Dark Flower, Book II - Chapter 14 - Sheyreiza's Web

[Mikayla]

Dark Flower, Book II - Chapter 14 - Sheyreiza's Web

The journey back to the surface was uneventful. Though the trek back to the Silver Marches took just as long as the trek to Mantol Derith, it felt much shorter to Sheyreiza. Her mind was awhirl, pondering her change in circumstance, the power of Lolth’s favor and the coming threat of the shadow. As she traveled the cycles melded into a single, dark, dangerous yet also pleasant daydream of power, revenge and lust. Never before had her future held so much promise and never before had she been so free from doubt and fear. Certainly death still awaited her around every turn in the Underdark’s passages and down every strand of her life’s web, but that was nothing new. What was new was her potential to rise amidst society, to achieve what few, if any, had achieved before. Her afterlife was also promising, whether she came to it after much success or around the next bend in the tunnel. Lolth had accepted her service. So long as she faithfully served the Spider Queen, even if she lost Lolth’s favor, her afterlife was assured. It would be, if she understood correctly, similar to serving Lolth in this life.

The walk from the cave exit through the woods to the outskirts of Silverymoon snapped Sheyreiza out of her fantasies. Near the cave entrance, the woods were crawling with spiders but the further south Sheyreiza traveled the fewer and fewer arachnids she saw. The forest took on a decidedly fey feel and a feeling of unease crept up Sheyreiza’s spine. Cautiously she crept through the woods as silently as her enchanted boots would allow. As she passed a high mound her feelings of unease peaked. Bow in hand, she scanned the wooded slopes of the mysterious hill for danger. There was nothing. She moved on, her ruby eyes constantly sweeping left and right. Her unease subsided as the strange hill was lost in the distance behind her.

Miles beyond the hill she came upon a small village surrounded by a low wall. It smelled like humans and flowers. A small fire burned amidst a clearing not far from the village walls. As she approached, Sheyreiza saw a circle not unlike the sacred circle of Lonelywood where once she had been a priestess of Eilistraee. A robed human moved through the trees that defined the circle but did not see Sheyreiza creeping through the dark. She passed through the gap between the circle and the village wall. A figure moving north nearly surprised her; she touched her ring and made herself invisible. The figure passed by. It was a darthiir, dressed in hunting leathers and armed with a bow, arrows and knife. A guardian of the village? Perhaps elf and human lived side by side in this small enclave. Sheyreiza filed away the information for future reference and moved on.

South of the village she found a road, chose a direction and then walked parallel to the road but not on it. The dark expanse of woodlands gave way to meadows and the meadows in turn gave way to cultivated fields. She passed by ruins guarded by armored humans, and small farm houses. She was drawing near to the city it seemed.

An anxious knot formed in her chest as she walked. When the walls came in sight the anxiety turned into dread loathing that clutched at her chest like the claw of some gargantuan monster, growing tighter until she could barely breathe. There was something wrong about this place, something terribly wrong. Panic threatened to overwhelm her. She took another a step forward and the terror grew. Sweat rolled off her brow and she realized she had stopped breathing altogether. She had to get out of here. She started walking backwards away from this accursed place. The terror did not subside immediately and her withdrawal quickly turned into a rout. She ran down the road away from the city until she could no longer see it. Finally she stopped and caught her breath near the ruins of a small settlement some distance from the city. Atop a nearby hill she could see the forms of human warriors, Knights in Silver they were called, looking down at the road in her direction. Her panicked retreat had not been very stealthy. Armored humans approached, swords drawn, thick human tongues shouting warnings to thick human ears as they alerted each other and surrounded her. Sheyreiza dug into her satchel and held out her papers to the closest human. The man had been approaching intent on battle but upon seeing the papers his demeanor changed. He approached warily but not offensively. He took the papers from her hand and stepped back well out of sword range. It took the humans a few minutes to find a light with which to read the papers which were then passed around for each to read.

