The Dark figure ignores the ineffectual attacks and focuses on Matron Ki’Willis. In a female voice that chillingly sounds like the original Matron Baenre, the Dark figures responds to Matron Ki’Willis’s invocation of Lolth by saying, “As the goddess wills.”
The frightening figure bows before Ki’Willis and performs an obeisance the way a male would bow before a vastly superior female.
The black cloak melts away, leaving two ghostly spiders that obey Ki'Willis' will (large spiders with a wraith template under the mental control of Matron Ki’Willis). Matron Ki'Willis realizes that the nature of the Shadow Plane enhanced her ability to rebuke and command undead.
Quertus rejoins the party from where he was hiding in the darkness and the party continues on the way to Araumycos, this time with Kilcif walking in front to deflect possible attackers from Quertus.
After a few hours, Quertus leads the group out of the Shadow Plane into the Underdark once more.
The stone of the underdark can not be seen. The floor, the ceiling, and the very walls are the fungus. Perhaps the fungus covers stone, perhaps this is a passage that has been carved through the solid matter of the fungus.
Bones of Orcs, Goblins, and similar creatures lie scattered. Battles must have been fought here in the last few months. A few miles later, House Millithor finds the Portal to L’Tarranen del Egluth.
There are no guards and the portal appears in working order. The party makes defensive preparations and passes through the portal.
On the other side of the portal, in a cavern of worked stone, they are met by a welcoming committee of a noble drow warrior wearing mithral armor and several drow commoners.
“Welcome to Szith Morcane. We have been expecting you for some time. I am Kiernan Morcane, eldest son of Alisannara Morcane. My mother dissolved L’Terranen del Egluth and renamed this place Szith Morcane.
“Undoubtedly, you are tired after your travels. Please refresh yourselves, and then I will lead you to the ruler of Szith Morcane. She will answer all of your questions.”
The commoners are carrying trays of liquid refreshments and food.
Matron Ki'Willis, Narcelia, Carcelon, and Quertus notice that Kiernan is not wearing the house symbol of Morcane, instead where a house symbol would be worn around the neck, he is wearing the holy symbol of the Drow Goddess Kiaransalee-- the Lady of the Dead, White Banshee, etc. A Goddess whose worship is prohibited in Menzoberanzan, Ched Nasad, Maermydrya, and most other drow cities.
Matron Ki'Willis notes that although Kiernan follows all the proper subserviant forms of address to the members of House Millithor, that he does not seem intimidated or concerned at being met by so many armed drow. As if he is certain that there is no danger that members of House Millithor or even random raiders from the Portal might attack him. Almost as if he is totally confident of his ability to withstand harm from any sort of attack.