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Darker Than Dark

Some call the Underdark a nightmarish place, a hell on earth, or rather, beneath it. To some, it is. A lightless expanse stretching on deep into the very bowels of the planet, with black lakes, huge crevasses, and a silence that can drive one insane. And as if its land features were not terrors enough, but the populous of this place are far from hospitable and gracious. The merciless mind flayers, or illithids, capturing any who dare stumble upon their encampments, the Kuo-Toa, fish-like creatures that have no qualms about killing anything encroaching on their territory.

The beholders and beholder-kin, the horrifying eye tyrants, keeping more to themselves, but showing no mercy to those that happens upon them. These and more, dragons, duegar, and spiders frequent the endless tunnels. And of course, perhaps the most well known, and easily most despised of all Underdark inhabitance, the infamous Drow, the dark elves. Sadistic, pitiless, unforgiving, and what many deem insane, are just a few of their characteristics. They are perhaps the most numerous of them all, cunning and intelligent. Ruled by the matriarchal principle, their society is commanded and controlled by the women, the female drow calling all shots, while the men are considered less than dirt, indispensable and effortlessly replaceable. None, not even the other races wish to intentionally cross paths with these dark elves if they can help it, and never, never, has anyone willingly entered into their midst, to stay for a time. Any visitor to the drow cities were shown the place, and then made permanent residences, captured, tortured into submission, and then sold as slaves to whoever paid the most.

And yet, sometimes, every once in a great moon, someone does venture down to this horrendous place, for their own reasons, and are capable of taking care of themselves, sending those that come after them scurrying away in defeat and terror. This…is one such instance. It takes place deep within the caverns of the Underdark, where someone is walking. There is little to be seen, only a slight flicker from a solitary torch, being all but swallowed up by the unrelenting darkness. The bearer of this torch is moving along, somehow being able to tread upon the beaten path, despite it nearly being invisible.

And even though most who are forced to tread these treacherous passageways, this figure didn’t scurry or slink along. No, the steps here were strong and smooth, a very relaxed gait. However, by not masking the footsteps, the footfalls echoed around the cavernous chamber, pinpointing the person’s exact location, for any who wished to locate the traveler. And as it was, someone did. For with a growl and a gurgle, out of the blackness jumped a whole patrol party of Kuo-Toa, crossbows drawn, and spears leveled at the voyager. They weren’t interested in an explanation, and they weren’t there to take prisoners. They were there because they were hungry, as Kuo-Toa have a taste for flesh. Not especially human flesh; to them, on piece of meat tasted very much like the next. So, it seemed, as there were easily a dozen of the large and vicious creatures, this foolhardy traveler was about to be slain and devoured. But this did not come to pass.

As three Kuo-Toa charged, spears ready to run their prey through, there was a quick whisper of a sound, almost like a hiss. This was followed by a shriek, as one of the monsters fell back, its spear clattering to the floor, and it could be seen it the meager light that its entire right arm was gone. Severed at the shoulder, leaving only a gaping stump, its transparent yellow ooze-like blood seeping out, falling to the stone in gooey patches. This made the other two pause for but a moment, and as they returned their eyes to the front, they saw to their bewilderment that the torch was there, but not the hand that had been holding it. It was wedged in between two rocks, keeping it upright.

They turned this way and that, making harsh gasping noises, alerting their brethren behind them that their prey was running. However, when no response was given, the two turned, only to see that the rest of their party was already dead, including the one missing an arm. Using their infravison, they could still see their warm bodies, some who had been decapitated, others with huge gashes in their chests, and puncture holes in their back. There was no time to retreat, no time to regroup, for from nowhere, leaping down right on top of them, it came, a sliver of silver sweeping towards them. In an instant, they too were slain, and fell to the ground. Without a word, without a sound, the traveler made a silent motion, and there was the same light hissing sound. Then, grasping the torch once more, off it went, leaving the corpses as they were.

