Open Chronicles Shallow Grave

[Myrra]

Chirps of crickets seemed to fade out more and more as Nasir continued his explanation. As a girl she had dreamed that one day she’d find other dark elves. That one day she’d find a place to belong. But, as Nasir described the brutality of their kind a thought emerged.

Were humans so bad after all?

In that moment a part of her wished to inform them both that she had changed her mind. ‘Take me back to Alliria or Elbion,’ she’d beg. It was too late though, she wouldn’t turn back while finally being so close. Especially after promising the older drow that she’d help him.

“I’ve seen a lot of things, surely not more than you, and I don’t know our ways but,” Myrra choked back her concerns. Trying to stop her voice from wavering more than it already was. “There are rarely good reasons to snuff out another life. I’ve certainly robbed and cheated but it’s rare that I have killed another. And normally it was in self defense.”

The child of an elf didn’t know what she was trying to explain to him. That she was worried she wouldn’t fit into their society or that she simply didn’t approve of their ways. Perhaps both would be conveyed.

“I will help you but if you believe that my attempt at trying to rejoin our people is a fool’s errand I just need to know,” she said.

There truly was no point in continuing past the gates of the Undercity if she’d die a week later for not being powerful enough.

At Kassa’s suggestion of sleep the onyx skinned woman let loose a mighty yawn and nodded in approval. She’d feel better with a bit of rest.

 

[Nasir]

"You will find a home there." Nasir was sure of that."Whether it is a home you want? Only you can make that decision."

It was the last few words that he said on the subject before agreeing with the Human mage and bedding down for the night. Of course, unlike the two of them he did not really sleep. At his age it was mostly unnecessary, meditation keeping him going more than anything else.

--------​

The next few days and even weeks of travel went surprisingly smoothly. Perhaps it was the presence of the Allirian City Watch along the roadway, or perhaps it was simply because the bandits did not want to fight in the fall, but the trio of travelers managed to make their way with sufficient speed.

For most of the journey Nasir did not speak much, preferring to stay silent unless he was answering one of Myrra's questions or teaching her the use of their language.

Throughout the entire journey he managed to impart quite a bit of knowledge upon the young Dark Elf. When they began to crest the mountains he had taught her of the castes, the structure of the military, small pieces of history, and even features of the arts.

It was impossible for Myrra to learn it all of course, but at least her people would not be utterly foreign to her upon arrival.

On the dawn of the sixth day of the fourth week Nasir was the first to wake, standing at the edge of camp as he called to the other two. "It's time to wake."

His voice would be loud enough to rouse the both of them, though the hour was obscenely early.

Over the last few weeks he had grown more tolerant of the human as well, even answering some of her questions when it seemed prudent to. They were hardly friends, but neither did he intend to get rid of her at first opportunity.

That was something.

 

[Kassa Lia]

As they traveled, the land slowly began to grow rougher and steeper as they neared the mountains. As the landscape slowly heightened, Kassa knew they would soon have to leave the horses, for they were not bred for harsh cliffs or rocky footing, and they too needed to forage on grass and vegetation the mountains might lack.

During the journey, Kassa stayed mostly silent, but not idle. She continued to cook their meals, preparing the meat Nasir’s snares sometimes caught – mostly rabbits, hares, and once a young deer. She made sure their campsites were well set up and then well broken, and kept pace with her two companions well enough.

She kept her questions small and simple, and asked anything only to draw clarity from Nasir’s answers to Myrra’s questions. But she listened to their conversations keenly, and so too learned much of the Undercity’s ways, cultures, and traditions. She even picked up a few words and simple sentences; when she put her mind to it, she was a quick learner.

The sun was still below the horizon when she woke to Nasir’s voice. Rubbing the drowsiness from her eyes, she made sure the fire was out and gathered up their belongings, burdening Chance once more. She patted stallion’s muscular neck in comfort and a promise to relieve him of his load later. If she was right, she would have to leave him soon enough.

