Declaration of Matron Khal'Belaern
As a matter of clarification to Matron Tor'Urden's announcement, which builds upon certain considerations not mentioned in her writing, it is not that house Khal'Belaern joins her new house, but rather that i have made a prior decision to dissolve it and relinquish the title of Matron, this writing thereby making it formal and publically known.
The few of my retainers made the decision to join her house, for which they have my blessing, as her interests align with those of the Temple of Lolth of which i remain a faithful supporter. I myself will not be joining any houses, but for the time being will remain the last honorary bearer of Crone Kiaberra's merchant house name, and the keeper of its legacy, until such time as she, or any of her name reappear to reclaim it.
It is my desire to dedicate myself to matters of faith and private pursuits, rather than continue pretending that those small bands we gather here in Andunor are mighty and proud houses rivaling the powers of the Freth and Claddath, or any of the proper houses from the major cities of our people.
For nine years i have strived to find a way towards elevating our people as a whole, here in this city, rather than myself and whatever vain aspirations i may have, to no avail. I supported and advised every female i considered worthy and ambitious enough in hopes that they would become beacons behind which all of our kin can rally. One Web under Lolth here in Andunor, one Web of our people, faithful and even heretic alike - for you do not cease to be Her child no matter how hard you try to pretend - one Web which proudly reaches to claim its birthright.
Instead pettiness, ignorance and short sightedness prevailed, and all the small bands of drow which called themselves noble houses considered all the other ones undesirable and alien. They alone were the worthy ones, they thought, as they attempted to weave their own puny webs in isolation and frustration. Countless such small bands waned or perished, countless wanderers came and went for they could not call this city their own. And countless almighty matrons thought that they alone were destined to rule us all. Hubris, desperation and blasphemy.
There is much more to be said about the pathetic state of Andunorian ilythiiri but i will leave it at that, this is my own perspective and i'm sure it resonates with some. Instead i'll end with a word of advice.
Find Lolth.
Go to the Temple and pray. Read the sermons, they are there for you to ponder upon, penned by our Archpriestess, our Queen's ways and wisdom revealed. Consider your place on Her Great Web, -our- Web which we all have in common, the medium upon which our spirit as a people lives, and consider what your own spidery appendages have done to it. Have you tirelessly woven new strands connecting and promoting the Queen's grand architecture, or have you defiantly and greedily tried to carve out your own private patch?
Find Lolth. She is the only authority you shall answer to at your final hour.
Yathrinshee Baeriina Khal'Belaern
Day 7, Month 2 (Alturiak), 188 AR (1388 DR)
Baeriina Khal'Belaern