Fennick, dear, let's chat

[Gallows]

I grin, my amusement a stark contrast to the scowl on the stallion's face. I'm well aware he considers this whole thing my fault. If only it were. But I'm happy enough to take the blame for quite a few things I had nothing to do with. Especially if it has the added bonus of annoying dear Fen. My goody two shoes, predictable, everywhere at once-oh my gosh. He didn't. "Oh gods. Fennick!" I laugh suddenly, gasping out words while I struggle to catch my breath. "You were worried about me and you went and kidnapped a princess. Lagertha's daughter, no less!" My fit of giggles ends in an amused sigh and I look over the stallion appraisingly. It seems there might be more of a troublemaker in my co-ruler than I had previously thought. That's refreshing. It means Fennick might be more amenable to changes of the fun persuasion. Also practical, because let's be honest, ninety percent of this job is paperwork. "Good lord, thank you. I needed that. Well done. And I approve the plan to trade dignitaries with the Amazons. Perhaps you can speak to the little princess on behalf of both of us about an alliance. We are already allied with the Chamber but if we could get the warrior women, it would be a formidable trifecta quite capable of going offensive. Should we so desire." And it is abundantly clear that it is something I so desire. Stretching our muscles with a couple of strong kingdoms by our sides sounds like an excellent way to pass our first reigning year. I make a mental note to speak to Straia, and forge ahead. "On a practical note, I think the wall needs to go. Or at least the flamboyance of it. I want to speak with Eight about a subtler alarm for intruders. I had also hoped you would tell me what ideas you might have." I can play nice. Really. I am very good at it. I mean, not for long, and I will definitely call someone on being stupid if they are, but I figure I should make an effort. Ruling with someone is a brand new experience. Kind of like letting spiders crawl across your skin or eating worms. And it's not like I couldn't read Fennick's mind but I'm fairly certain it's considered more polite to let him talk. Speaking of reading his mind. "And Fennick? I'm not going to waste breath convincing you that you are worthy of this job. You're the king of the Valley. Step up or step down." I cock an eyebrow, my serious tone tempered by the merriment in my golden eyes. I have no doubt that he will step up. He just needs a kick in the ass to remind him that this isn't about either of us. It's about our home. G A L L O W S We must all hang together or, assuredly, we shall all hang separately. The Irreverent Valley Queen

ooc: So. Much. Dialogue.