[P] of gods and monsters

[Antiope]

Antiope

In the end we cannot hide there
are other worlds than these

He will not look her in the eyes and Antiope finds it unnerves her in ways it should not. She does not want her citizens to look away from her out of submission, out of perceived obedience. It reminds her of what they had been expected to be, an isolationist kingdom cut off from the rest of Novus, the rest of the world. Is this what Caligo has made these men? Lesser? Unable to stand on equal ground with her?

At least her gods had given her the strength and pride to look another in the eyes.

The strange magic, the living shadows, reach out to her as a lover might—longing, wanting. Her magic can feel the energy in it, in them. The lioness in her bones stretches and stands and begins to pace. Antiope ignores it, despite wonder what it would be like for someone like her, someone made with god-light, to consume the energy of a shadow-thing. Oh, the killer in her has never really gone away.

Instead, she focuses on what Tenebrae is saying. His explanation of the Order, at least as he has put it, sounds like the job description of any of Denocte’s soldiers, but with the added ardor and devotion for the demi-goddess.

What Antiope wants to say is Gods made us, too. What she wants to say is Just because someone is your creator does not mean they know what is best for you, or have your best intentions at heart. She does not say any of those things, both out of respect for their own beliefs and her own inability to speak allowed about what she has done in her past.

“Your services are appreciated. Even when Novus is at peace, there are always situations that need handling within our own walls,” the Queen comments, “You are disciplined in the way of the military?” A confirmation, just to be official.

Denocte is well known for holding large and expansive events, and having extra bodies to help keep an eye on things is always welcome. And, of late, Antiope has been hearing whispers of seedier characters making a home on her streets. If it’s true, she imagines they will be causing problems sooner rather than later. It might be nice, to have eyes in places these types may not expect.

“I wonder, Tenebrae, if we might speak alone? You do seem to be doing all the talking, after all.” Antiope’s eyes are sapphire sharp and deeper than the sea as she considers him, “I can arrange for your brothers to have food, and drink, if they were to wait in the Great Room.” After a momentary pause, the Queen adds, “If they would like it.”

"Speaking."

@Tenebrae ahaha.. her inner monologue got a little oof there

∞