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 Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2009 9:38 pm
His answer was the last thing Haellara had expected, and though she tried hard not to let it show, her mind reeled as though someone had thrust their hand inside of her brain and given it a smack. She knew her eyes were widening, something that she knew looked quite frightening, what with the yellowed tinge of her eyes and the rest already the color of fresh blood.
She could not deny that from the moment she had seen him dancing about on the top of the caravan, she had been seized with a desire to claim him as her own. She could even admit to herself now that she had started out with no intention of returning him once he had served her for the day. He had such rare coloring, and his ridiculous air of playfulness was in itself an oddity to her. None of her brothers had ever exhibited such behaviour, and she had wondered just what it was about him that made him act that way. But now that she knew, he was no less of an anomoly to her. Rather, he was now more desirable than ever; it was as though Lolth herself had reached down and given her a fabulous gift; a male who was touched by her own hand, with the ability and potential to do whatever he wished, and wouldn't you know it, his wish was to serve her. It seemed almost too good to be true.
Then again, perhaps it was Lolth's way of rewarding her for her recent achievement of rising in the ranks. Having so little to work with, she had sent her a gift, one with multiple uses. Should he ever totally regain his air of innocence, he would serve as a welcome distraction and means of entertainment, and who knows; if he proved wily enough to survive her boorish brothers (and she had little doubt that he would), he would make an exceptional patron.
Regaining her composure, Haellara allowed an easy smile. "If that is truly your desire, then that is what you shall receive. I sadly lack true talent within my house at the moment, and I would be more than happy to have one such as you in my House; it will be sure to please the Goddess. Although I would not dream of you roughing your hands with such menial chores as those my servants perform. I shall find other, less daunting tasks for you." Her smile lingered, but her thoughts whirled. The memory of the dead and gutted priestess still lingered in her mind's eye, and though the request that he serve her came out with a hint of the cheery, bright-eyed youngster he had been, she knew that he was far from being fully restored. She would have to be exceedingly careful.
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Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2009 4:08 pm
As Haellara's eyes would widen, Nuumia felt a slight panic. Had he been too bold or forwards? Had he maybe made a mistake in finding a way to stay near to her. Maybe he should have said he changed his mind about that whole personal favor thing. His black eyes filled with a anxious dread in the next few moments.
She spoke then, and he felt his heart pitter pat in his chest as the muscles that had tightened loosened. He relaxed against the back of his seat and smiled awkwardly. Well..she had accepted him. That was good, and...Goddess he really was relieved that she was thinking about something better then drudge work for him. Nuumia's face gradually broke out into a brighter grin as he was able to calm himself. "Thank you Mistress." He replied "I'll do my job very well, you'll see. I promise! I've got lots of talent!"
Yes... no matter what position the Lady found for him he would definatly apply himself. He had to if he was going to learn what his purpose here was to be. Nuumia's eyes dipped down to his plate, and his stomach gave a watery urgle. Now that his anxiety had passed, and the effects of the poison had dispersed he felt the gnawing of hunger. Nuumia collected up the fallen fork, and happily stabbed at the cold meat on his plate. Not that it mattered to him as he popped it into his mouth and began to eagerly devour the meal. Hot or cold the meal was ten times better then anything he could remeber eating.
"This is really good Mistress. A lot better then lizard jerky or raw mushrooms!"
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Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 7:45 pm
Smiling at Nuumia's apparently undousable enthusiasm, Haellara wiped a tiny congealed-blood-red drop of wine from the corner of her mouth with a napkin and watched Nuumia fall to as though he hadn't eaten properly in days. Judging by the oafs in the caravan and how they seemed to treat him, it seemed a distinct possibility. Oh they would feed him some, to ensure his strength was kept, but seeing them treating him as somewhat of a pet, she doubted the young one had ever gotten the best of anything.
She nodded in a humoring way at Nuuma's declaration. "I'm sure you do. And be assured I shall test you time and again to ensure that you are indeed as talented as as you seem to be." The thought of putting the boy through Hell actually didn't bother her as much as she thought it would; after all of the tribulations he had gone through already, it almost seemed as though he could survive anything.
