Is’haaq al Edris had not been to Rilauvin in some time. He remembered the wonders of the drow city alight with faerie fire and the busy open air market they callled the Dark Weavings Bazaar from his childhood. His uncle had warned him of the dangers that accompanied doing business in the drow city but the profit was too great to ignore. “Be mindful of their laws and more so of their pride lest you insult and incur their wrath.” His uncle should have taken his own advice. It was his own ego that found his uncle trouble and his own hubris that caused death to come calling in the dark of night. With his uncle dead, he was now Pasha and ruled over the family trading company. From Calimport to Menzoberranzan through Westport Manor into Rilauvin and up to Waterdeep he traveled. It was a nomadic life but one which afforded him great riches and comforts. He enjoyed the many sites he visited, the strange customs and exotic wares he bought, traded and sold. What he didn’t enjoy was the idea that the same death that had been visited upon his uncle might be waiting for him should the banners of al Edris be recognized in Rilauvin. His uncle had many connections with important members of the city’s high society yet that did nothing to to save his life. If he wanted to continue to do business in Rilauvin, Is’haaq would have to be sure his uncle’s debt was paid.

He entered the city and made way to the Dark Weavings Bazaar. After setting his tents and unpacking his wares he walked the market to listen and learn what might be said amongst the other vendors about his uncle. Many didn’t know or wouldn’t speak of it. Some said he offended the barmaid at a local tavern. This didn’t make much sense to him. How would insulting a barmaid cause this much trouble.  He inquired some more. He was warned that perhaps he asked too many questions. He pressed a bit further and with gold to loosen tongues discovered the tavern was no ordinary inn and the barmaid protected by the assassin’s guild housed within, in particular, a certain young noble said to be quickly rising among their ranks. “Ablah!” He thought to himself. Offending someone that could hire an assassin was not smart, to insult the assassin’s guild is just plain stupid. He actually felt respect for the guild. Instead of killing his uncle and everyone around him they enacted their retribution on the sole individual they held responsible for the slight. Perhaps they could be reasoned with. Is’haaq decided he would go to this tavern, the Dark Embrace, try to meet their master and make peace with the one so offended. He told his guards to remain behind, taking only a handmaiden, as he was certain armed escorts would only get them all killed. “Only a fool would march a detail of soldiers on an assassin’s guild and expect not to be murdered blocks before the inn came into sight.” he thought to himself.

So Is’haaq walked calmly, handmaiden in tow toward his destination. It was in a quiet part of the city. That didn’t surprise him. No doubt the guild handled ‘security’ for the area. There were several shops and fine eateries, even other taverns that operated under the ‘protection’ of the guild he assumed. As he drew closer he knew he was already being followed. He walked to the door and entered. The barmaid was stunning. It must have been her beauty that bewitched his uncle into idiocy. There was a young noble sitting by the bar smiling and making small talk with her. It seemed she enjoyed his company. Two other well dressed men sat at the opposite end of the bar taking no notice of him, but he knew that was not really the case. Several others looked him over before looking away. He began to wonder if this had not been the good idea he thought it might be. He approached the bar and waited politely to be addressed. When the barmaid asked, “What can I do for you?” He ordered a decanter of wine. She smiled and produced dark red with a strong bouquet of chocolate, cherry and currants, then poured him a glass leaving the decanter. Is’haaq drank deep of the glass as she watched. Had they wanted to kill him, he was sure they would not need to poison his drink…not in here.

“My Lady.” He began, “1000 pardons but I do not know your name. I have recently found myself elevated to controlling my family’s business due to the passing of my uncle. I had hoped to find the master of this establishment that I may make amends for my uncle’s rudeness and apologize to you for his disrespect.”

“I’m not sure I know what you mean?” she said innocently almost so as to cause him to think he may be in the wrong place.

“My uncle was an arrogant lout who thought too much of his wealth and not so much of his manners. My company travels from Calimshan, Calimport to be exact and has enjoyed a strong and profitable business relationship with the city. I have recently come to know that my uncle provoked ill will. As such, I desire the opportunity to pay that debt and start anew. I would like to wake up and find that my eye has not turned purple in the middle of the night. He produced a small snuff box from a pocket and placed it on the ground. “Fath” he commanded and the box grew to the size of a large chest. Inside was coin and gem. “There is 100,000 in gold and gem within the chest. I wish to offer it to your master with my apologies.”

The barmaid’s expression remained blank. She looked toward the two men sitting at the end of the bar and offered them the slightest of nods. Eldrar T’sith stood and addressed the new Pasha. “You must be Is’haaq al Edris. I remember you as a boy. Look at you now. A man grown and wise well beyond your years. It pained me to learn of your uncle’s passing. We had at one time done much business together. I will look forward to seeing your success young Pasha Is’haaq al Edris. May your reign be long and your enemies few.”

Is’haaq smiled. “Fewer at least. I thank you for your kindness.” He turned toward the young drow noble. “My lord. It is my sincerest hope that I may find my way into your forgiveness. The lady is fortunate to have such a handsome and loyal suitor.”

“Why would you require my forgiveness?” Valas asked sharply, “I am not the one who was offended.” He looked at Evony. “Suitor?”

She looked back at him and for a quick second, seemed to grin before her expression turned blank again. It was not lost on Is’haaq. “My lady for the insult to your honor I offer silks, spices and rare drink from across the great sea of sand we call the Anauroch. I hope you can forgive.”

Evony offered a slight smile and nodded.

He turned back toward Valas. “Your weapon is quite unique. It is my understanding that such a blade is only born by the favored elite of House Freth. My company has done much business with Her Ladyship in the past. My uncle truly had no idea what grief he was calling down upon himself. There shall be a delivery to the Freth compound for you, wagons to express my sincere regret for his transgressions and an appeal to your generosity that I may ever remain in your favor.”

“That is quite unnecessary. I have no quarrel with you.” He replied evenly.

“And I would like that it remained so. This is Naadiyah al Taheri, the most beautiful of my uncle’s daughters, she belongs to you now. Take her for a wife or use her as a servant. She is yours to do with as you wish.” He addressed Eldrar T’sith, “I hope we can do business in the future.”

Eldrar T’sith smiled, “My young Pasha Is’haaq al Edris. I am certain we can.

Is’haaq bowed and left leaving Naadiyah behind.

“What am I supposed to do with this?” Valas said, looking mournfully at the beautiful silken clad woman beside him.

“Why not marry her.” Evony offered looking slightly annoyed.

“Marry? This? Are you kidding. Surely you’re not angry at me. I didn’t..”

“…Even attempt to give her back. I think you like her.” Evony’s tone was indignant.

For the first time that he could remember, Valas was at a loss for words. He shook his head and turned to leave.

Evony called after him. “Don’t leave that here.”

Valas stared at Naadiyah for a moment and then back to Evony who shrugged her shoulders before turning away. Defeated he said “Come. Let’s go” to the girl. She smiled and followed behind him. “Nazmyr.” He thought. “He’ll know what to do.”