Thread: Undercurrents of the Underdark (ClearSight & Lady Arachnia)

The House of Vrinn was hosting a party, a lavish get together celebrating what every Drow loved, indulgence. It was to be a masquerade, faces hidden and the darkest desires sated in the most spectacular ways. Everything the heart could desire would be available, albeit some luxuries came with a hefty price. It wasn't uncommon for alliances and agreements to be made for a taste of forbidden fruit and no Drow, commoner nor noble, would shy away. Those of the underdark did love to indulge, but it wasnt a party being thrown out of camaraderie or joy for the House of Vrinn, it was a statement that they were strong. Elerra Vrinn was the head of her noble family, the Matriarch responsible for leading the centuries old aristocratic house. Yet, at the moment it wasn't a glorious position but one driving her into madness. The house was in decline and the stress was overwhelming. It was the reason for the party, to put on a show and fool the other houses, to show themselves flush and in high spirits when the truth was far more dire. Her favor with Lolth was declining and with her own strength and favor falling so did the strength and favor of the entire House of Vrinn. To the Drow, favor was paramount. Any person or house would rise and fall with the shift in blessing from the Goddess. Losing favor wasnt unheard of, there were always minute changes over the course of centuries, but it was different for Elerra, the magnitude of the change worried her. She felt her powers weaken, her once dominant might reduced greatly in the previous months. More than that, she felt danger, a sense of doom she couldn't shake. Elerra had practiced spells from a young age, showing some aptitude as an assassin but far more promise as a Wizard. It was through her spells and intellect that she rose up within her family and eventually took the position of Matriarch. Lolths favor had then increased her power dramatically, but as she lost that support she quickly realized just how dull her own prowess had become. The once powerful Wizard, capable of oppressing the strongest in the house of Vrinn with a mere wave of her hand had grown weak. Lolths blessing had caused her to grow complacent. The powerlessness was sobering, her eroded foundations needed time to be rebuild. For her to regain any degree of true power she would have to devote some time to spells once more, time she was afraid she didnt have. For the moment the only thing holding up her house was the appearance of strength and their reputation. Being in such a vulnerable position was infuriating, and while Elerra was soon to play courteous host her current mood was anything but jovial. Elerra gave a languid sigh. She was seated in front of a mirror yet to get dressed, her silky obsidian skin displayed in all its glory. Like nearly all Drow, she was attractive, though her breasts and backside were fuller than most. There was a certain softness to her as well, which spoke towards her identity as a Wizard. Most who used spells had no need to push their physical form to its peak. That wasn't to say she had lived an easy life. Recent years had been uneventful, but she had fought for the power she held and had the scars to prove it. Her hair was a lustrous white, pure and flowing loosely and without decoration. She would soon have to get ready but it was not time for that yet. She could still enjoy a moment of relaxation, something to help soothe her ever-building stress. She turned her eyes towards a naked, half-beaten slave standing in the corner, the woman lowering her gaze in fear as Elerra's apathetic gaze brushed over her. Her eyes filled with mirth at the reaction, adoring a slave who knew their place. Go and bring me my favorite pet, I will have her see to me before the party. Have her bring back some wine as well, I have need of something to quench my thirst. She smiled but that only served to make the slaves skin crawl as she bowed respectfully and made her way towards the door. There wasnt a slave within the estate that didnt know the hell that rained down once their Mistress was in a playful mood.