Huxian: For now, I think we’ve gathered enough information to start off with, so we’ll go home tomorrow, alright?
Rodessa: *Downcast eyes* ….Yes Sir…
*She didn’t seem any more lighthearted, unfortunately. There was still an air of exhaustion that seemed to cling to her. Encouragingly, Huxian bid the girl to follow him to bed, however, as she drew close, Rodessa angled towards her cot. However, he drew her back. Had he not been concerned for her he might have rolled his eyes at her denseness*
Huxian: I meant for you to join me, not alone, dear
Rodessa: Huh? W-what a-are y-you saying?
Huxian: [Inner Thought]: There’s the Rodessa I know
Huxian: Mind out the gutter, missy. I just wish to watch over you tonight, nothing more.
Rodessa: *Quiet Voice* OH... I wasn’t thinking any-
Huxian: Sure sure. Hush now~ You need your rest.
*With practiced hands, Huxian ran his fingers through her hair, undoing the far too tight ribbon that held her thick locks in place, even as he weaved a spell in their wake, lulling her towards gentle slumber. Her eyes watery eyes fluttered, her blinking, first to hold back tears threatening to fall, slowing as her eyes grew heavier, each blink taking more time to pry open than the last before finally, slowly shutting as her body relaxed into sleep.
Huxian: *Hum* It’s alright now. You don’t have to worry anymore, Roza.
--------
*A few months had passed since the failed training exercise and the duo having once more returned to Paradias. The crisp snow had begun to thaw, the flowers beginning to bloom and the air light by the sound of newborn chirrups as the world spun into spring. Using what they had learned from the tests, Rodessa’s development in the practical application of her studies certainly seemed to be making much more headway. However, there was something that Huxian had begun to notice of her behaviour. Though it was never permanent, Rodessa would slip into that blank, doll like state. Huxian speculated stress at times, but sometimes he would catch her, an odd look in her distant eyes, as if she were conversing with someone only she could see, but it wasn’t an expression he would normally attribute to Thorn or Puppy. Oddly, however, when coming out of the state, she never seemed disorientated or panicked. Rather, it was as if she became more confident. Not only that, but the mistakes that appeared in her work seemed to become smaller in severity, or less frequent.
On the one hand, he was worried about her mental state, but on the other, she seemed to be slipping into the role as leader much better than before. With such improvements, it was time to once more return to the camp. Huxian could only hope the newfound confidence and improvement would reflect in how she interacted with and ordered the men. Hopefully, this time, the exercise would result in victory. With how well she was doing, he worried if she experienced such a major setback.
For now, all he could do was believe in her and offer her silent support, as much as he could as her ‘commander’.
As such, they bid her parents goodbye and once more entered the door which took them from Paradias. Huxian had directed them to a door which lead much closer to the training grounds, with in a short time they had entered the camp once again. After a brief talk to the men - mostly to announce their presence and the possibility of tests to come - he let Rodessa head off to mingle with the men. Carefully, he watched them as he lit his cigarette and hummed thoughtfully, releasing a ring of smoke to the air. From what he could tell without being outright obvious or using a spell, she seemed to be making a better impression amongst them than before. Perhaps it was the attitude, the way she held herself?
Smiling, he leaned back against a tree, closing his eyes. This time, he had a feeling he might not need to worry at all*
Huxian [Inner Thought]: Looks like she might not need me to help out at all. Heh…I don’t know if I should feel proud or lonely. *Chuckling* ...She’s really growing up, just like her namesake. The more suffering that she faces, the harder the challenges, the more you evolve...A beautiful, noble flower...
*Opening one eye, he glanced through the thin stream of smoke at Rodessa once more, who was now leading the men through some drills now that she had gone through the process of choosing an assistant - delegation, good, she was learning more subtle things as well. Unlike last time, thanks to her improved attitude, the animosity amongst the men had died down. Though there were still some doubters - especially amongst the most vocal who had experienced her last leadership attempt, but the rest were settling into a grudging, reluctant acquiescence.*
Huxian [Inner Thought]: And now, Rodessa, we’re midway through your training. You have all the tools you need at your disposal. Hm...What will you do with it, I wonder? Will you persevere? Or will you crash and burn? Perhaps it’s time to-
SFX: Snap! Fwoosh!
*Having just removed the cigarette from his lips and blown a last smoke ring, he let his blue flames jump up, consuming it until only ashes remain, scattering to the wind. A smirk crossed his lips, lit only by the slowly fading azure*
Huxian [Inner thought]: *Dark Chuckle* -turn up the heat.
*Shaking the last hint of flame and ash from his fingertips, Huxian paused when a flash of light caught his attention. Glancing over to where one of tables that was used for some more political based meetings or to dine while watching over events from the camp. While previously empty, the table now had a steaming tea set waiting, along with a woman dressed in foreign military clothing - a woman who had become increasingly familiar to him in recent years. Not about to keep her waiting, Huxian approached. Seeing she had his attention, the woman smiled*
Parame: Not bad, if I do say so myself. You’ve sculpted her into something quite-
Huxian: Formidable? Thank you, my lady, but all I did was provide her with the scenario. She did the rest herself.
*Her smile shifted into something darker, closer to a smirk than our of happiness. However, she gestured for Huxian to join her. While the grounds technically belonged to Huxian, he was not arrogant enough to get into a pedantic argument about it with an Elder God. Instead, he inclined his head and took the seat opposite, pouring the now ready tea into cups for the both of them. As he did so, Parame continued to speak.*
Parame: How humble of you. However, we both know that such a flower doesn’t grow unless you...force it to. A little adversity never hurt anyone.
