The Last Outpost (Whitebrand and Vairocana)

[Whitebrand]

In the many endless schemes by the drow to conquer or at least harm the denezins of the surface world, one of the more ambitious productions was the hidden city of Anzirath. Anzirath was originally a spy outpost that had turned into a major colony. It lay in a huge cave just out of reach of the brilliant sun of the surface world, and was remarkably self sustaining. Water was plentiful, and food was easily acquired from surface farms, underground ranches of animals, and the occasional surface raid. At its height the city housed more than seven thousand dark elves and their servants.

Politics, however, were a fickle thing. Support for the city rose and fell over the years, and the temptations of the surface world were quite strong. The city had begun to become an unpopular cause to support, until only a handful of powerful families remained invested in it. The population had begun to decline substantially in recent years, with almost half the buildings sranding empty.

Still, those powerful family allies considered Anzirath to be a worthwhile investment. Most recently the House of Noquar had chosen to send a representative to the city to monitor their interests. That was the reason that Anzirath's Overseer and her right hand woman were waiting patiently for the Noquar representatives to arrive. Rumor hinted that the Noquar agent had been sent to the city as a way to keep her out of the torrid politics of the Undercities, but the Overseer was obligated to welcome them with more or less open arms regardless of their reasons for being there.

Soon the scouts reported that the party of seven had passed the last outpost from the city. They would be arriving any minute. The Overseer, a drow woman of middle age and serious face, sighed as the Noquar agent passed through the outer gates and entered the city. It had been so long since any of the Houses had sent any real degree of support for her city that she found herself more than a bit dubious about their presence. Still, the party had braced a long journey through the dangerous paths of the Underdark to get there so that had to be worth something.

She and her bodyguard kept their faces polite and attentive as they waited for the seven travelers to approach them. She would reserve judgement until later.

[Vairocana]

Vylistrae sighs unhappily. She misses the oil baths, the spicy foods, the rich wines. She misses home. Why did she have to come all the way out here? To this place, really too close to all that open air and sun. She imagines if she were to leave the cave she might burn to a crisp. Insanity. All that light and the distant opening doesn't look even an ounce on fire. Another sigh. She is tired. She feels dirty, and what is with this city? She looks about the streets with a slightly annoyed look.

"It looks half dead," Vylistrae grumbles likely receiving a baleful look from her advisor. At least someone is waiting for them! Vylistrae adds a bit of speed likely gaining more than enough reproachful glares from her protectors and a gasp from her lady in waiting. Vylistrae comes before the drow woman and her second and tilts her head slightly to the side with a slightly confused look. Only two people were here to greet her? Maybe someone forgot to tell others of her arrival? Were seven people that hard to spot?

Seven. Vylistrae wishes she could have stayed home and no one would have to be inconvenienced by coming all the way to Anzirath.

"I'm Vylistrae Noquar, you must be..." She struggles for a name or title. Yes, she hates being outside of the home city. At least there she only had to endure all the things expected of her.

[Whitebrand]

Forget judging later, the Overseer of the city thought. She had the measure of this girl now. A spoiled, pampered noble who clearly had been sent to her city to get her out of someone's way. She'd seen this game before. It was actually insulting the she would be expected to play host to this...adult child.

"I am Eclavdra Branwen," she said, inclining her head. "I am the Overseer of Anzirath. This is my second, Commander Hildae Quess. It is an honor to meet you, my lady. We have prepared the old Noquar estate for you in anticipation of your arrival. It would be my honor to escort you to your home here."

Commander Quess stood aside with a bow and gestured for the party to follow her.

Lieutenant Trey, the leader of Vylistrae's escort, nodded cooly...it was her most common expression. With a gesture of her own she silently commanded the three armed males to fall into line. The trio, Vicks, Wedge, and Biggs, imitated their lieutenants reserve at all times.

Quistis was the oldest member of the group, a severe looking drow who's pinched face suggested a thin veil of tolerance with her charge. She was pretty much the noble woman's major domo, with the weight of the well being of her charge and her holdings on her shoulders. She didn't look like she enjoyed it very much.