Most of the surrounding humans returned to their posts. The first knight lowered his sword but did not sheath it. He handed Sheyreiza her papers and told her she was free to go. Though thick tongued like all humans, his voice still managed to convey his reluctance to set her free as well as his scorn at her race. Sheyreiza noted his behavior; the knights were suitably wary, they worked well as a team, and they followed orders even when it was obvious they did not want to.

“I do not wish to enter the city.” Sheyreiza said in the common tongue. It was not quite true. She had wished to enter the city, but upon actually seeing it, she had fled in terror. She realized this was probably the work of the city’s famous mythal and suddenly Sheyreiza found herself far more impressed with that legendary artifact than she had been when its powers were but rumor. “I need a message delivered to the dwarf king, Hignar of the Battlehammers. Tell him Sheyreiza has returned and awaits him.” The knight complied and sent a runner to the city to find Hignar.

Sheyreiza spent the rest of the dark morning skulking about the road and ruins where the knights were stationed. She did not like standing too close to them, but she appreciated having them near. If forces of the Shades attacked, or if some passing citizen took issue with Sheyreiza’s race, she could put the knights between herself and her would-be assailants.

A few hours after sunrise Hignar came from the city. He found Sheyreiza taking shelter from the sun’s light in the shade of a great tree. Naturally, he did not recognize her at first and it took some convincing to prove she was who she claimed to be. Once satisfied, Hignar showed Sheyreiza to a small cottage near the road where she could stay. He implored her to keep out of sight. While the nearby knights might not slay her, he doubted they would actually protect her in the event some passerby decided to do her harm. He wanted to know what she had been through, but Sheyreiza provided few details. She told him her return to Lolth had been successful, and that the Spider Queen had asked little upfront other than her service. Hignar took what information he could get and left, uneasily watching over his shoulder as he strode back towards the city.

The cottage was a really just a single room with a bed, a table, a stove, a few shelves and a couple chairs. Surfacers might have called it ‘cozy’ but to Sheyreiza it was a hovel fit for slaves. On the other hand, she had seen the inside of more than one dungeon in her time and while this cottage was no bigger than some of the cells she had occupied, the door did not lock from the outside. She settled in and bit back the urge to complain. The surfacers would expect the worst from her now, so to keep their trust she had to play nice.

Inthara came after Hignar left. The dwarf had told her about Sheyreiza’s change in appearance so while Inthara was wary, she was also easy to convince. Inthara asked about Sheyreiza’s conversion and again Sheyreiza did little more than confirm it had happened. She did not speak at all about murdering the elven family, about killing the heretics or about sacrificing her only son. Instead, Sheyreiza implied the conversion was easy because Lolth wanted the alliance and would extract her price when Sheyreiza went to the afterlife. Inthara nodded along but it was clear she had news of her own to tell so Sheyreiza let the subject change.

The children were here - Inthara had Shein’n and Vraja. Isaniel, the Lonelywood elf who had brought news of Jain’n’s death, had actually done what Sheyreiza asked; she brought the children out of hiding and gave them to Inthara. They were in Silverymoon at that very moment.

A bolt of violent, vengeful, burning lust shot through Sheyreiza. So close. The children were so close and they were in the hands of Inthara. Sheyreiza could get to them. She might not ever get to Jain’n as someone else had killed him before she could, but revenge was still possible; she could hurt the children. She would have to play this game cautiously but boldly, like a savva player who sees a winning combination in the pieces left on the web, but who must now find that elusive path to victory. As the lust fueled Sheyreiza’s mind and she began analyzing all the possible moves and counter moves, a small part of her deep down inside her soul also cursed Inthara. How could the sorceress be so foolish as to tell Sheyreiza about the children? Had she no memory of what Lolthian society was like? Did she not remember Sheyreiza telling Isaniel to keep the children away? Did she not remember her own words when she warned Sheyreiza not to have Isaniel bring the children? The nervousness in Inthara’s voice signaled she did remember of course. Her common sense, however, was overwhelmed by her joy at having the children back. Inthara was also betrayed by her very nature; she simply talked too much and was no good at keeping secrets.

