Cottage of Nostalgia

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A soft sigh escaped Mavralyn's lips as she scanned the area and found no one about.  Slowing her pace a bit and keeping a wary eye out for ambushes, she made her way north past a small bridge inhabited by trolls.

Soon the drowess came upon a large glen where the river flowed by in stately grandeur.  Something about the area attracted her.  It brought back a vague feeling of nostalgia that soothed the ache within.  The stars looked like diamonds sparkling on a curtain of black velvet.  Reflections from the water seemed to wink at Mavralyn as she settled herself near the bank on an old fallen tree.

Forgetting for a moment where and who she was, Mavralyn leapt to her feet startled at the sudden appearance of Theido.

Angry at her own lapse of caution she snapped at the amused knight, "Why do all you males have to sneak up on me?"

With a deep chuckle the drow^*1 bowed and greeted her, "Vendui' Yathrin Mavralyn.  You seem far away, is something troubling you?"

Turning away from him to look once more upon the silent river, she answered quietly, "Nau Theido, I am merely reminiscing about another place and time."  Moving quietly closer to the seated priestess Theido knelt down beside her.  Concern showing in his voice he inquired, "Are you certain you are not keeping something hidden Mav?"

Turning to look at him her eyes flashed momentarily then darkened.  "Nau, I cannot hide things from you can I 'brother'.  This place reminds me of Willow Springs.  Some of the memories are not so fond."  Growing quiet and distant once again, the drowess sat there quietly.

Curious to hear for the first time any mention of Mavralyn's past, Theido prompted her, "Willow Springs?  Where is this place?"  Theido went silent and only listened to the Yathrin's husky tone as she spoke of things long forgotten.

"It is where I am from originally Theido.  I was not always drow.  I was born human as you were," she spoke bluntly and searched his face for a reaction.

Realizing he stood on slightly shaky ground here, the dark knight acted surprised at this bit of news he already knew.  Remembering the words of warning the Lady Ruatha gave him, *Do not tell Mav you spoke with me.  She is a very private person and would hate you for it.*

Abruptly standing and almost knocking Theido over, Mavralyn started pacing.  "I just had a thought.  I wish to build a small cottage here Theido."  Her eyes shining with excitement she stopped in front of him and looked down.  "Xas, a small hideaway so to speak, here on the surface.  Can you do it?"  Looking around the clearing her energy seemed to infect the Qu'el Saruk^*2.

Rising from the ground Theido also looked around, seeing in his mind the possibilities that existed.  Taking on a business like attitude he conjured up a table and pulled out some parchment from his pack.  Asking the yathrin what she wanted, Theido started drawing up a set of blueprints.  Her eyes questioning him, Mavralyn stepped over to see what magic spell he scribed. 

"My father would be proud of me for using the skills he taught me so long ago," Theido smiled at the curious yathrin.  The smile went away when he noticed her eyes go dark and shadowed with hidden pain.

"Do not speak to me of fathers," she said softly.  "Mine has no pride in me, nor do I wish it."

Theido continued to work on the plans as Mav mentioned another reference to her past.  Keeping his face expressionless, he showed the drowess the rough draft of a cottage layout.  Nodding at the drawing, Mav's shadowed expression lightened and she smiled at the male.

Using the local residents for slave labor and a minimal amount of magic, Theido soon had the building underway.  The Yathrin sat quietly and watched the proceedings.  Her eyes glowed and sparkled with excitement as the cottage took shape.

"Oh, and I wish a cellar Theido, put the entrance to it over there," she laughed and pointed to where the living room would be.

Keeping his mind on the business at hand, he merely nodded to indicate he heard her.  Mav let her thoughts wander knowing he would complete the task efficiently.

"It is done Yathrin," the deep voice interrupted her from her trance.  Looking about, Mavralyn's eyes widened in surprise.  "So soon?  You're father taught you well Theido."  Rising from the table, she entered and moved through the small house, nodding in approval at what she saw.  "Now it needs furnishing," she said with a smile.

