Journal #41: The Elder Sister [Text Roleplay]

Nivinle Alas’thil, the only blood relative Aniks felt some modicum of familial bond with. Even that might be pushing it since it was more accurate to say, she was the only family that had not betrayed him. Though that one fact did not speak volumes for his level of trust for her or her in general. However now, in this festive dream on snow and presents offered an odd opportunity. Their Host might not take to kindly to a fight since Aniks’ angry at the any and all Whisperbreaths had diminished almost magically. Which helped since Aniks was currently in a childlike body. No, this dream offered a conversation, which served main different purposes. Foremost among them was how the newly appoint Matron stance on her brother. After composing himself, which Ashlyn attempts to comfort the Drow only made the process take longer. He approached his sister, the ebony elf trying to appear as serious as possible in this childlike form. “This is not exactly where I thought we would see each other again Nivinle. Regardless we need to talk.”
 
The Matron of House Alas'thil cut a lonely figure against the starry night of their shared dream, long since having been left alone by her former conversational partner. She cocked an eyebrow in slight amusement at her brother's approaching form. "I did not imagine you the type to wear a younger form to a meeting with me, either, but strange occurrences are commonplace these days." She glanced around the snowy outdoor area, easily spotting those who watched the two drow, and indicated the side of the building. "Talk whilst we move out of sight, fellow Champion."
 
The childs eyes narrowed, despite the form he was currently in he still had all of his magical abilites. Which made the situation less worrying. So he followed "It's not what I would have chosen to speak with you no. How did you come upon that little bit of information, its been a week at most."
 
The look she gave him was cool and disappointed. "Your eyes have not grown so dim that you missed your elf speaking with me." It wasn't harsh; more of a rebuke than anything. Nivinle stopped just out of sight of the rest, leaning against the wall and affixing Aniks with a piercing look. "Vasestra would be upset, were she to find out. Which is why she will not. You had something to say?"
 
"I noticed, however I had considered it just as likely for your patron to have mention something. She was talkative in our short time together." Then with raised eye brow and a short sarcastic laugh. "Whether my actions Vasestra would be upset matter little to me. Though a handfull of topics have come to mind, thought to start I feel like I need to address that." Aniks gestured at Ninivle's left arm "What I need say depends on your knowledge of Champions and what that entails for your future."
 
"Our patron is very talkative, but you have not been a topic of relevance." A short pause, wherein she nearly smirked at Aniks's reaction to Vasestra's name. "You may not care for her emotions, but the child can be obsessive. I would rather you and yours not steal her attention away from her tasks. Regardless, you ask what I know of the marks and their bearers?" She thought for a moment, watching Aniks intently. "...As I have learnt, the champions are those chosen by their patrons as walking vessels of their power. Whilst their patrons may channel that power through them, each may also learn to wield fragments of it of their own accord should their patron be willing to allow them to do so. Our lady is most helpful in this regard." Nivinle rarely spoke so much at once; the longer sentence felt a little unusual coming from her. "Explain what you mean about the future."
 
Aniks now sitting on one of the magical presents that followed him, He listen carefully as to what his sister said. “As I told you three before, my time in the Underdark is over and unless it is absolutely important. You’ll be hard pressed to find me in Vaermyrhel. Her attention is best placed elsewhere.” The dark elf consider her knowledge on the subject, what she said was simple but she could be hiding information. He disregarded the thought and processed as he thought he should. “You understand the core concept of being one, but there is a bit more. Although you have never meet them, nor would you want to, the Aasimar with the star cloud following her was once a Half-Elf. When a champion’s vessel has become accustomed to the power or trains with the power, their body can and most likely will go through physical changes. These changes best molded the vessel to the will of the deity, you often take aspects of that deity. Furthermore champions are extremely rare in most case, often only appearing one or two throughout the centuries for key portions in history or major conflicts. However in mass, you can see where a problem is apparent...”
 
