A summary of the individual Minaste posts and a slightly revised version
Minaste embodies the classic traits of a Matron Mother—cruelty, ruthlessness, ambition, and paranoia—combined with an uncompromising, near-fanatical loyalty to Lolth.
Driven by ambition and a hunger for power, she murdered her own sister, Ardreyth, to seize control of House Mizrrym. In doing so, Minaste also silenced rumours that her sister had turned away from Lolth—whispers that she might have followed Eilistraee. Whether those claims were ever true remains unknown to this day.
She allowed her two nephews to live at first, not out of mercy, but for calculated purposes—or perhaps simply to prolong their suffering.
In the years that followed, the older nephew, Da'viir, established himself as the House’s Master of Arms, while his younger brother Callimar was given the task of founding and training a special unit of Assassins and Foulwing Riders by Minaste at a very young age. A newborn child, discovered one day by a patrol in the tunnels west of Menzoberanzzan, becomes Minaste’s new Lieblings project. The matron decides to keep the baby, both out of fascination for its appearance (deep black scelera with the a red iris) and with the idea of using the child for her political plans or perhaps even offering it as a sacrifice to Lolth. Minaste’s decision is not born of compassion. It is, as always, rooted in calculation—driven by ambition, control, and a cruel satisfaction in shaping and breaking others to her will.
In a society where power is passed through daughters, Minaste’s inability to bear children of her own constitutes a critical weakness. To conceal this flaw, she presents the child to the House as a chosen of Lolth.
Over time, she devises an intricate plan to shape the girl into a cultivated asset of House Mizrrym—moulded according to Minaste’s political vision and, ultimately, groomed as her successor.
As a calculated display of dominance—and a deliberate humiliation of her nephews, Da'viir and Callimar—Minaste names the child after their mother, Ardreyth. She is keenly aware of the brothers’ resentment and takes perverse satisfaction in binding their fates to that of the girl who bears their mother’s name. Whenever Ardreyth fails in her duties or transgresses, both she and Callimar are punished; Minaste, in particular, relishes personally administering Callimar’s suffering.
By disciplining them both, the Matron projects an image of ruthless impartiality, one who spares not even her most valuable assets. In truth, this calculated cruelty serves as a warning: no one stands above the law or the will of Lolth. Her arbitrariness, cloaked as fairness, erodes any illusion of privilege—ensuring that fear takes root within the House and drives all its members to ever greater efforts to avoid becoming her next target.
To further reinforce her control, Minaste commands a bound spectator—originally conjured as a guardian, its binding later broken and reasserted under her authority through ritual, divine sanction from Lolth, and the aid of a mage.
It does not serve in the traditional sense, but executes her precisely worded commands with exacting obedience. The creature primarily communicates in Undercommon, resorting to Common only when necessary. Its true value lies in its exceptional perception and analytical acuity: it pierces invisibility, detects magical influences and illusions, and identifies even subtle deviations in behaviour. Its eye rays further render it a versatile instrument, capable of both enforcing her will and safeguarding key locations or individuals.
One rumour persists:
Like a brown widow, Minaste is said to dispose of her much younger lovers after the act. Some whisper that she brews rejuvenating potions from their hearts—an indulgence that ensures her six centuries of life leave no visible mark.
Warnings: Mentions of Mary Jane, Crime Boss, Murder of Jennifer Lands
Summary: After the murder of his niece, Jennifer Lands, Nick Valentine is forced to sit in court and watch Eddie Winter get away with it.
Note: American air defenses were able to deflect the Chinese missiles and sent their own missiles. Ending the American and Chinese war.
Note 2: I might add details and a longer court hearing, but this is it for now.
Author's Note: This is an alternate universe if the bombs never fell, and I made it, so the companions live in this timeline with their respected jobs.
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October 20th, 2077:
Recently, Eddie Winter killed Jennifer Lands, the niece of detective Nick Valentine. The BADTFL let Eddie go after he offered them a deal, which was kept from the public.
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Nora, a court lawyer, was in the Cambridge courthouse, listening to the disbandment of the Winter's End case along with Nick Valentine and Jonathan Widmark.
"And what say you in the court of law?" The Judge questioned; Jonathan sighed deeply as he looked up at Nick from the witness stand.
"I, Jonathan Widmark, state that Edward Winter is innocent of all crimes he was accused of." Jonathan replied. Nick's lip twitched, and Nora groaned as she sat down. It was over.
Nick was infuriated, even more so when his dear sister, Evelyn, got up and left the courtroom in tears. The judge hit the gavel on the table, ending the investigation for good.
