[<] A Troubled Mind in a Twisted World [Brushfire]

[Akante]

Brushfire said:

((Hey! It's Akante, and I just won BF, yay me. Anyways, I am leaving on Saturday, the 14th for Colorado. Thats about a thousand miles away from my home, so I won't be able to be active. Maybe if my dad brings his labtop, I might be able to get on, but I seriously doubt it. And, when I come back, I have a test for High School the next day. And then the day after that, I'm leaving for 4 days in Cheer Camp...
So yeah, you can say that I'll be inactive for about 2 weeks or so. I'm not willing to take the risk of being inactive with BF for that long, no way. So I wanted to throw in a roleplay, preferably with Rapier. (So said Kierra) Anyways, I'm gonna have Brushfire return to the outskirts of the territory again... for the duration of my absence. I don't want to many people to join, seeing as this needs to go quickly. But I do want someone so that the wolves of Alteron can know why Brushfire isn't being active with everyone...))


Steadily the wind blew, gentle and calm. The waves of air sped through, curving up and down, side to side. It was like a river, flowing smoothly and without hesitation. Relentlessly the breezes continued, slipping through the plants and leaves, scooping down to brush up against the rotting soil of the ground. Dead leaves and loose scatters of dirt followed these currents, at least until a rock or a plant got in the way. The creaking of dying trees echoed everywhere, and the occasional snap wasn't uncommon. This was Alteron, this was the land of the ferocious wolves: Queen Rapier, King Scimitar, and their followers. This kingdom strengthened and prospered, despite the shortage of food. And it was in this mighty lands that a troubled female dwelled in.

Right, left, right left. Her pace was automatic and steady, her paws treading heavily on the ground. Her paws thudded against the ground, embedding themselves in the unstable soil. Her legs were dragging themselves, her tail drooped to the ground. The dim lighting in this forest cast a dreary look-- such a depressing sight. As the she-wolf walked on, her tricolored pelt shone as the slits of light shone from the peeks of sun up above. The canopy of the forest was so thick that it was exceptionally hard to find a decently lit place. Only scattered strips of light beamed down in this area. Boulders and rocks passed as Brushfire continued, her eyes drooping in depression. Those beautiful copper eyes, however glorious, were shining in dread.

She was headed for the borders again, the wallow in her self pity as she had done so before. The constant absence of Ridge, and the death of Ephidel... it was too much for her. She was more adjusted to Ephidel's death than Ridge's disappearances. She knew he was still alive, and that he could still come to see her. But where was he? It had been long, and her mind kept dwelling upon him, no matter how hard she tried to convince herself he wasn't worth it. He was her friend, one of her only friends, best friends. He was there for her, almost always. But not recently, he was gone too often, and this affected Brushfire too greatly. Her mind clung to the past, and this irked her greatly. She wanted to focus on the future, on what lay ahead of her, but she simply couldn't. She was too confused right now.

And it was because of this confusion that she set out for the outskirts of the territory of Alteron. When she was troubled, being scorned and messed with by her pack mates wasn't the best thing for her. She needed to rest, to be in silence, to calm herself down. The cool calm of the borders was exactly what she needed to clear her head, to forget her worries. With the capture of Swiftkill and such going on towards the main gathering points of the territory, Brushfire knew that she wouldn't be able to keep too stable with everyone around her. She didn't exactly like Alteron, but this was her home. She feared that no where else was any better, no one else would accept her the way Alteron did. Blade seemed to favor her, something to her advantage, and she wouldn't gamble with that. She knew better, she was smarter than that.

The steps of the she-wolf had stopped, her tail twitching lightly at the tip. Her eyes stared deeply ahead of her- she was near the borders. A soft and empty smile slid across her maw, and she continued walking. Soon, she would be able to concentrate, to actually think. Her head could be cleared of these depressing and exasperating thoughts. Hopefully. If someone confronted her though, she didn't know what she might do. Obviously there were many wolves in Alteron, and one of them was bound to find her. She hoped not, she wanted to be alone, to have some privacy to wallow over her distressing thoughts. But, she knew that she mustn't expect the best to happen, no. The worst was always crawling around the corner, just waiting to strike out at one's weakest link...

((I hope this post is okay, I know that previously Brushfire used to have glorious posts. '))

[Akante]

Rapier said:

((That post is awesome. o-o You've really got Brush's personality down, I think.))

