Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there...
dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before...
Loving with a love that was more than love
- Edgar Allen Poe
She takes a deep breath closing her eyes allowing the salty wind whip across her face. This is it, this is the day that her mother would be proud of, if she could be present for it. Hestia had hoped that Isobell would at least be able to make it one last time for this meeting; making this shift of power smooth. It seems however that the ex-queen had taken off right after telling Hestia that she would be taking the young woman’s place. Honestly Hestia had been utterly shocked, there wasn’t a day in her life that she had even dared to think she would ever achieve this status in any kingdom, much less the one founded by the Amazonian kingdom of her birth. Letting the breath out, she turns her back towards the ocean and raises her head in order to trumpet the strongest call her lyrical voice can manage. The declaration of her voice is picked up by the winds carrying it across the land of Nerine.
She waits knowing the females and males of the kingdom will come crawling out of their cozy homes for this. It’s an urge that most can’t resist. They must know what is happening to their lands, even those who prefer to keep to themselves have a tendency to be tickled with curiosity when a shift in power occurs. The black hag has watched enough shifts of power to know how this goes. Promises of change, hope that things will be better with the new ruler, fear that the ruler will fail. Annoyance that the previous leader is gone; be it because of loss of familiarity, loss of peace in the land; or loss of strength. Whatever one leader brings another will not be the same. Speeches of how honored they are to be receiving this position. It’s a whirlwind of change and emotions that many grow tired and bored of. How much time has passed since the creation of Nerine? How many rulers has already ghosted through? Could this kingdom really be called stable at this time? Only the people could decide that.
Hestia can’t say that she has stars in her eyes, or big ideas of how she’s going to make these horses into something more. Being something more than they are is going to take all of their efforts. Not just her. So what business does she have ruling? Well its really quite simple, as a leader the only goal she has is to inspire them to want to be more than they are. Its not a want as in, by magic things get better, but she is going to try to plant that desire in them to put in the effort to make things better. It doesn’t sound like much, but its all she can do in this magic-less land. She can’t bring back the glory of the Amazons, but they can still be the loved/feared warriors who think and act as one unit. In fact they may become more true in their commitment than her old sisters because these ones must toil and strive for what they desire.
The wind picks up her forelock covering one of the leafy colored eyes. Finally, when the majority of the residents are present. She takes one more moment of silence waiting for any chatter to die down, and their attention to be centered on the task at hand. Welcome and thank you for coming , she attempts to lock eyes with each horse. She may not be smiling, but her greeting isn’t cold or filled with the typical venom she is accustomed to using when addressing others. These are not strangers, these are the people that she will care for to the point of giving the little of her life that remains for them. Our beloved queen Isobell has left; but before she did she asked me to take her place. She pauses taking a breath, there it’s out, some probably have already heard rumors about this. Others it may be a shock. Giving them a moment to absorb she continues There was a time I would have only addressed the sisters of the land. Men had only been a means to an end. Today would have been one of rituals and celebrations, Beqanna would have been present and mingling amongst us. Unbreakable bonds of unity would have been formed. We would have thought as a single organism, sensing the land, the land sensing us. Communion between all living things would have been ours for the taking. Beqanna would have branded us with her favor. Times have changed however, and this is not the Jungle, you are not the sisters of old, Beqanna will not take form and join us this day. She pauses once more letting her words sink into each of their minds. The scars left behind from the day that the vines and the red rose had been ripped from her right foreleg and chest. Beqanna had destroyed the Jungle that day along with the connection the sisters had held with it, and torn their spirit animals from their souls. These scars are her only reminder that, that world had ever existed. As much as it saddens her, as much as she wishes Beqanna would take shape and bless them with her presence, Hestia knows that this will not be. She had already been to the mountain in attempt to bring something… anything back from the days of old. But Beqanna determined them not worthy. This is probably a more painful topic for her then most of the soul’s present. She can’t let them believe that they are anywhere close to being the kingdom they used to be, because apathy has a habit of breeding when comfort is all there is.
