where do we go from here?

JUNIPER

you think i'm happy because i'm smiling,
but it's the easiest thing to do

Alina's disapproving expression put Juniper even more on edge -- she didn't seem in a particularly receptive mood -- but Juniper tried to hide her apprehension. Alina's bedraggled appearance surprised her, and she couldn't help blurting, "Are you all right?" with more worry than she'd intended to let on.

Then Juniper tried to get a handle on herself, to speak calmly and professionally. "Yes. I wanted to talk to you about the Ascended, and our campaign against them ... I've heard some troubling things. That a Fae killed an Ascended who wasn't involved in attacking the Mathair, and sent his dismembered body across the lands ... Is that true?"

She had more questions, of course, but Juniper figured that was a good place to start. The last thing she wanted was for Alina to think Juniper was accusing her of ... something.

if you looked a little closer,
you'd find my eyes aren't smiling too.

table by Skylark