Rapier was, quite frankly, getting pissed off at the borders of her territory. The last time she'd felt the need to explore them, she'd been insulted and called many mean things by some ugly hyena -- she had not enjoyed that. Why did borders have to exist, anyway? It would be so much easier if she could just eliminate them from Alteron's geography; then the jungle could go on forever and ever, and everyone would always be inside it, and the infidels (of which there were many) would always be punished. That would be living.

The Queen's muzzle twisted into an ugly smile, provoked by the thought of crushing the skull of a random weakling who had no choice but to be on her territory (since it never ended); and then another weakling, and another...and another..and anot--wait! A familiar smell. A smell she did not like. Brushfire, the sentry she had only allowed to live because Blade had stood up for her. Rapier usually didn't listen to anything her son said, mostly because Rapier was always right, and if Blade went against her...he was wrong. That was a very simple equation that her son did not seem to grasp, no matter how many times she had demonstrated its truth upon him. Oh well. He'd learn eventually.

Rapier picked up her pace, eager to meet the "pretty" little female that she so hated. As far as she knew, the Sentry had disappeared for quite some time -- the disappearance of one of her workers would normally have made her angry, but the Queen felt a certain sense of optimism this time. Abandoning her work post? Just another thing for Rapier to yell at her about. Rapier liked to yell. Especially when it was yelling at Brushfire.

Rapier hated Brushfire.

"So I see you're not dead yet," she called, as soon as Brushfire entered her line of sight. Though she hadn't spoken any orders, the meaning was clear: stop where you are so I can bitch at you. The enormous wolf slowed down, taking her time, ambling up to the smaller creature like a cat approaching a mouse, staring at her through manic red eyes. "I'm surprised you haven't taken off yet. Blade hasn't exactly been behaving like your little hero lately." Her tone was surprisingly casual, inviting the other to speak. Of course, Rapier didn't actually like it when other people spoke to her -- the "small talk" was bait; she was hoping that Brushfire would slip up, say something rude. Something that she could be punished for.

Then again, Rapier would probably punish her by the end of this conversation anyway even if her behavior was perfect. The Queen really, really, really hated Brushfire. So much. The effort of being friendly was monumental, but it would be worth it in the end -- she'd make sure of it.

[Akante]

Brushfire said:

((Oh thanks! ^^ I will try to post as quickly as I can... ))

Slowly but surely, the female began to sniff around like a dog on a rescue mission. She was set to find that den that she had been in before, it was perfect. With her head held low, the female took small but quick steps. Sniffing one area, rejecting it, and then quickly moving to another area. This she did, over and over again. She was determined, she wanted... no. She needed to find this den. Then she could lay down, relax, and think. She needed to think, but doing so while walking or doing something out was plain stressful. And she was already trying to escape the stress, she didn't need any more of it. Not now...

Focused on finding her den, Brushfire had become unaware of her surroundings. A sudden and chilling feeling spread through the forest. It was eerie, this feeling. Everything was silent now, like an owl before it swoops down to kill its prey. Her auds perked forwards, her senses tense and alert. Her eyes were wide, staring straight up and ahead of her. Her head was still lowered, not daring to raise it up. Whatever was there... it didn't want to be noticed. And then scent, it drifted past her. That all-familiar scent, it was a serious warning to her. Hell was awaiting her... it was Rapier.

"So I see you're not dead yet,"

Sure enough, it was the crazed Queen of Alteron. Rapier herself... The piercing voice of the bitch echoed, the tyrant who shouted behind her. Brushfire winced at the sound of her voice, it was so hateful. The she-wolf didn't know what she had done to deserve this. She was loyal sticking to her duties(except for now), and made sure that all of the other sentries kept in line. She was a perfect Alteron wolf... except for one thing. Her kindness, it was obviously what Rapier didn't like about her, but Brushfire couldn't help it. She had already tried to be mean, and it didn't suit her. She didn't know what she could do to please this crude monster anymore...

Slowly, she turned her head to see the direwolf. She was tall and muscular, his body fit and tough. She was an ideal queen, if only her morals were more humane. Or... wolfane. She didn't seem to understand the true meaning of life, how valuable one wolf could be. But obviously, she didn't care. The way in which she ruled Alteron seemed to please her, and it seemed to please everyone else. And so, there was little that Brushfire could do about it. She would simply take the heat, soak in the insults. There wasn't anything else she could do, she knew that she would be facing the teeth and claws of the bitch soon, no matter what happened.

