shine on you crazy diamond; Hestia/Any

[Gallows]

I catch sight of Fennick entering the Valley with a girl and I stifle a sigh. Seriously. Is this guy an overachiever or what? Perhaps I'm feeling a bit guilty because I haven't visited the FIeld, but the way I see it, the Valley has always been here and always will be here and I'm not going to waste my time convincing anyone that this place is great. I'll leave that to Fennick, our extremely capable wunderkind. I rifle through Hestia's mind casually, picking out her thoughts with interest. Seems this one like to flit around a bit. A sordid history, lah dee dah, not uncommon. I grin a bit, the exhilaration from knowing rushing over me. Nothing, not water on a hot day or sex or any other sensual pleasure beats this mental one. I know your secret, little girl I think, and don't think I won't use it if it benefits the Valley. Abandoment can be rectified, of course, although I don't look kindly on it. But if done recklessly and repeatedly, the wall and the inhabitants will be less than kind. Still, forgiveness is a virtue the Valley possesses even if I do not and the land is our mistress. Having gained the information I wanted, I move closer to the pair, coughing loudly. "So sorry to interrupt your tryst, Fennick, but I thought I'd greet the new girl." I'm not entirely sure Fennick knew she was hitting on him, but he tends to be oblivious to such things I've noticed. I grin, wondering how soon it will be before reality hits him over the head. "Hestia. I am Gallows. There's a little gray filly around here somewhere that's mine, as well, named Namaah. Welcome home to the Valley." Gods, I really should try being nice more often. I bet it's a good look for me. G A L L O W S We must all hang together or, assuredly, we shall all hang separately.