Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree

(Night!)

"That also makes sense." Ky nodded again. She didn't think she'd get involved in someone else's war, even if she did have an established house... but, then, she was involving herself in this war, wasn't she? Sure, she wasn't sending off her subjects to be slaughtered, but she was doing the little that she could to help Loquitur and Constance... and, she supposed, by extension Tarr -- but she'd try not to think about that too much. "It seems very fatiguing to have to make all of these decisions all the time."

(Also okay so, another random idea I had -- or, I guess, two random ideas. 1. I think it could be kind of cute if Ky sees Isya/Arthur and they recognize each other -- because Isya maybe was employed by Aleth before, yeah? -- and absolutely panics because she's afraid he's there to hurt Loquitur before she realizes that he's on his payroll 2. What would you think if maybe there was another informant planted in Loquitur's stables? Like, someone Aleth had used as an informant before, so Ky recognizes him, but knows fully well he's not working for Aleth right then and doesn't know who he is working for? I'm totally chill if you're not vibing with these ideas but thought I'd throw them out there as potential options for when we get to Caracal Keep)

(I really like number 1! I'll have to figure out a personality for Arthur real quick but I'm down for it!)

"Heh, you're telling me." Constance stretched her arms above her head. "Some nights I wake up making decisions in my sleep, stressing about things I have weeks to confirm or deny. I know it's conceited to complain about such a cushy position, but Ky it's a nightmare sometimes!"

(Awesome! I liked 1 substantially better, so I'm glad you're down for it lol d r a m a )

"I think that's reasonable, ma'am," Ky answered, smiling. At least Constance recognized she was fortunate for her position, not entitled to it. And Ky certainly wouldn't like to have her job. It might be nice to be a younger sister in a noble family -- so long as your brother wasn't a complete dickwad like Tarr -- but she certainly wouldn't want to have the responsibility of all those decisions.

"My Papa told me to never judge someone else, because we all have different sized plates. And what might not seem like a big deal to me might be completely filling up someone else's plate, if they have a smaller one than I do." Ky flushed, embarrassed that she'd started the analogy, but now she was too far in to stop. "And I think my plate would completely shatter if I had even an eighth of your responsibility. You must have made your plate very large and very, very strong to be able to handle it."

Constance smiled slightly. "Your father sounds like a wise man. I expect my own plate would shatter if I were in a different situation; some of us are suited to different things. I didn't exactly choose to be the firstborn, but here I am, ruling a territory with my wife, son, and advisor by my side."

“Yes, ma’am,” Ky answered with a small smile, dipping her head. She certainly understood that much. She hadn’t chosen to become a slave. She hadn’t chosen to come to Wolf Keep. And, she supposed she had chosen to agree to Loquitur’s plan, but she didn’t have the power to have made that decision.

“You and Papa would have liked each other.” Ky decided. Papa appreciated wisdom and kindness, and Constance had both. So did Loquitur. Well, at least kindness. According to Constance, Loquitur still had a bit of room to learn wisdom. “You’re very similar... I mean, kind of. He was just a weaver and had to raise me by himself... but he was very kind and people came to him for advice a lot because he was very smart. I'd be happy if I could be even half as good as he was."

"I expect you may very well surpass him, one day," Constance replied. "You've had to grow up fast, and growing up fast often comes with unasked for wisdom. And where you're lacking you can always ask one of the Loquiturs or one of their employees. That entire household is wonderful at problem-solving."

Ky smiled a bit. It wasn't likely. Constance didn't just how good Papa was, there was no way she was ever going to be better than he was. But, it was nice to hear that maybe someday she'd be almost as good. "I hope so. I feel very fortunate for this opportunity."

"What are you most looking forward to when you get to Caracal Keep?" Constance asked her. "It's a beautiful place, lots to do there and in the village nearby."

"Oh, um..." Ky hesitated. "I haven't really thought about it."

It hadn't really sunk in yet that she wasn't going to be a slave anymore. She was so used to not looking forward to anything. It didn't matter where they were or who they were with, she never made any of the decisions, and you couldn't get your hopes crushed if you didn't have them to begin with. What did free people do when they got to new places? The main thing she was looking forward to was Aleth not being there.

"Oh! Lord Loquitur is letting me take an iron kitten back with us!" Ky said eagerly, grinning as she suddenly remembered that part. She was definitely looking forward to that. "He's so kind."

"Oh, really? Alexander did mention his cat had kittens about a month ago." Constance grinned. "Arianna absolutely adores cats; I might have to ask him if I could snag one as well. Our anniversary is coming up, after all. Have you chosen one yet?"

"Aww! They're so cute," Ky said, still grinning. What an adorable anniversary present. "And, yeah, I've picked one of the little boys. I named in Petrir. He's the cutest little thing ever. I love him already."

"That's wonderful! Iron-cats are excellent companions, I find. And there's the double benefit of cats in general being good mousers. We've got a couple cats at home; one flesh and the other iron, but you can never have too many in a Keep!"

"What are their names?" Ky asked, still smiling. So, the absolute adoration of cats stretched across all socioeconomic statuses. She had at least one thing in common with Constance.

"Well, the Iron's a long-haired tom named Bo. It's...well, it's an inside joke between me and Arianna." She blushed and chuckled. "The flesh one is a lovely tabby female named Clawdia. Self-explanatory pun, there."

"Awww!" Ky smiled. "I bet they're both adorable... do you have any other pets?"