Huxian: True enough. It’s the nature of the world, in fact, that all life evolves into something stronger when faced by the world changing. It forces one to adapt. However...no offence, my lady, but sometimes the pressure that you apply can be a little-
Parame: Heavy handed?
Huxian: *Long Stare* ….
Parame: *Elegantly Sips Tea.* My apologies, but I'm on a time limit with that one, so I’m afraid I simply can't afford to go easy on her.
*His eyes narrowed slightly. ‘Can’t afford to go easy on her’? ‘On a time limit’? There was certainly something there, something she was definitely hiding. However, was she meaning for him to pick up on that, or was it an honest slip? For now, he would remain quiet and consider his options. If it was something she meant for him to catch onto, she would give him further hints when she was ready.
Sipping his own tea, his eyes moved to training grounds. He could spot Rodessa leading several men through the running and obstacle tracks. It seemed that she had made better note of what kind of men she had on her team as well - not everyone were mystic beings, and even some that were didn’t have the advantages others did in the physical or mystical department. As such, she refrained from her natural ‘gifts’, keeping pace with the rest of the team. It was hard not to feel that gleam of pride in her just to see how far she had come since her last trip here. He continued to watch as she eventually gave them a period of rest. During this time she would end up amongst the strategists, or would engrose herself in written texts detailing strategy or tactics.
It was like seeing night and day to observe the girl she was now from the girl that she had been at the start of it all. How she was evolving was quite fascinating to see.
Her voice drifted towards the tent and he flicked his ears to listen as much as he could over the sound of the camp activities*
Rodessa: ….Thus we should attack from the south side with…. Oh, and then defending our base… Yes, you’re right. I see...I'll need to take that into consideration… Mm~ Mmhm…
*Unfortunately, he couldn’t focus on her forever. When his guest spoke again, he pulled his attention back to the tent*
Parame: So, what do you plan on doing from here on out? With the girl’s training, I mean.
*Tea to his lips, a smirk crossed his face as he leaned back in his chair a little*
Huxian: Ah...that’s world be telling, my lady. Why ruin the surprise?
Parame: *Smile* Well then, go hard or home. There are a lot of people watching, waiting to see both yours and her next move.
*With that, the Goddess disappeared in a column of light, leaving a soft breeze of displaced air around the camp in her wake. Smiling fading a little, Huxian pushed his hair from his face before draining the rest of his tea - the goddess had finished hers as well, it seemed - before standing from the table and, after a moment of watching the girl, finally cleared up the tea set and headed back to the tent to begin work. There was much to take care of himself after all, and a little time to contemplate what he had picked up from the conversation with Parame.
It was evening by the time Rodessa had completed her tasks for the day and retreated to the commander’s tent, set on cleaning the area before settling down herself. Stepping inside, she noticed Huxian pouring over what appeared to be some form of notes, his ear flicking in her direction.*
Huxian: Good evening.
Rodessa: *Bow* Good evening, Sir. The troops have completed the todays training, my progress with my strategist and tacticians have got to a stage were I feel that you don't need to hand hold me anymore.
Huxian: Be that as it may, it is my job to be the judge of that, Miss Kariudo.
Rodessa: Yes Sir…. All that’s left is my evening study and your daily evaluation.
Huxian: Hm
Rodessa: Sir?
Huxian: It’s nothing. I’ve been thinking,...maybe it’s time your daily evaluation will be done by your next tutor.
*For a moment, she appeared stunned, before swallowing*
Rodessa: ...Does that mean you won’t be-?
Huxian: No. I will still be assisting you and creating your tests. However, your new tutor will not only be able to give you a fresh perspective, but will also be able to go more in depth - something I’ve unfortunately got little time to do so adequately with you.
Rodessa: Sir.
*Leaning back in his chair, Huxian reached over to a file that held his evaluation - or at least, what he was able to complete of it for now. He still needed to observe her a little more closely, when she didn’t realise he had his eyes on her. He had a few tricks to do that, however, so he wasn’t too concerned just yet.
As he sorted through the papers, he carefully made a note of her current countenance. She seemed tired, though thankfully not passed exhausted. It seemed that she was managing her time better, having completed most of the day’s studying and had put it aside for now until she had rested and had morning meal - a much better change from her previous attitude. It seemed she learned from her mistake. With that, feeling relieved, he made up his mind
Noticing his attention, Rodessa turned to meet his gaze*
Rodessa: Sir? Did you need me?
Huxian: *Smirk* Ah, you caught me.
Rodessa: *Wide Eyed, faint blush* W-well, it’s hard not to. It felt like your gaze was boring into me.
Huxian: *Low chuckle, sultry tone* It's late Roza. Time for dinner, and then bed.
Rodessa: *Frantic* Y-y-yes Sir! Oh, I’ll get our meals now.
*She was about to dart back out of the tent when Huxian clicked his fingers. A moment later, the girl was in his lap, dressed in much more casual attire. Purring slightly, Huxian kissed the back of her neck softly before cradling her, resting his chin on her shoulder so she could feel the vibrations in his throat against her skin*
Rodessa: *Sporadically* S-sir?! What are you doing!?! This is highly inappropriate, a-a-a-and-!
Huxian: Shhh~ I’m allowed to reward you from time to time.
Rodessa: *Deep Blush* B-but Sir-!
Huxian: *Tutting* No buts. Just let me spoil you…
Rodessa: W-we can’t! We’re-
Huxian: *Sigh* Fine…If you’re going to be like that...it appears that I’ll just have to abuse my power a little bit, aren’t I?
Rodessa: *Shiver* What are you planning...Sir?
Huxian: *Dark Grin* For the next two days, Miss Kariudo, I regret to inform you that you are suspended.
Rodessa: *Shock* HUH!?!?!?
[END]
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