With Justice For None (Nalifan and Company)

[Rogue 9]

*has a hard time not busting out laughing at work after reading that*

Omg omg... :wipes at tears: That was just so very priceless. Are you sure you didn't get a woman's input writing that up? Hell, even Kaeryn was wanting to knock Nal off his high horse after meeting him!

I'm sure everybody was. Hell, Gaheris almost did, but we all know how much that counts for.

[LadyTevar]

I knew the SpyMaster would have good reason for his actions. A plot against the Matrons... how delicious. Pity Lloth can't enjoy the true chaos and machinations that would cause, due to her views on males.

I do wonder what Eilestree's clerics would think of the idea....

[LadyTevar]

*has a hard time not busting out laughing at work after reading that*

Omg omg... :wipes at tears: That was just so very priceless. Are you sure you didn't get a woman's input writing that up? Hell, even Kaeryn was wanting to knock Nal off his high horse after meeting him!

I'm sure everybody was. Hell, Gaheris almost did, but we all know how much that counts for.

Between the two of them, I think Kaeryn would have the best chance against Nal. Anit-Magic fields rather suck. However, Nal's already considered this and has at least three ways to defeat her if it ever comes to that point.

[Rogue 9]

*has a hard time not busting out laughing at work after reading that*

Omg omg... :wipes at tears: That was just so very priceless. Are you sure you didn't get a woman's input writing that up? Hell, even Kaeryn was wanting to knock Nal off his high horse after meeting him!

I'm sure everybody was. Hell, Gaheris almost did, but we all know how much that counts for.

Between the two of them, I think Kaeryn would have the best chance against Nal. Anit-Magic fields rather suck. However, Nal's already considered this and has at least three ways to defeat her if it ever comes to that point.

Oh, no doubt. It was the lucky shot to his jaw that let him even come close in the first place. He would have been dead in seconds otherwise.

[LadyTevar]

I'm sure everybody was. Hell, Gaheris almost did, but we all know how much that counts for.

Between the two of them, I think Kaeryn would have the best chance against Nal. Anit-Magic fields rather suck. However, Nal's already considered this and has at least three ways to defeat her if it ever comes to that point.

Oh, no doubt. It was the lucky shot to his jaw that let him even come close in the first place. He would have been dead in seconds otherwise.

The whole problem with Nal is that he knows he's that good.

[Imperial Overlord]

The whole problem with Nal is that he knows he's that good.

No, his problem (in this area) is that he's almost as good as he thinks he is.

[SirNitram]

The whole problem with Nal is that he knows he's that good.

No, his problem (in this area) is that he's almost as good as he thinks he is.

It's that fractional difference which means the difference between glorious victory and being a grease stain.

[Imperial Overlord]

It's that fractional difference which means the difference between glorious victory and being a grease stain.

Exactly.

[Imperial Overlord]

Gaheris was waiting in there rooms when Morfindel returned. The dark haired elf closed and locked the door behind him before removing his hood. "What's the news?" he asked Gaheris.

"Nothing good," the red haired man replied. "They've got the Watch hunting down every Triad member under the guise of searching for the attackers. They're also purging every honest officer with any rank from the Watch"

"How?"

"The Watch was convienently absent for the attack on the Abbey. There are written orders which commanded the officers away. I think you can figure out the next part."

"Forgeries. I take it Jenton's name is on some of them?"

"Saneel's too."

"It would have to involve collusion from the top."

"Yes. It would also give the forgers access to a large number of authentic documents with their signatures on them." Gaheris paced for a moment. "They planned this one out very well. What did you find out?"

"They haven't gotten all of us yet. The House of Ilmater still stands."

"Good," said Gaheris. The Abbey of the Blinding Truth might have been described as a bastion of light in city ruled by night. It was as much fortress as church and tended to a small number of the city's people. The House of Ilmater was an old and respected institution, a church that had cattered to the poor and needy for generations. Unlike the Abbey it was not staffed with paladins, warrior-monks, and battle hardened priests but by healers and comforters. It fed the hungry and sheltered the homeless.

