03-11-2016, 09:07 PM
And what's the worst you take from every heart you break? And like
the blade you stain, well, I've been holding on tonight.
The shadow child remains mostly ignorant of the ongoing war around him. He has long retreated deep into the neutral zone of the forest when the mere inklings of unrest between the gates and the chamber began to brew. The chamber’s tall pine trees had grown on him yet there was nobody there to keep his fickle attentions. Engelfors had disappeared into the shadows, much like Micahelis does himself at times, and he had moved on from the kingdom after a very brief stay within her shadowy embrace.
Instead, he had found refuge within the branches of Beqanna’s newest forest. He was a native meadow-dweller, but this place has swiftly become his favorite. The thick canopy overhead provided relief for his light-sensitive eyes and he could wander freely through even the early afternoon when the sun sat at its highest peak. Essentially, this land was the perfect environment for the shadow child.
He’s learned that many do not venture too far into the trees. If he were to find any interesting pieces for his hoard, he must travel closer to the border of forest and meadow. Michaelis found that he was always searching; those who were powerful, those who were confident in themselves, those who were ambitious. He found many attributes to be attractive enough to be placed within his hoard of shiny things.
Even though he hasn’t seen some of the people he considers to be his, they still remained in the forefront of his mind. Makai, Sable, Lujza, Wayra, Nebibi – just a few of those he held precious. But his nest was empty of those who were here and now and he longed to fill these open spaces. The shadow child dearly wished to do so for he grew weary of just the shadow-tendrils to keep him company.
As he grew closer to the border, those same tendrils vied for his attention, attempting to draw him back deeper within the forest and away from any possible distractions. They were jealous things – demanding that only they could hold his affections. Wispy and waving, they twirled about his body and face, always attempting to hide him from others if he would allow it. But he enjoyed company and would not be discouraged in his hunt.
( The Shadow Child )