"I'm surprised you haven't taken off yet. Blade hasn't exactly been behaving like your little hero lately."

At this she did nothing, her gaze still and unmoving. It was a gaze of emptiness, of no emotion. She knew that any kind of emotion could set off Rapier, so she would rather be safe. But who knows, this might just set her off as well. The Queen was unpredictable, except for the part that everyone knew she would behave crudely. INhaling sharply, the she-wolf kept herself from talking. She had responses, one that would please a fair ruler. But nothing that she could say would please Queen Rapier, absolutely nothing. She knew this, and so she kept her thoughts to herself.

[Akante]

Rapier said:

Brushfire's lack of response caused that smirk the Queen had been wearing previously to expand into a big, toothy grin. She was going to enjoy this, even if the sentry certainly wouldn't -- actually, that fact alone made the situation ten times more enjoyable. "You're not going to defend yourself?" Her voice was laden with amusement, and Rapier began to circle the smaller wolf slowly, eerily shark-like in both her movements and viciously exposed teeth. "Has your stay in Alteron softened you?" She was obviously mocking Brushfire now; her head tilted to the side and one ear cocked back slightly to heighten the affect. Maybe Rapier looked a little silly, but anyone who laughed at her would end up getting their skull crushed, much like the many imaginary infidels that she'd been thinking about before encountering her favorite punching bag.

"Why don't you speak to me!" The change in demeanor was sudden; her voice went from a mocking whine to a harsh yell, and the smooth and fluid strides she'd been circling in suddenly came to a halt. The beast stood up at her full height, raising her tail and pulling her lips back over fangs that backed up her threats on many occasions -- the bark and bite of Rapier were, in fact, equal. The Queen lowered her head only to bring it down to Brushfire's level, so that she could stare the other full in the face, with her blazing eyes only inches from the impassive one's of her lesser. "Don't defy me with your silence." Her voice was a whispering hiss now, intended only for Brushfire (or anyone within close quarters of the pair) to hear. She didn't rely completely on publicity to threaten others; she was perfectly capable of enforcing laws alone.

The monochromatic menace stood there, with her face practically pressed against the sentry's, keeping her gaze surprisingly level for one as high-strung as herself. The anger boiling within her was evident through her eyes, and Rapier made no effort to hide it. She wanted Brushfire to see, she wanted her to be afraid. She wanted to see the fear in Brushfire's eyes, and she was going to do anything she could to satisfy that desire.

((short. >.> ))

[Akante]

Brushfire said:

((Poor Brushfire ^^))

The female stood still, not daring to move but an inch. Her eyes slowly folllowed that of her leader's. Those bloodshot eyes, they were so cruel and merciless, quite descriptive of Rapier actually. She thrived on another's pain, someone else's suffering... fear. It was the way of this bitch, and Brushfire knew that. Her eyes stared, no expression at all. She had held her breath, as it helped her not to show emotion. This was critical, she knew how tough Rapier can be. She wasn't one of those wolves who simply spoke boldly and lacked the muscle to back it up, no. Rapier was strong and tough, no one had ever defeated her. No one except Swiftkill, but she had the aid of her precious 'Fury'. But no one in Alteron had that horrible genetic flaw, and so Rapier took advantage of that to show that she was strong, more powerful than anyone else.

"You're not going to defend yourself?"

At first, Brushfire was proud of herself. She had managed to keep her lips sealed, to not let anything escape her mouth. She knew the possibility of something slipping out that she didn't want heard, and she wouldn't take that risk. She was a smart female, one who knew when to take risks, and when not to. Now wasn't the time, and so her silence continued. The booming voice of the black and white wolf soared through the dense forests. It was an invincible sensation, the feeling that a all-mighty one was present. And here she was, it was Rapier. She was most certainly a demon... it showed in her eyes.

"Has your stay in Alteron softened you?"

Brushfire's eyes flinched at this, her tail twitching tentatively. Rapier had taken a step over the line, she was close to breaking her. The fierce mocking tone of Her Majesty was bold, her eyes staring harshly. Her circling steps were slow and taunting, and Brushfire stared at her feet. Slowly they stepped, one after the other. It was almost as if they were telling her, bribing her to make a move. Dare to take a try against Rapier. But she knew better, and she shook her head clear of the thought. She was much smaller than Rapier, almost a half a foot. She wouldn't stand a chance. She looked back into Rapier's eyes, the wolf had set a mocking stance. With her head tilted, she acted as if she thought Brushfire couldn't be able to understand her, as if she were an imbecile. Inhaling deeply, Brushfire closed her eyes... she didn't need this. Not now...

