The veldriss Makhila reclined on a couch, her mind occupied with thoughts of their conversation just moments before. She took a small sip of wine from a crystal rose-colored wine flute and slowly set it down, then fixed her gaze on the male drow sitting across from her. Her eyes narrowed and she spoke in measured tones that let him know she was deadly serious. “Dos are sure Drax’l? There can be nau mistake?”

Drax’l nodded, keeping his eyes lowered as he spoke, “Xas Veldriss, Usstan am quite sure. The rivvil female spoke of a discussion of two legendary blades in the darthiir’s tavern, and.. she mentioned the name . Usstan did naut have time to talk to her further, other darthiir arrived and Usstan had to leave. However, Usstan think if udos-” He was cut off as the drowess raised her hand and spoke sharply.

“Silence! Usstan will do the thinking dalninuk! Dos understand, xas?!”

“Xas! Xas mistress.. forgive ussa!”

The drowess watched him for a few moments, seeing his anger broil as he sat there. Her scowl softened slightly. “Have a drink Drax’l, and eat. Let ussa think for a few minutes.”

“Xas veldriss, bel’la dos.”

Drax’l picked up his glass and drank deeply, the vintage mori matra coursed though him, calming his shaky nerves and taking the edge off of his anger. Serious discussions with his dalnanil were always thirsty work, and the whip at her side was an all-too-unpleasant reminder of what could happen if his tongue got too loose. He reached and picked up a sweetmeat from the tray, popping it in his mouth, his eyes stealing furtive glances at her as she sat tapping her chin in thought.

She was quite attractive. Their relationship was different, as brother and sister, but not uncommon in the noble houses of the drow. It was also very beneficial for Drax’l. Makhila was a Shadow Mistress, and a gifted one. Her telepathic ability, coupled with a thorough knowledge of both clerical and arcane magics, made her extremely dangerous. She had taught him much. In turn, it had provided her with an extraordinary bodyguard. For even though he could not walk in the shadows as she could, he had developed the ability to see into them, and sense when someone was near or hiding. This made surprising or remaining unseen around him extremely difficult. Makhila had taught him other things as well….

“Drax’l....."

“Drax’l!”

Her voice shook him out of his reflections with a start. “Xas!… Xas?.. veldriss? Usstan am sorry! Usstan was thinking…” he stammered.

The drowess frowned. “Xass…. So usstan see… Usstan told dos to let ussa do that.. remind ussa to punish dos later..” She lifted her head regally and shook back her hair, failing to hide the bemused smile on her lips. She returned her gaze to him. “Now… as Usstan was saying… there may be someone better udos can… discuss.. the matter of the swords with. Someone udos will naut have trouble finding. The barmaid. She had to have been there the whole time..”

“Very good dalnanil…usstan was just going to suggest that before dos interrupted…so good of DOS to think of it..” Drax’l’s sarcastic thoughts went unvoiced and he nodded. “Xas, very true veldriss, dos are wise.”

“Then we agree on something.. bwael.”

Makhila stretched languidly on the couch, and her movements caused her silken robe to shift revealingly. “Udos can discuss the details later.. Usstan think it’s time for dossta punishment… come here Drax’l and ..entertain ussa..”