Date Created: Nov. 2002
Story:

                            Sa’Koless Festu’
Deep within the lightless Underdark, many a’ year ago, in a city unknown to 
the common man of Brittania…
Matron Soloris Festu’, Of the house Festu’ has been heavy with child for 2 
years now, and the time has come… Festu’s house reputation is on the rise 
sitting at the 6th spot out of 40 Noble houses. A very powerful spot but 
also a deadly one.

    Sitting high upon her thrown Matron Soloris Screams though gritted teeth 
“Get the -males- out of here! The ceremony shall begin at any moment!”. as 
she grips the arms of her thrown tightly making her knuckles gray from lack 
of blood.
     The Drow woman beside her nods with an evil smile and starts walking 
towards the males in the room taking the snake whip off from her belt and 
wielding it in her left hand.
The males make haste to leave the room…
     The woman chuckles evilly and says “They seem to be learning!” 
replacing the whip back to her hip.
    “As should you!” Matron Soloris snaps back “Never address me with out my 
name, Kas’kan!”
    “Yes Matron Mother”
And with that ten robed (obviously female) figures walk in the room carrying 
cloths, oils, and, warm water.
    “Its reminds me 305 years ago when I first gave birth… to you…” The 
Matron glances over at Kas’kan  “It was not worth the pain” she coos coldly, 
then suddenly grits her teeth in pain.
     Two other figures enter the room, Both richly dressed in purple and 
black and carrying the same symbolic pendants of the house as Marton Festu’ 
and Kas’kan ware.
      “Its about time you two showed up…” Kas’kan says hotly “I was 
beginning to think you would miss the ceremony…”
The two figures look at each other and laugh and they reply in unisons “And 
let you get all the Dark goddess’s glory? We think not!”
Kas’kan grins evilly “One could only hope.” she then squints her eyes as if 
thinking back to something “I remember when you two were born…How long has 
it been? 216 years?”
The two become slightly uncomfortable  realizing  the game there sister is 
playing. They both know very well once Matron Soloris dies, that Kas’kan is 
the eldest and will take the house for her own. “Come Ja’ra come Za’ra… We 
must help the other clerics finish the birth circle” the two sigh and follow 
Kas‘kan.

Suddenly an agonizing cry comes from the Matron and the door bursts open. 
One of the 10 robed Clerics go to the Matron’s side to help her make it to 
the middle of the now forming circle. From the door walks a male full black 
plate and flowing stark white hair that cascades far down against his black 
cloak. He says nothing but walks to the side of the room as the doors close 
behind him and lock tight.

Kas’kan, Ja’ra, and  Za’ra all glare at the man and can’t believe that there 
Matron mother had allowed her toy Leardenne to join the ceremony. But 
quickly turn there heads back to the task at hand for Matron Soloris is 
fully into labor. All around the ten robed figures, and the 3 sisters join 
hands as the begin to chant. Moments later their chanting is heard 
ricocheting off the walls. An hour later the chanting fades and the child is 
born…

“The child’s name is… Sa’koless” Matron Soloris says taking in deep breaths 
trying to stand.

The 3 sisters whisper too each other all knowing that somehow the Matron 
knew that the child would have been a female…
************************
(Throughout her years in the Underdark, Sa’koless was taught the ways of 
priestly and wizardly magic, of healing and harming, By the house mage and 
her Sister Ja’ra. One thing that her father (Leardenne) taught her was the 
ways to defend herself. She was also taught the Dark ways of her people the 
evil and curl world that they live in the world with no sky and no words 
such as compaction, love, and friendship (or loyalty for that matter) and 
has been taught that the surface is the true evil world. But things are 
about to change for Sa’koless.)
************************
Sa’koless is now 72 (quite young for Drow standards, she looks about 19 in 
human years), She is becoming quite the little priestess/magess. But now it 
has become quite evident that the Festu’ house will finally have the battle 
that has been put off for those 83 years scene the house got to the 6th  
spot in the city. The Festu’ house is quite confident, cause with in those 
years they managed to get the members working for the house to 300orc 
fodder, 200 Female and male fighters, and the highly famed Leardenne, 4 
mages plus the male house mage Tellmane Festu’ first son. Not only that but 
they have Ja’ra, Za’ra, Kas’kan, 10 other clerics, and Sa’koless… But there 
is something that Matron Soloris failed to mention to her followers and kin 
(not that the followers would have any say in the matter).
************************
Within the throne room Matron Soloris sits upon her throne with Kas’kan to 
her left and Ja’ra and Za’ra to her right. To her far left and somewhat to 
the side stands Tellmane chanting to keep up the magical map of the House of 
Festu’ in the middle of the room. To the Matrons far right more so to the 
door stands leaning with his back against the wall is Leardenne with 
Sa’koless standing a bit off to the side but in front of him.