"The Healing Hand is still free, although that might change soon."

"What happened?"

"Apparently the Watch came to take him and his people into custody. They refused. Hand Acoros told them he had been in the temple all night, as had his senior priests. They had been tending to their flock and claimed a large number of witnesses. They said they would cooperate with any investigation, but refused to go with them. The crowd around them was pretty ugly. The Watch backed down."

"So Acoros is still free, good. They'll take another run at him."

"Or arrange some 'False Triad' members to do so. Until then, he's still sheltering a lot of people. Some of them could be Vera'Dome."

"I hope so. We've lost enough people already. We've got to scuttle whatever attack they aim at him. We need-" Gaheris stopped in mid sentence.

"Shh. It's Astinius."

"Thank Ilmater," Morfindel muttered. They could use everyone they could get, even annoying and half-crazy sun elf mages.

"He's coming," said Gaheris.

"When's he going to get here?"

"Anytime." A soft boom filled the air and Astinius appeared a few feet away.

"That was quick," Morfindel quipped.

"When Gaheris said that you were in need, I came as soon as I could," said Astinius. "All the power that I command will be bent to this task."

"That's good to hear," said Gaheris warmly, making sure to give Astinius space. "We've got another card in play."

"Which is?" asked Morfindel.

"Messina. She doesn't consider this her fight. Yet. Now her high priest's neck is next on the chopping block, not some anonymous paladin that might spit on her as soon as look at her."

Morfindel nodded. "Worth a try. She's in her office."

"You sure?"

"I saw her go in just ahead of me."

"No time like the present. Besides, we have to introduce her to Astinius."

They unlocked the door and slipped across the hall. Gaheris's fist rapped on the door. "Enter," came from within. Messina was sitting at her desk, a glass of red wine by her hand and a sheaf of papers in front of her. "Who's your friend?" she asked suspiciously.

"Astinius," Gaheris replied. "He's come to help."

"I can't shelter an army and I can't shelter you for very long," she replied.

"I know. You said. Did you know they tried to arrest Acoros today?"

"What?"

"Yes. He wouldn't go and the Watch gave up, but the Night Masks will try again."

"He isn't involved in your war."

"Yes, he is. He would be the first to say so. He doesn't fight with a sword or a mace, but with hope and shelter. The House of Ilmater is an island of sanctuary that the Night Masks can't touch. Their victory won't be complete as long as it stands. Everything you've done, every blanket, every parcel of food, every coin you've given is going to be undone and cast into ruin."

She slumped back in her chair. "I'm not a warrior. Even if I was the Night Masks are too strong."

"They won't be, not forever. We don't have to destroy them, just hold on and prevent they and their new allies from gaining a stronger foot hold in the city. Reinforcements will come, not just the servants of the Triad, but servants of the Morning Lord, Harpers, and others. We can push back the darkness. It can be done. It will be done. We just need a little more from you."

"What?" she asked warily.

"Just a little more time here. And that you keep your eyes and ears open and pass information. Not a warrior's work or a mage's. Something you can do and something that will matter."

"I will consider it," she said raising her wine glass. "You are very certain of yourself." She took a sip.

"I aim to win. I've been beating the odds all my life. I'm not going to give up now just because the last couple of days have been rough. As long there is breath still in my body, the Night Masks and their ilk haven't won yet."

She smiled and took another sip. "Just for a moment, you reminded me of someone I knew a long time ago."

Gaheris chuckled. "As long as his name wasn't Nalifan, I'm not insulted."

Her face went pale and the wine glass slipped from her fingers and shattered on the desk.

[The Nomad]

mmh.... wouldn't Messina be one of Nalifan's former concubines, by any chance ?

[Imperial Overlord]

"Welcome to Mystra's House," said Llewan Aspenwald. The high priestess smiled gently. "We are open to all who wish to worship."

"Thank you," said Imizael. She sized up the other woman. Humans seemed to wither so quickly. Llewan was maybe forty, with just the beginnings of lines on her face. She wore a plain blue robe and wore her brown hair loose, which screamed not a warrior to high mage. She possessed little in the way of magic. A custodian, not a retired adventurer by those signs. "Although my highest loyalties lie towards Corellon Larethian, I also honour the Lady of Mysteries and the Dark Maiden."