Go slowly, Sheyreiza told herself. Do not push to fast or to far. Inthara knew that Sheyreiza might be a danger to the children and if she felt that danger imminent, she would bolt and the children would slip beyond Sheyreiza’s grasp again. Sheyreiza did not press Inthara about the children and let the conversation turn to other matters.

Inthara told Sheyreiza about the city, about the war preparations and about her journey out to the Moonwoods, the very same dark forest Sheyreiza had recently walked through. It seemed the village Sheyreiza had passed was called Quaerrvar and was indeed home to both elves and humans. Inthara also spoke of the strange hill north of the village that had so unsettled Sheyreiza; the mysterious mound turned out to be the home of the Mouth of Song, a temple to Eilistraee where drow and elf lived side by side, singing and dancing for Lady Silverhair by moonlight. Inthara was not living there yet, but she was spending time there talking with its folk.

All was not well with Inthara, however. She had begun hearing the voice of Hartex in her head. He had been pressing her to return to Lolth but the sorceress resisted. Sheyreiza began silently cursing the demon for making such a blunt, clumsy attempt. Could he not show a little patience? A little cunning?

Then Inthara confessed her recent crimes. It seemed Inthara had been near Quaerrvar one night when shadows appeared. She was not sure if they were undead, shades or something else entirely. In the confusion, she let loose several arrows, two of which found marks. When the darkness lifted, Inthara saw that she had slain two of the villagers. Fearful of the surfacers’ wrath, she fled. Though she had not meant to kill them, she doubted the villagers would listen to reason. When Inthara mentioned Hartex had been talking to her all the while Sheyreiza could barely restrain a smile. There was little doubt the deaths were a set up. The demon's cajoling might be too overt to work on its own, but Sheyreiza could capitilize on the killings.

This was the final piece Sheyreiza needed. She could see the path to victory now – but the path would take several more moves and her gambit could be countered along the way. Brute force would be useless here; deception would be the key.

Sheyreiza nodded in sympathy and comforted Inthara as the sorceress spoke, but she also fed Inthara’s fears. She reminded Inthara of what had happened to Sadei at the hands of humans when the young Eilistraeen was put on trial – and Sadei’s crimes were far less than Inthara’s even if the killing was an accident. Inthara admitted she was scared to go back to the Mouth of Song now, because Quaervarr lay in the path. Even Silverymoon was frightening to her now. Any moment she expected teleporting Spellguard to appear and arrest her.

With the flames of Inthara’s fears well stoked, Sheyreiza quietly suggested that Inthara leave Silverymoon. Inthara retorted that she had no place to go, and what of the children? Sheyreiza made one of her moves. The children were in danger, she told Inthara. Inthara was incredulous at first, but Sheyreiza pointed out the ‘obvious’ facts; if Inthara’s killings were discovered, Inthara would likely hang for the crime, but so would Shein’n. Shein’n was a drow after all. The surfacers were unlikely to care that one of her parents was a surface elf. Inthara nodded and related that since her infancy, Shein’n’s skin had darkened to the jet black of the drow and her hair had gone white. This only reinforced Sheyreiza’s argument. Vraja too was in danger; if Inthara was hung, what then would become of Vraja? He would be a ward of the city, most likely fated to be given to some human farmers as an indentured servant and made to work a plough or smithy the rest of his miserable days. Never would he roam the forests freely with his Tel’Quessir kin like his father Nylo. He would likely forget the elven language altogether and become a human in all ways but blood.

Abject fear showed in Inthara’s face. While she had feared for her own life after killing the two villagers she had not seriously considered the fate of the two children. Quickly, Inthara’s fear turned to anger and resolution. She would not let that happen. No one would harm the children while she was their guardian. No one would hang Shein’n for Inthara’s crimes and no one would enslave Vraja. No one would take her children away again, not if she had to kill every villager she came across.

