Descent Into Darkness

by Xull'rae Zauviir

The Campaign Timeline

The month is not important, neither is the start date that will be Mike's job. The year is 1372 DR on the Forgotten Realms calender.

Day 1:
Log 1 - First Impressions there is no time mentioned.
Log 2 - Xull'rae's Plight happens five minutes AFTER First Impressions

Day 2: Log 3 - Enter Horock and Drazoul is set at dawn.
Log 4 - The Bargain doesn't have a set time but it hints and implies that it happens right after Enter Horock and Drazoul since Pharaun left them at the end of log 3 to "tend to more important matters," which can be assumed is Szordrin Xarann who is first seen in log 4.

Day 3: Log 5 - Time Creeps By is set at dawn again and shifts into the afternoon after an introduction is made.
Log 6 - Runaround Takes place 7 hours later, effectively making it early evening.
Log 7 - Questions Answered picks up where Runaround leaves off in a matter of seconds or minutes.
Log 8 - The First Encounter happens minutes after Questions Answered.
Log 9 - A Jumbled Mess happens right after The First Encounter.
Log 10 - The Tower of Masked Mage has no time mentioned but is assumed that it happens right after A Jumbled Mess for a number of reasons. Drazoul remained at the inn at the end of A Jumbled Mess while Horock and Xull'rae left the inn, with Horock lingering behind Xull'rae a distance away in The Tower Of Masked Mage.
Log 11 - Vesz'aun's Plight actually happens during the end of The First Encounter when the shadow demon teleports from the scene taking Vesz'aun with him. This log is GOING ON at the same time as A Jumbled Mess and The Tower Of Masked Mage.

Day 4: Log 12 - Drazoul Plots happens around mid morning or early afternoon. Vesz'aun is retreived.
Log 13 - Tensions Rise Time is not really mentioned so I'd guess about a half hour to an hour passed after Drazoul Plots.

Extras Vignette 1 - Drow Love: A Gift Not sure where this fits in the timeline, but I won't give away spoilers.

First Impressions

A steady murmur enveloped the modest environs of Narbondel’s Shadow. The gathered folk were not of great status or means, nor were they the dregs which lay but a street beyond either. It had a variety of races and cultures ranging from human to bugbear, though of drow there were very few. It was strange for a tavern in the Underdark, especially one in Menzoberranzan. Most of the patrons wore simple or poor clothing, but some were cloaked with hoods down. None were numbered amongst the city's nobility except one and she was dressed as seedy as the rest to blend in.

This place had a reputation of being a relatively safe haven for those not of drow blood and had been the agreed upon meeting spot wherein the flame-haired drowess Xull’rae now waited, hooded and cloaked, for the human whom she'd been instructed to "work" with. There were a handful of surface dwellers milling about the place at the moment but none fit the description she had been given.

A few moments went by when Xull'rae's vision of the doorway became blocked by a tawdry looking waitress, apparently human as well, who inquired as to whether more food or drinks were needed.

Xull’rae waved a small and finely shaped hand in dismissal, keeping her amber colored eyes from meeting the woman's face. She wanted to keep her focus on the door but it was also a needful thing for her to hide her more prominent features from the general public. The ample bosomed waitress gave a silent nod and turned to take her leave and the doorway to the establishment came into full view once again.

Three figures entered just then. The first was a small, gruff looking duergar, whose plump gray tummy stuck part way out through the simple, faded black leather vest he wore. He was strange because he had hair on his head as white as his beard. Most duergar were bald. The second figure was attired much the same as the first. He was a tall, brawny human, with skin of olive hue and broad shoulders; his crown was clean shaven and tattooed with runic patterns. He largely fit the description Xull'rae was given, though she was informed she would be searching for a much more dignified fellow. Taking up the rear of the small group was a third figure in browns and tans who was twice as brawny, if a head shorter than the human who was with him. His skin held a deep bronze tone and his hair was the color of sun drenched wheat, but his features were sharp and exotic, not elven, but not human either. Maybe he is fae touched, Xull’rae wondered. She noticed they bore weapons openly, appearing to be a band of rogues typical to this part of the city.

The tallest of them spoke a few brief, quiet words to his companions while he gazed around the common room. Torch light glinted off his clean shaven head causing the runes to gleam eerily when the figure's oak-brown eyes locked upon Xull'rae's shrouded form.

Xull'rae bit back an irritated sigh and watched the three move about. She recognized the bald man right away from the height and description given. The others were far less important; likely they were bodyguards and nothing more. She locked on the man's mouth as it moved and attempted to pick up what was being said but even with her keen hearing she could not due to the buzz of talking in the room.