When she believes that they have had sufficient time to consider her words and the reality of who they are not to sink in, she continues. She holds her head a little higher looking from one horse to another before stepping forward. Moving among them she extends her nose to each individual, looking into their eyes as she exchanges air and touch, familiarizing herself with their scents. Yet another thing she must sacrifice for the kingdom. She has never liked touching others, but today they must realize that this is the only way they can connect with one another. This will be how they can heal from their losses. As she continues to meander through the kingdoms horses her voice grows stronger with the conviction she holds in her soul. What you are, is stronger, kinder, more understanding. You survived a dying world. You banded together and took in those that had lost their homes. The sisters lost their way and became dependent on those gifts Beqanna bestowed. You don’t need those gifts to be the warriors I know you can be. To love and protect the land, and love and protect each other. I am not going to make you try to be who they were, I am going to try and show you who you can be. She halts when she gets to the last individual, startling herself with how open she is being. She schools her features before the moment can be noticed; they just wouldn't understand. Walter is most likely the only one that knows how much pain she experiences in expressing her thoughts and allowing the physical touch to her skin. It is almost enough to make her shy away from the responsibility that has been placed on her. If you are looking for promises and hope, I’m not the one to ask for that. It’s up to each one of you to unite and work for the power I know you are capable of. She quiets her voice, I’m just here to show you the way. She stops, allowing an opening for anyone to speak who wished to. She holds no malice towards them, but she knows they are capable of being much more than what they are. The old hag finds herself determined to bring it out of them. When all quiets and they are ready to move on to business she begins again giving them things to do that may help the kingdoms stability.
There are many positions open, and I do hope they will be filled rather quickly. As usual recruiting is open for anyone to take part in and is always encouraged. Anyone wanting to accompany me to the other kingdoms is welcome to volunteer. If there is a particular kingdom you would prefer to accompany me to please let me know, otherwise I will be dividing volunteers into groups. She stops allowing them to question, volunteer or whatnot. When things on that front are wrapped up she gives them their next option, The fighting pen is open to all the kingdom, warrior training takes place there, and if you choose to be a part of it you are declaring yourself open to partner up in mock battles, and available for friendly challenges. She hopes it makes sense and once more quiets to allow those who desire to be a part of this to speak up. And any questions they may have to be asked.
She waits knowing the females and males of the kingdom will come crawling out of their cozy homes for this. It’s an urge that most can’t resist. They must know what is happening to their lands, even those who prefer to keep to themselves have a tendency to be tickled with curiosity when a shift in power occurs. The black hag has watched enough shifts of power to know how this goes. Promises of change, hope that things will be better with the new ruler, fear that the ruler will fail. Annoyance that the previous leader is gone; be it because of loss of familiarity, loss of peace in the land; or loss of strength. Whatever one leader brings another will not be the same. Speeches of how honored they are to be receiving this position. It’s a whirlwind of change and emotions that many grow tired and bored of. How much time has passed since the creation of Nerine? How many rulers has already ghosted through? Could this kingdom really be called stable at this time? Only the people could decide that.
Hestia can’t say that she has stars in her eyes, or big ideas of how she’s going to make these horses into something more. Being something more than they are is going to take all of their efforts. Not just her. So what business does she have ruling? Well its really quite simple, as a leader the only goal she has is to inspire them to want to be more than they are. Its not a want as in, by magic things get better, but she is going to try to plant that desire in them to put in the effort to make things better. It doesn’t sound like much, but its all she can do in this magic-less land. She can’t bring back the glory of the Amazons, but they can still be the loved/feared warriors who think and act as one unit. In fact they may become more true in their commitment than her old sisters because these ones must toil and strive for what they desire.
