Chapter Text
Waking in Menzoberranzan was nothing like the surface world, the drow only meditated for a couple hours before rising, so, the excitement of waking was lost on them. Without the sun the days would blend together if not for the fanfare of dressing in the appropriate garb for the occasion.
A servant entered Minthara’s room and placed two outfits of elegant material along the chaise, one for her and one for her consort, Eurydice. When they awoke from their slumber they dressed promptly and feasted on mushrooms and wine underneath the iridescent light that permeated their room. As the head of House Baenre and the Queen Mother of the city of Menzoberranzan, Minthara had matters of state and diplomatic affairs to attend to for some hours each day.
“I will be back as soon as the affair of House DeVir has been taken care of.” She kissed Eurydice on the cheek and delighted in the blush that it elicited.
“You were right to pick up the pieces of that forgotten House and have them as our vassal- they have proved to be especially proficient at espionage. Viconia, brings the followers of Shar into the land which is good for the new face we are trying to build. Acceptance as long as there is obedience.” Eurydice nodded slightly and held tight to Minthara’s arm, her body pressed against her.
“Always on your guard my love. No matter how I adore Viconia she is still a challenger to our throne.” Minthara let out a sly grin -
“Oh, of that I am very aware my dear.” She said with a hint of malice. The doors to the room were opened for her as she left and the hallways were full of servants bowing low to the ground as she passed. Her office overlooked the interior of the diplomatic building and she watched as others mingled and discussed topics of state below her.
House DeVir will be awarded their ancestral home along with gold for 2 generations, at which point they must provide funds for their own wealth outside of House Baenre.
She looked over the last bit of the treatise and smiled - if after 2 generations they are penniless, which they will be, we can force them to continue as our vassals. She left the office, taking a couple of wide opulent corridors to the top floor where she stared out at the city. The glowing pillars of light that punctuated the landscape were like nothing that existed on the surface.
‘I am home’ she muttered to herself and calling a servant forward sent word to Eurydice to be prepared for visitors at the late meal. They needed to host the heads of two of the newer houses to make bonds before the coming vote of the parliament.
At home, the servants ran quietly through the marbled halls making sure arrangements were made for the guests. The great hall was adorned with ever-flame candles and flicker lights, the table set with gold goblets and plates and each chair was slightly warmed to keep the chill of the Underdark to a minimum.
The guests arrived on time and Eurydice took her place next to Minthara. Minthara led them in a toast, smiling broadly at her consort as she did, caressing the small of her back and then pulling her in close. It was over in an instant - Eurydice clutched at Minthara’s gold trimmed jacket forcefully as she dropped her cup. The wine splattered across the floor down the set of small steps that led to where they stood. She fell to her knees with Minthara clutching her shoulders in disbelief - the poison was overtaking her faster than she had ever seen such things happen before. Blood dripped from her ears and mouth as Minthara rest her down on the ground her body going numb and her eyes welling with tears. The guests did not react -standing still with small grins upon their faces as a dagger lodged itself into Minthara’s back.
She awoke with a jolt to find herself in the soft cushions of a bed. Her body was hot and she felt herself slick with sweat at the dream she had just had. Eurydice turned to her and looped an arm lazily over her body.
“Bad dream, my love?” She planted soft kisses on the arm and side closest to her before sitting up to pull Minthara’s face to her chest - caressing her head lightly.
“You are safe here. We are together, remember? We’re in Baldur’s Gate still.” The dreams had turned to nightmares as soon as Minthara had mentioned that they should return. Minthara curled into her tightly, pulling her legs over her lover's body.
“We should stay here.”Her voice was soft and lingered gently on Eurydice’s ears.
“So, we shall stay. We have conquered here and that is enough for now.” Minthara felt the heartbeat of her lover lull her into a peaceful state. She would have to ramp up the poison resistance of them both far more than she had already.