Chapter 10: The City of Spiders

Elayna nods, though she wonders if she might be able to handle a week of nothing to do. Perhaps that will give her and her companions time to know the strangers under the same employ.

"Take your time, boss. We'll be here and ready," Ælfric replied then nodded at Elayna. "See, kid? That wasn't so bad, was it?"

An entire week here, with what to do? Is there anything you need us to do in the meantime other than this 'mental preparation'? Just sitting - it chafes. Deathwake says, keeping as much of her annoyance out of her voice as possible at the downtime they appeared to be facing while Vizeran makes his preparations.

Well accustomed to the disparaging tones that come with wizards, Ælfric certainly didn't take Vizeran's dismissal personally. As for the obvious invitation for a thief to break into the top floors, the rogue thought it best not to go peeking where he shouldn't.

"We should learn the capabilities of our new friends, Deathwake, and I'd like to practice with my new sword. Perhaps some sparring. What say you all?"

"Uh, no," says Elayna. "Fighting is the last thing I'd like to do right now."

"Right now? No. I need a bubble bath and some sleep before I practice any forms. I'll be up for the more esoteric endeavours, too. Cunning and arcana will be paramount against Drow but we must be prepared to fight, too."

Sparring is certainly an option, though I am intrigued by this - bubble bath - you speak of. What is it? Deathwake says, eyebrow perking up a bit.

"All you need is a bathtub full of hot water and a foaming soap. It's like you're luxuriating in a warm cloud. Eladrin and High Elves are fond of them," Ælfric responded while smiling. "It really is quite relaxing. I'm sure I or Seftan here can find the right soap or ingredients somewhere in a wizard's sanctum. Right, Seftan?"

"Should take no effort at all I'm sure."

Seftan relishes the idea of a bath himself and then perhaps some time to read. Having felt woefully unprepared for his brush with the demon prince, he wondered if there might be a library for his use within Vizeran's tower...

Elayna holds out her hand. "Yes. Somewhere in the city."

"Hiding an emerald in the city of the drow... Oh no I see no problem with that at all!"

Seftan smirks as he mutters this snarky comment.

"Maybe if we hallowed out a book and slipped it onto a shelf? Or make it permanently invisible?"

The past week was relaxing but stressful at the same time for Ælfric. He rested, trained with weapon and magic, and constantly fought off the urge to test himself against the security of the wizard tower's top levels. Enlightened self-interest saved him from a no doubt swift yet painful execution by Vizeran's magicks but Ælfric kept wondering how far he could have gotten before getting disintegrated. Perhaps he would find out against Gromph's defenses instead.

"We'll aim for Gromph's chambers, boss. Even covert desecration of a book in his library might attract a wizard's notice, though, and an invisibility spell in a drow wizard's sanctum would be like illuminating the gem with fairie fire. Best to hide it in plain sight, I think."

Ælfric paused to think for a few seconds.

"If he's got any treasure or material component stashes, we can slip it there. He's not likely to notice an extra emerald among the bunch."

Elayna keeps her hand out, ready to take possession of the gemstone. "And the Council of Spiders?"

"I suppose I shouldn't expect a Drow group to be called the Sorority of Dandelions... but I'd be more terrified of it if it was," the thief chuckled.

It's good that spiders squish so easily. Deathwake says, smiling at her own joke. What about just putting it in a bag with other gems? Seems a bag could be easily put in the city easier than a glowing bright rock?