Hot Potato Issues

[Seraphina]

Her face softens, “What I’ve achieved here doesn’t make me better than you or anyone else. It’s things every Spring can achieve and I want to see each of you gain whatever success you desire.” But everyone had a different opinion what was success was. She didn’t see herself as successful, not yet. She had demons to conquer first.

Shaking her head, “I wasn’t saying what I said to make you explain yourself again. I was simply explaining how it appeared to me at the time.” Though it was old new now. “I believe worries would have been put at ease had you tried calling her or sending her a message. As to no one knowing much about Ingrid, I think she liked it that way and no one wanted to bother her. In the past, she had been there when needed. But, this incident, and what everyone has said about it, tells me we need to change how we do things. How the lines of communication work and that we all need to be more aware of our other Springs. Check in more often on those who might not be as social as others. There were mistakes made all around.” The blame didn’t rest with just one. There was a small smirk, “Are we supposed to wear the same color scheme? Cause I think I didn’t get the memo on that.” She jokes with an easy smile. “But yes, we won. We were shown how weak and wrong things had been going, and we can now all move forward and improve it.” Least, she hoped.

“No, you just implied that he cannot think for himself. Have you ever actually sat down and got to know him? Talk to him instead of thinking he can't think for himself?” if she was protective of anything, it was Rhodes. “He formed his opinions based off what he’s seen. And not that I need to defend what I discuss in private, but I haven’t said a bad thing about you. I’ve raised my concerns, but I’ve always looked for a way to help. Tearing someone down in private is counterproductive, it doesn’t help the person in question. Plus, I’ll tell you to your face if I have a problem with you.” Doing sneaky things behind the scenes was not her. “I wouldn’t say you were right. I still support a Freehold Oath and always will. It is the very basis of our society is built on those. The Good Neighbor vow is fine and dandy, but I see it lacking the power of a Freehold Oath. The level of security and trust it builds is important.” She’d would always put her support behind a Freehold Oath.

The urge to roll her eyes was strong, but that was childish. “Have you ever stopped to consider that perhaps it was Cole that spoke with him about the incident? I know I reached to Cole myself to talk with him and move past what happened. Which we managed to do. And as a Monarch, I’m pretty sure Richard would have told the other Monarchs to let them know of what was going on. But you know what, you seem to have your mind made up that I spend my time with Rhodes poisoning his mind. So keep running with that. But that says a lot to me about your ego, thinking you’re the topic of discussion between him and I.” She wasn’t going to worry about it, wasn’t worth it to her. “Living together? Not sure where you would have heard that.” And why would it matter. “But I’m going to tell you that you are not someone we talk about. So stop flattering yourself.” Did he need his ego stroked to function or something?

There it was again. He needed people to listen to him.

“People do listen to you. But are you listening to them? Just because some take issue with what you say and how you say it doesn’t mean they aren’t listening. I’ve only wanted to improve our working relationship, if we can’t work together, we weaken the Court.” At least, to her. “Tell me, how does people listening to you lead to self-improvement?” seems it was just another ego thing for him. Then an eyebrow raises, “Really? Patronizing orders? I don’t give orders; I encourage people to think for themselves and offer to help when needed. I’m not going to order you to do something. But I’ll encourage you to improve yourself and I’ll offer my help.” It’s all she could do. “And I know I need to improve as well. There are many things I need to work on.” No one was perfect, despite the image she tried to show.

[Seraphina]

A slightly confused look on her face, “Why couldn’t you call her?” she would find it hard to believe he didn’t have the Darklings number. “But this issue is an old one. There is nothing to be gained from rehashing it.” And she thinks he’s just throwing excuses at this point anyways.

Obviously not very well. Shrugging, “I don’t know Cole very well, so I don’t know if he would share with Rhodes or not. That would be between them. But I’m saying the possibility is there. Well, Cole admitted it to me and we moved beyond it, I rescinded my ban on him in the shop and offered to help him if he needed it. He was very receptive and very apologetic about the whole thing. And Rhodes is a reasonable man, he’s not going to have an issue with everyone I have an issue with. Coles actions weren’t against me, and even if they were, that would be between Cole and I to sort out. I can fight my own battles.” And she didn’t go running to Rhodes every time someone upset her. That was never the case. “Slip ups do happen, but I’m not one to slander someone around the Freehold. It’s actually a bit offensive that you think that.” And more than a little offensive to think so little of Rhodes being able to think for himself.

“We don’t know why it didn’t take hold. And I don’t view it as slamming my head against a wall. I see it as something that strengthens the bond of a Freehold and if it takes time to work everything out, so be it. I won’t push it if no one else wants it. But I will always believe in the good it can bring.” She wouldn’t force a Freehold Oath. That was something that needed to have all the Freehold or nothing at all.

Chuckling, “While we are seeing each other,” that was obvious by now, “living together is taking a relationship to a whole new level. And I just had to move again, so too much stress to worry about having someone live with me.” Then a shake of her head, “You didn’t offend, I can see now why you would have thought that.”

That still sounded weird to her. Her name and Queen. “Yes, communication had been lacking. But up until that meeting, it had been working for us. Or it appeared to be working. Clearly, it wasn’t. And people weren’t afforded the chance to move past generalities. I admit that your way has a place when in a difficult situation, but I will always go the route of diplomacy first. As to the Oath, this Freehold has seen a lot and been through a lot. We fought a Dragon and won, and while the Oath has hit a road bump, that does not kill the chance to have it work.”

