I'll Tend to the Flame so you can Worship the Ash

2023/01/16 23:50] mysticborn:

Novatooth closed her eyes as a morning mist passed over her scales, so familiar despite how long she had been gone. Little Pleiades, sitting beside her with eyes focused on the colorful RainWings that were beginning to stir, seemed far less amused by the damp air.
"You were the first of us to hatch outside of the Rainforest," Novatooth said with a small grin. "That was before Poinsettia became queen. I don't believe she ever knew any of us, but who knows?"
This was also the kingdom where their older brother had died. Those memories she did not wish to relive, not now, but she clenched her jaw and simply nodded. Grieving Whisperingmoon could wait.

Pleiades tried to force down every future path as she held her wings close to her body. She had seen much of the world already, yes, after the hunt for the Staff, but the Rainforest felt like the one place she had not been to before. The Black Plague managed the waters just fine, though. And Novatooth seemed relatively confident in Shimmerpour in a way that Pleiades couldn't begin to comprehend.
She didn't even try.
"So... how do we get to Poinsettia? Without getting in trouble, I might add." Pleiades followed after her older sister, the two NightWings seeming to stand out less among those that lived within the Rainforest. While not as colorful as their RainWing companions, many of the NightWings within Poinsettia's realm were far more colorful than those that lived on the peninsula, built more for life within the jungle than life beside the sea on mountains and rocks.
It felt... odd.

[2023/01/17 00:16] thegreatlagi:

"You are looking for Her Majesty?"
A voice spoke up near them. Amongst the gentle pattering of rain, the faraway murmuring of hidden falls, and the screeching of the forest animals, it was almost impossible to hear.
"I might be able to help with that. Perhaps for a price." The voice's tone tilted, as though they were quirking their lip. Then, suddenly the air shifted, and a dragon-shaped form scrambled onto the platform in front of them. The woven planks shook slightly as they pulled themself up, shaking slightly as coloration splattered across invisible scales, like the air was dyed with watercolor.
Soon their silhouette grew more solid, and black and yellow scales spread across the dragon. They opened pale eyes, before sitting back and raising a talon. The visage of Luxurious.
"Princess Luxurious, that's me!" She looked down at her scales, then placed a talon on her head as though forgetting something. "I should have at least a flower crown, but I'm without it right now. Kinda hard to blend in with one- especially when I want to hide. People watching- it's a hobby I guess." She shook her head, watching the two dragonesses carefully. "Sorry if I intruded on something. You two had the vibe of being important... and Rain Kingdom royals are kinda my area."

[2023/01/17 00:26] mysticborn:

Pleiades jumped more than she wanted to, practically wheezing as Novatooth... laughed. Was she used to this sort of thing? Perhaps she was, having spent most of her life in the Rainforest before the move.
"We are, yes," Pleiades said, trying to steady her voice. Princess Luxurious? So that meant...
Pleiades sifted through some of the close futures before saying, "You're Queen Poinsettia's daughter."
"Poinsettia had kids?" Novatooth glanced at her sister.
"Adopted Luxurious and--" Pleiades stopped as, within the futures, she watched a familiar NightWing. She shifted to another thought quickly, before Novatooth could catch wind of what she had seen. "She takes in dragonets."

Novatooth frowned as she inspected Pleiades, sighing as she nodded. Pleia was hiding something, but she didn't feel like stressing out her sister right now, nor arguing over what she was keeping to herself. For now, Novatooth would manage. "Regardless, your Highness--yes, we do need to speak to Queen Poinsettia. As soon as possible, preferably."

[2023/01/17 00:45] thegreatlagi:

She grimaced, her mouth turning into a flat line. "If that's the word you want to use." Luxurious liked to avoid that word- daughter. Poinsettia didn't see it that way. Luxury didn't see it that way either. She was an heir. Poinsettia's failsafe in case she died- her solution to her knack of avoiding suitors and her dislike of the idea of having biological children.
Luxurious was not Poinsettia's child, biological or adopted.. really. But she was a Princess.

Luxurious shook her head slightly, squinting at Novatooth. Teardrop scales- it made her thankful for the skyfire around her wrist, a trinket embedded in her pink-stone armband. A precautionary gift from Poinsettia. None of her... employees... assistants? Heirs... whatever she was. None of them would slip up and spill government secrets. "You want to speak to her... but I don't even know who I'd be bringing to her. Who are you both, truly?"

[2023/01/17 00:57] mysticborn:

"Ah, introductions!" Novatooth laughed lightly, nodding. "Of course. I am Lady Novatooth of House Wolfcry of the Night Kingdom," she said, dipping her head. She had noticed the Skyfire, but didn't comment on it. It wasn't her business. Most of this was Pleiades's business, truthfully. She gently nudged her younger sister forward with a nod.

Pleiades had seen Luxurious's reaction, feeling immediate panic. She had said something wrong, hadn't she? She couldn't tell--Luxury's mind was hidden from her, a gentle hum that was oddly soothing. "Pleiades," she said simply. Novatooth rolled her eyes.
"Lady Pleiades of House Wolfcry. My sister," Novatooth said. Pleiades tried not to glare at Nova.

[2023/01/17 01:48] thegreatlagi:

"Night Kingdom nobility-" Luxurious said, watching them with a gleam in her eyes. "Dragons of importance... but I'd assume if this was related to the Queen she would have sent a true entourage instead of two... young... dragons. I'd assume this is for something else, perhaps beyond your home region." Intriguing that these dragons would show up. Ladies without company... from a faraway land. "The Night Kingdom is quite far away. Long flight here, huh?" Her attention darted to Novatooth's teardrop scales once more, then down to Pleiades's face, searching. Then, she sighed heavily and moved her head to gaze behind her- the direction of the pavilion and Poinsettia's 'castle', if it could be called one. "Alright, I suppose I should take you to her, just be aware this might not go in a direction you desire."

Her frills and coloration seemed to flutter as though she was trying to keep a grasp on herself. Then, she began walking, balancing across thin woven bridges and leaping from different platforms. RainWings and RainWing hybrids that had cat-like bodies were far more successful in the trees, where their agility and builds could carry them across the precarious RainWing village and its many roads of differing heights. She was no different.
She turned on a distant platform, waving the pair over with partially opened wings, before continuing onwards, practically dancing through the Rain Kingdom's disorganized capital.
-

[2023/01/17 01:48] thegreatlagi:

It wasn't long until she crossed the castle's threshold. The pavillion was barely used nowadays, the room far too open to potential attackers. Instead, it was decorated with many potted plants, and was repurposed as a grand entryway into the main castle. Woven doors, thick and unmoving stood beyond where the throne used to sit. Two guards sat on either side of it, boredly watching the goingons of Shimmerpour.
She stopped just beyond the door, giving the soldiers a nod as she turned to wait for the NightWing pair. She'd rather be able to keep an eye on them than allow them to approach the Queen alone. It would do Poinsettia no favors to drop some dragons at her door without her there to explain their reasons.

