>>5324975>>5324994>>5325181>>5325276>>5325565>>5325605>>5325614>>5325777"I like them," you say, nodding approvingly. "Some of the weakest ones will need to be whipped to get them to fight. The ones that do not die can be good warriors one day, if you are harsh on them." In many ways, you see your younger self in these surface-dwelling provincials. A little hardship would go a long way toward thinning out the less capable and bringing the most talented to the forefront.
Willow blinks, staring at your face, jaw slack and eyebrows raised. You look over your shoulder to ensure that there is nobody behind you as she wordlessly sucks in a lungful of air. "Is there something in my teeth?" You ask. The High Ranger looks into your eyes, exhaling deeply. "Naw. Naw, you just got a way with words, is all. Y'know what? I'll just take it as a compliment." She thrums her fingers against the tree, debating with herself internally before going on like a parent lecturing a child on a critical facet of reality. "Lissen', sweetheart. I know ye ain't from 'round here. This kinda' thing might be different where yer from, but we don't let good folks don't hit good folks," she instructs.
"Why?"
Your challenge of her grievance is direct and incisive. It seemed terribly wasteful not to discipline others with the intent of bringing out their better traits. The multitude of Ilythiiri who cannot reach their potential are quickly culled by those who can. As such, inuring the next generation to the world's difficulties has always been considered natural wisdom among your people. So why does this half-breed think differently?
Willow rolls her shoulders. "How's about I show ye instead? That treatin' others right - helpin' folks - gets more respect than pushin' 'em around?" A novel idea. If you are to acknowledge the efficacy of such farcicality, then you will have to witness it firsthand. "All right," you respond, "I want to see that. Show me how to lead without punishing."
