07-05-2016, 09:40 PM
I was in the darkness; so the darkness I became.
Beqanna was brewing. Like a storm that gathered on the horizon, so too did the clouds gather over their isolated little world. It was a subtle thing, easily missed by those wrapped up in the more mundane ways of life. But for those living in and amongst the kingdoms, it was felt. It was something in the way the winds blew; something in the way the seasons changed slowly. Whether it was something to be concerned about or something to blow off, well that remained to be seen. The only option left to them was to prepare and hope that such preparations were unnecessary. But the clouds were building, rolling and moving towards them ever so slowly. It would not do to be caught unawares.
A low rumble of thunder broke the quiet reverie of the Valley. It held within it the promise of a great storm, but only if all of the conditions were just so. With a small frown towards the sky, Topsail shifted forms. As she shed the leathery skin and fierce teeth, they were replaced with mousey fur and softened features. When the transformation was complete she stood before them a mare, just barely so. Her face was youthful, the lines of her body sleek; but her eyes were hardened with resolve. The time for action was surely nearing, and Topsail fully intended to have all of her ducks lined up in a proverbial row.
They made a strange trio; the magma king of the Chamber, who was tampered by the ice king of the Tundra and her own unusual, terrifying appearance. They were like some strange, unearthly force, and only God knows why they stood together so calmly. But they did, even as the clouds tingled with electricity. The wolves winding at her ankles raised their hackles along their spines, lips peeled back over yellowed teeth. She hushed them though, and with simpering whines they backed into the foliage, including the one who had been held by Killdare’s smoke serpent. “Offspring, it is a pleasure. Shame I can’t say the same about Killdare’s presence.” she teased, her words easy. Killdare‘s next words made her smirk, but she ignored him. He couldn‘t take all of the credit for what she had become; the Valley had its own powerful hand in that bit. “I agree. This is far overdue.” Her voice became more brisk, and her eyes flashed in a reptilian way. “There are rumors…none substantiated though. Beqanna is stirring again. Something is lurking out there, just over the horizon and out of view.” She had heard snippets of the Gates being overtaken, but knew nothing beyond that point. There was also a rumor of the Tundra becoming more like a conventional kingdom. If that were true, Topsail was certain she wanted them on her kingdoms side should all hell break loose.
Topsail
raptor Queen of the Valley