[2023/01/17 02:17] mysticborn:

Pleiades and Novatooth followed, though Pleiades began speaking more. "This isn't just about the Night Kingdom--this is about Pyrrhia as a whole, possibly further than that. I'm not asking for specifics, just... a warning. While I still have time to give it out," she explained softly, trying not to panic as she remembered the prophecy in Noctis Corona, the visions fading, the little SandWing dragonet that was her final, unknowing spy to what Varian was doing. "Thank you. A lot."
She did not respond to discussions about the trip here. The Black Plague were criminals--telling an entire kingdom that they were nearby was a risk she was not taking. Not while she needed to speak to the queens of distant lands. Supernova already knew, at least. That was one of possibly ten, if Pantala's own safety was put in jeopardy.
She hoped not.

Novatooth nodded at the soldiers respectfully. She remembered her time in the Rainforest well enough. Peace was preferable, though that was during the reign of the previous queen--she knew little about Poinsetta's ruling.

[2023/01/17 06:23] thegreatlagi:

"You're a prophet?" Though it was meant as a question, it came out more like a fact. Interesting, though the thinly veiled panic was less than pleasing. Luxurious skewed her face, keeping it friendly as she tried to fight off mixed emotions.
This would be just great.

As they caught up to her, Luxurious moved forward and the soldiers moved to the side, using their wings to push the large doors open so that the group could enter.
Beyond the pavillion was a massive room, partially made of stone and woven with vines and branches. A domed ceiling of wire was swallowed up by creeping plants, covered like the canopy and trickling with sunbeams. Numerous potted plants dotted the room, bright flowers bloomed from the walls and hanging pottery. Colorful birds perched on cropped trees and dragon-made perches, watching the group with beady eyes and singing extravagant songs. It was one of the prettiest sights of Shimmerpour, the Rain Royal's very own aviary. Poinsettia's personal pet project.
-

[2023/01/17 06:24] thegreatlagi:

"Watch your claws." She spoke offhandedly. There was a boardwalk through the room, a straight road towards the rest of the castle. But many animals would rest on it, and the wood's width wasn't the largest. Luxurious continued to stride forward, as elegant as a sneaking leopard. She knew many ears were hidden in the aviary, clinging against the trees within the room or hidden under the boardwalk on special ledges. It appeared empty, but she wondered if the Mindreader- Novatooth- could tell they were there under all the ruckus the birds caused. In the Queen's domain, you were never alone... in a room or in your mind. She knew all too well.

Another pair of guards stood at the next doorway. Queensguard members that opened the gate as Luxurious moved past.
From the pavillion, to the aviary, and now to the throne room. The Rain Kingdom did not have a true castle, instead the building was more of an impromptu stronghold- a mansion built of the rainforest's best. It was not the largest castle, not by far. It was there to serve a purpose and nothing more.
The throne room was simple. A long room, with a throne and desk at the end. It seemed empty at first glance, but the muted shuffling of wings told of guards hidden in plain sight.
A wooden desk was pulled in front of the throne, and the pink form of Queen Poinsettia sat behind it. Stacks of papers, forms and documents, sat neatly on the polished wood. A steaming cup of coffee sat forgotten on the other side, and only the barely audible sound of quill on paper told of a Queen at work.
-

[2023/01/17 06:24] thegreatlagi:

Luxurious continued forward, stopping about halfway through the throne room and raising her wing to stop her guests. Poinsettia continued at work, finishing up a document. Silence dripped uncomfortably, until finally the Queen moved her paper to her side, and raised her eyes to the three dragons ahead of her.
"I was not expecting visitors today." The Queen straightened in her throne, reds and whites swirling on her scales. She blinked slowly, attention moving towards Luxury to examine her, she found something she must've been looking for, and then finally turned her stare to Pleiades and Novatooth.

"Lady Pleiades and Novatooth from House Wolfcry of the Night Kingdom." Luxurious spoke, her voice reverberating through the room. She tilted her head towards the pair, before nodding in the direction of Poinsettia. "You stand in front of Her Majesty Poinsettia of the RainWings, Blood of Mandragora, Forest Keeper and Serpent Speaker, and Queen of the Capital Shimmerpour and its surrounding Kingdom of Rain."

[2023/01/17 14:41] mysticborn:

Every inch of the building was beautiful, Pleiades had to admit. It was not the kind of beauty she was used to--not the nighttime wonder of Noctis Corona, where she could see the stars even within the palace, in a way. She tried not to yawn; it had taken her far too long to get more accustomed to the schedule of the Plague, and she was not going to insult her hosts. Novatooth seemed far more adaptable to the situation, watching the birds and plants before they switched rooms once more.
And there she was.
Queen Poinsettia was not the most intimidating queen physically--that title likely went to Supernova, who was currently one of the oldest queens on Pyrrhia. But it was the way she spoke and held herself that made Pleiades more anxious than when she spoke with Supernova.
At least Supernova was familiar--Poinsettia was a stranger in all regards.
"Y-your Majesty," Pleiades said, trying to bow a bit. It felt awkward and stilted, but she did her best. "We apologize for the sudden intrusion, my sister and I."

[2023/01/17 17:56] thegreatlagi:

"You should be thankful that that was the last today's work. If you had stumbled in here too early I would've sent you away." Poinsettia grabbed her coffee, drinking it slowly as she cast her eyes down the room at the dragons, unreadable and calculating. "There are very few dragons here that I allow to distract me." Poinsettia nodded towards the dragonesses' guide, her lip curling up slightly. "Luxurious, to me."

Luxury gave the two one final close up look, brow furrowing slightly as she deigned to give them a curt nod. "Good luck." She mouthed, colors shimmering across her scales before she flitted over to the Queen, leaving the travelers stranded. "I do have news beyond these two." Luxury spoke softly as she settled in a much smaller throne near Poinsettia. "It's urgent- sort of. But it can wait after these two say their piece."

"Noted." Poinsettia responded, before rising from her throne to stand. She pushed the desk away, papers rustling on top but thankfully not falling. The Queen stretched put her long neck, flaring her frills as greens and reds pulsed down her body like a heart's blood. A dainty flowercrown adorned her head where a crown would've been, and a silvery stone serpent was clamped to each horn to keep the petals in place.
"So, Night Kingdom nobles, what is it that you have come here to say?"

