Keen eyes noted Stormbreak and the wild regions that had been affected - known, and therefore something they could combat - but it was the marks in King's End and the Grounds that drew his attention, and an uneasy undercurrent to his thoughts at seeing the inroads in more civilized regions. "Mmh. I had expected to see more new activity in the Climb, or Hak Etme," he admitted, thoughts moving with slow, steady concern towards what it meant if the Family was ready to begin expanding into areas with more resistance. Or, if not ready, perhaps... testing the waters for future inroads.
Better to begin nipping the expansion of power in the bud, before they grew too thick to manage. Flora had dealt with the Oerwoud. So he would deal with the Feverlands, once preparations were completed.
But that was not Jack's problem, and while the Captain's information was needed it was only part of why Hadama had requested the meeting. Though the response to his overture was expectedly blunt, he was swiftly reminded that Jack was as prickly as a durian fruit. Especially at the mention of Harper, which struck a flare of grief in the demigod, bright and sharp as a blade though his face betrayed no reaction. Still, the man's dislike of Harper was a known quantity as well, and Hadama drew the emotion back into himself, tamping it down as swiftly as it had flared. "I am glad you have been well," he said simply, letting the jabs slide off as if he still held a turtle's shift in his soul.
But emerald eyes had not missed certain other changes to the good Captain in recent seasons. They contemplated the new star on Jack's face, a quiet thread of approval accompanying his consideration. "And that you have gained Safrin's blessing. Have your quests gone well?"
Better to begin nipping the expansion of power in the bud, before they grew too thick to manage. Flora had dealt with the Oerwoud. So he would deal with the Feverlands, once preparations were completed.
But that was not Jack's problem, and while the Captain's information was needed it was only part of why Hadama had requested the meeting. Though the response to his overture was expectedly blunt, he was swiftly reminded that Jack was as prickly as a durian fruit. Especially at the mention of Harper, which struck a flare of grief in the demigod, bright and sharp as a blade though his face betrayed no reaction. Still, the man's dislike of Harper was a known quantity as well, and Hadama drew the emotion back into himself, tamping it down as swiftly as it had flared. "I am glad you have been well," he said simply, letting the jabs slide off as if he still held a turtle's shift in his soul.
But emerald eyes had not missed certain other changes to the good Captain in recent seasons. They contemplated the new star on Jack's face, a quiet thread of approval accompanying his consideration. "And that you have gained Safrin's blessing. Have your quests gone well?"