"Why don't you speak to me!"

The sudden and sharp voice struck through the air like lightning. No one could've expected that, and Brushfire certainly didn't. Her eyes shot open in fear and shock as they stared widely at the Queen. That bitch was obviously impatient now, she knew that Brushfire wouldn't speak. And she was wise not to, for there was nothing to say. Anything that came from her mouth would be responded to by a blow to the face. Blood would be shed, cries of pain... it was fuel to this monster. No, Brush wasn't going to do that... But perhaps. If she didn't, something worse could come. Rapier would grow angrier, and she might kill her. She thought for a second, and then made up her mind. She would speak... She opened her maw ever so lightly, but was cut off.

"Don't defy me with your silence."

Queen Rapier had stopped circling her, she just noticed that. Thankfully, she had spoken again, and this gave Brushfire an extra few seconds to think over what she was going to say. It had to be some, something clever. There had to be respect in it, and no possible sarcasm or downside. She didn't want to be injured, not at all. And so she would try to come up with a response for Rapier, without giving her any kind of a reason to strike back. Perhaps, unlikely though, it could please her. Taking a deep breath, the tri-coloed wolf stared at Rapier softly, her eyes holding fear. She was scared, but not really. There was just enough to satisfy the thirst of that power-hungry mongrel.

"I fear that if I speak, nothing I say will be pleasing to you, my Queen."

[Akante]

Crossbones said:

((Wow, you two are going along so quick tonight. . .I hope you don't mind me. I'll delete this if you want this to stay private.))


This was a part of the forest that the old she-wolf had not seen in a long while. A part she had thought she would never have to see again. Here, the air smelled just a little bit fresher, the light just a little bit brighter. The birds, what few they were, twittered a little more loudly.

Crossbones stopped. She had come near to the borderlands of the jungle, the edge of Alteron. A shaft of sunlight broke through the thick canopy high above, splashing down across her hash-marked face. She winced slightly despite herself, stepping backward to relieve her forest green eyes of the light. Her half-hearted pursuit of the overlarge forest moth had made her footsteps stray farther than she had desired. And her belly was not so much in need that she would go any further forward. Slowly, Crossbones turned and sank back further, to where the air was more familiarly thick. There was no point in staying. . .the old hag had never been one to sit and admire the sunlight. Only the. . .

"So I see you're not dead yet, I'm surprised you haven't taken off yet. Blade hasn't exactly been behaving like your little hero lately."

The old she-wolf froze in her tracks, her jaw parting just slightly as her eyes widened. That voice was one she had heard only once before, not too long ago. And that voice had echoed like thunder over the heads of dozens of others to reach her ears as clearly as if the source had been standing right next to her. This time, the volume was not present. The voice that cut even the boldest to the very core of their beings was focused, direct. Only one was facing it, not a crowd.

"You're not going to defend yourself? Has your stay in Alteron softened you?"

Crossbones turned once more. She could not help herself. Her curiosity and desire had overcome her. To see the Queen of the jungle, the only one the old she-wolf would even consider singing the old rites for. If Rapier's wrath was to be spread even farther on this day, if Crossbones was to face the Queen's fiery eyes and be burned in them. . .so be it. She was not afraid to face the afterlife. She had spent her life preparing for it.

But did the old she-wolf desire the encounter to be something less than bloody? Oh yes, she would not deny that. To impress or be found in favor--Crossbones was not foolish enough to hope for that--but to be tolerated, to be allowed to stand in the shadows and watch?. . .

"Why don't you speak to me! Don't defy me with your silence."

Crossbones appeared as the Queen finished speaking these words to the female. Crossbones did not recognize the other, nor did she particularly care. Her gaze was drawn to the monochrome might of the devil Queen, as they had been the day of the gathering. But just as quickly they dropped to the ground at Rapier's feet. And moments later, the old she-wolf crouched into the lowest, most sincere bow she had ever given.

"My Queen. . ." she said, her voice as soft as it normally was, but there was no hiding her feelings this time.

The other female finally uttered a reply, but the old she-wolf did not hear it. Her attention was focused on Rapier.

Had her whole life been spiraling to this very moment?

If it had been, Crossbones was not to be disappointed with the turn-out.

[Akante]

Rapier said:

((I don't mind. ))

"My Queen. . ."

