Role

Chapter 3

And so the players are in their places. Valxsphre, choosing to accompany the
troop of patrollers safeguarding the delegation journeying to meet the
svirfneblin company. As always, the meeting was set much nearer to Teth
Azaleth, at the junction where one might journey to the fungoids or go north
toward the main part of the underdark. It's a routine transaction, made
boring by many years of repetition. But that is precisely why Valxsphre went
along. First time or thousandth, her warriors would be at their best, peak
performance a requisite at all times. She appeared unannounced at the city
gates, to the covered-up chagrin of all the soldiers there. She did not take
command as she wanted to assess and judge the sub-commander. She walked and
she watched.

At the same time, Nereid and his crew awaited in hiding, having spent a
near fortune for an invoker who had devised a way to extend his improved
invisibility to do so over the full group, as well as the work of a cavern-
dwelling ranger who camouflaged them all with great efficacy, and warning
not to move once he finished his ministrations. Staying still is hard. Really
hard. But these were professionals, and the thought of all the gems and
riches about to be taken ensured compliance. Just a matter of time.

And so it happened. The svirfs and the dark elves approached, the contingents
doing nothing to conceal their sight or sound. As always. Again, as
always when they met, they followed the ancient protocol, the chests were
brought out and set on the ground for the dark elves to inspect and re-close
and relock. It was at just that moment, when all attention is focused on the
sparkling jewels, gems, and coins, that Nereid and his compatriots struck. And
as usual, he singled out the best foe for his own. Valxsphre of course.

It quickly became clear each had finally met a worthy foe. Both shared looks
of surprise as well as determination, though his was furious while hers was
almost serene. While confusion and melee surrounded them, they fought viciously
and without quarter. While close to evenly matched, Valxsphere began to
openings in Nereid's defenses, while permitting him far fewer. While only another
master could tell, Nereid was overmatched. His anger fueled even greater
speed and fury, but still she was the better. It was only a matter of time.

And then the moment came, she saw her opening just as he did, and nothing
he could do would stop it. She began her strike, and at that instant...