[Location: Realm of Iofiel]
("A useful tool,") the thought drifted idly through Grimm's mind as he absorbed Iofiel's words without interruption. Support, watch over, oversee, or guide. Each term had been wrapped carefully in that warm tone, spoken with softness and framed as benevolence.
Yet beneath the honeyed phrasing lay a consistent structure: control. She wished to observe him, to position herself near his growth, to "elevate" him in a direction of her choosing. Not malicious, perhaps, but certainly not selfless either. No being with that much pride in her authority acted without an agenda.
("Not malevolent,") he conceded inwardly. ("But aligned with her own designs.") The General had lived long enough to recognize strategy when he heard it. He was not offended, just plainly aware. If she was choosing him, then it was because he could be useful. And usefulness always implied a purpose beyond oneself.
