the brightest lights cast the darkest shadows; Any

[Natilyn]

the brightest lights cast the darkest shadows

It’s quiet in the Falls – it’s ever quiet in the Falls – but the quiet allows them all to easily hear the approach of more company. Both golden heads turn towards the exhuberant youth in the water – smiles on both of their faces. A part of Natilyn aches for the child that Nairne was the last time they were home, though she is proud of the young mare standing beside her for the woman she is growing into. An even bigger part reminds her of the twins in the Playground and the father they haven’t met – she will not deny Mikhael knowing his youngest children, even though she longs to stay here.

The gray mare who ambles along behind the colt is familiar as well, and Nat is happy to see that the other mare remains behind. It would be strange, to return to a Kingdom entirely composed of strangers. Not that she has ever minded the flow of people into and out of the Falls, but to her the Kingdom is Family. Much of it literally (for even now she cannot stand here at the base of the waterfall without thinking about her mother and father, her aunts, her uncles) but there are those who simply become family as time wears on.

Those whose hearts bind them to the Falls, for better or for worse.

They join Tiberios, the gray mare pressed to his side, and it’s easy to see that they belong to Shatter. Nat is happy that her friend has found someone, her own Meeka, and even more glad to see that he has joined her here in the Falls. She knew the strange break of loving a Kingdom and a man who did not lie there for some time before she gave the Falls up for Mikhael, and she would spare others that duality. He introduces them in a way, summarizing the conversation, but it is the mare that Natilyn chooses to address when she finally speaks. “Shatter,” she breathes the name on a quiet smile, “Yes, it’s me. You have a beautiful family.” Hazel eyes flick back to the colt, to Tiberios, but ultimately settle again on the Queen. “We heard many things while we were away. It is good to see that the Falls remains no matter what.”

There had been tales of droughts and fires, of Kingdoms melting and reforming. And of greater magics. Some of it would be exaggeration, of course, as talk does, but rumors must start somewhere.

and that's where I'll be found

NATILYN

barret x nylee