Unforgiven

Riq

Anodien's behavior over the next few decades was abhorrent to Lairiel, but she remained with her friend nonetheless, intent on being a positive influence to the Faeling. The queen was still mostly silent, however.

Anodien sought out the supporters of Aerolett. Her first course of action was to try to convince them to join her, that she had only reclaimed her rightful place as queen. If they agreed, she would let them be, to Lairiel's relief. If they refused, the scene the Queen of Flame left behind was graphic and horrendous.

She was not as ruthless as her father had been, and told herself she never would be. She ruled through her mind, not through her heart. Loyalty meant life, disloyalty meant pain. That was simple for her. Luckily for her subjects, Lairiel was there to help with several cases, avoiding the torching of various villages. That didn't mean she always succeeded. But who always does?

Still, no matter what happened in the years that flew by, Lairiel still never lost faith that there was still light within Anodien. Anodien, on the other hand, did not put her trust in faith. Male or female, young or old, no one else was safe from Anodien's ire except for Lairiel-- and to the Elleth, that meant she still held care. Even if it was small, she believed Anodien could be returned to the person she used to be.

...

The day came when Anodien was approached by a fairly young lad by the queen's standard. He was well-muscled with a strong aura about him that spoke of great magical ability. This Fae held an intriguing spark in his eye, one that the Queen already was curious about.

It was fighting spirit and defiance, two things she'd been sure she eradicated hundreds of years prior.

"You," he snarled, twisting his neck and cracking the joints. He began to circle around Anodien, his feet sinking into the red plush rug of the throne room. Anodien lifted an eyebrow and chuckled to herself.

"Me," she mocked in falsetto. Lairiel watched from several yards away, worry etched onto her fine features. Should she run in and defend her friend? Should she let Anodien take care of it? "What do you want?"

"Oh, it's great to finally see you again." Anodien gave a half-smile.

"We've met?"

"You should remember me."

"Oh, of course. I remember each and every insignificant little twit I meet." She rolled her eyes. "Of course I don't know you." The queen gave a snort, not bothering to move when the strange Fae moved closer. His black hair was cut short, but still waved about in nonexistent wind.

"My name's Riq. Nearly five hundred years ago, you'd just come into power."

"I'm well aware. Why does this matter?"

"That was the same time you destroyed the town of Duoth, including the majority of its inhabitants." He cracked his neck. "Of course, the three that matter to me are Vanver Jaywing, Irin Goldstem, and Eta." The Fae drew a nasty-looking dagger that had been in a sheathe at his side. It had a strange silver skull at the hilt, and the sharp edge was made of iron. "My family. That was my family."

Anodien shrugged, to Riq's surprise. "Okay."

"What? Okay? What do you mean, okay?!"

"I demolished the city. Fun times. So I'm not gonna bow down or lie and say that I didn't." This time, it was Anodien that began to pace, and Lairiel became concerned with the lack of defense Anodien was putting up against this enemy who was clearly hostile. The She-Elf tried taking a step forwards, but the queen looked over and shook her head. "Keep that in mind, I'm no liar." She shrugged carelessly and returned to her throne, certain that he wouldn't go after her until he'd finished his conversation. "My deepest apologies for not remembering them, there are just so many... and I simply don't care."