payment in due time

JUNIPER

you think i'm happy because i'm smiling,
but it's the easiest thing to do

"Thank you," Juniper says, sincerely, taking the envelope from Anju and setting it aside. "I truly appreciate your willingness to help."

Juniper nods as Anju speaks of her quest, smiling at Riya -- and smiling, too, at the look on Anju's face as she looks at Riya, at the visible bond between woman and dragon. "What is your remaining task? Or do you just need to return to Ludo now?"

Another nod, but the smile fades from Juniper's face as she contemplates the concept of guidance. It's something she could certainly use, but that she hasn't felt able to ask the gods for in some time. After all, it is the gods themselves who are causing Juniper so much turmoil. "What answer do you hope Ludo will give?"

if you looked a little closer,
you'd find my eyes aren't smiling too.

table by Skylark