[Game Thread] Chapter Six: Be Careful What You Wish For

[SpatulaOdoom]

Morgan snorts dismissively at the “shared enemy” comment. A crude ploy really. ”Please don't insult my intelligence. The enemy of my enemy is not my friend, but my enemy's enemy. No more no less. And regardless of why Tel'shar did what he did, he did it and actions have consequences. Considering he didn't make even a token attempt to escape I suspect he's exactly where he chose to put himself. The main question is to what purpose?”
He'd said he wasn't trusting the fiends to keep his true family safe. He'd cut a deal with Shade obviously. Had he intended to keep them safe by bringing them here? Or was Halvanna just an un-planned stop on the road elsewhere?

He says nothing about Nallaul's commentary on Hywel. Either he was making wild suppositions in an attempt to elicit a response, or he already knew more than he was letting on and was trying to find out what Morgan knew. The best way to avoid getting caught in a fishing expedition is to avoid the bait entirely.

Morgan shakes his head. Sad eyes abruptly make him look years older. ”I am however sorry for the violent deaths of so many of your countrymen, regardless of their nature. Was it just at this senior council Lolth called, or did the fiend's violence spread before you were removed from the city?” Turmoil was a given after the death of such an overbearing and powerful figure, even if the fiends decided to vacate the city once their work was done. The only question was how quickly and how violently it would arise.

The mage turns his thoughts back to the rapidly approaching confrontation with Hywel. Given he was a psion with a pawn in the meeting hall, and a seer to boot, it seemed reasonable that he'd be at least somewhat forewarned. Rhys should be fine with the Disobeience spell Morgan had cast on him at the start of the day. Morgan already had the most powerful mental protection he could manage on himself. He was immune to poison, so most of the drow's tricks he was already resistant to if Hywel had turned more of them into pawns.

[Acathala]

Nallaul realises Morgan thinks he is aligned with Deimos. "Allow me to correct a possible misunderstanding. I am not subserviant to Deimos or allied with him. I only learned of Tel'shar's deal with him today. I did not gain my freedom from Lolth only to lose it to the Maidensnatcher. If it helps, then I think Tel'shar is only using Deimos." it's likely Morgan still doesn't believe him, but there is little Nallaul can do. It's a fair suspicion and one he'd have if roles were reversed. Nallaul forsees a frustrating time ahead with Halvans

When Morgan expresses sorrow, Nallaul looks alien, otherworldly for a moment. "Are you now? Others may say it's a just fate richly deserved. I will take you at your word and thank you for your undeserved compassion. To answer your question, the fiends were all on their way to enslave or kill the rest of the city. I can only hope the few semi-decent people are able to escape. I am not hopeful. "

[SpatulaOdoom]

Originally Posted by Nallaul

"Allow me to correct a possible misunderstanding. I am not subserviant to Deimos or allied with him. I only learned of Tel'shar's deal with him today. I did not gain my freedom from Lolth only to lose it to the Maidensnatcher. If it helps, then I think Tel'shar is only using Deimos."

Moran's gaze is inscrutable as a cat. ”Perhaps. Perhaps you were insinuating we should see him as a likely ally, since we have a mutual enemy. And if we wish to ally with him we shouldn't harm Tel'shar since he is allied with Deimos.” Morgan raises an eyebrow. ”You were saying it in the same breath you tried to defend your brother's actions after all. I understand your interest in protecting your brother, and sympathize, but don't try to manipulate me like that. We'll talk to him shortly and try to get the full story, OK? For the time being he is in no danger from any of us, nor will he be mistreated.”

Originally Posted by Nallaul

"Are you now? Others may say it's a just fate richly deserved. I will take you at your word and thank you for your undeserved compassion. “

Morgan responds with a soft smile that holds little humour.
”I don't lament their death per-say. Not in the way you are thinking. I'm saddened by your countrymen's deaths because of wasted potential. Everyone dies eventually, even the gods. No matter what you do, how you squirm and scrabble, to escape the reaper's scythe. Whatever magics or divine energy you possess to lengthen your time or bring you back. Make yourself ageless or turn yourself into the undead. It doesn't matter.
You. Will. Die.
Sobering thought hmm?”
Morgan's dark eyes search Nallaul's.
”Upon your true death you are then and there the sum total of your being. You will never develop further. You will never be anything more or experience anything further. After that all that remains is the effect your existence had on the world around you.

