JUNIPER
you think i'm happy because i'm smiling,
but it's the easiest thing to do
Juniper smiled and nodded, though she didn't think asking Azrael to cheer up the Fae would be truly practical -- not given the hostility too many Fae would probably exhibit towards an Ascended, even an Ascended child. A pity, but that was the state of things between their peoples.but it's the easiest thing to do
She nodded again and didn't pry further into the circumstances of Bastien's ascension ... and then they came to the Voice again. Despite her anger, Juniper took care to listen to Bastien's words, to keep in mind that he was not the person she was angry with -- and it helped that he didn't try to defend the Voice. Instead he spoke a version of theology, of philosophy, that Juniper could understand and relate to, even if it was a bit cynical. No, the gods didn't pay much attention to the needs of mortals ...
"Still," she said, continuing her thought aloud, "I would like to think that the gods are righteous, moral. Perhaps not the heralds, not always -- I know they can be a bit eccentric. But the greater gods, who shape our lives and deaths ... We teach our children that Vi and Mort love us, and that is why they have crafted our lives and afterlives so carefully. I know they don't take much interest in individuals, but I do believe that they care for mortal life as a whole -- and would not take it without good reason."
But then Bastien was right: Juniper bowed her head again, though her voice was a bit bitter when she said, "Yes, I imagine the Voice thinks her reasons are quite good -- whatever those reasons are. I doubt I'll ever agree."
And another nod, as the conversation turned from the motives and actions of gods to those of mere mortals. Juniper smiled, a bit wanly but with sympathy. "You're right. You have your goddess, I have my gods -- and we all just have to try and survive their conflict."
if you looked a little closer,
you'd find my eyes aren't smiling too.
you'd find my eyes aren't smiling too.
