Zlata's first line has established a few facts. She is into beautiful men, she's sad that she took a vow of chastity and she can't boink these men, and that she's straight. Insightful.
She could also be into a lot of other people, and just pocked to oogle men today. No, what it tells me, is that she is into physical strength or perhaps the physice that comes with it. If she gets promoted while on the project, I think she might get on just great with Max
I knew there were Hag Witches older than Kislev. The Sea Hag comes to mind. But I was under the impression that being that old they would not longer be that active, being the sort that act as hermits, rarely popping up except in legends or some such. It's curious that Niedzwenka is still an active political influence despite being at least a thousand years old. No wonder that she casually presents such dangerous statements off-handedly. I'm starting to believe her words about "teaching the High Elves a lesson if they interfere". It also presents the whole "walking like a queen" description that Mathilde stated back in her first meeting in different light.
She is certainly a bit more powerful than I thought. I figured she was old [mortal scale] not old [nation scale].
I am suddenly very glad our Ice Witch is a not interested in posturing.
It's also an interesting concept that most Ice Witches are peasants. It's kind of a way for them to bypass the social boundaries of their society, since Ice Witches are greatly respected members of society.
I find it interesting that they don't teach reading. Implies a very strong mono focus on just their lore, with very little scholarly teachings on the side.
Guess the practicalities of a burning country of constant crisis really got to them. Gotta get more Ice Witches out fast nd faster.
but I guess I can't blame a sexually frustrated abstinent young women for being distracted.
I wonder what that oath is about. Seems strange to put such a strain on your students.
I suppose in this case Aksel is referring to Laurelorn as a Dog, considering that it's the domesticated version of a Wolf. They've cultivated the surroundings to be the most optimal companion that you could have, a trusty friend rather than a possible rival.
Funny to think of the terrifying defensive forest as cute little doggos. Accurate, especially considering how scary dogs can be, but funny.
To him, this could be seen as an example of erasing the Boundaries between Civilisation and Wilderness. The Forest is no longer Wild, but tame, and it might no longer resonate with his concepts as a Hedgewise.
I wonder if that weakens him here.
At times, it just falls flat, like trying to present the realpolitiks of the Karagril situation to Belegar in a way that would sooth his ego and him refusing to bite. He didn't want to lie to himself, so her efforts kind of fell flat there.
In this case, I agree with him. "Realpolitics" is an excuse made up by those that can't live with their own decisions. Either you can justify what you have done, and bear the price it cost, or you can not, throwing fancy words up as smokescreens to pretend that all those that would call your actions into question just don't perceive "the
real world" can only lead to deluding oneself.
Change the world we live in. That's her goal, and as long as she still lives, she will continue to strive towards it.
And maybe even afterwards, if Omegahugger rises in his long prophecied return.
I think it was a good choice to reveal that she worshipped Ranald. It provides more perspective to the conversation and allows for further understanding between the two as Aksel slots her in his internal paradigms. He knows Ranaldites and what they're like. It's also interesting to see that Aksel talks about how he thinks he worships her most important facet like others do, when Mathilde is somewhat unique in how balanced she is in her view of her God. I wouldn't say she understands every facet of her God, but she certainly worships Ranald in his entirety rather than just one part of him, which even Heidi seems to view as unique.
I find it interesting how much she trusts him. Is it simply trust rewarding trust, or does the coin perhaps work both ways…
Ranald and Handrich are similar and yet completely at odds. I really can't put my finger on it.
Similar, yet forever at odds? Estranged siblings, or a shattered old relationship (of any flavor) perhaps.
His alias is really weak I must say.
Only because you don't see the 5 others.
That's pretty significant. Two Lord Magisters want her as an apprentice, and unless Algard decides he wants her as an apprentice, Mathilde has the first choice here. Pretty crazy to think about.
And I don't think he would, if we ask for her. He isn't a certain light flinging fool, he doesn't spite his best people for questionable gain.
The same applies to Reiner, who I'm somewhat worried about. Why did he take an interest? What is he planning?
I think the most obvious answer is the right one. She has promisingly high intreague and loves to learn, she would for his job quite well.