JUNIPER
you think i'm happy because i'm smiling,
but it's the easiest thing to do
Juniper nodded when Nephele agreed with her, frowned thoughtfully when she didn't. She was thinking of her reply, of acquiescence and counter-arguments, when Remi spoke. His words deepened her frown, and she took a long breath before responding. "I understand your concerns about being signed up for a fight you don't want, and I would never commit the Greatwood to an alliance without consulting you, as a co-leader and as one of its greatest defenders. Neither do I consider the Greatwood unable to defend itself." Juniper had to force a note of irritation not to enter her voice on that last statement, but it wasn't directed at Remi -- rather, she was thinking of the Torcher Queens, and how they had belittled the Greatwood when she spoke, acting as if it had nothing to offer and could only beg for help.but it's the easiest thing to do
"However, I cannot agree to completely closing ourselves off from the rest of Caido. It's true, the Greatwood does not need the aid of other regions, but we should look beyond need. If war is to come, should those of us whom fate has placed on one side -- the side of the Old Gods -- cooperate to make it as swift and bloodless as possible?"
Turning to Nephele, Juniper continued, "I don't think there's any chance of us getting close enough to Morgan to share her bed, metaphorically speaking. But if there's any opportunity to convince her to maintain neutrality, at least for a little longer, I would rather take it than make her an enemy by assumption. Would you object to me at least sending her a letter? I will make no commitments nor alliances, of course."
To Nephele's other point: "I don't want our relationship with Halo to deteriorate into open conflict through our acceptance of those Morgan might name traitors. But if there are citizens of Halo who wish to leave it for somewhere where they can be certain of fighting for the Old Gods, I would welcome them to the Greatwood. Not all of them can go to Stormbreak," she added, glancing at Remi. "Not if they're Abandoned. And Torchline is an uncertain quantity at the moment. If there are those who would fight for us in the coming battles, I think we should accept them."
Was that everything? Probably not, but it would have to do for now, until she heard her co-leaders' responses.
if you looked a little closer,
you'd find my eyes aren't smiling too.
you'd find my eyes aren't smiling too.