Oh wow. That ego. And she had to wonder if he had it to hide something, what weakness is he trying to steer attention away from?

“When it comes to getting things done, sometimes feelings have to get hurt. Especially when there is danger to take into consideration. If I have to hurt someones feelings to keep them safe, so be it.” That wasn’t the issue here. “So to you, because someone hasn’t disproved what you’ve said, then you’re right? Have you ever considered that the rest of us have other things to attend to and worry then simply proving someone wrong? So assuming you’ve always been right is a really arrogant way to look at it, and people don't respond well to that.” And arrogance isn’t very becoming.

[Seraphina]

Sapphires watch him, not sure what to make of what he said. “That surprises me actually. But, I’m not beating a dead horse anymore here.” The issue needed to be dropped. This back and forth was getting exhausting. A sigh, “I don’t believe you because I knew Ingrid when she first arrived in the Freehold, and she was not one to withhold her number, especially after becoming Queen and Director. But I’m also not going to back and forth about this anymore. It’s not accomplishing anything.” Except giving her a headache.

“Yes, things can be said without ill intent. But I have nothing to gain from speaking ill, with intent or not, about you. I’ve stated my issues with you, to you. Stating them to someone else is counterproductive, nothing changes from it.” This was something else that seemed to be getting them nowhere. “If Rhodes dislikes someone, that is his business. And something you need to bring up with him, I don’t speak for him, and I wouldn’t want to. But why this obsession with Rhodes?” This was irritating. “Well, the good thing is you don’t have to agree with their reasoning. Just acknowledge it, everyone is entitled to feel what they want, even if we don’t like or agree with it.” Simple as that to her.

“People heard your concerns about the Freehold Oath. Acknowledged them, and tried to discuss them with you. Spring heard your concerns about how things were being done, and we admitted things were being run incorrectly and needed to change. What other concerns are there? But if you think someone is going to pause their day every time you think you are right, you’re wrong. I’m always willing to discuss things, but I will not go around and round in a circle about them. If the conversation isn’t being productive, it isn’t worth continuing. Do you think that because people disagree with you that they’re not listening? You cannot always be right, no matter how bad you want it, you can’t. I’m not always right, I make many mistakes as I figure things out.” It was called being an adult.

“I wanted to find out where you saw yourself in the Freehold, what you wanted to do for the Freehold, and how we can get you there. If you think Rhodes has an issue with you, then I want to help you form a better relationship. If you feel people aren’t listening to you, I want to work with you to figure out why. I don’t really know you, not as well as I know Sonnie. You’ve been more difficult to figure out. So if I can get to know you better, maybe we can use that to work better together. Be able to work off each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”

[Seraphina]

A single nod, “You’re right, I wasn’t there. And if my assessment is wrong, I’ll apologize.” And that was that. She had no issues admitting when she was wrong and attempting to repair it.

“That’s something that sounds very promising. And having someone from each Season is very wise, I wish you luck with it.” And she was being honest. “The Freehold needs more people like that, ones who are concerned with safety and defense. Very noble.” But it made her miss her Motley. With Ingrid now gone, it meant she was the last one. “No offensive taken at all. I just wanted to make the offer so you knew it was there.” Something tells her he was used to handling things on his own like she was. “That’s an interesting take on it, and I can see why you say that. The world is terrifying, especially for us. In ways some will never understand. And yes, I think you’re right, acceptance is the road to freedom. At least freedom of some kind.” She was still learning that, acceptance.

“Have you found much danger around the Freehold?” she asks with interest. “And this might be a good time to mention this.” She begins, “But should you find yourself injured and in need of healing, please call me. While I have yet to heal one of us, I have been quite successful on humans.” Kinda practice in a way. Smiling, “I do enjoy your stories! And if you ever feel the urge, my coffee shop does an open mic night for charity, and I bet you’d be a huge hit!” he had the looks and charm, the girls would love him!

“I’m not opposed to a Pledge."

[Seraphina]

There was simply a nod from the Treasured, agreeing they hit a wall and happy to just move on.

“I remember you mentioning them! How great that you are continuing the idea here in the Freehold.” It was a good idea. “I’ve always believed we can learn something from the other Courts if we give them the chance. I have faith in it as well.” Her words honest. Laughing, “Well, I’ve seen you be noble a few times, it’s a rare trait, but you possess it.” He might have a huge ego, but most of the time his heart was in the right place.

“Mysterious lights? Huh. I guess at least they disappeared, though it does make you wonder what they were. Something good or something bad.” She muses out loud. Nodding, “The quiet never seems to last long when it comes to the Hedge and what dwells within it. But it sounds like we’re in good hands though.” At least someone was keeping an eye on it. Chuckling, “I hope you never have to either. But, I’m here if needed.” While she wasn’t advertising what she could now do, it seemed important to let Abraham know about it. Since he was going into the Hedge and all.

Beaming, “Wonderful! I know the crowd is going to love you! All the proceeds go to a local woman’s shelter. It’s been pretty successful, but having someone skilled with stories and songs, well, I see it being more successful.” She loved Abrahams stories; they were always enjoyable.

The Nix listens, picking out works and phrases from the offered Pledge, “I’m agreeable to what you’ve offered, except using our Court. I would be much more comfortable with it being sworn on our Seeming and not Court.” She offers.

Sera is wanting a Seeming Emblem instead of a Courtly Emblem. Everything else sounds good to her