A nod was given to his fellow travelers and they dispersed elsewhere into the crowd. The bald man glanced about a final time, then swaggered his way towards the cloaked female's table and stared down any who chose to peer in on his business.

Xull'rae waited in silence as the bald one approached and kept her mind clear.

Approach he did, but stop he did not, at least not more than momentarily; just long enough to flick a gold coin onto the table's rough wooden surface and a heartbeat later signaled in the drow sign language a few words that bid her meet him in the back. His other hand offered a friendly, if not out-of-place clap upon Xull'rae's cloaked shoulder as she stood.

"Have one on me, stranger," he announced. A handful more coin was tossed to many patrons, successfully covering his tracks. Furthermore he tossed a small pouch to the tender, ensuring his silence as the bald man bellowed out that the next round was on him. The bartender muttered a thanks in irritated disbelief during the minor uproar offered by the crowd. The leather clad human disappeared unnoticed in the chaos through the bead-curtained doorway of one of the establishment's more private rooms.

Xull’rae followed closely on his heels. No reaction was given for the touch upon her shoulder. She showed discipline by not attacking him outright for the "offense." The crowd ignored her as she made her way to the back room.

Though neither of the human's two companions joined them in the private chamber, Xull'rae had the distinct feeling that they were keeping watch. Inside, the human was fiddling with the bindings of one of his stout leather bracers. He was seated at the single, rounded booth, which already had a bottle of dark-hued liquor and two tall glasses sitting upon its polished surface. A cursory glance was given to her shrouded figure and a small wave towards the opposite end of the table.

Xull'rae stopped once she was within the room, taking note of her new surroundings. Her stance said she preferred to stand and with a shake of her hood she declined the drink. The voice that came from within the confines of the piwafwi was hard toned, but soft and dusky in melody with a richness that belied the drowic accent as she spoke in the undercommon language. "Just state your business. I have no want to be idle with senseless talk. I have better things to do, rivvil."

Casually taking the bottle to hand, the human proceeded to empty a small amount of its contents into one of the glasses. He quirked a single, salt-and-pepper brow in her direction as he listened while his free hand scratched idly at the neat trimming of hair upon his chin.

A nod was offered to her as the bottle was set down. "I was told you would be spirited, though I had not expected quite so much bluntness. Very well, then," he said. He gave a slight pause as he quaffed down the contents of his glass before continuing. "Name’s Cogliostro by the way. I take it that your superiors had not offered you much information about our...arrangement."

"They never do...that's what being a superior is about I'm guessing," Xull'rae responded, her tone changed to irritation though not entirely directed at him.

"I also take it said superiors may not like you very well. Ah, this will be quite the frustrating endeavor for us both, I fear." Finishing the contents of his glass, Cogliostro proceeded to refill it. "Oh well, there will be plenty of time to rectify our situation, and perhaps learn to tolerate one another."

"Pharaun likes no one that he feels threatened by," she replied.

"Hm, I had gotten the impression that he liked no one at all. At any rate, I will fill you in on specifics if I must," Cogliostro offered.

Xull'rae cut him off before he could say more. "As for tolerance I have little, but what I have will be given if it means I and my deity's church is the one to benefit from the arrangement."

"Mm, no worries there," replied Cogliostro. "Your church benefits well from this pact. If you are wise enough, you will benefit personally as well, as time goes on."

The shrouded woman gave a shrug as if it mattered not if he explained, knowing full well she was stuck with him and this deal.

"Now, you are to serve me and my endeavors to the full extent of your abilities, as time allows," Cogliostro began, "it goes without saying that any tasks that your church would ask of you come first. And what business you must needs take care of in order to keep your ruse going at your other temple. Other than that, you are at my disposal. Your personal matters come dead last. Serve me well and ably, and perhaps I will allow for more leeway."

Within the hood, anger flashed across Xull'rae's dark face, but she knew he could not see it and with some effort made her voice conversational. "So sit on my ass, making things completely difficult for you, to where you pull out your remaining hairs, that’s my job. Gotcha, I will do to them to the full extent of my abilities as requested." All civility and noble bearing left her with that response, showing Cogliostro the first sign of her versatility.

A sour frown was offered to the drowess and she smiled in victory at being able to return the barb before he refills and summarily empties his glass once more in a quick manner. When finished, Cogliostro's large frame rose from the table which towered over her diminutive form. "Yes, this will indeed be a most interesting ‘partnership’..... You have one month’s time, as reckoned on the surface, until you are to report for duty. Unless you have some means of instant transport, I would not tarry long in this city 'ere departing for Sshamath," his tone was serious and matter of fact.