How sad is it then when, upon a person's death, they have brought nothing into the world? They only take from it, whether life or the creations of others or whatever ephemeral thing. They set no flagstones upon which the rest of the world can tread to reach that next step, whatever it may be. To leave behind not even something unique, something that without their existence the world would be different in some small way.”

The small group passes through a checkpoint, into a new wing of the massive palace. Even though he and Kala had quickly become regular sights on the palace grounds Morgan is pleased to see the guards maintain their wariness and go through all the appropriate steps before allowing them through.

”The most selfish evil man, or elf, might some day change. Might mind you. He or she might some day achieve some form of enlightenment. For some it really is better that they die, since the pain and misery and stunting of progress they bring to others isn't worth the slim chance of convincing them to seek that enlightenment or finding it on their own.

In the case of your countrymen it seems to me that Lolth is mostly responsible for their attitude. From what I've heard, pretty much all of your society was shaped by her. People enslaved others, indulged, schemed, and murdered, scrabbling for the top of the social pile only to some day fall and be replaced by the next, and the next, and so on. A systemic stagnation. And she told them that was the way things should be. It was the right way to think and act. So now that she's gone will they be able to take the next step on their own? That is the potential cut short by death for which I am sorry. They will never have the chance to find anything different than what was.”
It would be nice to be able to re-assure that there were people working to counter the fiends attack on his home town, but that would risk an information leak.

[Acathala]

Nallaul nods, deciding to leave the subject of Tel'shar for now. He had a couple of questions for him, mainly about how much Hali knew and when. Those could wait.
The mage manages a small smile as Morgan talks of wasted potential, and frowns when he mentions Lolth. He suspects that Sulion and Morgan would get on. "A lot of the evil our culture can be attributed to her and the previous Lolth yes. There are those whom embraced the evil willingly. I can't imagine Myr'delith or Xul'olin ever coming to "enlightenment". Some of the others might have had a chance. I think however if the fiends can driven from the city, the purge of the matrons may prove beneficial. They would have never allowed any meaningful change. I hope today is remembered for more than the death of Lolth and Ira. Perhaps a day of a new begining. It won't be an easy thing to change a society, if it's possible."

[SpatulaOdoom]

”Well change is inevitable at this point. There's been a massive shift in the balance of power. Even if new daughters move to fill the positions vacated by the dead matrons Lolth won't be granting her clerics any spells, nor will she be working to enforce their rule in other ways.
The question is what sort of changes you think that society needs to continue to thrive and grow as a people, and whether you're willing to do anything to help ensure they happen.”
Morgan takes a short rod from his belt. The rod is a tightly packed conglomeration of shiny brass rods, cogs, tubes, and other mechanical knicknacks. He twists a tiny valve and with a rattling of gears the rod extends to the length of a staff.
”Tel'shar doesn't seem to care. The Underdark can burn for all I care were his words.”
With a careful hand he traces the symbols and speaks the words that create a reflective twist in the weave of mana around himself, creating what is commonly known as a Spell Turning. A small set of golden dice are flicked into the air to complete an Insight of Good Fortune spell and a simple Shield spell add to the protections he already has.
”Last chance to bow out. I don't hold a lot of hope that this is going to remain quiet and calm once things get rolling. Hywel is also likely a Rank 0 deityGodling and might have the support of artifacts. If, or more likely when, things heat up, just try to stay alive and support Malvis as best you can.
I don't know precisely what an arachnomancer is, beyond the obvious allusion, but I hope your mental protections are strong.”

[Acathala]

"One that doesn't require murder to advance your position would be nice. I think we need to find a way to live without slaves, that will be the hardest part, as we've been dependant on them for so very long. I think Hali is probably in the best place to exploit this situation and take over, since the exchange had the same deal Tel'shar cut for us. I'm not a strategist though. Perhaps we should discuss this later." If Felynda is here, he also doesn't want to discuss this anymore in front of her.