Last came a young woman who was a slimmer version of Vylistrae, wearing the dress of a maid servant. Her face was almost as open and friendly as her mistresses's. She was a doe-eyed young woman who went by the simple name of Lira--suggesting some sort of mixed background.

In fact the maid might not be the only one with the mixed background. Vylistrae sported a pair of breasts that few pureblooded drow grew naturally. The Overseer was certain that there was some sort of scandalous story there.

The group were led to a Dysthal. A sort of a hovering cart without any animals drawing it. This one had been modified with seats.

[Vairocana]

Vylistrae nods her head at the Overseer. "Thank you, Overseer." She then follows after the Commander Quess. Ah to sit, lounge drink, and eat! She hopes the view will be nice. The area hopefully is peaceful. Vylistrae glances back at Quistis, she wonders if she will have to make a visit to the temple soon.

Lead to an Dysthal, Vylistrae's mood shifts upwards. At least she won't have to walk anymore! Her feet are killing her, her legs are unhappy, her back is sore. Her gown is feeling more and more confining, she wants to get out of these dusty clothes, she wants her skin rubbed with oils and her silvery hair with its dull and slightly hidden crimson lock, perfumed. Wines! She wonders as she climbs into the Dysthal if she will get to have some surface food. They are this close to that goddess forsaken land, and she should like to at least have a taste of what it offers. Who knows how long she will have to be here, Mother didn't even say how long her tenure will be. She had, of course, entertained that she was being punished for something, but that couldn't be.

Vylistrae settles down and waits for the others, it's nice that everyone is peaceful. But at the house, she can imagine Quistis is going to talk her ear off.

[Whitebrand]

The dysthal hovered two feet off the ground as it's passengers climbed in. Quistis remained silent for the time being, unwilling to embarrass her young charge in front of the Overseer. Lieutenant Trey and her men settled into the back once thir supplies had been secured. Lira sat down next to her mistress while the Overseer and Commandrr Quess sat in the front. Vylistrae was placed in a soft seat in the middle of the vessel. Once everyone was secure the dysthal began to move at about the speed of a quick horse.

The city buildings were carved from the stone of the cavern and elaborately decorated with the complex designs all elves loved. The occupied ones were decorated with curtains, banners, and dim lanterns of various colors. The empty ones were dark but at least looked reasonably clean, as if waiting for future tenants. They passed many other dark elves along the streets, along with slaves of various races going about their business. Everyone paused as the dysthal passed them, most nodding their heads in recognition of their Overseer. There were few actual families in evidence, but Vylistrae spotted an occasional child among the thin crowds.

Soon the party passed into the Nobles Quarter, where the buildings were more elaborate and had sizable fenced in properties. Soon they pulled up to one of the larger mansions clearly owned by House Nowuar.

The mansion was quite large, much bigger than what a single noble might need. It had, in fact, been built with entire families in mind. Now it stood empty, waiting for its sole occupant. At least the Overseer had seen to it that the place was presentable--the garden had been recently trimmed, the lanterns were lit, and the family banners had been set up. They treated their benefactors well here, it seemed.

"I trust that your new home meets with your approval," the Overseer said when they came to a halt. She made no move to get out of the dysthal.

The others took that as their cue to disembark. The men gathered the supplies while the women climbed out to look over the new home. Lira the maid stood by to help Vylistrae out of the dysthal.

[Vairocana]

At least the city didn't look horribly empty from here. Everything looks to be well maintained actually. And the citizens know their Overseer and grant her the respect due her station. It doesn't bother her that they don't do the same for her, even at the home city no one really batted an eye at her. Respectful or otherwise. She always inquired, neither Quistis or her Mother would ever really tell her. No one knows you Vylistrae. Until they do you will receive no respect. And that suited her fine. She just wanted to play and be pampered. Vylistrae sighs. Yet. Why did she have to leave?

Finally, they reach their destination and Vylistrae's bored expression changes to a more curious one. Her family's banners were everywhere, the garden looked delightful, and the lamps are lit. If she didn't know any better it was as if she were at home.

"Thank you, Lira," Vylistrae says as she is helped out. Her eyes look up the large building, recently tended to. She smiles. Well if its insides were as nice as its outsides then she was set for a long while.

