The quests are one of the few things her ravens cannot see. She knows of them, certainly. They ravens tell her something strange is happening, but they cannot see past the magic that surrounds the place. So rarely are horses actually sent on a quest inside Beqanna. Those she thinks she might be able to see. But not Nerissa. Not the horrors and the melting plastic and the screaming children. She has no idea what’s happened to Shaytan, to Erebor, to all those strangely colored horses. All she knows is something happened, and it made her son stronger. For which she is pleased for him, and for the Chamber.
Straia notices the way the girl steps away from Shaytan rather easily, heading toward Straia. Who, herself, is not exactly motherly. She’s not likely to kick the child and all, but she doesn’t hug or tell her child how much she loves him. He knows, and that is enough. They don’t need to waste time with words that are far less meaningful than actions. She would die for her son in the same way she would die for the Chamber (in part, because those things would be one in the same, given how he serves this kingdom). That is more than words can mean.
Poor child. This is no loving home. Though Engelsfors had one on the way. Maybe soon there’d be someone to help socialize Sayaa, another child to give her something to do. Soon enough, she wouldn’t be tethered to her mother for food. Soon enough, she’d be eating all on her own. And Straia doubts that Shaytan means badly, but rather, simply doesn’t know. After all, had anyone cared for Shaytan?
Even Straia had once had a mother that told her bedtime stories.
The girl goes back to eating, taking Straia’s words to heart. Straia turns her attention back to Shaytan, who’s asking for something to do. There is only one thing to do, really, though there are many ways to go about it. “Serve the Chamber,” she says simply. It is, on the surface, not a very complicated request. But of course, to truly serve the Chamber means to give everything. A heart. A soul. A life.
“If you are unsure where to start in that task, shadow Engelsfors. She’s got a pretty little tongue, and I imagine she can teach you something about being a diplomat. Or Warship, who will never manage to teach you anything remotely diplomatic, but he’ll teach you how to kick really well. That might be more up your alley. Shadow Warship. Help him where he needs it.” A squire for her General. She supposed it was only fitting. Warship was quickly proving that he wanted that title again.
“And take care of your girl. She is the future of the Chamber as much as Erebor.” Yes, she just called the girl a princess. Sort of. Equated her to royalty, anyway. It’s close enough, like semi-adopting the child. But wouldn’t they be raising to together, anyway? Shaytan certainly wouldn’t be doing it alone. And then she adds, a bit more quietly than her usual tone. “It is good to have you back, Shaytan.”
straia
the raven queen of the chamber