The Wicked Demesne of Butterfly Sunrider

All right, so I stayed a little later than dusk.

Ok, so I stayed a lot later, since I'm still here. I only mean to stay just long enough to dine with Methrammar back at the Friendly Dwarf, so I wouldn't have to worry about the cranky Keeper of the Bridges trying to fine me for using the gate during non-peak hours. Unfortunately, we were up so late talking and strolling through town (nothing more) that it was well past gate's close when I begged off and decided to retire upstairs (alone). It was lucky for me that he had to travel to Olostin's Hold on a later day, because I had no idea what I would tell him about Ralenthra, or even if I should tell him about her. I guess we will just cross that bridge when we come to it.

Believe it or not, we did not have elven wine; otherwise I would not gone upstairs alone, I assure you. We just shared a light dinner and conversation that came so easily once the how do you dos were done with.

When we finally reached a comfortable lull in the conversation and I could eat the tasty pheasant before me, he said, "You know, you're the first woman who didn't ask me about my mother inside of a minute of my introducing myself."

I put my fork down. "A man like yourself has plenty of accomplishments of his own to talk about without having to delve into family history. I would not be so bold as to start asking about your mother so soon before we are...better acquainted."

He smiled, "You would not be so bold..ha ha! Seledra, you may think you fool me with your wide eyes and blushes, but I see a fire within you that you cannot hide...I...feel like I know you and maybe I don't, but one thing I don't think you suffer from is a lack of boldness."

"You seem to have me pegged, Methrammar. I fear I will soon bore you."

"I could have the long life of Elminster and I still don't think I could live long enough for you to bore me."

Wow.

I didn't know how to follow that up, so I decided to tone things down a bit.

"Then it is good that we shall be spending more time together, first with the wedding and later back at Silverymoon. I'm sure we will see lots of each other."

We smiled and finished our food. The dynamic was strange and different, but good. I've noticed that elven men take...such...a...long...time to get to know a girl and by that time, the girl in question has probably already bedded a human just to pass the time. Half-elven men, certainly Methrammar, if he is any example, are quite a bit more intense, not so much so that we would end up in bed on the first night, but we could, given a few weeks' time. Humans want to marry the girl right away or bed them quickly, and then brag to all their friends that they nailed an elf.

After we left the Friendly Dwarf, he walked with me in the moonlight, ambling through the quiet streets hand in hand. Because she had been cooped up for most of the day Selune joined us. When I called to her, she pushed through the stable door and hopped all around, so excited to see me and who is this guy and did you bring me some food and where's Ralenthra and let's go let's go I'm bored and want to look around!

I laid my leftovers on the ground for Selune to enthusiastically devour and when I stood up, Methrammar's hand slid behind my back and gently drew me closer. The waxing moon was reflected in his eyes that looked like the sea after a storm. And. He. Kissed. Me. Then he apologized.

"I'm so sorry. I don't want to scare you away or anything."

I shook my head. "It's alright. It was a lo- a really nice kiss." I stammered.

At that point, we were interrupted by Selune, who was thoroughly bored with the proceedings and tugged gently at my sleeve and whined, as if to tell me she wanted to keep walking. We obliged her, since she had behaved herself so well all day. Finally, my instincts told me to bring the night out to an end, so as to leave him wanting more. I yawned.

"I'm so sorry. I'm just...so tired. I will see you at the wedding then?"

"I wouldn't miss it for all the tea in Shou."

He walked me back inside the inn and arranged for Selune to be able to sleep in my room, but stayed at the foot of the stairs himself. He whispered, "Good night, Seledra."

I made my way to the top of the stairs and turned, whispering, "Good night, Methrammar! See you again soon!"

I closed the door, sat on the big fluffy bed that faced the window and relaxed. Selune stretched herself across my lap and I gave her some long overdue pets and scritches. We spoke silently for awhile. I told her about Thralia and Kronk and Methrammar and she told me about the assorted Harper Agents that played fetch with her when their shifts were over. She'd met Kronk as well. He came back to the Friendly Dwarf last night with blood on his hands but he had been so gentle to her that she licked his hands clean. Half-orc blood, but not his. She also spoke to a strange but funny little creature who called himself a pseudodragon named Beau. Oh, and there was a dragon going around incognito but his intentions were not hostile, unless you consider eating a lot of Shepherd's pie hostile. Look outside.

I did. And I saw a white dragon flying away from Everlund, apparently undetected. He headed towards the Nether Mountains and soon out of sight.

After Selune fell asleep and before I started my trance, I whispered a prayer to Mielikki to protect Ralenthra on the road and when she arrives at Olostin's Hold before I get there.

Like clockwork, I rose at the stroke of eight (hey, it was hard getting back into trance with a vision like that), walked over to my desk and re-read the letter Ralenthra/Dhavra left for me.

