Drow's Dilemma Ep. 111: Old Flame

Author's Note:

A Drow's Dilemma began as a one-on-one roleplaying project and has been converted into a chapter-by-chapter format for weekly posting with the permission and assistance from my partner. It will contain a considerable amount of sexual themes such as femdom, lesbian, straight, 'reverse' rape, BDSM, group sex, romance, and other themes. The main goal of the story, however, is to tell an epic tale of adventures, gods and goddesses, fae, and nymphomaniacs. This episode and every episode to come will be available for free on Literotica for the foreseeable future. All characters that engage in sexual or suggestive situations are mentally and sexually mature: the human equivalent of 18 for their race.

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Episode 111: Old Flame

People from across the continent were starting to filter into the New Duskhaven encampment. Most were a variety of people of Sune and surface dark elves of Eilistraee. As the days went by, more and more settled into their crater. The refugees tolerated them even if they were extremely wary at first. But the newcomers had resources that the refugees knew that they needed. Selene was able to keep things civil until Althaia and Abanonda were scheduled to arrive, which was supposed to be soon.

Selene had more formal staff, which now included her father and brother more than ever. They both proved to be competent at that sort of thing and would be able to fill in for Selene for a while the following month. With their help, the task of keeping her refugees organized was becoming less of a headache and more... well, monotonous.

Ashyr continued to show signs of healing emotionally from her ordeal. She began to shadow Selene since technically her cousin was doing Ashyr's job. It was pretty clear to Ashyr, however, that Selene was far better suited for the majority of the tasks. Plans and theories of what they could do about that began to float around, but for the time they were content to continue as things were. Perhaps they could come up with more complete plans once their allies returned to the temporary encampment.

Two weeks after the succubi's meeting and six weeks after the refugees arrived at New Duskhaven, Althaia and Abanonda arrived within three days of each other. Abanonda arrived first with several hundred of the Blackdawn levies - experienced soldiers all - and another hundred adjuncts with a huge amount of supplies for a long-term military campaign. The Ellistraean dark elves who had been filtering in now numbered a few more thousand. Most were set up near the Blackdawn camp. They did not interact all that much with the Duskhaven refugees and seemed anxious to move on.

Althaia arrived secondly with a very large army. Nearly a thousand clerics and paladins of Aelsuna and a few thousand more of the laity attached to the church. Mostly humans and light elves they were, with a smattering of fey and rarer races. Then there were another five thousand faerie soldiers. The Aelsunites set up farther away than the Ellistraeans but brought an even larger re-supply to the refugees. Enough for six months for the entire population.

Selene, along with the rest of the refugees, had mixed feelings about all the people their allies brought in. It was definitely for the best that the newcomers settled with a good deal of space between them; what was left of the Duskhaven City population were suspicious people at the best of times. These were not the best of times. Thankfully, everyone knew that it would be stupid to complain about the people who were there to help them. Selene trusted that the feelings of paranoia would die down after a while.

Various social gatherings were planned between the three 'factions' to try to kickstart cooperation. For the most part, those were moderately successful. The drow Nobles, after all, had trained all their lives to be civil to people's faces when it suited them, and this particular crop of House leaders was smart enough to curb their backstabbing tendencies at least until they no longer qualified as refugees. Maybe longer: It was amazing how smoothly things could go when everyone wasn't trying to think of an angle to bring everyone else down.

For her part, Sidhriia was interested in speaking to Abanonda, this time with the mostly converted Duskhaven faction of the church of Eilistraee at her side (and the newly appointed High Priestess). They, at least, were willing to work more closely with the people that Abanonda brought in. Compare notes. Trade priestesses.

Ashyr and even Selene were happy to see Althaia again. Ylene was introduced, and the catgirl took an almost immediate liking to the strikingly beautiful and powerfully Good nymph. Althaia was enormously happy to be back with Risa, Caleldir, Ashyr, and Selene. And she was quickly fond of Ylene, for that matter. Dahlia, she flirted with, but still had mixed feelings about.

That said, the Nymph was back into one of her restrained moods, and did not attempt all that much as far as sexuality went. She did spend a few nights with Caleldir, at least, but her duties with the Aelsunite priesthood called her away from Risa's dimension quite a lot. The Aelsunites were very polite but seemed to be keeping to themselves, and seemed to be increasingly antsy to start pushing into Deusterra.

