The Trader's Trellis

The Trader's Trellis was clearly the work of an imaginative follower of Lolth. I entered the main room where several folks were eating a midday meal or talking over drinks. There was a group of goliaths in the back playing a boisterous game of darts. The room had several pillars in it that had spider web motifs carved into the tops and when I looked closer I realized there were carved spiders descending each of the pillars. Behind the bar was a great carving of Lolth depicted as half drow, half spider. Trying to hide my distaste for the theme of this establishment, I went to the bar and asked about getting a bath . The proprietor, a tall female drow with red eyes, called one of the serving boys over and instructed him to prepare a bath for me. I followed him into a small room and began taking off my armor while he filled the tub. When he finished filling the tub I requested that he have my clothes cleaned and asked him to bring me a pair of scissors and a mirror. As I slid into the warm water the tension of the past few days seemed to melt away. I allowed the heat to soak into my tired muscles for several minutes before I even touched the soap. As I cleaned the grime, blood and sweat of the past few days off I started to feel like myself again.

I had decided that changing my appearance was necessary, and that cutting my hair was my best option. I had always been vain about my hair. I had the longest hair of anyone I knew, and my mother had always said that it was like silver. It was one of the few pleasant things she had ever said to me. I dreaded having it cut, but I knew that I would feel safer walking around if I did. I sat on the stool, propped the mirror up in front of me, and began cutting it off one clump at a time. I felt as if pieces of me were hitting the floor. I had never cut my hair and it had grown down several inches below my butt. I cut the back very short, but allowed it to remain longer towards the front. Still the longest hairs came down just below my jaw. Since this journey had begun I had been able to push my emotions down, but now as I looked in the mirror my heart sank and a single tear cascaded down my cheek. I was overwhelmed and put my head down on the counter next to the mirror. I had to keep going, but where would I go? I had no idea; I just knew that I had no desire to remain among the worshipers of Lolth.

After I was dressed I returned to the main room and ordered a hearty meal. I figured I might as well eat one hot meal before I continued my journey. As I ate I tried to imagine what tomorrow would bring, but my apprehension about my future was too distracting. I ended up trying to concentrate on my food. While I considered my future I continued to worry about my enemies and wondered if they were entering the city even now. It seemed like only moments had passed since I had sat down to eat, but it was already time to go back to the trader's stall and meet the merchant that he had spoken of. I paid for my bath and my meal, and headed for the trader's stall.

As I approached the stall I saw the trader talking with a short stocky figure dressed in brown from head to toe.

"Ah...Here she is now. This is my friend that I was telling you about."

"My name's Chali, and I'd like to offer my skill with my blades to you." I introduced myself quickly knowing the trader didn't know my name.

"I am Dokrum." he spoke very slowly and I noticed that under the lights his skin seemed to shine as if it were copper. I also quickly noticed that his hands were quite large; unusually large. "I have not heard of you. You say you have some skill with the blade, but you have no reputation." Listening to his deep sonorous voice I realized that I would have to have patience while listening to the slow almost glacial cadence of his speech.

"I may not have a reputation, but I have trained with these weapons for ten years. All I would request for my services is a seat on your wagon." Dokrum contemplated my proposition. I caught a knowing look in the eye of the drow trader, and I could tell he guessed more about my situation than I would have volunteered. After several minutes of thought Dokrum gave me his answer.

"If that is all you require I will allow you to join me and hope that your skills will not be needed on our journey. Meet me tomorrow at 6am at the East Gate of the city."

"I'll be there." I smiled and extended my hand which was engulfed a moment later by his as we shook on the deal. Then Dokrum excused himself.

"Thank you for the introduction. By the way What is your name?" I asked the trader.

"I'm Quevaoner." he replied with a smile.

"Thank you, I will not forget your help. How do I get to the East Gate from The Trader's Trellis?"

"Simply head east on Oreb Street that passes on the side of the inn. That will take you to the East Gate."

I thanked him again, and headed back to the inn.

Once again I entered the establishment that was dedicated to the spider queen. I was tired and went to the bar to arrange for a room. I had no idea that I was about to have the most amazing spectacle revealed to me. "How much for a room for the night?" I asked the proprietor.

