still thinking very affectionately of that orym chetney conversation. what a lovely exchange.
Orym spent his time and effort carving a wolf- its a twofold act of admiration, both the shape and the medium. Chetney prides himself on his craftsmanship, and it is sometimes funny but its also- he spent centuries refining his craft, working at it, honing it. Of course he takes pride in it.
So to have Orym come and give him a wolf carved from wood, acknowledging his lack of experience, fresh off of Chetney's wolf form trying to kill him twice- and still, putting in the work, giving it honest effort with his own two hands and time, crafting a wolf in honor of Chet, and giving it to him as a gift- what a sign of respect! What a thoughtful gesture!
And that respect, the thoughtfulness of it, is not lost on Chet, either. The first thing he leads with is compliments to Orym- that he's brave, and young (he is, still young, even with all.that heartbreak), and how he is good. And also the carving is- terrible quality. Not even fit to be a paperweight right now. Someday, maybe it could be.
But that's its own sign of respect too! Looking at Orym as someone who wants to better his craft, someone who is willing to take this feedback, and willing to work and get better. Chetney says: this is terrible. Incredible given your resources and experience, though. You carved this with a shortsword? That's like using an axe. Here, have a chisel, it will serve you better. Chetney can be blunt, and straightforward, but he is not cruel- his honesty is its own sign of respect.
So. What a vote of confidence- not just the gratitude, but the investment in something more, in the growth and the feedback and the potential Orym has. And the potential he's already fufilled.
And not even getting into the sword conversation! Chetney's insistence that Orym should name it, that he should celebrate it- that the gods are paying attention to him, and they should. The whole exchange was founded in such a concrete sense of mutual respect, and respect being paid back tenfold by someone who recognizes and appreciates it. what a conversation. :')