They came upon a small cabin with a rough stable. It was solitary, kept by only a few people who declared that it was the last stop in the mountains before the earth would veer sharply upwards and then down again, deep into the rocky valleys of the world.

“If we are close, should we store our horses here?” Kassa asked of Nasir.

 

[Myrra]

They were awoken earlier than even the sun. Did Nasir wish to have darkness cover their initial entry into the mountainous region where the Undercity sat or was he simply eager now that they had gotten so close? Myrra had grown more eager in the recent days as terrain shift and vast mountains sprang up on the horizon. Or perhaps eager was the wrong word, anxious was a bit more apt.

All of the horseback riding had hardened her muscles though. No longer was she so sore after a day's ride that she needed Kassa or Nasir to aid her in dismounting the creature. She'd even gotten the opportunity to use her magic at a stream they passed to catch a carp for one of their dinners. It had been the only meal she'd cooked entirely on her own throughout their journey, though she did aid Kassa from time-to-time.

More important than any of it though was just how much she had learned of dark elven culture, traditions, and language in the short time. The drow hung off every word as Nasir explained their people's history, pantheon, and the subtleties of their speech. Myrra had even managed to learn a few phrases and words which Nasir insisted were pronounced adequately.

Kassa's request to stow the horses into a nearby cabin caused the realization to dawn on the elf just how close they were to their destination. The rest of the journey would be taking place on foot and while a few weeks ago that would have been comforting there was a slight tinge of sadness to it now. She'd grown rather found of Chance and the black stallion Nasir and she rode on. Myrra had even named the black horse Eventide despite Nasir's protests that, 'beasts do not need names.'

"I presume we are close?" she questioned Nasir, "we'll need to ensure that Chance and Eventide are cared for before we leave them."

 

[Nasir]

Nasir didn't state the obvious fact that none of them might even be able to return for the horses. There were thins in the Underdark aside from their people, and the journey from here on out would be more dangerous than it had been.

Of that she was certain.

From a pocket within his coat Nasir pulled out a small bag of gold. He offered it to Myrra, and then dropped it into her hand without much concern. "Offer this to the owner of the stable. He'll Take good care of them."

It was a good thought to leave the mounts behind. The two Horses would likely not enjoy their time beneath the earth. He had only ever seen very few Horses in the Undercity, and most of the time they belonged to those who trained them well.

"I'll meet you up there." He pointed to a nearby ride. "There's no need for all of us to go."

 

[Kassa Lia]

Though Kassa was used to riding for long days on a horse, it was still a bit of a relief to dismount then. Slipping down from Chance, she stretched her legs, loosening cramping muscles and stiff bones. She shook loose her arms and rolled back her shoulders too, and glanced over at Myrra as Nasir handed over a lumpy pouch that clinked as it exchanged hands. She nodded approvingly. If there was anything that bribed men so well, it was gold.

She walked with Myrra to the cabin. It was a rough sort of place, but ramshackle it was not. While its foundation was uneven, it was firm and the walls were straight and strong. The door had many locks on it in case of bandits or other less savory visitors.

All the latches and various panic bars were undone at the moment, and the door was open, revealing an interior lit only by torches and a few glowing magical orbs. There were tables and chairs, all empty, and a rather cluttered counter that looked like it was meant to serve drinks and meals to men and women come to stay the night. The man behind it, leaning against a scrubbed wall, looked up at them as he polished the blade of a long spear.

He frowned as Myrra entered, his apple eyes focusing on her ears and crimson eyes. “Well I’ll be. A fuckin’ darky.”

“Well I’ll be,” Kassa smirked. “A washed-up bartender.”

“Watch it, woman. What d’ya want?”

 

[Myrra]

Myrra nodded at Nasir and patted Eventide's nose once before walking towards the shack. Coin in hand she walked in stride with Kassa, judging by the weight of the sack she held the proprietor of this make-shift stable would be well compensated to watch after two steeds for an undetermined duration.

