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Utica sat at a table in one of the many inns in Waterdeep. Indeed, today had been a glorious one. She sipped at the fine green wine of the drow as she contemplated the day's events.

She and her father had worked very hard in convincing the clerics of Eilistraee that they wanted to follow the Dark Maiden as well. And it had worked. Finally. Utica and her father would be free of the Spider Queen once and for all. Course, Utica hadn't always thought that way.

Utica was a drow. Born in the bowels of the Underdark in the city of Menzoberranzan, Utica had been raised among the matriarchal drow as one of them. But she had not been one of them. Not truly. Her father had seen to that, teaching her things behind the Matron Mother's back. At first, the lessons taught to Utica had been entertaining to the young drow female. She found them quite amusing.

But, as she joined the school to become a priestess of Lloth, much of what her father taught her began to sink in. She started seeing what her father saw. Soon there was no fun in beating a weak male with her whip. Suddenly, her prayers to Lloth seemed futile and disgusting. What was she doing praying to that foul goddess anyway? Just because she was drow didn't mean she had to worship Lloth. There were other gods and goddesses to choose from. Her father had said so.

Course, the Matron Mother never saw it that way. Nor did any other person in Menzoberranzan. They thoroughly believed that the only diety worth worshipping was Lloth. So, Utica took her father and they left for the surface world.

Now the two lived in Waterdeep, making a meager living on the trades her father did. It was a good thing, Utica thought, that her father knew something about trade.

Utica sipped on her wine again. The door to the inn opened and shut and Utica looked up. She smiled. Her father.

Talas had never truly revealed his age to his daughter. When she asked, he just said, "I have passed my 200th year. I have yet to see 300."

He was about 5' in height. His black skin had once been onyx in colour but the few years in the sun had turned it into an extremely dark brown. There were parts of his body that were still the onyx colour, but those parts only the local wenches saw. He had silver coloured eyes and a long mane of white hair that also had become stained from the sun. It was now a yellowish white. He kept his hair in a cord at the back of his head.

The male drow wore a blue tunic with black leather breeches. He had thought about doning a darker coloured shirt, but it was too hot outside for such thoughts. Besides, Talas liked the way the blue made his dark skin stand out.

Utica motioned for her father. The drow female looked much like her father, only she was darker than he. Her hair was whiter too. And she was quite a beauty. The female drow wore a simple red tunic belted at the waist and brown breeches.

Both drow wore swords on their hips and daggars on their belts. They also both carried money pouches full of money from the day's trade.

The two drow greeted each other with an embrace and kiss on the cheek. "Would you like a glass of wine, Father?" Utica asked, giggling.

Talas gave his daughter a half grin. "You jump ahead of yourself, Utica. We've been accepted. That does not mean we are clerics or anything," he said. "But yes, a glass of wine would be nice."

Utica smiled and ordered a glass of wine for her father. "How hard can it be, Father? The Moonsword shouldn't be that difficult to find."

Talas shook his head. The glass of wine came and Talas took a long swallow. "Listen to me. We are talking about a sword that the goddess herself has blessed. You say it's not difficult, but we would have to travel to the lands of our ancestors. Do you know what that means?"

If it were possible for a drow to pale, Utica would've done so right then. "The elvish lands?" Her eyes widened. "Father, that is suicide!"

Talas raised an eyebrow. "Yet, it is what we have to do. We have to put our faith in our goddess that she will help us to get there and back safely."

Utica sighed loudly. "It will be difficult... Very difficult..."

The male drow nodded and continued his drink in silence. The female drow was suddenly lost in her thoughts.

OOC: Okay, I thought I would try and expand my RP horizons and give FR a shot. Please bare with me.


Name: Darria Starcatcher
Race: Moon Elf
Age: 258
Eye Color: Green
Hair Color: Silver
Skin Color: Light Blue
Height: 5 foot 5
Family Origin: Silverymoon
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Rank: Wizard

Background: She was born and raised in Silverymoon under the girth of the aristocrats. When she decided to become a Wizardress, her family was very happy, since they were all Wizards. Darria didn't like all the pampering she recieveved from her family, so with her families blessing, she traveled to Waterdeep.

Personality and Appearence: Being raised in an aristocrat household, Darria Starcatcher is used to being soft-spoken and polite, though she has a firey spirit in her and had learned to fend for herself on her travels. Darria stands at 5 foot with an elegant grace about her, and has sharp green eyes and flowing silver hair. Prefering to cover her light blue skin in clothing in shades of white, green and brown, Darria also carries a longbow with her at all times.


BIC: It was near sundown when the Inn came into sight. It had been an interesting last few days to say the least, as Darria's clothes were in tatters, she was dirty and hungry and couldn't even remeber the last time she slept.

The journey had started out well enough, but then a group of theives had assulted the camp, killing all the other Moon Elves Darria had been travelling with. All she had been able to salvage was the horse she now led through town and enough supplies to get her here. Her food had run out yesterday.

Darria tied her horse up to the fence beside the Inn and entered the building, swaying on her feet as she did so..

Darria tied her horse up to the fence beside the Inn and entered the building, swaying on her feet as she did so..

So deep into her thought, Utica did not see the elven stranger enter the inn. Talas, however, did notice. And he was quick to the woman's side, helping her steady her feet.

At first, it was hard to discern the woman's heritage, but the ears quickly gave it away. Talas snorted, but helped the elven woman to a chair anyway. Coldly, he asked, "What is a surface elf like yourself doing in Waterdeep? You are certainly not here to sell anything."

Utica looked up and was suddenly in full alert. It wasn't too often that surface elves ventured to this city. And even moreso, this elf looked like she had been to the Abyss and back. Grabbing the glass of wine, Utica took a more congenial approach to the woman and offered her a sip of the wine.

The female drow looked at the elvenwoman curiously and then to her father. Turning back to the woman, she asked, "What brings you here? Who are you? And when was the last time you had anything to eat or drink? And...... How long has it been since you had a decent bath?" Utica wrinkled her nose when she said this.

All merriment seemed to fade from Talas's facade. He watched the woman with obvious contempt born of all drow.

Utica on the other hand, seemed to almost welcome this newcomer. She gave the rest of her drink to the elvenwoman and ordered her some food.

Utica looked up and was suddenly in full alert. It wasn't too often that surface elves ventured to this city. And even moreso, this elf looked like she had been to the Abyss and back. Grabbing the glass of wine, Utica took a more congenial approach to the woman and offered her a sip of the wine.

The female drow looked at the elvenwoman curiously and then to her father. Turning back to the woman, she asked, "What brings you here? Who are you? And when was the last time you had anything to eat or drink? And...... How long has it been since you had a decent bath?" Utica wrinkled her nose when she said this.

Darria fell into the seat offered her, and gratefully sipped at the wine the female drow handed her. After a few moments of relieving her parched throat, she looked to the woman again.

"My name is Darria Starcatcher and I came here to study as a Wizardess. My companions and I were assulted by a group of Thieves a week ago and all the others were killed. My food ran out yesterday, and I can't remember the last time I slept."

When the female drow arranged for food and drink, the exhausted Moon Elf smiled her thanks. When the food came, she cleaned her plate, feeling stronger afterward.

Darria fell into the seat offered her, and gratefully sipped at the wine the female drow handed her. After a few moments of relieving her parched throat, she looked to the woman again.

"My name is Darria Starcatcher and I came here to study as a Wizardess. My companions and I were assulted by a group of Thieves a week ago and all the others were killed. My food ran out yesterday, and I can't remember the last time I slept."

When the female drow arranged for food and drink, the exhausted Moon Elf smiled her thanks. When the food came, she cleaned her plate, feeling stronger afterward.

Talas listened to the elf's words and raised an eyebrow. "What was wrong with the place you are from? Why couldn't you study magic there? The elves are known for crawling with magic."

Utica, however, had a different idea. "You must be famished. Being attacked by thieves, that must mean you have no money?" she asked. Not waiting for an answer, she said, "Then you should stay with us. I insist on this."

Talas looked at his daughter in shock. "You want this surface elf to stay at our house?!" he exclaimed.

"Well, she's not going to sleep on the road, Father. She might as well come to our house. Besides, the food we cook is much better than the stuff I just bought for her," the drow female said. She looked at the elfwoman. "My name is Utica Bo'Llithe. This is my father, Talas Bo'Llithe. We live here in Waterdeep. If you can walk, I shall take you to our home and there you can rest, wash up, and eat something decent."

Talas stood up and shook his head. This day had gone too well, he knew. And now it was falling apart. They were going to board a surface elf. What luck! he thought sarcastically.

Talas listened to the elf's words and raised an eyebrow. "What was wrong with the place you are from? Why couldn't you study magic there? The elves are known for crawling with magic."

"Indeed, I could have studied my magic in Silverymoon," Darria agreed, in fact, my family was ecstatic when I announced my wish to become a Wizardess. It was the rest of the help, I did not want however. In my father's househould, I would have been pampered, waited on. This was not the way I wished to find my way. I want to experience life, to learn how to stand on my own. So I expressed this to my father, and with his permission, I traveled here to Waterdeep to start out on a new life for myself."

Darria's green eyes went from father to daughter as they dicussed her boarding with them. It was clear that despite his objects, Talas Bo'Llithe had lost the arguement.

"I thankyou for the offer of help, and I promise you both that I will earn my keep and pay back your kindness."

Utica smiled at the moon elf. "Come, follow me," she said, holding out her hand.

The female drow led the surface elf into the streets of Waterdeep. They walked down the streets, Talas following the two females, til they got to an apartment building. The female drow whispered a word and the door opened. They entered the building and walked up a narrow staircase. Reaching the third floor, they turned into the hallway and walked to the fifth door on the right. The female drow pulled out a key and opened the door.

The apartment was small. Fit for two people. It had two bedrooms on one side of a small hallway. On the other side was the kitchen and a wash area. At the end of the hallway was the living area and study. This was where Utica led Darria. When they got into the room, Utica indicated a couch. "You can sleep there during the nights, Darria. I would offer you my bed, but there are things in my room that might make you uncomfortable."

