She's got the devil's eyes
They had come not just from the kingdom, but from across the strait, answering Breckin’s call. Heartfire had been among the first to step foot upon the isle when it rose from the sea, and for all the it is it’s own entity, it is as much Nerine as anything else. It’s not the land that makes a kingdom, but it’s residents. She thinks most here would understand such a thing.
She watches them gather, her eyes lingering on each as they come. Leilan, of course. She fully expects him to comment. He’d never had a very good ability to remain mute, and she is unsurprised by his retort. She merely tilts one brow at him, faintly amused.
“Indeed,” she murmurs cryptically in response, a hint of question in that single word. She doubts it is her visions they would have objected to anyway.
Scorch is there, as she had promised. Her youngest trails behind her, silent and uncertain. She is aware of the deeper story there, but this is neither the time nor place for such introspections. Jesper, who she had met so briefly, under such strained circumstances. And Eurwen of course, the heir to be. She seems uncertain, but then, it is the curse of youth to feel such, isn’t it? She recognizes Nalia, though they had not truly met before. But she would be remiss if she were not aware of all those who reside here, or across the strait. And finally Dovev, herding their children, a wicked grin curling his lips as he pushes his way to her side. Her blue eyes flash momentarily before she turns to drop a soft kiss on each of her twins foreheads. The briefest of greetings before she returns her attention to the gathered residents.
She spares Dovev only a sharp glance, as much reminder as she would give that there is a time and place. She makes no comment on the suggestive greeting or streak of blood he’d left on her neck. Perhaps she is not given to public displays of affection, but neither would she hide what is there.
When there is no objections to her ascension beyond the wry comment made by Leilan, Heartfire steps forward, eyes moving from resident to resident, taking them all in. There may yet be stragglers, but they would no doubt catch the gist if they came. “Nerine has always been a kingdom defined by its residents rather than land it sits upon, and I intend to keep it that way. You are important. You are what keeps Nerine alive. Which means it is on all of us to ensure Nerine continues to thrive.” She pauses then, her blue eyes weighted as she considers them. “I intend to make changes to the ranking system, to give each and every one of you opportunities. Icicle Isle is very much a part of Nerine - of the North - and will be included as such.”
There is more, of course. There is always more. But there is time enough for all of that. For now, she merely wants those gathered here today to know that she intends to bring this kingdom into the present. To return it to relevance.
“As you are all Nerine, I also intend to ensure that your voices be heard. I will be instituting a council to that end. For now, the seats remain empty. However, if you have interest in being a Voice for the North, prove yourself to the kingdom, and a seat is yours.”
and they'll cut you like a weapon