All the more reason for her to be on her guard around him. She had never been one to put trust in anything or anyone, and with what she now knew about Nuumia, despite her delight at having him serve in her House, she knew she had to be extra cautious. He already had proved that he could hide behind a mask of innocence, never mind that he wasn't aware he was hiding at the time. If it happened once, it was sure to happen again, and fascinated as she was by his charisma, she knew now that she must not for an instant assume that Nuumia cuold ever revert back to the carefree innocent youth he was merely hours ago. Ah, but such was life in the Underdark; every gift had a price and a means of testing you to ensure that you were worthy to keep it.
"I should think so," she said with the smallest of chuckles, "Were they to serve us anything like that, I would have to have the owner of this establishment executed for theft." At the word 'theft', her eyes suddenly lit up and she leaned forward with a hungry look in her eyes. "Something has just occured to me that I would command of you, should you still be willing to serve me."
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Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 9:11 pm
Nuumia continued to eat his meal heartily. The feeling of something solid in his stomach definatly felt good. What felt better was the new sense of understanding. With haellaras acceptance of his offer he felt a contentment like nothing he could remember. The lack of memories no longer bothered him. He could accept their loss and be happy with what he had. Perhaps he had lost his rank and title, but he had gained a sense of purpose that he was certain meant far more.
Haellaras mention of testing him gained her a nod. A rather eager nod actually. His black eyes looked across the table at her in expectation. Perhaps she would test him now? "I want to please you and prove to be useful."
In the next few moments though he paused, his head tilting a little to look at Haellara curiously. She seemed to be looking at him a little oddly? Or..ah! "You have a task? Of course I am willing! Command me and i will do my best to please you Mistress!"
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Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2009 9:05 pm
Smiling a devious smile, Haellara leaned back with her entertwined fingers nearly touching her chin, the very picture of business and contemplation. It pleased her to see that he was so eager to comply, in spite of his not knowing what the task was. That was what she loved in a male; considering it an honor to be asked to do anything, even as simple and humiliating as trimming her toenails. As it was, she had, as promised, a less menial task in mind.
"There is a specific drow that I am......quite interested in. Thus far I have been able to keep an eye on his movements, knowing his general area, by means of the house emblem that he wears. But though I devoted much of my time to finding him and keeping an eye on him, my duties as matron mother prevent me from checking up on him as much as I would like. Now, I have reason to believe that he will soon show up here, but I do not wish it to be a surprise visit, if you catch my drift. I want you to keep an eye out for this drow and alert me the instant he arrives in the city. He is rather easy to pick out; he has close cropped hair, eyes like mine sans the yellow, dark armor etched in glowing green runes, and a ridiculous forest green cloak and cowl that he is always wearing. I shall show you my house insignia so that you can make sure; I highly doubt he has gotten rid of his. Though I must insist that you do no harm to the boy; that will be for me to inflict. Do this, and you shall not only be adopted by me straightaway, but I shall appoint you head male of my house. Anything you need to complete this task, name it and I will provide it. What say you?"
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Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2009 9:51 pm
She seemed pleased about something. The smile upon her lips only drew more anticipation from Nuumia. he set his fork down upon the table and leaned forwards a touch in his seat. His eyes were rivited upon that happy look on her face. Obviously he was doing a good job in serving her if she seemed this satisfied already!
The drow she described sounded like most other drow in the city. However, his strange garb is what set him apart for certain. Nuumia commited that to his memory more intently then the rest. With garb like that it would not be hard for him to pick up the male's enterance into the city. Though he did wonder a bit. Who was this male that she expected would be returning eventually? How far away was he? The fact that she mentioned her House insignia gave him a clue. Obviously this male was a part of her House. A son or a cousin or uncle or brother? perhaps her mothers previous male? It wasn't unheard of for daughters to dislike their mothers so much as to take it out on their favorite males. But..this was not his place to question.
"I will obay you precisely Mistress." He assured her with a nod of his head. The promised reward was almost too much to believe. For a moment his black eyes widened, and oh yes...there was a definat longing desire within them. If he was taken into her family then he would know for certain this was where he was meant to be! He hadn't even had to really strive for acceptance! how easy this would be!