[2023/01/17 18:04] mysticborn:

Novatooth glanced down at her sister, pushing her forward with a quiet, "Good luck." This was Pleiades's specialty. Such visions were beyond Novatooth--Gloryteller knew them well enough, but she had too much on her plate to come all the way to the other end of the continent for this.
Novatooth could help mediate--she was a noble, after all, and heir apparent to House Wolfcry if she took it--but Pleiades had to speak her warning alone. Nova would only fumble her vision.

Pleiades sat as politely as she could while anxiety rushed through her blood like a pack of piranhas. Slowly, carefully picking each word, she said, "I... I came to warn you of a danger that I have reason to believe threatens the entirety of Pyrrhia--and possibly Pantala. I am not asking for support or armies; those won't do me good. I am simply spreading the word before it's too late.
"I'm sure you know of the war that rocked half of the continent," Pleiades continued, inhaling slowly. "I gave that prophecy. And the straw that broke the camel's back--the one who destroyed the royal hatchery in the palace--didn't just do it for chaos on its own."
To an extent, Pleiades hoped that, wherever she was, that familiar NightWing Princess she had seen in the future within the RainWing's palace was listening. Artessa hadn't known the truth until after the war ended--chances were, Princess Amalthea did not know either. As long as Varian kept himself distant from starting the war to maintain some level of sympathy, no one in Pyrrhia would have a clue what had truly transpired that night.

[2023/01/17 18:22] thegreatlagi:

Well this was certainly going in a strange direction- one Poinsettia honestly hadn't seen coming.
"So you're telling me that some random dragon that killed some neonates has the potential to, what, destroy the world?" At least knowing the name of the Hatchery bomber would clear Amalthea's name. Poinsettia was growing sick of hearing it hissed in the streets. Of watching the Princess suffer under the weight of unimaginable emotions whilst her own populous did nothing to help.
Dragons would leaped at the opportunity to blame a dragon that could barely get a word out. It would be nice to tell them off with facts, rather than with truthful words.
"Explain this dragon to me, and this danger you believe they possess."

[2023/01/17 20:28] justarandomkorean:

Amalthea had an odd dream last night. It was in quite poor taste, and she had been so startled by it that she had to get up and take a walk at night. It was odd, though, not something she should have been disturbed by. A thorn in her talon, festering from weeks of infection... Amalthea had never experienced such an injury.

It wasn't the reason why she was coming to speak to Queen Poinsettia though, obviously. After granting Amalthea the title of a RainWing Princess, the Queen had allowed Amalthea to do mostly what she wanted. She spent her days idly- too idly, to the point where she felt guilty for being at peace. Once a week she'd meet Doctor Worm, but most of the time she was lurking in the trees of the Rainforest, above bustling marketplaces, as if craving to join them.

After her first outburst a few months ago, things seemed to have settled down. No one confronted her from then on, although Amalthea could hear whispers and observed hesitant glances especially from other NightWings. Not that it mattered, no matter how much Prince Emperor looked at her with those concerned eyes. Amalthea reached the pavilion, for a moment taking in the peacefulness of the birds around her, glancing at the guards in front of the closed doors. She knew their faces. She'd been getting better at that.

She was here because-- There were voices in the throne room. Not that it was exactly uncommon, but it was a familiar voice speaking familiar names. All of her thoughts dropped away, as if the ground beneath her had disappeared. "...Lady Pleiades and Novatooth from House Wolfcry of the Night Kingdom". Amalthea froze in front of the door, relaxed position suddenly ramrod straight, eyes wrenched open in... panic. Panic? Did she have a reason to panic- oh, of course she did. Amalthea had plenty to fear.

-

[2023/01/17 20:28] justarandomkorean:

A guard opened their mouth, moving as if about to ask something of her, and she hissed a near silent wait. It was hard to hear from here. What were they saying? Someone was talking with Queen Poinsettia. "... the one who destroyed the royal hatchery in the palace". That voice, she felt like she should've recognized it. Did she? There were snatches of the conversation that Amalthea missed, almost like how the voices and faces of her past were blurred. They weren't blaming either her or her sister? There was someone else?

Her mind swam for a moment, then Amalthea's anger bubbled up into her chest again. She'd spent... what- two years now?- being accused of killing her siblings. She had never cared about them, what would she have gained from it? Killing Perfidious would have been easier. Months even in the Rain Kingdom- "How dare she show her snout here!"- glares and whispers even she couldn't ignore.

Amalthea nearly slumped at the closed door, eyes narrowed, mind racing, ignoring the two guards to glanced at each other as if concerned. She had half the mind to storm in and demand answers, but Amalthea was nearly sure she was in there. Someone that Amalthea would rather not see. For the rest of her life, preferably. Yet she couldn't bring herself to walk away and hole herself up in a tree somewhere.

[2023/01/17 20:48] mysticborn:

Pleiades nodded, wringing her talons together as she began, "His name is Varian. He's a NightWing, possibly with IceWing blood, I don't know. And he is a liar. He hides behind names and faces that are not his like it is second nature."
Pleiades paused--the futures were shifting. She closed her eyes. "He destroyed the hatchery to kickstart a war that may have been avoided had that violence never picked up. All to obtain a relic--the Staff of Skyblazer."

Novatooth frowned as her sister said, "Varian has the power of an animus. And he is planning something--he hid himself from the futures. All of them."

[2023/01/18 00:46] thegreatlagi:

Luxurious's scales flashed a deep purple, before being controlled back to her original black and yellow. She watched Pleiades closely, ears twitching.

"This Varian- you're saying that he created the war merely to hide his own trail? And the staff... it grants the abilities of an animus?" Poinsettia glanced toward Luxury for a moment, then turned back to the pair, contemplating. "Is it similar to what the history books spoke of Darkstalker's scroll?" A dangerous dragon wielding animus magic, walking around futureless and nameless. At least she had Fog, Trogon, Zinta and others. No dragon could hide from her for long. And the idea of enchanting yourself to not exist in the eyes of moonbornes was... interesting. Poinsettia wondered if perhaps she could get Zinta to do the same for her.

[2023/01/18 03:45] mysticborn:

"I believe so, yes. I didn't have time to look into it before it was stolen--a friend and I tried to find it before he did."
She heard Wolverine's neck snap once more--Pleiades shuddered, trying to push the thought out of her mind. And, as she felt the futures of Princess Amalthea creep ever closer, she finally said, "I... would like it if Princess Amalthea stopped hiding behind the door to the throne room." She spoke slightly louder so Amalthea could hear--she needed her to.

Novatooth froze up immediately, eyes widening as she tried to process what Pleiades had just said.
Princess... Princess Amalthea was here?
No. No, no, no, she wasn't supposed to be. Novatooth wasn't ready to face her again. Not after the war. Not after what she had done.

