saw the fault line; started panicking (anyone)

[Lepis]

"If you'd show me that," I reply, "I could tell you a little more about my gift. Show you, if you'd like." I watch him carefully at that, knowing that the only emotion he is sure I can manipulate is fear. According to rumors, the last queen of my forest had also been able to elicit fear. I wonder how good she had been at it, and how useful it was when it came to controlling monsters.

Not the best, I have begun to suspect, or she would still be queen. Or perhaps she was simply weaker than I am. I might never know.

"I've heard one of the mountain queens can manipulate dreams." I add, glancing over at the sunlit treetops as though my statement was just a bit of Meadow gossip. "Is she as good as you are?" My blue-grey eyes meet his, and there is a spark of playfulness in them that hadn't been present before. His lowered voice and step closer have given our conversation a secretive nature, and I am not one to lose such an advantage.

"I can project any emotion," I add, sharing more than I'd said I would. Not waiting for payment first can be precarious, but I have had years practice in deal-making, and know that the best rewards come with risk.


@[Abysm] pfft no worries! i always love any words from you <3