Momentarily distracted, Rapier whipped her head around, staring behind her, eyes darting around until finally stopping to rest on the bowing figure of Crossbones. Good. At least someone here knew how to respect royalty. She didn't recognize the female, which wasn't particularly strange, since Rapier paid about as much attention to her subjects' individual physical characteristics as she did their likes and dislikes. As long as they didn't whine to her, she ignored them. As long as she ignored them, they'd be safe. It was another one of those easy equations that came with dealing with the Queen -- incredibly basic in her eyes, and yet defied again and again by various idiots who thought they belonged in this jungle.

"I fear that if I speak, nothing I say will be pleasing to you, my Queen."

"That's right. It won't." The wolf took a few steps back, approaching Crossbones now, in an almost comradely manner. Rapier didn't harbor any ill-will towards the older female; as far as she knew, she was respectful and intelligent. The intelligence was, obviously, evident because of the fact that she was respectful. So maybe the Queen had circular logic; but no one was going to question her anyway. "And do you know why that is?" She was speaking openly now, inviting either of them to answer. Her expression was surprisingly friendly now, and as her eyes moved back and forth from one wolf to the other, they lost the barely controlled anger that they'd had when dealing only with Brushfire.

"It's because your weak, and stupid, and you don't belong here!" Her voice had raised in volume again; apparently the same "lull into false sense of security and then yell" was just as satisfying the second time. She was standing next to Crossbones now, less than a foot away, facing the poor sentry that she so enjoyed victimizing. "But I tolerate you, even if I'm not sure why." She was quiet again, almost talking to herself. Honestly she wasn't sure why she allowed Brushfire to live. Blade's influence over her was barely worth mentioning, so there must have been another reason...something in her subconscious that she wasn't aware of...Nope. She knew what it was now, and it certainly wasn't that philosophical. "Probably because harassing you is so enjoyable." Rapier turned to Crossbones now. "Wouldn't you agree?" Of course there was only one answer to that question.

[Akante]

Brushfire said:

"My Queen. . ."

Brushfire turned to meet a gaze with a beautiful wolf. She knew who she was, yet they weren't exactly acquainted. It was Crossbones, an elder female. She was a wise wolf, a very quiet one too. She was as brainwashed as the rest of the Alteronians. But Brushfire wasn't, she had been born outsid of this pack, and she learned differently than how they were taught here. But once she accidentally joined Alteron, all that changed. She now knows that cruelty is as common as good. It is impossible for one to cancel the other out though, seeing as different places have different beliefs. Here, under the reign of Rapier, evil definately conquered.

The female was wise to take the seconds in which Rapier was distracted to think things over. Should she run? It could mean possible safety, a haven from this hellhole of a situation... No! Rapier would be sure to chase her down, and then she would be killed instantly. But staying here, only to take on mental torture and harassment... it was the exact opposite of what she had ventured out here to do. She seeked peace and quiet, to calm down and rethink her thoughts. But here, with Rapier and now Crossbones, she was enduring even more stress! It was horrible... Alteron is definately the horrible place that it is known for...

"That's right. It won't."

Dang it... the distraction was over. The focus is now set back to Brushfire. Looking back up, the female stared at Rapier, her eyes glimmering. She was beautiful on the outside, but she is a wreck on the inside. And the Queen is doing nothing more but aiding the destruction of her heart... her soul. Auds perked forwards, the Sentry was sure to listen. Respect was expected, and she had to show it in the best way she could. No matter how much Rapier despised her, there was still a part of Brushfire that wanted to please her. She wanted to belong, to actually belong somewhere. And it could be Alteron, ir only she had the approval of the Queen. That was all she needed...

"And do you know why that is?"

Once again, the female kept her mouth shut. She saw what was coming, Rapier was going to answer this herself. There wasn't a reason to reply, especially if Rapier would just yell at yo.u. She would claim that you interrupted her, and then she would probably strike you against the face. But Brushfire would try to avoid getting injured as hard as she could, but that wasn't going to be easy. She knew that this torment was only the beginning. Her real torture was still to come. Inhaling deeply, the held her breath again, in attempts to assure that no words would seep past her lips. But Rapier was sure to answer, and so her rant continued.

"It's because your weak, and stupid, and you don't belong here!"

