Vorn would look towards her as he mentioned his studious nature. He would let out a chuckle as he tapped the goblet of wine- He had yet to drink, oddly. "<b>As a Male in our society, and the youngest of my household, ruling it would never be something I could do, nor would I have the favor of being courted by such a lovely and powerful female like yourself. It left me ample time and space to pursue my own agendas. "</b>Vorn said. He had to admit- Aunrae Zathlesz was a beautiful Matron, her every movement simply oozed sensuality and desire, but Vorn knew his place- It was the females who courted, not the males, to do otherwise would be to invite yourself to torture and sacrifice to Lolth. "<b>-and when I discovered my proficiency for Arcane Magic, I began devouring every piece of information I could find on the subject."</b><br/><br/>When she said that he was taught by someone of prestige, he bristled oddly, before setting the goblet down. "<b>No-one did- I taught myself." </b>He said, before looking towards her, an odd fire of determination in his eyes. "<b>Lolth doesn't give freely- you must earn her favor. Waiting to be taught, to learn from others, doesn't teach you what struggle can- The Struggle to survive is what separates us from creatures like the surface filth- It weeds out the weak, empowers the strong, and destroys the stupid. Conflict is the source of progress, it how we adapted and survived in the Underdark, while our wretched brethren on the surface would be destroyed by even the weakest goblinoid."</b>He said, casting a glance at the hobgoblin mercenaries, who seemed to be squabbling amongst themselves at the pleasure of a priestess, who was watching with sadistic interest. "<b>It is why our greatest warriors and magicians are superior to theirs- Unless the victory shows that you are dominant and superior over the other, it has no meaning and it disrespects Lolth."</b><br/><br/>In Vorn's mind, Drow Society evolved and survived the Underdark because it was STRONG enough. The Drow were not simply given favor by their dark mistress- They strengthen themselves by fighting wars with the Mind Flayers, Bugbears, Shadow Dragons, the Native Fungi, even each other. The fact that, despite being beset from all sides, the Drow proved time and time again themselves superior, thus earning Lolth's favor as earning the right to her grace. Their society was built on power- The acquiring of power, the consolidation of power, and finally? The Use of Power. The strongest rose in their society and thus, The Drow grew ever stronger and evermore powerful, while their cousins on the surface rested in their cradle of power.<br/><br/>Truthfullly, if Vorn wanted too, he could simply go to Sshamth and study there, becoming a council member of the Conclave with his skills in magic. He would have more respect there, no lack of women or prestige, and power beyond compare as an influential head of the powerful city-state, but whenever Vorn had these thoughts, he was visited by a Spider- The lady did not want this. He was to serve a higher purpose. His faith in the Spider Queen was unbreaking, he wouldn't be discouraged or shoved away by petty insults or taunts from the Matriarchy of Drow Society.<br/><br/>"<b>Seeking knowledge should be a primary goal of every self-respecting Drow. If you do not know where you come from, why it is you fight, what you exist for.....what is the purpose of living? Knowing our history gives us reason to move ever onward." </b>Vorn said, before flicking his wrist out, as a drop would fall into the goblet. Vorn saw no color change, before finally raising it to his lips and drinking it- Antitoxin. It never hurt to be extra careful, even in present company. He didn't trust freely, it just meant you needed a shorter knife. "<b>-and as an Arcane Mage, Knowledge is my strongest weapon. It is why I seek Sorcere- The knowledge held there smote down the Syrzan Rebellion. I want to know how they did so." </b>He said. That Knowledge would be useful bargaining chips against the other houses, hoarding the secrets of their ancient power like a dwarf with gold or mithril.<br/><br/>"<b>That is not my only goal, but that is the only one I shall share- More shall be given once you prove that you can be trusted. " </b>He said, before she shook his hand in agreement. When she threatened him, he'd likely surprise her with his retort. "<b>I make the same to you, Priestess- You may hold the Ladies favor, but too much has gone into this expedition for it to fail. Betray me, try to ruin this excursion, or try to steal what is mine, and I promise you- yours will be a long and agonizing death." </b>Vorn said. That was a bold move, even for Vorn. Threatening a Priestess could get someone killed with ease. This said he was willing to do whatever it takes to ensure this mission was a success, but this also said that there was something here that Vorn valued immensely- something he was willing to cross the Priesthood to retrieve.<br/><br/>A useful item to have if Aunrae wanted to twist his arm into her service. What could it be....?<br/><br/>Vorn would look in the direction of the city, before speaking up. "<b>Imagine it- This city was the heart of Lolth's Religion. House Melarn was known to be the most fanatical, often cleansing or destroying smaller houses for perceived heresies against the Dark Mistress. I guess that is why my father and I never tried to switch to a different God- Loyalty to Lolth is the root of our House's origin. <i>The Ember of Lolth</i> is our most treasured artifact- None of have gazed on it since my Father showed it to my mother, Cazna, before locking it away in our vaults. It is beyond value. What I wouldn't give to see it resting in my families old estate here, at the Heart of a bustling city once again...." </b>Vorn said, as he enjoyed the fire and food.<br/><br/>The two parties were now one- The Strength of House Xiltyn with the Wisdom of House Zathlesz. Soon, they'd march onto Menzoberranzan, unaware of the fate that awaited both of them<br/><br/><a class="username" data-user-id="653" data-username="@Mikaela Corvid" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" href="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/members/653/">@Mikaela Corvid</a>