Talas shook his head. "I will take the couch. She can sleep in my bed... Unless.." he smirked, "she wouldn't mind sharing a bed with me..."

Utica's eyes widened. "You will not!" she exclaimed.

Talas looked at his daughter with both eyebrows raised. "Oh? Think you to tell me what I will and will not do? Do not forget who is the teacher and who is the student here, Daughter."

Utica clamped her mouth shut.

"Nonetheless," Talas continued, "I was merely jesting. I will sleep on the couch tonight, and as long as the surface elf remains here."

Utica smiled and nodded in satisfaction. "Don't worry. My father isn't as mean as he sounds. He's just... cocky.... Anyway, his bedroom is much nicer than mine. I personally like to collect... exotic things, where he prefers just normal living."

The female drow led Darria down the hall again and opened her father's door, which was now on the left side of the hall. She entered the room and showed it to Darria.

In the far side of the room was a full-sized bed with brown and black furs covering it as well as two covered goose down standard pillows and two long black satin down pillows. Next to the bed there was a night stand with a candle atop it. The nightstand was made of cherry oak. On the wall with the entrance door, a dresser and vanity set stood there. Both were made of cherry oak as well. A long mirror stood on its stand directly in front of the bed.

On the other side of the room, in fact right in front of Utica and Darria, was a cherry oak chiffarobe. It had two huge doors to it. And next to that was a cherry oak bookcase. The bookcase had numerous books upon it written in all kinds of languages. It also held some writings from Talas himself. The room wasn't that messy. A few discarded clothes lay here and there, but the bed was made and all drawers were closed. Even the books were neat looking.

"My father isn't usually this messy," Utica said, indicating the clothes with a wave of her hand. "It's just we've been so busy the passed few days..."

The drow female shrugged then led Darria across the hall and opened the door to the wash room. There was a tub and a bucket and pitcher. Along with towels and hand rags. Utica walked up to the bucket and pitcher and looked in them. "Ah, you are lucky. We don't always have water in either one. Father must have been planning on taking a bath," Utica said.

"That I was," Talas clarified, walking up behind the two females. "The water is most likely cold by now, but it shouldn't be intolerable. It's suitable enough. Come, Utica, let her get washed up."

Utica nodded and started to follow her father out. Then she stopped. "What will she do about clothes? She can't possibly where what she's got on."

Talas nodded and went into his room. He came out with a human sized green tunic. "In my dealings with other races, I tend to acquire clothes. This should fit you even without a pair of breeches. Tomorrow, when the markets open I shall go and get you some proper clothing," Talas said, then went into the living area.

Utica smiled at the moon elf, then closed the door. She ran into the living area and sat in front of her father on the floor. Looking up at him, she said, "Do you think she could help us? After all, she grew up around the other elves..."

Talas shrugged. "She's also from Silverymoon. We need to go to Evermeet. That would be completely out of the way."

"But she wants to learn magic," Utica said. "Who better to teach her than the elves of Evermeet? Certainly she'll learn nothing here except how to sell merchandise. We could bring her to Evermeet to be around her people and we can get what we need. It works perfectly!"

Talas studied his daughter. "I'm not sure it's a good idea. I don't trust surface elves.."

"Yet what better way to prove that we are just like any other elf!" Utica nearly shouted.

Talas raised an eyebrow. "Very well. We shall see what happens. Though, I don't like the idea."

The entire time they talked, the two drow spoke in the Undercommon known to the drow to keep Darria from knowing anything they said.

The entire walk to the drow home, Darria remained silent as she took everything in. When they arrived at the apartment, the Moon Elf looked from room to room as Utica showed her around. Ending the tour in the bathinging room, she took the clothes offered her with a "Thankyou" before the two drow stepped out to let her clean up.

Pouring the water into the tub, Darria got out of her clothes (that were little more than rags now) and stepped in. As she sunk into the water, she shivered slightly. It was indeed cold as Talas had said, but refreshing out her long, tiring journey. It felt perfect.

After taking the time to wash her hair and scrub all the road dirt and stink of herself, Darria stepped out and dried off thoroughly. Looking herself over after dressing in the borrowed clothes, the elvenwoman looked herself over with satisfaction. though the garments weren't her usual style they would do fine until proper attire could be found. Her skin, no longer brown with dust and mud, was once again a beautiful shade of light blue, and her clean and dry hair shone like a wave of spun silver down her back.

So far this hasn't been to bad a first day of my new life. Soon enough, my studies will begin....and perhaps I have found to people that will help my transition to not be so difficult....I wonder what they are speaking of....

Walking out to the living area where the drow family sat, Darria said, "I thankyou both again for your hospitality. The bath did me a world of good."

Walking out to the living area where the drow family sat, Darria said, "I thankyou both again for your hospitality. The bath did me a world of good."

Talas and Utica looked up. As soon as Talas saw the surface elf, he put his head back down and looked instead at a book he had on the table. Utica smiled and giggled. "It's a good thing you are only wearing that tunic for tonight. Father will have to go first thing in the morning to get you some clothes," the female drow commented.

"Anyway, it's time for bed. We've got things to do tomorrow," Utica said.

Before the female drow could bid Darria goodnight, Talas looked up and asked, "Would you be interested in going to Evermeet?"

Utica shot him a glance, but Talas did not look at his daughter. Instead, he kept his gaze intently on the surface elf.

Before the female drow could bid Darria goodnight, Talas looked up and asked, "Would you be interested in going to Evermeet?"

Utica shot him a glance, but Talas did not look at his daughter. Instead, he kept his gaze intently on the surface elf.

"Travel to Evermeet?" Darria considered the question carefully. She new there were other elves there but could not recall ever being there. Perhaps her elven kin in Evermeet could help her with her magic studies as well.

"Yes, I would," the Moon Elf confirmed with a nod. She regarded the drow family curiously, "May I ask why you would offer to take a strange elvenwoman on such a journey?"

Talas smiled at the question. "Look closely at my daughter and I and tell me why. Two drow travelling to Evermeet. How interesting. And alone? Such danger in an odd occurance..."

Utica looked at her father. He was acting quite cocky tonight and she did not like it. "What my father means is," the female drow stated, "is that two drow alone in Evermeet... Well, it's unheard of. And we need to go to Evermeet. It's very important to us both."

Talas silenced Utica with a look so intense one would think he could've killed they young girl in that glance. "Do not worry about the importance of our journey to Evermeet. Let us suffice to say that we will have fewer problems if a surface elf were to be with us in surface elven lands."

"Even though Evermeet is as much a homeland to us drow as it is to the surface elves," Utica piped up.

"Go to bed," Talas ordered his daughter in a tone that was more demanding then asking.

The young girl looked at her father. She was hurt by his rashness, but did as was told and bid both her father and Darria a goodnight.

Once Utica was in her room, Talas whispered a few words in the language of the drow. A small blue light sparked from his hand and then disappeared. The male drow sat down in a chair.

"I hope it is not too dark for you. Growing up in the darkest parts of the Underdark, I've never gotten over the dark," he said to the moon elf, indicating the lack of light in the room.

Indeed, the only light that seemed to be available was the light from the moon through the window. It was a full, bright moon.

The drow put a hand to his forehead and rubbed it. "It has been a tiring day," he said, more to himself than to the moon elf. "Have a seat, if you don't mind," he offered, indicating the chair Utica had occupied moments ago.

"Tomorrow I shall take your rags and see if I cannot find any garments that are around the same size. I also will have to find out what ships leave port, how much they are, and when they depart. The less time we spend here in Waterdeep, the better," he said.

The drow seemed much more relaxed now that his daughter was no longer in the room. He got up and went to the kitchen. "Would you care for some wine? I don't have anything you surface elves drink, but I do have some of the finest drow wine money can buy."

Looking the drow male and his daughter, the silver haired Moon elf had to concede that Talas and Uticia were right. Evermeet sure wasn't a place where drow elves were usually seen. What confused her was the tension between father and daughter. Darria made no comment however, just bid the drow female goodnight.

When Talas offered her a chair, the pretty Moon Elf sat, "The light level is fine," she commented when Talas mentioned it, "I'm more comfortable at night anyway....some wine would be nice, thankyou."

Talas brought two glasses of green wine into the room and gave one to Darria. He sat in his chair and sipped at his own. "It would be wisest to sip at the wine. Downing it could prove disasterous," he warned.

He sat for a while, not saying anything. He just sipped at his wine and watched the moonlight play on the window curtains. He watched as the moon rose into the nightsky. "Have you ever seen a Waterdeep night?" he asked suddenly.

He rose out of his chair and walked up to the window. It was a large window. He pulled back the curtains and stood there, gazing over the city. "It is incredible. The way the moonlight plays on the building tops. Looking down at the streets, you can see the occasional drunk, late nighter, and even thief walking down the broken, stone paths. The lamplights give the people a shadow appeal. Quite beautiful. Reminds me of the Underdark..."

He grew quiet again as he watched the night. It seemed almost as if he and the night were one. Were lovers. He closed his eyes softly and then opened them. He turned to the moon elf. "But then, you should know all about the moon, shouldn't you? Don't your kind study the moon?"

He walked up to her. Kneeling down, he raised himself up slightly and kissed her tenderly on the lips. He held her there for a moment and then sat back on his haunches. "Sorry," he said, roughly.

Then realizing what he was doing, he stood up again. Clearing his throat, he said in a voice barely gruff, "Sorry. I tend to forget myself at times. "

He paced the room a little, then spoke, "I have a lot that needs to be done on the morrow. I have to wonder at the roll Utica wished you to play in this journey. Personally, I can only see you helping us through Evermeet and in exchange, you will always have a place to stay here in Waterdeep. We will never charge you or anything. And, if need be, I could always build a third room to this place. It would be too much, I'm sure. Just realize how important this mission is to my daughter and I. It is our future. Our only hope. And I am thankful and grateful that you have agreed to help us."

