The snakes of Abduxuel's lash hissed at the elven slave as if they were acting on a concealed jealousy that Erevan would look at a slave with such desire in his eyes that was never there when he looked at Abduxuel. Though The First Daughter himself didn't even care to look at her. He may have hated surface elves but he highly approved of them as slaves. It was a process that took somethimg so worthless and making it useful. The males had the largest percentage of eunuchs among them. After all they had done it was better that they were deprived of that function and had their breeding strictly controlled.<br/><br/>The talk of the Empress was very exciting to Abduxuel. He wondered if perhaps his future might lay in Autocracy over continuing the cycles in their city.  The graces of a illithiri empress was very much something Abduxuel desired.  The only problem was tracking down rocks somewhere in the under dark wasn't really his area.<br/><br/>Aergrim  talked about ritualized murders in the quarter. That was far less interesting to Abduxuel but it was much more in tune to his talents and resources. That made the decision on which to persue difficult.  He could try to divide his attention between them but that just meant he was less likely to reach stunning success at either. Perhaps he would make a venture to the planar metropolis of  Broken Reach rather than some duergar shithole.<br/><br/>The illusionary depiction of the murders was impressive. Abduxuel noticed fairly quickly that the killings didn't look like a religeous ritual.  That said it still was highly ritualized and methodical.  There had to be a purpose to his process besides just killing some tailor.<br/><br/>"Besides your pompous attitude, Aergrim I can't say I noticed anything at all." Abduxuel said. He wasn't going to just let everyone in on his observations and help them compete against him if they chose.  He would welcome any of his house who wish to work with, or more technically under, him and be open with those people.  The rest would not receive his assistance.   Unfortunately the Lamia ruined that by just sayibg it plainly.<br/><br/>(Bluff "Innuendo" roll dc 20 passed. Abduxuel is able to get across the idea that he is merely pretending he didn't notice anything.)<br/><br/>"I am a chosen prophet of The Dark Mother. When I look into it many paths will reveal themselves." Abduxuel said.  He would prove it right then and there but the voice to the divine often spoke to him aloud which would let everyone around him know the answers that he sought.  It was an incredibly useful power when proving his connection but not so much when he wanted to keep it secret.<br/><br/><br/>Abduxuel considered he would likely chose the option that less of his house went on.  It was very useful to have some allies but too many risked splitting the prize too thin. If only they could get a piece of hair or drop of blood from the murderer his witches could force the culprit out with their dreaded Lasombra curse.