Chapter 1: Forgotten Realms
Dawn trickled through a crack in the granite hewn tower, in flawless tinges of rose, marigold and honey. A small dragon stirred, asleep next to a hearth that dappled hues of periwinkle and sapphire on its' amethyst scaled body. Scanning the threshold, she extended her violet wings and brushed her silver claws gently against the sleeping girl that huddled close to her, on the verge of hyperventilating. She swayed side to side as she murmured incoherently about freedom and choice. The winged beast nudged her before edging away, looking rueful. Wasn't it her fault that the once powerful Raven Queen was weaving through nightmares, day and night?
A knock pierced through the room as Raven awoke clawing at the air as if an enemy was stabbing her repetitively and slowly. She breathed for a few seconds before scuffling faintly towards the door. When she touched it, a certain lustre devoured at the death misted irises and her eyes glinted with a mischievous glint of mauve.
"Mother," Raven asked hesitantly, leaning her head on the door frame, "Why are you giving my powers back? Ever since… ever since… "She trailed listlessly, melancholy sparking embers of the fever-stricken dreams she confronted. Hidden contempt coated her words.
"My dearest darling," her mother, the Evil Queen, cooed, "Remember, recently you signed a contract pledging you will follow the dark paths. I decided, since you are my… daughter, it will certainly fit if my spawn shall have a place to play on the chess board"
Raven began to open her mouth before a tendril of violet coiled around her mouth and limbs.
"If you dare try to slay me," the Evil Queen hissed," You will regret your existence, and may become a banquet to one of my minions,"
The Evil Queen sauntered away, leaving Raven to chew the binding magic off. She spat it out while glaring at the shadows. The dragon meandered poignantly towards the witch and sat on her haunches, alone. Raven scratched her under her chin idly and watched outside the flaw in the turret.
"Nevermore… Why, why! Why, when I pick up the shards of what used to be me, I… I prick myself! I wither every time I think of… of… them! Even though they done nothing… nothing to save me… Why… why..." she wept, tears falling softly on her ivory cheeks. Her wails echoed through the tight space, and Nevermore could have sworn she heard an answering sob.
"I curse you mother," she whispered with new intent," May your side crumble to dust, and may goodness prevail," She continued to murmur words and smear symbols on the marble floor with crimson and continued to mutter incantations. Then she finished and wiped the insignia away.
"Nevermore," Raven asked, "Why does everyone change?"