Too Quiet [Forgotten Realms]

Djarrus evidently realizes Nathraena and you will be taking longer and so he sets about patrolling the cavern for threats, except for back the way you came, the obvious reason of his primary directive by his own Mistress to prevent anyone from ‘passing’.

With the exception of a two-hour nap, this is the first rest the two are able to have. This is the only place that seems remotely safe, even if it had some security issues. Supernatural refreshment aside, a sapient’s mind must actually slumber or they go insane, and maybe even die.

Elayna had mentioned that elves actually enter a heightened meditation where they leave their body for a time and relax in set demiplanes known for their peace and tranquility. As a result, they require less sleep than other shorter lived species. They also maintain awareness of their body and if they feel endangered, they could wake up at will. You wonder if Nathraena is the same or if Drow lost that ability.

You begin to wonder about yourself at that point but it was sluggish at this point. Never-Never-Land was quickly approaching.

For eight full hours you slept, although it difficult to know the exact time within a mountain. Although Nathraena immediately woke up, you are left suspecting she has been awake all this time.

The Hunt, Traxex, D.O.A. 2 by W-E-Z

By the time you finish stretching your aching muscles, Nathraena has dressed in her new… or rather old, as you will find out shortly… garb which was very snug and form fitting but not nearly as revealing as being naked. “Eilistraee”

Nathraena crawls over and kisses you on the lips tentatively. You are still unsure about Elayna’s response but you are less inclined to let Nathraena sense that turmoil. Thus you reciprocate her feelings and draw her close.

Kneeling close, Nathraena breaks the kiss with another coy smile, “I suppose I should answer your question from before. No, I am single. Though Drow are more interested in polyamorous marriages than monogamous. There are many more women born than men, typically.

“Apparently, Eilistraee was happy enough with you, to gather the inventory I lost on the way here. It wasn’t much, and only intended for me but it’s better than nothing.”

With a warm smile, you return Nathraena’s kiss with interest. Until Djarrus cleared his deep throat.

*“I suggest we leave soon, the area has grown quieter since just before you awoke.”*

Nathraena smiles at him and helps gather the rest of the supplies, erasing the campfire or as much as you could in a few minutes. The steady water supply nearby allowed you to cool the timber off exceptionally quickly.

*“While you were sleeping, I took the opportunity to refill the water jugs in Nathraena’s returned supplies.”* Djarrus explains as he leads you to the far side of the cavern.

The area is decidedly darker here and with less plant growth. All plants turned their leaves towards the bright light at the edge of the stream, which lit up the entire cavern. The air was also decidedly warmer now, as you have been progressing deeper into the mountain. The mountain must be pulling up heat from below the earth.

As you approach the rough granite wall of the cavern, you notice it is as dry as a bone. The rise in temperature caused the air to take on more moisture which left the rock bare. In addition, the plant life was smaller.

There were two tunnels ahead of them and Djarrus was directing you down one. *“I feel the source… my mistress down this path.”*

Nathraena halts the two of you and points to the other tunnel “Thank you Djarrus, are you unable to follow us down the other tunnel?”

Djarrus hums for a moment and then looks up at Nathraena and you, *“No, I feel myself unable to follow down that path. Another could use my absence as an opportunity to ‘pass’ me down the path that I was directed to protect.”*

The situation was quickly becoming self-evident to you, and you are a little confused with Nathraena. “How do you know what I want is down the other path?”

With a smirk but warm smile, Nathraena squeezes your hand. And then she taps her temple of her skull with her free hand. You notice and marvel at the bow strapped around her back. It was comparable to yours but you hadn’t realized she was an archer. Though she also had a strange looking one-sided sword and one-sided short sword on either side of her svelte and lithe hips.

Nathraena adds a single word to her comprehensive explanation. “Eilistraee”

Shaking the cobwebs out of your head, then you look at Nathraena first “I guess I have some new scripture to learn.” Then turn to Djarrus, with a sad but warm smile, “Thank you for your help and being willing to work with us Djarrus. Even if we were able to get ‘pass’ you, I doubt we would have survived that portal to the Plane of Shadow.”

Taking your outstretched hand, Djarrus shakes it firmly and with a grunt of acknowledgment. *“That is likely true. Though, as I said, after centuries down here I welcome the opportunity to avoid bloodshed; And help those who use their head instead of letting fear control them.”*

Turning with Nathraena literally in hand… or she having you in hand. You face the second tunnel. It was lit with a strange red glow along one edge. The glow came from a crack in the floor even though the ground was slick and smooth with calcium deposits.