Passing through the threshold of the building caused the pair to be greeted with an empty bar and a grubby looking human male. His balding head surrounded by salt and pepper tufts of hair that messily spread out towards the ceiling in every direction. One of his bottom teeth was missing as he opened his mouth to speak.

As was typical for those in backwater townships or remote villas the dark elf was immediately greeted with prejudice. At this stage of her life it was a minor annoyance but one that she did not allow to get under her skin. So long as the racist wasn't trying to kill her or refuse her alcohol she could put up with the slurs. Sometimes it was actually amusing, questions like, 'is everything you see tinted in red?' or 'is your blood as black as your skin?'

Luckily Kassa was present and had instantly stuck up for her. She'd need to remember that kindness as they entered the Undercity. If drow were anything like other races they'd probably display the same sort of prejudices towards humans.

"Hello sir," she said politely as avoiding conflicts was something she'd learn to excel at, "we have business to attend to that requires us to stable our horses. I've gold to pay you for this service and I assume it will be no bother."

The bar tender grunt and exclaimed, "dunno why'd I wanna help outta darkie wit much of," he stopped speaking as Myrra slammed the bag of gold on his bartop.

"By the looks of things this sack of gold is more than you make in two months running this hovel. Can we assume that this payment is plenty to keep them fed and housed until we return?"

Rubbing his chin in a musing gesture he let loose a wretched laughter. "Very well lass, I'll watch 'em."

Myrra turned and walked out of the bar, allowing Kassa to linger if she wished to pick up supplies or tell the bartender what for. She caught eye of Nasir on her exit and issued a nod to let him know they could stow the horses and continue onwards.

 

[Nasir]

Nasir offered Myrra a distant nod.

He had kept to his word, finding his place on the ridge line and not moving from it as his two companions stowed the horses in the barn below.

There was no particular reason that he hadn't gone with them, save for the fact that he no longer wished to interact with humanity. Time was starting to grow short, and he knew before long he would be back among his people.

A part of him was nervous about that reunion.

He had no idea who was left, who was ruling now. His meeting with Fieravene had not gone well, and he suspected that after her departure the Undercity had fared in a less than ideal fashion. Perhaps they would find nothing than a ruin.

Nasir's lips slowly thinned, and he shook his head in dismissal of the thought. He and Myrra would pass through the gates soon, after that he would have to seek out Arenea. She would know what was going on.

If they hadn't killed her as well.

Quietly he waited for Kassa and Myrra to return, already plotting out the rest of their journey.

 

[Kassa Lia]

A mild grin passed over Kassa’s face as she watched Myrra persuade the bartender with the sack of gold. That was exactly the kind of diplomatic talent Kassa liked. For the future, she believed that sort of negotiating spirit would come in handy, assuming the Undercity was as biased as the world above. Why would it not be? Some things, Kassa had learned, remained the same in every race, every civilization, every universe.

It was healthy to expect very little, especially of a species that had killed itself.

Kassa took the opportunity to check and refill a few supplies. The bar, while low on business and lower in morale, did regularly receive shipments of food, drink, and other provisions. She saw to it that the horses’ stables were suitable first before restocking her vegetables. She picked up a good stock of ration bars, thick sticks of meat, fruits, and rendered fat. Sweetened with honey, they weren’t the most luxurious meals, but one apiece provided enough for energy and much-needed nutrition. For any traveler, they were a necessary emergency food.

The bartender didn’t bother her for money. The gold was more than enough to pay for everything. She left him be, and he was more than happy to busy himself counting his fortune.

Kassa finally exited the bar with a full pack and filled waterbags. She smiled at Myrra and looked expectantly at Nasir. They were ready to move on, and if Kassa was of any judge in time and distance, they were getting close.

 

[Myrra]

"Shall we be off?" she inquired to Nasir after Kassa had rejoined the pair. The sack of provisions she had obtained brought a grin to Myrra's face. The drow wasn't used to 'roughing it' and having to plan ahead for survival. Generally she kept to the cities and got by one job, or one theft, at a time.