"Our rooms are unique and are 5 gold a night with your morning meal included." She said.

"OK" I replied reaching into my belt pouch for the money.

She led me through a back door and what greeted me was a most unusual sight. The "rooms" were actually hammocks that were individually suspended from the ceiling. Each hammock was surrounded by smaller mesh compartments that gave each "room" the look of a spider's web where the occupant would sleep in the center. Each had a trellis ladder that the guest would have to climb to get to their room.

"Each room is completely secure because of the telescoping trellis that can be drawn up and stowed with your belongings in the surrounding compartments." I could hear the pride in her voice as she continued to describe the ingenious system. "When you leave for the day everything in your room will remain quite safe because we have you keep your trellis in one of these lockers which can only be opened with your key. Each trellis will only attach to its specific room because of the unique clasps. All of this was created for us by the inventor, Berenwicket Namzig" As I gazed at what I saw before me I noticed that some of the rooms had no trellis and had heavy curtains of various colors drawn around them for privacy. "Please choose any of the open rooms." she said sweeping her hand through the air to display my choices. The rooms were hanging at varying heights with some rooms low to the ground and others much higher up. I chose an open room about midway up and near the back door. I thanked her as she handed me my key. I found the trellis to be sturdy as I climbed up, but very light once I lifted it into my hammock where I stowed it near the clasps. I pulled the green curtain closed, and tossed my boots and backpack into one of the compartments.

Finally I lay back and relaxed; once again slipping into reverie.

Natha Pa'haulen

I dropped a Cloud of Darkness to surround myself as I watched from the exit of tunnel. I was stunned by the site in front of me. There were people of every imaginable race rushing past. I saw a group of duergar walk by and a moment later a couple of svirfneblin passed. I had never seen such different people before. I had heard of the various cultures that frequented the trading hub Natha Pa'haulen but I couldn't have imagined how different they would be. I almost jumped back when I saw the tall shadowy figure that was lurking near the alley across the street. I had heard of them but hoped to never meet one. I watched in horror as one of the creatures four tentacles coming from its head slowly wrapped around its victims head. I knew I was witnessing the frighting power of an illithid. A shiver ran down my spine and I turned away in disgust.

I knew that I needed to leave this city as soon as possible. I saw a group of drow approaching and decided to try blending in. I dismissed the Cloud of Darkness and quietly fell in behind the group. I walked a short distance with them and then turned down a street with many traders stalls. I knew I was a person of no consequence here and that was fine with me. I scanned the traders and approached one who seemed slightly less hardened than the others. I reached up and unclasped the necklace that was worn by all the females of the Rilyn'lyl family. It featured Lolth as a spider surrounded by two blades whose sharp edges made up the outside edge of the pendant. Each pendant was made of mithril and was handed down through the family. I had been presented with this on my fifth birthday and had worn it every day since. As soon as I removed the weight from around my neck I realized that I had no desire to keep it any longer. I needed supplies.

I approached the drow trader and presented the pendant. "I need supplies and money for traveling." I said.

"We have whatever you need." he replied as he examined the piece.

"I need a waterskin, a longbow, and food for my journey."

The trader went to the back of his stall and returned with two bows. One was made of Ash and was pale; almost white, but the other looked more unique. I asked him about it.

"This is made of the finest Sapele wood taken from the forests of Amtar. It is a fine bow; perfectly shaped by the craftsman. Examine it."

I picked it up and tested the bowstring holding it lightly to assess the balance. He was not lying it was perfectly balanced. "This is quite beautiful." I said admiring the deep red color of the wood. "I'll take it." I also picked up a waterskin. "Can you fill this and package 15 days of food. I'll need a backpack as well."

He said "Let's talk business first."

"Fine, make me an offer."

"80 gold"

"You must be joking!" I said laughing in his face. This was bold compared to the drow males I was used to dealing with. "That pendant is worth at least 200." I said inflating its value.

"Hardly, I'll give you 110 for it."

I scoffed "I'll take no less than 175."

"I'll give you 135 for it and no more."

He sounded firm but I decided to push my luck "If you can introduce me to a small caravan that is hiring protection I'll let you have it for 150." He looked thoughtful for a long moment. I thought I might have pushed him too far.

