(IC) Darkest Before the Dawn

[Epsilon]

Despite the bitter cold and the suffocating darkness of the winter night, Alysan Hague walked along the mountain pass free of both fear and discomfort; the night was Shar's time, and Alysan knew that the Lady of Loss would watch over her servant. Alysan's confidence was justified, since in addition to the supervision of the Dark Mistress, she brought with her two of her most powerful allies, Mezoar and Argoth.

Mezoar was a half-orc who stood well over seven feet tall and had become an expert in unarmed combat while training with the Order of the Dark Moon. His massive frame stood in stark contrast to the short, gaunt figure that was the wizard Argoth. Despite his weak physical stature, however, he was probably the most at ease, for he was a powerful mage who had mastered the use of the Shadow Weave. Alysan looked in his direction as they walked and her lips curled into cruel, dark smile; he caught her eyes and smiled back, probably for the first time in his entire wretched existence.

She smiled because she knew that the task they had to perform would bring them great glory and admiration from the faithful and the unspeakable fear of those soon to be conquered. The promise of dark power guided her every step towards the abandoned citadel. Shar had already shown her favor after Alysan managed to orchestrate the murder of Faldus Carnem, a senior cleric of Selune; if she was able to complete her next challenge, she would become unstoppable.

The wind assaulted the dark band once more, forcing Mezoar and Argoth to pull their cloaks tightly about themsleves. Alysan just smiled.