Sheyreiza supported Inthara’s resolve but made no suggestion about what to do. She would not push Inthara – such a push would likely be too transparent. She had to hide her lust for revenge as long as possible.

They kept talking for hours and Inthara’s hesitation and caution slowly evaporated as she grew more familiar with the new Sheyreiza. It looked like a different woman but the new Sheyreiza sounded like the old Sheyreiza. Whenever possible, Sheyreiza would hint about the dangers of the surface and of the children falling into a stranger’s hands. Never did she say anything overtly – she only responded to Inthara – but she carefully kept nudging Inthara back to the subject of her killings. Just before dawn, as Inthara prepared to leave, Sheyreiza made a move; she told Inthara she would like to see Shein’n if possible so she could explain why she had left. Sheyreiza reminded Inthara that when she had been banished, she had been denied such an opportunity. Inthara nodded. Having talked with Shein’n, Inthara knew the child had no idea about what really happened between her mother and father. She agreed to bring the children by the cottage.

Another piece fell into place.

***

Sheyreiza smoothed the skirts of her gown when she heard voices outside. Glancing through the small cottage window, she saw Inthara approaching with two children, one an elf boy, the other a drow girl. They were all chatting. Sheyreiza stepped over to the fire and waited as the trio came in. The chatting stopped as they looked upon Sheyreiza who was dressed in her finest silver and white silk gown. She smiled as they looked her over curiously, but only Inthara returned the smile.

“Who is she mother?” Asked Vraja breaking the silence. “She looks nice.”

“Be quite Vraja.” Shein’n snapped.

Inthara looked at the two children and gestured to Sheyreiza who kneeled to their height. “Shein'n, Vraja, meet Sheyreiza.”

Vraja looked from his mother to the kneeling woman. “Oh. Hello Sheyreiza. I'm Vraja.” A big smile spread across his young face. There was no guile or fear in it, just innocence and joy.

“I know, young man.” Sheyreiza replied happily. I could kill all three of them now, she thought to herself. They are all within reach. How easy it would be. But that is not what Lolth wants. If I killed them here and now I would have to flee and the alliance would fail. Revenge is important, but the survival of the cities is more so. Besides, killing them is not enough - Lolth wants their souls, not just their lives, and I will give them to her.

Shein’n barely restrained a scowl. “Hello.... mother.” The girl looked up to Inthara. “Why did you bring us to her?”

“To meet me.” Sheyreiza answered, as an astonished Vraja looked back and forth between mother and daughter. “It has been a long time since I have seen you Shein'n. Or you, Master Vraja.” Vraja grinned at the title.

Shein’n ignored Sheyreiza for the moment and stared at Inthara. “Its safer.” Inthara explained. “The danger that was feared will not happen and the city is no longer safe.”

“That is not what you said earlier Inthara.” Shein’n retorted. She was sharp and suspicious Sheyreiza thought, while Vraja was eager and happy. Shein’n looked back to Sheyreiza, her eyes narrowed. “You are.... different.”

Sheyreiza nodded. “In many ways, yes. This face, the one you see now, is my true face. The face you knew as an infant was one I borrowed.”

The girl looked back at the boy. “Vraja. Wait outside.”

Vraja tried to go but Inthara held him close. “Mother, can you let go? She told me to go outside.”

Interesting, Sheyreiza thought, he does what Shein’n tells him to do and does it without question. “It’s alright Inthara.” Sheyreiza said with a smile. “Master Vraja can go outside. Why don't you go with him?” Inthara nodded and left, taking Vraja with her.

When they were gone, Shein’n regarded her mother coolly. “Why did you change?” Straight to the heart of the matter, good girl, Sheyreiza thought. The child was perceptive, untrusting and intelligent. Perfect.