On the Subject of Tel'shar he nods sadly. "I wish I could say I'm surprised he said that, but I'm saddened. I understand where he's coming from, and in my darker hours I've thought the same. You must understand he's had decades of oppression, betrayal and contimually being valued at considerably less than the least skilled woman. Had his daughters been full drow, they would have been taken from him and he would have never had any say in their upbringing, As it was once he gave Myr'delith what he wanted, she betrayed him and forced Felynda into the Church. I tried to take her as my apprentice instead, as I didn't want the daughter of my best friend joiinng that evil, vile organisation." He looks at Felynda if she's there, uncertain of her reaction. This might be a revelation to her, or it might not. Nallaul now realises that part of the reason he avoided her after she became a cleric, wasn't just because he was afraid of being drawn into her schemes, but because of the shame he felt at not being able to protect her from the cult of Lolth. "I'm sorry Felynda. I did everything I could. Xufaer said Myr'delith was set on you being a cleric." He doesn't know how she's going to react to that, be he's not going to trust any reaction that instantly forgives him. To Morgan he says "I offer that not as an excuse for Tel'shar's actions, but as explanation."
When Morgan prepares for battle Nallaul does too. He takes out a rod which is obviously a metamagic rod. He notes Morgan's use of shield. "Good move. Mind if I copy it?" He casts Shield and also protectioon from evil,
On dropping out he says. "Sulion says What you have done doesn't matter, it is what you do now and tomorrow that defines you. I'd rather curious to see if that's true."

[Blue]

Mrith had hesitantly agreed to come and accepted Morgan's invitation. She was reluctant to go about figuring out how all the fine details worked when it involved getting wrapped up into this huge mess until Nevh returned and possibly even then. This whole ancient Drow civilization thing being unearthed now was frankly quite fascinating and her blood had just started to cool down from their last fight that already they were heading into the next confrontation.
What kind of life had Nevh been living to face so much hourly excitement?

Was on their way, she greeted Rhys as he was introduced and took the opportunity to get a clear idea of what was going to happen.
"If I get this right, we are now going to ask questions to the psion slave of the Drow that got poisoned - who might actually be a spy. Like that Wade person. So we should try to kill him too before he has a chance to escape?"

As Morgan and Nallaul discussed the various subjects, she tried her best to shut up and just stick close to them.
If she joined the conversation there would no end to it and she didn't how long they still had before they made it there.
Would they confirm that there probably would be a fight, she'd later add:
"Should I shed this human skin right away? ...or would it be too obvious that we're heading in for a fight?"

[SpatulaOdoom]

Mrith's questions seem of more immediate concern than the philosophical debate. ”When examining Kala's inheritance-,” he taps a finger against the dark bracers encasing the young woman's forearms, |-I had a vision about Hywel, as well as others.” He looks at Nallaul. ”He's about as tall as me, with grey eyes. Right? Unless I horribly misread it he is the son of Zera and Airis. Zera may or may not have unlocked his deific potential, or possibly drained it with a piece of the godforge to power other things. It's hard to know just how strong he'll be, but it's safe to assume he'll be extremely dangerous. If he was mucking about with the First House, then in all likelihood Zera was after their shard of the godforge.”
Thank goodness for that drow paranoia and secrecy, that had kept it hidden from him long enough for Shade to get his hands on it.
”I expect he'll know the jig is up the moment we show up looking for him. I leave it up to your judgement which form you prefer to take. It wasn't large enough to be unwieldy or obtrusive the last time I saw it.” He eyes Mrith for a moment. ”Come to think of it, you were small enough that I take it you are fairly young for a dragon? Do you consider yourself acquainted with danger? Do you fight with strength of arms, magic, both?”
That was assuming she followed the draconic standard of size equating to age.

Back to Nallaul's philosophical discussion.
”On that last point Sulion and I would have to disagree. What you've done, and why you did it, does matter. Quite a lot really. The sins and mistakes of the past don't go away just because some time has past. They never go away really, but I choose to believe that you can try to make amends, both to those you've hurt and with yourself. Remembering your achievements, and trying to reach that height again, surpass it, is a worthy goal. What you've done and experienced are what made you who you are today. Denying the good or the bad is folly.”

[Blue]

The young dragon didn't seem all that impressed by the news. She expected to face a force similar to their encounter with Wade. She had learned from that fight not to pace herself against such enemies. Experience had taught her that she could usually play with her targets and outlast them but against these new enemies, going all out was necessary. There was no point keeping some energy for the next foe if the current one couldn't be dealt with somehow. At least she still had all her resources for this next opponent.

Nevh had expected Zera to be after the Drows godforge but didn't express her satisfaction at the deduction. She didn't feel like bragging about it and there was also Nallaul which she didn't trust with the knowledge of her existence. She stayed quiet.

Mrith was thinking about the fight to come and tried to visualize how she'd go about it this time when Morgan caught her attention with questions.
"Hm? Fairly young. Yes. I'm only 33 years of age. Fairly young indeed; old enough to work on my own goals, but not enough to choose most of them yet, I'm afraid. Maybe once I reach a half-century." She winced. "Or my first hundred years."

