forgemaiar:

misbehavingmaiar:

–

A gift whose secondary purposes were intended to be obvious, the dubious nature of which was requested; servants who swore fealty to me, and some who would gladly return to me; and a squabble long since past and amended, else I would not have been named her honorary guardian. 

You come freely into my home and forge, with your mischief and your games, expecting me to play the villain of your suspicions, and I have obliged– harmlessly.  I have never once done you harm. I have taken your mischief and your wariness in stride; I have accepted that I should not have access to your home, though you have always been welcome in mine. I did not even demand an audience with you, the island’s keeper, I only struck a bargain. 

Think what you are accusing me of, Mitsanar. Doing her harm? Requesting the return of what is mine by oath? Or merely of playing the part of the untrustworthy outsider, propped up to make your isolation seem more reasonable? 

….But even these accusations I can bear. If you truly think I mean her ill, or would betray you– if you wish for me to have no more contact with little Storm, then so be it. But tell her as much. For she, thus far, has always been the one to contact me. She must know the reason why you would break off contact to her benefactor on land, her friend in letters; and she must also agree. She is no longer a mere child; she has some say in her own affairs. 

Obvious to a child is sometimes anything but, especially with the differences between fire and water. I will consent she is a young woman now, but all the same she is more fluent in Terror’s language than you are. Your former servants may have sworn loyalty to you, but when the gates were opened they asked for refuge. They came to me willingly, and I doubt they would be so happy as you think to drop their lives and return; Guritz I think his name was, he’s become fond of watching and guarding sea turtle nests and recording the local fish life. Khamul tends the library- he’s even come out of his shell to ask for specific books to be brought in.

I’ve told them repeatedly if any wish to leave, they can. You’ll notice how they are all still there.

As for my home I’ve told you thrice now, if you can find it, you are more than welcome to visit, and I’ve even given you directions! I can hardly be blamed for you not following them.

…But was it not trust I showed when I came to your forge unarmed? Not once, but twice? And when you were vulnerable I paid a visit with harmless gifts. I see my trust in you must hold as much worth as my information. 

Laume will have her say whether to keep in touch or not. She is old enough to make her own choice. I’ve never prevented her from doing so. But perhaps it’s time I made my own; perhaps it’s time I stopped paying you visits.

Since you think so highly of my capabilities.

Ah– I see the truth is a tender subject for you.

Cool your own head before questioning another’s temper, Mitsanar. For one whose capabilities I -do- admire would not project such vivid ill-will onto one who who had done him no harm, nor call adherence to the most basic precepts of hospitality between kin a great act of trust. I have earned none of this suspicion or vitriol.

Speak to my servants yourself and we may return to this discussion, or take your leave of me if you will. I do not concede to arguing with you if your wounded pride is between us.