The thing about the Underdark, is that there is obviously no day and night, something that this traveler most certainly must have known, for when fatigue set in, no further did the person go, making camp, and curling up next to a rock. Many believe that it is suicidal to sleep in such a place even with a strong group, as no doubt one would surely be devoured in slumber. But to seek sleep by oneself? It must have been madness, for it is almost a rule, that something will come across the weary, and fall upon them. And the rule did not fail in this instance. For, not very long after the traveler had settled down, there came a sound. A slight scuffling of feet, and a gentle hiss. Suddenly, with a stampede of footfalls, all of which were slapping across the rock ground, coming from all directions was an entire battalion of Kuo-Toa.

When a secondary scouting party had come across the slaughter of their comrades, they at once returned to their city, organized a major attack group, and set off after the assailant, making double time. They found their target, and stormed the small camp, ready to take their revenge. However, the traveler had heard their approach, and had risen in an instant. With a flick of the hand, the silver glint returned, and in addition to the numerous footsteps and howling, there was the tremendous crashing of steel striking steel, sending unseen sound waves reverberating throughout the caves. Every once in a while there would be a mighty wail, as one fish creature was injured and fell back. The traveler wasn’t having much difficulty holding them at bay, but at that moment, and most unexpectedly, help arrived.

From around the Kuo-Toa, there was a chorus of war cries, followed by a searing explosion of flames, roasting many monsters on the spot. As the initial blaze subsided, amidst the screams and shrieks, there were many whistling sounds, as heavy bolts from crossbows began raining down everywhere, puncturing a good number of the fish-men. Once the hailstorm of metal ended, many dark figures came silently charging into the melee, their swords darting here and there, Kuo-Toa falling one after another. Realizing that a trap had been laid for them, the leaders of the attack party called for a retreat, and the remaining Kuo-Toa scattered in every direction.

Soon, they were gone, and the dark warriors were left surrounded by a number of carcasses. Once the coast was clear, and upon a hand gesture from one of them, their hoods were pulled down to reveal the black skin of the Drow. The one in charge, a young fellow by the looks, gave one of the Kuo-Toa a stern kick. “What where these freaks doing here?” he asked aloud, casting a look over his shoulder to another young drow warrior.

“I have no idea Captain. But these things are brainless and barbaric; their actions do not ever really make sense.” Before something else could be said, a soldier called. “Captain, over here!” Turning, both stepped over, only to see an interesting sight. There, sitting atop a large bolder, was a person. A human male. Young by their meager standers, maybe twenty years or so. Dark colored clothing, black, with an equally dark tunic of studded leather. Across his lap was a sword, housed in a curved sheath. He was busy wrapping some cloth around the shaft of one of the Kuo-Toa’s spears, building a new torch.
Now, this drow captain had seen many strange things, but he had to admit, this was very odd indeed.

This human was sitting amidst all the Kuo-Toa bodies, somehow having survived that massacre the drow had wrought upon them, and was calmly, nonchalantly going about his business. He didn’t even appear wounded, not scratch, a scrape, or a bruise to speak of on him, and he was more or less disregarding the drow’s presence. The captain would not stand for that, despite the strangeness of the situation. “On your feet human,” he barked. He doubted very much that the human could understand their drow tongue, thus he turned to his men, and asked, “Does anyone here know Common?” The company glanced around, wondering if anyone did. Before any answer could be given, there was a sharp voice which spoke from behind his drow ranks.

“What in the name of Lolth is taking you fools so long?” All the men jumping, the stepped back, allowing a young drow woman through.

She was, at first glance, a typical drow female, just being such commanded great respect. But she was different. Not a warrior. She was wearing a very fine dress, elaborate in style and revealing in nature at the same time, the distinctive authoritarian and yet sensual feel about it. Her long white hair was tied back behind her, draping down to her back, and while she was not a fighter, she still had a fine curved scimitar housed in an impressive sheath across her waist. Her expression wasn’t one that was just overflowing with understanding and tolerance.