OOC: Hmmmmmm........
I have a char who would fit here perfectly.
(if it's all right with you, tass)
Name: Danira Half-drow
Race: Half moon-elf, half drow

Personality and Appearance: Danira is well trained in weapons, and rarely seen without her falchion. She has dark skin and silvery hair, and her eyes are bright green.Despite her heritage, she hates drow, and isn't too fond of moon-elves either, because she was abandoned by them when she was delivered as a child to them.

Darria accepted the glass of green wine and sipped at it carefully. It was a different taste for her, but she found it an interesting one. She watched Talas at the window as he spoke of night in Waterdeep.

"We do indeed study the moon..." the Moon Elf half whispered, almost hypnotied by the male drows reactions to, and his descriptions, of the moonlight time.

When he knelt and kissed her, Darria was surprised. She had just met this man! His lips were soft on hers and the kiss so tender. However, Darria did not respond. And then it was over.

As Talas stood up and began to pace the room, Darria toched her hand to her mouth. Her lips were still wet from his kiss. She smiled to herself slightly, embarrassed by the contact, but when the drow spoke again, Darria's face was normal and her hand had lowered.

"It is I who should thank you," the elvenwoman replied with a smile, "you have helped me when I needed it, been nice to me when it wasn't required. For this, I will do everything I can to help you and Uticia with your goal. I promise you that."

OOC: I thank you for your interests in the thread, Angel. But I would like to ask you kindly. If you have any ideas for this thread or any further comments or if you wish to join, please email or IM me. I do not want ANY OOCs in here if I can help it. Also, if you wish to join the thread, I want more details emailed to me BEFORE your first post. I know this is sounding assinine, and I apologize, but I want NO screwups with this thread. And nothing that will make this thread stray from it's original path.







BIC:

Darria accepted the glass of green wine and sipped at it carefully. It was a different taste for her, but she found it an interesting one. She watched Talas at the window as he spoke of night in Waterdeep.

"We do indeed study the moon..." the Moon Elf half whispered, almost hypnotied by the male drows reactions to, and his descriptions, of the moonlight time.

When he knelt and kissed her, Darria was surprised. She had just met this man! His lips were soft on hers and the kiss so tender. However, Darria did not respond. And then it was over.

As Talas stood up and began to pace the room, Darria toched her hand to her mouth. Her lips were still wet from his kiss. She smiled to herself slightly, embarrassed by the contact, but when the drow spoke again, Darria's face was normal and her hand had lowered.

"It is I who should thank you," the elvenwoman replied with a smile, "you have helped me when I needed it, been nice to me when it wasn't required. For this, I will do everything I can to help you and Uticia with your goal. I promise you that."

Talas nodded. "Well, if you do not mind, we have but six more hours until sunrise. You should get some rest, as should I. I bid you a goodnight, Darria."

The drow sat back in his chair and picked up a book written in some foreign language. He had been deciphering it for quite some time now and was back at it again. Within moments he had forgotten all about the moon elf, or so it seemed.

Talas nodded. "Well, if you do not mind, we have but six more hours until sunrise. You should get some rest, as should I. I bid you a goodnight, Darria."

The drow sat back in his chair and picked up a book written in some foreign language. He had been deciphering it for quite some time now and was back at it again. Within moments he had forgotten all about the moon elf, or so it seemed.

Finishing her wine as they had spoken, Darria nodded as she sat her empty glass down. Getting up, she told Talas goodnight and silently disappeared down the hall to his room, the room she would be sleeping in tonight.

Once inside, the moon elf closed the door and slid under the warm covers of the large bed. Alone in the peaceful darkness, the elfwoman closed her eyes and thought about the days events as she waited for sleep to claim her...

OOC:

OOC: I thank you for your interests in the thread, Angel. But I would like to ask you kindly. If you have any ideas for this thread or any further comments or if you wish to join, please email or IM me. I do not want ANY OOCs in here if I can help it. Also, if you wish to join the thread, I want more details emailed to me BEFORE your first post. I know this is sounding assinine, and I apologize, but I want NO screwups with this thread. And nothing that will make this thread stray from it's original path.


WHat's your thing with OOC's? I also used to have a problem with OOC's, until, on my old site, another person related to me.



Shanah, my dear, there is NOTHING wrong with ooc's.
Read this.

"In the beginning, God created RP'ing. God looked, and the RP'ing was good. Next, god created posts. Go saw that the posts were a good idea, but tthey needed order. THen God created threads, to seperate posts from other posts. GOd looked, and saw it was 11:00, and time for him to go.

Then God created the two races of posts, both to be equal in the sight of man: The OOC's to divide real life, and IC's, to divide in character. GOd looked, and it was good. Then God created avatars,to look awesome, and moderators, to keep people from insulting eachother enough for mankind to destroy itself."

So, do not be afraid of the OOC. It is a beautiful part of RPing.
[/End quote]

Talas was still awake when the sun rose into the sky. He waited a couple minutes, then grabbed his cloak and went out the door, making sure it was locked before he started down the stairs and out into the street.

The morning streets of Waterdeep were already filling with people. Shops were opening. Another busy day was approaching. Talas walked down the street to the local garment shop. He opened the door and stepped in.

A pungy old woman stood behind the counter. "What can I do ye fer?" she asked with a toothy smile.

The drow looked at the woman. "I need clothes for a lady. More specifically, an elf."

The woman wrinkled her nose. "That daughter of yours comes in here all the time. What she need clothes fer this time?"

The drow's eyes narrowed. "It's not for my daughter. It's for a surface elf. The kind that worship the moon."

"Ah! A Moon Elf!" the woman exclaimed. "Haven't seen one of those in years. You holdin' her fer ransom?"

"It is not your business why I have a moon elf. I just need some clothes for her, seeing that I own no clothes that would fit her," Talas said, trying to keep his cool.

The woman nodded. "Very well. We have some really nice clothes over here of elven make," the woman said, bringing the drow to the clothes.

Talas looked at the clothes a picked a few he liked, including a midnight blue satin dress with white silk trimming. He also bought a few pair of green tights and some blue and green blouses. Just enough for a long journey. Then he saw the dress on the dummy.

The dress was made of silk. It was burgandy in colour and swept the floor. The top of it made a "U" over the breasts. A long piece of brown leather tied the top together, giving the dress a peasant look. The waist was trimmed in white lace as was the "U". The rest of the dress was just the deep burgandy colour all the way to the floor. Nothing trimmed the bottom of the dress save the hem. It was a simply made dress, but one Talas thought perfect.

"How much is that dress?" he asked, pointing to the burgandy dress.

The woman smiled again. "That dress? Well, for most I would make them pay 30 gold, but for you..."

Talas handed her the 30 gold before she could say anything more. He took the dress down and carefully folded it.

Not knowing what else to do, the woman took out a box and helped Talas carefully put it inside. Sealing the box, Talas paid for the other garments he had bought and then left the shop, carrying his prizes. He made his way back to the apartment.

Meanwhile.......

Utica woke up from her sleep and went into the kitchen. She smoked some rothe meat and took a loaf of bread from the pantry. She brought these to the living area. She then walked to her father's room and knocked on the door. "Darria, there is food if you are hungry. I have it in the front. Get up," she said.

The drow then walked into the living area. It was obvious that her father was already gone and that he had been gone for some time now. She looked out the window just in time to see him walking down the street carrying a big package and some bags full of stuff. "Ah, he's back from the clothing store. I wonder what he bought me..."

It was obvious that the young drow was used to getting presents from her father.

QUOTED]
OOC: I thank you for your interests in the thread, Angel. But I would like to ask you kindly. If you have any ideas for this thread or any further comments or if you wish to join, please email or IM me. I do not want ANY OOCs in here if I can help it. Also, if you wish to join the thread, I want more details emailed to me BEFORE your first post. I know this is sounding assinine, and I apologize, but I want NO screwups with this thread. And nothing that will make this thread stray from it's original path.


WHat's your thing with OOC's? I also used to have a problem with OOC's, until, on my old site, another person related to me.



Shanah, my dear, there is NOTHING wrong with ooc's.
Read this.

"In the beginning, God created RP'ing. God looked, and the RP'ing was good. Next, god created posts. Go saw that the posts were a good idea, but tthey needed order. THen God created threads, to seperate posts from other posts. GOd looked, and saw it was 11:00, and time for him to go.

Then God created the two races of posts, both to be equal in the sight of man: The OOC's to divide real life, and IC's, to divide in character. GOd looked, and it was good. Then God created avatars,to look awesome, and moderators, to keep people from insulting eachother enough for mankind to destroy itself."

So, do not be afraid of the OOC. It is a beautiful part of RPing.
[/End quote]

OOC: Well, Angel, I don't believe in your god, so that talk doesn't work for me. And furthermore, again, do not put anymore OOCs in this thread. Luni doesn't do it, I'm not doing it, and I don't expect anyone else to do it. Again, if you wanna play in the thread, email me, It's not that hard. It's not like you don't have my email either. I'll ask you one more time, please do not post any OOCs in this thread. I would greatly appreciate it. To do so would be insulting to me.

Utica woke up from her sleep and went into the kitchen. She smoked some rothe meat and took a loaf of bread from the pantry. She brought these to the living area. She then walked to her father's room and knocked on the door. "Darria, there is food if you are hungry. I have it in the front. Get up," she said.

Darria woke to a knock on the bedroom door and an announcement of food. She pushed the blankets aside with a smile and then gave a long stretch. The sleep the night before had been the best one she'd had in a long time.

Climbing out of the large bed, she smothed out the wrinkles in the to-big green tunic she was wearing and then made the bed. Leaving the bedroom, she then went to the washroom to clean up the best she could before breakfast.

A few minutes later, still dressed in the borrowed clothes but now cleaned up and refreshed, Darria stepped into the living area.

"Morning." the moon elf said to Utcia as she sat down in an empty chair.