[2023/01/18 03:53] justarandomkorean:

Amalthea began to fiddle with her bracelet- there was skyfire in there somewhere, a gift from Queen Poinsettia when she had been adopted into the RainWing Royal Family. She was... more attached to it than she'd like to admit, Amalthea had promised herself not to get attached to physical items like this. The conversation was deviating- at least from what she could tell- from what she really wanted to know, which meant her mind was wandering again.

A sudden louder tone. Amalthea startled from her slumped position at the door, whirling around to glare at the guards as if it were their fault. She was honestly still trying to figure out who the voice of the other NightWing was, juggling the thought that someone else had been the one to bomb the hatchery. She almost didn't believe it. Amalthea had spent years believing it had been her accursed sister blaming her on purpose.

She sighed a little, flicking her tail at the guards who opened the throne room's door. Amalthea was familiar around these parts... she was safest here than anywhere else in her entire life. Perhaps that was why she didn't run first. "Queen Poinsettia," Amalthea greeted with a voice slowly healing from years of near silence, staring straight through the NightWing she recognized, eyes fixated onto the RainWing Queen, bobbing her head in a respectful half bow.

[2023/01/18 04:39] thegreatlagi:

"I don't remember you calling the shots here, Pleiades." Poinsettia's frills turned blood red as she watched the dragon coldly. "You may be here to warn me of a beast, but you are not going to command my dragons to do as you say."
She then moved her gaze to the dragoness at the door, Amalthea creeping in. "Princess Amalthea." She responded in turn. "I didn't call you in. These dragons think they deserve your time it seems."

Luxurious let out a sigh where she sat, away from the Queen's attention. She knew all too well Amalthea's mixed feelings regarding her previous Kingdom and its dragons- or at least... what could be scavenged from the Princess's knack of speaking not at all or with barely contained fury. She just hoped that this strange meeting would result in interesting truths coming to light, or for a gameplan to be crafted beyond just "Poinsettia calls upon Fog to work overtime".
She took a deep breath, clenching her talons and feeling the claws prick her palms. She averted her eyes from Amalthea and the Queen and her visitors, watching the great curtain behind the throne. Colorful tree trunks and a tarp of giant coiled leaves, like a giant horrendous boutique. Flowers were littered across the trees, vibrant additions that added life to the piece. It shifted softly, as though the forest itself was breathing. The wind rustled outside, rain pattering dully against ceiling. The smell of earth and flowers permeated the air.
The rainforest was her home, but sometimes when the politics got bad, she could only dream of the mountains .

[2023/01/18 04:44] mysticborn:

"I..." Pleiades held her tongue. How did she explain?
Novatooth and Amalthea needed this. More than they wanted to admit, they needed this. After the war, after the pain, after all of it.
So she didn't even try. Sooner or later, Amalthea would've either come in or left. All she did was push things in the direction that would've given Novatooth and Amalthea a chance for... closure? Healing? She tried not to look at Poinsettia's frills, the colors that danced across them.
She did not understand what any of them meant, not like her brother or Novatooth. Even with Remarkable in the Night Kingdom, she had never truly understood how the RainWings so instinctively knew.

"You knew," Novatooth said, looking back at her sister. "You knew she was here, and you didn't..." She squeezed her eyes shut, trying not to face Amalthea. She remembered their final discussions, when she had left for the last time. Amalthea had never been a friend, but... Well. She had still cared. Until Sirius's safety was put at risk, of course.
They hadn't been raised the same. Amalthea's relationship with her family was nothing like the painful adoration Nova had for her own. One she would kill to keep.
"I'm sorry, your Majesty. This was not in our discussion." She glanced at Pleiades. You should have told me, she thought, facing her sister.
You would have left.
And maybe we should have!

[2023/01/18 05:03] justarandomkorean:

Amalthea stood there for a moment, an expression of indifference washing over her features. For half a moment she wanted to turn around and just walk out again. The title paired with her name still stung. It was from the Rain Kingdom now, surely, but all too much the same as hers in the Night Kingdom.

"I apologize," she said shortly, moving towards the two guests, as if she were about to join them, but sidestepped just in time to walk by, as if crossing an invisible line over to Queen Poinsettia's- not quite at her throne with Princess Luxurious- who she gave an almost curious glance towards, but clearly not with the two guests. Queen Poinsettia's red frills... Red was angry. Colors didn't mean too much on her though, didn't it? Angry at her? Or the two NightWings? Amalthea wasn't a child anymore, but she still feared the anger of those around her.

Words and thoughts bubbled in her mind, rampaging through her heart, tightening her chest and shaking it like a maraca. Thoughts that Amalthea couldn't bring herself to string together. Even with four people in the room... Four was too much. Four was... how many people were there when He was out. She opened her mouth, as if filling it with the venom of her RainWing friends, then shut it again wordlessly. "With permission... I'd like to hear." whatever is in the Night Kingdom. Stay on your side. There were far more words she wanted to speak, but to speak with her usual clipped sentences paired with the formalities she'd always insist to give Queen Poinsettia with so many people... Amalthea winced to herself, another shaky breath escaping her maw.

[2023/01/18 05:24] thegreatlagi:

Poinsettia seemed to cool off as Amalthea approached, her coloration paling across her secondary scales. A grim smile curled her lips as she tilted her head back towards Pleiades and Novatooth. "It seems as though you caught her attention like you wanted to. Tell us your story again from the beginning, and perhaps try not to drag another royal into your matters." It was quite likely. She knew Emperor was around somewhere- probably hidden in plain sight. She could ask, but surprises were best left hidden.

Luxurious gave Amalthea a knowing wink, then proceeded to mime a deep breath in and out. Just breathe, Amalthea. It wasn't like Queen Poinsettia couldn't just throw the guests out if they caused too many problems, but she imagined any sort of interaction between a banished Princess and her nobles would be dirty and full of unsaid snarls... especially if, from Novatooth's strange reaction, this was a meeting of two dragons already acquainted.

[2023/01/18 05:27] mysticborn:

Pleiades nodded, before quickly saying, "The dragon who destroyed the hatchery, a NightWing named Varian, did so to cover his tracks while he searched for the Staff of Skyblazer. He has it now, and it--" Pleiades winced as Novatooth's frustrated thoughts continued. "The Staff gives him animus magic without the supposed risk to his soul. He hid himself from the futures, from prophecies, all that. And he's planning something--something big."

