#tbh I think the way it'll shake out eventually is that both Arlathan and the Wardens are going to end up with griffons no matter what
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wardensantoineandevka · 23 days ago
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I still have to write a proper analysis post about it but because I reblogged my post again about leaving the griffons with the Wardens bc I was thinking about how it intersects with some fic ideas
in addition to what I said about how I don't think that choice negates the idea that the griffons can be other things because the Wardens are also changing, I think the choice also has an undercurrent of acknowledging that the Wardens have ALREADY changed. they are not the Order and people who hurt the griffons, and this choice reflects that and reflects a trust that the Order will continue to change and grow into something capable of stewarding the griffons properly and as something beyond a weapon.
I think the choice still holds true in the theme of the griffons can be something other than hunters. as I said in the other post, the Wardens are themselves facing that very question and are exploring it under the leadership of Evka and Antoine, people who don't see themselves as just a blade. (Davrin is also exploring this for himself!)
either way, the griffons will be well cared for, and they will find a changing place in the world—whether they discover that in Arlathan as protectors of its forests or discover that with a changing Wardens without any Archdemons to Blight, who will be turning toward nurturing what was lost in a similar line of work anyway—it's really more about types of change in this situation, and how we all interact with that, and what one is choosing to move forward into.
but, choosing the griffons remain with the Wardens isn't really just refusing a change but is something about the mechanics of change, and acknowledging that they already have—in the time since the Fourth Blight, in the time since the beginning of the game even.
it also speaks about how "are we required to be what we've been made into" about the Wardens themselves: are they always going to be people who lost this relationship and destroyed them? do we believe and trust they can and have already changed into something more than that? do we trust that change enough to allow them and the griffons back into one another's lives? it's almost a forgiveness.
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