Black Widow was certain Annan either lusted after the Dark Elves or was deliberately getting back at the Elven Royal Court.
After all, Dark Elves were more vicious than Ogres, filthier than Ratfolk, and more deranged than Fanatic Cultists. Beneath their lovely exteriors lay rotten souls—their Matrons had devoured everything good in them.
"Don't let the Dark Elves' looks fool you. They're as different from Elves as Goblins are! I could spend three days and nights listing the things those Chaotic Evil women have done! Put me among Dark Elves, and I'd look as pure as a Saintess!"
But no matter how Black Widow tried to persuade him, Annan remained resolute.
"I want to give it a try first."
Annan understood Black Widow's concern, but he could hardly say, Don't worry, my Spider Queen Lolth doesn't bite, could he?
"Then give it a try." As Black Widow spoke, tears welled in her eyes and spilled over.
Annan was startled. "What's wrong?"
Her black eyeliner smudged into dark streaks down her cheeks, Black Widow sobbed, "I'm going to cry for you every day starting now. That way, when the Dark Elves play you to death, I won't be quite so heartbroken."
"Uh, don't worry. If anyone's doing the playing, it'll be me."
"So you do lust after the Dark Elves!"
The snow that had fallen for days finally stopped. The rolling mountains lost their bare, forbidding look and became mesmerizing beneath a sky full of Starry Sky—but the cold still left people shivering even beside the Bonfire.
The workers and most of the gang were resting. Night sentries patrolled the Wooden Wall and the compound, while the Stronghold hall blazed with light.
Joan, Illymoyas, Jody, and the members of the Oskulas Mercenary Company had gathered in the hall to await