“War is coming to the surfacers. Our people, the drow, can help them, but someone has to convince them to do it. And someone has to lead our people in the fight that is to come. I changed so I can go back to our people and convince them to fight the Shades. Humans are people, despite what your father may have taught you. They are not elves, this is true, but they are people. And there are many dwarves here as well, and elves too. All of them are people and all of them are threatened by the Shades.” Sheyreiza spoke to Shein’n about the Shade threat and what it meant both for the peoples of the surface and the peoples of the Underdark. She stressed the need for an alliance, even one as strange as this one, to fight back what appeared to be an unstoppable foe.

Shein’n had many questions, not the least of which was why Sheyreiza had to return to ‘evil.’ Shein’n would not say Lolth’s name but she knew who the Spider Queen was. Her father had filled her with horror stories; horror stories that Sheyreiza knew were only inaccurate because they failed to convey the true evil of Lolth’s dominion. How could one teach the truth of something one had never experienced? Sheyreiza met Shein’n head on – or seemed to. She did not deny the label of ‘evil’ that Shein’n put upon Lolth nor did she deny her return to the Spider Queen. Instead, she subverted the specifics. Certainly Lolth was evil, but even an evil goddess can see when her people are threatened and has the common sense to take the necessary steps to protect them. What is more Lolthian than self-preservation? An alliance such as this was purely within Lolth’s nature – it meant saving her people from destruction while getting others to fight much of the battle.

The girl wanted to know what would happen next so Sheyreiza outlined the plan in its broadest terms. Now that Sheyreiza had returned to the Spider Queen, she could return to the Underdark and negotiate with the Matrons of Ched Nasad and Menzoberranzan. An army of drow and slave troops would be formed and this army would then aid in the coming fight against the Shades. Shein’n was not easily swayed but she was at least appeased. With her questions answered for the moment, Shein’n’s attention turned to Vraja and she went outside to find him. Sheyreiza followed. Everyone was just outside the cottage by the old log that served as a makeshift bench. Vraja wiggled out of Inthara’s arms and retrieved a small bow. He began speaking excitedly of going hunting and of the arrows he made. Shein’n wanted to see them. As the two children talked Inthara took Sheyreiza’s hand and began tapping in code.

I have something I need to tell you.

Sheyreiza tapped back into the cup of Inthara’s hand. What?

I am going to go with you. You are right, it is safer for them. I want you to bring me home; to our Queen. I cannot go as I was. As a Eilistraeen.

Sheyreiza’s heart raced but she struggled not to show her emotions; another piece was falling into place. Infront of the adults, the children were discussing the arrows Vraja had made. Shein’n was examining them carefully. The boy was convinced he could bring down at least four deer. Sheyreiza pointed out that he could not possibly eat four deer and if he went hunting he should take only one. He decided he would take an orc instead. Shein’n said he was a fool for even thinking he could take an orc but Vraja’s energy and enthusiasm was boundless. Sheyreiza could see Vraja was intent on hunting and Shein’n intent on going where ever he went, so she sent them on their way. She limited Vraja to one deer and no orcs, and cautioned them both to run immediately if they saw any unnatural darkness. “Good hunting, Master Vraja.” She said with a smile.

As the two ran off for the hunt Sheyreiza could hear Vraja bragging, “She called me master again!”

“No doubt because you are the master fool at times.” Shein’n replied. It was an interesting relationship they had. Though Shein’n was hard on Vraja she clearly loved him and he obviously loved her. They were best friends even if they were a study in physical, emotional and mental opposites. Perhaps that was why they were best friends.

Inthara turned to Sheyreiza and spoke in their native tongue. “Bring me home, my Heart

Sheyreiza nodded. “Come inside.”

They sat in the cottage next to the stove and Sheyreiza tended the fire. “Sister,” Sheyreiza said, “Your return is possible, but Lolth will test you. She will test more than your desire to return to her.”

