NAYL, ANY, ALL

[Djinni]

As Simeon puts himself between herself and Stillwater – like they are little children bickering in the schoolyard – Djinni’s dark ears bury themselves in her bi-colored mane. She does not appreciate him intervening and treating them both so condescendingly when it is blazingly clear (at least to Djinni) that Stillwater is the only one in the wrong.

The grullo mare returns Simeon’s friendly expression with one of steeled patience, her ears still pinned back in clear irritation.

“He threatened a sister with violence. If he’s your friend and you condone his threats, then you’re no more welcome here than he is.”

It does not hurt her to say the words, despite the fact that she had found the roan stallion more than pleasant during their previous encounters. Djinni also knows that she has no say in who is welcome or not (at least as far as politics goes, though her reach has always been beyond titles). It does not make her threats empty; she is sure that Ischia would appreciate a pair of new faces on their isolated island, and she’s no intention of allowing herself to be reprimanded for doing what is right.

Nayl addresses Celeana’s outburst. She is the only one with the right to, thinks Djinni; the grullo mare hadn’t agreed with the appaloosa’s words, but it was not her place to defend the new queen. That responsibility is Nayl’s alone, and while the orange-eyed mare is a little harsher than Djinni might have hoped, she is at least true to herself. Djinni doesn’t befriend doormats very often, and a queen cannot afford to be too soft in the face of dissention.

The answer that Queen Nayl then gives to Djinni’s query is greeted with a scowl, but nothing aloud in response. The realm is Nayl’s to mold as she pleases, but the grullo mare is not afraid to make it known that she is not in perfect agreement. Stallions with rank are not a part of the Sisterhood that she had wanted, but she does want it so badly as to bicker.

She feels Naga bristle beside Celeana, but it never occurs to her that the annoyance the black mare feels might be aimed at her. What does she expect Djinni to do – stage a coup? She hadn’t done so when she’d disagreed with Naga, why should she do so when she disagrees with Nayl? Pout? Scream? Argue? Those are not the weapons in the genie’s arsenal. Instead she remains quiet as Naga speaks up again, and Sunday joins the group.

[Stillwater]

Stillwater

Just as the toneless words left him, the grey one appeared in a puff of sand. Her scent engulfed him and finally he knew the face of the elusive one. That fragrance had teased him to no end; one moment there so faintly, the next gone. Just as she'd just done before his own eyes. Hunger flared to life, toying with taunting thoughts of just how difficult she'd be to catch with that clever vanishing act. How does one catch the sand?

His eyes lit bright with interest, but otherwise his impassive expression was unchanged. He gave a delicate snort to dislodge her sand from his nostrils, a grit from her magic still dispersed across his black face. He didn't bother to clarify that laying a hoof on her friend was not necessary to liberate her of that vile tongue. He did, however, find it interesting that she'd protect, and with her show of support, reward someone who would choose to openly disrespect her sister queen. It was almost like siding with the enemy, due to the vicious tone the other woman's voice had adopted. There was a threat in that one if her hostility went unchecked.

But it wasn't his kingdom, and he certainly didn't want it to ever be. Nayl would have to choose on her own who to discipline, and when and how to go about that. It was the Queen's duty alone, and she seemed wise enough to make her own decisions on the matter.

His head tilted curiously at the Djinni's next words, that he seemed to embody what their sisterhood had tried to escape from. Perhaps it was loyalty to and respect for a queen that they had tried to leave behind, for it was the only thing he'd demonstrated thus far. What an odd band of fools to seek out the very thing they didn't want, a solid Queen to lead them. A sly smile swept up a corner of his lips as he considered that if she wished to see more, perhaps a different demonstration from him, he could certainly show her more.

Ah, but the spotted man stepped in then. This one he'd also caught hints of carried on drifting breezes. Simeon played the peacekeeper, placing himself between the black and the delightful gray fury. How did one catch the sand? Well, at least he saw reason in Stillwater's immediate defense. Such blatant disrespect was not something he was willing to tolerate for a newly raised Queen no matter their "sisterly" bond between the lot of them. No wonder they bickered so damned much.

Simeon spared him a pointed look, and he flashed him a wild smile in response, but said nothing, finally turning away from his beautiful entertainment. Nayl answered the questions posed, starting with the brutish one's first. "No, Celeana, I cannot pull alliances out of my ass. Naga never had us visit the other lands so that's where I'm heading after this..." The Queen continued, and he couldn't help but find her abrasive speech amusing. Not one to sugar-coat, that one. Good, that's what these wretches needed. Celeana would not like her answer, he thought, and he was of a mind to tell her only fools take honesty as insult, but held his tongue. He didn't care enough to depart wisdom on a waste.

The Queen went on to say the women would always outnumber the stallions. This had no effect on him, so his expression remained impassive. They have their uses had his eyes hardening suspiciously though, but he didn't consider himself in that group. Not until Nayl's gaze swept the men one at a time and landed on him. His ears tugged back warily as he returned her stare with dark eyes. What the hell did she have planned?
Leave me be, woman.

The small trickle of warmth that snaked into him at Nayl's feeble praise had his eyes darkening further and his jaw tensing.

And when the former queen sat on her haunches and pouted, he ignored her, too. She was no longer a lethal predator, not even an idle housecat would be so weak. Where was the strong woman he'd known? This certainly wasn't her. She'd never have belittled herself to pity parties and moping. His beloved and fierce kitten was gone, and in her place only stuffed plush for ripping apart.

Two others had slipped in to join the gathering, a colorful man and a quiet woman. He had seen enough, heard enough, could practically feel the stench of the crowd congealing to muck on his skin, and he was well and over with this meeting. If there was something that Nayl wished of him, she'd find him in her own time. He'd leave the childish squabbling and haughty feet stamping to the sisters.

He ducked his head stiffly to the Queen in a mock bow, a vague warning in his hungry eyes, and turned to leave, making more room for the late arrivals with his absence.

[Nayl]

She spun the stars on her fingernails Nayl’s reign is only just beginning and she can already see the myriad stares and questions that face her at full force. She will have enemies and she will have friends (or perhaps more acquaintances), but she expected all of this. The moment she challenged Naga, Nayl knew what repercussions there may be, but thus far it is far less vile than she anticipated. It steadies the flame in her heart, but barely, as her gaze sweeps across them all. Celeana will be agitated, this she knows. The woman is a ball of emotion, a hazard, and Nayl eyes her carefully before turning a cheek. Sunday arrives as well as Bowie, and with a nod she welcomes them both. ”Good to hear you will be staying,” although her voice is still stony - still strong – it softens just enough as she smiles (albeit brief). They’ve offered no hostility or outburst; they merely accept the change with a nod and shrug, realizing that this is life and royalty is fickle and ever-changing. Returning her attention to them as a whole, Nayl begins to conclude the matter. ”So, take part in finding and learning of these other lands, or recruit. Feel free to challenge, as we need the practice. Find me if you want to discuss where your interests lie in regards to a responsibility to Nerine,” she will ensure they have jobs and a purpose versus mindlessly dabbling along the shore. Her gaze then flashes mostly to Naga and Celeana, holding them for a heartbeat before giving a final sweep to the group. ”And just know that you have to give respect to receive it.” A just, iron fist; that’s what she has. With a curt nod Nayl dismisses the group shortly after Stillwater’s quiet departure. Nayl covet and myrina's creation

just wanted to tie things up