Carpe diem was how she had chosen to live her life up until the moment she encountered Nasir at that tavern in The Shallows.

Now it seemed they were ready to descend into the depths of what the older dark elf kept referring to as the Underdark. It sounded ominous. Despite some of his warnings Myrra couldn't help but feel a bit of excitement. A rush of euphoria at the idea that she may well see her homeland before the sun rose again.

The dimly skinned elf chewed on a few of the wild berries they had identified as being safe to eat and then gulped down a bit of extra water from her canteen. If half of the beasts she'd learned of in the Underdark truly existed she anticipated her magic would be required very shortly.

 

[Nasir]

Off they went.

The trio walked for a good bit of time into the mountains, venturing on small paths until eventually Nasir turned away from the well worn road and into the mountains themselves. Their journey became more perilous, and soon they found themselves descending into a deep valley.

Slowly as they continued to march the sun overhead began to dim, hiding behind the mountain tops until eventually dusk was upon them.

It was only when night threatened to fully fall that Nasir finally came to a stop. A massive cliff-face stood ahead of them, rock that seemed to climb into the very heavens. Nasir looked at it for a moment, his fingers dancing by his side.

A soft purple flame erupted around his hand.

For a second it seemed to stay there, not a single wisp of smoke rising as it crawled over his fingertips and up the length of his arm. Then slowly he reached up, and waved his hand.

The fire burned within the air for a second, tracing in a path before it slowly reached out through the air. It crackled and slowly lashed forward, wrapping itself around the space between Nasir and the wall. Then it latched onto seemingly nothing.

Before the trios eyes the cliff-face burned itself away, rock forming into smooth carved stone.

Within seconds Kassa and Myrra would see for the first time one of the great gates into the Underdark. A huge pair of double doors, both adorned with depictions of a Drow. One was a woman, another a man. They held out crossed blades that seemed to erupt from the door itself and reach over to it's twin.

 

[Kassa Lia]

Truth be told, Kassa was unused to cliff faces and rocky crags. She had traveled only rough paths, roads, and a few uncharted forests. As a result, she needed more help and time as the mountains closed in around them, coating them in ominous shadow. Even so, she managed, but was felt a small amount of relief when Nasir finally came to stop to what seemed a dead end.

Kassa was not foolish enough to believe it was only a wall of rock, and her suspicious were confirmed when the cliff face melted, the illusion of nothingness giving way to the true form of a massive gate. At long last, they were finally here, with what surely were trials awaiting inside.

Never having seen anything like this gate before, Kassa marveled. It was fearsome, menacing, somehow moreso than the fearsome beasts and cruel hunters she had encountered in the past. It sent a shiver of apprehension down her spine, and yet as she took in the entryway she began to see also the beauty of it. The depictions of the drow were elegantly carved, each of them eerily lifelike, and in the shifting shadows of oncoming night, they seemed almost to move.

“Your people are skilled artists,” she commented to both Nasir and Myrra. She turned her green eyes on the taller elf. “Do you think they’ll let me in? Should I pretend to be a servant or slave?” This idea she wasn’t that fond of, but if it was necessary, she’d done worse.

 

[Myrra]

Rocks and sparse grass were the primary sights now. Myrra traversed the mountainous terrain with ease, probably something in her blood. She slowed from time to time in order to ensure that Kassa wasn’t being left behind by Nasir’s brisk pace.

As darkness began to engulf them from the setting sun, Myrra was just about to ask Nasir if they should look for a spot to set up camp when the taller drow abruptly came to a stop. His magic leeched out of his hand and coaxed a door to appear on the cliff’s wall.

“It’s incredible,” she mused as excitement replaced her fatigue.

Their ally’s query of pretending to be a servant or slave seemed almost amusing to Myrra at first. Surely the dark elves of the Undercity weren’t that apprehensive towards humans. Then again, Myrra truly didn’t know enough about them to say that with any level of confidence.

“I’m sure you won’t need to pretend to be a servant, right Nasir?”

