(???):”This concludes the report on the activities within the dungeon.”
After reading the contents of the scroll in his hands a drow soldier saluted and left the large hall. This gigantic construct was entirely made of stone with large pillars supporting its ceiling. The whole thing had a kind of rough elegance to it, though it had clearly seen better days. There were signs or ruination all around the, once in the past surely impressive looking, building. Right now it looked somewhat bleak with just some magical crystals that sparsely lit the large wooden table in the center. The deep brown table was a masterly crafted piece had a mirror like polished surface and reflected the light onto the people gathered. There were seated around 20 figure. Each one wore a luxurious robe of a uniformly cut robe in black color. The only visible difference between their clothing was that the decorations were of different style. The embroidery of those at the tail end was made of silvery thread while there was increasingly more golden color and more complex patterns the closer it got to the head end. The one that presided over the table finally had a luxurious golden dragon that coiled graciously all over the robe. All of them had their hoods pulled deep in their faces, not really to hide their identity from each other but it had simply become a custom to do so since the time after the curse.
(Hooded figure 1):”Are we sure that we should let this go on as it has? We should keep in mind that this dungeon could present a possible danger in the future. It's also not good to leave it in the hands of one responsible. He clearly wants to use the dungeon for his own purposes and for that let´s it grow recklessly. Even a grimoire was handed to it ! A more level headed and careful person should be put in charge...”
A deep but feminine voice spoke out after a moment of silence. The words were laced with a cold edge, were spoken by the person to the right of the head end. Even through the heavy cloth of the robe one could see the curves of a female body beneath it that sat in perfect upright posture upon the simple wooden chair. But she was opposed right away by the one opposite of her.
(Hooded figure 2):”Oh give me a break you coward. You are just all pissed about Kalannar succeeding and your brothers plan backfiring on him. I say we should be happy the bigger that thing gets ! Hell it already started pumping out a nice amount of food for our troops ! ”
The one that spoke up was a complete opposite to the previous speaker. A massive frame that spoke with a rough tone with which he sneered at the woman.
(Hooded figure 1):”My brothers project has nothing to do with this. It is a real threat to our future if the dungeon gets out of hand. Admittedly we are in dire need of resources, but we can still tolerate some loss….”
The woman's tone had changed to an even frostier tone as she spoke back but was interrupted in the middle by the man suddenly jumping from his seat and slamming a huge fist down on the table with enough force to make it creak in protest.
(Hooded figure 2):”I dare you say a word more you bitch! Tolerable losses huh?! How about you switch out my troops on the frontline and see how fun it is to see them die one after another because they aren't getting enough supplies! We all know that dungeons are not almighty! It will take a long time before it is any real threat to us.”
The boiling anger of the man sent a wave of feelable pressure all through the hall, but it seemed like the people here were already used to such exchanges as they seemed to not be startled in the slightest. Just some silent exchanges took place between the present ones. Suddenly the person in the dragon robe held a hand up and everyone went quiet at once.
(Dragon Robe):” Both sides have a truth to it. But there will be no progress if the two High Elders continue with their conflict. High Elder Zilvarra, if your brothers project had succeeded we would have more leeway in which methods we can employ. But for now we need the dungeon, losses to our troops are not acceptable. As such we will not take measures to block its growth for now. On the other hand High Elder Ilztrar should keep in mind that this is indeed a possibly dangerous existence and as such we need to use prudence in every action that we undertake with it. You will send a few more soldiers to reinforce the troops stationed there.”
The massive body of High Elder Ilztrar sat back onto the chair as the calm but commanding words were spoken with an androgynous voice that, in combination with the robes made it hard to determine whether this person was male or female. It was obvious that both parties were not happy with the conclusion but it seemed that they did not dare to oppose this person even in the slightest. After this there were some other issues presented and decisions were made after some discussions, but none made for any outbursts as the matter of the dungeon.
(Dragon Robe):”With this the Elder Council is completed. Everyone should return to their posts and fulfill their duties. We still have a long way ahead before us to get rid of the elves and regain peace for our people.”
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All of the elders stood up on those words and bowed before they turned for one of the various exits that connected the large hall to the tunnel system that had once belonged to the dwarves. High Elder Ilztrar walked with a brisk pace and passed through a smaller side entrance behind which was already a drow, dressed in the usual soldier gear waiting for him. As Ilztrar passed by he followed closely behind him in silence until they were further away from the hall.
(Ilztrar):”That bitch is surely going to do something stupid. Make sure that everyone that gets sent to the dungeon is checked thoroughly for anything suspicious and make sure that some people keep watch on her and her closest aids.”
