My first conscious thought was one of pain. Every breath I drew was a struggle. As my eyes fluttered open I could see the temple cell around me, and I felt Velve push her boot deeper into my neck. Velve was spouting questions. I felt my lips turn up into a cold grin even as the effort of breathing forced me to cough blood. When I gave Velve no cowering responses, she ordered the two jaluken, Olathglenn and Vistren, from the cell.

Velve removed the boot from my neck and stepped toward the other side of the cell, ordering me to rise. I rolled to one side, grinned, and spit blood on the floor, “I do naut answer to -you-, HAG!” I couldn't help but laugh at her pointless threats. Her time of power was at an end, and she grasped for tendrils of vapor. In my own time I rolled up onto my knees, allowing the swimming in my head to stop before pushing my bulky frame up to my feet. Velve stepped closer as I rose, and seeing my opportunity I slid my dagger from beneath my sleeve, moving to look like I was falling toward her, I kept the well honed blade low until it was too late and slipped it between her ribs.

As the air rushed from the punctured lung, I used her moment of surprise to draw my warhammer from its well oiled leather ring at my hip and bashed her over the head. Now out of breath, and weakened from the previous ordeal, it took me several attempts...

Velve stopped moving. I watched her for several moments, regathering my strength. Slipping the warhammer back into its well used loop, Grabbing her head, I dragged her to the Queen's altar, and pushed her body onto the dark stone. I took my time stripping the body of every shred of gear, lying it to the side.

“Malla Dread Queen, Take this one that would harm your Yath with no provocation, and torture her for eternity in your pits!”

Lolth Tlu Malla!"

Using the same dagger I peeled strips of dark skin from her arms and each leg, placing them into a small pouch at my waist, before slipping the blade back up my sleeve.

Holding up one small chunk of her flesh, I watched as the Queen's children descended. Taking a step back I stood, my cold violet eyes locked on the brilliant spectacle as the spiders devoured every last part. Turning I picked up what was left of Velve's lifetime of accomplishment. With a smirk I returned to the Temple's cells.

Kneeling beside the body that still lie in the cell, I prayed. Touching Sin'vrae's head I moaned as the Valsharess' divine energy flowed through me, and her soul was returned. Standing over her I watched, as her black and gold garments began to writhe, and the light from the brazier reflected off of her Tinnerai insignia.

"Rise, Ul'ath'taller! Ust'ilharess Eclav'llara commands it."

Turning from the cell I walked in joy through the streets of Edonil.

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Iim'mur'ss - Grandmaster Shadowdancer / Aaralyn - Diplomat / Oleander - Toxic Desert Flower

//updated the last line for clarity

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Iim'mur'ss - Grandmaster Shadowdancer / Aaralyn - Diplomat / Oleander - Toxic Desert Flower