She came up, hands parked on her hips, glaring at the stupid and incompetent males around her. “Well Captain?” she asked, stepping right over to him. He began to tremble a bit, saluted her, and then bowed.

“Forgive me mistress, but after slaying the Kuo-Toa we…” It was as far as he got, before one of her hands, moving almost faster than anyone could register, shot out, and seized him by the throat, holding him with a surprisingly phenomenal strength.

“I didn’t ask for you for miserable excuses, you piece of dirt! I asked a simple question. Why are we still here? You were supposed to escort me back to Esk Vantha as fast as possible. So, explain to me how this is in any way fast!” Instead of letting him answer, her hand only tightened, making his further communication impossible. She was seriously toying with the idea of crushing his windpipe, and put the next in command in charge, when she saw around the male she was throttling, a human.

He wasn’t paying any attention at the spectacle, and going about his business. He had finished his torch, and was now going through the Kuo-Toa’s belongings, shifting through the garbage and anything valuable. At once, the drow woman was interested in him. He was young, a hardy looking male, intelligent and keen, but also very well composed and solid. An intriguing find, she said to herself. She glanced at the captain, seconds from losing consciousness. She released him, and let him drop. “Am I to assume that this human is the reason we haven’t move on yet?” The captain had difficulty drawing in air, so he could only reply with a nod. “A very fine specimen. Who is he?” After regaining his feet, and straightening his tunic, the captain shook his head.

“I know not Mistress Ariena. We slaughtered the Kuo-Toa, and found him sitting here unscathed. Perhaps he is on his own.” The drow woman, Ariena, immediately wheeled around, and casually gave the captain a laid-back kick in the groin, knocking him to the ground once more.

“Don’t be an imbecile, if you can’t help it. No human would ever travel on there own down here. He must be part of a larger force. Did you talk to him?” Cowering before her, the captain was quivering. “I…I tried, but I doubt he speaks our language. And none in our company knows Common.” Ariena returned her eyes to the human, who was now stowing everything he had found in his own shoulder bag, rearranging everything.

“I guess I’ll have to do this myself, as usual. Fortunately for your incompetence, I know Common. I’ll find out what he’s doing here. And if he’s…available to come back to the city with us.” For the more she looked at him, the more her curiosity grew. He must have known that he was surrounded by drow, and everyone on the surface knew of their sadistic reputation. However, he hadn’t so much as looked at them, uncaring of their own devices. Curious indeed.

“You…human,” Ariena barked, now speaking Common, “Identify yourself!” This yielded no response, the male not taking the slightest bit of notice. Ariena knew he could hear her, and disliking to be ignored very much, she drew her own sword, and marched right up to him. Even more, she placed the tip of the weapon right under his throat, slightly digging in. “Answer!” Finally, after a long stretch of further silence, and as Ariena was thinking she might just have to kill him, the human’s eyes rose to meet hers. Perhaps for the first time ever, she flinched. These eyes were nothing she had ever seen before. There was no fear in them. No fear, no anger, no nothing. He was utterly emotionless.

“Virgo,” was all he said. His voice was interesting, very mellow and unwavering. With that, he went back to what he was doing. Despite the slight lapse in coolness, Ariena was beside herself. This human is testing my patience, she thought angrily. She pressed the sword in a little deeper, as it just barely pieced the skin. A slight trickle of blood fell.

“And?” she demanded forcefully, her own eyes fierce with a somewhat wild light. He glanced up again.

“And what?” he asked her, “You wanted my name. I gave you my name. Am I supposed to assume that there was more than one question imbedded in your simple inquiry?”

