That two strangers can share a similar past is an intriguing conundrum, perhaps one that ought to be analyzed by one well-versed in such matters.

The shadow-mare was wandering, something she had not done since her ascension to the throne of the Basin. Leadership was not entirely what she had expected: instead of being able to command those she called hers, she spent her days convincing them that she was capable, that she would not leave them, that she would defend them. It was a challenge. She was not a diplomatic mare, but as the days went by she found herself learning the trade, biting her tongue rather than scoffing, offering true words rather than sarcasm, pretending interest in the most trivial matters. Truth be told, it bored her to tears. She was a militaristic mare by nature, much more comfortable on the battlefield than with her kin.

Especially when some refused to honor her beliefs.

Times like that were when she missed the FrostHeart, the rightful King. Or was he? Surely if he was meant to lead them, the Time God would have brought him to do so, despite his odd disappearance. Wasn't that what gods were for? But no - he had not appeared, and the God had named her Lady, and so had her odd journey begun. It might have been easier if she cared about being a wise, respected leader, but she did not. No, she simply required the loyalty of her court, their fealty in times of hardship as well as in times of peace. She simply wanted more pawns for her metaphorical chess board, and she found herself catering to them in order to win them over. It was his job, before, to do that sort of thing. All she had to do was direct her followers, point them in the right direction, accompany them on missions. She never had to make them like her. Until now.

A whisper snapped her out of her wandering mind. "Surely there are others here that think this way..." Well, that was certainly intriguing, wasn't it? Lobes pricked, she craned her head, peering with a keen amber gaze through the trees, particularly dense here. Ah, there! He was a tall, tawny stallion, white-marked, and with a remarkable curved horn, perhaps the longest she had seen. Perfect. She put on her best welcoming smile (an odd mixture of sugary seduction) and pushed her way through the brush. "And what way would that be, lovely?" she simpered, looking him over with an admiring gaze. Let him think her a flirt - she would prove her worth soon enough.

[W/C | ---]

---

Walk walk walk.
"Talk talk talk."
Think think think.

"That is a notion for my own thoughts, I'm afraid." The steed's answer to her admittedly nosy question was cool, betraying no emotion. It might have offended her at an earlier date, but now, after everything she had been through, she accepted his denial as a challenge, a barrier that she would break through. She was particularly interested because she could always use more within the ranks of the secret organization of the Plague, though with the recent influx of members, she feared they were becoming less and less secretive. She would have to remind them, firmly, that they were not to speak of it without her express permission. For a moment she found herself missing Elizabeth, who, despite their best efforts, remained in the clutches of the Throat. The silver-marked mare, at least, hadn't breathed a word to outsiders, and remained steadfastly loyal to the Crux.

Her thoughts returned to the handsome stallion before her, who was again speaking, seemingly reneging on his primary instinct to shut her out. "Actually..." he began, "if you don't mind me asking, what are your qualms on other races?" He was quite straightforward, and she was impressed, though she would be considerably less so if he turned out to be one of those traitorous equalists who thought they were so high-and-mighty. "Well, dearest, I am ever so glad you asked," she purred. She would take any chance to spout her poison, degrading the other species as beneath her. She had no reservations about her opinions, and was in fact quite well known for them.

"I and mine stand far above the other species. Equines are fit for nothing but slavery, and the pegasi are simply disgusting mutants." Her words were blunt, and exceedingly harsh, perhaps, but then, so was her personality. She had had quite enough of diplomacy, having to practice it constantly within the borders of her home, but here, with none of her brethren around to hear, she could be as poorly spoken as she wished. She reveled in the freedom, extremely appreciative, for a moment, of the freedom that came outside her borders. It was a taxing job, to be the Lady of her realm, but someone had to do it, and better she than anyone else.

[W/C | ---]

---

Walk walk walk.
"Talk talk talk."
Think think think.

She did not know of his past, nor did she need to. His words of agreement were enough to gain her approval, if not her trust. She was pleased, that he shared the views of she and her followers, and wondered if she could recruit him to stand beside her. His words were cold, but somehow lacked fervor, and she wondered if he was as vehement about his beliefs as she. He casually approached her, but his cranium fell away from her, as though avoiding closeness. It was an odd gesture, that again called into question his past; but should he grant loyalty, she would not spend too much time wondering about it.

"It seems that you are in luck, my friend," she told him with a cunning smile. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am the Lady of the Aurora Basin, Psyche the Dark Empress. My herdland is inhabited only by the horned, save for one hornless slave. I am sure you would find it most lovely, should you choose to accompany me there now. If not, you are always welcome within our borders, so long as you do not bring inferiors into our presence." The offer was there; now he had only to accept. She would recruit him for the Plague on their journey, should he accompany her; if not, it would be his loss.

[W/C | ---]

---

Walk walk walk.
"Talk talk talk."
Think think think.