On the question of danger, Mrith made a light smile.
"I suppose I am not. I've never met anything I've qualified as 'danger' beyond giving me troublesome digestive pains. The most of my power comes from what I am instead of, well, life experiences. I've had many... difficult encounters with other dragon-kin, however. Some were more brutal than others but the real challenge was more social and psychological than physical, if you get my meaning. As to how I fight..."

She paused for a moment, thinking on how to answer that one.
"Well, I do not really like weapons, except the bow and arrow, which I find fascinating despite its primitive design and mechanism. But I can handle myself if it comes to brawn. I do not really cast magic yet but I can use scrolls reliably. I can also enhance myself to better tap into my dragon nature but I'd say my real power is in my ability to control my breath. Unless you'd rather have the many details, let's just say I can do much with it. Which reminds me... do not resist it, please."

She would hasten her step to get in front of them, then touch each one of them in turn.
It would feel as if someone breathed down their throat. There is warmth and freshness both, as if they were subjected to an endure elements spell effect, and something else.
Smiling, she breathed a tongue of electricity over Morgan's face that trailed alongside his skin harmlessly.
"Now I won't have to worry about you as I breathe around. And if I do something that looks particularly dangerous, such as a big wall of fire, know that you can safely get into it. Even stay there. No problem."

Talking about it cheered her up. What she could do in combat rarely ever got to be a subject of conversation.
"I've also been entrusted with one of Crone's sphere of Concordance to bring peace to dragonkind and help others in my situation to come to terms with what they are. Among other things, this slightly bolsters any healing done within ten feet from me and helps to protect those close to me against compulsions of all kinds. I can also make a small ward once per day that is very similar to the one made with True Magic that shield the countries. And it hurts those that try to get in if I don't want them to. I'm otherwise quite learned on most fields of study, rather excellent on every social spheres and aptitudes and like my sister I have a pretty good eye for detail and am talented in reading people. Not as good, certainly, but ways above average."

She stopped there, then added as an afterthought.
"Oh. And I'm really fast. Even for an emerald dragon. I could probably lift some of you to be carried around - Not on my back though. I could manage, small as I may be, but I really do not fancy the idea."

She then transformed into her more draconic form, having decided that she preferred to meet the psion and probably fight it already in that form. Her body was much like a long winged snake with clawed limbs on a large torso. Her horns are much darker than most of her kind and her scales gradually lost their reflectiveness below her neck. It was still a quite a magnificent creature and it was no wonder Mrith enjoyed identifying herself to it.


During the later part of Morgan's conversation with Nallaul, she couldn't help but chime in.
"You spoke with Nevh recently, haven't you? I've heard the same sermon a few days ago."

[Makenshi]

Mortimer, Morgan's rather scraggy looking feline familiar, looks a little annoyed at not being introduced, but keeps his snarking to himself this time except for when he translates for Kala's signing.

Originally Posted by Nallaul

He turns to Felynda. "It would be useful if you came along and confirmed that you could no longer felt her presence. However no one knows you're here outside this room. It's up to you if you want to come." To her sister he says. "Why don't you get to know the people here better?"

The twins share a look for a moment before nodding. "Might as well. Maybe my illusions will be of use against this 'Hywel'."

Originally Posted by Morgan

”Nallaul, meet Rhys Emlyn my adoptive brother.” Sort of. Close enough to not be worth the long winded explanation every time he was introduced to some random stranger. ”He's a something of a prodigy soldier, so if things go bad keep him between you and the bad people with pointy bits of metal. Rhys, this is Nallaul, from that drow city I mentioned. I don't know him or much trust him, so you know... Keep an eye on him, hey?”

The tall Halvan smiles. "Sure thing, the girl too I assume?"

Felynda gives him a baleful look at being called 'girl'. "Big boys fall just as hard as small ones." She warns him, although it seems more like posturing than a genuine threat.

Originally Posted by Nallaul

He looks at the brother and sister, saying "Well met you two too. I hope Kala you won't take offense when I say I hope I don't need your skill set."

not MalvisMalhas merely gives a just about polite nod in return, while Kala starts to sign in response, with the cat translating. "I can do more than heal, so you might want to re-think that comment." She throws him a self-confident smirk at the end, although it seems rather relaxed and good natured rather than confrontational.

