RP:What's a Bit of Stewardship Between Friends?
Part of the The Key to Open the Skies Arc
Hawk's Eye Roost
Satoshi can be found crouched upon the roost's floor, hands occupied with a thick braid of hide, the other end of which is clamped in the jaws of a young polar bear. How she got a polar bear up here in the first place is best left unasked. Although Frysta has grown from the bumbling cub that once stalked the magus home, the bear is far from an adult, as is evident in how eagerly he engages in a game of tug-o-war with Satoshi. Mock growls come from kit and bear alike, neither one relenting in their grip upon the rope--although Satoshi looks to be on the verge of losing, her size unable to compete in a prolonged match against a polar bear's natural strength.
Hildegarde ’s couatl companion, Kenway, curled around the Eyrie’s roost to allow the knight to simply – and quite gracefully – alight from his helmed head and onto the roost floor. “Thank you,” she offered him quietly, as he took off into the clouds once again; no doubt off on important squire business! Upon seeing the kit and bear playing tug-o-war, the knight grinned: “The cub has grown!” she remarks cheerily, “And it seems the maiden fair is no match for the hairy little bear,” she continued, taking a few steps towards Frysta and Satoshi. It had been some time since she’d seen the cub; remembering how he liked to try and chew upon her hand.
Satoshi's flawless record against Frysta is shattered the moment her concentration wavers toward Hildegarde. Seizing upon his opponent's lapse, the bear is swift to give a mighty jerk of his head as he rears up to his (proud) four feet of height, tearing the rope from Satoshi's hands. The kit frowns, defeated, as she climbs to her feet and brushes off her clothing, although the expression brightens once it's lifted to the knight in greeting. "Mithril~. You've just witnessed the birth of a new champion. He's grown much too large for me to play games with anymore, as we've just confirmed~." An affectionate pat is given to Frysta as the young bear romps by, rope clenched smugly in his teeth. "Next thing we know, he'll be chewing up the hands of Giants~."
Hildegarde watched the polar bear rear up on his hind legs, impressed by his height, “He’ll only grow taller,” she said softly, pleased to know that Satoshi had such a steadfast companion by her side. “But I suppose he will find new playmates, ones who can withstand his powerful bites and romping around,” she smiled, joining Satoshi’s side. “You needn’t stand for me, m’lady, please, sit if it makes you more comfortable.” The knight grins down at Frysta, obviously pleased to see the cub romp around. “Fortunately, our giants are a formidable lot! I bet they’d love to say they “bested” a polar bear… even if it’s not exactly in combat.”
Satoshi laughs, waving off Hildegarde's polite request. "It's rude to greet a friend and not stand, Mithril. Besides, this way I'm still taller than that furry brute of a bear, it will keep him from growing too cocky in his victory." Hildegarde is right, after all, Frysta will only grow taller, like the rest of his burly species. It's best to assure he knows where he stands in the hierarchy before he gets too large. But at the present, the bear doesn't seem to care about any of that, as he flops over on his side and begins playfully mauling his trophy while voicing delighted growls. "One day, when he's fully grown, I'm sure he'll welcome matches against our giants. It will keep him strong and keep them humble~. Until then, however, I'll be taking him with me."
Hildegarde offered Satoshi a kind smile, shaking her head, “It makes little difference to me, Satoshi, whether you stand upon greeting me. After all, I am your friend and your guardian, so you needn’t be so formal around me,” not that she would drop her own formal habits any time soon. The bowing, the m’ladying, the m’lording, all of that. Old habits die hard. But the amused and delighted growls of Frysta seem to detract her attention, as she finds herself looking at the cub and smiling. Such happiness made the knight a little happier, truth be told. “Taking him with you?” she repeated, offering Satoshi a brief glance and questioning look.
Satoshi refrains from pointing out Hildegarde's own formalities, instead biting her lip to keep back a knowing grin. At the question, her grin widens enough to show fangs. "Aye. No where specific, no exact time planned. I'm simply feeling... restless, truthfully. As a mage, constant learning is vital to my existence, and I feel like I have done little learning of late, so I intend to wander, explore, and study moreso than I have been. Which is," the magus tips her head to one side, eying the knight, "something I wanted to talk with you about. The coming times I might be absent or occupied, I need a person I can trust, and that my people trust, to look after Frostmaw. A steward of sorts, even if that term is usually reserved for a kingdom lacking a true ruler~."
Hildegarde offered a nod of understanding, “I understand that. That kind of… kind of burning curiosity,” she said softly, “the wanderlust. It’s why we Silver dragons hide as humans or elves, we like to learn about it all,” she told Satoshi. It was no secret, just maybe something that was often misinterpreted or misunderstood by the humanoid races. “So, who are you thinking of naming your steward…?” she asked, “I mean, Svilfon is a grand and powerful wizard, but I imagine he too is busy with… er… wizard business,” the sort of business that Hilde isn’t sure of or what it might entail of. “I suppose we ought to look for the right steward candidates, eh? Where is it we’ll head off to?” the knight asked with a smile. She assumed, that as Captain of the Queen’s Guard, she’d naturally be joining Satoshi in this adventure or at least accompanying her.
