It cowered at first, a whipped dog uncertain of what to do, and knowing nothing would save it. Even in this situation, it wasn't eager to die, so shot furtive glances towards the doorway as if it were contemplating the idea of running.. of giving the pair of drow a little jilt in their plans. An idea, if it existed, that was quickly discarded as he felt the iron grip of fingers digging into the nape of his neck, and nearly hauling him, scrabbling and struggling, to the small yet well used alter. "Those who dally reap no rewards... " The voice came from above him, though its meaning was lost to the fear stricken goblin.<br/><br/>Practically flinging the pathetic creature up onto the alter with a soft grunt of expenditure, Iellwen set to securing him even as the command issued from An'Ree's lips. An ironic fact that only resulted in an arched brow as the warrior secured his bindings then stepped back to watch the whole proceeding with nary a hint of interest upon her dark features. After all, she didn't want to fuel the priestess's penchant for the dramatic too much, and showing interest would have resulted in a flamboyant show of zealous nature that Iellwen could rarely stomach.<br/><br/>Still... the show was grand, even for so little an audience as now was assembled. Iellwen... and all the spiders that had drawn nigh; their multiple faceted eyes shimmering faintly in the candle light as An'Ree lit the four that graced each corner. Whispering a soft prayer for the four directions to which Lloth's power spread, the priestess had lit each deep crimson pillar candle with a flick of her wrist. Coaxing deep violet flames from them that seemed almost harsh upon the surrounding walls, and caused the shadows to dance about them in obscene contortions. Almost giving the illusion that the arachnid that surrounded in little clusters were more of an army, a sea of tiny pincered beings that scuttled and shifted across the ground and walls with growing numbers.<br/><br/>Iellwen ignored them. Her attention purely focused upon An'Ree and the way she lifted the ceremonial serrated dagger before her and proceeded to chant praises to the Spider Queen, before slicing a thin crimson line across the palm of her hand and smearing it across the writhing goblin's forehead. When she reached out an expectant hand for Iellwen though, the warrior narrowed her eyes suspiciously. Reluctant to allow An'Ree to make a cut across her own palm lest the bitch cut too deeply and sever tendons. "Let me remind you.. you make any slips and its my Ilhar you will report to... " The threat was made, low and growling as Iellwen removed her glove and offered out her hand.<br/><br/>An'Ree paused, the cool blade a feather across Iellwen's palm as both drow locked eyes, silver to crimson, and silently tried to stare each other down in a battle of wills. In the end it was the priestess who dropped her gaze as she cradled Iellwen's hand in her own and drew the blade across the softly calloused flesh to draw a thin, and shallow line.  Iellwen grinned smugly for a moment as the expression was not viewed, but as soon as An'Ree lifted her eyes, all she saw was the placid expression of a warrior.<br/><br/>Without being told Iellwen added her own blood to that upon the panic stricken goblin's temple, and then stepped back to whisper her own healing incantation so as to prevent any more blood to spill as was necessary.  Her eyes once again focused upon the priestess as she proceeded to entreat Lloth for her favor in the upcoming endeavor, and to accept this meager sacrifice so that in Lloth's name many more worthy ones would soon be made.  The words came out in a lilting song, beautiful and haunting as An'Ree beseeched thier Goddess with as much of herself as she could offer.. and then she plunged the ceremonial dagger into the goblin's chest so quickly the poor creature lay dumbstruck staring up at her... even as its own heart was produced before its eyes.<br/><br/>When it was over, and An'Ree removed her tools and had departed, leaving Iellwen to clean up the mess... the warrior stepped forward and ran two of her fingers across the now still heart. Then lifted them to her face and proceeded to trace three sets of twin lines while murmuring soft prayers to go with each one.<br/><br/>"Dark Mother, grant me the wisdom to do what is needed, and the clarity of thought no matter the situation through battle." Parallel crimson streaks were traced across her forehead.<br/><br/>"Dark Mother, grant me the ability to not only see clearly what must be done, but to see through any guise or illusion presented to me." Just under each eye she drew more twin lines of blood, and then... she stepped back, her gaze turning to those tiny eyes that watched her still. "Dark Fate, guide me as you always have... and show me my true purpose when you deem fit."  She licked the blood from her fingertips and then proceeded to clean up the remains. Dosing out each of the four candles before removing the carcass from the alter and disposing of it in the far corner where the spiders, and later rats, could feast upon it.<br/>