"The first and second I expected," replied Llewan, "the third is something of a surprise."

"It is my belief that reconciliation with those of the Ssri'Tel'Quessir who abandon the ways of evil is necessary for both moral and practical reasons."

"Ahh. You are most welcome here, ahh-"

"Imizael," she filled in. "Thank you high priestess. Might I ask you some questions?"

"Of course," Llewan replied. She lead the other woman into the temple. The long hall was mostly empty. Shafts of light beamed down through the stained glass windows and illuminated much of the interior. "What about?"

"Nalifan D'Azurentien."

"Ahh. What is your intent with regards to him?"

"I intend him no harm."

"Your word?"

"My word. I merely wish to speak with him."

"Very well. He can be a most difficult individual, but that does not relieve me of my oaths. He has been crucial in saving the Dales from what could have been two catastrophies. He's a very skillful wizard and can be quite charming, if one can get past the arrogance. Actually, you should talk to Kaeryn. She knows him better."

"Really? Where can I find her?"

"Kaeryn!" Llewan called out. She continued at a lower volume. "Tymora is with you." Kaeryn stepped into from the back.

"You called?" she asked sweetly.

"This is Imizael and she wishes to know about that modest individual we both know as Nalifan D'Azurentien."

Kaeryn laughed as she came forward. "He's not as bad as you've heard. Well, he's as bad, but he has his good points as well."

Imizael couldn't resist smiling. "As you say."

"I take it you haven't met him?"

"No."

"It's an experience, but not one I recommend for the easily annoyed. One has to remember that he really is brilliant and that his arrogance is not entirely baseless."

"Alright."

"You aren't trying to kill him, are you?"

"Mystra no! I just want to talk with him. His name came up in the course of my regular endeavours."

"Which are?"

"Trying to reconcile the faerie and the drow who wish to rejoin us."

Kaeryn winced. "You don't think small, do you? Just to warn you he's a good man to have on your side in a crisis, but he's not one to spend sleepless nights repenting his evil deeds."

"Elves don't sleep."

Kaeryn rolled her eyes. "You know what I mean."

"Yes, I do."

"I'll tell you what," said Kaeryn. "I'll introduce you and you can come to your own conclusions."

"Are you sure?"

"It's no trouble. I have a standing invitation and Nalifan sets a very good table."

[Rogue 9]

Interesting that Nalifan was the first person to spring to his mind.

[LadyTevar]

And if she *is* trying to kill Nal, she will have to go through me first ... and that will not be an easy task.

[Imperial Overlord]

Interesting that Nalifan was the first person to spring to his mind.

He is stupendously arrogant and the conversation Gaheris had within him about the war in the city is running through his mind.

[Imperial Overlord]

"Ilmater's blood," Gaheris swore, "you know him."

Messina was trembling. Wine was soaking through her papers. "I knew a man by that name. It was a long time ago."

"When you were a whore."

"When I was a slave. I was whore by then too. I'm still a whore. I just don't sell my own flesh." She paused for a moment. "Is he still alive?"

"Last time I saw him he was alive and as arrogant as hell, if we are talking about the same man. Tall, for a drow, a little shorter than Astinius, silver hair, black skin, red eyes."

"If by black you mean black not dark grey or brown-black or blue-black, then yes. He was, when I last saw him, a promising wizard."

"That's the one," said Gaheris. "I'm sorry if I brought up unpleasant memories."

She waved a hand in dismissal. "Most of my memories are unpleasant. I've known far worse than Nalifan D'Azurentien." He lips quirked. "But my past is past."

"Maybe, maybe not," said Gaheris. She went stiff. "When I met Nalifan, he briefly discussed Westgate. He had a few words to say on our war. Our enemy thinks a lot like him. We could also use the extra muscle." He looked her in the eye. "Do you know any way we could drag him in?"

"Do you know what you are asking?"