Inthara brushed back her hair. “Yes, I know. I know She will. She will test my heart, spirit and soul; test my love. I know what I'm asking, and what the price can be. But I cannot believe that I will be safe here.”

“You are not safe here. She will most likely want to know you truly seek redemption. She will also likely want to know you are worth it - in other words, that you are strong enough for her to care about.”

“I will do as you did.”

“Then you will face Her test as I did. I would tell you of it, but it is for you to discover on your own.”

“If She finds me worthy, then She will have me back - fully this time. If not, then She can take my soul.”

And she will be more than happy to, Sheyreiza thought. “There is but one way through it if you wish to be successful; And that is through Her, with no hesitation, regret, or second thoughts. You do what She wants, no matter what.

Inthara hugged Sheyreiza from behind, gently squeezing her. “Yes. Without hesitation, without regret. It will be harder than what I was before. I knew no other goddess before. Lolth was the only one I had. Now I've known another's touch.”

“Now you know there are choices.” It had always been about choices, Sheyreiza thought. That’s what life was – a series of choices. “To go back to Her, you must choose Her.”

“And I make my choice. Now.” Inthara said resolutely. The sorceress rested her lovely head on Shey's back. “As much as I love Eilistraee, She cannot protect me or the children.”

“No. We have seen what little protection the love of Eilistraee can provide: Talice, Sadei, Laele, Numenor, Akordia, Hivarra, and all the others...dead.”

Inthara pressed her face against Sheyreiza’s skin. “I loved Her. Loved Nylo, Jain'n and many others, yet they all betrayed me; Jain'n, comsumed by his 'duty'; Nylo, his left hand, always doing what Jain’n ordered. They lied to us about things, kept things from us. Took away our children.” The sorceress began to weep.

“It is the lying that hurts me the most.” Sheyreiza said softly, staring distantly into the fire. “Matron Shyntlara took my son Tanias away from me, but she never lied about it. She never told me she was 'good' and I was 'bad' and that was why she did it. She did not ply me with tales of love and fantasies about happiness. She simply was who she was and did what she did. She was honest. Jain'n...Jain'n used lies of love to use me; to use us.”

“Yes. To use our wombs. All my life, I've been used and treated as a tool, a thing, by everyone. Everyone except one. You, Sheyreiza. You saw something and brought that out of me.”

“You are my sister, Inthara. Not by blood, but by something stronger. Choice.” Sheyreiza’s voice was as warm as sun’s light outside and as strong as the walls of the city, but that warmth and strength concealed her cold thoughts. I will see you damned to the Demonweb if you are so weak as to ignore the warnings I gave you, Inthara Despana. Follow me in this life, and you will follow me in death sister. And you will deserve it if you bring those children with you, for in so doing, you doom them as well, and for that, you deserve the damnation I am leading you towards.

“Yes, sisters.” Inthara took a deep breath. “I want to stay with you, supporting you when you need it.”

Sheyreiza looked into the fire and decided to plant another hook. So far she had manipulated Inthara with fear of punishment. Now it was time to offer a reward. “Then let us stay together and weather this storm as a family.”

“Together, we can build a strong family.” Inthara echoed.

“Yes. Perhaps a house one day. A Qu'ellar. I have spent some divinations on your desires.”

“Oh? What did you see?” Inthara was ever the curious soul.

“You may bear children again, but it will come only as a reward from Her.”

“The Maiden cannot give me that.” Inthara admitted, a spark of anger flaring in her voice.

Sheyreiza decided to fan that spark. “Cannot? I rather think she simply will not. The Maiden is punishing you.”

Inthara blinked in shock and then her eyes narrowed. “That bitch.” She hissed. Her hands clenched tightly. “Very well, when can it be done?”