"You aren't the only drow able to step out of the Underdark," came her simple reply to Aniks's first statement. She didn't seem too bothered by what followed; whether it was due to Andirifkhu already telling her, a lack of caring, or concealment was hard to tell. "You're concerned for a proxy war, then. Deities using us to fight instead of doing it in the Outer Sphere. Why tell me information that could hurt your allies?"
 
"Proxy war? Despite the gods being enigmatic by their very nature, a simple war between deities could start from well placed whispers in dreams. So I see a war between Champions being very unproductive, since most of the claimed mortals we know of have been worshippers of good aligned gods. As it stands a calamity akin to the worldrend to be looming in the future.” Aniks paused thinking of how to phrase this. “As a champion of Andirifkhu by all means it unwise to give you information if my allies get hurt. In fact I am fully aware that by the end of this whole championship it’s far more likely to harm than help. By accepting that deal and your patron gifted you that mark. You’ll have a role to play, it is not a fate you can ignore for long. As for why I tell you this?” Aniks face had become blank as he replied “I’m clearly not the Drow you knew from our childhood, perhaps some lingering admiration from my childhood for my stoic sister?” He shrugged.
 
"Most of the claimed champions that you, associate of the light, know of. Many darker beings would remain hidden. Don't forget that," Nivinle warned before turning her attention to his other words. She seemed thoughtful. "A calamity. So you're preparing alliances. Your childhood wasn't a waste then. Are you aware--" She cut herself off, biting back whatever she was about to say with a vaguely chagrined expression. "...Information is pointless if we have no way of communication. Our House does not need another calamitous event. How shall I tell you of what I might learn?"
 
“I have not, though it’s hard to speak about. I know more than most here there are some things lurking in the dark yet to show their hand in this.” Noticing the studden cut off, Aniks wonder if Andirifku had stopped her from saying something like the ‘ ’ had stopped him from speaking about it. “I’m glad you caught on before I had to outright say it. Whether a person is considered good or evil matter little to me, whether we can work together is what's important. If the Champions were chosen to prevent another worldrend from happening, then petty infight between fellow champions would only hinder us. As for a line of communication, I can think of some ways to achieve, with some convincing on my part. Speaking of House Alas’thil, after the Bloodwalker incident did you attempt to take Castle Umbra in its weakened state? The question is out of curiosity more than anything.”
 
"I understand why a neutral goddess chose you. Your former patron wishes for more blood than you'd seek to spill." Nivinle mused, resting a hand on one of the knives at her hip. "If there is no direct route to you, leave a note at Vaermyrhel's entrance with our symbol. I'll find one." Her tone indicated that Aniks likely wouldn't enjoy whatever solution she found. "The castle was significantly damaged in the collapse. It remains in our possession. I am allowing Vasestra to live in its northern rooms with Rikzir, as guards of our newest facility. There would be no sign of your former presence there, correct?"
 
"Andirifkhu would have been rather self destructive if I had continued being her champion. Since I would have struggle against most of her wishes. Simply put I knew I wasn't right for the position. As for the amount of blood, though Trying to prevent all bloodshed would be asinine. However lessing amount might be doable. After this conversation is over I'll start making arrangements and see what I can manage." Aniks then paused trying to recall his extended stay within their walls. "As far as I am aware, if your referring to our most recent venture, then no I would think not. It was a rather quick journey for recover what we needed."
 
"Your past is more relevant than your recent visit. If there is any sign of what they did to you, it fits that the House may come across it and wreak vengeance on the responsible of House Umbra." She watched him carefully for a reaction. "It would not be remiss for those of our House involved to receive punishment for damaging the Matron's... associate." The word 'property' went unspoken, as did the hundreds of other words a drow woman could use to claim him, and her tone remained carefully dismissive.
 