The small woman craned her neck to look at him. Xull'rae stood not even to his chest as her exotic amber eyes gazed at him with malicious intent.

Her face became more exposed now with the upward tilt of her head. Undoubted drow hatred was mixed in with dark beauty that created a tapestry of sharp angles and planes in her features. She was a young woman full of spirit. Her pert mouth frowned and could easily be mistaken as a pout by the way her lips were delicately shaped. "I'd watch how you word things...things like 'serve' and 'partnership', they are terrible words that could be misunderstood."

Undaunted, Cogliostro’s own oak-brown gaze locked with hers for a moment, then a forcibly polite, thin-lipped, humorous smile crept upon his ageless visage. "Ah yes, the perfect picture of drow beauty and arrogance you are. Dark tidings to you, drowess," with that said, he turned away dismissing her, fully aware he was exposing himself to her possible depredations. He parted the beaded doorway, intent on leaving.

Xull'rae debated on trying attacking him now, for she was a rash one when her temper flared, but she did not elevate to priesthood so young by being stupid. She would know her enemy before she struck. Both of them would live this night. As the human left, he could still feel the hatred of her eyes upon him.

TO BE CONTINUED.........

Drow Love

He felt electrified, overwhelmed even, by the woman beneath him. The rhythm of their bodies matched his heartbeat, hard and fast. As they continued to grind mercilessly away, Vesz'aun began to blissfully reflect upon the fact that he loved such pleasure in all its many forms. There was something so gratifying in hearing a woman moan and beg for more; to him, sex was his art and a bed was his throne. He had all the power during intercourse and many women sought him out to feel such satisfaction. It was the fiercely independent women that were the greatest conquests, however, as it was all about breaking them through their needs and desires.

Considering how many women there had been in his life Vesz'aun never grew attached to any of them. Even with the Curse on him he would always end things the same way: by severing the source of the emotion, ending her life. Sometimes he wondered how many--if any--had cared about him. Were they the one's who had the most shock on their faces as he sliced their throats or plunged several inches of steel into their chests?

Still lost in his thoughts, Vesz'aun failed to stop himself from being rolled onto his back. His focus returned swiftly enough as the lure of a soft dusky voice drew his attention and a gentle weight pressed against him; naked flesh touching naked flesh. "I cannot believe I have deflated my partner so soon. Perhaps the stomach position is better…should I get my strap-on?"

Vesz'aun grinned as he grabbed the female's dainty wrists and attempted to yank her down for a kiss, but all he got was a mouthful of red hair. He could feel the muscles in her arms tense as she fought to break his hold. Vesz'aun chuckled as he sat up, brushing red and white strands from his field of view, only to see a pair of amber eyes glaring at him in challenge. He did appreciate such a challenge and Xull'rae was the toughest one yet.

She was funny, smart, and wise; strong and beautiful and fiercely independent, yet amazing with her social skills when necessary. Vesz'aun struggled to find the words for what he was feeling, but a simple touch of Xull'rae's fingers on his lips silenced the attempt. That touch calmed him, soothed his savage beast, in great contrast to the heated passion it had elicited some time earlier. Her smile pleased him, a smile that was for him alone; one that wrapped her lips in softness and made her face glow.

Xull'rae moved slightly, but Vesz'aun was ensnared by her eyes, causing him to be wary. Those eyes, like glittering gems, saw his soul and unveiled every secret he held. Her lips parted sensually and he leaned in to kiss them when a sudden pressure, a good pressure, connected to his manhood. Vesz'aun stiffened a little as Xull'rae's hand was assisting it as she squatted on top of him. A nice fit was made as he slid right into her moist folds.

Vesz'aun laid back and gently took a hold of her hips. Xull'rae began with a slow roll after feeling his guiding touch. Crimson eyes watched her every move, admiring all of her. Xull'rae's dark skin glistened with sweat; the droplets dripped off her erect nipples each time those proud breasts bounced. When she arched her back, he could see all the subtle curves of her stomach and hips. Fascination struck him as her thighs rippled when they lifted and brought her back down. He met her movements perfectly, rewarding her shapely legs for their hard work by raising his hips to meet her downward thrust, adding depth to her shallow technique.