Gathering the energy for a major creation, Mavralyn began the incantations.  Deep in concentration as the living room furniture appeared she moved slowly in a circle.

The combination of black leather and mahogany gave elegance to the room.  A well-stocked bookcase appeared along with two overstuffed chairs, a chaise lounge, and a couch.  Carvings of spiders crawled over the woodwork.  The large walk-in fireplace to the north came to life with a burst of flames.  An intricately detailed rug covered the trap door to the cellar.  The woven strands of dyed rothe^*3 wool depicted the ceremony of sacrifice.

Finished with the living area, Mavralyn headed south through an arched opening.  Entering the new room, she spoke thoughtfully, "I think this will make a nice dining/kitchen area."  Once more she gathered energy.  A wood stove and icebox appeared behind a large mahogany bar.  Graceful carvings of various spiders amidst delicate strands of webbing completed the beautiful piece. 

A bay-window alcove to the south looked out on the river that flowed serenely by.  The enchanted glass darkened during the daylight hours to give the illusion of dusk within.  A round mahogany table with matching chairs finished the arrangement.  A cloth of gossamer spider webs covered the surface.

Satisfied so far, the Yathrin nodded at her own handiwork and continued on.  Moving to the small room east of the dining area, she spoke aloud to the male who stayed close by, "This shall be the guest room.  I want it to be magnificent in case the Ilharess ever wishes to visit here."

Murmuring the words to another incantation a beautifully carved four-poster bed of black cherry appeared.  The silky red sheets of finest satin shimmered like fire.  A lovely quilt of various shades of red lay folded at the foot.  Two pillows of matching color completed the ensemble.  Curtains of silken spider webs draped the bed in gossamer strands of softest gray.

A tapestry hung on the north wall, hiding a small door leading to the courtyard.  The scene showed the Ilharess Jasra Dark standing in front of her spider throne in grandeur before her assembled house.  A tiny alcove in the east wall held a small shrine to Lloth.  Just to the south of the shrine stood a black lacquered screen of three panels.  Painted spiders of various types and sizes gave the illusion of spinning their webs upon the shiny surface.

Behind the screen squatted a large mithril tub upon eight spider-shaped legs.  Around the graceful curve of the edges rested small spiders of onyx.  Their ruby eyes glittered as if watching all that occurred.

Just south of the main doorway the last piece appeared.  An armoire carved from black cherry stood in stately elegance.  Intricately carved scenes of female and male drow covered the surface.  Closer inspection revealed the figures in an age-old dance of passion.

Touching each of the newly created pieces as she returned to the living room, the Yathrin chanted a spell of permanency to bind them.  Turning to the male who followed, Mavralyn smiled at the expression on his face.  "Now for the cellar, my 'playroom'," she chuckled with evil intent.  Opening the trap door and levitating to the lower level, Mav's eyes gleamed with amusement.  Once again magical energy gathered within the yathrin as she began another incantation.

Blocking off a section of the underground room with a wall of stone, she created several large racks for holding wine bottles.  As she continued her work, Theido slowly levitated to the cellar floor and watched.

Turning about slowly and using archaic gestures, the room began to take on the appearance she wanted.  Sconces lined the walls and fire sprang from the torches within.  Several large iron rings set deep into stone gave an indication of what games to expect.

Two seven-foot long posts of ironwood sprang into being near the center.  Approximately four feet apart they stood as if to guard the area.  Securely placed manacles and chains erupted from their solid surface.  More walls of stone sectioned off the southern end into four small holding cells.  Iron doors blocked the entrances.  Overhead dangled two small cages of iron and close to a large fireplace sat an ominous looking table known simply as 'the rack'.

More instruments of torture appeared on a long wooden bench.  Looking about the room with satisfaction Mavralyn spoke softly, "This should do for now.  I can always obtain more items."  Theido merely chuckled at the yathrin's words.

