DESOLATION COMES UPON THE SKY - Yael, Rhy, Camrynn, Pevensie.

[Scorch]

WATCH THE FLAMES CLIMB HIGH INTO THE NIGHT

Camrynn approaches first, larger than she was, and with a new tattoo, too. Suspicion rises from within Scorch the moment she realizes what the tattoos are; Desert heirlooms. While this certainly is magnificent, it is no Jungle flower. It is no Sun and Moon, it is no Universe. Scorch’s eyes narrow, the different emotions within her colliding. Cammie is like a daughter to her, and yet… Well, Scorch may not be a mind reader, but if the new Deserts Queen hasn’t revealed her tattoos yet, then perhaps she never will.

The young girl begins murmuring to Scorch, eyes downcast. Scorch gazes down at her cryptically, eyes a cool steel-blue. She keeps her lips pressed firmly together, forcing the girl to pause awkwardly and continue on when Scorch has nothing to say. Cammie speaks like a true child, one that everyone could love: except Scorch. Scorch has raised five children, and each of them have been nothing like this. Something is dreadfully wrong here; unfortunately, she only begins realizing it now.

”We will see whether or not you did right.” Her voice is even, if not spoken through clenched jaws. Yael speaks quietly to the group before stepping back, ever the voice of reason. A pity, Scorch could have used someone to criticize Cammie with. Alas, she manages to speak a few easy words to the woman, a woman whom she might almost call friend. ”Thank you, Yael. I hope that we will have dealings together in the future.”

Before Scorch manages to say the rest of the phrase (“you are a fair soul,” that is), the second Queen arrives. Anger stabs in Scorch’s stomach; to think that if Cammie takes one false step, that the Deserts will be ruled by two traitors, and surely their good graces shall never again exist in Scorch’s era. But let us not think of such things for the moment; Pevensie is speaking.

”As I have just said, the Jungle wishes to continue our alliance. We’ve had each other’s backs for thirteen years now.” Thirteen years, a third of her entire life. Her teeth grind together; it would be horrendous to break such an alliance now. She glances to Rhy before continuing in a hard voice. ”But I think it crucial that our kingdoms be sister-kingdoms. Then, and only then, will Cammie be allowed to keep her both of her oathes.” A very poorly mocked look of shock comes over her. ”Oh, I’m sorry if she has not told you yet, but Cammie here has more than one tattoo to show off.” Her voice is slightly bitter, but then again, she has every damn right to be.

Rolling her powerful shoulders, Scorch glances between Queen, Guardian, and Queen. ”If you choose to forsake the Amazon’s offer – for we are in complete unison to ally with you instead of the Valley – then Cammie will lose her tattoos, and the Deserts will be ruled by two turn-cloaks.” Instead of explaining the implications of such a situation, Scorch allows them all to fidget in their skin and think up an answer. For now, she stands at her full height, posture flawless, jaw tight, eyes hard. This is the way of Amazons – at least, this is the way of Queens. Or at least, this is the way of ancient Queen Echion and her vast progeny.

Scorch

Khaleesi of the Amazon Jungle