Novatooth focused solely on her sister or Poinsettia, trying not to glance at Amalthea. But she did. Trying to hide her regret was difficult, though.
Amalthea was allowed to hate her. It didn't mean that she didn't wish things had ended differently. She wouldn't try and force the princess to accept any apology, but moons, she wished... At least then that weight would be lifted. Perhaps for both of them.

[2023/01/18 05:32] justarandomkorean:

Amalthea was staring directly at the younger NightWing, eyes and head so still that she might as well have been a statue. She might have been staring in the right direction, but she was almost staring past the younger NightWing. Refused to even allow the other NightWing beside her to enter her peripheral vision.

She's not mad at you, She's not mad at you. Amalthea's thoughts roared, trying to take the silent advice she'd received- breath. She almost couldn't- the tightness in her chest made her want to vomit her anger and her words onto the ground. But now she was listening clearer to the young NightWing... whoever had blown up the Hatchery, finally talons weren't being pointed at her. And a Staff? Planning something? Amalthea remained silent, eyes wide with the stress of the situation. She had only just found her peace her. Why did it always have to be like this? Could she never deserve... peace?

[2023/01/18 05:41] thegreatlagi:

"And do you know what this... planned thing is? Potential dates, a countdown until this doom? A solution on a faraway future? Or do you hope that by talking to the Queen's we'll somehow magically gain a resistance to animus magic?" Poinsettia had seen magic firsthand, how it destroyed a dragon until nothing was left- or perhaps formed a dragon into something new entirely. A fiery rebirth, a dangerous gamble. It could be used in so many ways. Her triumphs in expanding the Darsand tunnel was one of them, but two-way crossroads across mountains in an instant merely scratched the surface when it came to the unlimited ideas an animi could come up with.
Poinsettia could always ask Zinta to enchant the Kingdom with something... some sort of failsafe against this Varian dragon. But the toll would be immense... a fire hazard when it came to Zinta. Would it be worth it to burn a whole forest down just to save the embers?

[2023/01/18 14:17] mysticborn:

Pleiades frowned, tapping her claws. "We have time. Maybe two years, maybe less. Probably less than three, if I'm being honest. The problem with the futures is that they're fluid. I'm not asking you to suddenly gain a resistance to that, no."
This wasn't going as she had planned, and perhaps Pleiades should've expected this--she wanted to try and help, but this wasn't exactly a prophecy or vision in-time with a major event, like the war prophecy had been. That was given the day Perfidious died, when she was already sickly.
"But as far as I know, only myself and one other seer managed to find a loophole into Varian's futures, but even that's not set in stone. But I saw him steel the Staff--I watched him kill a dragon simply to obtain it. Every kingdom has to be prepared for the worst until we can figure out how to stop him."
Pleiades frowned. "He tore apart an already fragile kingdom for his own goals--he doesn't care what he has to do for things to go down his way. We've seen that much, haven't we?"

Novatooth relaxed, finally, as she focused on her little sister's speech. It wasn't ideal, but she was trying, and that was the most Nova could've asked of her.
At least it took her mind off of Amalthea, kept her gaze from drifting too much.
She had not been a great dragon back then, she knew that. But she and Amalthea clashed in ways she could've never expected. Sirius's safety being put at risk had been the last straw, but it hadn't been the first, either. And Nova knew it wasn't entirely Amalthea's fault. It couldn't have been--they had been dragonets in a kingdom holding its breath, both in a prophecy that, in the end, Novatooth supposed she had succeeded in. It had been her to speak Amalthea's words that started the war, even if her old employer had been the one to order them.
Could I have...? No. No, she couldn't have stopped it in its tracks. If it was not her, then someone else would've faced Supernova with the same declaration.
They had put dragonets into a war. Artessa hadn't turned 7 until partway through it, and Amalthea was... five? Newly-turned six?
They were dragonets. And they should have never known how to start a war.

[2023/01/18 15:00] thegreatlagi:

"A loophole?" Poinsettia asked. "And what would that be?" If there was any possibility that Dodona could figure it out, she'd need all the information to give.
Though a heavy feeling was beginning to take root in her chest. Perhaps Dodona already knew about Varian, at least through the ripples he caused in the future. The last time Poinsettia had visited them... they had spoken of a rot. Of some parasite, small enough to not be seen, but eating through the plant's roots. Rotting. Killing.

Luxurious rose from her small throne, sneaking behind the seats quietly. She stepped over hidden claws, touching the throne room's backdrop with a gentle wing, sending it into a loose shudder.
The dragoness made her way over to Amalthea, going around the long way to avoid Poinsettia's topic at hand. She settled closer to Amalthea, giving her a gentle look, before pressing into her side, wing partially over her shoulder. "Just keep breathing." She murmured, pale eyes moving to watch Novatooth curiously.

[2023/01/18 15:08] mysticborn:

"If you have a seer who can pick through the futures, the dragonet's name is Serket. She is housed by Varian, and while I cannot see the futures where they interact... Serket speaks to herself about him. She's a child, not that far from my own age," Pleiades said, nodding slowly. "I'm trying to find her, to reunite her with her mother. But right now she's the closest I can get to Varian."
He did not plan for that, Pleiades thought, nodding slowly. "But they have to be a seer who can search through the futures at will. Some seers can only see glimpses of the futures, they can't... they can't look down the paths, I suppose is how I'd word it. They can see the future, have visions and prophecies, but searching through the futures at will is harder. Training, power, I don't know."
Pleiades sighed, rolling her shoulders. "I fear you may be one of the easiest queens to prepare for this, your Majesty. And I thank you for that, even if the others aren't entirely at fault."

[2023/01/18 15:39] justarandomkorean:

Amalthea startled a little at the sudden contact, turning a little to look at Luxurious with an odd look in her eyes. She'd almost lost the end of the conversation already, the idea of another stupid conflict on the horizon making her feel sick to the depths of her stomach. Amalthea let out a shaky breath she didn't realize she'd been holding, looking away from her fixated on the ground behind the younger NightWing in front of Queen Poinsettia to glance at the dragon beside her.

She nodded a little stiffly, almost leaning into the physical contact. Amalthea was both afraid of and incredibly starved of touch... but she was okay. A year ago, anyone even getting close to her probably would've been bitten... maybe it was a testament she was getting better. Maybe she should've just stormed out. Refused to come in. Yet constantly running didn't suit her anymore.

[2023/01/18 16:41] thegreatlagi:

"I may have a potential prophet, though her range is limited." The name Serket. Perhaps SandWing lineage if going by the name. Another dragon for Dodona to look out for beyond that of Varian- who supposedly will not appear at all. The Queen wondered if any of their potted plants dawned Serket's name.
"What is Serket's mother's name? Perhaps my seer has it on hand." Dodona could see all the futures of a dragon, but only if she had their plant to trace. If she didn't have one to represent the missing dragonet, then perhaps she had her desperate mother. "My prophet is not far from here. They tend to their vision garden, but have not been specifically hired by me. She is a confusing dragon, and the way she manipulates the future is even more so... but she might have the ability to tread the grounds your dragon has hidden in."

