#what with thalia choosing the career path with an alarmingly high mortality rate

[ladyofvoss]

WIP;;

"She thinks you're disappointed in her", he interjected.

The change in Seliene's demeanor was almost immediate, the pained look on her face as if struck.

"I would never-", she started, but Theodard raised a hand to halt her arguments.

"I know you wouldn't, and I know your reticence is borne of worry, but how can she truly tell? You are overjoyed, ecstatic even, for the paths your daughters choose. Ecstatic, that is, for all but one. Think of how it looks to her, a child".

Whatever protest his elder sister had died immediately, and though he loathed to see it, the despairing look on her face proved to Theodard that his words sunk in.

"What would you have me do?", she spoke after a moment of pregnant silence, "I do not wish to crush her spirit, but I will feel no less at peace with this. I have barely gotten used to you drawing sword and shield to fight".

Theodard had a feeling she would bring that up, so similar was this conversation to their many disagreements when he was but a fledgling swordsman. But years had passed, and he was no longer a boy with a sword in hand and nary a thought in his head. And he knew Thalia wouldn't remain a child forever, either.

"She's made her choice, and the scales have been weighed in her favor. You can't stop her, Seliene. You can only prepare her".

He knew there was only one way to give her the reassurance she needed. A compromise he was more than prepared to make. For her sake and his niece's.

"And it shall be under my guidance".

Green eyes widened in surprise, and Theodard knew he had her attention.

"My years of travels and in the battlefield have granted me with knowledge that will prove invaluable to her. I have gained allies and comrades who I know would be of great worth as teachers. She will be more than capable of protecting herself. I will personally see to it".

Theodard watched as Seliene seemed to parse his words. He could practically see the gears turning in her mind. He knew his sister. There were very few people she trusted when it came to her family, her daughters especially. And there were very few she trusted more than him.

The answer was clear with the way she shifted her stance, shoulders drawing back as she considered him carefully before she finally spoke:

"You will train her harder than anyone who's come before her. Five times harder. Ten times harder-"

With each word she took a step closer, until she closed the gap between them, looking up at Theodard with an expression of not just renewed resolve, but one of beseeching.

"Until she is better than even you".

Seliene has always trusted him, and Theodard has never once let his sister down. He had no intention of starting now.

"Agreed".