such_a_bad_man
You know... That guy.
- Joined
- Jul 16, 2004
- Posts
- 2,775
Pavel watched Shara stride toward his Company with a grace and a bearing that seemed missing from Alaun's presence. It was the sort of impression that could only come from someone trained and raised to lead. When she announced herself, Pavel bowed out of respect for her title, but tried not to react to her comment about Agnoz's role in the company. He gestured with his hand to his side to signal for the big man to let it go as his hand instinctively gripped the pommel of his axe at her disrespect. Her reaction to Hannah seemed the opposite end of the spectrum so it was hard to get a read on what Shara wanted.
All of that didn't matter as she recognized Sandrellys. This was the other reason why he didn't want the Company to visit with the Drow Houses if they could avoid it. At the command to kill the 4 remaining Company members instantly reacted, drawing weapons and forming a square with their backs to each other. It took Alaun's reaction for Pavel to tell them to stand down. Pavel could see she was hurt and hurt bad. She didn't seem to be succumbing to the poison the Drow used; she'd been spared from that but not aided any further. He leveled a look at Shara for her callous disregard for one of her own kin.
He shook his head, silently telling her that her apology isn't needed. She'd poured her heart out to her superior; she'd told her the honest truth about why they were here. He could see in Shara's reaction that it wasn't enough. His heart clenched and burned in hsi chest as he saw the treated blade brought to Alaun's neck. He looked into his lover's eyes and felt time freeze; his mind flashed with the thought that this might be the last moment they share. Diplomacy went out the window along with his calm exterior.
"NO! No please, don't." Pavel stepped forward, his hand outstretched to Shara who yanked Alaun's head back further and pressed the blade harder to her skin. Pavel shook his head slowly. "This isn't necessary or productive, Dominicor. It is as she said. We do not come here to strike against your House or your people. A cult of the Fallen God is using the Underdark to hide their machinations from the surface world and if they are successful, it will be the end for your people. Look at the symbols of my order." He spread his hands to show the huge patch of Torm's hand on his tabard then brought up his symbol for her to see.
"It is not in me to be political or engage in subterfuge, not about something this dangerous. We came only to see that Bhaal remains dead; We needed Sandrellys' help because he knows the pathways through your lands. We thought we could be in and out without arousing suspicion or bringing down the wrath of your Houses for the perceived intrusion. Alaun is not to blame for this, but she has seen that there are Houses that would stand to see Bhaal raised again so that they may use his return for their own benefit. One of your Houses is aiding this cult and has bought the loyalty of one of my Company. We have a shared foe, Shara. One that may seek to see T'riss replaced. Alaun has spoken of little else since she found the truth. Her loyalty is still to her House; you should never doubt that."
Pavel stood and waited, watching for her reaction. Hopefully, he reached her. There were details he had to share, but he had given her enough to know the truth of their campaign. He hoped it was enough to spare Alaun's life.
All of that didn't matter as she recognized Sandrellys. This was the other reason why he didn't want the Company to visit with the Drow Houses if they could avoid it. At the command to kill the 4 remaining Company members instantly reacted, drawing weapons and forming a square with their backs to each other. It took Alaun's reaction for Pavel to tell them to stand down. Pavel could see she was hurt and hurt bad. She didn't seem to be succumbing to the poison the Drow used; she'd been spared from that but not aided any further. He leveled a look at Shara for her callous disregard for one of her own kin.
He shook his head, silently telling her that her apology isn't needed. She'd poured her heart out to her superior; she'd told her the honest truth about why they were here. He could see in Shara's reaction that it wasn't enough. His heart clenched and burned in hsi chest as he saw the treated blade brought to Alaun's neck. He looked into his lover's eyes and felt time freeze; his mind flashed with the thought that this might be the last moment they share. Diplomacy went out the window along with his calm exterior.
"NO! No please, don't." Pavel stepped forward, his hand outstretched to Shara who yanked Alaun's head back further and pressed the blade harder to her skin. Pavel shook his head slowly. "This isn't necessary or productive, Dominicor. It is as she said. We do not come here to strike against your House or your people. A cult of the Fallen God is using the Underdark to hide their machinations from the surface world and if they are successful, it will be the end for your people. Look at the symbols of my order." He spread his hands to show the huge patch of Torm's hand on his tabard then brought up his symbol for her to see.
"It is not in me to be political or engage in subterfuge, not about something this dangerous. We came only to see that Bhaal remains dead; We needed Sandrellys' help because he knows the pathways through your lands. We thought we could be in and out without arousing suspicion or bringing down the wrath of your Houses for the perceived intrusion. Alaun is not to blame for this, but she has seen that there are Houses that would stand to see Bhaal raised again so that they may use his return for their own benefit. One of your Houses is aiding this cult and has bought the loyalty of one of my Company. We have a shared foe, Shara. One that may seek to see T'riss replaced. Alaun has spoken of little else since she found the truth. Her loyalty is still to her House; you should never doubt that."
Pavel stood and waited, watching for her reaction. Hopefully, he reached her. There were details he had to share, but he had given her enough to know the truth of their campaign. He hoped it was enough to spare Alaun's life.