Satoshi bites back a chuckle, the knight is ever predictable in her determination and humility. "I've already found the prime candidate. In fact, I've been testing and observing their city-managing abilities for the past two months. They're perfect for the task." Careful to keep her face neutral, Satoshi lifts a hand to rest upon Hildegarde's shoulder, a mimicry of the knight's common gesture. Efforts fail after a moment, however, and the kit's mouth twists into a smile, eyes bright with mirth. "You passed with flying colors. Congratulations on your promotion, Steward Hildegarde~." Predicting objections, Satoshi leans in then to add in a conspiratorial whisper, "Just between us, I'll drag Kasyr's sorry tail onto the throne now and again, so you and I can go off on an adventure or two~. There's no point feeding my wanderlust, if I can't enjoy some good company at times too!"
Hildegarde nodded along with the remarks of Satoshi, “At least you’ve been watching them; that you’ve selected them,” she said with tones of approval. That was, at least, until she felt Satoshi’s hand come to rest upon her shoulder. Generally, that was never a good sign, it was usually something that meant ‘I have something to tell you that will amuse me and stress you’. Even as the news is delivered, the knight offers a chortle of disbelief, rapidly speaking, “No offense meant by the laugh, m’lady, but really, me? I’m… I’m a knight! Not a ruler or—or a steward,” she said hurriedly, not wanting Satoshi to think that she would take the throne for herself on a more permanent basis. “And what of your Queen’s Guard? If you are not there, who are they to protect other than the people?” she asked. It was evident that the knight had not considered herself for such a promotion.
Satoshi lifts her hand from the knight's shoulder to wave it in a dismissively, light manner. She's predicted Hildegarde's worries, and is prepared to counter them. "Nothing will be changing from what it has been recently. I will still be present, the Queen's Guard will still have their jobs in that fact. Your tasks won't change, what you've been doing already is precisely what I'm looking for, I'm not asking for further in any way. I need someone that, should I have to leave for a short time, can speak in my name. I need to know that if I set foot outside of Frostmaw, it won't collapse on itself for lack of a leader. Someone the people respect and trust, so that should an order be given, or authority required, they will heed it. You are that person. I've seen it, I've tested it. Are you doubting my judgement~?" It's a playful challenge, knowing Hildegarde is both naturally humble and dutiful.
Hildegarde frowned slightly, coming up with objections in her head. If she was going to be present, then what was the need for this steward position? If Kasyr could take over, what was the purpose of having Hildegarde in place? Surely, there were other heirs to the throne who would be in a better position of being steward? Yet the knight cannot refuse her duty, nor can she word her concerns in such a way that she is happy with. So with a lot of inhaled breaths that come to a sudden stop, followed by confused little frowns that signal the knight is over-thinking this to an incredible degree, she raises her hand up as if in surrender. “I don’t doubt your judgement to the point of refusing or refuting it,” she answered carefully.
Satoshi snorts, unable to stop the laugh of a response. "Pretty words for 'I think you're crazy but my job doesn't let me disagree with you'~. Don't over think it, Mithril. I'm not attempting to slap a crown on your head or shove you into an ambassador's chair. Keep doing what you've already been doing, that's precisely what I need." Some of the mirth leaves Satoshi's eyes then as she rocks back on her heels, face thoughtful. The shift in tension is enough to coax Frysta over, the bear nudging his broad head against Satoshi's palm. "For a long time, I was genuinely afraid to leave Frostmaw's borders. I felt like there was always a threat looming, be it the Time Leech or otherwise, that would sink its claws into Frostmaw the moment my back was turned. Now, however? I know I can safely leave for any given amount of time, and know when I return it will not be a burning pile of rubble. Because I have people I can trust and rely upon looking out for it in my absence. Don't change how you work, or why, and I know Frostmaw will be in perfect hands." Another nudge from Frysta causes the magus to laugh. "And don't worry about me, I'll be in good paws~."
Hildegarde offered Satoshi a hesitant smile, “If I thought you were crazy, I would have informed you,” she assured her, though she probably didn’t need to say that or she at least shouldn’t have. At least she had Satoshi’s best interests at heart; Frostmaw’s too. “I know you’ll be in good paws,” she said quietly. It seems the knight has gone a little too quiet, having dropped into the murmur mode of uncertainty and a feeling of inadequacy. “Satoshi,” she began, rather hesitantly, “what if they do not listen to me..? It is all well and good when you are here and are the Queen; they must adhere to my word because it is your order repeated through me. But when you are gone… what then? What if they choose not to listen to me because I am… well, I am not you.” The knight sighed softly, “I will undertake this duty. I want what is best for Frostmaw and what is best for you. You are not only my Queen, you are my friend,” my family, she yearned to say, “and so I want what is best for you. So I will do this. But understand that I am nervous,” she smiled.