“When do you think the 7th house will strike upon us, Matron Mother?” Za’ra 
asks questionably, with a hint of excitement.

“I am not sure… The Dark Goddess has not give me the foresight of the 
upcoming battle… But I feel it to be soon” Matron Soloris says, not taking 
her gaze off the magically made map of the floor plans.

Kas’kan then adds in “The fodder lines the gate walls as we speak, and the 
guards are preparing for the battle. I do not believe there is anything to 
worry about at all… Matron Mother” She chuckles wickedly and the red hue in 
her eyes flash as she finishes.

“Aye, and all the mages and clerics are looking for the best spots to set 
traps.” Ja’ra adds most proudly.

Sa’koless in the background holds on to her house pendant tightly thinking 
that something seems quite out of place, as she looks upon her curl Matron 
Mother… Leardenne watches her seeming to be quite intrigued. He moves up 
behind Sa’koless and rests his hands on her shoulder and gives her a caring, 
parental smile… She loosens her grip on the pendant and looks up to him 
somewhat confused and gives a slight grin then looking back to the map as 
her sisters and Matron mother make plans to fortify the house.
***********************
This night and the next are uneventful, Other then the fortification of the 
House. The mages and priests all create traps of deadly repercussions and 
many protection spells on the stalactite/stalagmite House that is Festu’. 
The gate around the structure is well guarded by Orc and other lower 
creature fodder. As the Drow fighters poison their blades and repair their 
armor. The Noble family stands out on the balcony looking out over their 
house…

Suddenly a Drow appears upside-down hanging from the saddle of a pitch black 
(just like Drow’s skin) Underdark lizard mount (for there are no steed in 
the Underdark) stuck to the ceiling from its sharp claws. “Matron Soloris…” 
He takes a low bow that looks quite odd with him hanging upside down already 
“I bring you a message, from the streets”

Matron Soloris glares at him straight in the eyes, an icy cold stair that 
says if he does not tell  what she wants to hear it will surely be his death 
“What is your price male?” she says coldly with no feeling.

“As it has always been Matron Soloris.” He grins evilly

She nods and motions for Sa’koless. Sa’koless walks calmly over to the 
hanging male and hands him a very large sack of gems and another sack of 
gold “Now tell me what you know” Matron Soloris says staring out yet again 
over her house.

The male takes the bags and puts them in his lizard’s packs then he brings 
his hand up to Sa’koless’s chin. “A beautiful little thing…”

Leardenne quickly moves his hand to his sword hilt but Matron Soloris puts 
her hand out to stop him… “that was not part of the deal And I should kill 
you for even touching a Noble FEMALE from my house… But I happen to need the 
information you hold. Now speak before I find that your information is not 
good enough for me and killing you would be the better deal”

The male chuckles and nods letting go of Sa’koless. she glares evilly at him 
and whispers many foul words under her breath and walks back over past her 
Matron Mother. “Ahhh… to bad, to bad… But back to business! I have been 
watching the 7th house… Zak’rass, if I am not mistaken, as you wished, and 
have found out that they will indeed be marching against you In a day………” he 
remains quiet.

“WELL?! That better not be all the information you have for me!!!” Matron 
Soloris yells in rage.

“No, no… Not at all” he grins “But its not only the 7th house that marches 
against you”
Several gasps from the sisters and then there is complete silence…  “But you 
knew that already Matron, No?”

“Be gone male! I have no more use for you!” Matron Soloris Screams in a 
ultimate primal rage.

The male wastes no time but yells behind him “Having the 7th house against 
you might not seem a problem but also having the 5th!? HAHA! Good luck 
Matron, Good Luck!”

Suddenly the dark world is lit with a flaming arrow of fire slicing the 
strap of the males saddle sending him falling to the ground only to enact 
his levitation powers, but with the chant from Sa’koless’s brother, Tellmane 
a spell of par·alyzation is then cast on the male making him again ascend 
quickly to meet his death on the cold stone ground. Sa’koless rubs her wrist 
and grins thinking her self quite creative.