A dark shadow crossed the child's face, but was short lasting and sighed. Releasing the reflexive response to having to recall it. “House Umbra kept me in the dungeon for roughly a decade. After the recent collapse of the castle I hardly believe you could find anything there. A lesser noble by the name of Eilistra, had discovered that I was a bit more than just a common enslaved drow and attempted to make me her personal servant. Similar to how our father was for mother. For her to figure out who I was, House Umbra must have keeped notes on they slaves. They are very meticulous about things of that nature so I would not put it past them to have notes on who and why they have collected certain people. If you could find her personal chambers if they still exist, there might be some of her writings there. However they are just as likely to have been moved her personal belongings to another location. I, in my attempt to escape, earned her trust after years being by her side and then slide a sword through her heart.” And paused for a minute considering the last statement with care. “As for punishment dealt? I have moved passed my petty grudges I once held. The choice is yours on how to deal with anybody that is deserving.”
 
Nivinle found challenge in maintaining her stoicism through Aniks's speech. A spark of slight pride flashed across her face as he detailed Eilistra's fate, and the small smirk she threw his way at his final sentence was almost disturbing. "What a waste of an assassin," she murmured. "Rikzir still has yet to prove he can think alone. Pity you left." She shrugged, the motion surprisingly unladylike. "I'll handle the remnants of history. Andirifkhu has already warned me about a machine near the explosion's epicentre. Your doing?" The switch to more modern topics was sudden, but Nivinle wasn't one for small talk. Or wasting precious time.
 
Aniks paused clenching and unclenching his fist "An assassin no more however, after the battle of The Bloodwalker I was changed. An unattained side effect which I am still unclear of the full effects of. However my thought process for killing remains the same. You know just as well as I our siblings are vastly different than the two of us. " The Ebony Elf was still for a moment lost in contemplation trying to recall. "No, the machine itself was not ours, but the explosion was our doing. I would be caution both of where that Machine was and if the Bloodwalker returns to the Underdark to reclaim anything from the remnants of House Umbra. I would suggest staying out of his way till a better understanding of his motives or new abilities. If he's acquired any..."
 
"You dropped the knives. You're still an assassin. That never leaves. But you're right on them. They're cowards." Nivinle wasn't going to let Aniks shirk that particular title anytime soon. "There's not been sign of him, but I'll quarantine anything left behind. Think one of his women was seen, actually... What do you mean, new abilities?"
 
"I don't think they would have jumped into Void in an attempt to stop the blood walker" Aniks said casually tossed into the conversation. Then narrowed his eyes as he continued with "As I said before , I know things lurk in the dark. Riven and his companies have made appearances but have yet to release their hand. Best to probably watch the girl, capturing would probably only alert they group that we're watching them. I would probably investigate but I'm busy with something else currently can’t be in the country. As for new abilities, his leap into the void and pledge to any unknown entity had me thinking."
 
"Jumped into Void?" Nivinle took a moment to process that. Then glared at him, the promise of scolding in her eyes. "The girl was human. She'd be lucky to have made it out alive. We'll look for her, anyway. Maybe her body can work as a lure. Explain what you're meaning about void. You both jumped in? And an entity is involved?" Her hand tightened on the dagger's handle.
 
An single eyebrow raised at the amount of questions. Some small glint of information lingered in his eyes as she mentioned the human, A suspicion. He quickly dismissed it but filed it away for later. “After receiving information on the bloodwalker and finally reaching him under the castle. He was in the middle of a ritual which seemed to be a doorway of sorts. I say it was the Void because of short time inside the sphere, there was nothing. Concerningly it felt familiar” His face goes blank as he said that as if the simple act of remembering that feeling stopped him from attempting. “Regardless I might be paraphrase his words before he was pulled in ‘A champion of dark twisted magic and those under the oppression of Truth, I accept your invitation.’ Either he has flare for the dramatic or something had spoke to him, since an invitation require a sender.”
 
