Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 8)

"I'm well. And you? I didn't see you hardly at all yesterday."
May glanced to Ivar, who shrugged and looked to Rickard. Rickard looked back at him blankly, then blinked.
"Oh! Right, sorry." He translated for May. May thought about it for a moment, then shook her head.

“Oh.” Aashi looked at Rickard sheepishly. “Sorry… how are you?”

“Doing better!” Ky said brightly, smiling. She wasn’t. But she was doing better with her acting, so that was something at least. “What did you do yesterday?”

That was a dangerous question. Ky regretted it the instant it was out of her mouth. She knew better than to ask questions that she didn’t want turned back on herself. And yet here she was. Doing just that.

"Oh, I'm well, miss." He smiled quickly. "I've been doing a little exploring."
"I did a lot of reading," Lyra replied. "And I caught up with Ishai, which was very pleasant. What about you?"

“Oh? Have you found anything interesting?” Aashi asked with a smile.

“Not much.” Ky shrugged. “Hung out with Tadaaki a bunch… is Ishai doing well? I haven’t met her yet.”

Rickard nodded. "I've seen a lot of relationships unfolding; there's much to observe as dynamics go. And the rooms in the place are numerous!"
"Ishai's doing very well, yes. You've got to meet her and the others." Lyra's brow furrowed. "You would get along with Ishai, I think."

“They are!” Aashi nodded vigorously. “This place is even bigger than Caracal Keep and I have no idea whatsoever how that’s even possible! Very impressive no doubt! Anything in particular I should keep an eye out for?”

“Why’s that?” Ky asked.

Rickard thought for a moment, glancing uneasily at Gaius. "I'm no expert on this place, miss, but the Grove is quite something. And the graveyard...though it's very solemn. The statues are masterful, and the styles vary greatly over the centuries."
"She likes go read as well, and she has a lot of energy."

“I’ll have to check both of those out, thank you for the recommendations!” Aashi nodded again.

Ky nodded as she considered. Was she like Aashi, then? Tomhas? “Sounds fun to hang around with her.”

"Certainly." He dipped his head. "I found a massive machine upstairs as well; I'm not sure how it works but it's fascinating."

"She is, if you've got enough energy to keep up." Lyra nodded.

“Oh? What is it?” Aashi asked, hoping he at least knew the name if not what it did. Then she could ask about it. The librarians were fascinating people who answered all of her millions of random questions. They’d know for sure.

Ky smiled and nodded. She definitely didn’t have the energy today. It’d be no small miracle for her to survive breakfast while maintaining this energetic facade. Much less having to meet new people.

Rickard shrugged. "I'm afraid I don't know."
"The orrery," Gaius supplied from the other end of the table. "It tracks the movements of stars." His eyes flicked to Ky; she wasn't acting at all the way he'd expected her to ask. She must be faking it for someone's benefit.

“That sounds really interesting!” Aashi said with a smile. “I’d like to see it sometime, if it’s not too much trouble!”

Ky looked at Gaius as he spoke. She hadn’t been paying attention to whatever conversation he was commenting on. But then they made eye contact. Shit, shit, shit. She’d look like she was hiding something if she suspiciously looked away. But Aleth had a tendency to see straight through her if he looked her in the eyes. And Gaius was every bit as perceptive. She smiled nervously.

"Feel free," Gaius replied, eyes lingering on Ky. "It's on the highest floor and perfectly accessible. Just try not to touch it." He didn't return the smile but twitched an eyebrow minimally.

Ky flushed and looked away quickly, intimidated. Her cheery demeanor faltered as she sobered. But she forced her energy to amp up again. Kyber didn’t have the luxury of retreating. And she needed him now. Even though Gaius was probably going to see straight through him, if she pushed her luck. So she needed to not.

Tadaaki watched her calmly, sympathetic but knowing fully well he couldn’t do anything to help without making it worse. Best just to let Ky try her charisma and see if she got away with it. He wasn’t hopeful.

“Thank you!” Aashi grinned, completely oblivious to the tension. “I won’t for sure. Just look, no touching. Got it. Thanks so much!”

Gaius dipped his head and settled back in his chair, falling silent.
"So what will you be doing today?" Lyra asked Ky.