And so, another two weeks passed. It had been two months since New Duskhaven had been provisionally founded. Selene observed as much over the breakfast table inside Risa's dimension, addressing Caleldir and Ashyr who had joined her.

"Two months. Already?" Ashyr asked. "Well, yeah, I guess you must be right; Uriel was born just over two months ago."

Selene chuckled. She remembered a time when her baby was just born. She was so focused on her that Selene completely forgot that time actually passed beyond that small infant that was her world. As it usually did, Selene's hand rested upon her now sizeable bump. That would be her soon, too.

"More people have been coming in than I expected by this time," Ashyr said, idly making conversation while she chewed on some mushrooms. "At first I thought it would just be us refugees, but now there's all of Althaia's people and even some people from down south."

"Well, Aelsuna is one of the most powerful and influential goddesses of Niutitana," Caleldir replied. "She is the Goddess of the Sun, Beauty, Sex, and Love. And she seems to have declared Deusterra to be a holy land for her followers. And Ellistraea is more known as the reclusive Goddess of the Moon than she is for her primary interest in the surface Drow, so there is sure to be a lot of surfacer moon-worshippers heading this way as well." He took a long drink of tea. "Given all that, the number of people coming in is within projected expectations."

"Ah yes. Well, it seems obvious when you put it that way," Ashyr responded. "I wonder if any of those people from the druid town will show up too. That would be fun. I think a lot of them would like it better here. Heh, with all the nymphs around, I'm sure Carlotta will have an interesting time."

"There are a lot of nymphs," Caleldir said, his tone a bit uncomfortable. He had heard of the veritable army of the lovely fae that had been gathering around Althaia, but that reminded him of Althaia's plans. That topic always got him hot, bothered, and disturbed. He let out a long breath, then smiled. "I do miss Carlotta. It would be nice if she came around. I am sure she would have a great time with Althaia's people."

Ashyr smirked. "You miss her, you say? Even after all the... awkward situations I forced you two in? Or is that part of what you missed?"

Normally, Selene would have rolled her eyes at Ashyr's teasing, but it was nice to hear Ashyr start to fall back into her old personality. Selene's lips quirked upwards and she had to hide a smile by taking a long drink of fruit juice.

Caleldir harrumphed. He almost started protesting, but Ashyr's return to form did not go unnoticed by him any more than it had by Selene. So, for once, he decided not to go into full denial mode. "I... yes, I will admit that is a fond memory of mine. The surprise when I saw her there on top of me was quite something. I miss when my involuntary sexual experiences were less violent and verbally abusive."

That brought everyone to silence for a few moments. There was nothing more to be said on that topic; they had worked through some of that trauma already. Breakfast was mostly concluded anyway, and Selene and Caleldir had another very busy day ahead of them.

"I have that meeting with the mages to go to," Selene announced, standing. "I'll meet you for lunch, Caleldir. Will you join us too, Ashyr?"

"Nah, I think I'm going to go wandering again."

"That isn't the worst thing for you to be doing, I suppose, if you keep your disguise up and be very careful. And take Risa's totem. Keeping a finger on the general population's pulse is important," Selene said.

Ashyr shrugged. "Yeah, yeah. You say that every time. No one wants to kidnap me anymore. Probably. They're too afraid of what the, like, twelve different super-powerful leaders running around here would do to them."

That brought a laugh out of Caleldir. "Unless Aralolth herself is the one doing the kidnapping, I doubt you will have much to worry about. And if she was, I am sure her daughter would let us know. Have fun, Ashyr! Normally I would tell you to stay out of trouble, but after all your time cooped up in here I am inclined to encourage a certain amount of mischief."

Gears clearly started turning in Ashyr's head. "A certain amount of mischief, you say? I'm sure that that could be arranged."

Then she jogged off and out of the realm before Caleldir could protest.

Ashyr did still do everything Selene told her to do. She put on her best disguise and began to roam the common drow part of New Duskhaven. The people there were busy, which was what Ashyr was used to seeing all her life. What she wasn't used to seeing was the overall improvement of moral. The common people were definitely more happy and productive under 'her' new rule (though it was mostly her advisors making all the laws). These people were lucky, Ashyr supposed. She couldn't imagine life being half so good back in the deeper Underdark that had not undergone collapse. It was a shame that so many of them had to be crushed under a cavern collapse to bring this change about.