"I...Ah..." What would he need? " I surely would like to see your insignia...and where was he last thought to be? That way I know which gate way to watch over. OH!" And now he gave a small little laugh. "I need to know which House is yours Lady! Elsewise how will I know where to run once I see he's in town? Should I try n' catch him or just let you know immediatly?"
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Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 4:43 pm
The attentive look on Nuumia's face told Haellara volumes; he was determined to commit every detail to memory, in order to do the very best that he could. She could see the ghost of unanswered questions flitting about behind his eyes; no doubt he was wondering just what it was about this male that made her want to apprehend him so badly; perhaps he was even thinking that he could be someone she desired even more than him. She did, of course, but certainly not in the way he was thinking of. Once again she admired the way that he held his tongue rather than voice his questions; blessed male or no, he mustn't forget his place, first and foremost, and neither in fact should she.
She nodded at the obvious needs that Nuumia voiced. She reached into the folds of her robe and pulled out a small pouch tied with a braided cord, upon which was a medallion with the Torlyl insignia. She pushed it toward Nuumia, confident that it would be secure, and sought to give the rest of the needed information. "I myself did not see him leave, but he was headed toward the southern city of Llurth Drier, so chances are he left the city through one of the south gates. But therein lies the challenge; he has been known to come most often through the west gates, since the Glimmersea lies in that direction, and it is no secret in my house how much he loves to sail on that expanse of ocean." She had always found that a source of jabs at his expense; if all he wanted was water, he should say so and allow her to try all of the various forms of water torture she had read about. But she knew it was open-ness and the solitude that he craved, not the water itself. That unsettled her; it was a perfect place for a slightly insubordinate male to start...getting ideas.
She smiled and rose from her seat. "That is easily remedied; I shall walk you to my house that we may drop off the few purchases I have made, and perhaps even familiarize you with a few places and people; all the better for getting you into my presence as quickly as possible when you have located my brother." Not caring that she let slip just who it was she was after, she motioned the curtain aside and nodded to her bodyguard. "We're leaving now. Come." Without a word, the burly male turned and made a decent wedge through the crowd to allow Haellara & Nuumia to pass.
When they emerged on the street, they continued along at a brisk pace, Haellara looking sideways at Nuumia. "When you see him, I give you free reign to exercise your own judgement. If he appears to be staying a while, inform me at once. But if he appears to be merely passing through and shows a risk of leaving sooner than you can inform me, I would like you to apprehend him, though if you do I must insist that you bring him to me alive and unharmed." She felt a thrill of excitement course through her; after such a long period of waiting and watching, she was finally ready to draw the net tighter around her unsuspecting brother. And to think, all she had expected to come out of this day was a few supplies.
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Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 7:29 pm
Nuumia's nose wrinkled slightly at the mention of the Glimmersea. He'd seen it a few times in the past. Ships had come with strange items for the caravan master to purchase. he hadn't much liked the smell of it though. There was something unsettling about it. All that water covering who knew what in the depths. His infared sight could not pierce down into the water deep enough to see what threats there could be below. He was able to easily divert his attention to the insignia that she presented him with. Looking it over ciously, he allowed his fingers to reach out in his curiousity to lightly brush them over the symbol. As she continued he withdrew his hands and bobbed his head a little when Haellara informed him that she would show him her House...His House. Eventually that would be. He felt his heart rate pick up a bit as he eagerly scooted out of the booth.
He paused only long enough to pop one laste bite of the steak into his mouth, much like a child who had already had it's fill but could not resist grabbing one last greedy bite before being forced to leave. It really would do him no good to eat until he was sick. Surely the poison would have ill effects on him later?
He felt no ill though, as he trotted alongside Haellara to keep pace with her. She moved quickly, and Nuumia attempted to keep from slowing her down. Her guard, a brother it seemed, looked like he would not mind casually stepping on him if he was too slow. Or maybe it was just because he was so much bigger then Nuumia that he seemed like that sort. "I'll follow him a bit, if it seems like he's getting a room then I can come and get you right away. But if it looks like he's only stocking supplies then I'll see what I can do. I'm sure I've something that will work..."