"Yes, Lady Branwen, this does meet with my approval." Vylistrae smiles as she examines the land and the walls. It may not be as grand as the home city's, but this could so make a good second. Why did Mother never tell her about this place? Oh, perhaps it's because of that accursed sun that lies in wait just outside these caves. She turns to Quistis and frowns lightly. "I'm going inside." It's not really a request and Vylistrae really is testing to see how far Quistis is going to allow her to roam unchallenged. At least the older woman was not about to humiliate her her before the Overseer and her Second. Vylistrae takes Lira by the hand and heads for the doors.

[Whitebrand]

Lady Branwen nodded as Vylistrae climbed out of the dysthal. She waited until the servant emptied the vehicle before putting it into motion again. In moments the Overseer and her second were out of sight. The party quickly followed their mistress inside the mansion.

The main foyer was smaller than the one at home, but it was pleasant and welcoming. The place was nicely lit and the family bannered were neatly hung. There was, however, little else here. Almost no furniture or furnishings wee to be seen.

Quistis entered the foyer and looked around with disapproval. It appeared she would have to dig deeper into the funds they had been provided with by the Matron Mother than she had hoped.

"We shall have to pick appropriate rooms for you upstairs," she said crisply. "And see about furnishings. And guards. And servants. Go upstairs and choose a bedroom for yourself, my lady. This will take some time for us to make into a proper home."

Lieutenant Trey had her men set down the supplies they had bought with them and set them to the task of clearing the lower floors. There would be time for them to rest and clean up later.

[Vairocana]

Vylistrae's smile fades away as she notes a serious lack of furniture. A sigh escapes her lips, at least Quistis seems equally vexed by this. She will leave that up to the older woman. She will know what must be had. Because. Honestly. All Vylistrae would want is a big bed, a large bathtub, a closet for her clothes, and probably a table and chair. Pillows! Vylistrae sighs. Yes, Quistis is best suited to getting the house up to standards.

Oh Mother, what did I do so wrong that you sent me here?

At least she can do the one thing she could not at home. Choose her room! Vylistrae nods and heads upstairs, hoping to find one of the biggest rooms available in this huge place.

[Whitebrand]

Upstairs, Vylistrae found that the Overseer had anticipated her. All the upstairs rooms were dark save one. Lira entered first as a precaution.

"My lady," she said quickly. "Come see."

The bedroom had clearly been meant for someone very prominent in the House. It was definitely one of the larger rooms in the house with a great bed that was surrounded by curtains sporting House Noquar colors. There was a large wooden wardrobe against one wall, and there was a thick rug on the floor. The linens had been newly laundered and waited for the new mistress of the mansion.

There was a second room off to the side that featured a large Iron tub easily big enough for two. Towels had been set on a rack next to the tub.

[Vairocana]

Vylistrae's eyes widen and a smile grows. "This is great. Perfect even!" Vylistrae glances back down the hall then back to Lira. It would be improper for her to do what she is about to do, so best not to let Quistis get wind of it. Vylistrae giggles and throws herself upon the bed. She rolls on the bed and lays on her side after a moment and more uncharacteristic giggles, letting her hair tumble over now a bare shoulder as her gown's buttons finally give up.

"Oh Lira, we must really thank the Overseer for her foresight. As long as the kitchen is well stocked I can enjoy myself. Or well until Quistis thinks I may not have any more fun." She sits up and glances to the other room and sighs. Would it be too much to try and get a bath in? Would Quistis be cross with her? Is it not her right to be pampered? "What do you think Lira, should we finally take our well-deserved rest?"

[Whitebrand]

Lira was trying unsuccessfully to hide her own smile. She bowed as she spoke.

"I shall prepare your bath immediately, my lady," she said. She quickly turned and retreated into the bath. She easily invoked the runes on the tub, magically filling the Iron tub with water warm enough to steam slightly. She quickly fetched soap and poured a few gentle smelling oils into the bathtub. That done she returned to her mistress to help her out of her travel gown.

Downstairs the men quickly declared the mansion as secure as four defenders could make it. Lieutenant Trey followed Quistis up the stairs to report to their mistress while the men finally got some rest. The pair of them frowned when they found the young noble being undressed for her bath.

