let's hang together, shall we, Straia?

[Gallows]

She arrives in a timely fashion, which is commendable considering the activity in her kingdom. I can't admit to being entirely good natured about that. All of the kingdoms ebb and flow, I know, but it's worse when the ebb is happening to the place that claims you. I snort. Demian is doing a decent job as far as that's concerned. I'll give credit where it is due. Not to his face, naturally. What would be the point? "The company, if not the environment." I grin easily in response to her question. "Doesn't that beating heart thing get a bit maddening after awhile?" The Valley has the good sense to hold still, I might add. I don't say that out loud, of course. Something about diplomacy and blah blah blah. No point in starting a Chamber versus Valley banter so early in the conversation. After all, nothing else would get accomplished if that happened. "I'm Gallows, and I happen to know you are Straia." I didn't need to read her currently raven occupied mind to know this. Kushiel has provided a lovely reference picture in his own mind. He's such a helpful son. All mothers should have one, I think. I can't overtly approve of his, how shall we put this? Lifestyle choices? But if he had to choose a kingdom that wasn't the Valley I suppose the Chamber is the best of the options. God, he could have gone to the Gates. I might have killed him. I glance around, absently, wondering if I will spot his tall gray form working. Well, not working. Let's be honest. This is Kushiel we are talking about. "You know about Demian and all that nonsense, of course." I say this affectionately, the way a mother looks at her naughty child and can't help but laugh at their disobedient antics. "I'm here to see what interest there is in an alliance between the Chamber and the Valley. I believe of all the kingdoms we are most alike in background and future plans. And perhaps, we could do something interesting together." I grin wickedly. "Something fun." Oh yes, there's more to life than hedonism, but really, how much more? I ruffle my wings, and wait. G A L L O W S We must all hang together or, assuredly, we shall all hang separately.