Ariena recoiled at the answer. How dare he, her boiling thoughts shouted. How dare he act so insolent! She moved the sword around, pulling the point from his neck, and twisted it around, so the entire blade was resting across his throat. “Because you are a brain-dead surface mortal,” she hissed like an angry tigress, “I won’t slit your throat here and now. When a drow asks you who you are, you divulge everything about yourself, name, where you are from, and why you are down in our territory in the first place. Then, we will decide whether or not to kill you. Now answer!” This strange male calling himself Virgo took a long look down at her sword, then lifted his eyes up. This was followed by a shrug.

“I do not respond well to rudeness.” Such an answer caught Ariena off guard, and after letting this reply sink in, she leaned in, bringing her mouth right up to his ear.

“So you wish to die then?” He pivoted his head around, bringing his face almost right next to hers, less than a span apart.

“If you were to ask with less hostility and more esteem, then I’d be happy to answer. But, if doing so would wound your pride that much, then you’d best slice my neck open.” He was daring her. Daring her to do it. To kill him. Ariena knew that she should, that such impertinence was intolerable, and that death was the most fitting of punishments for such behavior.

But…she didn’t. She was fascinated more than she was outraged. Normally, when she happened onto humans, male or female, they cowered in fear, quaking uncontrollably. This was due to all the horrific deeds and tales that the drow had attached to their name. But this male here, in the Underdark, surrounded by a whole battalion of drow warriors, their female leader holding her sword up to his throat…didn’t even seem apprehensive. Such nerves were not just a rarity, they were perhaps unheard of. He was unique, that was indeed clear, but the question was…what made him so? If she killed him, she wouldn’t ever find out. And it would bother her, gnaw at her mind. It wouldn’t consumer her, but it would preoccupy her thoughts for a long while. So, instead of drawing the blade across the skin, slicing the thick vein imbedded there, loosing a geyser of crimson blood, she whipped her head around to the captain, who had by this time recovered from the effects of nearly being strangled, and a harsh blow between the legs.

“Captain, gather your men further down the tunnel. I’ll be along after I’m done here.” The drow captain was about to say something, perhaps that it was his duty to protect her, and should this human harm her, he and all his men would be killed without fail, but her chilling and furious glare was enough to close his mouth with a snap. With a single hand signal, his troops put up there weapons. Silently, the battalion quickly slipped off down the path, leaving the female drow with the human male.

Once the escort was gone, Ariena straightened, slid her sword back into her sheath, and crossed her arms. “Very well. Perhaps now you will be more receptive to interrogation. Who are you, why are you down here, and what makes you so brave?” He rolled his eyes around to stare up at her.

“My name I’ve already said. Virgo. I am down here looking for something. And what do you mean “so brave”? Brave about what?” The drow woman snorted, a very unlady like sound. Not that she ever thought of herself as thus.

“What do you think I mean? You are a single human, traversing through the Underdark, for some obscure reason…that requires an explanation in itself. But then to be surrounded by a party of cruel drow, having a sword up to your neck, and with promises of death not far off if you would not comply, you didn’t so much as bat an eye. Is it that you do not fear death, or was that merely a spectacular performance?” To this, the human only pointed to his side, to his curved sheath.

“I do not travel unarmed, and I am capable of protecting myself. Feeling fear and doubt is an easy way for one to expose their weakness. Once that is accomplished, then death is a certainty. And in regards to being surrounded by you and your group, as well as having your sword to my neck, had I felt my life had been in any real danger, I would have engaged in combat. But fortunately for you all, I did not see you as enough of a threat to do so.”

Ariena had heard such words before, but had always been able to differentiate them between reality and idle boasting. Most of the time, they were nothing but fanciful tales of grandeur. This time however, she was unsure. The solemn and somber exterior displayed a cool and calculated mind, and chances were good that he did not merely carry a blade around to intimidate people. But to be able to take down a drow patrol of that size, as he had more or less been claiming…for a single human, that seemed borderline of impossible. Which is why Ariena dismissed it as talk, as he still wasn’t in a very favorable position. She felt that he was bluffing, but doing a superb job of it.
“So you say. Then tell me this…what reason are you down here in the first place? No human journeys down here without a reason. What is yours? Treasure, glory, or just plain stupidity?”

