all things to dust return but you keep on

Good initiative, honestly, Hazel soaked in the praise. Though she would swear that she had no desire to please anyone else, that didn't necessarily hold weight when it came to Seer. This was different. Just like anyone else, she wanted her father figure to be proud of her. From the Warlord, approval looked different. Felt different. She carried her head a little higher, back a little straighter.

An affectionate knock of her forehead against his shoulder, a soft smile. "Couldn't have made it this far without you," in more ways than one. The words were sincere as they left her lips, and she was grateful for everything that he'd done. Absolutely everything. Hazel's heart was warm as she stepped in time with the Warlord, thoughtful as she did. "I'm going to ask the Warlord for permission to challenge for the rank of General of the Armada," a glimmer in her eye, a sparkle. A glint, even. "What do you say, Seer, sir?"

"Speech"