My dear friend,
I cannot thank you enough for the aid you've given me these past few weeks. Without you, I don't think I'd ever come so far in my search. But I must go on alone, now. I fear that traveling with you further will put you and your family in danger from those who seek me. Even now, there is another drow in the city who works for my House; she may be here to bring me back to that horrid city. After her, there will be more.
Please, do not come after me. You have taught me so much about the woods that I'm sure I can make the rest of the trip by myself. I have only to follow the road south and stay out of the High Forest; I cannot get lost. When I have found my father, I will write to you. May your Goddess go with you, always.
Dhavra

Okay.

Think. Think. Think. Of something sad, of something that broke your heart. There. There we go...and...now!

With a sob, I burst through the door and ran down the stairs into the main hall of the Friendly Dwarf Inn. Darla, the kindly innkeeper's wife, hadn't noticed my tears at first and told me that my breakfast would be delivered to my room very soon.

"Oh my dear, sweet girl. What is the matter?"

"It's...Dhavra...(sob)...she's gooooooooooooooooooooone!!!"

Darla looked at my letter, hugged me close and wiped away my tears.

"There, there, my dear. It's a brave and noble thing she's done. She is truly a testament to her...kind. It's for the best, dear."

"I suppose you're right."

"Did she happen to say where she was headed?"

"Noanar's Hold, why?" I widened my eyes and batted my eyelashes innocently.

Darla turned noticeably pale. She must know they practically hunt drow there for sport.

"Just curious, dove." She bit her lip, and as she turned away shook her head and said, "I'll send Amie up with your breakfast, my dear."

I took the handkerchief she then handed to me and dabbed at my eyes as I walked back up the stairs. With my back turned she couldn't see that I was fighting a smirk.

I took my food in my room, got dressed and packed my things before visiting Thralia. I had a favor to ask her. But first, I had to get past the half-orc.

"Hello Kronk."

"Hello..."

"Seledra."

"Right."

"Well, of course I'm right, it's my name isn't it?"

I swear I saw the corner of his mouth twitch.

"You want something? You not here talk with Kronk."

"As charmed as I am by your presence, no. Is Thralia in?"

He nodded.

"Is she decent?"

"Thralia very kind to Kronk..."

"Is she alone and clothed?"

By Tyr's right buttock, I'd made the half-orc blush!

"Thralia alone, but...Kronk not know if..."

I grinned.

"Why don't you check? And then tell her I'm waiting to see her."

Kronk went inside. I heard something heavy drop to the ground and I heard Thralia giggle. I struggled to remain sober. Quickly, Kronk stepped back outside, grabbed me and ushered me in before hastily shutting the door behind me. Thralia and I looked at each other and collapsed to the ground. I muffled my laughter into my cape, while she covered her face with a pillow.

As long as I've known her, Thralia had always tranced in the nude and I saw that she hadn't changed a bit. I'm sure Kronk had seen plenty of naked women before, but not women like Thralia.

I whispered in elven, "Sorry, I have to get serious now."

Thralia put on her poker face. "Of course."

"I suppose you know she's gone."

She batted her eyelids at me. "Why would you think that?"

"Because I know you have at least five people staked out in and around this building, not to mention the people stationed all around Everlund who report to those people who then report to you. And I know you know what she can do. And I know your mouth is watering."

She lounged on her bed like a cat. "And I know that you know. But did you know that I knew that you knew that I know?"

"Indeed I did."

"I daresay you missed your calling in life."

"That I doubt. I may be able to sense trouble, but I sure have a hard time avoiding it."

"I'll say. When did you find her?"

"Greengrass, just outside Silverymoon."

She grinned.

"And already you're going to have angry drow after you. That is quite an accomplishment."

"Not now, Thralia. I need a favor."

"I know."

"But did you know that I knew?"

"Of course. What do you need?"

"Well, if my suspicions are correct, they will be coming. We need a head start. I know the drow cannot be stopped, exactly..."

Thralia scoffed indignantly.

"...but if you could delay them, perhaps get them to going in the wrong direction...I need them to head towards Noanar's Hold."

"Consider it done."

"You're the best."

"I know."

I raised my eyebrow.

"I have to go about my business today, but know that I owe you a favor."

She took my hand.

"Friends don't owe. They do because they wish to. But I may need your help someday and I am glad that you offer it."

Thralia got dressed and we more loudly spoke in a mix of common and elven about the noble aims of Dhavra and her brave, suicidal journey towards Noanar's Hold. As I broke into fresh tears (Thralia had told me the one dirty joke she knew in druidic), she saw me to the door. She whispered into my ear, "See you at the wedding," and more naturally told me to keep my chin up.

Then she beckoned Kronk inside.

Morning came and went. With all the bustle of entering Everlund I didn't get much of chance to talk to Ralenthra about yesterday's shopping trip. Indeed, she seemed to be over her melancholy and now her eyes gleamed as she took in the city's sights. Traffic was insane as services all over the city were just getting out and the pious clogged the streets and thoroughfares. I had business at the Evergreen Hall, but I didn't want to keep Ralenthra waiting when she probably had better things to do.

"Why are you stopping?"

"I have druid business at the Hall. Thought you might want to...er...case the town."

"Trying to get rid of me, eh?"

"That's not it at all. I didn't want you to be bored with the...er, druid stuff."