The family leave the balcony all but Matron Soloris and Kas’kan…
“You have lost the Dark Goddess Favor haven’t you…YOU have doomed us all!” 
Kas’kan whispers her eyes flaring with rage. “ CAUSE OF YOU I WILL NEVER 
BECOME MATRON!”

“Speak not or I shall slit your throat Kas‘kan… And you will call me Matron… 
yes something you will never be called…” Matron Soloris still standing still 
looking out over the balcony totally calm

“… you don’t have any spells… Do you?” Kas’kan says slyly “You have no magic 
granted by the Dark Goddess!!!” She begins to laugh hysterically.

All of a sudden Kas’kan is slammed by telekinetic magical blast. Matron 
Soloris is still standing calmly “… I may have lost her favor… But I am not 
weak… I still have my mage powers so do not think me so defenseless…” With 
that Matron mother walks away preparing her self for the coming battle…
*****************
“Leardenne?” Sa’koless says with some confusion in her voice.
“Yes? What is it Mistress?” he says with a laugh sitting comfortably in a 
plush chair seeming not concerned at all with the new news. “Quite a nice 
spell you fired”
She grins then frowns “What do you think will happen? I have had visions… 
And I don’t like what I see” Sa’koless says shyly.
“Visions? Visions? What kind of visions?” He asks still smiling.
“ITS NOTHING TO SMILE ABOUT!!!!!!” she yells at the top of her lungs. 
“STUPID MALE!” With that she covers her mouth. “ I … I umm…”

Leardenne’s face has greatly changed, what once held a smile now holds an 
expression of great disappointment. He stand up and starts walking away. He 
stops and turns his head back looking at her then shakes his head. “I 
thought you better my child… I thought you better” With that he leaves the 
room…

“I… I… I did not mean…    Or did I?” Sa’koless lets lose a deep sigh.
******************
The day has come, a day that seems darker then most… Not a sound to be 
heard… stealth among one of the best skills that the Drow elfs possess. Dark 
forms start to line up around the exterior of the gate. The fodder along the 
Festu’ gate side begins to become agitated but the house fighters press them 
forward. Matron Soloris high above the house’s army standing on top of a 
drift disk along with her son Tallmane, sort through material components 
getting ready for the fierce spell casting that is about to begin. Ja’ra and 
Za’ra on a similar drift disk begin the same task but pray to their Dark 
Goddess to give them the spells to heal their army… Kas’kan sitting atop a 
smaller drift disk also prays to her Dark Goddess, for many a reason other 
then for spells… Leardenne and Sa’koless stand in the back of the dark elf 
fighters awaiting the breaking of the front gate, Leardenne is still not 
talking to Sa‘koless nor looking at her…