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Jonathan caught up with Nick and Nora outside the courthouse,
"What the hell was that!?" Nick wailed as he spun around to face his partner in this ongoing case.
"Look, I know it's no justice. We were in the dark, pal. Eddie made a deal with the feds themselves. It's completely out of our hands. I'm sorry, pal, I really am." Jonathan explained.
"This entire case was just a distraction from the BADTFL to let Winter go." He added.
"Bullshit." Nora snorted in a displeased manner. They continued to walk through the parking lot to their cars.
"I'm truly sorry it had to be this way, pal." Jonathan explained as he looked at Nick with a dejected expression. The detective could only sigh.
"I knew moving here was a mistake. I promised Evelyn that Jenny would be safe. She's in the middle of a nasty divorce, and now her poor girl is gone. It's my fault." Nick explained.
"Hey, don't talk like that, pal, nothing is your fault. Eddie is a scumbag. His time will come." Jonathan stated as he rested his hand on Nick's shoulder and gave him a reassuring squeeze.
"Evelyn knows too that it isn't your fault. She's grieving, but she knows you would keep her best interest in mind." Nora chimed in with a comforting smile.
"Look, I know a guy who can help you deal with the trauma. Here's his digits." Jonathan said as he took out a notepad and wrote down a phone number.
"Give him a call and he can hook you up with some good help. You need it, pal." He continued as they stopped at their cars.
"I'll see what I can do." Nick mumbled beneath his breath as he unlocked his sedan.
"I hope you get the closure you deserve, pal. I really do." Jonathan said sympathetically,
"Keep an eye on this one, Elinora." He added with a quick wink, Nora smiled.
"Valentine is in good hands." She replied. Jonathan gave her a quick nod before sitting his car and starting the ignition.
The three of them drove away and went back to their respected homes.
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Nora got home late, she pulled into the apartment parking lot. She turned off her car and grabbed her things before heading into the apartment building.
Nora dug through her purse, looking for her keys as she walked up the stairs to her apartment.
When she reached the top, she found her keys, she went to her door and started to unlock it.
Her neighbor's door opened,
"Hey sunshine." Gruffed her neighbor John.
"How did the case go?" He asked as he smoked a joint of marijuana.
"They let him go." Nora sighed as she opened her door, she turned to face the man.
"They what?" John questioned baffled.
"It was all a set up. Eddie made a deal with the BAFTL to get off on all crimes." Nora explained.
"Those bastards! See I told you they were off. I knew something like this was going to happen." John spat angrily.
"This whole system is a bust. If I was presidant, I'd lock them all up." He grunted irritably taking a drag off his joint.
"But you're not and it's settled now. It's out of our hands now." Nora replied dryly.
"I'm going to get some shut eye. I'm exhausted." She added.
"I got some leftovers from the Drumlin, want some?" John offered,
"I'm good, I just want to sleep, thanks." Nora replied. John sighed.
"Suit yourself, toots." He said as he headed back into his own apartment. Nora shut her door and took off her coat, hanging it on the rack near the door.
She went over to the fridge and grabbed a cold Gwinnett Brew. She opened her drawer and got out the bottle opener. She popped the top off the brew. She kicked off her heels while walking to the couch.
She set her beer down on the coffee table and reached around her torso and unhooked her bra. She sighed a long breath,
"Yeahhhh." She sighed in relief. She tossed the damn thing across the room before sitting down. Her feet were sore from standing and walking in those blasted heels all day.
She reached out to grab her beer and the tv remote. She switched the tv on as she sat back against the couch, taking a swig of beer.
Piper Wright, the news reporter of Charlestown, spoke into a microphone right in front of the courthouse where Nora was about an hour ago.
"For what I can gather with the information I was given, it seems the notorious crime boss Edward Winter will be set free. According to authorities, Edward was found not guilty when Jonathan Widmark of the Boston PD made a statement earlier today. " Piper explained.
Nora made a face of disgust.
"Stupid ass system." She grumbled beneath her breath. She took another swig of beer.
"Thank you, Ms. Wright. We will keep the people of Boston informed." The newscaster explained.
Nora switched the channel. Her stomach rumbled, she looked down and sighed. She hadn't eaten since breakfast. The only food she had after breakfast was one cherry filled donut and four cups of Joe.
She decided it would be best to eat, she needed to feel good tomorrow. She wanted to take Nick and Evelyn out for breakfast. She got up and set her beer down.
She headed to her door and went to the hallway, knocking on John's door. She waited a few moments before the man opened the door.
