down this road [herd meeting]

down this road [herd meeting]

Psyche the DarkEmpress Posts: 380

Deceased

Mare :: Unicorn :: 15.3 hh :: 8 (ages in Orangemoon) Buff: ENDURE

RayoDeSoleil

02-04-2013, 01:49 PM

The morning was bright - too bright for her taste, as she preferred to slink unnoticed amongst shadows. But now, in the harsh light of Tallsun, her ebony pelt stood starkly against the emerald backdrop of the foliage, against the cold grey stone of the mountains, and especially against the crisp white of snow. Even now, the tips of the mountains kept their ivory hue, and the Steppe outside their borders had only marginally less snow than usual. She supposed she should be grateful - after all, her lands were so far north that the summer was almost cool. The sun was enough to warm her pelt, but not much more, and she again thanked the Time God for the mountains that provided their shelter from the harsh northern winds. Still, in comparison to the temperatures that she had grown used to, it was positively warm, particularly in her rather shaggy winter coat.

The shade headed for the center of her lands. It was beyond time to call a meeting, to gauge her followers' loyalties. And besides, much had happened recently that warranted explanation. The list flowed easily through her mind - Faelene and Crowley's promotions, the breaking of the mirror, Mauja's return... a frown crossed her maw. Yes, the FrostHeart's reappearance needed to be explained, did it not? Would they call for his leadership? Or had she proven herself in the time that she had spent as their liege? Could they share a leadership comfortably? Or could they even stand to be in the same herd? She was on edge, unsure of the outcome of this meeting, but knowing that she would not give up her position easily. And would they dare ask her to? The herd had flourished under her rule. She deserved this.

And yet, she was so tired, so very weary. Perhaps a small part of her yearned for someone else to take up the mantle of leadership, but that part was drowned by the surrounding need for power. She had learned to delegate, to assign tasks to those she trusted - those she trusted... It was unthinkable that the jackal had learned to trust, really. But was it really so impossible? Of her advisors, three were amongst the ranks of the Plague, and the other two had unquestionable loyalty to the Basin, if not to her. Why should she not trust them? She was not asking them to guard her life, after all, but the life of the whole, the life of the herd. And if they all had a common goal, then was a mutual respect and trust of a kind not warranted?

The Empress halted. Dark locks swished softly against her legs as she regarded the herd members that milled around nearby. She was not a diplomat, and was much more suited to preaching to her followers than discussing the recent goings-on with non-racist fools. Still, it had to be done. With a sigh, she raised her voice, issued the call. "Aurora Basin, I do believe that it is time that we had a chat." A pause, to allow them to gather. And then onward: "For those of you who do not yet know, our dear Faelene has been named the Thief of the Basin. Additionally, darling Crowley has been chosen as our Weaver. If any should question these appointments, speak now."

Another pause, to address any concerns. And then: "The God of the Spark has given to me two amulets to bestow upon members of the herd who have proven to be most useful. Faelene has been given hers already, for gathering and organizing those in her line of work. The second will be Myrddin's, for where would we be without his guidance?" She smiled ever-so-slightly, searching for the elder amongst the crowd. "Does anyone have any concerns that need to be addressed?" There. Done. Perhaps it was not the most eloquent speech, but she had delivered her messages. Now it was time for them to voice theirs.

"Talk talk talk."