She's got the devil's eyes

The last several weeks had been very busy ones for her. Ones in which she carefully sifted through the information she had been gathering, placed well chosen words in subtly bent ears, and set chips in place that required only one small tip of the domino to go toppling into position. Of course, any number of those things could so easily go askew. Indeed, there were already changes happening that she hadn’t anticipated.

But she is nothing if not patient and meticulous. In the end, it would hardly matter.

She wonders if Aten believes she had forgotten him. Perhaps it would feel as such to the red stallion, but oh, she most certainly had not. Unfortunately her position in the matter had required careful precision rather than heedless charging into the fray. When she comes to him, it is with plans set already in motion. Plans that would ultimately pave the way to both of their desired end goals.

Though her and Aten are virtual strangers still, she had done her homework before placing any amount of trust in him. Certainly there are any number of horses that might have worked just as well, but he has a rather uncommon sort of common sense. And that, as far as she is concerned, is invaluable. So she trusts, that when she finally seeks him out, he would lend a much more perceptive and understanding ear than most.

After all, he had made the decision to step aside in favor of battle, knowing he was likely outmatched. And she has no doubt that patience would pay off, in the end.

He is easy enough to find for a woman of her abilities, and she is patient enough to wait until the timing is convenient. But when she finally does approach, there is purpose in her stride and a subtle gleam in her eye that contrasts quite sharply with the rather cheerful morning sunlight. “Good morning, Aten,” she greets pleasantly. “Let’s take a walk, shall we?”

and they'll cut you like a weapon

She's got the devil's eyes

She is met by a friendly greeting, allaying any doubts she might have had (though it’s true if she does have them, they are never acknowledged). Still, she might have explained the situation to him sooner. Foolishly however, she had held out hope that her grandson and his consort’s motives were as pure as they claimed. She should know better than that, but she is, regrettably, not infallible.

As Aten falls in beside her, acquiescing to her request for him to walk with her, she remains silent for several long heartbeats. Ostensibly, if asked, she might say it is so she can gather her thoughts and frame them properly. While that does have truth in it, it also has just as much to do with long-held habit, disinclination to divulge sensitive information, and a keen desire to thwart any potential listeners.

Of course, in this instance, she has little choice but to do so. She cannot do everything alone, and there must come days she makes a conscious decision to place her hard-earned trust in others.

“Nerine is as it always has been,” Heartfire finally replies, her non-answer answer enough. She suspects Aten has developed enough of an understanding of her to know she, and therefore Nerine, are never truly resting. “For the time being, at least.” The last qualification offers a rather blunt segway into her purpose here. Her blue eyes cut sharply to Aten as she continues forward in an almost relaxed manner. “Unfortunately this is more than just a social visit.”

Not that she is particularly well known for her social acumen as it is.

After another breath of silence, she continues, her voice low, almost thoughtful. “How much of their plans have Lepis and Wolfbane divulged to you?”

Not enough, she knows. But she would hear it for herself.

and they'll cut you like a weapon

She's got the devil's eyes

She remains silent as he informs her of the plans Lepis had shared with him. She had shared a great deal it seems, but ultimately, not the most important piece of her ideals. Had Lepis not chosen to bring her squabble to them in such a manner, Heartfire might have been more inclined to treaty with her. But she hadn’t. And as the false comtesse would no doubt soon learn, Heartfire is not a woman to be crossed lightly.

After he finishes, she considers for a moment before affirming, “That’s correct.” Her gaze shifts almost thoughtfully to the landscape as the walk silently for a few paces. “She made that very overture to me,” she finally continues, eyes cutting back to the red stallion. “Or rather, threat. As you can imagine, I didn’t take kindly to it.”

She stares at him for a moment, considering Aten baldly before adding bluntly, “That is not where her plans end though.” The words are sharper now. Harder. “Her goal is Beqanna.”

A small, icy smile flashes briefly across her lips as she says that, though it is as humorless as her stony blue eyes. “You can understand then, why I cannot let that happen.” She slows then, coming to a halt as her gaze fixes meaningfully on her companion. “I intend to ensure Taiga is placed back in your keep, if you will pledge your aid when the time comes.”

and they'll cut you like a weapon

She's got the devil's eyes

Had Heartfire not already been quite certain she could place faith in the red stallion before her, she would not be here. She rarely does anything without a great deal of certainty that it is the correct course of action. So Aten’s response to her brutal admission comes as no surprise. She had revealed that information because she had known Aten would not react kindly to it.

Lepis might feel certain of her hold on Taiga, but Heartfire understands very well just how tenuous it is. The comtesse would have done well to understand the same. Of course, it is to Heartfire’s benefit (and ultimately Taiga’s) that she had not.

Still, one could never be too certain. It was a fault Lepis suffered from. One Heartfire is quite determined not to also fall victim to. To that end, Aten’s affirmation is reassuring, and one she is glad enough to hear. She could never claim to be the most forthcoming of women, despite her disinclination towards lying. But here, she felt sharing more far outweighs the benefits of sharing less.

“I’m glad to hear it Aten,” she replies, her voice settling easily back into it’s normal, unaffected cadence. “I have no desire to bring war to Nerine or Taiga, and will do what I can to prevent it.” She pauses then, her gaze remaining firmly on Aten, bald honesty in the startling clarity of the blue hue. “However, Lepis is… not the most amenable sort. And I cannot say what she will choose to do or what tensions she’ll choose to pluck.”

and they'll cut you like a weapon

She's got the devil's eyes

Truthfully, Heartfire rarely holds much respect for the warmongering sort. But she is a firm advocate of being well prepared for any eventually.

Which, ultimately, is why she is here.

One corner of her lips twitch at Aten’s wry comment. She doubts the possibility of death suits any horse well. Unless of course, one is impervious to it’s grip. Still, there are very few who are truly unkillable, so most would do well to have a healthy respect.

“Gather what information you can. If you can do so without raising flags, stall any meetings she might have,” she replies after a moment of thought. “Continue to be Taiga’s champion. Lepis does respect that much, at least. She already knows you do it for Taiga and not for her. And if her shortsightedness causes her failure to realize that means ousting her,” she shrugs briefly, though her eyes gleam with faint humor, “then the loss and regret will be hers alone to bear.”

and they'll cut you like a weapon