He was an impeccable specimen of a gentleman, with intelligence and wisdom leading all of his actions. He was the player, and those within his pack were the pawns. Though he valued each of his pieces, his goals were long-term. In every battle, there had to be sacrifices, but it was only with proper planning that you could win. Though knights and rooks were more useful, even a carefully placed lowly pawn had its place in war and could mean the difference between winning and losing. And life? Life was one continual battle. The ones who would survive would be the ones who were planning ahead, seeing the potentials of those around them. And in Kershov’s silent observation, Halina knew he was seeing hers. Was she cocky? No, but she was sure in her abilities and in the training her father had given her. More than anything, she knew the truth of the world – nothing was gained without some degree of pain.

Your etiquette is refreshing, Lady Halina. I think you’ll quite well in Abendrot… especially since you’re so ready to ‘protect and fight for’ it. The words were delivered with a mischievous grin, teasing her, but she did not rise. Instead she returned the smile. “I only dedicate my body and abilities to tasks I deem worthy and true. Under your reign, Abendrot had not only remained strong but grown more powerful. Your warriors are put to task and given jobs and are aptly rewarded. There is no hand-holding or pity, forcing even the weakest of your inhabitants to grow stronger. I see no reason to prevent me from dedicated all that I have to your service, do you?” Her words were true and showed only a single truth – that she had not picked this pack on a whim. She had not strolled up to these borders willy-nilly, or merely decided to call this place home. She had researched it, found sources who knew of its true being – namely her father. Halina had rarely made a spontaneous decision in the entirety of her life… and now was not one of the exceptions.

With not another word, he had turned away from her and toward the interior of the pack. For the very briefest of moments, she thought that her words had displeased him, and she felt no sadness, but a pure understanding that it was what it was. But then the Ice King flickered his banner, inviting her across the boundary and Halina strode across without another thought, her long limbs carrying her to Kershov’s side swiftly, but efficiently. The thick foliage pulled at her coat but she noticed only the scents surrounding her, trying to remember it. So, Lady Halina… has anyone given you any trouble for your ‘preferences’? It was as if it was a mere observation, but Halina didn’t miss a single stride. “Aye, more than one. But once my father taught me what I know now, they received more trouble than they had given.” Grimly, she smiled at the memory – she had gained their respect finally from her strength, but always she knew their underlying thoughts about her. When, after a long time, they had finally forgotten the ideology that her sexuality was a weakness, it was too late for them to ever regain her respect. They were the ignorants of the world, not worthy of a moment of her time. “It was his recommendation that I seek my own path here – he spoke highly of you.”


OOC- None :3