"Doubt he's a champion like us if he mentioned magic," Nivinle muttered, tossing the words over in her mind. "But nobody's fool enough to jump into the void without protection unless they're insane. He never seemed insane from what the others said." She didn't seem concerned with the information she was granting him, perhaps secure in the knowledge that they had bigger things to worry about. "Only things hanging around in the void 'far as I know are Old God minions, aberrations and the odd dragon. They tend to leave something obvious to look for. Would guess it was a pit stop on his part, unless he's good at hiding insanity. Some are." She gave Aniks a sharp look. "Tell me you haven't been playing with the void on your own time."
 
“Whatever the case is, insane or not, champion or not, caution is the only thing I could advise. With any involvement with the bloodwalker.” Then Aniks was silent. He had not had any involvement with the void unless it was the shards and the sphere itself. The ‘ ’ was still a mystery to him. He had thought it was tied to the void. He gained no progress with that, in fact only more problems had occurred by looking into it. The last attempt sent almost all the spell casters in Ironfall into a slumber, even Cyne with all of those magical protections hadn’t escaped it. “Only the time I’m aware of was under that castle.”
 
"Good. I don't need blood on my hands tonight." Nivinle's position on void fuckery was very clear, apparently. "What are you playing at with this elf?"
 
“Your not one for small talk, why do you wish to know?” The statement was flat and blunt.
 
"She's an elf now. It was more acceptable when she wasn't. Plus that doesn't get undone easily. That with all the talk of Rovagug's breach riling up V'drath?" It wasn't an accusation, but her tone demanded an explanation.
 
"I had yet to mention that second part. Where did you come upon that information I wonder." The narrowing of his golden eyes, this conversation was easily going to be annoying. "Acceptable? She's an elf simply because she expressed interest in being one Nivinle."
 
"Your town disseminates news quickly," she replied with a shrug. "That you reacted shows it holds a grain of truth. Watch your reactions." She seemed amused at his narrowed eyes. "You can't reverse undeath through interest. She let slip that you were no champion when it happened." She was being very patient... in her eyes.
 
"Its not like I attend to lying currently, However telling you everything would be stupid. Hence why I'm more relaxed while talking. While I doubt you'll drop all secrecy, I do hope your drop the skirting around the questions you really want to know." He paused taking a breath before speaking. "A deal was made in our travels and a reward was her successful resurrection. No I was not a Champion when the deal was made, nor was I after the deal was completed."
 
"You know our ways preclude open honesty and straightforward speech. You aren't bound by that. I am." Nivinle shrugged dismissively, not lingering on it. "A deal with what entity?"
 
Aniks waved off the first statement. “The entity referred to itself as The Beauty, it appeared as the person we most desired.”
 
"A beautiful entity that you decided to trust? Where do the fey and god of destruction waltz into your tale?"
 
Aniks said a single word to begin "Tenaerul" he didn't stop there " That should answer the question for the Fey. As for trusting The Beauty, no I did not, but what choice did we have, under the dome twisted law reality works differently than our. Or so I assume."
 
Nivinle didn't seem impressed. "You're dodging the question. Stop it. And I wouldn't know. Not many have reasons, fool or not, to try and get in there. And most who try never leave."
 
"Fey are common in Tenaerul, it a strange mix of the Shadow plane and the First world. It's also a spot where the destruction god influence mixed with magic left over from the Worldrend or so that is how I understand it." Aniks thought back to the twisted landscape "Most don't leave because of the quests given within the Dome. Why they do this is beyond me. The Beauty charged me, with a quest to bring back a necklace that was once hers from the ivory maze. In return They would resurrected Celu. As for why we where there, A stupid contract was formed with a Devil who kidnapped one of our party, the Ratfolks fault. Tenaerul was option for finding what we needed and the Paladin forced her hand, since The Beast's cultist were known to be within the dome. When we left, its symbol appeared under the dome as if the spider was attempt to crawl under the dome. Though I am not sure what truly triggered that response. There I think that basically covers everything for Tenaerul."