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[Thrax]

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"Let me tell you precisely what is going to keep you alive, in this realm or any other," Alicia stated, glaring at the dark elf through the bars of his prison cell. "You will create more of the poison, according to Lord Thrax's specifications, which he has given to me. It will be an enhanced, concentrated, and therefore more potent version... something that cannot be easily dispersed in water. Then you will create the antidote for it, just as you did before."

"And if I do not do this," Dharzhal ventured, seated, facing her on the small bed in the cell. "If I do not willfully become party to whatever genocide you plan?"

Alicia smiled. "I like you Dharzhal. I have always admired the ways of drow like you... cold, cunning, calculatingly treacherous. Why the concern, the humaneness? As a worshipper of Lloth, what care you for the lives of humans? I have seen the altars to her. They are no less stained with human blood as is ours."

"That is true, but service to Lloth does not extend to pointless genocide. As you recall, I, too, was once Oggaroth's chosen... his high priest, and Thrax served me. I know his mind. It is bent on the total extermination and destruction of all that exists on this plane. Eventually, it will include you as well. Have you given thought to that?"

The smile left her face briefly, but returned. "Of course I have! But he promises us greater things afterward. If I must die to obtain then, then so be it. Death is but a door to the future, a future where we will reign supreme."

"His promises are lies. He will use you and discard you like he did me."

"Enough of this banter!" she cried. "You *will* do as we ask, or you and Streea will perish in an agony of flesh and soul that will extend even into the nether world. And...," she hesitated, "I do not wish that to happen."

Dharzhal waited, considering his options, which, to his embarrassment, were few. He stood up and moved close to the bars. "If I do this, I require... no, I demand, one thing. It is not negotiable."

Alicia, who had not budged when he stepped closer to her, moved closer to him. Mere inches, and the iron bars, separated their faces. "And what is that?" she asked, quite curious.

"When I am done with it, I am done serving your master and god. We, Streea and I, shall be free to live our lives without any further interference from any of you. If this is not agreed, then you may do your worst, for I will not be party to your madness any longer," he boldly stated.

Alicia stepped back but kept her eyes on him. "You have done us much harm, but if you will do this, we shall call a truce, and go separate ways. I shall inform Lord Thrax and you will have his official reply soon. I shall assume he will accept your terms."

"Do you still have the alchemical lab set up in this... place?" he asked.

"It is now named Citadel of Blood... and, yes, all is as you left it."

"When do I begin?"

"Now."