"I think I can help you." he said with a smile "150 for the pendant minus the longbow and the other goods you've requested that will be 100 gold even."

As soon as I saw him smile I knew that he was the one who would profit from this deal, but if he could help me get hired on as protection for a caravan leaving the city it was worth it. "When can I meet the merchant you're thinking of?"

"Come back here in two hours.It'll be up to you to convince him to take you on." He said as he packed the food and put it in a backpack. "It's been a pleasure doing business with you." He smiled again and handed me the gold and the pack.

"Is there an inn that you would recommend?"

"Try The Trader's Trellis. Head down this street and take your first left. You'll see it."

"Thank you" I Said as I headed for The Trader's Trellis.

Nourishment

I drank until my thirst was quenched, and then my eyes closed of their own accord and I rested. Even in my reverie I maintained a vigilance, listening for the approaching march of my enemies, but nothing disturbed my rest. I savored the effect the cool ground had on my weary body as I allowed my tired muscles to relax.

I didn't allow myself too much rest before I opened my eyes and drank again from the natural spring. I was feeling better and could better take in my surroundings. I hadn't noticed before but an even tinier rivulet of water was seeping down the tunnel wall, and just beyond the spring there was a small bunch of Hydnum mushrooms growing. At the moment I saw it I realized how hungry I was. I picked one and ate it and then another. I ate one more, and then put the remaining ones into my belt pouch. Those mushrooms could sustain me for for a couple days at least. I lowered myself to the natural spring once more and drank as much as I could. I knew that at the first opportunity I would have to obtain a waterskin.

I stood and listened down the tunnel, but still heard nothing. I was certain that I would soon, but was grateful that so far I was staying ahead of them. I broke into a run and continued on my way up the tunnel. It was hard to leave the spring behind me but I had to keep going forward. Now that I had rested a few hours I was able to run with renewed vigor. I jogged onward and tried not to focus on what lay behind me. I thought some of what lay ahead. Natha Pa'haulen was a traders hub that was well known. I had heard about the the bustling town, but had never been there. All of the tunnels that left Kathdraeth, my home, ended up in Natha Pa'haulen. I wondered what it would be like. I ran on.

After several hours sweat was once again streaming down my brow and I slowed my pace to a fast walk. I fetched the rag from my belt pouch and wiped my brow. I tied it around my forehead again to stop the sweat from blurring my vision. I also took one of the smaller mushrooms out and ate it; relishing every bite of my small meal. I looked over my shoulder and listened again still nothing. I ran on. The tunnel had started to ascend at a steeper incline now and I knew I must be getting closer to the trading hub.

I had to slow to a jog to compensate for the incline and I heightened my guard. Now around every bend and curve I was looking for the lights of the town. Then it was there. At first it was a faint glow and then as I rounded the corner completely I could start to see what was beyond the tunnel.

It was clear that Natha Pa'haulen was much bigger than I had imagined.

Exhaustion

I jogged forward pushing myself harder than I had ever pushed before; my muscles burned with every step. My throat was scratchy and dry. I began to look for a well or a source of water but all I saw was the tunnel. I pictured our towns well, but my overwhelming thirst brought me back to reality. I would be forced to stop soon, but if I stopped I would surely be cut down by Bur'daer and his clan. I continued to push forward and retrieved one of the scraps of cloth from my belt pouch. I stopped for a moment to catch my breath and wipe the sweat from my brow, and neck. Then I tied the damp rag around my forehead to keep the sweat out of my eyes.

I continued feeling that I could only make it a few more steps, but each time I felt that I couldn't continue I forced myself to take a few more steps. I knew that at this point it was my own force of will that was propelling me forward; my body had nothing left to give. I saw a slight curve ahead and made a goal to get around it, but as I pressed on I stumbled tripping over my own feet. I collapsed on the stone defeated by exhaustion. I pulled the cloth from my head and wiped my brow and neck once more. I twisted it into a knot squeezing what little moisture it contained into my open mouth. Maybe two drops dripped onto my cracked lips before I closed them around the rag and sucked the remaining moisture out. It was salty but I didn't care- it was something. I lay against the cold tunnel floor trying to catch my breath.

