is this a trick

JUNIPER

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

"I suppose not many people do," Juniper responded. "It's ... The Ascended attacked the Greatwood to create it, desecrated a sacred place. It's a source of pain for us. Though I suppose it does make travel more convenient."

Juniper had been visiting the portal quite a bit lately, with her diplomatic trips to other lands. Every time, visiting the ruined Mathair reminded her of what was at stake -- and why she was going to all this trouble to try to hold the Ascended accountable.

She hesitated, unsure how to answer. On one hand, she wanted to be hospitable; on the other, she didn't really want to spend her day escorting this woman around the Greatwood. Though she did appreciate the apology. "Won't someone be looking for you back in Halo? If you disappeared during a dragon attack ..."

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

table by Skylark