the darkest nights produce the brightest stars
Fennick was very glad that the task of greeting committee did not fall to him. He never knew what to say. Hey there? Good day? Howdy partner? He just couldn’t be sure. Fennick was proud that, as the highest ranking member of the military, any challenges posed to diplomats would fall to him. That was something he could handle. If someone wanted to bash a diplomat over the head, they could bash Fennick instead. In return for this valuable service, Fennick decided to wash his hands of all greetings. Never again would he need to say, “hey there.”
He wasn’t unfriendly per say, he just had a hard time convincing anyone else of that.
However, there were times when even the most well laid plans did not prove effective in real life. Now was one of those times. There was a mare, right over there, who he did not recognize and who was not being attend by a single diplomat. Fennick sighed dramatically.
God damn it. Did he have to do everything himself?
At least she found something to eat. Whatever else that might be said about Valley hospitality, the girl had found something to eat. Now if someone would just say, “hey there” they would be two for two. Hopefully, Fennick looked to his right, a little desperately, Fennick looked to his left. There was no one else, it would have to be him. A little reluctantly, he approached, trying not to look as uncomfortable as he felt.
When he was a perfectly awkward distance away (a little too far for normal conversation but too close to be ignored) Fennick cleared his throat and called out to her.
“Hey there.” He waited a couple beats, as if he suddenly decided this was too difficult after all, but then bravely continued.
“Are you new to the Valley?” There was a chance this mare was not new, and Fennick just didn’t recognize her. If that was the case, he maybe able to make a quick escape. If she was just some unsuspecting girl getting a bite to eat she didn’t need to be greeted. Fennick tried not to look too hopeful. It wasn’t that he was unhappy to see a newcomer, on the contrary, he was very pleased to see the kingdom grow, he just felt that everyone deserved a warmer welcome than he could reasonable expect to give.
Oh well, she would just have to make due until one of those pesky diplomats showed up. Until then, she had Fennick’s undivided, incredibly awkward attention.