The Chamber had grown in leaps and bounds lately. She loved hearing the rustle of the branches, the sound of hooves hitting the dirt. No longer was she the Queen of Ash and Ruin. No longer was the Chamber burned to the ground, destroyed by the unnatural disasters that had wreaked havoc on Beqanna. The pine forest was growing back, and though many of the trees were still young, they stood tall and proud along the border of the kingdom. In the center, the seed planted by Beqanna was beginning to grow. There was always a raven beside the tree. She had appointed a guard, of sorts, for the tree. Should anything threaten the life of that tree, she would know immediately. Beneath them, Atrox’s heart beat stronger.
Some had taken her up on the open steals and challenges, but for the most part, the kingdom remained quiet. Beqanna remain quiet. Peaceful. And Straia found that she was beginning to grow restless. They had needed time to build, certainly. Time to recover from her father, from the volcano, from all the things that tried to tear them down. But that time had come and gone. They were more than capable now. And besides, she had a few matters of business to deal with.
She settles in beside the sapling, magical tree. It does not burn yet, though one day it will. One day the fires will show them all the possible futures. One day they will be able to understand what choices can lead to what outcomes. But for now, they must plunge on blindly. They must live without fear. And she doesn’t doubt that they will all do just that.
Once everyone arrives, she finally begins. “We have not formally met since Beqanna changed. As many of you know, and some of you perhaps do not, there are no more divisions in Beqanna, including the divide between mythical and non-mythical. The Chamber is just as magical as the Valley now. And as proof of that, we have this tree. While it grows, we are to care for it. When it is fully grown, the tree will burn in eternal flame. The flames will require a small blood sacrifice, but will show the future to those loyal to the Chamber.”
She pauses for a moment, knowing that for the most part, this is old news. There were enough new faces that she felt it necessary to go over the basics though. Once they’ve had a moment to digest this, she continues. “In addition, those holding certain ranks are granted traits. Warship, as our general, you can choose any set of horns that you like. You may gift two sets of wings as well for an airforce, and the type of wings is up to the horse receiving them. Though the decision is up to you,” She doesn't mention his fall from that title, nor the fact that there would be no third chance. She gave second chance, but no more. She turns to look at Warship, “I would like to recommend Killdare to receive a set of wings. Killdare, you have proven yourself loyal to the Chamber, and as such I am promoting you to colonel.” Should Warship fail again, she wanted a second in command capable of taking over. Just as Erebor was poised to fill in for her, she needed backups for the rest of her leadership as well.
She turns back to the group as whole. “Kavi, as our ambassador, has been given empathy. His second in command will receive invisibility, and I have decided to promote Engelsfors to that role. In Kavi’s absence, you will lead our peace caste. Remember, these traits are contingent upon you holding your current ranks.” Their ambassador had been busy with personal matters as of late, and she wanted to ensure there was a second in command. She would only be able to tolerate his absences for so much longer, Uncle or not. Engelsfors had proven herself capable of the job.
She turns her attention back to the group as a whole. “If anyone would like to join a caste, please let me know. In addition, I am opening up the Falls to steals and challenges, no longer friendly.” If the Falls has decided to harbor idiots like that stallion on their border, Straia wanted nothing to do with them. Besides, with Ana and Set lurking around, what need did the Chamber have for healing waters?
“Lastly, I believe we have grown stagnant. Beqanna as a whole has grown stagnant. I think we ought to consider stirring the pot. I am open to thoughts, suggestions, etc. Please feel free to voice your opinion on the matter.” And then she falls silent, waiting to see what they have to say.
straia
the raven queen of the chamber