Maleficent

M A L E F I C E N T Q U E E N Moss-Covered Golem Familiar Created by a long-lost earth clan, these golems have slumbered for thousands of years. 1800 Celestial Horn Organics Any otherworldly magic this horn may have possessed faded with the horn's removal. 36 Kyorinrin Familiar Old knowledge has a way of taking on a life of its own. 1500

B I O G R A P H Y Maleficent past is unknown. Whether she sought power from the very day she broke the shell of her egg, or it was a behavior learned from the corrupt actions of those around her, the circumstances of her upbringing are something Maleficent will take to her grave. What is known is that Clawtooth happened upon her one day while he was scoping out the Sunbeam Ruins to ensure safe travel for the Caravan. He tried to shoo her away, but to no avail. Maleficent seemed unperturbed by his looks, and by weaponizing words of honey, tagged along back with him to the Caravan. After that, it didn't take much convincing to allow her to stay with the Caravan. SiMeavolent and his sister joined the Caravan soon after Maleficent did. To everyone else, it was a match made in heaven. The beautiful temptress and the wealthy emissary, of similarly divine looks, together. In the present, Maleficent refuses to acknowledge her time with Si. Whether this sudden denial be out of embarrassment for actually falling in love with Si, or disgust at how the actions she took didn't end up bringing her power, only she knows. One thing everyone knows for certain is that Maleficent refused to acknowledge the hatchlings she bore with SiMeavolent as family. Perhaps Tavrin's adoption was just another ploy. Proof that Maleficent actually does have a heart, that something was inherently wrong with the relationship and that it's end was natural and inevitable. She is is not, will never be, at fault. Who could blame the mother that fawns so dearly over an orphaned baby Wildclaw, turned to Gaoler to save its life, when she is not one herself? Braiding his fur, playing peekaboo, always acting so protective over him. When Maleficent was finally turned to a Gaoler herself, she even ensured that they had the same secondary gene. Yes, Maleficent is innocent. So motherly, so unassuming. No one suspects a thing.

B I O G R A P H Y Where or when she had heard the name of the mighty Apex was something Maleficent cared not to remember. What she did take great care in not forgetting was the means of finding the regime. They would be hidden enough from their enemies, but not so invisible that one seeking them out would be unable to come across them. It would be a long trek, but one worth the rewards she may reap. And so Maleficent set off, left Tavrin behind in the care of the others so that she may travel unhindered. While Apex was not exactly the kindest, and possessive at times, Maleficent was treated better than anyone else in the regime. She knew that she had earned the jealousy of the others, but they dared not voice their ire, in fear of having their heads severed from their shoulders. Not even the mother of Apex's firstborn was treated as well as Maleficent. And so, she was grateful, giving Apex no reason to doubt her. She waited for her children to be strong enough for the journey home before leaving. If Maleficent had a motive for bearing Apex's children, it will go forever unsaid. But she still lives up to the promise she made. After returning to the Caravan, she got to work ensuring that the bloodline would live on, picking out a mate for Greed, Apex's most promising heir. Knowing that living in the Caravan is akin to walking on thin ice, Maleficent is never lazy. She always makes sure that the kids are away from the Caravan when they plot, and ensures that they are not followed. She gives them instructions on staying hidden in plain sight, in hiding emotions with half-lies. She plants seeds of stories into the ground, watches them grow into truth. And with Delusion as her loyal bodyguard, her surprisingly important work of spreading the good word of the Apex regime has gone uninterrupted.

Apex gave a darkened chuckle. He had his back to Maleficent, so the smaller Gaoler was unable to read his features. It was not like it would have been of any use were she actually able to see his countenance, it could be a falsehood all the same. Initial greetings over and pleasantries no longer needing to be exchanged, Apex was allowing the tiniest bit of truth of his personality slip through. A single crack, as tiny as the space between his teeth, which when taking that into account made his grim amusement all the more horrifying. That was only a drop in the ocean which held unseen horrors just below and surface.

“It leaves one to wonder,” Apex said, still not turning to Maleficent. “What would willingly bring one to a place like this. What kind of dragon would intentionally seek out someone like me, offer their life up for mine purpose, willingly throw themselves into my clutches. Especially considering that I was not their first choice.” Maleficent’s breath caught in her throat. For a moment, she forgot to breath. Apex turned now, narrowing his light yellowish green eyes at her. They glowed with thinly veiled distrust, the vast majority of it intricately concealed. “Do not think I did not smell him upon you. An Imperial, one native to the Light. Foreign to your current home. You’ve had children together, I can tell. I can even smell his kindness, his good nature, his pure intentions to make you feel loved.” Apex sneered broadly now. “And yet, you left him. A dragon arguably so much a better choice of a father than I, a rich one who can provide a lavish lifestyle if you desire it-- and yet. And yet. You stand here.” Apex wheeled around, so quick it nearly caused Maleficent to jump, yet she stood her ground. To take a step back might prove his suspicions. “Only an idiot would not ask why,” Apex chuckled, voice nearly a growl. But it was not out of any malicious intent, no, rather curiosity.

Maleficent ducked her gaze, staring at the intricate tiles of the floor. It was not to hide any secrets, but rather to show respect. “...My life revolves around secrets,” she finally admitted. “My past, present, and future are drowning with them. That is how it will always be. Secrets are my fate, my destiny. He was a good one. Too good. Much too pure for my good. I would have no excuses, no reason to hold back. We are all as sick as our secrets, and if I were to stay with him, the others would smell it as well. Only a fool would not see that my life with him was a lie.” Maleficent looked back up. “Love fails all the time. I adopted a different child, so that I would not lose their trust. Engaging with him was a mistake I will not make again. A good dragon is not suited for me. Rather, one who will not patiently wait for secrets to be thrown out like scraps to a starving dog... a dragon who has no reason to fear betrayal, for he will be just as quick to sever the head from my shoulders... that is a much more suitable sire.”

Apex laughed now, loud and booming. “So, you wished to be abused? Oh, how lowly you think of me. My search for a willing partner will not end up in harm if they are truly willing, I assure you.” That might have been a joke. Not the latter half, of course, that was dangerously true-- only the first two sentences. Still, Maleficent could not be sure, so she still tried to be as respectful as possible with her words. “I know a glorious leader such as yourself would never dream of such a thing, what you have spoke of in your former sentences. I have no plans to betray you, so I am assured in my own safety. I have no regrets-- this was a decision I made on my own."