queentenebris

[queentenebris]

prince tenebris ; the crowned brother:

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.

Burdens of the Crown | Tabea & Seth

[queentenebris]

princess asterion ; of marya:

She had only ever seen her parents’ faces on paintings, not remembering their voices, or anything about them. & how could she? She was but a few hours old before she was snatched away from them. She never thought she would see them again & especially not like this, the ghostly forms appearing on her brother’s birthday celebration. Alina felt like the ground was being taken from under her feet & casting a glance her brother’s way, at the very back of the room, she momentarily moved into action, pushing her way through the crowds to be by his side.

A woman’s voice rang through the air, coming from a dark haired individual few steps in front of her. The princess frowned, concerned for her brother & the unfairness of it all, but she paused by the woman with a huff which sounded downright angry. “If I get a hold of whoever it is responsible for ruining my brother’s day, I might just - “ what? She found herself too irritated & too afraid of what she might say or imply, to finish the sentence. Instead, she forced herself to exhale the breath she was holding & turned a distracted smile the lady’s way. “It will be again. If we let these things ruin a good evening, then it’s exactly what we deserve anyway.”

TABEA WAS, IN A LACK of better word, surprised. The princess of Marya was a surprise and she had to stop herself from grinning at her words. She’d love to see her try and find them or attempt to harm them, but she understood her drive, if she were honest. She understood the protectiveness as she felt the same about her kingdom and her siblings, and she understood the fear though she hadn’t felt it in ages. “I understand.” Tabea spoke in a sympathetic voice, keeping the chirp away from her tone.

The following prompted an arch of her eyebrow from Tabea and the Queen was taken aback for a second, but it lasted too short for her to truly wonder about it. “Perhaps you’re right. If we let unseen things torment us to such an extent then we don’t deserve happiness or peace. Still, it’s a dreadful thing to happen on a birthday party.” She commented. “Maybe we should continue with the festivities, continue dancing and drinking until early morning. That would cheer us all up.”

[queentenebris]

princess tenebris ; sister of quintessence:

Upon hearing her sister’s soft voice, Lamia’s lips drew into an immediate smile. She had loved her sister, truly and honestly, and seeing such a benevolent smile on her face, her wish to believe her sister was better than she was blinded her to what was hiding beneath the sweet tone. She had wanted for Tabea to be that caring, good person she had once been that she was all the more willing to turn a blind eye to any of her transgressions. The princess of shadows had been so angry with her after Noctifera, but maybe she learned her ways were wrong and maybe she had a desire in changing them. “Everything looks so nice, does it not? I daresay we are all having a good time and I am pleased that everyone is as delighted by this as I am.” Lamia’s smile widened as she cast a quick glance around the room, briefly checking up on her three elder brothers. “How are you enjoying it, sister?” She quietly asked.

Tabea mentioned a dance and a lord, and Lamia’s eyes wandered over to no one in particular, an inquisitive and curious glance cast about the room. “No, I have not danced, but that does not really seem like my ordeal, does it?” She retorted with a petite hum, but then her smile returned and widened again. “Oh, I am having a wonderful time. It is nice to be outside, is it not?”

THERE WAS A STRANGE FEELING in her heart. It was undoubtedly guilt and she wasn’t used to feeling it. Ever since her memories became a mess of mindless, senseless things, Tabea had turned out just the same; mindless, senseless, cruel. She was sorry to ruin her sister’s night, but it had to be done. The peace can only be achieved through chaos and what divine chaos they’ll bring! Lamia’s question made her smile widen and she exhaled in what seemed to be a happy manner. But, she was simply too good at lying. “I love it. It is wonderful, isn’t it? The people flocking together, the music. A dream. And you’re a vision, sister.” Tabea gently spoke the latter, admiring her sister’s gown and appearance.

“Why not dance with our brothers, then? I’m sure either one of them would love to dance with you. In fact, I think I might ask Elias for a dance, we haven’t had much of an opportunity to talk these days. He’s always wandering off somewhere.” She added the latter with a thoughtful pout, wondering about her youngest brother, the younger Twin. Cedric was always somewhere close, Seth less so but also noticeably there, but Elias? He wandered off gods know where. “Do you like Marya?”