Felynda mostly keeps out of Nallaul and Morgan's conversation, although she nods her head in agreement with his talk of enemies and seems genuinely confused by his sorrow at the death of so many Drow. She also seems curiously uncomfortable whenever her father is mentioned, especially when Morgan repeats his uncaring words. She also seems surprised by the news that the wizard had tried to protect her from the church, even responding in a manner that he likely wouldn't have expected. "It worked to a degree. They gave me a choice: join the church or apprentice under you, but Myr'delith made it clear that if I chose the latter then Fyn would have no choice but to join the church. I was confident I would emerge stronger but Fyn..." She frowns, glancing at the arachnomancer. "...well. Fyn is Fyn. You know better than most what she's like, she wouldn't have dealt with it well." It was the most 'humane' that the so-far hostile Drow had seemed, although she still spoke in the same aloof and superior manner.

Originally Posted by Nallaul

On dropping out he says. "Sulion says What you have done doesn't matter, it is what you do now and tomorrow that defines you. I'd rather curious to see if that's true."

Malhas also doesn't think much of Sulion's words, snorting in derision. "The Children were fond of saying that too." He glances to Morgan. "Given what the last one said perhaps we should look closer into the Children. Do we really trust them when they say they don't know anything about her, especially with this 'Sulion' about as well." He looks to Nallaul. "Is there anything else you can tell us about her? Abilities? Power? Associates?"

When Mrith shifts form Felynda looks surprised and gives the Dragon more than a wide berth and is careful to keep an eye on her, as if she was walking next to a hissing viper, poised to strike.

~MTWC

[Acathala]

Nallaul nods sadly at Felynda. "Yeah. That sounds like that bitch Myr'delith. I'm still sorry you had to go to that horrible school though. You're right though. Fyn wouldn't have coped well." He looks fairly grim for a moment. "I'm fairly certain Myr'delith suffered in her last moments, if that is any comfort to you."
He looks up at the question about Sulion. "Not much. I thought she might be a daughter of Zilira as her powers were at deity level, or she had an artifact from the demongate war. She was able to use a bright unyielding light which even blinded my light adapted eyes. Speaking of eyes, she had the most beautiful hazel eyes. The poet Mukirr is said to have remarked that the only jewels that a woman needed was her eyes. I could see his point with Sulion. Oh she is bound, though it seems it's more to prevent her revealing information. As for allies she had another half-drow with her. I think[ he was called Gadget, a false name. He handled the technology. I think they're siblings. There was a human with them, whom was with Sulion at the arena. He spoke in rhyme. They all had spell resistance, as when I cast haste during the fight with Ira, it only worked on Sulion."
On Mrith's dragon shape"Impressive. Full of surprises huh? We should talk later, get to know one another better, Lady......?"
On Fel's reaction he says to Mrith "Don't take it personally. There's a Dragon in the city that tends to eat drow that fail or annoy him. Wait a minute, he wasn't at the meeting! He's still alive and he hates fiends!!"
To Morgan"Who is Zera? I'm not up to date on Surfacer matters. I think we need to continue our philosophical discussion at a later time since we're nearing potential combat."

[Blue]

The dragon seemed momentarily confused at the half-question.
"Oh... we didn't? Forgive my manners. I am Mrith Jenn'la, of Yesterwind. Also part of the Rudaa Kinship, technically. Pleased to meet you."
She swung her tail calmly, satisfied by her reaction. It felt good to be dreaded. Especially since she hadn't really done anything to inspire the emotion beside just being there.
When Nallaul justified her reaction, Mrith beat one of her wings with anticipation and mild excitement.
"Can't blame her. I've never eaten Drow and I was sort of curious. I hope this does not make things too awkward. ...I'd love to meet that dragon though. Given the way things are heading, the dragons should be rallied to rise against the fiends again. I'd have as many as possible answer the call."

Upon hearing that they were drawing near, Mrith took out a rod and cast an enchantment upon herself. Then proceeded to retrieve a scroll from the scroll-case tied to one of her thighs. Unrolled it with nimble claws and tapped into its power to release its magic upon herself. Her scales now glistened with a silvery hue that increased their reflectiveness. She almost seemed to shine.
She was ready.

 

Cast Conviction on self: +4 morale bonus to save. 2 hours.
Use scroll Scintillating Scales. Natural armor becomes deflection bonus to AC. 3 minutes.