"The mansion is safe, my lady," the lieutenant said coolly. "The males are resting in their quarters and we will be ready to properly unpack tomorrow. With your leave."

The lieutenant turned and left the room without waiting for a reply. Quistis merely maintained her disapproving frown. Clearly the young banks was having far too much fun for her taste.

"Tomorrow House Noquar will be expected to make their presence known in the city," she said stiffly while Lira worked to avoid her gaze. "I expect you will be ready to deal with the representatives of the other Houses?"

[Vairocana]

Vylistrae realizes that she should have told Quistis first before her need to bath and have some fun. Standing nearly bare, though unabashedly so, Vylistrae turns her golden eyed gaze to the older woman as the Lieutenant has left.

"You have nothing to fear. I will be beautifully presentable when the time comes. You'll see." Oh right. She'll have to bow her head and smile slightly to the various representatives here. Knowing her own, she will be disappointed and have to cry in Lira's chest at the unfairness of the world. "I just need to rejuvenate from the long journey. Everyone should do so. The Lieutenant most certainly seems to need a lot more 'relaxation' in her life."

Vylistrae smiles brightly suddenly. "But we should really get the Overseer something nice. She ensured one room was fully furnished at least. This one. Is it not amazing? So amazing that I must test that bathtub."

[Whitebrand]

Quistis sighed. Drow women were supposed to be more than beautiful and presentable. They were expected to be aggressive and assertive, fearless of grinding their rivals and enemies under their boot. Vylistrae was...not that.

"I shall see to preparing an appropriate gift for the Overseer," Quistis said, sounding resigned. "Then I shall retire for the night. Indulge yourself, my lady."

She bowed properly and glided from the room.

"Don't mind her, Mistress," Lira said soothingly as she gently disrobed the young noble. "Just be yourself and make a good impression. It's a good thing that we aren't back home. I hear politics are a lot less murky and nasty closer to the surface world."

[Vairocana]

Vylistrae frowns as Quistis leaves. "I certainly hope so. It was terrible at home. Always be so cold and silent. A nod there. A silent promise with a dagger there. Oh certainly hope no one poisoned that." Vylistrae easily lets herself be disrobed as she sighs. "Hopefully less murky. You don't think mother sent me away because she thinks I'm not good enough to help her at home?" A thoughtful look touches her features as she makes her way to the tub.

"I hope the other houses here aren't nearly as ruthless as Mother wished I be. So ya. A good first impression. The goddess certainly has to be pleased with me at least trying." No of course not. As she slides into the warm waters she slumps her shoulders. Yes. That's why mother sent her away, isn't it? Sent her to the furthest edges of their lands. So close to that baleful sun. It's a social death sentence to be here, she decides. All because she finds it better to enjoy her life before it is inevitably brought low by treachery from some corner somewhere.

[Whitebrand]

Lira helped her mistress into the tub. With oiled hands she began to rub the noble's shoulders.

""Milady," she said in her ear, so as not to be overheard. "You were meant for a carefree life. I pray to all the gods and goddesses that you get as close to it as you may."

This was a rather dangerous thing to say...if the priesthood got wind that the maid was praying to any deity but the Spider Queen the poor girl would end up on the altar as a sacrifice. Her telling her mistress such a thing was a display of extraordinary trust.

Lira went back to massaging her mistress as though she had not said a word.

Meanwhile...the pair was being very carefully watched by something with brilliant golden eyes.

[Vairocana]

Vylistrae sighs contentedly as Lira massages her. She always loved it. How all her annoyances at her life's expectations melt away with warm scented water and oils. Vylistrae's smile falters a little bit, but it returns a second later. A carefree life. Lloth or no, if there is a deity out there that would grant her such a life then she would happily live it. She'd even step into the light of the accursed sun to live that much more desired life. Vylistrae though is used to dreaming. Wishing a future that did not end with constant looking behind one's back. Always worrying that one rival would finally get the upper hand, in fact always keeping the upper hand. That was her future and she never liked it.

"Thank you, Lira," she says softly as she closes her eyes, letting the momentary stress to drain from her.

[Whitebrand]

"Any time, milady," she said as she began to rub soap over her mistress's body.