Did he? Nuumia's hands started to flip open pockets at random so he could peer within them as he walked along. he trusted the fact that he was next to Haellara would keep any other drow from accidently having him walk into them. A steady show of small bottles and boxes and packets appeared in Nuumia's fingers. Most of them he gave curious looks at before tucking them back away. Where did he get all of this stuff? What did half of it do? he couldn't recall off the top of his head, and it was with a rather shameful blush that he looked up at Haellara.
"Mistress I don't think I've got anything readily avalible that won't...well... I'm not sure. I think most of this stuff'll kill a guy. I could test it out while I wait though and see what won't. Do you think maybe I could ask for something like cuffs just in case?"
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Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2009 9:27 pm
Haellara nodded at Nuumia's spokem musings, though she questioned the likelyhood of her brother seeking out a room someplace. To her knowledge, he had no idea that their mother was dead and she had assumed the role of matron mother; it stood to good reason that he would try to make his way back to House Torlyl, probably with some spoils to placate his mother with, since his returning would be a blatant disregard of her last order to him. Maybe he figured that the city had given up trying to find the culprit of that colossal blunder their mother had called a murder. Drow never were the type to try very hard in that respect.
She raised an eyebrow and glanced behind her at Nuumia rumamging through his belongings. She stifled a laugh; imagine those idiots at his caravan letting him tote around potentially deadly potions and powders! Then again, seeing as they handled things as dangerous as Devil's Foot, they either had no idea of the nature of Nuumia's possessions, or didn't know of them at all. It seemed entirely possible that he had hidden them from view all this time; she was still convinced that in spite of his lack of memories that lead to his cheerful innocence, there had still lurked a shrewd being who had certainly taken advantage of his situation.
She smiled at Nuumia's plaintive look. "You may take as long as you like. The last time I checked my sources, my brother was still a ways away, and unless he uses some sort of powerful magical enchantment to hasten his journey along, it will take him a while to get here. Highly unlikely, since as I said before, he enjoys what scenery the Underdark provides." She smiled slightly wider at Nuumia's request. "I have several pairs of cuffs stored in my playroom; I would be happy to allow you to borrow one of them. Anything else?"
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Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 11:52 pm
"Oh. Well. Just because it is unlikely he could be here tomorrow doesn't mean I shouldn't be ready." Nuumia responded with a answering smile for Haellara. He began to rebutton all of the pockets that he had opened in his search. He'd test them all out on random drow while he waited though. So he could see what each one did. It was a little embaressing to be carrying all these different things and not know what all of them did. He didn't have a clue! How had he intended on useing all of these things? He was sure that at the time he took them he knew they were useful. had his mind block been so sever that it had interfered so throughly in his memoires? What else could he have forgotten about? Maybe there was a weapon he knew how to use. Or some other strange skill? Maybe he could cook or sew or something?
When Haellara agreed to lend him a pair of her cuffs, the smile on Nuumia's face brightened considerably. He had no idea if he'd actually need to use them, but having them with him would at least assure him that he would not have to get too rough with the male. He wanted to be as effective as possible without overstepping his place! The final question, concerning anything else that he might need was encouragement for him to reply easily enough. "Maybe...we can find some chocolate?" He asked with a slight eagerness. Since Haellara had brought the thing up he really had wanted to try this fabled treat....
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Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2009 9:57 pm
Haellara forced herself to nod happily as Nuumia spoke; she wasn't used to having her words tossed aside so, but she carefully reminded herself that the little one was merely trying to do the task she had set to him to the best of his ability. Punishing him for every little slight might lead to his becoming discouraged, which would in turn hamper his effectiveness in the task itself. As much as she loathed giving a male such a free reign, she felt that just this once, it would be more to her benefit if she did. After all, she reminded herself; there would always be more time to teach the young male his place once his task was complete. Perhaps then, she thought with a wry smile, she might have a better IDEA of just what it was his place may be.
