Thread: Surviving The Time Of Troubles (Athene & Alvis Alendran)

Elari Venoch'Xuileb'Brou Luckily, Alaunvyll didn't have to wait too long. The sounds of footsteps echoed throughout the halls, and soon, a figure matching those noises entered. Inside walked what one could only assume to be Lux and depending on the type of Drow House one hailed from, the sight may or may not be expected. Lux, apparently, was a hume. A female one, mind you, but one nonetheless. And yet, she was one of the few non-Drows that Alaunvyll would even start to treat with the slightest bits of respect or even dignity which went to imply just how important Lux was to the Matron Mother. Strapped to Lux's back was a massive, great axe. Only the most foolish people would dare to begin thinking it was a normal weapon, for it was anything but that. It was blessed - or cursed, depending on the point of view one was talking about - to 'identify' any foe in front of the female barbarian. When it was surrounded by a crimson aura, it meant Lux was facing a foe without any magical abilities. Likewise, blue meant she was going against a caster in some form or fashion. Although it may seem like an overly simple ability, it was actually quite powerful. Of course, one had to stop and realize just how strong it could be to warn someone who was only skilled in fighting with actual weapons but no magic who she was facing. Granted, she did have a few magical items to protect from being too direly hurt, or even worse. Those ... were discreet, hidden in plain sight. No doubt courtesy of Alaunvyll herself. So how did a mere hume like Lux get such high favor? That was another story for another time, and one that the Matron kept hidden from anyone she thought not important enough to know such details. Her attention returned to the here and now as her crimson eyes saw Lux obediently sink to her knees, lowering her own head. The tell-tale and perfect pose for any servant, no matter how much or little they were liked. It was simply how things were meant to be, and this did include following a certain set of mannerisms. Perfect, Alaunvyll praised, Your presence is always a refreshing one to see in my House. Rise. I have asked for you, alas, not to chat, but give you a mission. A very important one, in fact. Upon complying with her Mistress's orders, it would have been revealed - should anyone not already know Lux, or who she was - that this hume was more unique than one would have immediately assumed. Not only was she specialized in a type of fighting that men of various races primarily resorted to using, but she was as tall as an average human. Lux stood at a full height of six feet and one to two inches tall, give or take a few digits. Were it not for her ample bust or feminine appearance, it would otherwise be very easy to think Lux was an actual man. This was exactly why - particularly for above-ground raids - Lux was one of Alaunvyll's most deadliest soldiers. Humans and even those pathetic light-skinned elves would think little of her. By the time any suspicion ever started entering their minds .... Well ... it was more often than not too late. What does Mistress wish for me to do? Lux asked, lifting her head to make eye contact with the shorter but still very powerful Drow. Not physically, no but in her own regards, Alaunvyll wasn't frail. Not normally, anyway. Now was different, but only because of the gods having their damned 'trials'. Once hose end, though, you'll be strong again, Alaunvyll reminded herself. These troublesome days had been moments that helped her remember another reason Lux was so essential. Whereas any other slave may not have an absolute sense of devotion, Lux did. And she had watched Alaunvyll's back countless times, killing anyone who even so much thought about killing her Mistress off. Nothing - gender, race, nothing - could save any poor bitch or bastard that was caught by Lux's wrath and, worse off, weapon. Though our House is still standing, we ... need to replace some of our lost members. I care not whether you find magical individuals or not. I want you to find --- Alaunvyll stopped, pausing her thoughts as she tilted her head slightly. A low set of Hmms resounded before she corrected herself. Never mind. Actually, seek out only those skilled in the art of melee or ranged weaponry. If they focus on magic in any nature - or normally would do so - kill them. I need more people akin to you, yet different. A few tinges of crimson lightly painted Lux's face, more fueled from pride than any other emotion. Praise was never handed out, especially by the Matron Mother herself. So hearing such words was - actually - a very big deal. Understood, Mistress. I will return when I find someone promising for your House. Excellent. Be vigilant but ... be thorough, all the same. Taking a few moments to mutter under her breath, the protections on Lux's body briefly glowed, the light quickly disappearing mere seconds. While Lux did possess a good number of tattoos that she'd received prior to serving Alaunvyll, there were some that had been given to her. Those were what kept her from being easily killed by magical means. Of course, it was another thing people tended to ignore, as her tribal and wild appearance made it look like she had merely had those naturally. Received from anyone but a Drow, priestess or otherwise. Alaunvyll's crimson eyes continued to watch Lux not out of lust, but ensuring she left the House uninterrupted. Even after seeing this occur, she made no immediate move to get up. Instead, the Matron opted to stay seated, her mind shifting to a new thought. Her only daughter, Elari. Although the younger Drow possessed non-Divine powers, she had still been teaching her child to properly worship Lolth. It was something Elari had been ... fighting for a good number of years. To say it infuriated Alaunvyll would be an understatement. Hopefully, progress has been made ... Nodding to herself, Alaunvyll stood up, now knowing exactly where she wanted to go. Slowly, she sauntered towards her next destination the combined dungeon and sacrificial chambers she'd made downstairs. Meanwhile, Lux entered the streets of Rilauven. Her eyes darted quickly around, her ax seeming as hungry as her own gaze. She eagerly roamed the streets, proudly wearing the crest of the Venoch'Xuileb'Brou House on her back. It was one of the symbols that hinted she wasn't any mere servant, nor one to mess with. Not lest one wanted a death wish, that was ...