As my breathing slowed I could feel the exhaustion taking over and my eyes began to close of their own accord. I was drifting in an out of conscientiousness, but I heard a sound that brought me back. I must be imagining this. I listened again, and heard the faint trickle of water as it dripped from the tunnel wall. I listened closely and could tell it was coming from around the corner. I hoisted myself up and made a feeble attempt at walking. I just continued towards the sound. I inched around the corner and there it was! A tiny trickle had forced it's way through a weak spot in the rock and was creating a small glistening spot on the wall. The Teken'ndar had turned the imperfection into a natural well by digging out a shallow pool that collected the water. I hit the ground once more and drank.

As the water washed down my throat I knew I had escaped death, and I gratefully collapsed with my face inches away from this lifesaving spring.

Despair

I had been jogging up the tunnel for hours at a steady incline. I was exhausted and thirsty. I had to rest. I wondered if there was any chance of finding a natural spring. I started looking for any source of water as I continued the pace of the previous hours journey. All that I saw was the rough unhewn walls of the tunnel which, except for the occasional curve or bend, was grey and lifeless. I slowed, feeling defeated as I sank down against the cold stone. I wouldn't be able to continue if I couldn't find something to drink. I hung my head and closed my eyes breathing heavily.

I reflected on the 16 years of my life, but as I thought about my life I was constantly interrupted by a nagging and persistent thought. "No matter how bad the circumstance; Never Surrender!" I remembered the sword master at the academy saying this to us over and over. Any time that we heard those words as we sparred with one another we tightened our grips and heightened our senses. We knew that in an instant our instructor could spring into the fray, and battle both of us as we battled each other. No one had ever bested the sword master and we were guaranteed to return home with new bruises, but when he challenged us his yells of "Never Surrender" were as relentless as the blows of his wooden practice blade.

"No matter how bad the circumstance; Never Surrender!" interrupted my desperate thoughts again and this time I raised my head. My strength was drained and I felt that I couldn't continue, but I wasn't dead yet. I removed my dark green leather armor and stripped off my clothes that were caked with blood. I ripped a relatively clean section of fabric from my shirt and used it to clean off the sweat that covered every inch of my body. When I was finished the rag was damp with my sweat, blood, and the grime that had covered me from head to toe. I hadn't had any water since we had left our house and marched into battle. I had never been this thirsty. I looked at the damp rag and pondered my predicament. I remembered the history of the Siege Survivors Return and how they had lived through the siege by consuming their own sweat and urine. I knew my thirst would only get worse, but I couldn't bring that filthy rag to my dry lips. I did, however, salvage a few other pieces of fabric from the ruined garments in case my situation grew more desperate.

I unwrapped my sisters healing kit and quickly bandaged the wound in my side. Even after the potion it was still raw and I hoped that the bandage would help keep it clean. I doubted that it would.

I stood, and changed into the new clothes. The shirt puckered around my ample bust. The Rilyn'lyl women were known for what they called the hedonistic gift. I remember them laughing sadistically as they talked of their exploits of seduction. I had never really paid attention, but started to wonder if this trait would come in handy now that I was on my own. I entertained this thought while I put my armor back on. As soon as I had the greaves fastened around my calves I began to run again.

I forced myself to keep a swift pace knowing that my enemies were advancing up the tunnel and would soon overtake me.

An Obstacle Has It's Own Rewards

I walked up the tunnel away from the home I had known all my life wondering what was in store for me. I had never belonged there, and I knew that I would never return. As I was coming around a bend in the tunnel I heard something in the distance ahead of me. I had no idea what it could be, but I knew that whoever was coming down the tunnel wouldn't be expecting to see me there. I had to find a place to hide; remaining unseen might be my best option. I kept close to the wall and found an alcove that was just big enough to hide in. As it got closer I could tell that it was the wheels of a cart as it rolled over the rough stone of the tunnel floor.

Whoever was driving that cart wouldn't be expecting me; I ducked back into the slight hollow in the tunnel wall trying to position myself so that I could see the cart's approach. There was a lantern on the seat, and as the cart drew near I could make out Bur'daer. He and I had been classmates at the academy. We had had the same teachers, and had been trained to be fighters together. I knew that Bur'daer's guard would be down here in his family's private tunnel. If he had been sent on a trading run he would have no idea about the raid. I waited for the perfect moment, stepped out of the shadows, and grabbed the reigns of the cart mule.