Too easy, Sheyreiza thought. “I think we can likely do it as soon as we get into the Underdark, to Mantol Derith.” While outwardly Sheyreiza offered Inthara comfort, inside, she cursed the sorceress; Inthara, you are weak and you will suffer for it. Soon you will serve Lolth and she will have your soul – all because you were too weak to heed the warnings you were given and too in love with me to use your common sense.

Inthara appeared oblivious. “Everyone that I've cared for has lied to me, except you and Lolth. She may be evil, but as you said, She is honest about it. My Heart, if She takes my soul but doesn’t take me back, treat my body well.” The sorceress hugged Sheyreiza tightly and began to sob.

“I promise sister. I have always treated the dead well and my sister will be no exception.” That was not a lie. If Inthara failed the test of Lolth and paid with her life, Sheyreiza would see her body properly taken care of. The dead deserved respect, even those that failed, for in the end, every drow, successful or not, faithful or not, was going to fail and was going to die. She would not allow Inthara’s body to be defiled or used in necromancy – such a fate was for iblith, not Ilythiiri, and even then, Sheyreiza thought of it as the severest of punishments – one she generally reserved only for those who had proven themselves to be defilers of the dead.

Inthara sniffled and stopped sobbing. She looked up at the window where the light was growing red with the sunset. “Shouldn't the children be coming back soon?”

“Yes, why don't you go find them.”

The sorceress wiped the tears from her cheeks. “Goodbye sister.” She said on her way out.

Goodbye sister, Sheyreiza said to herself. The pieces were in place upon the web of the great savva game. Had this been a human chess match rather than savva, one player would be telling the other “check.”

Still, it was not checkmate. Sheyreiza feared that Inthara would have second thoughts. There were still other pieces on the board not yet accounted for or neutralized. Hignar was not the least of those pieces. He could conceivably get Inthara out of this, either by talking some sense into her or by force if he had to. Sheyreiza needed to conclude this game quickly before the dwarf or anyone else could interfere. She was so close to revenge; so close to claiming all three souls for Lolth.

Down in the depths of her own soul another fear gnawed at her. The fear that Inthara would not have second thoughts; that the dwarf would not intervene in time; that all three souls would go to Lolth. As she watched Inthara through the cottage window that tiny fear became a silent voice and that voice became a silent scream. The tiny part of Sheyreiza that was not evil wanted Inthara to wake up and see the web of deceit she was falling into. That tiny part cried in horror at the thought of what was going to happen to innocent, happy little Vraja and to the beautiful, but wounded little Shein’n.

But though that tiny little part of her soul was screaming in horror at what was happening, Sheyreiza was committed; body and soul she belonged to Lolth, even if the Spider Queen was so twisted as to allow a piece of good to remain in Sheyreiza just so she could feel the pain she caused and use her knowledge of good against her enemies. That tiny little part might not want to see Inthara, Vraja and Shein’n taken into darkness, but Sheyreiza was going to do everything in her power to see that they were. The web was spun, the pieces were in play, her opponent was in check – victory and vengeance were at hand. Nothing would stop her from achieving that victory, not even left over bits of conscience and morality lying like bones of her past life at the bottom of that black pit she called a soul. She would have her vengeance - one way or another, they were going to Lolth.

[Killthorne]

This is so hard to read. So very hard.

~Killthorne~

[Zakharra]

Oh goddess.. this is hard to read... It's so close to ending now.

I wish.. I wish it had turned out different. Oh how I wish it had....

[Virvaldin]

I say.. You got demons in you Mikayla

And that is one hell of a story you got going.

[Sandermann]

There was one other that never betrayed Inthara

Excellent Mik, very painful for anyone who knows the Characters involved....

[Burt]

Wow...very nice.

[gribo]

[PensivesWetness]

There was one other that never betrayed Inthara

Excellent Mik, very painful for anyone who knows the Characters involved....

you know, i recall meeting Ithy once, in the TLR long ago. i forget the specifics but i recall it feeling nice a encounter...

very good reads, Mikky love...