[2023/01/19 02:54] mysticborn:

Pleiades paused for a moment, flicking through the futures as she tentatively said, "Parodia."
Perhaps, if she was lucky, the futures of Parodia and her many aliases could be obscured by a weaker seer, though she couldn't be certain. She could only make guesses.
At the very least, perhaps Poinsettia wouldn't mind a pirate that didn't often raid near the Rainforest. She didn't want to put the SandWing at risk.
"I'd warn them not to be startled if any attempts to seek Varian's futures end up... fuzzy. Foggy, almost. That's how it feels, and it can be scary at first." She felt Delphi's talons gripping her, his words of the webripper.

Novatooth raised her head once more, trying to catch sight of Amalthea. She didn't look long, trying to give her space. Curiosity, curiosity...
She seemed... better than Novatooth had expected. Not perfect, but better.
This is her place, then, Novatooth thought. Good. We all deserve some chance at peace.

[2023/01/19 05:02] justarandomkorean:

She lost track of the conversation. It had deviated long enough from Amalthea's initial interest in the Night Kingdom, and having to consider the end of the world, or whatever, wasn't exactly on her bucket list. Amalthea considered going to get some breadsticks later. Lunch? Whatever, she ate whenever she felt hungry now, or when she felt like she needed something to do. She wasn't used to having such a stable source of food since the war, and she ate as if afraid it would disappear.

Amalthea clearly was avoiding the older NightWing in front of her, refusing to regard them by any of their names or titles. What if they were spies from that bitc- she glanced to her side, at Luxurious, as if considering something about her for a moment. Probably not, huh. Doctor Silkworm told her paranoia would be normal for her. Now that she was thinking about it, Amalthea wondered where Trogon was, then if Emperor was in the room. She wondered when he'd be off duty. They could go eat together, then.

[2023/01/19 15:24] thegreatlagi:

"Serket and Parodia." Poinsettia glanced to Luxurious, and the young princess flicked her ears. She had heard- thankfully in case the Queen herself forgets the names. "Varian too. Perhaps if you want to extend this trip, you should see my prophet herself. I imagine your understanding of the future may prove to be beneficial when speaking to her."
Due to the way Dodona was raised, and her intense focus on her abilities, she was quite difficult to understand. Fog understood, but because they could literally peer into Dodona's mind. They could see the metaphors Dodona loved, but through the mind of the dragon who actually knew the connections.
"Additionally-" Whites and pale greens swirled across the Queen's scales, like serpents and blazing fire. "-While animus magic could theoretically conceal Varian in person, a description of him would be helpful when hunting for him."

[2023/01/19 16:33] mysticborn:

Pleiades perked up, nodding. "If she doesn't mind, I'd like to see her. Testing the waters, I suppose."
She thought back on Varian, settling down and sighing. "Varian is rather simple for a NightWing. Dark grey scales, near-white horns and spines... his eyes are a light blue, nearly white in color. I think he has some IceWing blood somewhere, some parts of him are so pale." Looking at Novatooth, Pleiades continued, "There's a slight blue cloud-like marking in his wings, though those aren't uncommon. Otherwise, he's rather unremarkable. Deathly intelligent, patient as the moons, but slight and unassuming for the most part."

[2023/01/19 18:19] thegreatlagi:

Not the greatest description, or at least there seemed to be nothing notable about the NightWing... but at least the prophet seemed interested in comparing notes with Dodona.
Poinsettia brought her wings in front of her, clasping her wing claws together as she gave Pleiades a curt nod. "Excellent. I can have a soldier take you to her soon." She nodded again, half to herself, before continuing. "So: A NightWing named Varian blew up the NightWing hatchery to cause a war so that he could get a staff possessing Animus magic without any obstacles, disappeared from all futures, has a dragonet named Serket under his influence that has a mother named Parodia looking for her, and Varian's plans will come to fruition in a couple years unless potentially stopped." Her wings unfolded, and she glanced sharply at Pleiades and Novatooth. "Your plan is to warn the Queens, and I imagine you had visions relating to Varian before he ever found the staff." She tilted her head. "Have you ever had any worded prophecies about him?"

[2023/04/02 23:32] mysticborn:

"I have, yes," Pleiades said, nodding slowly. "Alongside my cousin, Gloryteller. I think we sort of bounced off of each other. Queen Supernova was there when it happened, if you wish for an eyewitness report on it all."
Pleiades rubbed the bridge of her nose. Hearing Poinsettia say it all... it sounded mad. It all sounded mad.
She supposed she didn't have a choice but to endure that, though. Whether it sounded mad or not, it was real, and it was happening. And everyone was in danger. How far would Varian go? Just Pyrrhia, or...
Maybe Pantala's in danger, too.

[2023/04/05 19:03] thegreatlagi:

"Would you be able to recite this prophecy for me?" Poinsettia asked. If there was one regarding Varian, it needed to be said. If he was truly as dangerous as Pleaides spoke of, then any details helped greatly.
She partially wondered if Varian had made himself immune to another dragon's animus magic. Probably, if he had already concealed himself from a different magic's view. It would take a stronger animus to unravel it all, and Poinsettia didn't know if Zinta would be capable of it.
And who knew if tampering with magic reverberated the strings that threaded it all together. Like a spider attracted to a helpless fly in a web, she didn't want any ripples traveling back to Varian.

Poinsettia didn't realize she had bared her teeth until she noticed Luxurious looking her way, one brow raised curiously. She let her muscles unclench, and the Queen let out a great sigh. The great wall behind her rippled again, leaves rustling as the faint sound of windchimes rang outside.

[2023/04/05 19:11] thegreatlagi:

Luxurious gently bumped Amalthea's side again as she noticed the NightWing's glassy expression. She was no longer paying attention- trapped in a daydream designed to keep her save- most likely. She didn't like to peer into Amalthea's issues and her weekly trips to Silkworm's office, but it was hard to avoid it sometimes.
It made her feel guilty. It made her feel sad.
"Amal." She murmured, under the breeze and Poinsettia's voice. "You can leave the room if you need to." Flight or fight, one of the two. She knew of Amalthea's occassional hatred for the Night Kingdom, boiling under her skin on more... unstable nights. "Or you can dig your talons in and tell the stranger to back off. Or you can find peace. But it's up to you."

