One quick note: Inca has offered an opinion on what happened between Freya and Kara yesterday, which I think is wise. It certainly helped me to understand a bit better.
“Competition is an important motivator for some people,” she explained while we were catching up this morning. “When one recognizes in another an equal, sometimes the impulse is to test them. This is as much to gauge one’s own ability as the other’s.”
“Do you think that is what Freya was doing?” I asked her. “I did wonder, because more than once she did argue points that she did not really believe in.”
Inca smiled. “Pique will also do that,” she said. “And from what you have told me of Freya, she is not one to take an insult lightly.”
I shook my head. “It just seems strange that she would intentionally challenge Kara, and yet Kara respects her for it.”
“Humans honor strength, even if it is expressed in vindictive ways sometimes,” Inca explained. “In Kara’s mind, Freya had a right to be upset. The way that she expressed those feelings must have impressed Kara.”
Thinking on it, I realized that I could see what Inca met. Freya could have chosen to dismiss Kara’s work, or to simply hand it back to Kara without comment. Instead she dug in, finding sore spots and weak points, and though she was motivated by irritation, she gave truly helpful advice.
“It seems to me that the two are well matched,” Inca said. “Freya needs a friend who can keep up with her.”
That is the truth! Thankfully Kara seems more than capable of that.
Inca and I went on to talk about Gabrielle, who is settling nicely into her new place. Singlehood suits her, and she has even reached out once or twice to Nick, trying to mend their friendship at least, if not their relationship. Her life is peaceful, at least for now, although we are both ready for new troubles. How could we not expect it, with a charge as brave and careless as Gabrielle?
Also, it seems Eburnean has been asking after me. I will have to go and visit with them when I get the time. Though when that will be, I can’t imagine!