.  *Come, to the throne room now!*  The mental voice of the matron pierced her thoughts and caused Mav to wince.  Sighing, wondering what transgression she committed this time, the drowess quickly donned her gown and headed towards the throne room of Rilynt'tar.

All of Qu’ellar Rilynt'tar stood assembled before and around the spider throne of the Ilharess Jasra Dark.  The dalharilen^*1 filed in and took their places beside it.  When the matron entered, power emanating from the beautiful drowess, all of Rilynt'tar bowed before her.  The low hum of conversation died as Jasra summoned a new male to stand before her.

Trying to hold her fears in check and not really paying attention to the ceremonial induction of a new Sargtlin, Mavralyn nearly missed her own summons before the Ilharess.

"Mistress Mavralyn tis thy turn to come before me."  The words of the matron mother echoed through the great hall.

Surprised by the call and wondering if she were again in trouble, the young drowess stepped forward not showing her inner turmoil.  Her face stayed calm while her mind raced in hopes that her thoughts remained hidden.

"Have I done something wrong Malla Ilharess?  Mavralyn inquired without trace of the doubts inside.  "I hope I have not offended you?"

Without answering, Jasra spoke in a firm tone, "Kneel before me Yathrin Mavralyn."

Immediately Mav knelt before the spider throne while the title "yathrin" bounced around inside her mind.  A feeling of elation filled her as the matron placed a pendant around her neck. The same pendant the other yathrinen^*2 of Rilynt’tar wore.  Stunned by the unexpected rise in rank, the new yathrin barely maintained a composed expression.

"Now rise and take thy place among the other Yathrinen." Jasra declared in ringing tones.  "Know that every step and word that you make is more important in honoring House Rilynt'tar."

Slowly rising and showing a great dignity in her new position, Mavralyn spoke with quiet assurance, "I shall not bring disfavor to this House.  I have not in my past, nor will I in the future, ever do anything to discredit Rilynt'tar.  My loyalty is to Lloth foremost and to you, Malla Ilharess."  She then turned and took her place among the other priestesses.

With a dismissive gesture, the Ilharess spoke one last time, "Now all of you know your duties so be off.  Know that I watch all of you."

After the ceremony for her induction into the temple, Mavralyn felt elated and full of power.  The living whip she now carried writhed around her waist.  The 7 heads purring and hissing in pleasure at the magical life that gave them power.  Able to sense the yathrin's mood, they seemed well pleased with this new priestess of Lloth.

Calming herself, she quieted the Whip of Fangs and decided to continue her studies on the surface.  Cloaking herself in darkness and moving silently through the city of Rilauven, she slipped out into the tunnels of the Underdark.  Passing unseen and without interruption, Mav eventually found herself near one of the many surface exits hidden within the Neverwinter Woods.

Before leaving the darkness of the cave, she checked the area first.  No others spied upon her and the woods were empty.  Finding a small clearing, Mav rested before continuing southward to the small town of Longsaddle.

Upon entering the inn, her silent approach nearly startled the innkeeper into a premature death.  "How may I help one of the dark elves today milady?"  He inquired after recovering from his shock.

"I require a private room, one where I may come and go when I please." She told him in a low husky voice.  "I also wish it to remain unoccupied while I am away."  The innkeeper agreed for a healthy sum of gold.  Handing him a small heavy pouch, he in turn handed her the key to a room in back.  He watched as the drowess entered the room and locked the door behind her.

Hearing the murmur of arcane words and feeling the beginnings of powerful magic from behind the closed door, the innkeeper decided to vacate the area until all turned quiet once again.

Finally the flashes of light and the electric tingle of magic ended from behind the closed door.  Mavralyn entered the empty common area and headed towards one of the secluded tables.  The newest Yathrin d'Rilynt'tar sank into her chair with a heavy sigh.

After reflecting back over the past several months, a commotion interrupted her memories.  Theido and a male drow entered the inn at that moment. Both bowed deeply and greeted the yathrin.  The news they brought concerned Mavralyn deeply.

When she heard the whole story, her anger exploded in an incredulous shout, "YOU DID WHAT?!!!!"

Mavralyn couldn't believe her ears as their story poured out.

"We were fighting off creatures in the hills so did not notice the Yathrin Drin Jalil, until she entered the fray herself and attacked us," replied the dark knight as calmly as possible.  His expression showed the strain of holding in his anger.

"So you thought you could fight back?"

"Aye yathrin, for it was in our own self defense, and I merely held her in place then turned to slay the remaining creatures that sought to harm us all."

Shaking her head in disbelief, she commanded the two males to kneel before her.  Her eyes flashed dangerously as she paced back in forth in front of the bowed heads.  "You realize you will be punished?"  The furious yathrin continued before either could interrupt, "That you are in the wrong for what you did?  It matters not that she attacked you.  If I didn't know you would already be punished for this transgression, I would flay the skin from your backs right now."

Thoroughly disgusted with the males, Mavralyn dismissed them and told them both to return immediately to Rilynt'tar and explain their actions to the Ilharess.  "Let HER justice teach you to ever strike out at another female," she hissed with menace.

Needing to work off her anger, the yathrin headed west and soon entered the quiet forest of Neverwinter.  Not caring whether anything attacked her at the moment, Mav's hurried steps soon brought her to a small glade.  Looking carefully around and searching the surrounding forest as well, she could detect no others about.

Unpacking a blanket she spread it out upon the grassy carpet of the glade.  Mavralyn settled herself on it and began to cast her mind along the various strands of web she wove to gain information.  The quiet of the woods and the intense concentration required for the sifting of all the bits and pieces soon calmed the anger that had flared up earlier.

Letting her mind drift, the yathrin finally sensed a presence familiar to her.  There was a glow of light surrounding an inner core of darkness that also attracted her interest.  Letting her mental fingers lightly touch the other, she began to weave her spell and let her thoughts entwine with his.

*1.  Daughters
*2.  Priestesses