from the embers, smoke does rise

[OPEN] from the embers, smoke does rise

Psyche the DarkEmpress Posts: 380

Deceased

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

RayoDeSoleil

06-06-2013, 11:13 PM

For many years, the shadow-mare had thought herself immune to emotion, claiming only a deep-seated hatred for the lesser species of the universe as her own. Now she could see that this notion had been a foolish one; buried within her blackened heart lay feelings of affection and devotion, the like of which she had seen only on the faces of others and never in herself. Allowing them to surface was, in a way, like coming up for air. She had never thought to savor the balance between good and evil, but in allowing herself to care for those for whom she claimed leadership, she allowed herself a bottomless sea of strength, for she knew that she could call upon them in a time of need without second-guessing their reasons for coming to her aid. They would assist her, and she would assist them, setting aside their differences in belief for the good of their home.

She had not seen the strength that was inherent in this alliance, but now she had found this light. Perhaps her herd would not notice a difference in her, save for ever-so-slightly less chilled words and the smallest smidgeon of warmth in her gaze. To those who knew her best, though, a small transformation likely seemed to have overtaken the Empress, this shadow-mare trimmed in ivory who seemed to finally have found a balance between bloodlust and loyalty, between her impassioned heart and a cool head. Or perhaps even they would miss the telltale signs of what the Lady might once have called weakness. She did not know, and in truth, only a small part of her cared. Should they be newly come or old hooves, they relied on her just as she relied on them. Perhaps one day she would establish her dominance in a way that would bring all to her side willingly, but for now, her alliance with the FrostHeart would serve to do that with no extra effort on her part.

"... over-sized turkey vultures..." Illynx was saying, a a slight chuckle left the upturned lips of the Dark Empress. How fitting the description was for the mutated hornless, how apt the newly returned unicorn's disgust. "That is is," she agreed, and in the glance that the two shared a moment later, there was a shared sense of apology, for it would seem that both had deserted their cause at the time of greatest need. Had Psyche been able to read her old friend's thoughts, she might find that they were one and the same; but alas, she could only hope to convey acceptance in her amber eyes, seeing the vague guilt in the golden orbs before her. A sense of relief washed over her as the guilt changed to rage before her very eyes at the mention of recent events, and she could tell that Illynx was just as irritated at the thought of a nice version of herself parading throughout the lands as Psyche was.

"Some say that these pseudo-characters fell through a rift of time; others say they were spirited here by an unfortunately unskilled magician." She made a face. "Clearly, those who made that particular rumor are not very familiar with our land." She shook her head. "No, I'm afraid we have no leads on that front." To the gold-freckled mare's next words, the Empress nodded. "The movement is on its way, darling, though we have been quiet of late. The other herds have begun to suspect that all is not as it seems here." She smiled. "Luckily, the only challenger we have seen was bested by yours truly, so all has been well since then. As for these doppleganger rumors... well, I should like to find one myself, but I have had no luck. Perhaps you will prove luckier than I."

A short silence ensued in which the shade appeared to be lost in thought. She had a large herd, perhaps the largest in the lands of Helovia, though she wasn't sure that she had heard proper counts of late. In this herd, however, she had been hard-pressed to find promising recruits deserving of promotion. Her gaze skimmed over the hardened, honed lines of Illynx's bodice as she remembered her follower's skill in battle, and quickly came to a decision. Perhaps those in the herd would not like it, seeing as Illynx was newly returned, but damn them all. The gold-toned fae would prove herself more than half the herd would ever have a chance to. "Have you given much thought to what you're going to do here, my dear? We are currently in need of an excellent fighter to assist in leading our soldiers. How about it, Illynx? Rejoin our ranks as a Corporal." It was half question, half command; but really, the femme had the right to refuse should she choose - but somehow the Lady of the Basin doubted that refusal would come up.

[W/C | ---]

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