“I am searching for a sacred place that is said to be here in the Underdark. A black church, from ancient times. There is something I must verify within that church. Something that holds great meaning and understanding to me. A personal matter I guess you could say. I have been searching for over a week, and have yet to discover its location, or even a rumor of its site. As you said, one does not journey down here lightly, and as I have, there have been a great number of beasts to hinder my progress. Most, if not all are dead and slain. I am hoping that I will not be forced to battle yet again with you and your kin. If you could merely leave me to my searching, you can continue on your voyage back to your city, and have not but the memory of this encounter.”

Without even waiting for a reply, Virgo casually pushed himself up, stowing his gear, and preparing to press onward. Ariena only stood there, he mind spinning its usual devious web, putting together a plan. She didn’t seem to want to fight, so Virgo began onward. But as he passed her, he felt her surprisingly strong hand grip his arm. He glanced down at her. She was still staring straight ahead, but her expression betrayed an intrigued thought.

“This…black church, you are looking for. What is it called?” He pondered this question, wondering if it would be wise to divulge such information to one he didn’t know, and furthermore, a drow woman. He didn’t want to have to fight an entire drow ambush party if and when he arrived, they knowing where it was, and placing a trap for him. But, it’s not as if such an ambush would be any major inconvenience. So, he resolved to speak.

“It was called the Bazlic Cathedral. A place of worship for a primeval god, one of destruction I believe. There is a mural on the dais that I must examine.” He glanced down at her hand, gripping him. “If you please, I have much searching left to do.” But her grip did not loosen.

“I wouldn’t be so quick to leave my presence, if I was in your position. Perhaps I can help.” Virgo would have laughed at such a statement coming from a drow, had he the ability to chuckle.

“Help,” he repeated, no mirth or humor in his voice, “I have long since refused help of any kind, from anyone. Not merely because you are drow, although, I suppose that is an un-ignorable factor.” Ariena was indeed coy; not exactly surprised that he did not jump at the opportunity to accept her help. But she was sly. She dropped her hand.

“Fine, if that is how you wish to be, ruled by your squeamishness, it means nothing to me.” With that, she turned and went off, waiting to see if his curiosity would break his cool exterior, and give way to what she had felt. Desire, not the normal frenzied intense kind she was use to, but a lustful attitude nonetheless. Not necessarily for her, even though she was quite a dark beauty, but more of a desire for power, something that she found, as would any drow female, an extreme turn on. They couldn’t help but be attracted to someone who had had ambition and a yearning for even greater authority. Their weakness. It wasn’t clear if her devious answer had any sort of impact on him, but before she got too far, she felt a large and strong hand lay over her shoulder. Just as she figured, he was inquiring, but unlike she had figured, she hadn’t expected to feel such strength in that hand. There was great and terrible power within. She could feel it.

“Very well,” said he, somewhat reluctantly, “What…help do you speak of?” Ariena stepped back, and fluidly turned around, making sure to rub her body thoroughly up against his, to help bait his interest. The more ploys she had to tempt him, the better.

“It’s as simple as this. The church that you are talking of, there would be no way for you to enter it. You see, I know of it, and I also know that it is under heavy guard. You need “special permission” to enter it. And it just so happens that I to know whose permission you require. The Matron of my house. And being her priestess, she sometimes grants special favors. I could perhaps persuade her…” He held up a hand for silence.

“That’s all well and good I suppose. So, you know where this church is?” She nodded, running a single ebony finger up his black armor teasingly. “And unless I’d like to fight through numerous drow guards, I need permission to enter, permission you can get me?” Again, she nodded, continuing to run her hands along him. “And why exactly why would you do that? It is my experience that such uncharacteristic generosity and gestures of kindness made by your kind tend to have serious repercussions.” Ariena, despite the harshness of these accusations, didn’t cease what she was doing. She needed to remain calm. Exploding in anger, at the questioning of her offer would have shattered this deal. So, despite wishing to find a rock to brain him with, she only stepped in closer, reaching her lithe hands up, and sliding them across his shoulders.

