RISING FROM THE ASHES // o, discovering power

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Ah, the traitor.  New as the clouded leopard happened to be, he did do his research.  He knew the Pitt's current objectives were more focused on trade and neutrality -- Jormungand had threatened those ends and seemed to care little about his transgression.  While he had room to improve, Westley's starting opinion was low.  When one moved around a great deal, loyalty, even when one was far away, was important.

He sighs quietly as he approaches, coming to stand besides Aine, nodding slowly.  She had a point.  One he didn't see Jormungand arguing against.  Trying to deflect and focus on Sweeny, whom the leopard suspects had a good reason to be among Tanglewood.  It won't work -- I certainly won't let it.

"I may be rather new, but I would not say you're in the best position to be questioning anyone's loyalties.  After all, Aine's right -- you're a father, aren't you?  Shouldn't your actions reflect consideration for your children?"

"Given the Pitt's history, I imagine Sweeny has a valid reason for staying among a group once considered enemies.  Without, it would seem, causing trouble; otherwise, I doubt they'd tolerate her presence." Context was everything and the paleblood would look for the logic before needless accusation.

**brontide (n.) —-- westley hawkins / paleblood / penned by petrichor