In the Shadow

Seth often wondered, in the deepest, blackest parts of his mind, what would become of his life if his dearest sister were murdered. If this lovely little coup he and his other siblings had orchestrated succeeded, but Tabea did not surrender to her memories. This woman, the one that he had come to know in the darkness, was not his beloved sister, his queen.

His mind turned over such things deep into the night, dark eyes bored and they watched beautiful women and dashing men from Umbra and the Five mingle. He knew every face in the crowd that was their people, an intimacy there that led to familiarity, that led to comfort. The crown prince was comforted by this familiarity, even in the depths of his blackest thoughts. He hated these thoughts, that he even had to consider them, but Tabea was…unreasonable. Seth was beginning to wonder to what lengths she would go to achieve her and Cedric’s volatile means to an end.

The prince heard someone come up behind him bit paid them little mind, content in the knowledge that the danger he posed to a great majority of the Five, and the glare he was sporting, would keep most at bay. It proved to be fruitful. He turned at the voice, feigning surprise, and found his mouth curling into an automatic grin, a dry chuckle erupting from his chest.

“Not quite yet, no. Bored, more like. The music is…decent but the festivities are far from what I am used to. You must understand, sister,” he replied, flippant, eyes raking down her dress with an approving air. He took one of her hands in hid and kissed her knuckles. “As always you look beautiful.”

SHE UNDERSTOOD. SHE WASN’T TOO great on festivities either. They’ve been tiring and she’d had much more important things to think about and waste her time on; like their kingdom and their inevitable ascension and destruction of the other kingdoms until Umbra was there to rule them all. “You know I do, Seth.” Tabea affectionately smiled to her brother, her pale eyes warmed by the feeling. She’d loved all her siblings, but as of late she was closest with the second brother, Cedric. Once, not so long ago, she was close with Seth and Elias, and Lamia, but she felt like they’ve been distancing themselves recently. Maybe it was just her paranoia speaking, so she paid it no further mind.

The queen smiled again and chuckled. “You flatter me, Sethie.” Her spirits were lifted, only occasionally dimming down by the sentiment which arose after the conversations he’s had with Lamia - guilt. She felt a little guilty about tonight and what will undoubtedly come to pass. “I’m not overly fond of these sorts of festivities either, but we must be seen here. Have you been here before? I’ve visited Marya once or twice, and it’s... something in it calls to me. I suspect it’s the power, hm?” She found herself chatting with her younger brother.

She did not dance yet, not having the chance to do so, so she had spent the majority of her time clasping a cup of wine and watching the pairs flutter around, swirling around the grand hall and laughing, happily. It was a wonderful change for once, seeing everyone so happy and unburdened, even if the shadows had still lingered in their eyes. She was pleasantly surprised that everyone was holding up much better than she had expected of them. Desiring an idle chat to make the most of the happiness in the room, Lamia turned to the person nearest to her; “It is so wonderful to see everyone having such a lovely time. What do you think of the evening so far? It has been the most pleasing, has it not?”

She’d longed to spend more time with her youngest sister, but their duties had driven them apart. Tabea didn’t know how Lamia felt about, well, everything, and oddly enough she hadn’t had both the opportunity and the nerve to ask. Her innocent sister was too pure to be cast into the Shadows’ war, and she’d like to keep her away from it altogether. That innate feeling of protectiveness she’s had about her, and the rest of her siblings, was the only thing that lingered from the old Tabea, the self which she had long forgotten now.

Hearing her soft words, the Queen of Shadows smiled, hiding the true intention behind an honest smile. What Lamia didn’t know, wouldn’t hurt her. “It really has. I think the kingdoms are coming in nicely, so full of trust in each other. Peace might be near for us, dear sister. And to see our subjects integrated so spectacularly warms my heart.” Tabea smiled as she spoke, “But, how are you enjoying it? Have you danced with any dashing lord?”

Shadow Kingdom | A castle balcony

@queentenebris

Roxana watched the informal procession to market from one of the castle’s balconies.  Laughter, pleasant conversations with neighbors, parents balancing their market baskets while their children rushed ahead, all strikingly normal after the last few days.  It didn’t exactly put the general’s mind at ease to see this peaceful scene, played out countless times before, but it did bring a small sense of calm in a world that was soon to become a storm.  Concerns for the future were many and would eventually rest upon them all but until that time, Roxana preferred to shoulder those uncertainties and concerns for the people below.

Resting her hands on the stone railing, her mind turned to the advice that she had been receiving often of late to rest before her duties prevented doing so easily.  It was sound advice but there was no rest for her or her husband.  The kingdom sat on the precipice.  Tabea’s plans would change everything.  She hated being at odds with a woman she once respected and cared for as a friend but there was nothing for it.  Their time above had done nothing to convince the general that this was the right course of action.  Had Tabea seen it the same way?