After a few hours of wandering around, Ashyr noticed a built-up piece of ruin that looked an awful lot like a tavern. It had been forever since Ashyr went into a tavern and had more alcohol than was probably prudent. That used to be one of Ashyr's favorite pastimes. And why shouldn't it be again? She didn't have a baby to worry about getting weird stuff from her milk. She wasn't pregnant. She should have a drink or two. And what better place to get a feel for what the people were thinking? The ranger strode through the door and took a look around.

Inside the makeshift tavern was a rather eclectic collection of individuals. This was more on the edge of 'New Duskhaven': where the Aelsunites and Ellistraeans (new and old) mingled. No nymphs, though. Althaia kept the fae out of the business of the mortals, for now at least. So it was a lot of Duskhaven drow and surface-born dark elves, a few light elves, a handful of humans, a catgirl or two, and a couple of halflings.

And at least one succubus in disguise as a human. With her exaggerated hourglass figure and disdain for clothing (wearing only just enough to not scandalize the already rather libertine drow), the red-brown haired 'human' was not exactly being subtle about her real nature to those who knew her Seduction was active around here. Magnolia blew Ashyr a kiss as she walked past her on her way out of the tavern. "Good to see you out of Risa," the succubus whispered. "If you feel up to it, you can come to visit the Boudoir anytime. We would love to have you! Also, the bard here is especially interesting, I think you might find."

With that, the human-disguised succubus gave Ashyr a wink and ported away out of sight of the other patrons.

Ashyr blinked. She was unable to reply to the succubus and was rather surprised that she would find one there. Then again... no, no, it made perfect sense. They were likely everywhere around here searching for their newest toys. The ranger smirked to herself at that. Maybe she would go see what was going on in their little home base. Later.

She shook those thoughts from her head and focused on the bard that the succubus pointed out, currently in the corner of the tavern playing the lute quite well and singing some mildly bawdy song in the Low Ellistraean tongue. Ashyr squinted her eyes. Did she look familiar? Well... not really. She was a Dark Elf, certainly, with the mannerisms of one of the Drow who had long ago forsaken the Underdark for the surface. She was pretty enough, though nothing exceptional. But she did not look like anyone Ashyr had seen before.

The Dark Elf bard caught the disguised Ashyr looking at her, and though her song and tune did not falter, a bit of surprise showing in the corners of her eyes. She turned her attention back to her audience but kept watching Ashyr out of the corner of her eye.

If the succubus hadn't pointed her out, Ashyr likely would have missed the bard's reaction to seeing her. It almost seemed like the bard recognized her. But how could that be? Ashyr was quite adept at disguising herself! There was definitely something interesting going on here. If she was being cautious, she should probably make herself scarce. However... The ranger found herself an empty table and ordered some mushroom ale to drink while she waited for the bard to finish.

Ashyr did not have to wait very long. The bard finished up her song, dismissed her audience, and sauntered over to Ashyr's table. "Good disguise! A wondrous melding of mundane makeup and magical masking." She spoke in flawless, aristocratically posh Undercommon.

"I've picked up some skills over the years," Ashyr said casually. Whoever this bard was, it reminded her of a time when she was just picking up the skill. But Ashyr knew so many Noble Drow back then, this Bard could have been anyone and no one she knew.

"I presume that you do not want to give away your identity here, even in your own city, so shall we adjourn to more... private accommodations?"

The ranger considered this for a moment. Going to private accommodations was a great way to get kidnapped again. And maybe-sort-of recognizing a voice from her past was most certainly not a reason to trust whoever this was. Ashyr fingered the Risa figurine that was hidden away in her pocket. "If you know who I am, then you know that risking alone time with someone not in my trusted group is not a good idea. We can take a walk, though. Easier to tell when someone is trying to listen in."

The bard grinned. "That is the correct answer, assuming you did not recognize me." She stood up, gesturing towards the door. "Well, shall we?"

Outside the tavern, the bard laughed. "I had heard that you had ascended to the position of Matron of Duskhaven, Ashyr. Quite something for someone who got banished from their home just like I did. Though I got banished both from your home and mine. I am not going to ascend to anything, though. Anyway, are you sure you cannot recognize me?"

