Ankyra Sound the odyssey

Apologies for missing yesterday! I got distracted by Magpie...

She remained firm in her silence, ignoring the question that fell from the grey spawn's lips— Minthe had no way of sensing his internal dialogue, but her refusal to respond was a wordless judgement as well. You are a mere male; my words are too important for your ears alone. Even that he spoke the Sea's language did not move her; it was expected of the consorts to know it. She would wait for the presence of the Queen, but she would not beg the male for audience— that he hadn't summoned her yet caused Minthe to flick an ear in annoyance, though her expression remained stoic.

They had not long to wait; a hybrid woman with grey fur and black crown strode confidently to the center of the gathering— Caiaphas, she knew from description. Minthe relaxed her posture in deference, then, a clear signal that though the consorts were not worthy of such respect, she would acknowledge the standings of the sirens that inhabited the Sound. Minthe trusted her daughters would do the same. "You have met my eldest daughter already," she began, "though she abandoned her cause. I am here to counsel and guide as required. My daughters are here to serve— and my ward," she added, eyes sweeping over Callantha, "to learn."

She paused. "Aktaie failed the Sound. We have come to support you in your success, Matriarch." Minthe spoke carefully, no trace of judgement or challenge in her tone— they would do as required to ensure that Ankyra thrived, and Caiaphas would receive the benefit of doubt until her actions spoke otherwise.