Utica watched out the window as her father crossed the street. When she heard Darria, the drow mumbled a good morning back to the moon elf. She heard the sound of the entrance door to the apartment complex open and the young drow nearly leaped. She rushed to the front door and stood there eagerly.

When Talas opened the door, Utica burst, "What did you bring me?"

The older drow looked at his daughter as if she had lost her mind. "I didn't bring you anything. I went and got Darria some clothes."

Utica cocked her head. "Then what is the big package for?" she asked.

"Darria," he said, narrowing his eyes.

Utica pouted, "But you always get me something."

"Then perhaps I've spoiled you too much," the male drow stated walking into the living area.

He handed Darria the huge bag he had been carrying. "In there are a few pairs of tights and some tunics. I would've bought you some boots, but I do not know your size. You will have to come with me to the shoe parlor for those. There is also a blue dress in there. Tonight I'm supposed to meet up with a travelling merchant about some dwarven-made jewelry and I want you to look your best."

"But," Utica protested, "I thought I was supposed to go with you."

Talas looked at his daughter. "You already know our business. If Darria intends on staying here in Waterdeep she has to learn the trade as well. We still have some more money we need to save up before we can make the journey and I intend on using every trick I know to get that money."

Utica's brows went together in anger. "And what trick are you planning on playing tonight?" she asked.

Talas smiled evilly and walked around Darria. He placed his hands on her shoulders and kissed her neck lightly.

Utica's eyes widened in shock. Then they narrowed in anger. "What trick are you planning on playing, Father?" she asked more sternly.

Talas smiled again. "Well, who could resist my new wife?"

With that, he pulled out a gold ring that had a diamond in the middle. Taking Darria's left hand, he slipped it on her finger. He smiled the whole time he did this. Then he looked at his daughter and his face grew stern.

"I do not intend to actually marry her, Utica. This merchant is more willing to deal with a married person than one who isn't. Especially if children are involved. And like it or not, you are my daughter."

"But, Father, this merchant doesn't have to know that. We could play it off just as easily," Utica stammered, tears glistening her face.

In three steps, Talas was in front of the younger drow. Before she could protest, he cupped her face and kissed her deeply. Utica wrench herself free of his grasp and looked at him in disgust.

Talas returned his daughter's gaze with far more disgust than she. "You think we could do something like that in public easily? Without thinking about it? I highly doubt it. I will have to make the relationship believable and I cannot do that with my own daughter. Besides, there is bound to be someone there who will know us. They don't know Darria. Her playing my new wife will be a great ruse and it will keep her out of trouble. No one wants to mess with the wife of a drow. Not in these parts at least."

Trying to wipe her father's kiss from her lips, Utica nodded in agreement. "What would the clerics think, though?" she asked.

Talas then stopped. He hadn't thought about that. "If push comes to shove, I'll tell them the truth and why. I will be honest with them. They should be understanding," he said.

"And what if they are not?" the young drow asked, obviously not convinced.

Talas shrugged. "That time has not come yet."

"And what if she doesn't want to play the wife of a drow?" Utica asked, pointing to Darria while asking.

Talas looked at Darria then. He walked back up to her and knelt down so that he was looking up at her. He took her hands into his and looked up into her eyes. "Doing this will ensure your safety during your stay in Waterdeep. The people here fear us drow more than a plague. They won't bother you as long as they think you are my wife. Furthermore, as I said before, it will make this deal go a lot smoother. What do you think? Will you help me? I know I've already asked much from you, but you realize I only ask this to better Utica and my own lives. You won't have to sleep with me or anything. Nor anything else when it's just the three of us. It's a public act, nothing more. Can you do it? Will you do it?"

The conversation between the two drow was a blur to Darria's eyes as she tried to take everything in.

A business deal...clerics...a wedding ring on her hand...the lightest of kisses on her neck..

But as Talas knelt in front of her, asking her to help him and Uticia with their future, Darria's mind was clear. Looking into Talas's eyes as he held her hands, the moon elf nodded solemnly with a smile that shone in the golden glints of her green eyes.

"Yes, I will. I'll help you anyway I can."

Talas jumped up, smiling. "It's done then," he said, pulling Darria up with him. "Once you are dressed we can go down to the shoe parlor and get you some boots to go with your casual clothes. Perhaps we'll get some nice shoes for your blue dress as well."

"What is the package for, Father?" Utica asked.

In his anger and then question and now excitement, the older drow had forgotten about the package. He looked at it. "It's for a real special occasion. Not to be opened until then either."

"But who is it for?" the young drow questioned anxiously.

Talas threw her an irritated look. "I thought I told you already. It's for Darria. Now, no more questions. You annoy me with your spoiled whining."

Utica snarled, but said nothing. She stormed into her room and slammed the door.

Talas shrugged. "She'll pout then be over it. Come, let's go downstairs before the sun gets too high in the sky," he said to Darria, leading her out the door.

He held her hand in his as he led her down the street to a small shop that had an old wooden sign hanging from it. They entered the shop together and a small bell rang. The bell was attached to the frame of the door.

A skinny human entered into the area from the back door. He had very little hair on his head and what was there was greying. He wore a black apron and a white tunic with brown breeches. "Aye? Can I help ye? Ah! Talas. Good to see you. Needin' some mending on yer boots?" he asked, giving a toothless grin at Darria.

Talas's eyes narrowed. "I would advise you not to look at my wife that way."

The human jumped. "Yer wife? But ye ain't married," the man said.

"I am now. I got married last night," the drow lied easily. "In fact, I'm here to get some boots for my wife."

The human seemed to be taken aback. "Aye, we got plently of boots fer th' lady. But I must be askin' ye, Talas, where did ye find 'er? Ya know, she's one of them surface elves. Not likin' to yer kind. Thinkin' this will look good in front of them clerics?"

"That is none of your business, Ralph. Just help my wife find a pair of boots to fit. I give you money for shoes, not for my personal life."

The human nodded and turned from the "couple." Talas smiled at Darria and kissed her on the cheek. When the human turned back to them, he hada pair of black leather knee high boots.

The human motioned Darria towards him onto a bench. He tried putting the shoes on her, but they were too small. Getting up, the human grabbed another pair of the same kind of boots and tried them. This time, they fit.

Talas nodded. "And we need a pair of shoes to match a midnight blue dress. You have anything, Ralph?" he asked.

The human thought about it for a second, scratching the top of his head. "I think we have a pair of white shoes, but ye said blue..."

"White is fine. The dress has white trimming," Talas said.

Ralph smiled and went into the back. Talas looked at Darria and smiled. Whispering in almost perfect elvish, he said, "Ralph is the largest big-mouth on this side of Waterdeep. You can be assured that our 'marriage' will be well-known by noontime."

When Ralph returned, he was carrying a pair of white shoes with pearl linings. "Made these meself this mornin'. Cost ye extra, Talas," he said, a little sorrowfully.

Talas smiled and kissed Darria on the cheek. "Anything for my morning sunshine. She's worth every penny," he said.

The human nodded and tried the shoes on Darria. They were a perfect fit.

"You like them, Beloved?" the drow asked the moon elf, a gleam in his eyes. It was obvious he was enjoying himself.

"You like them, Beloved?" the drow asked the moon elf, a gleam in his eyes. It was obvious he was enjoying himself

Talas wasn't the only one who was enjoying the "marriage". Darria's green/gold eyes danced playfully as she stood up to test the new shoes. Walking the length of the store, she stopped in front of the male drow.

Reaching a delicate and slender blue-skinned hand toward him, the moon elf softly carressed the cheek of her "husband". "The shoes are perfect, Talas."

And she kissed him lightly on the cornor of his mouth.

Talas's eyes widened ever so slightly when Darria kissed him. Then he smiled. "Very well, we shall buy them."

Ralph watched the "couple" with great interest. Talas paid the shoemaker and the "couple" left the shop. The human watched them go. A puggy old woman approached Ralph. "Who's dat wit our Talas?" she asked.

"His wife," Ralph said simply. The woman looked at the elfwoman in amazement but both elves were already out of ear range.

"Are you hungry?" Talas asked Darria. "I know I am. There is a fresh fruit stand not too far from here. And an inn that sells wonderful ale, if you are interested? I don't know about you, but the last place I want to be right now is at home with my daughter. She can be quite annoying when she's throwing her fits."

"Are you hungry?" Talas asked Darria. "I know I am. There is a fresh fruit stand not too far from here. And an inn that sells wonderful ale, if you are interested? I don't know about you, but the last place I want to be right now is at home with my daughter. She can be quite annoying when she's throwing her fits."

Darria nodded, "I would love to stay out for awhile. See the sights sort of thing, get to know my new home better," murmuring quietly in elven with a slight chuckle,"and you as well."

Talas smiled and nodded. He led the way to the fruit vendor he had spoken of.

"Talas! Good to see you, lad," a dwarf said from next to the stand.

The drow smiled and shook hands with the dwarf. "You as well, old friend. How goes things with the old lady? I haven't seen either of you since winter solstice."

"Aye," the dwarf said, "the ole girl's fine, lad. Still as purdy as ever." Then the dwarf saw the moon elf at Talas's side. "Seems like you found another one. How long you keepin' her fer?"

"Well, old friend, this one I'm keeping," the drow stated, taking Darria's hand and showing the dwarf the ring.

"My!" the dwarf said softly. He took out a small telescope and examined the ring. "Real diamond! Fourteen karat gold band! Nice sized rock too, I might add."

The dwarf put his telescope away and took the moon elf's hand from Talas. He kissed the back of it lightly. "Yer a fine lass. You hang on to this rogue here. He's a toughy, but he's nice. Treatin' you right in the bedroom I'm hopin'?"

Talas's eyes did widen that time. "Lardion! You take me for a fool? Someone as beautiful as she?"

The dwarf nodded. It was obvious the dwarf did not really agree with the drow on the issue of beauty, then again, he never did. "Don't ye be worryin' yer head, Talas. Wantin' fruit?" he asked, changing the subject.

Talas took two red apples and gave some money to the dwarf. "Don't hestitate to visit some time, old friend. I'm still living in the same place."