"I grew up on Westgate's streets. I can't tell you if they were better or worse than where you grew up, but they were pretty bad. The Night Masks are allied with the followers of Bane. They're moving to crush all opposition. If they succeed things are going to get much, much worse. The next man on the chopping block is Acoros. You've got to decide if stopping all that is worth whatever price you'll have to pay. I think you're strong enough to do it and that what happens matters to the people of this city matters to you."

She closed her eyes for a moment. "I love him and I hate him," she said at last. "He cared about me enough to let me go, with a large sum of money and an escort to the surface. I was his concubine for twenty years and he was kinder than I hoped. But I was still his property and if I displeased him I could fall very, very far. He was kind and terrible. I learned his moods and his desires and I made sure the latter were fulfilled. If he's still the same man, yes, I will have influence over him. Does that answer you question?"

"Will you do it?"

She nodded. Gaheris turned to Astinius and Morfindel. "Let's talk." He turned to Messina. "Please excuse us." She nodded mutely and the adventurers retired to the suite.

"This Nalifan sounds like he should be burned," said Astinius. "Mother Mystra, he needs to burn."

"Maybe, but that's not going to help anyone in this city."

"We can get better men," said Astinius.

"We don't need better men. We need to be able dig the Banites out of Westgate before they secure their position. We need to save as many of our people as possible before the kill sweeps finish off those who remain. We need to show the people that the Night Masks don't own the city, that this triumph was just a battle, not the war. We don't have time to be picky. This city doesn't have time."

"I don't like it," said Astinius.

"You didn't spend time as a glass statue, courtesy of his magic," said Morfindel. "I don't like it, but Gaheris is right. We have a little time in which we can deliver a heavy blow and stop the Night Masks from rolling everything up. Getting paladins of Torm and Lathandar here in three months or six will be too late. Gaheris is right."

Astinius nodded his head. "Alright, your points are good. I don't like it."

"No one likes it," said Gaheris. "I just like not having him less."

"How do we manage him?" asked Morfindel. "Even if Messina can talk him around he is still what he is."

"I have a plan for that," replied Gaheris.

[Imperial Overlord]

"An unfortunate dead end lord," said Laerasis as they stepped through Nalifan's front door. She swung her rucksack off her back. "Where too now?"

"Unfortunately, my only lead is the Shaar and it could lead me nowhere. Some divination spells might shed more light on the matter, but they will be taxing and are only slightly more likely to bear fruit than the spells that have already failed."

Laerasis removed her quiver of javelins. "That's unfortunate, but I do not think the answer will long elude you my lord. Mighty enemies lie crushed underfoot. This one, whatever its nature, will share the same fate."

"My thoughts exactly. Flatterer."

"If you believe it to be the truth, then how can I possibly be flattering you with it?" she said with a smile.

A grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Enough of this. I think dinner is in order and not having to worry if a relative is trying to poison me should add some savour to the meal." He slung his rucksacks and deposited them in his library. A tortoise shell cat stalked him from behind a chair.

"Ah Swordfoot, you clever devil. Ambitious too if you intend to take my feet. You might wish to confine you ambitions to birds and rodents."

The cat would have none of that and wound its way around the chair towards the drow arch-mage. Nalifan went still. Swordfoot's tail twitched. The drow wiggled his foot. Swordfoot took the bait.

The drow caught the cat in mid air and scooped up the feline. The cat went rigid for a moment and then exploded in a spastic attempt to escape. Nalifan smiled and managed to retain his hold. He stroked the cat's head. "I win," he said before dropping Swordfoot on the floor and heading toward his dining room.

He stopped in mid stride as a sending reached him. Nalifan D'Azurentien, spoke a voice in his mind, you do not know me but I know of you. My name is Astinius and if you still care anything at all for a woman named Messina you will come to me. Scrying will find my location. She is not in immediate danger, but her enemies draw near. Time is of the essence.

The sending ended leaving Nalifan alone in the corridor. Messina. He remembered the mix of fear and hope on her face when he bought her, the sound of her voice crying in passion, the joy of flesh against flesh. So many memories. He remembered the smile on her face when he gave her the fury little bundle that had been Meep and the bittersweet sorrow of their parting.