At this Brushfire let go of her breath, her eyes drooping in dissatisfaction. This was true... and it hurt the female deeply. All she wanted was to belong, and it was the harsh tone of Queen Rapier that broke her down. Lowering her head, she closed her eyes. She tried her hardest, and yet a single tear developed. It clung to her eyelid, desperate not to let go. It was almost a symbol... Showing Brushfire's desire to want to belong somewhere, and how she will cling to a pack in order to fulfill said desire. But, just as Rapier's words had crushed her, the tear fell. It plopped on the ground, sprinkling itself across the rotting soil. She sniffled ever so quietly, her tail drooping and her lips loose. She didn't know what to think know... she wasn't even focused on keeping quiet.

"But I tolerate you, even if I'm not sure why. Probably because harassing you is so enjoyable."

At this the female rose her head, looking at Rapier. Her tone had turned quiet, almost as if she was trying to murmer to herself. But she had heard it, she most certainly had. Her eyes stared at her with curiosity... 'Could there be a bright side? Could there be some hope Rapier sees in me?' She kept her hopes alive, which wasn't exactly a smart thing to do. With Rapier hating you, one can be sure that there is absolutely nothing that she sees in you that could be of any value. This wa a waste of her hope and energy. The copper eyes of the female glistened from the salty water that had gathered there before. She was waiting for a response, something hopeful... But, of course, it was the exact opposite. Rapier had answered, and it wasn't enlightening at all. Those words... harassing... enjoyable

Perhaps that was her only value in this pack... perhaps. She ignored the rest of the comment, even though she had heard it loud and clear already. Her head lowered only an inch, but in a way that showed her depression. She felt so lowly, like a dog. And this is probably what Rapier had expected, and she had gotten it. That bitch...
"Yes..." She didn't know what else to say...

((Emo-ness will end in next post. ))

[Akante]

Crossbones said:

Crossbones heard the movement of the devil Queen as her voice drew her attention. She could feel those eyes upon her, her presence now undeniably noticed. But the serpent tongue did not strike at her. Rapier did not seem angered that she had appeared. After a moment, the Queen turned away, focusing once more upon the other female. Crossbones raised up out of the bow, her muzzle and gaze still dipped downward, as it would remain until she was told otherwise. She could not deny she was an old wolf, perhaps one of the oldest to still be allowed her life in these shadowy jungles. But with her age came wisdom. She knew what was expected of her in the presence of authority.

Well. . .maybe not so much in this particular authority. . .but she would learn as needed. For now, what she was doing seemed to be what was wanted.

"That's right. It won't. And do you know why that is?"

Rapier had come closer, her tone changing to one that someone possessing no knowledge of the devil Queen would consider friendly, conversational. But the tone sent a chill down her spine. If the Queen was glancing her way, she would see her green eyes momentarily gaze upward into the trees, her expression shifting to one of awe for the space of an eyeblink. In the moment Rapier had spoken those words, Crossbones had heard something from the jungles around them that she had never heard before in all the time she had dwelled in Alteron.

Silence. The very presence of the jungle had become still. The simple words had surrendered all distraction. Everything, tangible or not, was paying attention now.

The moment passed. Crossbones returned her full attention to her Queen, now in full understanding of all the stories she had ever heard about her. Now she knew why this she-wolf could retain such might in a jungle that had no other desire but to drain the life out of every being that dwelled within it. Not even the Alteron jungle dared to defy her.

"It's because your weak, and stupid, and you don't belong here! But I tolerate you, even if I'm not sure why."

Rapier was standing by her side now, close enough to feel the physical heat of her. Crossbones did not draw away, did not flinch. She dipped her head, so that no part of her from ruffled neckfur to the tips of her ears stood above the slope of the Queen's powerful shoulder, and listened, and waited. Her opinion was not needed, though she had a few choice words if they were asked for. A tear had fallen from the other female's face. A tear. . .emotion. . .who was this pitiful female?

"Probably because harassing you is so enjoyable. Wouldn't you agree?"

The old female perked. Those words were directed straight at her, the Queen's gaze upon her once more. Crossbones raised her gaze, taking the words as permission to examine the other female more closely. But the identity of the female did not really matter. To Rapier, it seemed every soul in Alteron served the same purpose.

The other female responded, softly, quickly. Crossbones twitched an ear.

"Yes," she echoed, though her answer, spoken in her naturally soft voice, was much more confident. "Everything in these lands exists by your pleasure, my Queen."

It was only right to emphasize her newfound realization for Rapier's benefit--if it was something she wanted, that is. The wolves were not the only presences in Alteron ready to flinch in the face of her wrath.