gallows;

[Gallows]

Amused is a state of being I am often engaged in. But can you blame me? The world is just one big party, and I like to enjoy it. And so, once again, I admit to being amused at Shiya's reluctance to lie. I can't blame her, of course. Lying isn't a natural state of being but it is a quickly acquired trait and I have no doubt that the multi-talented mare can grasp hold of the ability. "Yes." I say seriously, although my eyes are dancing. "If you can have confidence in the lie, you can learn confidence in the truth. And I know you can do this. I'd send you to the Dale before I let Fennick do it." I grin at that. He might kidnap another princess, the rascal. Truthfully (and privately, because I will never ever tell her this) she could completely fuck up this spying thing and still do me a favor, because no matter how well she gathers information, I can always rifle through her subconscious to gather what I need. It's the kind of assignment that gives purpose but won't screw over the Valley if it isn't well done. But I wasn't lying either. I do think she's capable. Whether she believes it is the kicker. Her parting words as she contemplates her mission are not surprising. Even without mind reading, I can tell she is trouble by her past with Eight. It's a jumble of confusion for me, too, and that is not something I enjoy. "I will find out, Shiya. Consider it payment for a job I know will be well done." He has a lot of answers for me, I think, and I am simply dying to have that conversation. G A L L O W S We must all hang together or, assuredly, we shall all hang separately.