[ was he pleased? the mage has forged a fearsome weapon, one that surpassed even his own expectations. no one so protective of their authority as the Emperor could be happy to see such a thing in another's hands. perhaps he'll feel more secure once Eglantine is passed to its owner, where he can be assured that it is under control; seeing it today, rather than simply hearing about the success of its missions, the Emperor must have been nervous.
ah, well. it's good for young ones to fear for their lives a little. so long as none of them are fool enough to destroy the mage's work, he'll leave them be. ]
Yes, yes. [ the mage gives an easy smile, and he pets the top of Eglantine's head, careful not to muss her hair. ] You did very well, mon petit sabre.
[ without a doubt, the smile he shows her is only superficial, no warmth to be found in his eyes – and yet, even this is an expression that is only ever given to Eglantine. as though he had crafted it himself just for her, the same way he would conjure her food, weave her clothes with magic, fetch whatever she desired. another spell etched into his tomes to be pulled out as needed, not for any particularly grand reason. ]
Should I reward you, as well?
[ rather than playful teasing, he poses it as a genuine question, awaiting her denial or demands. since it was a child, he has raised and educated Eglantine in everything. but in moments like this, it seems to be as much a teacher as it does a student. ]
no subject
ah, well. it's good for young ones to fear for their lives a little. so long as none of them are fool enough to destroy the mage's work, he'll leave them be. ]
Yes, yes. [ the mage gives an easy smile, and he pets the top of Eglantine's head, careful not to muss her hair. ] You did very well, mon petit sabre.
[ without a doubt, the smile he shows her is only superficial, no warmth to be found in his eyes – and yet, even this is an expression that is only ever given to Eglantine. as though he had crafted it himself just for her, the same way he would conjure her food, weave her clothes with magic, fetch whatever she desired. another spell etched into his tomes to be pulled out as needed, not for any particularly grand reason. ]
Should I reward you, as well?
[ rather than playful teasing, he poses it as a genuine question, awaiting her denial or demands. since it was a child, he has raised and educated Eglantine in everything. but in moments like this, it seems to be as much a teacher as it does a student. ]