KINGDOM MEETING

[Hestia]

First comes Scorch they exchange their acknowledgements then one by one they come, they answer her and appear as summoned. Hestia hates that word though, summoned, it sounds so demanding and not at all what the tone of her call is. She gives them a chance to come to her, to be gathered and become a part of their kingdom. Her eyes linger on Porcia for a moment. Shit, the black hag had forgotten to tell her about her position here. She is to focused on the young mare to notice that Djinni is behind her until the rose gold has moved to cluster in with Walter; to whom Hestia nods in return, grateful for the moment to anchor herself. She nods to the Mage and ex-queen as well in turn respecting their space as much as they respect hers. This anchors her so that she doesn’t explode and bite someone as she still broils over at excessive contact with others.

Finally, she begins, the turnout is surprising even for her. She’d hoped for more than last time but this… this has her head swimming. She talks as she is supposed to, does what she needs to do, and pauses patiently giving everyone equal opportunity to put their two cents in. Most things are a blur for her, until they get to the serious business. Starlin, a mare she’s yet to know personally steps forward with a concern that Hestia knows is coming. This adjustment won’t be easy, and she isn’t going to yank them completely out of their traditions in one go, but she doesn’t need to explain this to them. Her green eyes watch the female steadily, slow to begin speaking, but not hesitant as Hestia already knows how she will reply. Having already considered these implications. Hestia doesn’t smile, but her words are not callous either. Her voice steady and authoritative in its nuances she replies. I am choosing a filly as there are no males born of Nerine’s blood that I know of. She pauses for a second, thinking of her attempt to bring Castile back into Nerine, and his adamant denial of coming home. In dry humor she tacks on to alleviate any stress they may feel, Besides there are some habits even I cannot break. She doesn’t mean for them to take the last bit seriously, but she still doesn’t smile.

They eventually move on to other equally important topics. She nods to the child volunteer with a softer look in her eye than she normally offers in thanks to her willingness to follow the footsteps of her peer. Brennen and Ischia spark up a debate, something she’d been expecting. It’s a controversial topic, and Hestia respects all their opinions. She listens closely not disregarding anything they say. She may not be able to explain outright exactly what her plans are and honestly, she wouldn’t even if she could. To do that would make her a weak queen, something that she will never be. Her green eyes thank Walter for his support, even amidst the turmoil that he could have easily, and understandably succumbed to. He doesn’t though, and it gives her confidence in Nerine to know that they stand a chance of working as one even in their disagreements. Nayl and Sloene seem to have a strong difference of opinion and Hestia doesn’t step in. She will let them work it out on their own. It’s not her place to mediate everything they do. They must learn to work together.

The black mare listens as many step forward proposing why they should be allowed in the new ranks. The first one receives a menacing grin her flames licking at her sides, her eyes burning with the flame that can so easily consume her. Hestia, allow me, Oblivion pleads in her mind. I can teach her what fear is. The queen is tempted for a moment, you know no fear because you’ve not encountered anything worthy to be afraid of. The black mare states aloud. Everyone is afraid of something, no soul is without fear, it’s an impossibility. And where would honesty get you in this trade? Hestia isn’t mean in her statements she steps close to the mare that is so brazen in her words boasting of things that cannot be. Maybe she would be useful. The smell of singed hair coats her nostrils. It is not her decision, and with a quirk of her head the flames fall as ash around her body left untouched in the heat. While others continue asking to be apart of this new group she looks to Djinni. Noting the mares look. Her own lip twitches at the corner before they break their gazes looking to the crowd once more. She knows the plan, rumors will abound about this in the other lands, but it means nothing as no one, not even Hestia will know who becomes apart of the elite band. The black mare does not wish to know, it is dangerous knowledge to have, even for a queen. Trusting a magician with it is the wisest thing. Even if it goes against everything inside her to entrust that much power to an individual who’s outright told her, she has no loyalty to Nerine or Hestia. Still if she were to be brought down by anyone, she couldn’t imagine a better opponent.

She notices some that are silent in the back. She tries her best to remember all who are present. Some are missing whom she’d hoped would be there, others who are present she doesn’t know on a personal level and decides to seek them out later to become better acquainted. Everything no matter or small or against her own opinions they are she takes to heart. This meeting has left much for her to think on. Much to decide and weigh. It would be curious to see if Sloene and Nayl could work out their differences or how Lewana would react to the words she’d spoken. The kingdom is growing and their relationships need to grow along with that. All Hestia can do is what she thinks is right for the people of Nerine, and work from there. She still hopes that a few more she knows lurk the kingdom will show.

HESTIA

The devil whispered in my ear, you’ll never survive the storm
I whispered back, I am the storm