[2023/04/06 04:16] justarandomkorean:

Amalthea startled as a low voice snatched her out of her own thoughts, tearing her empty stare at the ground in front of the two visiting NightWings to look at Luxurious. An odd look crossed her eyes, as if considering something, trying to remember what it was that she had said. She glanced back at Queen Poinsettia for a split second, as if almost wondering what she'd think depending on her schoice.

She shrugged a little awkwardly as if not sure of the answer herself. "I don't wanna run," she muttered over her leaden lips which had sealed themselves after her first short sentences while entering the pavilion. Yet Amalthea didn't want to confront her past either- she would languish in her guilt and confess her sins of silence for her role in the war, yet feared meeting the people from her past the most. It was all too complicated, and Amalthea had let her own guard down... had she not deserved to find the peace that she had in the last few months?

[2023/05/06 23:27] mysticborn:

Pleiades paused and slowly nodded, looking back at Novatooth. Had she ever heard the prophecy before? Supernova had, and so had Gloryteller--though it was difficult to not hear it when you were one of the ones reciting it.
Pleiades sat straight, pulling the words of the vision to mind; she spoke with clear, false confidence, for even she didn't know the extent of this prophecy.
It centered the NightWings, that much was clear, but that was solely because Varian had attacked them first--it was solely because his attack on the hatchery hadn't been fully successful.
And he would have to content with that.
And so, Pleiades spoke:

Roll the bones and let them land.
Who will take the throne in the end?

The claws that tear the endless web
The wearer of many faces
He casts a veil over our eyes
His net would reach all places

A hollow queen made of ice
The crown a set of actor's jewels
Puppeteered by frozen winds
They'd be the ones who truly rule

A fiery queen lit by the sun
Whose talons reach beyond the stars
Youth and rage form unseen strength
Burning gates when days become hours

Or will the queen adorned with bones,
Who'd fight with tooth and claw and will,
Keep her grip upon the throne?
Will she keep her power still?

[2023/05/12 20:11] thegreatlagi:

"Interesting" Queen Poinsettia spoke slowly, trying to remember the words as Pleiades spoke them.
At the words "hollow queen made of ice", her mind swiftly flew to Queen Snowcap of the North. Her lips thinned as she thought over the words, before it slowly dawned on her that this was a NightWing prophecy.
It would be unlikely that IceWings could end up involved. Prophecies were tricky. Dodona was proof of that. The real truth would be much harder to reveal.
No instead, it should be read as a threat. Varian was the most obvious one to the Night Kingdom rule- as well as the rest of Pyrrhia- but the other two weren't as apparent. She did not have enough information to dissect the rest.
Poinsettia's gave traveled from the guests, and back down to Luxurious. The young dragon's eyes were narrowed, as though in concentration. Good. The more dragons who paid attention the better.
"How many other Queens have you told so far? I imagine Adriatia would like to hear of her acquaintance's plight. With frost mentioned, Snowcap would be a no brainer to meet with." Both were Queens that Poinsettia had little contact with. "I can only imagine 'lit by the sun' might have to do with the Sand Kingdom, making Queen Serengeti a worthy chat. Whilst Varian would be their primary issue, I imagine the other Queens might be able to discern some of the smaller facets of your prophecy."

[2023/05/13 01:48] mysticborn:

"I have only told Queen Supernova thus far," said Pleiades, pricking her ears slightly. "I have... a clear idea of three of the four mentioned so far, but prophecies can be fickle, and maybe the futures I see are unrelated. As of now, I have to wait and see. But the hollow queen..."
Pleiades sighed, rolling her shoulders. "Truthfully, only Varian and Supernova are set in stone. The future can shift and writhe and change things on a whim, which is why I'm trying to act quickly enough that it won't. Doesn't help that Varian's breaking the flow of visions. Makes it harder to narrow down where some of these dragons are or what their roles will be in the end."
Pleiades glanced at Novatooth, nodding slowly. "I plan to meet with the others, though I'm... not sure how easily it'll be convincing them of the prophecy's legitimacy. Or the danger Varian wields. He may not be a true animus, but he's deathly intelligent. Everything he's done thus far has been deliberate."

[2023/06/19 16:43] thegreatlagi:

"I'm sure you'd find a way." Poinsettia tilted her head slightly. "I'm quite good at telling what is and is not a lie. I'm sure the other Queens have their own ways as well." Fog was in the room, an absolute way to discern the truth. If Pleiades was trying to manipulate her in any way, they would have never made it to her throne.

And Trogon. Something about the wyrm proved similarly. Fog, Sumu, some of the other scientists... they say there is something in the depths of its mind- an enchantment to protect the forest- which allows it to sense danger. Some sort of instinct.
Having to pull stray scales out of his maw showed it was surely following that will.

"Well." Queen Poinsettia clapped her talons together. Luxurious looked her way. "If that is all the information you have, I may send you to Dodona. She may be of use to you." Which Queensguard did she have in the room right now? Perhaps Emperor would be up to showing Pleiades the way.

"And Lady Novatooth-" She glanced towards Amalthea. "If she permits it, I do not mind letting you two... reconnect in private."

[2023/06/19 18:31] mysticborn:

Novatooth flattened her ears, not meeting Poinsettia's eyes. "Only if Amalthea wishes. It's not my decision." She didn't want to look at Amalthea, at the dragonet she had abandoned. She had been one too, that was true, but... she was an elder sister, a protector, and she had left a dragon barely older than her own brother to fend for herself in a war.
"I'm not sure what I could say, anyway."

Pleiades glanced between the two, before turning back fully to Poinsettia with a quiet, "Thank you, your Majesty. I just hope they listen like you have."
There wasn't only good things in Poinsettia's future. There were terrible things, on so many paths. Good and bad branching out like a giant, endless tree.
Make the right choices, Poinsettia, Pleiades thought with a small sigh. I can't make them for you.

[2023/06/19 22:10] justarandomkorean:

Amalthea had long since drifted off into her thoughts, losing interest and busy trying to avoid falling into the pitfalls that were her past memories. When she tried to think about Novatooth then my mind naturally moved on to think about them, and that meant the War. Her fault, countless dead because-

She looked up from staring at her talons to Queen Poinsettia as if surprised by her words. A little betrayed maybe. Her first instinct told her- "No- I don't-" then Amalthea stopped a little, as if struggling to think. A whirlwind of thoughts shook her to her core, yet she couldn't bring the strength of tongue to say anything out loud. "I want someone with me," she mumbled awkwardly, only loud enough for Luxury and Queen Poinsettia to hear her. Emperor,or Luxurious. She didn't want to run, but she couldn't face much alone.

