[ P ] next generation

Golden eyes were cast upwards at the looming castle from where Xandria sat beneath a tree, finally settling on the section of the castle where the Tiamats had reigned with a fiery fist through mother to daughter, and where the current matriarch withered away. She should have felt some satisfaction that the old shrew would soon be Anubis’ problem, but her legacy was one with far reaching consequences. While she breathed she was still a threat. She still held the power to determine their fates and wield them like political weapons to serve her own agenda. To further Tiamat influence.

Regardless of her feelings towards Ankh; Xandria was proud to be part of their lineage even if she did not continue the tradition of unwavering loyalty to the monarchy. Her father’s death shaken her faith in its foundation and she found herself leaning in another direction. One that would decide the course of her future and her own legacy. As a girl she had longed to be one of the famed Tiamat heroines from the stories. Now she wasn’t so certain what she wanted. She was no longer the same naive, arrogant girl who’d enlisted as a yearling. Xandria still had her ambitions and she wanted to achieve the rank of Colonel as her father had some day, but her motivation was different. It was only the blood on her paws that made her hesitate. Her moral conundrum was holding her back from moving forward and she felt trapped by the weight of her guilt.

With a sigh she shifted her weight and climbed to her dark paws, golden eyes reflecting her surprise when they met with icy blue depths. Cousin, she greeted her, lifting her head in acknowledgement. While the two were of an age and rank Xandria wasn’t really close with her estranged uncle’s daughter. She’d been too caught up in her grief to pay attention to Ismailia when she’d joined their household over a year ago. I wonder if there will be any new Captains when spring arrives, she voiced her thoughts aloud, curious to know if Ismailia had any hopes of advancement.

@Ismailia

Art by curiotea

Snow lazily drifted down from swollen, heavy clouds. The skies were painted in sullen shades of greys and whites. As evening rolled in the temperature dropped and with it came the puff of her breath in long, slow drawls. It flared from her nostrils like dragon's smoke, dancing into the dimming light. Blades of grass would soon frost over, white would soon cover the earthy terrain.

Above, the Castle loomed, omniscient and powerful. A shadow cast over all to see. The house of her blood- the home of The King and the Tiamat's. This was where her heart called, her traitor's blood sung its sorrowful tune. But perhaps in Nassar's eyes-she was not bad... but in Ankh's, she felt like an abomination.

She felt those piercing pink eyes. The harsh lash of a judgemental tongue. One that did not know her. One that did not want to see her potential. One biased, stubborn and spiteful. One that Ismailia had come to despise... but of course this was in secret. In reality, she would play along and skulk to the shadows in Ankh's blazing glory.

As she finished her evening duties, she found herself upon Castle grounds. Slender paws carried her in no particular direction-just away from there. Away from her and prying eyes. Perhaps if one looked close enough, steam could be seen evaporating from her fiery pelt- expelling the tension that clung to her muscles.

A figure soon emerged against the flecks of snow and gaunt trees, one that was familiar and blessed in fire. Sunfire eyes seemed to scornfully burn into the Castle walls, perhaps she, too was escaping the Matriarch's wrath?

Cousin, Their eyes met, it was not a harsh welcome, but one formal. Indeed, Xandria and Ismailia had barely conversed since she was thrown upon the Army's doorstep. "Hello," Ismailia's greeting paralleled her Cousin's. She dipped her fiery crown in a respectful, curt greeting. I wonder if there will be any new Captains when spring arrives, As with any Tiamat, there was some kind of hidden meaning beneath small-talk and lowly conversation. Her stomach churned at the thought-yet her ocean eyes remained placid. A shallow blink. "With the Matriarch's approval, She began with a monotone tone, her eyes wandered back to the looming Castle; imagining Ankh herself scornfully standing within a window. "Hopefully my own." A shudder rippled down her spine and settled back upon her Cousin. "Will you be joining me this year?" Her tone perked, equally as quipped.

Yes, Xandria. Two could play at that game.

@Xandria

The weight of the Matriarch's presence was felt even beyond the castle walls which sheltered her. Xandria had never been her favourite grandchild and she had done herself no favours by leaving without permission on a hunt to avenge her father. She could bear her grandmother's ire more easily than that of her mother and sister. Even now a year later she still felt like she was redeeming herself in the Tiamat family ranks. The saying went that it was easier to ask for forgiveness than permission, but a Tiamat’s forgiveness was hard earned.

Her cousin returned her greeting with the same cool cordial tone. Respectful yet distant. Sun bright eyes watched her fellow Lieutenant's gaze drift to the castle and she wondered how closely Ismailia had been drawn into the Matriarch's web. How much did the Matriarch’s approval mean to her and what was she willing to do to get it? It was something she considered as she responded, tan brow furrowing slightly at how gnarled and twisted their family politics were. Good luck with that, she remarked earnestly, knowing how hard it was to please the elder Tiamat. Xandria couldn’t recall a time she’d ever seen the woman smile. No. She was not pleased… with my absence, she admitted, narrowing her golden eyes. ‘Absence’ being the polite word of choice for her hunt for her father’s killer. She didn’t know how far word had reached of her actions so she played it safe.

I expect I’ll be a Lieutenant awhile longer, Xandria explained, although there was no bitterness in her voice. It was merely a statement of fact.

Art by curiotea