A woman with a perfect aristocratic drow accent who got banished from her home like how Ashyr did... That could only be one person. It seemed obvious in hindsight, but it had just been so long...

"Alycyrl Aleani," Ashyr said softly, for the other drow's ears only. "You are someone who I was afraid that I would never see again!" she continued in a louder tone while giving the bard an affectionate thump on her shoulder.

Alycyrl grinned. She let out a long sigh, and shrunk a bit (except for her breasts, which grew instead), losing a few inches of height until she was no taller than Ashyr herself. But her commonplace appearance and dark grey skin were replaced with the fierce beauty and deep obsidian sheen of drow royalty. She gave Ashyr a tight hug. "It is good to see you again, young Ashyr. How have you been this last century since your mom kicked me out of Duskhaven? My cousin kicked me out of the Capitol as soon as she ascended the throne, so it has been ninety-three years since I was last in the Underdark. The first thing I have heard about Duskhaven is this!" she gestured around her. "Seems like a lot happened. What happened to your mother? Did she die in the cave-in?"

Ashyr grimaced. "She died in a male coup, along with most of my female relatives. Except for Selene and a younger sister of hers that no one knew about. We have since... dealt with the problem, though it destroyed our home. Actually, I think that we needed a cleansing anyway."

"A male coup? So... your brothers?" Alycyrl made a face. "I assume that Duagmyr was the mastermind. I always said that he was up to no good. The bad type of no good. Not the good type of no good we were up to. Glad it was resolved. Still! The wild young Ashyr Duskhaven, stepping up to a position of power and responsibility and doing her duty. I thought I taught you better than that!" Alycyrl's tone indicated that she was joking affectionately, and was not in the least disappointed.

"Ugh, I know. I'm still not used to the idea. Nor am I much good at it. I'm lucky I have Selene and the old Consort to handle the noble drow for me. They don't mind being in charge as long as it's not official. A very lawful sort, they are. Anyway, yeah. You were totally right. Duagmyr was up to no good. But his real downfall was thinking that he could work with Irahc'vic. They even managed to get Tsabdrin to go along with some of their plans. He has his... issues with our old female-dominated culture, as I think everyone in Duskhaven City might suspect. He wasn't difficult to get back to our side. Because of course he wasn't."

"Oh, Tsabdrin," Alycyrl sighed fondly. "Does he still pine after you like lost puppy? I enjoyed 'dominating' him a few dozen times while I stayed with you. One of the few males who was worth anything in the bedroom. I still vastly prefer females on the whole. But he does have a point: 'female-dominated' cultures need to be less abusive and more sexy. Like the Nymphs! Now, that is a 'female-dominated culture' that I think we can all get behind! Or on top of. Or underneath. Preferably all of the above. While naked." Her expression and gesticulations left no doubt at all as to her meanings.

Ashyr mouth quirked in a complicated expression that was almost a grimace, almost a grin. Tsabdrin may have pined, but Ashyr remembered a certain fondness and longing in her own heart when he was sent away to stud. Aly helped her forget and harden her heart against the feelings she had developed towards him. Who could say if it was for the better or for the worst? Ashyr surprised herself by how deeply she felt for Tsabdrin and his plight now.

"Our relationship now is... complicated. I think he is still in love with me. To be fair, I was in love with him too, once," Ashyr freely admitted. "But my affection for him at its height pales in comparison to what I have with my current mate."

"Current mate?" Alycyrl asked innocently, though a certain fire in her crimson eyes and a slight parting her lips indicated that her mind was not in the least pure. "So... this 'Caleldir Blackdawn the Ghost-King of Deusterra' has won your heart so? I had heard that he has experienced a little bit of 'female-dominated culture' himself."

The ranger let out a long sigh. "Yes. He likes our sort of 'play' much better than our culture's if you know what I mean." That was said in what would have been an uncharacteristically serious tone when Aly knew Ashyr. But Ashyr shook herself of that seriousness. Mostly. "Heh, just this morning he was saying how he missed this human female that I tricked him into having sex with. Playful sort-of-rape, you know. He doesn't like to admit that he likes that sort of thing. So yeah, you can probably imagine how much we're suited for each other, sexually speaking."