"Aye. Yer daughter still there too? How she doin'?"

Talas nodded. "Yes, she's still there. And she's doing fine. A little upset with me because I went to by Darria here some clothes this morning and didn't buy Utica anything."

"Poor lass. I told ye you were spoilin' her," the dwarf said. "And now you got yerself a new girl to spoil. I doubt Utica's gonna like that one."

Talas shrugged. "She's gonna have to grow up sooner or later."

"Aye. Ye right about that one," the dwarf said.

As the drow started to leave the vendor, the dwarf stopped him, "Hey, Talas! Ye wouldn't mind beddin' an ole friend, would ye? Me vendin' cart's not doing so well today. Didn't do too well yesterdi either..."

Talas smiled. "Drank too much?"

The dwarf nodded slowly, his head bowed. "I'm hopin' ye don't mind? I'll pay ya back somehow. Free fruit th' rest of the time I'm here."

The drow patted the old dwarf on the back. "I would be honoured, friend. I shall see you later at my house. Utica is home and will no doubt welcome you with open arms... Though I would suggest you have something to put into those arms... She's not too happy at the moment."

The dwarf gave a toothy smile and nodded happily.

Talas then led Darria away from the dwarf as fast as he could and towards the inn he had spoken of earlier. "That's not good," he said in elven. "I'll have to figure out how to pull that one."

Talas then led Darria away from the dwarf as fast as he could and towards the inn he had spoken of earlier. "That's not good," he said in elven. "I'll have to figure out how to pull that one."

In the Inn, Darria sat across from Talas at the table he showed her to. She started to lift the apple to her mouth, but found her hand shook with sudden nervousness. It wasn't as if the handsome drow would make any unwanted toward the woman playing at being his wife, but being raised so proper, Darria had never even been in the same room with a male when they were dressing let alone share a bed with one.

Yet the moon elf had to admit that the idea intrigued her...

"What now?" she asked Talas in elven.

Talas shrugged and called to the nearest barmaid. She was a rotound woman with fiery hair and an overly large bosom. "What should I be doin' ye fer, Talas?"

"Get me an ale and something my lady here can handle," the drow said, hoping the barmaid would take the hint. Obviously she didn't.

"Got yerself a new one, eh?" the woman asked. She turned to the elfwoman. "Be careful 'bout dis one, hear? 'E can get purdy rough when 'e gets into it."

Talas darkened a little. "That'll be all, Christine."

"Bah," the woman said. She looked at the elfgirl. "'E's a tough one t' please. One of me girl's tried 'im last week..."

Talas interrupted her. "I said, that'll be all, Christine."

The woman, looking a bit taken aback, left the couple.

"I apologize about that. She gets carried away in her stories at times. Truth is..." he stopped a moment trying to think of an easy way to put it. "Well, being a drow, I have done what most drow do. I have been with a number of females. I hope that does not upset you too much?"

The barmaid returned with their drinks, slapping a mug full of ale in front of both people and then leaving. "I'll be puttin' it on yer tab, Talas," she said as she left the two.

In elven, Talas said, "As far as Lardion goes, I think I know how to pull it off. You can sleep in my bed and I will sleep on the floor. Just give me a couple of those furs I have on the bed and a pillow and I should be fine. Just know, that he has to think we are sleeping together and that we are... in fact... a couple."

He took a swallow of his ale. On a normal bout he would've savoured the sweet taste, but now, he could barely taste it.

"I apologize about that. She gets carried away in her stories at times. Truth is..." he stopped a moment trying to think of an easy way to put it. "Well, being a drow, I have done what most drow do. I have been with a number of females. I hope that does not upset you too much?"

The barmaid returned with their drinks, slapping a mug full of ale in front of both people and then leaving. "I'll be puttin' it on yer tab, Talas," she said as she left the two.

In elven, Talas said, "As far as Lardion goes, I think I know how to pull it off. You can sleep in my bed and I will sleep on the floor. Just give me a couple of those furs I have on the bed and a pillow and I should be fine. Just know, that he has to think we are sleeping together and that we are... in fact... a couple."

He took a swallow of his ale. On a normal bout he would've savoured the sweet taste, but now, he could barely taste it.

Taking a drink of her ale and setting the mug down, Darria took a deep breathe, letting it out slowly before answering the drow in elven.

"Your life before we met does not bother me, Talas. I meant what I said when I told you I wanted to get to know you better; that I would do anything in my power to help you and Uticia. As far as the dwarf goes, I'll be the perfect picture of the devoted wife."

The elvenwoman grinned, teasing and good-natured, in order to hide her sudden nervousness.

Talas smiled at Darria's response. "Great. Then it shouldn't be any problem fooling the old dwarf," he said, taking another swallow of the ale.

A barmaid came to the table and sat on Talas's lap. She started playing with his hair. "Wanna do somethin' tonight, Talas?" the girl asked in a sweet, high pitched voice.

Talas's eyes widened as he grabbed her by the waist and attempted to get her off of him. "Ambyr, I would like you to meet my wife, Darria," he said, indicating the moon elf that sat across from him.

The girl hopped up quickly. "Your wife? But yesterday you weren't married! When did she happen?" she demanded, her voice loud enough to get everyone's attention. All talk stopped as everyone in the inn turned to the scene being displayed.

"Ambyr, calm down," Talas whispered, trying to get the barmaid to sit next to him.

"No! I will not calm down!" she yelled, snapping her arm out of his grasp. "I want to know where this wench came from! And what is she doing with such a big rock on her finger? A rock that should be mine!"

It was quite obvious that Talas was embarrassed. At the same time, one could tell that he was also angry with the girl. "It is none of your business where she came from and it would be in your best interest not to insult my wife again."

The other barmaid, the older one, came to the table. "Wha's all the rukus 'bout?"

"Talas got married, Momma! 'E married tha' wench! Tha' elfin..."

Before Ambyr could say what she had intended to say, Talas backhanded her. "I told you not to insult her again," Talas shouted. "And if you wish to see a true wench look in the mirror. There is one there in plain sight."

The human girl's face was streaked in tears. The place where Talas had hit her already started to turn red. The girl put her hand to the place and spit in Talas's face.

The older barmaid ordered one of the other barmaids to take Ambyr out of sight.

The drow watched the girl depart through narrow eyes. He was panting and shaking with anger.

The older barmaid sighed and place a hand on Talas's shoulder. "Per'aps ye should get goin', Talas. Dis life is not fer a married man."

Talas growled and grabbed Darria's hand. "I wasn't planning on returning anyway. I've had enough of that girl," he said and pulled Darria out of the inn.

The rest of the way home, Talas held Darria's hand and walked fast. It was obvious he was angry.

Utica was at the window watching her father and the surface elf walk towards the apartment. Talas sensed the girl's eyes on them and grew even more angry. He stopped suddenly and brought Darria around to him. Holding her by the waist, he kissed her passionately.

Utica's face twisted in hatred at the display her father was giving. She watched him as he stood there, teaching the surface elf the power of a kiss. Somehow, the female drow knew something like this would happen. Her father was forever taking women to bed with him. Always up to the challenges each woman brought to him. And now he's got a virgin surface elf to play with.

The female drow hated her father's actions as much as she hated the surface elf. And each moment her father held the elf, kissing her, Utica hated both of them more and more.

When Talas did let go finally, he looked at Darria. He was panting lightly and looking into her green eyes. He gave a sigh and said in a raspy voice, "Let's get inside before Utica worries about us."

The rest of the way home, Talas held Darria's hand and walked fast. It was obvious he was angry.

Utica was at the window watching her father and the surface elf walk towards the apartment. Talas sensed the girl's eyes on them and grew even more angry. He stopped suddenly and brought Darria around to him. Holding her by the waist, he kissed her passionately.

Utica's face twisted in hatred at the display her father was giving. She watched him as he stood there, teaching the surface elf the power of a kiss. Somehow, the female drow knew something like this would happen. Her father was forever taking women to bed with him. Always up to the challenges each woman brought to him. And now he's got a virgin surface elf to play with.

The female drow hated her father's actions as much as she hated the surface elf. And each moment her father held the elf, kissing her, Utica hated both of them more and more.

When Talas did let go finally, he looked at Darria. He was panting lightly and looking into her green eyes. He gave a sigh and said in a raspy voice, "Let's get inside before Utica worries about us."

Darria walked with Talas down the street in silence, nearly having to run to keep in step with the drow's quick stride. It was obvious that Talas was angry about the behavior of the barmaid in the tavern, and to be truthful the moon elf had lost some of her cheery spirit in the face of being called such awful names and seeing Talas spit on.

Then Talas pulled her to him, kissed her deeply and passionately. Taken by complete surprise by the action at first, the unexperienced elvenwoman froze. However, as the kiss continued with no less fire in it, Darria felt herself give in as she began to return the kiss.

When the drow male looked at her after ending the kiss, lightly panting and a bit raspy sounding, Darria only nodded silently as she followed her "husband" inside.

Talas led Darria into the apartment. Utica sat in a chair in the living area and said nothing. Talas turned to Darria and kissed her lightly on the lips. "Why don't you go ahead and freshen up. While you get dress, I can freshen up as well," he said.

He left the surface elf at the door of the bathing room and walked into the living area. The tension between father and daughter could be felt more than seen as Talas sat in his chair and picked up a book. Silence lurked in the living area.

Suddenly, Utica said in drow, "You do not love her. You know this, Father. You cannot love her. She is a surface elf."

Talas looked up from his book. "No one said anything about love, Utica," he whispered in the same language his daughter used. "Most drow do not even know what it is to love. Besides, this is a business arrangement..."

"No it is not!" Utica shouted, standing up and pacing the length of the room. "This is some ploy of yours to ruin that girl's life. And I will not stand for it! I swear by Lloth herself..."

"Well, it is a good thing you don't worship the Spider Queen anymore, isn't it? Imagine swearing by her and following her. Imagine the consequences of such actions!" the male drow retorted, standing up himself.