 

[Nasir]

"We have days yet before we reach the Undercity." Nasir explained as he looked back towards Myrra.

He realized then that he had never truly explained just where they were headed or what they would find there. It was a failing, he realized, that came from assumption. Neither of them had ever seen the underdark, or likely ever heard of it before him.

"Acting as a slave or servant should not be necessary." He began, thinking for a moment before continuing. "Our peoples capital sits at the very center of the Underdark."

He gestured to the doors. "Many consider us the rulers of all of it, but the reality is...different. The Underdark is nearly a continent of it's own. Thousands upon thousands of miles of tunnels and caverns. There are dozens of cities and village everywhere, occupied by Deep Gnomes, Goblins, Ogres."

The list could go on.

"A human will be out of place, but not so much as you might think." He frowned for a brief moment, then added. "As for the Undercity itself...I must visit an old friend before stepping foot there myself."

There first stop would be one of the smaller villages that he had mentioned. He needed information, needed to know what had happened to the Undercity since he'd left. "Are you ready?"

He asked the both of them, though he looked at only Myrra as he spoke.

 

[Kassa Lia]

Hearing that this was but a small piece of the Underdark, Kassa’s brows rose. For the first time, she felt a tingle of the same excitement as Myrra. If this spectacular piece of art was only a fragment of the Undercity, what other wonders could she expect to see? What dark secrets would she uncover that no other human could dream of?

She nodded in understanding as Nasir explained, though he scarcely deigned to look at her. If she was any less courteous she would have rolled her eyes rather heavily at his disrespect. It was getting rather tiresome, but in the end what did it matter? Her purpose wasn’t to follow him or his righteous cause. She was here for herself, anyone else be damned.

She rolled her shoulders back, checked herself inwardly. Her magic was prepared and ready, while indiscernible. She felt healthy and energized, no wounds or injuries or even tiredness.

“I’m ready,” she said, not that Nasir cared.

Not that he should. There were priorities to consider, and as much as being one of them would have been flattering, Kassa had no illusions or even hopes about being more in his life than she really was.

 

[Myrra]

A vast continent underneath their feet. It was a bit jarring to think about. Myrra was pretty certain she had met a goblin once, or perhaps that was just a particularly ugly dwarf. But she had no idea what deep gnomes were and her imagination could've run wild with what an ogre looked like. Fascination needed to subside though as Nasir had warned that the underdark was a dangerous place. She'd need to be alert to keep herself, and maybe even her new friends, safe.

"Me too," Myrra replied immediately after Kassa's assertion that she was ready to venture deeper.

Her feet carried her forwards, following in tow behind Nasir. She knew that it was likely important for the three of them to stay close so that they could react to whatever might be around the corner or above on the cave ceiling. Myrra took another long glug of water from her canteen. With her lips fully moisturized from the fresh water she asked, "we're visiting a friend of yours?"

Part of her hoped it'd be a dark elf. Maybe they'd know more about her or perhaps they'd just have a different perspective on their culture than Nasir. The young elf was ravenous in her hunger for knowledge about a people she'd never really come to know.

Regardless of everything else so far though she was alarmed at how quickly her eyesight adjusted to the darkness. She'd always known that she could see better at night than others, it's one of many talents that made her such a successful thief though she'd best not repeat that to either of the two that traveled with her. But, this was different, it was almost as if the cave itself was trying to illuminate itself so she could find her way. All of this made sense, if her people came from here then their eyesight in a cavern would need to be pristine. She just hoped that Kassa was able to make it through the dim light well enough.

 

[Nasir]

"We will." He told Myrra before she started to walk.

Though, as Myrra and Kassa stepped forward towards the entrance of the cavern, Nasir simply remained in place. His face did not change, but he watched as the two of them moved forward and into the darkness. There was an odd envy in his eyes as he watched Myrra step forward.

Silence hung there for a few seconds, and then he spoke. "Myrra."

He called to get her attention.

"I need you to invite me in." The curse that lay within his flesh meant that he could not step foot into the Underdark, not until he was once again allowed to.