"Hello Bur'daer Teken'ndar" I said with a smile.

"What are you doing here?"

"Bur'daer, I don't have time to explain myself. Either you will help me or not. It's entirely up to you."

"What are you doing in my family's tunnel?" Bur'daer insisted.

"I need some new clothes. I'm leaving; I didn't want anyone from my family to see me."

"leaving? Where are you going?"

"Look! I don't know! I don't have time to get into this! Can you help me, or not?" I looked into his lavender eyes trying to size him up. Was he going to help me? "Bur'daer, I need some new clothes and I've got to get going! I was still looking right at him and hoping he wouldn't notice my hand moving from my hip to my broadsword.

"OK, I guess I can give you an outfit. I'll just say the tailor didn't have it yet." he stepped down from his seat on the cart and started rummaging in the back of the cart. I was watching him closely. I knew that this seemingly friendly gesture could turn into a battle in an instant. I kept my hand on the hilt of my weapon. "Here it is! Will this work?" he handed me new black pants and a new blouse.

"Those look great!" I breathed a sigh of relief as he handed me the garments. I knew that he would understand my deceit as soon as he had returned home and heard about the events of the last two days. "Thanks" I said as I turned and walked away.

As soon as I was around the next corner and heard the cart continue it's journey I broke into a run. It wouldn't be long before Bur'daer exited the tunnel and learned the truth. When he did, he and a host of Teken'ndar troops would be coming up the tunnel after me.

I had to keep moving and worry about the new clothes later.

My Return

As I hurried down the passageway I began to consider my predicament. My cloths were covered in blood, I was wounded, and I had no idea where I was gong to go. I had to go back. I knew my sister had supplies that I needed to bandage my wound. I decided to surround myself with a Cloud of Darkness. I knew I would, at least, be able to get close to the edge of the tunnel without being seen. I hurried back and crouched just inside the tunnel. I could see that some of the bodies that lay to the left of where I had fallen had been removed. I stepped back a couple feet to make sure my Cloud of Darkness couldn't be distinguished from the shadows of the tunnel, and then I crouched and watched.

There were three hobgoblin slaves that were coming and going clearing the bodies. I watched for 1/2 an hour and knew that if I didn't make my move soon my sisters body would be gone with the rest. I saw my chance; the hobgoblins were all gone. I figured I had maybe three minutes before the first one returned. I looked around once more to be sure and then ran out of the tunnel straight towards my sisters body. I grabbed her arms and pulled with all of my strength. As soon as I had her free from the heap I dragged her quickly into the tunnel.

Still concealed in the darkness I searched her body for the potions of healing that I knew she had carried. Of the five that she had gone into battle with only two remained. I drank one and immediately felt relief from the pain of the gash gash in my side. I deposited the other in my belt pouch. She also had a healers kit that I took. I would bandage the wound later. I looked at her clothes and realized that they weren't any better than mine. As I considered her remaining possessions I realized that I had no use for any of them. I couldn't use any of her magic wands or rings and her ornaments of Lolth were of no value to me. I rejected Lolth and everything she stood for. It occurred to me that although I had grown up and lived in this community my whole life I no longer had any reason or desire to stay.

I left her body there and walked up the tunnel. Life would be different now with my family gone, but I suddenly felt liberated. I was free of all the things that I hadn't known how to escape only two days before. I wouldn't have to worship a deity I had no belief in, and I would never have to participate in the distasteful and barbarous customs of my people. I had no idea where I was going but that made me smile.

Escape

When I opened my eyes I couldn't see anything, my head was pounding, the stench of blood and the fallen filled my nostrils, and an unimaginable weight was pushing down on me. What had happened? I extracted my hand from where it was wedged and pushed at whatever was covering my face. With effort, I had created a pocket of space around my face; at least I could see. I realized the weight I felt was the weight of bodies that had fallen on top of me as I lay unconscious. I began to push and squirm trying to free myself from the mess that lay on... I froze! There were voices.