Her step echoed down the dimly lit halls of the Shadow palace, as Tabea winded her way through the corridors and towards the solitary figure she knew was occupying the balcony. The lady General was someone the Queen could rely on, and her own role was perfectly done at the masquerade in Noctifera. Ever since she’d returned from the kingdom of Fire, Bea had found that she much enjoyed the darkness of her kingdom. Noctifera was too bright, despite the architecture being somewhat similar to Shadow kingdom, and at times even dark. She will like it, however, once her darkness coils over the world, and the perpetual peace ensues.

Finding a spot beside lady Dracea, Tabea offered the General a soft smile, as the other brunette offered a courtly spoken hello. “General.” She murmured, inclining her head in her direction, and turned to look over the balcony, down to the courtyard and the training field, a bit further away from the palace. “How’s the training? Are the new recruits any good?”

It was delightful. There was no other was to describe it, other than delightful, delicious, wonderful. Darkness was pooling around all of them, perfect thing, inducing perfect chaos - and they had barely begun with it. She had barely begun, releasing the Voice to terrify them, during the feast, but it was over sooner than she had wanted it to be. But, they were hardly done with it. No, she needed to be patient, to wait in the shadows, until the timing was right.  Ophelia had noticed her Queen leaving the masquerade, and she had known what it meant - a cue, designed especially for her. Excusing herself from a tedious conversation with a Lord she barely cared enough about to remember his name, the Necromancer followed her Monarch outside.

She smiled, chuckling lightly as Tabea spoke, and stood beside her. “I would not miss this for the world, you know that.” Ophelia’s grin widened for a moment, before growing more serious, as she nodded. “Yes, they are a pack of fools, the lot of them.” Another smile cracked the dark surface, and the Necromancer hummed, “It is near, yes. How would you like it done? I would like for them to relax a bit more, before we throw in the surprise.”

HAVING OPHELIA AROUND, WAS A blessing of the greatest sort. No one, not even her beloved siblings, could understand her as well as she did, expect for maybe Cedric. The two of them were the two people she knew she could have a blind faith in. Once, Seth was there, too, but even if she’d made him her heir, she’d started to feel like he was slipping away from her, focusing on something else. It could’ve been his endless trips to the Outer world that corrupted him, or she just could’ve been paranoid in her dark desire to succumb everyone to her vision. “Indeed I do.” Tabea returned the grin, equally briefly, and turned to observe her friend in a more undiluted way. Ophelia was smart, she’d know how best to proceed.

Nodding wildly, almost furiously, the Queen of Shadows agreed with the Necromancer. The fools should all meet a fool’s end. Jovial, mindless and too trusting, they made her despise them even more. So prone to corruption, so easy to manipulate and turn against one another, it was, as Ophelia liked to say, delightful. Humming in a quiet agreement, Tabea slowly nodded, cracking the wicked grin. “You are precious, Ophelia.” She commented, with a surprising amount of affection in her voice. “You may proceed as you please. I think that would be wise, waiting for them to relax before we throw in the terror of our surprise. I can’t wait to witness their horror.”

Plucking out a glass of a strong drink from the platter on the table, the Lady Angmar watched the festivities unfold in front of her, watched as the people enjoyed themselves, all the while predicting that something was yet to begin, something was yet to interrupt their joyous times. But, alas, it was not their joy that was interrupted, but her solitude, and when she heard a voice speaking beside her, the silver haired Lady turned to acknowledge the intruder, with a polite smile. “What? No, I am afraid I did not see the white peacock, though there are many masks resembling one. Perhaps they are hidden in plain sight? I can help you search for them. Dancing is not high on my list tonight anyway.”

Tabea, while initially enthused about the upcoming events, was still careful not to giggle with glee. Men might be fools, but they weren’t all stupid, and while she loved a challenge, she didn’t want to jeopardise her plans and tactic. No she needed to be patient, and she needed the thread carefully, so until the time comes for her Shadows to speak, she figured it’d be the best to mingle, to find meaningless friendship and equally meaningless acquaintances. Nothing was better than the guise of finding her family member, and the woman with the silver hair was the right person to ask; isolated and alone. She approached her with a polite and inquisitive smile, but the woman didn’t seem too bothered by her, until she’s noticed her. “Peacock, owl, swan, I don’t know which bird she’s gone as. I only remember my sister is dressed in white, posing as a bird.” Tabea feigned an exasperated sigh, and dipped her chin in gratitude. “Thank you, my lady. Your aid would be much appreciated.”

Evadne enters deeper into the room , content to remain on her own until her queen summons her back to her side & perhaps explore a little of the Noctifera’s palace. eyes linger on the nearest figure standing in her proximity & the lady corrects her path , as she decides to make an acquaintance ; unless the mask appears to be a friend. her nature is quick to return & she asks ; “ pardon me , but can you direct me to the library? I hear Noctifera has the most wonderful library in all the five kingdoms & I would love to see it while I’m here. “

Spotting an extravagant, puffy white costume, Tabea angled her posture towards the girl posing as an owl. Of all things, of all the wonderful creatures inhibiting the kingdoms, she chose to be a puffed up owl. How typical; fools attempting to channel those they deem wiser from them. She sent off her siblings to mingle and integrate with the other guests, leaving her alone and more prone to be approached by the woman-owl, who seemed in awe. She could understand the feeling, even if it’s been so very long since she’s felt any emotion resembling awe and childlike surprise. As predicted, the blonde approached her and Tabea fixed a politely curious expression on her face, bordering on remorseful; “No, I’m afraid I can’t. It’s my first time in the palace, but we could hunt for it together? I’d like to see it as well.”