This would be the test. Either Myrra's invitation would break the curse, or he would burn to nothing but cinders. "In our tongue."

For a second he remained silent, and then he added. "Please."

There was an odd desperation in his tone.

 

[Kassa Lia]

Darkness washed over them, Kassa blinking at the onset of shadows in the cavern as she followed Myrra inside. Overhead the statues of the two Drow loomed, the edges of their stone blades sharp and menacing. Already it was easy to think of monsters and abominations living in this kind of eternal night, but Kassa shunned the thought. Paranoia did no one any good.

Myrra seemed to have no trouble seeing in the dark. It was expected; she was dark elf, but Kassa could hardly see at all. Pursing her lips, Kassa lifted a hand and whispered a small conjuration spell. Above her palm a small, golden ball lit, illuminating the darkness enough for her to make out the ground and the immediate area around her. It was a minor casting, demanding little energy, and it floated amiably as she turned to see Nasir still standing outside the entryway.

She looked at Myrra. Was Nasir’s faith in her invitation well placed? What if it was not? Would trying to enter kill him?

She heard the desperation in his voice, and felt a moment of sympathy. Who knew how long he had waited for this moment, how much of his life depended on another right now? How much of his life’s purpose hinged on just this, being able to enter a home that had cast him out?

Kassa stepped back and watched. She didn’t like Nasir, but even so she wished him good luck.

 

[Myrra]

The initial steps into the Underdark has been so engrossing that Myrra didn’t even realize Nasir was still outside at first. She’d need to ensure that her emotions were in order as they delved deeper.

At the sound of her name she spun and saw the older drow. He looked… vulnerable. She’d seen glimpses of this in his voice when he’s described their people but now it was on full display. Laid bare. The onyx skinned elf walked towards the sunlight, staring at him with crimson eyes filled with pity.

“Nasir,” she uttered, “I’m sorry. I thought it was just the city, I didn’t realize it was,” she swallowed and blinked. Myrra’s voice was coated in sorrow as she said, “I didn’t know all of this was off limits to you.”

It seemed excessively cruel. Not being allowed into their society would’ve been one punishment but complete exile from the entirety of his homeland?

“Ratintias wos.”

It was a greeting of their people. The first words he’d spoken to her. She was pretty sure it wasn’t an invitation but then again she couldn’t be certain. Mostly, she had hoped that such a phrase might calm him. There was something deeply saddening about seeing the dark elven man like this. Like a child who’s lost his puppy.

“What precisely must I say so that you can come home?” she inquired with a warm smile.

 

[Nasir]

He could almost feel a weight lifting from his shoulders.

Explaining it would have been impossible, but the words that Myrra spoke had been what was needed. The Greeting was not just a way to say a common 'hello'. It was a welcome, not a invitation exactly, but a show that someone's presence was wanted.

It was enough, at least he thought it would be. "That was enough."

Nasir said the words as he slowly began to walk forward. There was no apprehension, no hesitation, just methodical steps in the craggy earth. Slowly he moved towards the doors, and then he took a final step between them.

A moment passed, a split second where time seemed to slow.

Then the three would hear an echo within their own minds.

So you have returned. Much has changed Saros. Come find me within the Myath Webs.
​

Nasir's foot struck the inside of the Underdark for the first time in three centuries, the voice echoing in his ear bringing as much of a smile as the fact of where he stood. His eyes were alight, passion renewed by homecoming and the sense of familiarity he had been denied for hundreds of years.

Laughter broke out from the ancient Drow, glee that reverberated through the tunnels.

 

[Kassa Lia]

“Ratintias wos,” Myrra said, the words lyrics to a song as she spoke it now with what seemed natural talent. It was fitting that they, words of greeting, should be words that would accept Nasir home, if indeed they were enough.

Tension reared as Nasir made his venture. Even Kassa bit her lip in apprehension, for if the words were invalid, she was sure what followed would not be a pleasant sight. She had seen much in her lifetime, much that declared death to be the one and only thing to bind all races together.