"Were we in Menzoberranzan..." Utica swore.

"Well, we aren't in Menzoberranzan, now are we? We were outcasted from there. Or do you not remember?" Talas demanded.

Utica spat, "Only because of you! Everything is your fault! And I hate you for it. I utterly completely despise you. And may you rot in the worst parts of the Abyss with nothing but the spiders to keep you company!"

With that, the female drow stormed into her room and slammed the door shut. Talas picked up his book and threw it across the room. The book slammed against the wall making a loud "boom" sound. The male drow plopped on his chair and put his head in his hands.

A knock came at the door. Talas looked up. He got up and went to the door. Opening it, he was surprised to see Larnoid standing there. Then the drow remembered his promise of room and board.

"Come on in, old friend," Talas said, tiredly.

The dwarf walked in. "Where's my Utica at? I've got a present for her."

Talas shrugged, he was about to tell the dwarf what happened when Utica burst out of her room. The girl looked absolutely thrilled. "Uncle Larry!" the young drow screamed in an excited voice. She hugged the dwarf.

Larnoid patted Utica on the back. "It's good to see you too, lass. Now, come sit in the parlour and see what uncle got for ye," he said, leading the young drow into the living area.

The young drow gleefully followed the dwarf into the living area.

Talas shook his head.

Talas led Darria into the apartment. Utica sat in a chair in the living area and said nothing. Talas turned to Darria and kissed her lightly on the lips. "Why don't you go ahead and freshen up. While you get dress, I can freshen up as well," he said.

He left the surface elf at the door of the bathing room and walked into the living area. The tension between father and daughter could be felt more than seen as Talas sat in his chair and picked up a book. Silence lurked in the living area.

Taking her new clothes into the washroom with her, Darria chose the more everyday garmets from the assortment Talas had bought ealier this morning. The moon elf washed up and dressed in the new clothes, which fit perfectly. Her reflection smiled back at her as she took stock of her appearance in a small mirror.

Very nice. she mused to herself.

Then Darria's ears caught the sounds of tense whispers in a language she didn't understand and she sighed deeply. Talas and Uticia were arguing again. The moon elf could sense the female drows anger about her arrangement with Talas. He wasn't in love with her, nor she with him ,but this arrangement would help seal the drow family's future. They had been nice to her, were continuing to treat her well, and Darria vowed to herself that she would help Talas by way of repaying that kindness.

Hearing a knock on the door as the dwarf from earlier came in, Darria re-entered the livingroom with a smile, "Hello again, sir dwarf."

The dwarf smiled to the moon elf. "Darria, is it? Never did I think Talas would be married," he said.

Utica shot a fiery glance at her father, who ignored it.

"If you'll excuse me, I'll be off to wash up. Darria and I have a dinner date tonight. And,... Beloved," he said, smiling to Darria, "once our guest has been seen to, you might want to change into that blue gown I bought for you today."

Utica growled, "No need. I know how to care for Uncle Larry. You just get dressed," the young drow sneered, looking at the moon elf.

Larnoid smiled. "Ah, little ones always seem to dislike the stepparents. But, don' ye worry, little Utica. It'll all be alrigh'. You jus' hang in there," he said, patting her back.

The female drow curled up in the dwarf's lap. Soon she was sleeping. Her white hair softly falling into her face.

The dwarf smiled and whispered to the moon elf and male drow, "She's 'ad a rough day by th' looks of it. Methinks this new marriage has her up in knots. She's not used to having another female around. Give her time, dearies. She'll come around."

Talas smiled. All anger from the few moments before vanished from the drow. He kissed Darria on the cheek and went into the wash room to get ready for tonight's dinner meeting with the merchant.

"If you'll excuse me, I'll be off to wash up. Darria and I have a dinner date tonight. And,... Beloved," he said, smiling to Darria, "once our guest has been seen to, you might want to change into that blue gown I bought for you today."

"Of course,....love." Darria replied with a bright smile.

She cast a helpless glance at the sleeping Uticia in the lap of "Larry", before giving the dwarf a thankful smile. She disappeared into the kitchen and brought the visitor a drink before excusing herself to Talas's bedroom to change her clothes...again.

Idiot, She reprimanded herself silently and bitterly as she entered the sleeping chamber, you should have realized that he would want you to wear the fancy dress!

Stripping of her common pants and shirt, Darria reached for the box that contained the satin gown that Talas had purchased for the meeting tonight. Holding it before her briefly, the elvenwoman had to admit the dress was beautiful. Slipping it on proved it was even better than at first glance.

Midnight blue with white silk trim, it set off Darria's light blue skin and long silver hair extremely well. The V-neck was modest, barely hinting at her bust....but the hint was enough. The waistline was also gathered into a V style and showed of the slenderness of the moon elf's waist and figure. The dress had midnight blue buttons down the back, which upon putting it on, Darria realized she could not secure ou her own.

Blushing slightly, she sighed.

It cannot be helped. she reasoned.

"Talas....love?" she called quietly, "could you help me button up when you have a chance please?"

Talas heard Darria's voice through the door. Grabbing a towel, he secured it around his waist and opened the door. He nearly laughed when he saw the elf's plight. "Come in here," he said, taking her hand and pulling her into the wash room.

"Turn around," he said. He buttoned up the dress and then gazed at her through the mirror. He drapped his arms on her shoulders and rested his head on the left side. "I think we will be able to pull this off quite easy, dear. You are dazzling in that dress."

He stood there for quite some time, staring at her and himself. Then, he brought her around to him, to face him. He kissed her again, letting his hands run up to cup her face as his kiss becomes deeper. Running his hands through her hair, he brought her closer. It was a passionate kiss.

Suddenly, he pushed her away. Bending down, he held himself up by placing his hands on his knees. His towel nearly slipped away, but he grabbed it in time and relatched it. He sat down on the floor and put his head in one of his hands. "Gods," he whispered roughly.

He looked up at Darria. "I could easily fall for you. Any male could. Look at you. You are as beautiful as a Waterdeep night. Your eyes twinkle like the stars and your pale skin is like the moon. And that dress drapes over you like the nightsky," he whispered. "Here, come sit next to me. I just want to wrap my arms around you."

Then, he thought about it. "Perhaps that's not such a good idea after all. It's probably best if you walk out that door and join the dwarf until I'm finished. I don't want to do anything that either of us may regret."

As Talas stood behind her, his face next to hers in the mirror, Darria's breath caught in her throat as realization hit her how good the two of them looked together.

As the drow male kissed her again, deep and passionate, Darria almost unconsiously pulled him into her embrace as he pulled her into his. She gently ran her hands up across his bare back and shoulders as the kiss continued to deepen.

Then it was over.

When Talas pushed her away, abruptly ending the moment between them, Darria crouched beside him a little bit away as he spoke. As he said the the most wonderful things to her that she had never heard from any man before. The elvenwoman knew she was not in love with the charming and handsome drow, but she could not deny that she was attracted to him.

Taking a few moments to re-gather her senses, she then spoke in a husky whisper.

"I could fall for you as well, I must admit. I find you strikingly handsome and charming, and since we have met you have treated me better than any male in my entire life. I know you must think me naive and unworldly. but I'm not. I completely understand the terms of this arrangement, Talos, I promise you that. Though I do find myself physically attracted to you, I will never ask anything from you beyond friendship...during the time of our agreement and beyond."

Smiling genuinely at the worried drow on the floor, Darria stood up. Stepping back in front of the mirror, she smoothed her dress and hair back into place.

"I will see to our guest." she said, once again speaking normally as she made her way to the door..

Thalgard walked along the plains of Icewind Dale. He had been in Dale for only a couple of hours and he was already wounded from an attack by a frost giant.
He had thin black armor on, covering most of his body and his hair was long, platinum but had a few blood stains covering the bottom of it. He seemed likely to die in this place. The reason being out here was that he was said to search for a lost relic of some sort but the tale must have been a myth. He was going to die.
He closed his eyes and fell to the snow. He started to open them when he suddenly looked dazzled by the objects around him sprang up forming into some type of room. As the walls fromed around him, he was in a hallway and a door smacked right into the back of his head.

"I will see to our guest." she said, once again speaking normally as she made her way to the door..

Talas nodded to the moon elf and waited for her to leave. When she did, he sat there for a moment, thinking things over. Yes, he could easily fall for her pale skin, emerald eyes, and silver hair. But he knew it wouldn't last. A drow's interest changes from time to time, never staying the same. This was the reason most drow did not believe in marriage to begin with. And those that did, oftentimes divorced within the decade. Or worse.

The drow got up and finished cleaning himself. He then changed into the garments he would wear for the dinner.

Larnoid looked up when the moon elf entered the living area. "You look lovely, lass. Tha's a pretty blue gown yer wearin'. Bet Talas got that for ye? Ah, he's a good lad. Bring ya many years of joy," the dwarf said quietly, not wishing to wake up Utica. "So, how did you meet the strapping young drow, anyway?"

Larnoid looked up when the moon elf entered the living area. "You look lovely, lass. Tha's a pretty blue gown yer wearin'. Bet Talas got that for ye? Ah, he's a good lad. Bring ya many years of joy," the dwarf said quietly, not wishing to wake up Utica. "So, how did you meet the strapping young drow, anyway?"

Darria sat down in a chair across from Larnoid as she considered the question. She decided to go with the truth....mostly.

"Some thieves attacked me on the road. Talas and Uticia came to my rescue. Talas and I had a bond right away..."

The moon elf trailed off dreamily as a soft smile came to her lips. Her green/gold eyes farely sparkled with newlywed bliss.

Larnoid smiled as the moon elf recalled her meeting with Talas. She truly was in love with the drow, that much the dwarf could see.

When Talas entered into the living area, he was dressed in a pair of black leather breeches and a deep blue shirt and a black waist coat. He looked at the dwarf and then to the surface elf. He smiled. "Are you ready?"

The dwarf asked, "Where are ya'll off to?"