"My lord?"

"A change of plan. Tell whoever's got kitchen duty to whip up something quick."

"Your will." She left quickly. Nalifan headed toward his rooms and a full length mirror that would serve as a focus for his scrying spells. A simple intonation and a blue robed figure with a scarf over his face came into view. A bow was across his back and a sword was belted at his waist. A faerie. Morfindel and Gaheris were sharing a comfortably appointed room with him.

It was unlikely to be a trap. He left his room and returned to the library where he picked up one of the rucksacks and then went to the dining room. A plate with cheese slices, cold cuts, olives, and bread awaited. A pitcher of cool cider was nearby to wash it down. "What is going on?" asked Laerasis.

"Do you remember me telling you about Gaheris?"

"The fool who thought he could defend Westgate from the Night Masks."

"Yes, that's him. A mage ally of his sent me a message mentioning the name of an old . . . . acquaintance of mine."

"This acquaintance matters to you?"

"Yes," he replied. "I'll need to sort it out. The message indicated time was of the essence."

"And your death lord?"

"My killer can't escape me. One way or the other, through the heavens or the hell, through cunning or high magic, he or she will be mine. Hold this place in my absence and remember all that I have said."

"Your will my lord." Nalifan uttered a spell of teleportation and vanished. He drow reappeared in a corner of Gaheris's suite. The adventurer's spun, hands on weapons before relaxing.

"Nalifan," said Gaheris. "Thank you for coming."

"I didn't come to exchange pleasantries with you, Gaheris. Where is she?"

"I'll show you," said Gaheris. He lead the drow out of the room to Messina's office. The paladin knocked on the door.

"Enter," she said.

The drow opened the door. "That's far enough," said Nalifan to Gaheris.

"If she agrees," said Gaheris evenly.

"I do," she said. "It's been a long time Nalifan."

Gaheris withdrew and the arch-mage closed the door. "It has. Getting close to two decades. You've aged well."

"After all this time," she said, "that is what you have to say?"

"What do you want?" he said as he closed the distance to her desk. "I am here. I expended a considerable amount of money and risked a the loss of a no small amount of face to see you safely away from Sshameth. I endured the mockery of my siblings for losing my prize concubine."

"I know," she said. "I've often thought what I would do if I saw you again. I thought of driving a knife into your heart or taking you to my bed. I dreamed of raging against you or weeping in your arms."

He reached out and stroked her cheek. "We were prisoners in the world we lived in," he said softly. "A pleasure slave and a drow prince could be nothing better than what we were. We have both escaped that world."

"I'm still a whore."

"I'm still a wizard. Love me or hate me, that is your choice. If you want my help it is yours."

"I worship Ilmater," she said softly, "because the merciless had mercy and I found hope. I bought and sold flesh with a firm hand, but not a callous one. I was merciful in turn. Even if no one else considered me decent, I could look myself in the mirror without shame. I lived well, my life secure."

"You risk more than security if you get involved in this war."

"I already have," she said wryly. "They say you have become mighty."

"That is certainly true."

"Then save this city from what is coming."

"You know what that means better than most."

"I do. Let them reap what they have sown."

"You haven't gone that soft."

"Having compassion doesn't mean I can't be hard when I have to be."

"Yes, I've learned that as well. Very well then Messina. I can't ask you to think well of me, you have more than enough reason not to. I will go to war against your enemies."

There was a moment of silence. At last Messina spoke. "I was always afraid of you, but not all the time we spent together was bad."

Nalifan smiled ironically. "I guess that will have to do."

[Rogue 9]

Oh goody.

[LadyTevar]

This is not going to end well at all. "Be careful what you wish for", my dear Paladin. I fear what will happen when Astinius meets Kaeryn again.

[Imperial Overlord]

Imizael and Kaeryn appeared just outside the gate of the sprawling three story manse than Nalifan called his home. "This is it," said Kaeryn.

"The front grass seems to be in sad shape."