[queentenebris]

EVERYTHING WAS GOING ACCORDING TO her terrible plans. The Shadow monsters which had taken form of the dead monarchs had been an absolute success, and seeing mortification on everyone’s faces had been so sweet, that she felt like they’ve extended her life span for a minimum of hundred years. Their terror was, as her friend liked to say, delicious, and she truly agreed with that. The fear, the horrified gasps, everything was so sweet that she didn’t need any chocolate to sweeten her night. This was more than sufficient.

Picking up a goblet of wine, the Queen smiled darkly to herself, concealing the smirk behind the silver goblet as she took a sip of the bloodred liquid. Tabea observed the people with dark amusement shining in her eyes, but when she felt presence beside her, her expression shifted momentarily into something timid and, how sweet, terrified. “Our poor Kings. I can’t imagine how he feels right now. It’s his birthday, don’t these things have any regard? This was supposed to be a happy occasion, wasn’t it?” She spoke, the very personification of sadness and sympathy.

[queentenebris]

Burdens of the Crown | Tabea & Seth

THESE SORTS OF GATHERINGS THREATENED her mood. Sometimes, they soured it and the other times they elevated it, but the latter always came when she was expecting chaos - chaos she’d undoubtedly bring this time again. Yet sometimes, as she watched everyone mingle together, Shadow and the Five kingdoms, the similarities were uncanny. If she hadn’t known all her subjects by name, position and power, she never would’ve been able to tell them apart from those who didn’t have any magic in them. It was in times like these when she’d feel that something, deep in her core, struggling to come out - but, those lack of memories, the utter lack of remembrance of her true self would make her more cruel instead.

The Queen had been keeping the company of the Twins, enjoying a light conversation with Elias and Cedric, idleness a perfect cover for what would surely ensue later in the evening. Lamia was wandering around the room, speaking to many different people and Tabea was happy to see her sister making friends. All things considered it was also unfortunate. But, she wouldn’t think of it now and she’d desired another drink, so she excused herself from her younger brothers’ presence and went to scout for a goblet of wine.

Tabea meandered through the room, avoiding the rest of the guests until she’s spotted her target, and another brother lingering close to the goblets of wine. Darkly amused and with a teasing retort at the tip of her tongue, Tabea sneaked close behind Seth and spoke once she was close enough for her words to be heard solely by him. “Already by the wine, brother? I do hope you’re not looking to poison anyone yet.” She smirked, lightly tapping him on the shoulder.

@dvmoninthedrk​

[queentenebris]

EVERYTHING WAS GOING ACCORDING TO her dark plan. There was a secret smirk on her face, watching the people enjoy themselves. They had no idea what she had in store for them and they wouldn’t have to wait too long to find it out. Stealing a glance with Ophelia, the Queen gave the necromancer a hidden smile, patient and expectant, but her attention was momentarily drawn elsewhere.

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?”

Things have been going suspiciously well so far and for once, Lamia had decided to make the most out of it. Since her sister’s distortion of the initial goal and perversion of her own character, the princess of shadows did not find enjoyment in being part of the Shadow kingdom, seeking out any and all possibility of venturing to other realms, most often to the one she had started to call home, Mordu. But, after the situation had escalated dreadfully during the Shadow kingdom’s last visitation in Noctifera, Lamia had not had much of an opportunity to mingle with those she had begun to befriend.

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?”

[queentenebris]

EVERYTHING HAD GONE IN ACCORDANCE to her devious plans. She had expected more of the screams, but the palpable taste of fear didn’t disappoint, so she’d found the whole ordeal successful. It was a success in its own way, something that deeply amused her, because no one had been privy to her plans, except for those most integrated in her kingdom. They all played their parts to perfection, and the queen was immensely proud of her Shadow citizens. They were wonderfully deceptive, those with the connection with the dark and the shadows even more.

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?”

The Future Ahead | Tabea & Roxana

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?

Lost in her thoughts, she nearly missed the arrival of another.  Turning and finding the queen had joined her, she gave the appropriate sign of deference.  “Your majesty.”