At the mention of finding chocolate, her eyes went wide, and she indulged in a good laugh. It seemed so long ago that she had been walking alongside an alarmingly innocent young drow who had gone wide-eyed at the mention of the dark confection, hanging on to her every word like a wide-eyed babe listening to a bedtime story, or a young one looking up to a drow he or she idolized even above Lolth in flattering innocent blasphemy. She would be lying if she said she was sorry to see a flash of the old Nuumia resurfacing.
Resisting the urge to pat Nuumia on the head (it seemed improper for a chosen of Lolth, albeit a male), Haellara turned to her bodyguard and gestured for him to lead. "We shall indeed find some chocolate, and then we shall return to House Torlyl. I hear it does wonders for humans; perhaps it will help you shake the last of that poison off." She had to keep reminding herself to refer to it as poison, though should she slip and say potion, it probably wouldn't matter. Nuumia could very well think that she was referring to the potion as the poison that had supposedly been put into Haellara's cup. Still though, he seemed pretty sharp; she would have to be on her guard a lot arouns him. She found the mental exercise quite refreshing.
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Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 10:59 am
When all was said for this encounter, Nuumia had to believe that it had all turned out exceptionally well! His black eyes shone with delight as Haellara would agree to find him the rare sweet so they might share it like she had mentioned before. He had a bit of a better idea of who he was, and he was back doing what he was supposed to be doing. He'd return later after he parted ways with the Matron to better explain to Thalzoz and Jalkin that he was not going to be traveling with them anymore. That way they would not be worried or come looking to drag him away later.
"Thank you mistress." He chirruped as he walked along. Oh this was going to be wonderful! A slight bounce had returned to his steps. The poison seemed to him to have been a curious weak one as the complete meal and a bit of time had shaken off any lingering effects. It really was very odd. His black eyes lifted up to peer at the big back of the male now leading them. Part of him wanted to perform a little leap onto that back, and to cling to it like a lizard. But the more sensable part of him that had awakened warned him that odds were he'd find himself flung to the ground if he tried. So instead he continued his slight bouncy steps next to Haellara.
((If you wanna wrap this up that would be fine with me ^_^ We can say they could not find the chocolate, so that could be a 'reward' for later when he finds Mikaril for her? XD))
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Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2009 9:05 am
((Sounds okay with me. ^^ This was loads of fun! blaugh ))
As she walked past stand after stand, her blood-red eyes scanning for any sign that proclaimed that the sweet was to be found there, Haellara was almost as happy as Nuumia was, though she didn't show it in such an obvious fashion. She certainly hadn't imagined that her first trip out of her house in what seemed like forever would lead to such a wonderful prize. True, she hadn't discovered any contacts that her mother had established, but that paled in comparison to what was walking beside her, staring up at her brother with a childlike, contemplative expression. Sometimes one had to move forward and gather your own strengths instead of relying on the old ones that had served the last matron. If there were any that were still active and potentially useful, surely they would come forward once they noticed Dilayne's absence, and seek to continue their beneficial relationships with her.
In the meantime, there were preparations to be made. Nuumia must be equipped with the proper tools, shown around the entire grounds (within reason, of course), and finally sent out like a hunting spider, seeking out his unwary prey. She could almost picture the little one bringing her brother back in those cuffs, his little chest puffed up with pride. The thought made her smile, thus far her only sign of pleasure since they had left the tavern.
Her frown returned when they had traveled the breadth of the marketplace without finding a sign that had advertised chocolate. It would appear that none had been brought in today. Haellara turned to Nuumia and shook her head. "It looks as though none has been brought in recently. But do not concern yourself; your hunt for my brother will give me more than enough time to hunt some of it down for you, and once you return with your prey, it shall be waiting for you. An entire block of it." She tried to smile in reassurance as she diverted her path and led them all toward her House, and the preparations therein waiting to be made. Her utmost desire was finally reachable, and a plan had finally been set and put in motion. Apparently all it had taken was the removal of her restrictive mother. Smiling more to herself now, Haellara closed her eyes for an instant. My thanks mother; I couldn't have done it without you.
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