"Spell battle," the dweomer keeper replied. "A nasty one at that." She pointed at a spot of scraggily grass. "Nalifan was about there on his last legs when I pulled his chestnuts out of the fire."

"Then you are more than just a passing acquaintances."

"Yes," said Kaeryn with a smile. "More than that." She walked through the open wrought iron gates. "He's a charming conversationalist and an attentive host as well as one of the most lethal mages I have ever met. He really is brilliant and he somehow manages to be a good leader without his titanic ego wrecking everything."

The two women crossed the much abused lawn. Kaeryn ascended the steps and gripped the door knocker. She gave it a sharp ring. A few moments latter the door opened. A pale girl, brown haired and slender, waited inside. "Welcome back mistress," she said.

"Thank you Lyana. Please call me Kaeryn."

The girl coloured. "I'm sorry. I forgot."

Kaeryn smiled. "It's alright. This is Imizael."

Lyana bowed. "A pleasure mistress."

"Is Nalifan home?"

"He isn't at the moment, but he would insist that you be shown our fullest hospitality." The two women stepped inside. "I will fetch Laerasis," she said and sped along the hall.

"Laerasis?"

"Nalifan's major domo."

"Drow I take it?"

"Yes."

"A worshipper of Eilistraee?"

"I don't know," Kaeryn replied. "A few of the priestesses have visited and spoken with him, although they were unsuccessful in their attempts. Personally, I think they used the wrong approach."

"Really?" said Imizael as she finished cleaning her shoes.

"Think about it. You are an arrogant, brilliant mage who has abandoned the stiffling constrictions of drow noble house culture. Now a group of drow say you should obey the priestesses of your god, forsake your goals in favor of helping people who mostly regard you as scum, and humble yourself before these afforementioned weaker people so that they will deign to include you in their society. That's exactly how it is described, but that's what a suspicious drow is going to hear."

"You have a point. What do you think would have worked better?"

Kaeryn raised her hand as if to knock on a door. "Hello. Would you like to join a dozen beautiful, naked drow females in frenzied, ecstatic dancing?"

Imizael's laughter filled the corridor. "I can see how that might have an appeal."

Laerasis opened the door to the room at the corridor. She no longer wore her armour, having changed into an over and an under tunic over breeches. She smiled devilishly. "That doesn't sound bad at all. Welcome to the house of Nalifan. I am Laerasis and I extend the hospitality of all those present in his name. Please be welcome."

[Rogue 9]

This is not going to end well at all. "Be careful what you wish for", my dear Paladin. I fear what will happen when Astinius meets Kaeryn again.

Yes, yes, I know. Still, him or the Night King. At least if Nalifan decides to kill you, you're dead; not some undead blood-drinking freak.

[LadyTevar]

This is not going to end well at all. "Be careful what you wish for", my dear Paladin. I fear what will happen when Astinius meets Kaeryn again.

Yes, yes, I know. Still, him or the Night King. At least if Nalifan decides to kill you, you're dead; not some undead blood-drinking freak.

Ah yes... at least your paladin understands the 'Lesser of Two Evils' is sometimes your best option.

Impy? found a typo

one of the lethalist mages

should be "One of the most lethal". Lethalist isn't a word, is it?

[Rogue 9]

one of the lethalist mages

should be "One of the most lethal". Lethalist isn't a word, is it?

No, it isn't.

And better an honored petitioner in the House of the Triad than an underling in the Court of Night.

[LadyTevar]

one of the lethalist mages

should be "One of the most lethal". Lethalist isn't a word, is it?

No, it isn't.

I also think that Kaeryn is being too casual as she talks to Imaziel ... she spoke to Nal more formally in the last story than she is now. *shrug*

[Imperial Overlord]

I also think that Kaeryn is being too casual as she talks to Imaziel ... she spoke to Nal more formally in the last story than she is now. *shrug*

There might be a reason for that.

[LadyTevar]

I also think that Kaeryn is being too casual as she talks to Imaziel ... she spoke to Nal more formally in the last story than she is now. *shrug*

There might be a reason for that.

... She's prolly bespelled me, then.