The Opposite

Ruchi, the drow girl, still felt an invisible hand clutching her silvery hair, dunking her head face-first into the lake of blood. Soon, however, a voice began to resonate in her head, alongside the splashing and dripping. Ruchi had heard that voice only a few times during her young life, but she instantly recognized the ranting, berating voice of the Spider Queen.

"You have failed. Eternally, my shadows will hunt you." Lloth's voice. Biting, ranting, horrible.

Tears filled the dark elven priestess's eyes and ran down her dark-skinned cheeks. She had given her all, including most of her own blood, and knew her body could not take much more. Shadows were dancing around her, but confusingly, Ruchi also noticed Zynrae's pleasant scent filling the space.

"You are enough." Someone else's voice.

Warm and enchanting. Much more... compassionate? But drow did not stand for compassion. They were incapable of mercy. At least, Ruchi had thought so long ago. The three spoken words, however, were enough to remind Ruchi whom she served. The Little Light, the Dark Maiden.

"What's the opposite of fear?" Her voice was lyrical, almost sweet.

"Uhm, fuck." Ruchi hated being put on the spot.

"I know what you mean, but we drow do not know love. Except for the love of our own prestige. Or pleasure. But very rarely... have I seen compassion." Ruchi nodded her head weakly.

Then she thought of her Quellar. The Balor, Zynrae, and the veil the dark elven priestess had woven, which now cloaked Elashinn in a dead stone of protection. All this had been a collective effort of the Quellar. Elashinn still stood; not a single stone was turned or touched.

"You are enough." The same voice. Definitely sweet. Ruchi's heart started beating faster; she licked her lips.

"And there are far worse sins than seeking personal pleasure, Ruchi."

Ruchi let out a sigh.

"You truly are the Dark Maiden." Ruchi was dumbfounded by the depth of her wisdom.

"I am. Please watch out for your friend; she is in grave danger."

Finally, as she slowly opened her crust-filled eyes, Ruchi wondered: had she really just witnessed the voices of not one, but two drow goddesses? Or was all of this her blood-deprived head playing tricks on her? A fever-inspired vision? Plans within plans? Shadows? She could confirm neither. And it really didn't matter. Ruchi got the message. And she was hungry.

Fucking hungry.