“You don’t believe that I’m doing this out of the goodness of my heart?” This was a stupid question, one she deliberately put out, just to be playful.

“Not at all,” was his matter-of-fact answer, just as she knew.

“And you’d be a fool to think so. So as a male, you are not completely without value, as you have a brain along with…other attributes,” she dropped a hand, and began run her fingers up and down. “Unfortunately, I never said this help would come for free, but perhaps a little service done for us can earn a little leniency. That all depends on how cooperative and…willing you are.” Despite all the caressing and rubbing she was doing to him, it seemed to have little if any effect on him. His expression was still stiller than stone.

“And what would this service be?” Ariena stepped back, and crossed her arms.

“That wouldn’t be up to me. You’d have to…personally ask my Matron.”

“By personally, you mean that I must follow you to your city, and ask her myself?” Ariena gave him a curt nod, appearing uninterested now, her attention shifting elsewhere, to convey the illusion that her patience was wearing thin, and her offer would soon be withdrawn. “Why do you think that I would do something as reckless as that? Humans that venture into drow settlements usually do not walk out again.” This was an obvious point, as no one could deny the number ratio in relation, as human entries was significantly higher than human exits from a drow city. An issue that Ariena was ready to combat, hopefully.

“True, but those that remain are simple merchants and miserable travelers who offer us nothing. You however, should you do a good turn for us, shall be rewarded, and make you our ally.” This did not sway him.

“It is my understanding that the drow do not have many allies, and the ones they do have, are not held in high esteem, turned upon at the first available opportunity, and consumed.” There was an undeniable amount of truth in his words. Ariena however, was not new at ensnaring travelers, so she didn’t let it faze her. She didn’t know why, but she really wanted this male to agree, so she may subdue him. It just seemed necessary, something she needed to do, in order to fulfill something.

“I never said you had to agree. On the other hand, should you decline, when you try to enter the cathedral, the guards will stop you. And I’ll even suspend my disbelief that you may be able to slay them all, despite their far superior numbers, but if you do, then more will be sent after you, and more and more, a series of seriously draining battles. If you should come with us however, you’d simply be given a task best suitable to your talents, and if you complete it, you’d be given access to the church for as long as you like. Then, allowed to go on your way without molestation.”

As she finished, she turned away again, arms crossed. “I’ve laid out the agreement. I’ll not ask for your trust, but kindly make up your mind. Agree and follow. Or decline, and get out of my sight.” With that, she started off, heading down the tunnel, towards where her escorts were no doubt waiting for her. She listened intently, not slowing her step, hoping he would follow. After a moment, she heard him move, and footsteps trailing after hers. A smile broke across her dark face, knowing she had yet another male in the bag.

“I have one word of caution,” he said to her, now standing next to her. Ariena, not even hearing him approach, even with her drow ears, flinched at his sudden appearance. He could move even more stealthily than a drow. Impressive. “If this is merely a ploy to entice me to your lair, only to use me as a device, and attempt to capture me for imprisonment, then I say to you now…tell me so, and I’ll be on my way with no ill will towards you, nor will I harbor a grudge. If though, once I am in your city, and that is indeed your goal, I warn you, I will have no choice but to demonstrate exactly as to why I travel in such a place on my own. I give you this moment, here and now, to avoid such a distasteful event. For I will not take responsibilities for it then, as I will have little alternative.”

He became silent, as if waiting. Ariena didn’t answer. Obviously. If she told him that capturing was her plan in a nutshell, he’d leave. And if he finds out in the city, they’d have to endure his “wrath”. How scary. She could believe that he was a competent swordsman, but the city of Esk Vantha had well over six hundred drow fighters, more than enough to repel a large scale siege. One human would be no problem. No problem at all.