Satoshi leans forward with head tipped to better look at Hildegarde, a grin clear on her face. "They say the ones reluctant for power are the ones most suited for it. It is fine to be nervous, just remember that I have complete faith in you. You've proven yourself more times than you're aware. You do not see how the people look at you, but I see it, and I know they will heed your words. To them, you are Aramoth's Daughter, whether in truth or in feat. They respect you greatly, they will follow you, for you command with your heart and not out of power lust. They'll stand behind you as readily as they stand behind me." Grin widening then, Satoshi lifts her hand to deliver a light poke to the end of Hildegarde's nose. Just as quickly as the affectionate gesture is given, the magus is skipping back a few paces, arms folded behind her head as she wears an impish expression. "Since you refuse to look in a mirror and acknowledge your own worth, you'll have to take my word for it, as your queen and as your friend. You're as dear to me as Kirien or Svilfon, I would not insult you with lies or misleadings~."
Hildegarde gave a small nod, “And if I come to like power?” she asked hesitantly. She doubted she would, but when she held Whim… things were different; her thoughts were dark and impure. Would sitting on a throne do much the same to her? It was impossible to tell, but she needed to know what would happen. The knight had accepted her duty; she was willing to carry it out, she just needed to know the ins and outs of everything. Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back. “Me?” she laughed, “Aramoth’s Daughter?” she shook her head with disbelief, “I’m… I’m just me!” the knight felt a tad shy around these kinds of claims to fame, but she wouldn’t know how to kill the flames of such a rumour. If anything, her fumbling attempts would probably only stoke the flames. “I appreciate your trust in me, Satoshi. It honours me, truly, it does. I’ve never, er, considered myself as becoming a steward before. It’s not something I know a great deal of,” she confessed. “Do… Do I have to any other new duties? Wear some odd symbol of office?” she asked with a genuine curiosity.
Satoshi shrugs where she stands, rocking back and forth on her heels in a casual manner at odds with discussing matters of state. "If you'd like some sort of symbol, I can get you one. Although I doubt it is necessary, Frostmawians know who you are already, and where you stand in the ranks. They defer to those that have proven themselves, like you, and not to some shiny trinket pinned to a cloak. Your duties remain unchanged, because your duties as is is exactly what I need to ensure Frostmaw stands firm in its daily operations." Frostmaw is, thankfully, a kingdom with minimal paperwork and pencil-pushing, the giants' society self-sufficient without needing a government's nose in their constant business. "And if you come to like power to the point of challenging me.... Mithril, I will accept that challenge." Satoshi's eyes blaze then, mirth evaporating beneath the flame of the magus' internal ferocity. Friend, foe, or family, the eidolon backs down from no challenge when it comes to her land and people. "And I will crush you." Just as swiftly as the remark is spoken, the mood passes, changing Satoshi from the bristling predator to a grinning, whimsical bundle of tails once more. "Any other questions~?"
Hildegarde shook her head at the offer, “No, I don’t want one. I, er, I just need to know everything I’m getting into!” she chuckled, trying to reassure herself more than Satoshi. “It’s actually quite a startling thought, going from simple Xalious girl to a knight and now to a steward!” Her parents might be proud of her, if they weren’t still bristling over the maiming of Calhoun. Not that she wouldn’t understand, of course. She’d accept it. As Satoshi’s mirth fades, the knight straightens her posture a little, meeting Satoshi’s gaze without any indication of a challenge but without any indication that she’d back down either. “I doubt it will come to that,” she answered to diffuse the situation. She didn’t want to say that Satoshi could *try* to crush her (although she had a feeling she could). “I think that’s all my questions. Is there any other things you want to tell me about the role or… I don’t know, anything at all?” she asked. She knew one thing was certain: like hell she’d be sitting on Satoshi’s throne. The thing might eat her, after all.
Satoshi said to Hildegarde, "That's about the extent of it, really. Don't worry so much, it isn't like I will be gone for years at a time. A few days here and there. I'll be around more often than you think, even if you don't necessarily -see- me. If I'm needed, I will be here, I assure you. Even if I'm on the other side of the world, I will be here in moments. A certain wizard has seen to this." As she mentions this, Satoshi lifts her arm to salute the knight, a snowflake shaped pendant dangling from the wrist. Svilfon's gift has been with her a long time, and it is ever ready for when it is required. No amount of distance will keep Satoshi from coming to Frostmaw's aid. "All will be well, Mithril, always~."
Hildegarde offers Satoshi a brisk salute in response, a very militaristic one. “Frostmaw will be in good hands,” she reassured her, with just a dash of confidence. Enough to make it sound like she genuinely had faith in herself!