and now the storm is coming in -- any

[Gallows]

I've been waiting for him to reemerge. The Valley never really lets go of anyone, even a monarch deposed. In some cases, even residents who were formerly dead aren't allows to rest in peace. She's just that kind of gal, the Valley is. I've lived too long by most standards, and there are few still alive now who can remember the ancient of days when I was young. Eight has aged while I have not, but he is one of those who knew old Beqanna and a considerably younger version of me. I am drawn to those of us who have lived through so much to make it here now. We've seen the fucked up and know that there's only more fucked up to come. Isn't the truth delightful? I share Eight's cynicism, honestly borne out of a lifetime of watching a story repeated. It doesn't take away my love of the Valley, but it makes me cautious about each new monarch who ascends to seize the throne. The Valley takes everything, and will cut you loose in the end. She approaches him first, doing a very good imitation of a breathtaking beauty engulfed in royalty. Looks are not something I can claim, and it's never bothered me much, although it has annoyed me on occasion. Some horses just don't seem to listen as well if the face they are speaking with isn't gorgeous. I'm just average, dark bay and brown eyed, with hawk wings tucked against my side. Even those aren't special, in this land of a thousand traits. She's a Queen. Perhaps I should be notifying the populace, but I don't much care who comes in or out of the Valley. She can take care of herself (this land, I mean) and I also doubt she has very much to fear from a resident of the Gates. Old prejudices die hard, you know. I approach them on foot, being considerate enough to give them warning because that's how pleasant I am planning to be. “The Valley is always thriving, Camrynn. It's her inhabitants who need a kick in the ass every once in awhile.” Whoops. Pleasant is so hard. It's sadly predictable of me, but I like using someone's name before they introduce themselves. It makes them wonder, and at least I like to think so, it gives them fair warning that their thoughts are not their own. "Gallows." But it's only fair to then give her my name, right? Maybe I can redeem my resolution to be pleasant, after all. G A L L O W S We must all hang together or, assuredly, we shall all hang separately.