All too soon the bath came to an end and Lira saw about drying her off and getting her prepared for bed. On minutes Vylistrae was in her soft nightgown and tucked securely in her new bed. Her maid pulled the curtains around her and left, heading for her own bedchamber...if there was one.

That night she dreamed about a man. No one specific...the character in her dream seemed to possess characteristics rather than an actual identity. He was kind and strong, and never someone she had to fear about plotting against her. He knew how to pamper her and even knew how to rub her shoulders just right. He was close to...almost close enough to touch...

The next day was something of a blur, really. Everyone who was someone wanted to meet the new representative of House Noquar and what the family was bringing to the city...and of course how they could take advantage of anything for themselves. Vylistrae was put into the best dress that she had and--once breakfast was finished--carted off by Quistis and Lieutenant Trey to make the rounds of the noble houses. It was almost as though she were a puppet or something to be shown off, at least for most of the interviews and visits. Many of her interactions were simple introductions and a bit of polite-ish conversation before she was whisked off to another one.

Much like in her home city, her fellow drow noticed her particularly ample chest. Quite a few women raised their eyebrows at her while some of the males seemed almost incapable of not talking to her bosoms. It was difficult to tell if anyone registered anything she said at all...and she didn't seem to be winning friends. Oh there were some of the smaller Houses that were interested in an alliance of one form or another, but most of the meetings seemed to be focused around Vylistrae herself and how savvy a politician she might be. The consensus seemed to be not much.

Finally she was escorted home to a decent enough meal...one that seemed to consist half od traditional drow fare of half surfacer food. Biggs, Vicks, or Wedge--they seemed to be interchangeable--reported that the home had been free of disturbance and that the servants and guest quarters were about half ready for occupancy. The kitchen and dining area, at least had been taken care of, with new tables and chairs for everyone to sit in. Then she was at last allowed to retreat upstairs to her evening bath, where once again the eternally patient Lira massaged her tense shoulders.

[Vairocana]

Vylistrae sighs despondently. She has been holding back doing so all day. Especially considering how disappointing the entire day had so quickly become. Not that she should have expected more. She can blame the dream that decimated her 'mask'. Quisits certainly is aware that she tries her hardest to be as serene and tireless. She tries to relay that she is certainly not weak, but that she really is. She hates the mask, she has always hated pretending to be something she did not want to be.

At least the day wasn't a full loss. She enjoys how some are off put by her larger breasts, some won't even look to her instead they will stare and focus upon her most prominent features. She gets a kick when they do. It spares her their disdainful looks when they and she meet eye to eye.

She has found as well that she likes these hints of surface foods.

"Ah Mother, how do you do it," Vylistrae complains as Lira tends to her. Not really a question that can be answered, nor would she dare ask her Mother how she does do it. Quistis alone would spend hours lecturing on the importance of such actions that her mother so far excels at. Obviously, she still lives among a hive of poisoned wines and daggers. She finds herself liking this room though, more than her home. She had a good dream after all.

"Lira," Vylistrae raises an eyebrow. "I had a strange dream. It was a nice dream, it had a male. A male not like others males. I wonder... why did I have it though?" She tilts her head and softly adds, "When I know I want you close by."

[Whitebrand]

"I cannot guess, milady," Lira said. "Perhaps you are feeling lonely. We could buy one from the slave markets if you really need one. If there are any slave markets."

She continued to massage her mistress, working down her shoulders and arms.

"Or perhaps it is the closeness of the surface and that...sun," she said. "Having some sort of effect on you. Perhaps I should prepare some wine for you before you go to bed?"

[Vairocana]

Vylistrae nods gently. "Yes, please. A soothing drink should ease my night." Vylistrae frowns lightly after a moment. "It could be the sun. This is the closest I've been to that thing. Baleful even this deep in this area." As if the suggestion was enough, Vylistrae moans and begins to relax. Yes. Lira always knows how to make her relaxed, how to forget the world outside.

"If... you do not have a bed of your own yet, I shall allow you a part of mine, Lira. Quistis and the others have done well in making the house livable, but I suspect not everyone so far has a bed."

Vylistrae sighs and lets Lira's hand do the work that she needs. Most of all, she wonders what dream she might have tonight. Will it have another male, a male that is delightfully not quite like them?