Role

Chapter 4

Luck finally favored Nephinae on the trip to meet Sylseiti's father in
Galadon. Her father had proposed that the twins go together - Nephinae could
guard her brother on the journey and she could stop by the Warrior's Guild to
finish her enrollment. Aeldan maintained multiple illicit relationships within
Tir-Talath and his favored romp was the reason that they left late on that
fated day. As they passed Gallow Hill, a trio of marauders sighted their fine
clothing and set up an ambush at the crossroads. The leader of the group -
Darsek - was a half-drow man that had no compunctions about flipping
Nephinae's sword aside and making an example out of her brother. With a boot
pressed against Aeldan's windpipe, Darsek questioned Nephinae. He asked why
she bothered to carry a sword if she was unable to wield it. Further questions
needled at her - probing as to why she didn't strike him while he was occupied
with Aeldan.

For the first time in her life, Nephinae was in a place of true power. Darsek
cared for her words - the ones from the gangly girl with the sword. Each time
Aeldan tried to plead with Darsek was met with another kick in the ribs. When
her brother spit out a mouthful of blood and a few teeth, Nephinae made her
decision. Sparing none of the details, she told Darsek of how entwined her
life was with Aeldan's.

Unbeknownst to her, Darsek was a Preacher of Greed for Morius and he delighted
in the passion and hunger that fueled her. Without so much as a warning, one
of Darsek's men executed Aeldan. The Preacher did not look back to confirm
that his orders had been followed. Instead, he offered his hand to Nephinae
and a beautifully crafted lie of his own: she could join the Church and
forsake her family. His men would stage the scene of the murder to look as if
Nephinae had been killed as well. A hesitant smile tugged at the corners of
Nephinae's lips - half from shock, half from anticipation. She accepted the
offer with a nod and a quiet thank you and forever changed the course of her
life.