The Matron's Choice

[D`Nar Vel`Dynn]

A few moments pass and the door that the male servant passed through opens again. The young man kneels beside the doorway facing the floor. An Elder Teir`Dal Lady enters the room wearing a silken violet gown trimmed in gold and platinum embroidery. The Matron approaches Zotreth and slowly walks around him, looking him over.

"Rise Vlos D'aron Zotreth Myurden of Qu'ellar d'Veldrin. You show proper respect in my House. That is good you would receive no less from me in your House." The Matron's voice was sensual yet commanding. "I am Matron Ti`Veniza Vel`Dynn. Welcome to my Home." The Matron smiled.

[Zotreth Myurden]

Zotreth stands, and bows his head toward the Matron Mother. "And I thank you for your welcome in this most beautiful House Matron Mother. It is my privilege to be in your presence, and I do thank you for the invitation." he says, smiling. "I too hope to meet your Daughter who I was told about."

He then motions toward N'Lestari. "She carries a gift I wish for you and your House to have. It was created by an Iksar smith a hundred years ago. The Warriors and Knights spoke well of his skill, so I do hope you will accept it."

[D`Nar Vel`Dynn]

Ti`Veniza walks to her Daughter and receives the wrapped blade from her hands.

"Rise Child and leave us." Commands the Elder Vel`Dynn. N`Lestari rises, bows reverently and exits the room through the main doors closing them behind her.

The Matron unwraps the blade and examines it for a few moments.

"An exquisite blade Sir Myurden. Thank you. Come let us talk." Matron Vel`Dynn walks to a small table on the east side of the room where a bottle of wine and two glasses are set up. The male servant quickly fills the two glasses and resumes his position by the Matron's door. The elder Shadow Knight seats herself in one of the two chairs and motions to Votreth to take the other.

[Zotreth Myurden]

Zotreth follows the Matron and sits in the chair. He takes the glass of wine and takes a sip. "This is delicious wine Matron Mother Vel'Dynn," he says. He swirls the wine in the glass around. "If you would, please tell me why you think I would be suitable for your Daughter"

[D`Nar Vel`Dynn]

"I keep a close watch on the other Houses, especially the younger ones. You seem to be quite a strong leader of yours. Much more so than most of the Patrons of the other Patriarchal houses. Good breeding, I would say." Matron Vel`Dynn pauses for a moment to sip her glass before continuing. "My daughter is to take my place as Matron of this House when she brings a daughter of her own into this world. Lady D`Narr's first-born must be one of high quality since she will eventually take her place. While there are others who also possess the qualities we seek, their demands are not acceptable. We are one of the last Matriarchal Houses under the protection of the Queen and we wish to keep it that way. There is obviously something you wish to gain from this venture, I am sure or you would not have come bearing such an exquisite gift." Ti`Veniza nodded toward the gifted Blade.

[Zotreth Myurden]

The young Knight nods and stares into his glass. "I understand... I, of course, have something to gain in this. The child, for one, and a deeper hold on Neriak. If this Child is raised, they would eventually rule this House no? And if the Queen protects you, it should extend to me. I wish to be in her favor, and to have a higher rank in the House of the Dead." he says and smiles.

[D`Nar Vel`Dynn]

Ti`Veniza smiles slightly.

"Fathering a Daughter for this House will grant you a bit more favor with the Queen and perhaps a bit more power in the House of the Dead. You have ambitions. Very good. We will see if you have the ability to match those ambitions. Is there anything else that you would like to gain from this venture?"

[Zotreth Myurden]

"Nay, there is nothing more I want..." Zotreth beams a smile toward the Matron Mother. "Unless, of course, you could convince your little Enchantress daughter to give me some information."

[D`Nar Vel`Dynn]

The Matron frowned.
"Well that is not very likely since I had disowned her quite some time ago. She had developed a fondness for the light-bringers and keeps the company of those accursed Paladins of Marr. I had ordered her execution long ago when I discovered her heresy but she managed somehow to escape and fled to the Shadowbane Fortress in the Commonlands. She has resided there ever since." Matron Vel`Dynn rose from her seat. "N`Lestari will take you to D`Narr. I believe she awaits you in her exercise room."

[Zotreth Myurden]

Zotreth stands and bows before the Matron. "My gracious thanks to you. With your permission, I shall leave and take no more of your time." He shifts uneasily and his dark mail clatters together.

[D`Nar Vel`Dynn]

The Matron nods politely.

"Do enjoy your visit."

D`Narr puts the orb away and moves to the center of her exercise room. The Lady Knight sits on the floor with her back toward the door and her favorite katana across her lap.

N`Lestari reenters The Matron's reception room and bows to her Mother before addressing Zotreth.

"If you will follow me, I will take you to my sister."

The younger Shadow Knight turns and walks to the door.

[Zotreth Myurden]

Zotreth nods and begins to follow her, but then stops. "May I have my weapons back please? I feel naked without them. And I do not think that Lady D'Narr will take kindly to one who appears as a pacifist." he says, smiling.

[D`Nar Vel`Dynn]

N`Lestari points to the table outside the door.

"They are still here. please do equip yourself." The Lady Knight smiles slightly.

[Zotreth Myurden]

He walks to the table and picks up his sword. It begins to emit a red, glowing aura once he touches the Dark Sword.

"Thank you very much." he says and sheathes the weapons.

[D`Nar Vel`Dynn]

Once Zotreth is finished, N`Lestari leads the way through several hallways and large rooms to an ornately decorated door.

"Lady D`Narr awaits you inside."

The young knight turns and leaves Zotreth standing at the door.