At first it did not seem as if the 5th and 7th house would strike but then 
it happened, in a sudden burst of magic and might that lit up the battle 
field and blinded for a moment many of the fighters. Matron Soloris was 
already deep in to spell casting and suddenly a portal to the hells opens up 
and out steps a very tall demon. The demon shouts “FESITISUS COMES TO SERVE 
FESTU’!” and off the demon goes killing all the Drow elfs and enemy fodder 
in its quake.
Then suddenly the Festu’ army formation breaks down the line letting the 
enemy leak through, A big mistake for them to fall for an easy trap. 
Suddenly blasts so bright that is seems as if the sun came to the Underdark 
erupts shaking the dark cavern, all that poured in no longer exist (The 
protection spells were worth the effort).  But then the tide changes 
dramatically no longer in the favor for the house of Festu’. A mighty 
defiant cry is heard from the shadows the sound of the mighty summoned demon 
“FESITISUS HAS FAILD………!”. A moment later emerging from the shadows comes 
forth 6 Demons all destroying the ranks of fodder and Drow of the house of 
Festu’. Matron Soloris’s Jaw drops and she goes in to more persistent spell 
casting. Suddenly her body jerks forward and her son Tallmane looks at her 
somewhat confused and lets lose an air elemental in the mitts of a large 
group of an enemy house. But then he realizes a bit to late what happened to 
his Matron Mother for the same fate ends up deeply embedded in him spine. 
Out from the shadows stands Matron Zak’rass with the deadly dagger in her 
hands as she licks the blood from it.
“Good night” is the only words she offers the dying Matron and her son as 
she walks back into the shadows floating down to her next Target… Sa’koless.
****************
Ja’ra and Za’ra ravenously blast in to spell casting burring one of the 
demons back to where it came from with two Flare Strikes and two explosions. 
But they are counter attacked from the side by another demon sending the 
drift disk flailing to the floor. They were both just in time to enact their 
levitation spells, but not so lucky at the same time for another demon joins 
in the fight. The two nod to each other and smile evilly and both in unison 
begin casting  the demons quickly closing in on them. Their blasts of 2 
Chain lightings and 2 more Flame strikes cost them there life’s as the 
demons tare in to there flesh the demons are destroyed as well on this plane 
only to be sent back to there place of origin. The sisters bodies drop to 
the ground, quite life less and quite torn apart.
********************
Kas’kan suddenly comes out from her deep prayer and the most evilest grin to 
ever be set upon a face graces hers. Then she stands up on her drift disk 
and command it to move forward into the shadows of the battle she goes…
*******************
Sa’koless, 5 fighters, and Leardenne seem to have made a tightly formed 
group each one executing out the others moves in a deadly dance of magic and 
blades. Then the battle seems to suddenly stop as Leardenne sees moving 
towards Sa’koless from behind is a very sleek drow female holding up a 
dagger for the kill. He runs faster then, then he has ever before in his 
life and pushes Sa’koless away (with such force she hits her head against 
the stone ground) making him take the dagger in the shoulder. He grunts of 
the pain and stabs the Woman in the arm jetting it straight up and through 
then quickly removing the blade shoving her off him. Sa’koless on the ground 
Shakes off her dizziness from the blow to her head. Grabs the womans leg and 
enacts the Harm Spell causing the woman to convulse for a moment. The Woman 
then Kicks Sa’koless off of her leg and spit’s a long string of cures. But 
the in the blink of and eye Leardenne decks the woman in the Jaw and throws 
a book at Sa’koless. As Leardenne and The Woman known as Matron Zek’rass 
embrace in a battle to the death. Leardenne yells to Sa’koless “ I WAN’T YOU 
TO CAST RECALL AND GET YOURSELF OUT OF HERE!!! NOW!” his last movements were 
that of the Drow hand code “I love you my child” and then they are engulfed 
in a wave of bodies lost somewhere within the fight … Sa’koless then begins 
the casting pointing out a ruin that she knows to be another city not to far 
away from here but the dizziness causes her to miss say a word and she gasps 
as she is sent threw a gray mist of an unknown area as the tears run down 
her face.
*********************
6 hours later…  The battle has ended, House Festu’ is no more… It has simply 
faded away or rather never has been.

Matron Giestan of the 5th house stands calmly on her drift disk taking in 
the smell of the dead… “So you have done it?” The Matron asks.

“Aye was an easy kill Zek’rass was weak… like she always had been” replies 
the unknown figure.

“Good, good. You will go far… as a Matron Mother you know?” Matron Giestan 
says taking yet another deep breath. “An alliance between Kas’kan and the 
Giestan houses will work out very nicely… Convenient for you that Zek’rass 
had no daughters, No? So welcome Kas’kan. Or should I say Matron Kas’kan” 
the Matron Grins evilly and the 2 stand on the drift disk admiring the 
destruction…
*****************
Sa’koless awakens with a splitting headache and her vision is at first 
blurred… she tries to stand but stumbles quite a bit. But then her senses 
start to come back to her. Her ears suddenly twitch with all the surround 
sounds, she finds it hard to take in breath with the overwhelming smells, 
and her eyes nearly drop out of their sockets with what she sees..
“Wha.. Wha… WHERE IN THE 9 HELLS AM I?!?!”
She looks around and sees nothing but greens… Then what scares her the most… 
is when she looks up. She nearly stops breathing and her heart seems to drop 
at the vast openness of the sky and of all those… stars… She sits there all 
night just looking at the starts wondering what became of her house, but 
finds herself going in to a deep slumber with her back against a bushy green 
and brown tall thing that she is not sure of what it is (tree). This is 
where her quest truly begins….


                                            ~Written By Ka®a Lee~
                                               †‡Wicked Keen‡†