A Deal With The Devil

Question me? All of your doubt feeds my desire.

Nox was not the type to use the word ‘fate’ lightly. There had been many instances, strange and instantaneous where she would have used the word but only did she when it slid perfectly into place, like a puzzle piece into a coordinating slot. The piece to the puzzle before them was not as perfect, likely a bit ridged and the picture to the puzzle was yet to be determined but she’d say it… It felt like fate. Nox felt it from the way she sat high-upon her golden perch like some deity out of legend to the mischievous glimmer in those lilac eyes. Heat boiled up from deep within the pit, yet she remained there, a perfect statue except for the shift in expression. A sense of humor was not lost on her either. She returned the jest in kind, causing Nox’s smirk to widen. “Tempting, but I’m afraid warm waves often frill my dark-hair and that just wouldn’t do.” She took another few steps in that general direction but did not press any further. Mostly due to the unbearable heat but also as a brace of caution or depending on how one viewed it, a principle of trust. Slowly she eased back, rear pressed against the heated stone. While uncomfortable, it took the strain off her tired paws.

Brilliant amber irises ignited by the harsh light below slowly trailed upward to acknowledge the ghostly devil as she spoke. Lupa, always stoic in nature, remained silent for the current duration. She appreciated that bit about him. Unlike most men, he knew when to keep silent and simply observe. Nox leaned forward slightly, drawn to the edge of the pit by the consistent frothing below. Hot malted earth churned in the hot pit, emitting a powerful glow that was mesmerizing albeit painful to look at. “Not particularly,” She remarked, “-the folk, as well as the fauna of these lands, have been surprisingly friendly.” Nox paused as to reconsider that statement. “Though I know from experience that will not persist.” The matriarch spoke bitterly, recalling upon memories of Candenta and those she met there. Foes were as common as flies on shit. Friends were just as easy to obtain but harder to keep. “The weather, however, seems a bit bipolar.” She was referencing the drastic changes to the landscape: suffocating hot deserts one second, lush humid jungles the next. These islands had diversity covered, though for an explorer it was rather difficult to adapt to the constant change in biome.

Her gaze darted back up to the molten throne, fixating its empress with a calm yet scrutinizing gaze. There was much to be admired about how the stranger carried herself. Confidence always urged intrigue, and those eyes belonged to a creature who cared not for what others thought about her and even less for those who thought she should. Very interesting indeed. A pink tongue slithered up to remedy the cracks that formed on blackened lips. Nox scraped her gaze over the bleak landscape, eyes filled with not distaste but admiration. Mother nature was equally as spiteful as she could be giving.  “So, what might we call you? Unless you would rather fuel the mystery with suspense.” As nice as it would be to have a name to fit the face, she wouldn’t have opposed the idea. She found the mysterious-act sort of charming. “Either way, I’m Nox and this…” She gestured to her pale-haired companion. “Is my dear friend and companion. I imagine he’ll want to introduce himself.” Nox allowed him some time to speak his name. Then, pleasantries exchanged and done with, she eagerly awaited to learn more about the mystery woman. The sole question that burned in her mind now… Who are you?

I'm gonna make my own empire.