Nasir stepped beyond the threshold, and the tension flowed away like water. The voice echoed in their minds, powerful and intangible. For a moment then there was silence, before that too broke as laughter rang from the drow, a laughter bearing relief and freedom. Kassa smiled at Myrra and then at Nasir – Saros? – with uncharacteristic warmth.

“Well,” she said brightly. “Welcome home, Nasir.”

There was much to see, much to discover. Kassa sensed danger ahead, but she was used to that, and one obstacle was already cleared. She lifted a hand and gestured the dark elf forward. “Shall we go? I suspect you know the way, and this is your home, after all.”

 

[Myrra]

Myrra was overcome with elation as Nasir passed the threshold into the darkness. His skin didn't melt, his eyes didn't burn out of his sockets. It was enough for the drow to feel encouragement until the voice boomed in her head. She spun on her heel, trying to decipher the source of the noise until she understood that it wasn't her ears that perceived the voice.

The sudden outburst of laughter would've put the shorter dark elf on edge had Kassa not seemed so at ease. It wasn't that his joy was frightening it was just unexpected. He had always seemed so serious and now to see him like this...

Between the darkened crevices she could glean in the corner of her eye and the stalactites dripping moisture she reckoned that Nasir's mood was the brightest thing down here.

"What are the Myath Webs?" she questioned hesitantly.

Already the sights and sounds of the Underdark were so foreign to Myrra that she was struggling to comprehend much of anything. One thing she could tell for sure though was that she had never seen anything like this place before.

"Do all caves look like this?" she added secondly.

 

[Nasir]

"I know the way." He confirmed to Kassa with a smile, taking in the scent of tunnels before opening his eyes and taking a few steps to the front of the small group.

The voice that had rung in their head brought him a great amount of glee. The fact that she had spoken to him meant that she was still alive, his suspicions confirmed. Few of his friends had been left alive, and to already know one was waiting?

It was almost delightful. "The Myath Webs are a part of the Underdark, home to Selocian Spiders and other more dangerous things."

The way he spoke about the place did not make it seem dangerous, at least not for him.

"This is just the entrance." He told Myrra. "As we travel further we'll see more. Luminescent vines, Bright Beetles, Sea Mushrooms. The Underdark varies as much as the continents of Arethil."

 

[Kassa Lia]

Despite her personal feelings toward Nasir, Kassa felt pleased. If his banishment had been permanent, maintaining itself in spite Myrra’s involvement, their journey would have instantly been over and all the traveling for naught. But with Nasir still alive and successfully bypassing his exile…

What is a Selocian Spider? Or a Sea Mushroom? Kassa wondered. She pondered various ideas and concepts, and let her imagination run wild for a brief moment. Influenced in no small part by the ominous dark of the cavern, what she came up with was rather unsettling… yet exciting. She would see many things, she was sure, and perhaps make away with a few specimens to study.

The “dangerous things” Nasir had mentioned offhandedly didn’t worry her much.

For now, they would be making their way towards the Myath Webs, and meet with Nasir’s strange Mindspeaking friend.

She fell in step behind the two dark elves, following them with the help of her Light spell floating about her head. Her eyes wandered about as they walked, on the lookout for the things Nasir assured Myrra they would see and more.

"Is 'Saros' your surname?" she asked presently.

 

[Myrra]

Promises of wonderful sights reinvigorated the excitement within Myrra. The entrance alone was breathtaking to the dark elf but luminescent vines and bright beetles caused her imagination to dance around so wildly that she couldn't pay attention to any more of the older drow's words.

The mouth of the cave they had wandered into was like the tip of a much more grand glacier. Myrra assumed that they'd see wondrous colors, fascinating creatures, and a variety of cultures on display as they progressed deeper into the darkness.

Following behind Nasir she remained silent. Just taking in the sights and sounds of the world around her. It wasn't until Kassa asked about his surname that she returned from her daydream.

Saros. That was the name they all heard in their heads once he entered the Underdark.