The wind picks up her forelock covering one of the leafy colored eyes. Finally, when the majority of the residents are present. She takes one more moment of silence waiting for any chatter to die down, and their attention to be centered on the task at hand. Welcome and thank you for coming , she attempts to lock eyes with each horse. She may not be smiling, but her greeting isn’t cold or filled with the typical venom she is accustomed to using when addressing others. These are not strangers, these are the people that she will care for to the point of giving the little of her life that remains for them. Our beloved queen Isobell has left; but before she did she asked me to take her place. She pauses taking a breath, there it’s out, some probably have already heard rumors about this. Others it may be a shock. Giving them a moment to absorb she continues There was a time I would have only addressed the sisters of the land. Men had only been a means to an end. Today would have been one of rituals and celebrations, Beqanna would have been present and mingling amongst us. Unbreakable bonds of unity would have been formed. We would have thought as a single organism, sensing the land, the land sensing us. Communion between all living things would have been ours for the taking. Beqanna would have branded us with her favor. Times have changed however, and this is not the Jungle, you are not the sisters of old, Beqanna will not take form and join us this day. She pauses once more letting her words sink into each of their minds. The scars left behind from the day that the vines and the red rose had been ripped from her right foreleg and chest. Beqanna had destroyed the Jungle that day along with the connection the sisters had held with it, and torn their spirit animals from their souls. These scars are her only reminder that, that world had ever existed. As much as it saddens her, as much as she wishes Beqanna would take shape and bless them with her presence, Hestia knows that this will not be. She had already been to the mountain in attempt to bring something… anything back from the days of old. But Beqanna determined them not worthy. This is probably a more painful topic for her then most of the soul’s present. She can’t let them believe that they are anywhere close to being the kingdom they used to be, because apathy has a habit of breeding when comfort is all there is.
When she believes that they have had sufficient time to consider her words and the reality of who they are not to sink in, she continues. She holds her head a little higher looking from one horse to another before stepping forward. Moving among them she extends her nose to each individual, looking into their eyes as she exchanges air and touch, familiarizing herself with their scents. Yet another thing she must sacrifice for the kingdom. She has never liked touching others, but today they must realize that this is the only way they can connect with one another. This will be how they can heal from their losses. As she continues to meander through the kingdoms horses her voice grows stronger with the conviction she holds in her soul. What you are, is stronger, kinder, more understanding. You survived a dying world. You banded together and took in those that had lost their homes. The sisters lost their way and became dependent on those gifts Beqanna bestowed. You don’t need those gifts to be the warriors I know you can be. To love and protect the land, and love and protect each other. I am not going to make you try to be who they were, I am going to try and show you who you can be. She halts when she gets to the last individual, startling herself with how open she is being. She schools her features before the moment can be noticed; they just wouldn't understand. Walter is most likely the only one that knows how much pain she experiences in expressing her thoughts and allowing the physical touch to her skin. It is almost enough to make her shy away from the responsibility that has been placed on her. If you are looking for promises and hope, I’m not the one to ask for that. It’s up to each one of you to unite and work for the power I know you are capable of. She quiets her voice, I’m just here to show you the way. She stops, allowing an opening for anyone to speak who wished to. She holds no malice towards them, but she knows they are capable of being much more than what they are. The old hag finds herself determined to bring it out of them. When all quiets and they are ready to move on to business she begins again giving them things to do that may help the kingdoms stability.
There are many positions open, and I do hope they will be filled rather quickly. As usual recruiting is open for anyone to take part in and is always encouraged. Anyone wanting to accompany me to the other kingdoms is welcome to volunteer. If there is a particular kingdom you would prefer to accompany me to please let me know, otherwise I will be dividing volunteers into groups. She stops allowing them to question, volunteer or whatnot. When things on that front are wrapped up she gives them their next option, The fighting pen is open to all the kingdom, warrior training takes place there, and if you choose to be a part of it you are declaring yourself open to partner up in mock battles, and available for friendly challenges. She hopes it makes sense and once more quiets to allow those who desire to be a part of this to speak up. And any questions they may have to be asked.
Hestia
OOC:
Okay so basically fighting pen is open for anyone wanting to mock and or challenge one another within the kingdom and with any allies that wish to participate. This does give promotion points as a regular mock/challenge would. Random training sessions may be announced, and anyone in the fighting pen will be automatically entered, if you wish to withdraw/enter/away status PM me.
Going to be posting threads to try and gain allies in other kingdoms after the current quest is finished. Let me know if you would like to be a part of this and list the kingdom you would like to help with.
Also as is now required we need a champion, anyone wishing to throw their hat in the ring include it in an OOC note at the end of your reply.
thanx lovelies! <3 let me know if you have any questions.
![[Image: 345k45w.jpg]](http://i65.tinypic.com/345k45w.jpg)