The Lamentation of Lolth - Chapter III

[Majin]

Chastity does not detect any evil in the surrounding area.

 

[Verbatim]

Ignoring Calenthang's music Naamani answers Ayden with a raspy chuckle. "These do not belong to my people, rather, they belong to those halfling twins. A matching set, for a matching pair of pets," she chuckles again. "You may leave them if you wish but I don't think they will be needing them."

Moving his eyes over to the halflings, Ayden nodded his head in acceptance of the naga's words, and felt sure that Naamani was speaking the truth about the halfling's not needing the blades returned. Unsure of what to do with them now that his theory had been proven false, Ayden placed them on the ground beside him before looking back to her.

"While they may no longer need, perhaps you or one of your people will be able to find a use for the steel. They are of exceptional craftsmanship, but I am sure you are well aware of that fact already.

At everyone's insistance and request to release the elven captive, Naamani scoffs. "There is no proof that she is innocent. Even if she is questioned she may lie, and even though I can read thoughts as you may have already noticed, some have the ability to mask their thoughts. There is no sure way to tell. If my runners once they return report to me that the dam construction has been abandoned I may let her go. But these other three that I have seen with my own eyes as a threat to us must pay for their transgressions."

Nodding his head in acceptance of Naamani's decision to keep the elf held, Ayden thought about trying to change her mind, but knew that it would be futile at the moment. Thus far, she had been open with them about everything she had been asked, and Ayden felt that perhaps now was the time to admit their own guilt through ignorance.

Bracing himself, Ayden pulled his eyes away from the floor and looked into her reptilian eyes.

"Naamani, since we are here trying to mend the rifts that have been forced upon us all, I have to tell you some news that saddens me to admit. Upon our arrival in town two days ago, we saw what we thought at the time was a scouting party attacking two halflings in a field. Sadly, we allowed our ignorance to guide our attacks, and instead of striking to subdue, we struck to kill. I now regret our actions, especially since they were guilty of nothing besides defending their lands, an act that many would be given a medal for if the roles were changed. Once more, I offer my apologies, although I know that they will not bring back the lost members of your clan."

 

[Majin]

Naamani's eyes grow thinner as she hears Ayden's confession. For a moment she looks as if she's going to add even more pets to her collection, but simply responds, "Those are the consequences of war, there will be many more lost just like them if this conflict with the village and our clan is not solved shortly."

 

[hippocrachus]

"Isn't that what we're here for?" Calenthang pipes in, a little confused.

 

[Seonaid]

Chastity looks upset, remembering the battle only at Ayden's words. She appears about to speak, but then thinks better of it and keeps her mouth shut. Torm, guide us, she prays briefly.

 

[kirinke]

Teleri

Teleri finishes the song and starts pacing like a caged wild animal. Why doesn't she just release me? A simple truth spell of some sort would clear me. she thought desperately. Anyone who can cage a person within their own mind ought to know a truth spell. They ought to.

"HAY!" she 'shouts' as loudly as she can. "Lemme outta here! A truth spell. Cast a bloody truth spell on me! I'm telling you I was just traveling near the swamp! I meant no harm!" she said and cursed with all the imagination a 100 year old elf can.

 

[Verbatim]

While he was in agreement with the simple truth of Naamani's words, Ayden could not think of any further way he could convince the naga of their good intentions.

~Perhaps if we can offer something of value to her and her people...~

"Naamani, while we wait for your runners to return with verification that the construction of the dam has stopped, there is something else I would like to speak to you about. We have reasons to believe that there may be another force in the swamp which you might wish to be made aware of. While we were travelling here, we entered the dwelling of a halfling who had been turned into a creature of undeath. While we were able to send the soul to a permanent rest, whoever, or whatever is responsible for the change may still be in the swamp. Have you seen anything or anyone who might be able to harness such dark might?"

 

[Jarval]

Andreas looks at little taken aback by Ayden bringing up the matter of the groups own skirmish with the lizardfolk, but remains silent.

Still, maybe next time I should do the talking. There was really no need to bring that up. He thinks, glad to still have his own free will.

 

[Majin]

Naamani's eyes rise with recognition of the creature Ayden speaks of. "Yes, my scouts have mentioned the presence of a wraith in the area, haunting the swamp. With the current hostilities with the village I have advised my people to avoid it as best they can, as the current situation with the swamp is more important at the moment. It is that which created out of the old halfling peat farmer the creature you dealt with. It is only about at night though, so it is not so hard for my people to avoid, it is nearly night now, however.. Do take care on your way out of here, if I allow you to leave," she smiles.

 

[Seonaid]

Chastity's eyes narrow at the implied and actual threats in Naamani's speech.