Xull'rae gave a quiet moan with each buck of his hips. Vesz'aun felt a thrilling sensation rush down to his groin as Xull'rae threw back her head. Thick coppery hair flew everywhere, tickling his legs, and surrounded them in a small blanket of red. Such an exquisite body she had. The soft flesh of her neck enticed him, his eyes drawn there by the single streak of white which stood out in that mane of fiery tresses. Without disrupting her, waiting until her strong legs brought her back down from the lifted position, he gently sat up to nuzzle and suckle her neck. Xull'rae giggled quietly and embraced him. Her delicate fingers grazed up and down his muscled back as he cupped her firm, round butt and gave a hard squeeze. Xull'rae's giggle turned into sweet delighted laughter as she pulled back slightly and took a forward plunge. Vesz'aun breathed in deep; she smelled so good, like sweet candy and melons but she tasted like salt and sex. His bombarded senses made him swell in deeper desire for her. The sound of her happiness aroused him more than the act of the sex itself. Her womanhood was soaked and the tension in her body rose. She quivered and her breathing came in soft yet quick raspy gasps. Xull'rae was ready to release.

Vesz'aun knew he should have savored this moment, but then he realized it wasn't a conquest. This was a mutual feeling between them and it left him on fire, yearning for more. It wasn't sex anymore; he could calculate sex. Was this what non-drow called love making? This certainly was intense and profound; it felt more than good, it felt right.

Vesz'aun tenderly held Xull'rae as he ravished her neck and breasts with a newly found hunger when an amazing sensation enveloped him and left no part of him untouched. It was indescribable as if it were more a mental than a physical contact. Their souls collided and he could feel Xull'rae. He experienced her passion, ecstasy, and the peace that seemed to be at the center of these burning emotions. There wasn't a need and not a want, the feeling was just honest and loving and his spirit sang back the same chorus.

He never felt so alive or so self aware, not only of himself but of Xull'rae's thoughts and feelings as well. It was euphoric…and dangerous.

Before he could stop that thought, the walls came up. Don't get attached. Kill her! Now!

Vesz'aun felt his hands go for Xull'rae's swan neck and clamp down. Xull'rae never noticed and if she did, she did not care as she never broke their body slapping. Vesz'aun dared to look at her and found her smiling at him, that beautiful mysterious smile he adored.

He tightened his grip.

Xull'rae cupped his face and drew him in.

Vesz'aun paused, stunned by the understanding in her gaze. Then they closed and he could feel her warm choking breaths on his face. He loosened his grip and fiercely kissed her lips. Their tongues battled and when his invade her throat, warmth leaked over his groin in a quick spurt. Xull'rae had climaxed while they kissed. The ache he held was let go and he too finished, but it wasn't over. Why did she have to return it? He didn't want this!

Vesz'aun lunged at her but she never defended herself as she fell backward with him on top, big hands wrapped around her tiny throat. He pressed down on her hard and all she did was stare at him with those shining eyes, so calm, and accepting as her purplish skin turned darker. Her red hair splayed out like a fan, the shade that caused his attraction, yet all he could feel was anger. Vesz'aun's gut felt ice cold and his heart hammered painfully in his chest.

The smile on her lovely features turned ghostly and tears leaked from the sides of her eyes as life ebbed away from her. She felt so warm and inviting still. He screamed in torment as her eyes haunted him....

Vesz'aun was still screaming as he bolted upright. He stopped and looked around. It had all been a dream. Xull'rae was not here, but it had been real, a memory. Except the last part, that was what he should have done. Instead he had let her go into reverie. When he awoke her from a bad memory she gave him head in thanks then fell asleep on his chest, but not before whispering "I love you" to him.

Why had he pretended to sleep? He had the Curse then, but whatever passed between them was real too. It felt like magic but they had said nothing nor moved their hands in any way except to caress as they kissed. She would have called it a spiritual connection but he was not a believer in such things. Whatever it was, it haunted his rest every night.

He was now free of his curse, but apparently not of Xull'rae. She plagued him like an infectious disease. Drawing in a shaky breath he wiped the sweat from his face and nearly wept from the anguish that had settled inside of him ever since he left Sshamath, left her…with that bald-ass bastard.

Fresh anger caused Vesz'aun to shove the whore beside him off the bed. The body hit the floor with a thud and did not move. Blood spatter had stained the walls and sheets; he took no notice as he slowly got dressed and left money on the bedside table, stepping on the dyed red hair of the corpse.

He would stop running and face his fears. He would return to Sshamath and finish what he started and fight for what was his, cutting down all those in his way or he would die gloriously in the attempt with his dignity and the knowledge that he was free.