alabaster dreams

As she approached him, Incubus was swift in his reaction. As his eyes fell upon her the man lowered his head in reverence before she gave him the floor with a single word. There wasn’t much else to be posed as he began his spiel. He thanked her foremost, she could have ignored him if she desired. She hadn’t heard from him in so long, he had been added to the list of those lost. To see him now, it was tempting to immediately open her gates to him, but the harder portion of her heart held back as she quietly allowed him to speak his plight.

He vowed his loyalty if he was allowed to join her in furthering their families progress and prestige. Words meant little when compared to action though, and Venom was no stranger to one she cared about rescinding their vow. As he quieted Venom took a moment to mull over her answer before she spoke again.

"Your loyalty is appreciated,” she started, knowing full well that perhaps his sister in Habari would have been a better placement for him. "And I accept.” He was welcome here, if he could prove himself. "Your blood and words alone won't lend you much beyond that though. You’ll understand if I wish to see you prove what you say.” She paused again. "I’ll spare you the placement of peasant, and give you a rank of apprentice. If that is acceptable, then I welcome you to Ashen. I welcome you home.”

"Venom"