Glub Glub

Absinth let Kaino’s words settle over her, taking in the Emira’s thinly veiled admonitions with a measured calm. Her muzzle barely twitched, just enough to reveal a faint hint of amusement in the way her lips curled. That Kaino believed she could impart any wisdom to her was laughable, really. Meeting the Emira’s gaze, Absinth’s eyes betrayed a flicker of dark humor. “My dear Emira,” she murmured, voice like the mist curling around the cliffs, “surely you don’t think this is my first round in the Saxe arena.” The title slipped from her lips with just the barest edge of irony, her words a soft but playful retort. Obviously though, Kaino knew more about the Saxe’s than Absinth would ever care to—but when it came crucibles Absinth had been forged into a formidable being; and she planned on passing that onto her children if she could. “Araxina has inherited the same fire that runs through me—an ember I want to cultivate, not extinguish.”

Her paws shifted, a piece of sea glass below her fingers, her tone dropping to a silken whisper as she thought on the situation further. “Though, you’re right—she does need a reminder of respect.” Her gaze sharpened, and the spark of mischief was unmistakable. “I’ll handle her rebellion as I see fit. It may be a tedious affair, but one I wouldn’t trust to anyone else.” Absinth let her gaze slide over to Araxina, who, even in her chastened posture, radiated a stubborn defiance. Troublemaker. The monochromatic fae’s expression hardened into a frigid warning, her muzzle wrinkling as she beckoned the girl forward with an unspoken command. Mistakes demanded discipline, after all. Yet, a small spark of pride flared in Absinth’s heart. That fire would either burn bright or burn her away.

Bringing her attention back to Kaino, Absinth softened her expression, a sigh escaping her that was almost theatrical in its feigned regret. “She’s all fire, but it’s a fire that can be shaped. Or, it'll burn her to ashes if she doesn't manage it. I’ve no illusions about that.”

In a tone meant just for Kaino, Absinth leaned in just as the Emira had done, a smile playing on her lips. “After all, I was hardly the model of obedience in my youth, and it served me rather well. What of you?” Her smirk widened, light and unbothered, despite the taut atmosphere. “Truthfully, Kaino, I wouldn’t want to rob this world of another fierce woman. They’re a marvel when they find their strength. If they do.” She purred, letting her words hang, a shrug following as if her daughter’s fate were a trifling thing. “But if I should fail…” she trailed off, her smile turning wickedly indifferent. “Well, she’d make good food for the crabs I suppose.” There was no telling which of her children would survive to adulthood, Absinth knew that. She could shower them with affection in between her harsh lessons; but in the end she could neither mourn nor celebrate the death of one of her children. She could only prepare them, only push them to be better, stronger. Enough.

Oh Xina.

”Talk is cheap. How shall we remedy this situation, Emira?” Absinth offered, emeralds locking onto Kaino’s bright eyes. A lesson in humility, wasn’t it? Fine. Perhaps this was a good opportunity for Xina to grow. She supposed Aresenn would think the same, or at the very least—she could hear him warning her not to start a fight because her words were too brash.



"Absinth Artemisia Inferos"