[2023/06/20 14:58] thegreatlagi:

There it was. The resolve to heal. To not run anymore. Poinsettia was proud of Amalthea for choosing the far more difficult choice.

"Prince Emperor." She called out. The leaves and vines behind her shook slightly, like wind, like an animal breathing. Poinsettia only knew where Trogon was blended in. She knew what Queensguard were here with her in the room, but they were swift and sneaky and didn't always stay in one place. "Please escort Princess Amalthea and Lady Novatooth to a private room and watch over them until they are finished."

Poinsettia glanced in a different direction. Along a thick branch sprawling throughout the pavilion's woven walls. There was someone positioned there, hidden like a jaguar stalking prey.

"Requiem." The gold dragon was posted today. She was a prodigy at camoflaguing herself, so it would prove impossible to find exactly where she stalked. Poinsettia felt she knew where Dodona stayed. She had taken her Queensguard there a few times. "Escort Lady Pleiades to Dodona's garden. See to it that she is not injured."

"And... Luxurious." She arched a brow at the black dragoness, who stared at her in response, as though waiting for something. "You wished to tell me something."

The black Rainwing glanced at Pleiades, just as a pale yellow RainWing materialized beside the young NightWing. Yes, the noble pair would soon be busy. There was time, a slim window of an opportunity. "Yes. It is urgent. But I will wait until our guests leave."

[2023/06/22 17:29] mysticborn:

Novatooth pricked her ears, though nodded as she stood. She hadn't expected Amalthea to actually agree. She wouldn't have blamed her if she hadn't.
Their short-lived friendship had ended because of both of them. Novatooth wasn't patient enough, and Amalthea wasn't considerate enough. But they had both grown so, so much. Amalthea actually looked... happier, Novatooth supposed. Not by much, not right now, but her scales seemed brighter, her eyes a bit less tired. She spoke more than she had before.
You've become what you needed to be, Novatooth thought.

Pleiades stood as well, giving Poinsettia a small, respectful bow. Even if the RainWing queen wasn't her monarch, she had been kind and patient enough, even when Pleiades and Novatooth were... difficult, Pleia supposed. Novatooth had much to contend with, as did Pleiades.
With luck, Dodona could have more information. If anything, perhaps an idea of what the future held outside of Varian. Far more forces were threatening Pyrrhia right now, and Varian's rise was the catalyst for others to test their luck.
Pyrrhia was facing an all-out war, and Pantala, too, if Pleiades wasn't careful.

[2023/06/22 22:47] justarandomkorean:

Emperor suddenly materialized out of seemingly nowhere, surprisingly closer to Amalthea than he had been to Queen Poinsettia. Amalthea didn't startle at his sudden appearance, looking at him with an odd expression in her eyes that Emperor couldn't interpret. He hadn't seen her quite this way before, and it upset him to a degree. He had heard everything so far, and even though Amalthea had never spoken to him about her past- that was reserved for Doctor Worm- but it still hurt him when Amalthea was upset.

Amalthea stared at him for a moment, locking eyes as if hoping he could read her mind, then turned away to glance at Novatooth. "Go," she muttered under her breath, and Emperor's secondary scales flickered a happy yellow.

"Come this way," Emperor said brightly, turning toward Novatooth as he walked out of the room, Amalthea so closely behind the RainWing prince that she was about to trip on his tail. "You made a good choice," he whispered to Amalthea, who grunted in response.

[2023/06/23 17:29] thegreatlagi:

"Lady Pleaides, I can show you the way." The golden Queensguard spoke quietly. She gestured to the entrance of the throne room, before moving that way. "Follow me."

Poinsettia watched as Requiem vanished through the doors, most likely waiting in the aviary or beyond. Perhaps she should wish Pleiades luck? The Queensguard were fast... hopefully she wouldn't fly too quickly and leave the poor NightWing dragonet behind.
"Before you leave, Pleaides," Queen Poinsettia said instead. "Know that your journey is going to be arduous and difficult, but I have a feeling that you will come out unscathed in the end. I give you my support. You are welcome beneath the canopies of the Rain Kingdom now and forever, and the grand serpent shall watch over you in protection." A sign of luck the historians theorized. Pleiades needed it. "Once this is all over, you are free to return whenever. I may even offer you a job, should you crave to put your roots down once you're older. My Kingdom is a peaceful place. Perhaps you would enjoy it."

She nodded once more. A finality. Before her attention moved away, to Prince Emperor and Amalthea as they moved away. Somewhere quiet... somewhere safe for a dangerous discussion.

"Princess Luxurious. To me."

"This is the silliest role-play..." The black dragon stood up straight, resembling royalty. She bowed once, before stepping back up towards Poinsettia and her throne. "Yes?" Her scales fluttered an array of emotions. Annoyance. Pride. A flash of white like a flittering apparition at the edge of a vision. It didn't seem to be fear.

"You wished to tell me something."

[2023/06/23 23:13] mysticborn:

Pleiades paused, looking back at Poinsettia. Even now, even with her kind words and her assurances, Pleiades saw... too many paths to be sure of the future. Too many, and if she spoke up about them, they would be thrust even closer.
So she simply nodded with a quiet, "I will consider it. Thank you, your Majesty." She watched as her older sister followed the Prince and Amalthea, felt the unblocked minds of the civilians surrounding the city as they pricked at her own thoughts.
The Rainforest was the safest of them all, so far.
But how long would that last?

[2023/06/24 01:13] thegreatlagi:

"Indeed..." Luxurious said slowly, carefully, as Lady Pleiades finally left the room. She listened, both with her ears and her mind, until the NightWing was finally gone from their range. Chasing a Queensguard. A destiny branded on her.

Silence filled the building, all aside from the thrum of Trogon beyond the throne. A thousand leaves rustling as the giant beast stretched in its sleep. Peaceful. As smooth and unblemished as a tapestry. An unnoticeable backdrop, as large as a wall, woven through the great trunks of the trees that made up the old village pavillion.
All seeing... at least when he was awake.

"Whilst bringing them to you, I noticed something particular within the recent memories of the nobles." Luxurious spoke, scales poofing up similarly to feathers as the black coloration poured off of the dragon like viscous paint.

"And what is that, Fog?"

White scales took the place of the Princess. The AllWing stretched her frill, as though squeezing the color out of them. "Your friend. Lightseeker. The one you once told me about. The name and colors were similar. Everything was familiar." They paused, staring straight into the eyes of the Queen. "Lady Pleiades and Novatooth did not trek their way here by themselves. No. They took the Black Plague."

Poinsettia grew still at the words, before a fiery determination lit her eyes. I see. The words were as loud as ever, even whilst the Queen's teeth clenched together.

"We must leave now, if you wish to catch her."

[Finish]