"We have a business dinner to attend," Talas explained. "I hate to run out on you like this, Larnoid, but this dinner is important. It could mean enough money to get us to Evermeet."

"What're ya'll goin' to Evermeet for? The land of the elves is no place for drow."

Talas shrugged."We have our reasons for going. And trust me, the way will be ok."

Talas then looked at Darria. "Ready? Let us be on our way," he said.

Larniod watched as the couple left. When Talas shut the door, the gruff dwarf whispered, "Oh no you don't Talas."

The dwarf stroked Utica's hair lightly.

As Talas entered the living area clean and dressed, Darria smiled at how handsome he looked. The black leather pants and coat paired with the deep blue shirt he wore, set of the handsome drow's natural
appeal.

Keep your mind on the job, Darria. He doesn't want anything to do with you. You're not in love with each other. It's just an act for business. Just an act.

She smiled prettily and listened quietly as the two men spoke briefly. When Talas asked if she was ready to go, the moon elf nooded and stood up.

"Let us be off then." she agreed as she took the drows hand, "See you later Larnoid." she looked toward the dwarf with a smile before leaving the house.

Talas smiled at Darria as they walked down the darkening streets of Waterdeep. In elvish, he said, "You are doing quite well. I must admit. Though I find it curiously amusing that a surface elf such as you can live this lie so comfortably."

The drow nodded at the people they passed as he and his "wife" walked towards yet another inn. They entered the inn and Talas looked around. Not satisfied, the drow walked up to the innkeep. "You haven't seen any dwarves come through here at this time of the evening, have you?"

The innkeep, a pug-faced bald human in his late years, smiled softly at the drow. "Which one? Thar's always dwarves in this inn, Talas," the innkeep answered.

Talas nodded. "Well, this one would be a female. One of them Gold Dwarves the Great Rift. She doesn't have a beard like most female dwarves..."

"Talas!" a rough feminine voice called. A short, dark tanned woman with long black hair waved at the drow from a table.

The drow smiled and led Darria to the table.

Talas smiled at Darria as they walked down the darkening streets of Waterdeep. In elvish, he said, "You are doing quite well. I must admit. Though I find it curiously amusing that a surface elf such as you can live this lie so comfortably."

Darria smiled mischeviously at her "husband" as they made there way down the street hand in hand. In elvish she responded playfully, "Just because I'm a surface elf, Talas, doesn't mean I don't know how to lie. As I told you back at the house, I will do anything to help secure your future as my way of repaying all the kindness you have shown me."

As the drow and moon elf entered the Inn and made their way over to the female dwarf Talas was to meeet with, the Darria kissed Talas lightly on the cheek before sitting in the chair he offered her.

"Talas, how are you?" the female dwarf asked kindly. She looked at the moon elf and cocked her head. "Is this your wife?"

Talas smiled. "That she is. Bella, I would like you to meet my wife, Darria. Darria, this is the lady I've been telling you about."

The dwarf stroked her chin. "I didn't know you had married a surface elf. Your little girl looks full blood, not half."

The drow nodded sheepishly. "She is full blood. I had met Darria after Utica was born. In fact, Darria and I have only recently married."

The dwarf nodded.

The drow did offer Darria a seat and when she sat down, the drow took the seat next to her. "Shall we go on with business, or would you prefer to eat first?"

"Ah, Talas, ye make it hard on a woman. Let us order some food first. I hear the primed duck is delicious," the dwarf answered, waving down a barmaid.

The dwarf ordered the duck and then looked at Talas. "What'll you and your lady be having?"

Talas thought about it for a moment. "I think a bowl of your soup will be just fine. I am not really all that hungry. I had eaten earlier today."

"Aye, I heard about that," the dwarf responded in kind.

Talas looked at her, both his eyebrows raising.

"Lousy barmaids. They think they own it all. Don't realize tha' once a guy gets married he's no longer available," the dwarf said, before ordering a mug of ale. "Make tha' three two, girl," she told the barmaid.

Talas put a hand on Darria's. He was shocked that the dwarf had taken his earlier brawl with the barmaid so well.

When the food came, Talas more or less picked at his soup, not really wanting to eat. He wanted to get this business finished and get home.

The dwarf ate loudly. She slurped her ale and smacked her food. Needless to say, she wasn't a very pleasant dinner companion and Talas made a note not to make anymore dinner plans with dwarves. Then again, he should've known this having eaten with Larnoid on many occasions.

When finished, the dwarf to a long swig of her ale and covered her mouth while letting out a belch. --She didn't want to be rude.-- Then she cleaned her face with a towel one of the barmaids gave her and looked at Talas.

Talas smiled. "Business?" he asked.

"I've got three boxes of the finest jewelry made by my kind. It'll sell good in your shop," she said.

"Of what, exactly?" the drow asked, narrowing his eyes and leaning in.

"I've got rings, necklaces, bracelets, broaches, anklets, toe rings, and them belly chains you see them younger girls wear," the dwarf said.

Talas nodded. "What are they made of?"

"Oh, come now Talas! You've seen what's in these boxes. Are we gonna make a deal or not?" the dwarf questioned, growing irritated.

Talas shrugged. "I just want to make sure everything is authentic. I don't need my shop closed down because I'm selling fakes," he said.

The dwarf growled, "Iffen ye think fer one moment tha' any of me stuff is fake, I'll leave dis place an' sell me own stuff come Market Day!"

Talas sat back and chuckled, "It's ok, Bella. I'll sell your jewelry. What percent of the profits do you wish? Most of my suppliers get..."

"Fifty percent!" the dwarf interrupted.

It was now Talas's turn to get angry. He leaned forward and narrowed his eyes. "...Thirty percent," he finished.

"I know how much you usually give, Talas. And I say I want half," the dwarf said.

"I will not raise my standards for you. If I do, then the other suppliers will want me to raise my standards for them," Talas explained.

"Then I'll take me jewelry to another shop that'll give me what I want," the dwarf said starting to get up.

"You won't find another one here in Waterdeep," the drow said. "Not one that will give you 30 percent. Most only give 20, if that much. Depending on the quality. I'm offering you a fair deal."

"45," she countered.

"30," he responded.

"40?" she asked, looking at him.

"30," it was clear he would not give in.

"Yer a shrewd businessman, Talas. Alright, thirty it is. And only cause I don't wish to embarrass you in front of your new wife," she said. "Tha' jewelry will be brought to you tomorrow."

Talas nodded and watched the dwarf get up and leave. He smiled and looked at Darria. "First thing in selling jewelry. Never go up on your percent to the suppliers. It shows weakness."

He then offered his hand to Darria and led her out of the inn. On the way out, he paid for the meal.

OOC: What is going on right now? I want to join in, which i have already done...

OOC: Gait, do you have an email? If so, can you email me? That way I can tell you the basic plot of the thread and so on and so forth, that way you get a basic idea of what part you could play. This thread is on a very tight schedule and I don't want to lose track of the way it twists and turns. So, please, email me.

Talas nodded and watched the dwarf get up and leave. He smiled and looked at Darria. "First thing in selling jewelry. Never go up on your percent to the suppliers. It shows weakness."

He then offered his hand to Darria and led her out of the inn. On the way out, he paid for the meal.

Darria had been eating her soup and listening to the Talas and Bella haggle of her share of the profits of selling the jewelry in the drow's shop. The moon elf was mildly surprised that she found the bartering interesting and found herself an avid listener of the conversation.

When the deal was finally struck - at Talas's initial statement that the dwarven supplier would get 30 percent, Darria gave the other woman a polite nod as she got up and left the Inn. As Talas smiled at her and gave her the first lesson in business, the elvenwoman took his offered hand and nodded.

Moments later the "couple" stepped out of the Inn and were walking down the streets of Waterdeep during a beautiful moonlit night.

Talas did not take Darria home right away. It had only been two days since their "marriage" and already the drow was growing accostumed to the surface elf. He enjoyed her company. And the night air was wonderful.

He took her on a guided tour through the city. A tour guided by himself of course. "Ahhh, the City of Splendors," the drow said, taking Darria down the dark streets, "there are sixteen Lords of Waterdeep and no one knows who they are. Anytime the Lords appear in public areas, they wear masks. The only one who doesn't is the Warden of Waterdeep, also known as the Commander of the Watch.

"There are many sites to behold here in Waterdeep, including the City of the Dead. It's a huge cemetary located down this street here," he explained, pointing down the street they were turning onto. "Do not worry, though, we are going no where near the cemetary. In fact, at night, it's seeled off and guarded. Perhaps sometime during the day we shall visit it?"

The drow shrugged. "Let's go this way," he said, turning her down yet another street. "It's strange," he continued, holding her hand and swinging it lightly, "all the wealth that seems to come through this city. Most of the people here are more wealthy than the wealthiest person in some country village. And it all has to do with trade. The largest trade center in all of Faerun. That's what this city is. And that's why it's so important for you to learn about trade. Tomorrow, I'm going to take you to my shop and teach you how to sell some jewelry. Bella should be there to drop off her supply, so that will be good. It'll be nice to get some new stuff. Perhaps she'll have a necklace or something to match that present I bought you..."

Without really realizing what he was doing, Talas slipped a hand around Darria's waist. "Also, something that might intrigue you, ssinssrigg," he said, the word slipping out of his mouth as easily as water, "Waterdeep has been known to produce some of the finest wizards. There is a college around here somewhere, called New Olamn. It's a fine college from what I hear. It's a bardic college. There is rumour that this college is to rival that of your hometown, Silverymoon. Pretty intriguing, I think. Amusing."

Then, they were standing in front of the apartment. All the twist and turns they took throughout Waterdeep, and they ended back at home. Talas smiled and opened the entrance door, bringing Darria up the staircase to the third floor. When they got to their apartment, Talas stopped and looked at Darria. "You did beautifully tonight, ssinssrigg. I cannot wait to bring you to my shop tomorrow. I'll let you pick out some jewelry you like too. It will be nice, you'll see. You'll get first pickings from Bella's supplies. And do not worry about the cost. I'll take care of everything," he said and then kissed her.

