“I’m serious about this,” Idonia frowned, crossing her arms over her chest. She couldn’t help but feel a tinge of concern for the child before her. They were covered in dirt from yet another fight, despite her lengthy scoldings, trying to get them to behave. She let out a small breath and crouched.

“Little one, please understand. You have a duty to these people. Do not concern yourself with their petty insults; you will be in charge of them soon. They will learn to respect you, so long as you earn it,” she murmured, nudging their chin. It was hard to be mad at them. They were still young, still learning. But in these times-... they had to be prepared to take over at any point. Her life was not promised to her. She could not be around forever.