TABEA TENEBRIS || QUEEN OF THE SHADOW KINGDOM || 38 || LARA PULVER || TAKEN ||

BIOGRAPHY:

Darkness. True darkness of the perpetual sort, the dormant kind that crouches inside a person like a toad, waiting and anticipating a leap. That was her life, and the life that she has lead, even before the crown has touched her head. A Queen without a King, but with Three Princes for brothers, and a Princess for sister, was what the entirety of her existence has been. She was dark, and she did not seem to remember her childhood much – but, no one from the Kingdom seemed to remember much of anything, at all. She felt a stir in the air, a tremor of her own power, but it was distorted and it was dark. And she did not mind, for she was a Queen – a Queen of the dark and the Shadows, and all who lived deep under the ground. Tabea does not remember her parents, but she does remember their words, their drive that they had instilled in her – to conquer, to dominate or to appease? Despite all her knowledge and all her skill, she was always torn between the three things, just like she was torn between naming one of her siblings as an heir.

Tabea did not like the stir in the dark, the way it forced her hand to act, to start sending spies, for she did not deem the Kingdom ready to return, after being dead and asleep for a millennia. But, the more the Shadows whispered in her ear, the more she revelled in the chaos they started to reap, and with a delighted grin she watched the rulers slowly crumble apart. Ah, yes. Through her spies, she knew everything – how darkness seemed to prevail even in those hearts that were filled with light, and how Shadows seemed to have found a few susceptible people to influence. Her brothers and her sister are her only joy in the world, only darkness that matters, that does not destruct, nor threatens to destruct, and she delights being in their company. But, as a Queen she has her duties, and when she roused from the deep slumber of mind, so did her subjects and to them she has vowed – the glorious return to the outside world, the coming of Shadows that were their lifelong friends, and the restoration of the Ancient Kingdom of Umbra – in the outer world. And the monsters had sworn to help her cause – creatures as light as the air, with pale eyes and mist for skin, with sharp teeth and a wicked laugh.

She prepares her troops, and her siblings, for the inevitable ascend, making sure that the tunnels which hold the Five Entrances would not give way to Age, and Time. They have been dormant for far too long, they have lingered and used Shadows for too long, and for too long they hid, while the World crumbled and fell apart, with only the slightest of pushes from the Shadows. No more would they stand aside, while the Realms destroyed each other, but once they started to talk of Peace, it ushered Tabea to try and root it out, before it could bloom. No, peace does not bode well with her plans, but once the Shadows seep into the world above, not even daylight will be able to save them all from the dark. The Queen does not see that some members of her Kingdom do not feel the same, nor does she find it conceivable that there are some who would wish for the world to be a peaceful place – for there is no greater thing in the world than chaos, no greater thing than darkness. And after all, only the truest of the dark can be powerful enough to snuff out the light.

HAS POWER OVER DARK AIR & HAS FORGOTTEN HERSELF.

CONNECTIONS:

Seth, Cedric, Elias & Lamia Tenebris – Her siblings, the people she feels deep love for. She has always been closest to the Second born, the first son, Seth, and ultimately, she has made him her heir, since she does not see herself having children. She is too protective over Lamia, often snarling at anyone who dares to glance her way, only because she deems no one worthy of her sister. Cedric and Elias, the Twins, have been her close companions as of late, and she remembers taking care of them when they were little – but, all the memories are jumbled together, as Time passed differently in the Shadow Kingdom.

Julian Drake – The captain of the Fleet is the first person outside her family whom she trusts, and would trust to keep his eyes on the prize – the conquering of the World above, and the Reign of Shadows. He is intelligent and she enjoys conversing with him, when she feels like it.

Roxana Dracea – The Lady General might be standoffish, but she is terribly skilled and profoundly wise. And she loves her power. Tabea finds her to be her closest ally and makes sure she does not offend the woman. She enjoys her company, and would certainly love to see her more often, but Roxana usually spends her days with her husband.

Luther Constantine – The Radical awakens nothing but glee and delight in her, and she adores the way his mind work – so in synchronisation with her own, their plots and plans being almost identical. His is of a more religious nature, but she sees he wants power, and uses the Elementals as a facade – and she is deeply amused by it.

Ophelia Nessa – Her close friend is someone whom she never wishes to hurt, offend or see hurt. The Necromancer is the greatest Lady in the Kingdom, and Tabea is mindful of her – it helps that she is truly fond of the woman – some might even say that she loves her like another sister.

Elwyn Cygn – An occasional fling, someone who warms her dark nights and keeps the doubts at bay – if she even has doubts anymore. She has spent too long caught in the darkness that she has lost sight of who she was, but sometimes he helps with getting that woman back. She does not love him, and she never will, but she loves his power and the way he uses it – at her command, of course.