"What's up, toots?" He asked,
"That food still on offer?" Nora questioned with a quirky expression as she folded her arms. John laughed,
"Sure thing, let me get that for you." He said as he headed back into his apartment. Nora stayed in the hallway; she could hear bags rustling. After a few moments, John came out with a bag of food.
"Here ya go. The stuff I couldn't finish." He said, Nora gave him a generous smile,
"Thanks, John, I appreciate it." She replied,
"Don't mention it. Listen, don't let this case bring you down. You did all you could. It's not your fault." John explained, Nora sighed with a nod.
"I know, it's just difficult watching this walk away after someone close got victimized." She spat; John grumbled.
"No worries, doll, that bastard will get what's coming to him." He reassured.
"I hope so." Nora snorted,
"Well you enjoy that food, I gotta hit the hay." John said as he threw his thumb over his shoulder, pointing to the inside of his apartment.
"Sure thing, I'll enjoy my food and you enjoy your beauty sleep." Nora teased; John howled a loud laugh as he started to shut the door.
"Night, sunshine." He said,
"Goodnight, John." Nora smiled as she headed back to her own apartment. John shut his door while Nora opened hers.
After she closed the door, her tabby, Nuka came over to her. She rolled her eyes playfully.
"Typical, I have food and you come out from hiding." Nora said as she laughed with a snort. Nuka stretched and meowed at her.
The woman sat on the couch and got into the bag immediately. There was a double cheeseburger, potato wedges, lobster roll, Nuka dog and a salad.
Her mouth watered as the aroma hit her nose. She sat back and ate like a queen. All while not having to leave her building nor cook. It was a good evening at least. She switched on the Silver Shroud show as she ate.
Eventually falling asleep on her couch while the tv continued to blare, Nuka finished the crumbs.
Y’all know how praying at an altar in Skyrim will cure you of disease? I know it’s just a game mechanic, but it always felt kinda weird whenever my Malacath-worshipping-Orc got rockjoint. I was bored, and I tried to think of an in-lore reason for why it would still work (provided that the mechanic was explicitly not just that)
Ardreyth stared with empty eyes at the cold stone beneath her feet, fingers drifting through the short, uneven crop of hair on her head. Minaste had ordered her long hair shorn - no brutal lashes, no iron shackles - only the quiet erasure of something that had once felt like strength. It was a punishment that humiliated more than it hurt, and it burned in a way wounds could not.
The young drow found herself replaying the last mission in endless, tormented loops: the blinding flash, the seemingly endless pools of blood and scattered corpses, the small, throbbing gap where her left little finger had once been, and the fleeting moment she had drawn near to Callimar. What remained was shame - and a raw, stubborn rage that knotted in her chest.
Weeks had passed since the tunnel collapsed, and the fact that she was still permitted to stand for the initiation felt like a cruel joke.
A messenger had brought her the notice and a package yesterday:
Tomorrow, when the Narbondel darkens, appear at the temple gate in the vaults of the House of Mizzrym. Lloth tlu malla. Ilharess Minaste Mizzrym of the Fifth House of Menzoberranzan.
Wearing this robe is mandatory for the initiation ritual.
Adreyth opened the enclosed package and pulled out a coarse cotton cowl. The moment her finger brushed the fabric, a lightning‑sharp, cutting pain shot through her palms, as if a thousand needles had pricked at once; a burning tingling crawled like fire up her forearms, her skin drew taut, pulse and breath hitched, and a dull aftershock throbbed in her joints. She rolled her eyes and regarded Minaste as plainly foolish if she truly believed this would intimidate or unnerve her.
Callimar hadn't spoken a word to her for weeks. When their eyes met in class, his face remained icy, his demands relentless, and his silence louder than any accusation.
She was sure he had reported everything to Minaste - even though he had seemed so sincere in that brief moment of closeness and had promised he would always be there for her. How naive she had been; he would have been foolish not to smear her, and how else could he have acted? Even the explosives that collapsed the cave had left traces; Minaste seemed to have eyes everywhere.
The thought of secret spies and quiet words creeping into foreign plans made her skin tingle. Shouldn't Minaste feel the need to talk to her - about her loss of control, about the image on her back that seemed to grow with every murder?
What was Minaste really planning, and why hadn't she sought a conversation with her after Callimar had told Minaste everything about her loss of control?
Okay, so I saw some people talking about the new Imotekh reveal (very cool, very cool), and they were discussing the four-fingered gauntlet with its cool claws and stuff, and I could not stop thinking about how Aun'Shi also has four-fingered claws (I draw a lot of T'au okay) and I just think they should get manicures together.