The soldier nodded in understanding and as a branch appeared in the tunnel he changed course and jogged off to get the orders to the needed people. Ilztrar meanwhile continued on straight and grumbled to himself.
(Ilztrar):”Idiots all of them, the stalemate made them relax too much just because they dont directly experience any hardships. Now they only think about increasing their own standing. If a bitch like that is left to run wild we will tear us up from the inside. ”
He had been suspicious of Zilvarra ever since they first met. Her competitors often had ended up in unfortunate events and he had no doubt that she used any means necessary to pull anyone into her camp that she deemed important enough. But there had never been any proof that he could have used to throttle her rise to the seat of a High Elder. With his thoughts focused on the problem that this woman presented to him he vanished into the darkness of the deeper tunnels.
At around the same time in a totally different place
Laughter and bickering was heard. The entire place was filled with the aromas of various extravagant meals and drinks filled the air. From above the sun fell through the slowly swaying leaves and fell upon a scenery that reminded of a festival. Everywhere you looked people enjoyed their life to the fullest. They had all reason to of course. After all they were in the heart of the elven Kingdom. The Green Lounge, a place for the high and mighty. Atop the greatest tree inside the forests heart was a large space, protected and surrounded by the strong branches and covered in soft moss. The people here lay, danced, ate and did whatever else they pleased clothed in vibrantly colored togas and adorned by precious jewelry. There was even a small lake in the center where the High Elves could enjoy a bath. The only people that were not relishing all of life's pleasure were the slaves of various races that had to scurry between to refill the plates and goblets of their masters. Upon a flowery decorated platform close to the lake was a richly carved throne with two slightly less imposing chairs right next to it. On this throne sat the ruler of all elves. Clothed in a toga of pure crimson and snow white, that displayed a lean body with a slightly tanned body.
A golden crown, inlaid with various gems, was placed on atop the smooth, emerald colored hair which was the unique trait of the royal house. Right now the king was leaned slightly to the side, the clean cut lines of his face showed a look of contemplation as the green eyes were locked on a young woman that sat on the seat to his left.
(Princess):”And so I was thinking that I want to try and crossbreed some of the slaves. Maybe that will make them a bit more pleasing to the eyes. Would you gift me with some young ones from every tribe please?”
This request, which was brought forth in a childlike manner, caused the king to laugh amused and stroke his daughter's hair. Out of all his children she resembled him the most in appearance and personality. She was hailed as the most beautiful of the High Elves as she had inherited an impeccable, slender body and a pure white skin. Just like her father she wore mainly crimson and some golden accessories.
(King):”Of course, I will have a troop of soldiers go out and collect from those barbarians. ”
Right away he called over an attendant and relayed his orders but he was interrupted as someone called out.
(???):”Lord Father! We cannot take even more from the tribes. If this goes on they will collapse under the weight what we demand for them.”
With a sigh the elven sovereign turned towards the quickly approaching figure of a different elven woman. In contrast to all the other people she wore a simple cut toga, though it was still of crimson color and there were no accessories at all. The biggest difference to the people on the thrones though were surely that her hair was by far less intensive colored.
(King):”Nyna, you sweet child. You resemble your Mother too much. You should really learn from your sister a bit on how to enjoy life. Those pests can be happy that we even take notice of them. We bring order and culture into their lives. If they have to work a bit harder and part with some things in exchange it is surely worth it for them.”
(Princess):”You hear that sis ? You should listen to father and stop dabbling into my fun if you don't want to join in.”
A cheer broke out under the closer Elves that heard the king's words and they begun to toast to his health and rule. Nyna´s heart shaped face darkened as she frowned and shot her gleeful sister a angry look. It had always been difficult between the two girls and conflict arose wherever they came across each other.
(Nyna):”Father haven't you listened to the general Magran? The Drow are growing more active again. If the war breaks out again it will be too much for the tribes to support even that. A more prudent approach might be fitting.”
(King):”Those pests are in their last throes! They are cut off from most resources. They can't trade with the human and they have no more allies. You both are worrying too much. Why do you even listen to that old fossil? If it weren't for his house's heritage i would have long since sent him into retirement. “
A dismissive wave of the king's hand and some bored sounding words were all that the daughter earned from her father. She tried to argue a few more times but was shot down each and every time. She had to watch as the instructions were passed on to the attendants and knew that soon a troop of elf soldiers would move out and take from the tribes once more. In the end she sat down on the other side of her father and observed all the decadence of her brethren. She was one of the few High Elves that had not fallen to the temptation of their position. She had even made some friends under the tribes people and hated to seem their families get exploited by her own kind. But right now there was not much she could do. Almost all the old houses were firmly behind the King and enjoyed all the benefits that came with his rule. But she was still determined to not leave things as they are now.