[queentenebris]

lady lethe; eyden’s archivist:

smile stretches the lips & the head inclines in a grateful bow. she would appreciate company , in her quest for finding the Noctifera’s library. the lady despite being intuitive in her own way & priding herself on being a good judge of character , does not see the danger behind the woman’s words , nor does she sense it in her presence. blissfully oblivious to the venom behind the smile , Evadne   smiles ; “ I would appreciate that if you can spare the time. “ she adds politely.

“ I hear their library is quite envious & I am looking forward seeing it. “ she chats , filling the silence with her melodic voice. “ & where are you from my lady? are you from here or do you come from somewhere else? “ she does not know if the ladies , who are not in the queen’s or the princess’ service , are allowed to enter the palace , so it does not exclude the lady from being from Noctifera. she does look like she could belong to the fire , though she could have easily come from any other kingdom ; apart from Eyden that is.

HOW LOVELY THE LADY WAS. And how completely and utterly clueless. Had she been of any other character, Tabea might’ve felt a bit bad for being such an adept liar and manipulator, but she had been of no other character but her own, and that was the tragedy of it all. long forgotten was the woman that once, perhaps, held kindness and friendship in her heart. All that now remained was a shrivelled, dark heart. She smiled in reply to her appreciation, and she wonder if she’d appreciate to tonight’s surprise. She doubted anyone truly would.

The library? Of all the things the blonde could want to see, she goes for the library. Smiling lightly to her question, Tabea replied. “Marya, actually. Though I have moved a lot, and I did live here once, but it seems too long ago now.” The lie rolled off her tongue easier than anything else in her life. She had visited all the kingdoms, at least once in her life, but she found the sandy scenery of Marya suiting her the best. Besides, they were the easiest to corrupt. “Where do you come from, my lady?” She asked, for conversation’s sake. She couldn’t say she really cared to know.

[queentenebris]

lady nessa ; necromancer:

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.”

Chaos bringers | Tabea & Ophelia

[queentenebris]

Shadow fire | Tabea & Vivian

IT WAS AN INTERESTING TURN of events, something she didn’t see coming for the life of her. Frankly, she lacked the ability to be surprised, or in any way baffled and amazed, but oh, this was a surprise. The surprise of the most delightful of sorts, something she couldn’t have predicted in her wildest of dreams. And, like all surprises, this one came with a warning attached to the pretty, flaming red hair. The Fire Queen’s sister had a magic gift of sorts, the one that was only made more evident when she’d began screaming, along with the rest of the Guardians; but she wasn’t solely a Guardian, the red haired woman.

No, no, she was something else entirely. If she didn’t know any better, she would’ve mistaken her for someone from the Shadow kingdom, but she’d known her subjects by heart, and she would’ve recognised them even under the most ingenious of disguises. Lady Lyn captured her attention, and so Tabea decided to make herself acquainted with the red lady. Approaching her after her... trauma, seemed to be just the right thing to do. Capturing her attention, the Queen of Shadows approached her with a gentle, warm smile. “My lady, are you feeling quite well? I’ve witnessed your tragic ordeal and I’d like to offer my help, if it’s needed.” 

@lcdylyn​

[queentenebris]

Quiet regrets | Tabea & Lamia

SINCE SHE’S GOTTEN INTO THE palace, she all but lost sight and track of her siblings. Seth was brooding in the corner, his eyes daring over everyone in attendance, or quietly speaking with Elias, who seemed rather unwilling to be there in the large crowd. Cedric usually stood beside her like a watchdog, leaving her side only when she’d tell him to leave, and even then he would make sure to be in her proximity, should she need him. Perhaps he would’ve been more grateful a ruler, rather than his, as of late, elusive elder brother. But, from the moment she separated from Lamia, she couldn’t find her again, her golden hair mixing with the other blonde ladies in the crowd. 

She sighed, meandering from one brother to the other, softly making sure they were enjoying themselves, and quietly asking for her sister’s whereabouts. She was concerned and a little unnerved when she couldn’t see all of her family in one place, so when she’s finally spotted the blonde princess, she excused herself from Seth’s presence and hastily tracked her down. Tabea reached her sister in a moment, gentle smile on her face as she regarded the youngest sibling. “There you are, Lamia. I was looking for you. I hope you’re enjoying yourself?” She asked, before offering her arm; “Will you walk with me around the room for a bit? I wish to speak with you.”

