[ Change does not happen overnight. It's slow and incremental - but so long as it is always one step further than the one before it, that's what matters.
His gaze, however, sometimes slides away from military doctrine and straightens out the "old-fashioned" beliefs of soldiers. He thinks of his people who still rely on him; they feel more comfortable than they did before, especially with his title, but he checks in on them often to make sure they are well.
They're always understanding of him, but he can't help feeling they've been set aside for duties to the nation. Yet if he focused too much on them, it may seem like he is attempting to offer preferential treatment to his own.
There are still people who have complaints about Will and those in power; they are waiting for a chance to launch campaigns about their corruption.
So, he would do anything to avoid criticism of the new regime and king; things were simpler when they were candidates. But for all the good that they're doing, he worries about the good they cannot because of how it would appear.
He worries if he's worrying too much and finds the humor in his circular thinking.
As such, it's nice to be called upon so he has a specific task to worry about rather than his own worries. Which he understands is nothing compared to the state of the country and the people.
He does, however, straighten his back at hearing Halia. Surprise coats his expression as he obviously didn't think this would be the topic that Will wanted to speak to him. His eyes dart from the book back to the young man's face; he isn't certain what expression he has but he thinks it is still a surprise.
His expression falls when he hears that no one has contested his title to Halia. ]
I do think there is some humor to be found... while I was being taken care of by relatives, none of them were willing to claim Halia. Perhaps, they realized that it would be too much of a hassle with their own duties to contend with, as well.
[ There is a lack of bitterness in his words. He has no reproach for them for being unwilling, because -- ]
I think it is because they were being considerate to me. Or perhaps, some machination of my father who knew what path I would take.
[ Strohl starts there. He talks about unimportant pieces of succession rather than the question of how Halia should be rebuilt. His hands clench and unclench like he wants to grab and hold tight to the book. However, he hesitates on what he is being offered. ]
Halia has been untouched for years... there's no reason to worry about this now. Since I have not given up my rights to it, I can ... we can address this matter later.
[ He folds his hands on the table, one over the other.
Hurriedly, he adds: ]
My people are being treated well and have their own land they're tending to... I'm certain they would love to return to their homes before they forget what Halia looks like, but... that isn't something I ever meant to burden you with...
[ A longer pause and with some affection: ] ... Captain.
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Date: 2024-11-29 09:07 pm (UTC)His gaze, however, sometimes slides away from military doctrine and straightens out the "old-fashioned" beliefs of soldiers. He thinks of his people who still rely on him; they feel more comfortable than they did before, especially with his title, but he checks in on them often to make sure they are well.
They're always understanding of him, but he can't help feeling they've been set aside for duties to the nation. Yet if he focused too much on them, it may seem like he is attempting to offer preferential treatment to his own.
There are still people who have complaints about Will and those in power; they are waiting for a chance to launch campaigns about their corruption.
So, he would do anything to avoid criticism of the new regime and king; things were simpler when they were candidates. But for all the good that they're doing, he worries about the good they cannot because of how it would appear.
He worries if he's worrying too much and finds the humor in his circular thinking.
As such, it's nice to be called upon so he has a specific task to worry about rather than his own worries. Which he understands is nothing compared to the state of the country and the people.
He does, however, straighten his back at hearing Halia. Surprise coats his expression as he obviously didn't think this would be the topic that Will wanted to speak to him. His eyes dart from the book back to the young man's face; he isn't certain what expression he has but he thinks it is still a surprise.
His expression falls when he hears that no one has contested his title to Halia. ]
I do think there is some humor to be found... while I was being taken care of by relatives, none of them were willing to claim Halia. Perhaps, they realized that it would be too much of a hassle with their own duties to contend with, as well.
[ There is a lack of bitterness in his words. He has no reproach for them for being unwilling, because -- ]
I think it is because they were being considerate to me. Or perhaps, some machination of my father who knew what path I would take.
[ Strohl starts there. He talks about unimportant pieces of succession rather than the question of how Halia should be rebuilt. His hands clench and unclench like he wants to grab and hold tight to the book. However, he hesitates on what he is being offered. ]
Halia has been untouched for years... there's no reason to worry about this now. Since I have not given up my rights to it, I can ... we can address this matter later.
[ He folds his hands on the table, one over the other.
Hurriedly, he adds: ]
My people are being treated well and have their own land they're tending to... I'm certain they would love to return to their homes before they forget what Halia looks like, but... that isn't something I ever meant to burden you with...
[ A longer pause and with some affection: ] ... Captain.