{open} know thine enemy

JUNIPER

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

Juniper wasn't sure what answer she'd expected to her question, but she wasn't surprised by the one she got. Of course the Ascended had been good to Azrael -- they must have been their people's pride and joy, a child miraculously granted by their goddess, a sign of her favor and what she could do for her faithful. And, absent any such theological implications, they were a charming kid.

"That sounds like a good idea," Juniper replied. Fixing up the Ruins would be a worthy project for anyone, even without the hope that focusing their energies at home might keep the Ascended out of trouble. And she didn't doubt that the Ascended would be willing to help Azrael; seeing their drawings -- and their enthusiasm -- she'd half wanted to volunteer herself. "I think they would help too. Together, you could build something remarkable."

Juniper hesitated then, unsure if she had anything else to ask Azrael. "Well, I wouldn't want to keep you too long ..."

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

table by Skylark