we're climbing until we transcend
higher, higher to where the skies end
higher, higher to where the skies end
"Our Warden Morrighan, will be taking up the mantle of Regent."
She can still remember the sound of Antiope’s voice that night beneath the watch of the moon. She remembers, too, the churning in her stomach from the excitement and anxiety of finally making it to this point. She had worked so hard to prove herself, especially once Isra left on her journey. Really, in her mind, there had been no one else better suited for the position.
And at last, she is Regent Morrighan.
There had been cheering, but she remembers the stares of some who felt uncertain. Whether it had been from jealousy or intimidation, Morrighan didn’t know. It didn’t matter so much because she knew that Antiope trusted her and she respected the mare who had become like a good friend to her over the seasons. Isra had trusted them both and wouldn’t have left Denocte if she hadn’t. That was good enough for her.
As she walks the halls of the castle with Bram by her side, she finds herself feeling content. She’s still not used to living among these stone walls. Although somehow it’s a lot more calming and comfortable than her dinky hut. The lanterns flicker above, but the lighting is dim. While some may find the sound of hooves echoing through the hallway ominous, it oddly makes her feel a sense of power. She can’t exactly explain it, but even just being able to look out the windows and see for miles gives her a strong feeling. The mare also didn’t realize just how much was out there until she looked out through the glass. And to think too that there’s an entire world past the mountains.
Even being Regent, she much prefers the comfort of Night’s borders.
But when she looks out at the window tonight, something suddenly doesn’t feel right. There is no moon in sight, though she figured it was just the New Moon so it would be hidden in shadow anyways. Besides that, there is no one outside. No lights on from houses or the markets. It’s as if all of the Court is asleep or absent.
Then, out of the corner of her eye, she sees a shadow creep out from down the hallway. Morrighan can’t make out who it is, but she feels their stare burning into her skin. Could it be Caligo playing her games again? She narrows her eyes.
"Show yourself," she demands, her nostrils flaring. Her hooves already begin to heat up in preparation for the flames she’ll likely conjure soon.
---
In the real Court keep, the Regent sleeps in her bed. She once was resting rather peacefully, but she now seems troubled as she begins to paw at the ground with her hoof.
credits@