This kiss was as deep and passionate as the one they shared in the wash room. He ran his fingers through her hair and pulled her body closer to him. He let the kiss go for a moment and looked at her. Again he smiled. "I hope I am not going too fast. It's just... I can't seem to stop kissing you. And seeing you tonight, I wanted to kiss you so bad. Even during our walk, it took me everything to keep from kissing you," he said, getting close to her for another kiss.

When he finally let her go, he took a step back and calmed down. He smiled at her again, and then put the key in the door and opened the door. He let her in first.

Darria walked hand and hand with Talas through the dark streets of Waterdeep as he took her on a tour of her new home. The night air was beautiful and the moonlight made the elvenwoman's silver hair and blue skin seem to sparkle. Not only that, but she could not stop smiling.

As Talas told her of waterdeep, Darria listened intently. The city sounded so interesting and intriguing, and she found herself wanting to learn more of the city and of the type of life here.

Amaxingly, even with all the twists and turns on the travels, the couple found themselves back at the apartment. Before going inside, the drow male turned to her and complimented her on her performance this evening.

"I enjoyed it Talas and I would enjoy coming to your shop to learn about your business." the moon elf said happily before Talas took her in his arms again. The kisses shared on the doorstep that night stirred something in Darria....and she wasn't afraid to admit it.

Taking a few moments to calm herself, the moon elf stepped into the apartment.

Talas followed Darria into the apartment and shut the door behind them. He made sure it was locked before going in the living area to check on the dwarf. Larnoid was awake to Talas's surprise and even seemed to have been waiting for them. The drow looked at the dwarf curiously.

"Ye still look beautiful, lass," the dwarf commented to Darria.

"Where is Utica?" Talas asked.

"In bed," the dwarf answered gruffly.

"She woke up?" Talas asked, seemingly amazed. It wasn't often that the girl woke up.

"Well, I started to bring her to bed. Ya know, pick her up and carry her?" the dwarf explained, turning red. "But she's too tall for her own good. She woke up halfway there."

"Oh? Why would she wake up? She usually stays asleep when I bring her to bed..." Talas wondered.

"I dropped her."

The drow suppressed a laugh. "I am sorry, my friend. Next time, perhaps, it'll be better to just wake her up."

"I don't know what happened. She used to be easy to carry," the dwarf said, looking distraught.

"She's older now, Larnoid. She's grown," Talas explained, trying to make the dwarf feel better.

The dwarf sighed. "I need to speak to ye alone for a moment, lad, iffen the lady don't mind?"

Talas looked at Darria and kissed her lightly on the lips. "I'll be to bed soon, ssinssrigg. You go on and get ready for bed," he whispered to her, kissing her again. His previous statement about not being able to get enough kisses rang true. But, he stopped before he made a scene in front of the dwarf. "I'll see you in the room," he said and then walked over to his chair and sat down."

Talas looked at Darria and kissed her lightly on the lips. "I'll be to bed soon, ssinssrigg. You go on and get ready for bed," he whispered to her, kissing her again. His previous statement about not being able to get enough kisses rang true. But, he stopped before he made a scene in front of the dwarf. "I'll see you in the room," he said and then walked over to his chair and sat down."

Darria nodded and kissed Talos lightly again before bidding Larnoid a godnight before going to the bedroom.

Once there, she closed the door and took her dress off and put it away neatly. Then she slipped the oversized green tunic from the night before over her head, lifting her long hair from underneath it so it flowed loose down her back. Listening to the two men talk softly in the living area, the moon elf folded back the thick coverings on the bed and climbed in, sitting against the pillows.

Then she remembered Talas's instructions and sighed.

Climbing out of bed again, she took one of the blankets and pillows off the bed and arranged them comfortably on the floor next to the bed. With another sigh, she climbed back in bed and got under the covers.

Talas stood up and walked into the kitchen. He poured himself and the dwarf each a glass of the drow wine. He went back into the living area and gave offered a glass to Larnoid.

"Naw, Talas. I can't drink that elvish stuff, ye know that. Give me something strong and hearty," the dwarf said.

Talas laughed softly, "Actually, you'd be surprised at how strong elvish wine is. Yet, it goes down so smoothly..."

The dwarf shook his head. "I don't wish to discuss liquour with you, Talas, that is not my reason for wanting to talk."

"Then what is this about, Larnoid?" Talas asked, sitting back down in his chair.

"Darria," the dwarf said gruffly, yet a bit too loud.

Utica woke up, but remained silent, preferring instead to sit by her door and listen to the conversation.

"What about her?" the male drow asked.

"Wha' game ya think yer playin' Talas?" the dwarf asked.

"Quite honestly, I really have no idea..."

"Oh, shut yer trap!" the dwarf interrupted leaving the drow looking stunned. "I've seen you with the womenfolk, drow. An' Darria's too sweet of a girl to be lettin' her heart get tied up with someone like you. Ye don't deserve her. An' iffen I was her, I'da left ye at the alter!"

Talas's eyes widened. Utica suppressed a laugh, but not without a snort letting loose. Talas's ears caught the snort and his attention snapped to Utica's door. He didn't say anything, but waited a moment. Not hearing anything, Talas quickly whispered an anti-hearing spell over the door. The spell hampered only Utica's hearing. No one else in the house was effected by it. When Utica realized she couldn't hear anymore, she pouted and kicked her wall. She then stormed to her bed and plumped onto it.

The drow looked at Larnoid through narrowed eyes. "You have no right to speak to me like that. I am giving you a roof over your head during your length of time here in Waterdeep. You don't know what is going on between Darria and I. Furthermore..."

"Enough, Talas," the dwarf said softly. "Yer right, ya know? I don't know what's goin' on between you two. But I did see her face earlier this evenin' before you went to tha' dinner. When she spoke of you, it was with love. An' her eyes shown quite brightly. Methinks she's fallin' for ye, Talas. I know how you drow operate an' I'm tellin' ye. Don't go hurtin' tha' girl's heart. She's too sweet and too young fer such things."

Talas placed his hands on his hips and looked at the dwarf. "You don't know me as well as I thought you did."

"Then tell me what I need to hear. Tell me the truth, Talas," Larnoid urged.

"You want the truth? Fine. I'll give you the truth," the drow said. He sat back and looked towards the window. "Truth is, I don't know how I feel towards her. From the moment I first laid eyes on her, it's been hard to turn them away. And everytime she leaves the room, I feel a darkness fill the void. And it wrenches my heart. But when she walks into a room, it's like the room lights up. Becomes this place of dazzling beauty. And I cannot stop staring at the source of the beauty. I cannot stop staring at her.

"You should've seen her tonight, Larnoid. As I guided her through the streets of Waterdeep. I had never seen anyone with more child-like curiousity. Call her naive if you wish, but I find it utterly intriguing. There is so much to teach her. And so much time. Never had the moon and stars seemed more wonderful until I compared them to her. And to be honest, she outshines both.

"I realize I am unworthy of such a possession as she, but she intrigues me. She makes me feel like I've never felt before. And the more I learn about her, the more I want to hold her, be with her, make her mine..."

Talas trailed off. Somewhere during his speech, he had gotten up and walked to the window. It was at the window where he had compared her to the moon and stars for the second time since Darria's arrival. When he finished his comparison, he had turned to Larnoid to finish his speech.

"Ah, Talas, ya got it bad, lad. Real bad," the dwarf said.

"What do I have?" the drow asked, confused.

The dwarf chuckled, "Yer in love and ya don't even know it!"

Talas raised an eyebrow. "In love? I have never been in love before. I don't even know what it is."

"Sure you do," the dwarf said, joining his friend at the window and patting the fragile drow on the back. "Anyone with a heart knows at least a little about what love is. Besides, if you didn't know, then ye'd still be in the Underdark takin' orders from tha' Matron Mother of yers. But ye got out. And ya took yer daughter wit' ye. Tha's love, Talas. Love fer yerself and love fer yer daughter. An' now, ye got a new love. An elvish love. A pure love. Hang on to 'er, Talas. Girls like Darria only appear once in a lifetime."

Thinking about the dwarf's words, Talas bid the dwarf a good night and then entered his room. He did not want to look at his bed. He knew who lay in it and at the moment he couldn't bring himself to look upon her. She then seemed to him more pure than an angel. He felt sinful to look at her, dirty, ashamed. He took the fur and pillow she had left for him and fell asleep on the other side of the room, as far from her as possible...

Thinking about the dwarf's words, Talas bid the dwarf a good night and then entered his room. He did not want to look at his bed. He knew who lay in it and at the moment he couldn't bring himself to look upon her. She then seemed to him more pure than an angel. He felt sinful to look at her, dirty, ashamed. He took the fur and pillow she had left for him and fell asleep on the other side of the room, as far from her as possible...

Still sitting up in bed when Talas entered the bedroom, Darria smiled at the handsome drow. She had overheard the words between him and Larniod, was surprised and warmed by them, but chose not to comment. That's when she noticed Talas seemed to be fighting not to look at her.

The elvenwoman frowned, slight flickerings of hurt showing in her green/gold eyes.

Did the dwarf's words anger him that much? Did he change his mind about my performance tonight and wishes to end this arrangement? Find someone else to help him, and leave me on my own?

These questions and more ran through Darria's mind as she settled down for what was to be an unrestful sleep.

Talas woke up the next morning feeling like he had a hangover. He quickly shook it off and looked over to the bed. Darria was fast asleep. He sat there for a while watching her.

He had had a horrible night thinking about what the dwarf had said. "Anyone with a heart knows at least a little about what love is. Besides, if you didn't know, then ye'd still be in the Underdark takin' orders from tha' Matron Mother of yers. But ye got out. And ya took yer daughter wit' ye. Tha's love, Talas. Love fer yerself and love fer yer daughter. An' now, ye got a new love. An elvish love. A pure love. Hang on to 'er, Talas. Girls like Darria only appear once in a lifetime.

Those words had echoed in Talas's mind over and over again until he had grown wary a