Placing the spell of permanency on each item, she gave the male a smug look and pointed to the wine racks, "I will have Jhiieri stock that section over there with his wines.  I seem to have gained a fondness for them."  Laughing she headed back up to finish the last room.

Mavralyn headed towards the door in the west wall of the living room.  Looking behind her at the male that followed, she smiled and laughed softly, "Nau Theido, this time you will wait out here."  Shutting the door behind her on his startled expression, she turned to survey her bedroom chamber.

Visualizing exactly what she wanted, the yathrin began to gather the energy required.  Another shrine to Lloth appeared in the north wall, a twin to the one in the guest room.   Weaving her spells, Mav created a small pocket of space within the stone behind the altar to hide certain valuables from prying eyes.

Just east of the alcove there appeared a wonderfully detailed tapestry of the house Rilynt'tar, lit with the many-colored lights of faerie fires.  The delicate strands spun from the finest spider silk seemed to glow from within.  All around the room, throw rugs of black lambskin warmed the wooden floor of inlaid ironwood.

The carved mahogany bed dominated the room with four posts standing guard.  The detailed craftsmanship of tortured slaves writhed about each sturdy pole and curtains of silver gossamer draped them in luxurious splendor.  Blood red silks and shiny black satins shimmered with a promise of sensuous delight.

The rich, dark color of mahogany enhanced the room further with matching nightstand and armoire.  Intricately carved figures danced across their surface in worship to the demon goddess.

Against the east wall a unique massage table appeared.  Covered in the velvety fur of sable, a hinged center allowed it to fold up and lock in place.  Loops of soft leather adorned each of the corners.  A slow, wicked smile of pleasure curved the yathrin's lips, thinking of the use she planned for it.

Turning to the north wall, near the west end, Mavralyn shaped an arched opening within the stone, allowing access to the outside.  Resting only for a short time, she drew upon her inner powers and once more began to chant words of magic.  Stepping through the opening, walls of natural looking stone rose around her and sealed off a ten square foot of area.

Faerie lights danced in an array of colors about the tiny cave like room.  A roughly round shaped pool opened up near her feet, starting shallow then increasing in depth towards the back.  A ledge to sit upon circled the inner edge of the tiny pool.  Fed by the sparkling waters of the river that flowed nearby and continuously warmed by magic, the bathing chamber gave the appearance of a lovely underground grotto.

Sealing the magic permanently, Mav returned to the bedchamber and placed a curtain of darkness in the archway to hide the grotto from casual view.  The wall seemed empty next to it.  "Xas, a dresser to match the rest.  That's what is missing!" She murmured to herself and began chanting once again.

Looking more like a large vanity table, a dresser and chair appeared.  Their carved surface of mahogany continued the motif of spiders, slaves, and drow.  A mirrored piece of glass stood watch upon the vanity's surface.  She finished her work with more spells of permancy and turned around to survey the chamber.

Her little hideaway completed now, Mavralyn returned to where she left Theido and found him speaking to Jhiieri.

"Just the male I wished to speak with."

A rap on her chamber's outer door caused Mav to look up sharply.  Angered by the offensive intrusion, the Yathrin called out impatiently, "What is it you want?  It had better be important!"  The servant shouted through the door, "I have a message from Yathrin Arielana."  With a roll of eyes at the assassin she moved reluctantly to the door and opened it.  Frowning at the male who dared interrupt, her eyes flashed with anger.  "Be quick, wael!" Mav snarled at him.

The servant bowed to her and held out the scroll. A sly smile crossed his face as he spied Ryltarl move into the doorway to the antechamber.  Hesitantly, he held out the second scroll to the furious priestess saying, "This is for the Velgla Jabbuk."  A scowl crossing her face as she read, Mavralyn snapped, "Tell my sister we will be there soon!"  The servant turned to leave quickly, happy that he still lived.

Dressing slowly Mav glared at the amused look on Ryltarl's face.  "She knows I don't see you very often Tarl, so you can wipe that smile off right now."  With a sweeping bow the assassin chuckled, "As you wish my dark sweet."  Offering the pouting yathrin his arm, the two headed to Arielana's room.

