Drow's Dilemma Ep. 118: Petition

Laele stepped forward. "Lady Althaia, why us? Surely there were better options."

"Because we had chosen four to recruit eventually, and Aelsuna could only make seven. Three more, and then you three appeared at our camp. You were in the right place at the right time, asking to get pregnant off of the right man. It was serendipitous indeed."

"So... what does our being chosen mean?" Mizrae asked dubiously. "What does Ellistraea expect of us?"

"To have many, many Dark Nymph daughters with Caleldir. The more the better. And your daughters should have children with Caleldir," Elerra squealed with undisguisable delight at that, which clearly confused Althaia. "... that they may bear Dark Nymph daughters and sons. The first generation from your loins will be daughters only, but will be pure Dark Nymphs, as much Nymph as I myself. Your daughters will be able to have both sexes as children. And the Dark Nymph race will begin."

"So Ellistraea wants us to be broodmares," Mizrae said with narrowed lips. "Really? She just expects us-"

"Well, it does mean that Ellistraea herself will demand that you have sex with Caleldir as much as possible." Althaia pointed out. "That itself is a pretty nifty perk."

"It sounds amazing..." Elerra said dreamily. "Does she really want our daughters to... have children with him too?" She couldn't conceal the glee from her tone.

"Provided he does not find a way to produce Nymph sons another way," Althaia nodded. "Which I suppose he could. He certainly does not want to have children with his daughters. Which is ridiculous. Nymph Genetics have none of that damaged code that results in what you drow call 'inbreeding'. There is no issue with it. The idea that it is some sort of wicked taboo is a mortal folly that is irrelevant to us immortals."

"Oh," Mizrae said in mild confusion. "This sounds like a topic that predates us."

"My insistence on him breeding the Light Nymph race into existence is what caused the rift you observe between us," Althaia nodded. "But that is not important for you to understand fully just yet. I will just let you know that divinely-ordained sex is not the only perk. There are, of course, the benefits you have already begun to enjoy. Supernatural senses, supernatural beauty, better health, bodies better attuned to magic. But that is only the beginning. Once you have had ten daughters, you will become full Dark Nymphs yourselves."

Mizrae's eyes went wide. "Full nymphs, does that mean that we will be like you?"

"Well, sort of," Althaia shrugged. "You will have full nymphen beauty and perfect, immortal health. You will never have to worry about old age. But that is only the start. If you have one hundred and eight daughters: you will be exalted to the position of Goddess and given a portfolio in the new Dark Nymph Pantheon, with your many descendants worshipping you as their Divine Matriarchs for eternity."

This stunned the three dark elves. "Go- goddesses?" Mizrae asked in a whisper.

"If you do well in creating the Dark Nymph race, yes," Althaia replied with a nod. "But do not discuss this with anyone. This is a secret you can keep. When others among the Duskhavens ask you about how you gained your nymphen beauty, just say that you have been bound to secrecy by the goddess."

The Nymph Paladin stopped. "This is the door to temporary House Duskhaven. We will part here. Think upon my words. You can still petition Ellistraea to chose another in your place, if you wish."

"I do not think any of us will be asking to be replaced," Laele said with eyes shining.

"I did not think so. Farewell, Mothers of the Dark Nymphs." Althaia strode away.