Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 3)

“Yeahhhh,” Ky said. She wanted to say something about how stupid and brutish Tarr was, but recognized that that would be opening up a whole can of worms she didn’t want to deal with. “But, for now, I’m choosing to focus on the fact that the whole family is together.”

And that stressed her mods.

"That's important," Anneliese agreed. "I'm really glad you're here, and that we get to welcome you into the family. It's a good distraction, plus I get a cool new sister. Plus I think you may have stopped the war between my uncle and my father, so you have that going for you as well."

“Heh.” Ky rubbed her face with a grim smirk. Who knew her almost-death was all it would take to get Tomhas and Ash to get back on speaking terms. She hesitated a long moment, then, “… I’m glad I’m here, too. I always wanted siblings but never got to have them. You’re all so wonderful.”

"I hope we won't disappoint you." She grinned. "And try not to worry too much about talking and stuff like that. We all make mistakes sometimes, but you never learn if you don't try, and no one here will harm you just for messing up a little."

Ky relaxed a little, nodding, as she realized how much tension had left her now that it was just her and… her sister. Because this was what sisters did. She smiled a bit at the thought. She really had a sister… well, she would in two days. But she didn’t foresee their interactions changing much in that time, if any. “I appreciate that… I’ll try to be less anxious. More Loquitur-y.”

"Another secret for you: Loquiturs run on anxiety. It's our lifeblood. We're always at least a little nervous about something, which makes us more energetic, which makes us talk more, which makes us more anxious because we're worried that someone will notice we're talking to much. It's a vicious cycle."

Ky laughed. “Fair enough… I used to talk a lot. Like, I never used to shut up. I was probably so annoying.”

She knew she was, in fact. Aleth told her often.

"You'll fit right in with us, then!" Anneliese rose. "Come on, let's get out of this room and find something to do. I can't stand staying in one place for too long!"

“Sounds good!” Ky stood and took a step towards the door. “What do you have in mind?”

"Well, we could tag along in the garden or go play a game, or we could ask Father if we can go riding."

“Ooh!” Ky said eagerly. “All of those sound fun!”

"What are you feeling like right now?" Anneliese opened the door.

(I do actually want to do something with the horseback riding the next day)

“Hmm, maybe we could go down to the garden and then if it’s boring or feels awkward we could ask if we can go riding at that point?”

(Sounds good to me! I can also always have Tadaaki show up at any point we start running out of things to talk about aha)

(Please do! Whenever you feel like adding him in!)

"That's a great idea!" Anneliese pulled open the door. "After you, big sister."

Ky smiled and walked out. “What do you think they’re talking about down there?”