"Get rid of this mess as soon as you finish cleaning up the front of the house." a deep voice ordered the slave.

I realized that I had to move; I had to get away without being seen. I heard their footsteps walking away and waited several minutes. I began to move slowly, until I could see through a gap between a shoulder and a boot. I looked around as much as my position allowed. As far as I could tell there was no one around. Even so, I only dared to move at a snails pace. Every thought that wasn't centered on extricating myself from the heap was focused on the slimmest hope that I could get away without being seen. I had to ignore the fear in my throat that was making it hard to swallow. If I didn't keep moving I'd be dead like everyone else that I had grown up with.

As I got my shoulders free I looked around slowly; barely moving my head. I couldn't see anyone and I allowed myself to move more quickly. Still the minutes were passing and I had no idea when the slave would be back to finish his gruesome task. I knew there was a passage that led out of the city nearby. Every House had a passage near the back of their dwelling that left Kathdraeth. It was convenient to be able to come and go from the city without the neighboring House knowing your business. I spotted what I was looking for; it was about 20 yards away. I struggled to free myself even more. My torso was free now. I looked around once more- still no one. I grabbed my swords, kicked my feet free, and dashed towards the passage.

I had made it! I was covered in blood and sweat, and as I started making my way through the passage I began to wonder how far I would get in my present condition.

Betrayal

Nightal had past and the dreaded month of Hammer, and Midwinter, was upon me. I had dreaded the month of my birth constantly. Now it was here, and I still didn't know what to do. Matron Merstra, my mother, and my sisters had been planning the ceremony set for the 22nd of Hammer. That ceremony would mark my passage into womanhood, and the moment when I would take my place as a Priestess of Lolth.

On the 7th day of Hammer one of my brothers brought us news of the betrayal of House Teken'ndar. Three of their most skilled priestesses had abandoned the 3rd House for the stronger 2nd House. House Teken'ndar was trying to prevent this from becoming known because they knew it left them vulnerable, but my brother had overheard. He brought the news to our mother and she immediately began plans for our assault. I remember now, how her eyes gleamed when she told me that I would become a woman as a member of the 3rd House. Since before I was born, House Rilyn'lyl had been the 4th House. My mother had longed for this opportunity to overthrow House Teken'ndar, the delvers in black hearts.

My mother desired a quick defeat before news of their vulnerability reached others. My family planned through the night and we were ready for our attack before even the earliest to rise would be stirring. Our forces would be led by family members; each one an experienced fighter. I was assigned to the contingent that would approach the Teken'ndar House from the rear.

I was exhilarated to be marching into my first battle. As we advanced, I felt the hairs on my arms tingle with an anxious anticipation. Before I knew it the battle had begun. Initially, it seemed that all of my mothers' desires would soon be a reality. We were slaughtering their first defenses that exited the house moments after the onslaught had begun. I was cutting down our foes before me with my two swords. The fodder fell only to be replaced with others. I glanced to my left. It was only a glance, but what I saw chilled me to the bone. The forces of the 2nd House, being led by the traitorous priestesses were advancing on us. An instant before they joined the battle I realized the grave error of my mothers haste. She had never confirmed my brothers report!

The soldiers seemed to swarm on our position, and as I looked at my sister, Lua'thura, I saw the same horrified look on her face that I knew I had on my own. My scimitar was biting into flesh as often as my main weapon, my broadsword. Soon I was covered in blood and I realized that it was my own as well as my enemies. I had a gash in my side, but battled on as I watched members of House Rilyn'lyl fall to the ground all around me. I couldn't feel the healing that I should have felt pulsing through my body. I turned to seek help from Lua'thura's spells just in time to see her body crumple into a lifeless heap.

That is all I remember of the end of everyone in House Rilyn'lyl; everyone that I had known since birth.

Trapped

For most of my life I lived in the Underdark. For several years, I felt as tho I neither belonged there; nor did I want to fit in as everyone else seemed to. I found the frenzied worship of Lolth distasteful at best. I had ceased to look forward to the prestige associated with becoming a priestess of Lolth as my sisters had done when they came of age. I had no idea what I was going to do. How would I be able to carry out rituals that I had no belief in?

As it turned out my destiny lay in a much different direction than I could have ever imagined.