"Gods, you are gullible. I was kidding,"

I blushed and looked at the ground. "Yeah, I get that a lot."

Ralenthra's smirk melted into what appeared to be a look of concern.

"Hey, I know I give you a hard time. Try not to take it too personally. For a treehugger, you're not bad. I'll pick you up at the stroke of five so we can get dinner."

And with that, she rode off. I met with the druids of Evergreen. This was partially a diplomatic excursion, as my cousin Pandora was headed here to be installed as Archdruid after her honeymoon was over. We discussed Silverymoon and what I should do about the huge increase of chipmunks in Old Town. They in turn, asked my advice about the cat colonies in the Bell Market. We also spoke of Pandora's exploits and realized there was more bitterness between her and Lord Nasher of Neverwinter than I had previously suspected.

This went on for seven hours, as we do not conduct business over food.

Ralenthra was back on time and together we decided on The Friendly Dwarf, a popular and boisterous inn often patronized by Harpers and Moonstars - hence the boisterousness. Ralenthra and I chatted about our days, both avoiding whatwe might felt the other would see as "boring" details. We were just finishing dinner when a familiar face wafted into the room. While everyone else was busy catching their breath, I got up and strode over - until I was knocked on my behind by the biggest half-orc I'd ever seen. Damn, he was fast!

"Hey!"

"Hey yourself, druid. No rushing the bard-lady."

"I know this troublemaker, Kronk. It's okay. Help her up, willya?"

Kronk held out his huge paw and pulled me to my feet. For a big guy, he could be surprisingly gentle.

"You have a bodyguard now?"

Her name is Thralia Ma'freyja. About 20 years my senior, she was like a big sister to me in those years before I went to train in Amalith. We went to the Lady's College together (I was very young to be attending - 120 was the average age of most first-year elves) and after I got expelled, she went on to be a bard ( a famous one at that) and now, by the look of the small silver pin on her lapel, an agent for the Harpers. For those of you not in the know, she's a sun elf and heads a band of bards called Sun and Moon.

"Just for the tour. After that's over, he'll accompany me back to Silverymoon. I've got a regular gig at the Dancing Goat lined up!"

"The Dancing Goat...that's...just..gr-fabulous."

"Oh, you have to come see me. You promise you will? Please?"

Damn.

"Sure, I go there all the time! Hey, can I introduce a friend of mine?"

I grabbed Ralenthra by the arm and pulled her over, forgetting myself. The half-orc sprung and soon he was holding Ralenthra about three feet off the ground, his hands around her waist with the same ease as around a man's neck.

"Veil not fool me, drow."

"Unhand me you brute!"

I stifled a giggle.

"She's not one of those drow. Lia, could you -"

"Drop her, Kronk."

"But - "

"She's a good drow, like Drizzt. Only probably not as whiny. Remember Drizzt?"

"Yeah"

Ralenthra was dropped like a rag doll to the ground. Luckily, her cat-like reflexes ensured that she would land on her feet. I thought I saw something flash in Thralia's eyes for a split-second, but it was probably nothing.

"Kronk, you can make an appointment with one of the ladies if you like. I should be safe with Seledra for a while."

Kronk wandered off towards the back room. I hoped The Friendly Dwarf was not a reference to the ladies in the backroom and turned to Ralenthra.

"Dhavra, this is Thralia Ma'freyja. You may not have heard of her, Dhavra. She's a famous bard."

"Charmed. No, unfortunately it has not been long since I escaped the Underdark and I have not heard of you, Mistress Ma'freyja." Ralenthra curtsied deeply. I couldn't look at her for fear of laughter.

"Yes, I detect an accent. Menzoberranzan? And...you have green eyes."

"My father...was a moon elf. I'm looking for him."

"I hope you find him, dear."

"Thank you. Seledra, if I may, I'd like to adjourn to our room upstairs. The sun - it's taken a lot out of me."

I knew not to expect her when I got up there.

"Have a good rest, then. We have a big day tomorrow."

She knew we might not be staying at the same place two nights in a row.

"It was, Mistress Ma'freyja, a pleasure."

"The pleasure was all mine, Miss Dhavra."

Ralenthra went upstairs. Thralia and I ordered some elven wine and Thralia insisted on treating me. When she reached for her coinpurse, she found it was gone.

"Where did you find her?"

"Uh..."

"She's amazing. No one has been able to pick my pocket without my noticing in years. No, don't tell me. It's probably best that I don't know."

"Right."

"Here." She shoved a small scroll into my hand. "I want you to give that to her. It has my contact information on it." She whispered, "I don't want the Moonstars to get her first." Her volume returned to normal. "Luckily, I keep two coinpurses on me. I don't think Kronk did."

I reached for my coinpurse. "Here, let me - "

"Don't worry, I can take care of Kronk. Besides, the ladies here rarely charge him as it is."

"That guy?"

"Looks can be decieving."

"And you would know this because...?"

"No, no, no. I don't mix business with pleasure."

"Um. Ew. And yes you do."

"Well, not this time."

"Good."