I walk restlessly along the Valley borders (stupid flaming wall of flame; if I wanted to be singed in my own damn home I'd ask Kushiel to visit), cursing my inability to act. Without Demian, alliances cannot officially be forged and plans cannot be put into motion. I feel stagnant. Worse, I am bored. And a bored Gallows is something no one wants.
My eyes flash dangerously, suddenly. A thought slinks its way into my brain, and a slow, wicked smile crosses my face. Impetuously, but with the confidence of self-righteousness, I stalk towards the usual meeting place. It's so pedestrian shrieking out a call to gather so I try for subtlety. With the ease of long practice I open my mind and drop a thought into the minds of my fellow Valley members.
Hello, darlings? We need to have a chat.
I wait, deceptively patient, as they gather. Fennick, of course because he is freaking everywhere, but others, too, arrive.
My first words are calm, steady and to the point. I don't wonder about the rightness of them. For the Valley there is nothing or us to choose but strength.
"I propose a mutiny. I have nothing against Demian personally, but he is no longer what the Valley needs."
I can't blame him terribly for going missing, life being what it is, but the Valley needs leadership and she needs strength. Now is not the time for an absent throne to be our cornerstone. I give the others a grim look.
"We need a leader right now. The Valley has been growing but our momentum is stalled without a responsible party to make decisions. Without someone to pull us together we are just so many half-assed ships in the night. I'm calling for a vote right now. Yes or no, will you oust the absent king?"
I give them a moment to ponder. For me, I need no more thought. The Valley is my love, and her I will serve first.
"If Demian is deposed, and you want me to serve you as Queen, I will. I'm not going to promise you flowers or rainbows or great victories in the coming months. You know me and you've seen me and I'll let that speak for itself. Whoever you choose, and it matters little as long as their heart beats with this place, make certain they would give their lives for our home."
Because if they wouldn't and they succeed the throne, death will find them in a much more interesting manner.
G A L L O W S
We must all hang together or, assuredly, we shall all hang separately.
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