Mavralyn entered Arielana's chambers with Tarl a few steps behind. He bowed slightly and leaned against the wall folding his arms waiting to hear why she summoned them.  Annoyed by her sister's assertiveness, Mavralyn greeted Arielana coolly saying, "We are here as you demanded, Yathrin Arielana."  Arielana had never before summoned them in such a manner, but did not back down to her sister's remark.  Instead, she swept across the room to the door.  Placing her hand on the mithral knob, she turned to Mavralyn and said, "Nothing holds you here, sister.  Leave if you want."

"Why did you call us, Ari," Mavralyn said waspishly, "If you would so easily dismiss us?"

Calmly, Arielana opened the door and said, "I thought you would like to see me on my return.  If you do not, then leave, both of you!"

In the meantime, Ryltarl watched and grinned slyly at the bickering between the two sisters.  Usually they plotted against him and he could not help snickering at the sudden turn of events.  Stepping forward, he thought to put an end to the foolishness, calling, "Yathrinen."  As both turned to Ryltarl, they noticed his hand move ever so slightly.  Suddenly, they felt their feet leave the floor.  Their anger at each other then turned on the Velgla' Jabbuk.  Mavralyn cast a spell that quickly released them from the assassin's magic.  Arielana's eyes flashed in fury and she snarled at the male, "You no longer have power over me Ryltarl!"

Upon uttering these words a great flash of light filled the room and the heart shaped amulets that each Yathrin wore disappeared.  Ryltarl then said without expression, "I have never had any power over you.  Except that which you gave me.  Now that bond is broken."

Arielana looked at Ryltarl in disbelief as she said, "This is not what I wished.  Why must the bond be broken?"

With a sudden thought, Mavralyn rummaged in her bag of holding frantically retrieving an ebony box. When she opened the lid, the box turned into a magnificent spider that quickly leapt from her hand and scurried across the floor and up Ryltarl's body to his shoulder.  Mavralyn recalled the evening Tarl had gifted her with the box and slumped slowly to the floor.  Seeing the stricken look crossing Mavralyn's face, Ryltarl reached his hand out to her.  The spider crawled down his arm to his hand then leapt onto Mavralyn's shoulder. "This will always be there if you are in need, Yathrin," he said.  As Arielana watched Ryltarl and Mavralyn, she began to understand his words.

Ryltarl looked from one to the other then said calmly, "Arielana, you spoke the words that caused the amulets to disappear.  Do you not understand?” He then turned his back on the Yathrinen.  Arielana walked to him placing her hands on his shoulder.  Ryltarl turned to Arielana and said softly,  "This is how it was to be from the first." Mavralyn, lost in her own thoughts, had not noticed Arielana move to Ryltarl.  When she looked up and saw them embrace, an empty feeling overwhelmed her.  Thinking she had lost them both, Mavralyn stood and left the room.

Wandering the hallways without paying attention, Mav soon found herself in a small unused room.  Clearing away the dust of what looked like centuries with a simple spell, she noticed some ancient and yellowed scraps of parchment.  Before she could investigate further, both Ryltarl and Arielana called to her mentally to return.  Making a note of the location of this room, she placed a simple ward on the door and returned to Ari's chambers.

When Mav arrived back at Ari's room, a servant followed her in.   He bowed to Arielana and said, "Ilharn Theido looks for you Yathrin.  He has a message from the Ilharess.  He seeks you on the surface not knowing you have returned."

Sensing that Mavralyn needed to speak with Ryltarl as she had done, Arielana used this as an excuse to leave the two alone once more.

*1.  Part of Theido's punishment for attacking a female drow was to have him changed permanently into a drow. He is fortunate he wasn't turned into a drider or killed.
*2.  Loosely translated: House Weapons Master.
*3.   A type of herd animal that lives in the Underdark, similar to cattle.