Atlantic Roleplay Community Boards

[Thrax]

---

"You know how uncomfortable I am here," Thrax stated, frowning. "Did you choose this place deliberately to annoy me?" he asked.

Sitting across the table from him, Dharzhal T'Ar relaxed in his chair and offered a slight smile in response. "No, I would have chosen the Abbey in Yew for that. I chose Luna because I can be certain we are on equal footing when we speak of these delicate matters. If tempers flare, these noble paladins will quickly intervene to "counsel" constraint."

Thrax sat back in his chair, his expression one of indifference. "I have no intention of losing my temper; it is bad form, especially in public."

"Do not be coy. Remember, I know you better than anyone. You want to talk to me because you suspect me in the poisoning of the Empress, but I can tell you now I had nothing to do with it."

"I do not suspect you. You are too wise to ever cross me again. Besides, we have an agreement: you mind your business and I will happily mind mine. There is just one problem with this rosy scenario..."

"And that would be?"

"Another party has entered the picture. I have been informed you and Streea have a daughter. She is very young, yes, but quite headstrong from what I hear. Is *she* minding her own business?"

Dharzhal thought for a moment. He was unsure what Thrax knew about Nizzre', her movements or actions. He could not keep up with her himself. A lie now, and a clumsy one, would make anything else he said appear entirely untrustworthy, transparently deceptive. "Yes, we have a daughter. Yes, she is headstrong, like her mother. What has that got to do with anything?"

Thrax feigned apathy and looked down at the table. "Nothing, as long as she minds her own affairs." He took his index finger and began drawing a symbol in a small spill of sugar on the table directly in front of him. "*Is* she minding her affairs?" He casually looked up, into the drow's eyes.

He chose not to lie. "No, actually she is not. She has sworn allegiance to the Spider Queen, and her activities include things we have forbidden her to do. We were trying to monitor her, but found it almost impossible. Worst of all, she has left home now and we do not know where she is."

"What are those forbidden things?"

"Vengeance on our enemies."

"And am I one of those enemies?"

"Yes, to her you are."

Thrax paused. "Does she know the trouble she is bringing upon you all?"

"She knows. She is young and foolhardy. She has much to learn."

"What is her name?"

Dharzhal took a chance. "You know that already."

Thrax smiled. "No, I don't. My informants have followed her, but she is very elusive... very cautious. Would it surprise you to know that she has been seen in Papua and Zento?"

Dharzhal shrugged.

"I need a name."

The drow glared at Thrax. "She cannot harm you. Leave her alone."

"If she is as harmless to me as you say, you have nothing to fear in telling me her name. I will find out anyway. You know that."

Knowing that to be true, Dharzhal confessed. "Her name is Nizzre' Velve."

"And what does that name mean in your language?"

"What do you care?"

Thrax just stared at him.

"Lightning Blade."

"She is an assassin then," Thrax surmised. "Interesting."

Dharzhal stood up. "I assure you that I am in no way responsible for this incident with the Empress. I have no wish to upset the fragile peace between us by doing something so stupid as to poison her to discredit you."

"Maybe not, but what about your daughter?"

"Leave her alone... I warn you! She is no danger to you."

It was Thrax's turn to stand. He placed both fists on the table and leaned over. "*I* will determine who and what is a danger to me!! And if you cannot keep her under control, what makes you think I would stupidly accept your word that she poses no threat?! Besides, when has your word ever been something anyone could ever trust?!"

The accusation cut like a knife. There was a part of Dharzhal that remained inviolate, kept deep within him... that part of the paladin he once was, that rarely spoke, that was rarely heard... a voice crying in a desolate wilderness calling him back to the Light. He lowered his head. "There was a time..." he muttered. After a moment's reflection, he looked up at his tormentor, scowling. "And who are you to judge me?! You snake!! As if the mere sound of your voice is enough to conjure up truth in your words!"

"This meeting is ended, drow! Pray we do not meet again to discuss these things or I promise you it will not conclude so peaceably!" Thrax snarled.

Dharzhal smiled wickedly. "Temper, my lord! And for one who has yet to don his armor, you speak as one who thinks it time to take it off!" He turned and walked away.

Thrax watched him leave. Skurj came out of the shadows to stand beside his father. "I could have killed him easily," he boasted.

"And the guards would have killed you just as easily," Thrax countered. "No, now is not the time. But if he wants a war with me, by the gods he will have it. Find his daughter. I will get word out to those loyal to me to help you. The bounty just went up considerably... and now we have a name."