As each leader trickled in Hadama gave them a nod of courtesy, respect, or that flicker of warmer friendship as their relationships extended. For several it was the first time he had seen them since the tournament. For others, it had been only a day, but those gathered were all people he respected, trusted--
Though he was still learning where Danta fell in his regard. Still, he was the leader that Maea had chosen to follow so the Tidebreaker was willing to give the Maverick the benefit of the doubt.
But before he could settle in to a light discussion of renewed solidarity the door opened again, and he did not recognize the young man who opened it - not immediately, not compared to the shy young naturalist who had helped him clean up spider webs in gentler seasons.
But the woman who stepped through was unmistakable from the pictures that had been posted up around Caido for quite some time. Hadama did not rise immediately. Not, at least, until Maea stepped forward and made her position clear. He flicked a glance to Flora, attempting to catch her eye briefly to warn her of his intentions before he stood, taking care to shake out the flowing fabric of his hanfu before he walked with stately dignity to stand behind the petite Ancient. He said nothing to Dahlia or Everest but simply lent his silent support to their hostess - and subsequently utilized his size to block further entrance to the room and those within who were noncombatants.
Though he was still learning where Danta fell in his regard. Still, he was the leader that Maea had chosen to follow so the Tidebreaker was willing to give the Maverick the benefit of the doubt.
But before he could settle in to a light discussion of renewed solidarity the door opened again, and he did not recognize the young man who opened it - not immediately, not compared to the shy young naturalist who had helped him clean up spider webs in gentler seasons.
But the woman who stepped through was unmistakable from the pictures that had been posted up around Caido for quite some time. Hadama did not rise immediately. Not, at least, until Maea stepped forward and made her position clear. He flicked a glance to Flora, attempting to catch her eye briefly to warn her of his intentions before he stood, taking care to shake out the flowing fabric of his hanfu before he walked with stately dignity to stand behind the petite Ancient. He said nothing to Dahlia or Everest but simply lent his silent support to their hostess - and subsequently utilized his size to block further entrance to the room and those within who were noncombatants.