@sanguinemlamia​

[queentenebris]

Chaos bringers | Tabea & Ophelia

THE QUEEN OF SHADOWS WAS standing under an archway, overlooking the courtyard, away from the incessant buzzing of the music and the giggling of the spinning pairs. She would’ve rather endured broken bones than pretending to be as blissfully dull as the rest of them. She was neither dull nor blissful, and she couldn’t wait for the hour to strike, so that the darkness could spread and bring a stop to their pointless festivals. Her gaze was fixed upon the shining Moon above her head, and her gaze trailed over to the darkest part of the sky, finding solace and strength from darkness, a soothing balm over her racing nerves. But, she didn’t come here for a respite, nor she came here to collect herself for the second stage of her plan; she cam here to meet with someone.

Tabea has heard the necromancer’s steps echoing down the hall, approaching like a steady slither of the shadows across the marble floor, and already she felt her mood elevated again. Ophelia was her most trusted adviser, her dearest friend and someone whose power was more than needed in her Queen’s arsenal. And such glorious chaos they will bring tonight, and any other night to come. “Ophelia, I’m glad you could make it here.” She greeted her politely, returning her gaze from the necromancer to the sky above them, then back to the necromancer. “Do you see them? Idle fools playing idle fiddles. Has the time come yet? I grow impatient.”

@ophelianecra​

[queentenebris]

THERE WEREN’T MANY THINGS WHICH delighted the Queen as much as chaos. She loved knowing the future, having the secret knowledge of plots and plans she’s spent days devising, ever since she’s learned that the Noctifera planned to hold a masked ball in honour of their princess. She knew things would turn to be rather interesting in the end, and she knew her Shadows would yet again take the spotlight, and she couldn’t wait for the opportune time to just ruin everything, for everyone. She revelled in the chaos she would bring, and the smile lingered softly on her lips.

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.”

Ever since she entered the Noctifera’s grand palace, Selina felt like something was different. It was not the palpable sort of difference, nor was it particularly evident, but something about the room, or the people in it, made her feel rather strange. It reminded her of something, of the dark sensation she once had in Mordu, before the Shadows took hold of her, and before her beloved sensed them. It was a familiar feeling, in an unfamiliar setting, and it was horrendous. There was expectation in the air, and when she found herself surrounded by her family, she also found that she craved a moment of solitude. Why, she did not know, but she had excused herself from the group, venturing towards the corner of the room, where she would not be disturbed by the dancing pairs.

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.”

[queentenebris]

SHE WAS THRILLED TO BE here, in Noctifera. To see the greed and envy with her own two eyes, after only having witnessed it through her Shadows, turned her mood to the highest. The smile which lingered on her face might’ve been mistaken for polite and friendly, but in fact it was the smile of a calculating woman, eyeing her opponent and eyeing her odds. She knew there will be a surprise tonight, after all it wasn’t polite to turn up to a princess’ birthday without a gift. Her gift will be great and it will be terrible, and the pretty little masks won’t know what hit them before they’re already on their knees, weeping and begging. The very thought taunted a smile from her as she entered the grand room with her siblings in tow, her arm looped through Seth’s.

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.”

eyes rake the room upon entry , noting the details & the setting , music & the guests , all in one careful glance around the grand chamber where the soiree’s held. she spots the princess of honour greeting her friends & being pulled by someone who resembled her , undoubtedly the prince himself , into the crowd for a quick dance. she’s not of the dancing kind , but she appreciates the fluidity of it , the careful steps all planned with precision & tradition. white-silver brocade rustles at her steps , the skirts flowing behind her in  makeshift feathers ; shapes resembling that of the snow owl , the glorious & wise creature the only inspiration to the lady’s dress.

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. “

[queentenebris]

period ladies: lara pulver as isabella of gisborne

[queentenebris]

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.

The Monarchs of the Five – They have no idea what is coming for them. They cannot even begin to understand what grows and thrives beneath their precious Kingdoms, and it makes her want to laugh with mirth. Gleefully, she watched them keeping secrets and then blurting out those secrets when they thought they were close to ruin, without even suspecting that their ruin was staged by her and her Shadows. They are setting the board for the Kingdom to arrive, and perhaps she should be grateful that they are all so easily played. She will love watching them all fall apart, one by one. Because she still has more cards to play.