[SpatulaOdoom]

Morgan winces when he hears Mrith's age. If he's remembering correctly, that made her pretty much a child, by draconic standards. Which explained why she'd apparently never been in a life or death struggle either. While it sounded like this Sphere of Concordance thing might prove useful, Morgan immediately regrets asking her to come along. There was no helping it now. Dragons are prideful things and she wouldn't take well to being denied now. Besides she'd been sent as Nevh's replacement, so obviously those who were to see to her safety thought she could handle it.

He decides instead to respond to Mrith's question.
”I've spoken with Nevh about all sorts of things, but I don't think personal responsibility is a topic in particular we've covered. I'm not sure “do your best and try to fix your mistakes” is complicated enough to make an entire sermon out of, but it's something worth thinking on.” The mage's voice becomes somewhat wooden and subdued as his minds eye remembers two young men in the Arian desert's chill night. ”You might see it a little different once you've collected a regret or two.”

Originally Posted by Malhas

”Given what the last one said perhaps we should look closer into the Children. Do we really trust them when they say they don't know anything about her, especially with this 'Sulion' about as well.“

”That is most assuredly on the to do list, and rising quickly, but we did only find out about these people a couple of days ago.” Morgan had decided to put Elouise on it, since she didn't seem to be getting anywhere with her current work and her outlook seemed compatible with the Children. So much to do and so little time to do it in. If only he'd been able to start in on all this a few years ago instead of puttering around looking for direction.

”Yes. Zera. Zera the betrayer is a well known figure around here. He's more or less regarded as the most powerful mind bender in the known world, and probably the most evil too. His original aim was to try and take over Halva. Only recently did we discover that that's because he considers it a birthright denied. He's a bastard of the Halvan royal line you see. Related to my darling Zilira and the first king of Halva, Vulcar the first. We aren't sure precisely how though.

These days he seems to be setting his sights a little higher than a single country. He somehow managed to gain control of Sanctuary, the demi-plane home base of those who fought against the fiends during the Demongate War. Along with Sanctuary, and it's host of troubling benefits, came a shard of what is known as the Godforge. Like the Drow he used his shard to capture two Paragons, Airis and Malvain. Unlike the Drow, who turned it to hiding them, he turned the renewable power of the paragons to ensure his personal immortality above that of all but the paragons.” Morgan begins ticking things off on his fingers. ”He's created and enslaved an equally immortal ridiculously powerful being known as the Blue Lady, doing so by utterly destroying someone's immortal soul. Enslaved his childhood best friend. Raped and begot children onto Airis who he then moulds into his agents, after presumably feeding their divine spark to the godforge. Gathered together an army of trolls. Engineered the assassination of multiple royals at various points, sometimes merely as a distraction. Burnt down the orphanage where he was raised to hide his past. Kidnapped perhaps hundreds of seers across the world for unknown purpose, and generally been a thoroughly horrible excuse for a human being whom the world would very much be better off without.”
The steady tap of his geared staff on the marble floor as he walks becomes sharp as his dark eyes and hard as his stony brow. Morgan has had some time to come to terms with the things Zera was doing, but still it made his stomach clench to say out loud. Now he found himself hoping that Hywel wouldn't come quietly. Morgan could use a good excuse to lash out at something.

[Blue]

She ignored the wincing. How could she not notice, expected as it was?
"Never underestimate a Rudaa's ability to make anything complicated."
As to collecting regrets, the young dragon shrugged.
"I may be young despite my years but unlike most of my kind I've had to live them among humans. Each of these years, soaked in all your... daily worries, anguish, search for happiness. Living in the high society came with being exposed to endless waves of giving and begging, a lot of political nonsense, responsibilities, obligations and a great deal of ambition. How could I not feel them myself, subjected to them as I was."
Her mouth was starting to fume with black smoke as she spoke. She took a deep breath.
"When you're caged in a human body, Morgan, you live as humans do. Regrets, I've plenty.
"Had you been born with great wings, the ability to effortlessly care for yourself. Total freedom. I doubt you would be walking beside me today."
She sniffed, her expression hard and a little bitter.
"So, here I am."

[Acathala]

"So Zera sounds like a busy webspinner. Sounds like he wants to either predict something or pevent others seeing something. If it's the former, I wonder if it's something specific. Well it's useless to speculate. Isn't the Leader of the Children Zilira's son? Do you think he intrigues against Zilira?" Nallaul notes how Morgan refers to Zilira. It seems those two may well be intimates. He lets it lie, deciding now is not the time to raise it.
He returns to the subject of the Dragon. "I doubt you would enjoy meeting Zekzar. He's been raised as drow, and his mentality is more drow than Dragon."