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Exiel considers the options, and then remembers the girl Anastasia.
"Before I make my decision, I was wondering... the girl, Anastasia. She is young and innocent, and I would have her free to live a quiet and peaceful life, if possible, and if that is her wish. Will you allow that? Will you release her into my care, to look after as my ward under the protection of the temple of Torag?"
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Baba Yaga chuckles a little as she rubs her chin thoughtfully at Exiel's request.
"You ask for more than you know, sorcerer. An audacious request, but the life of a temple orphan is not for her. I have chosen her to be the next queen of Irrisen!"
Baba Yaga smiles slyly.
"But perhaps there is a way. Her path will have much danger, and she will require teaching and protection in equal measure. I do require a powerful agent for the task. If your concern is for her well-being, and you wish to have a hand in raising her, you may do so... as one of my Riders! Eeeeheeeeheeeeheeeeheeee...."
Baba Yaga's laughter fills the chamber as she makes her suggestion.
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Exiel considers Baba Yaga's words carefully.
"Very well, I can do this, but I will have conditions. I will protect her, but I will also teach her as I choose. I will teach her to know justice and love peace. I will also tell her of the fate that awaits her if she takes the throne, and whether she accepts that price for reign and longevity I will leave to her, but she will know. And she will have me to call on if she finds herself in need. If that is acceptable, then yes, I will protect her and raise her as your rider."
"I will also caveat that I will not be your unquestioning slave. I will accept the mantle for her sake, but I remain first and foremost a paladin of Torag - I don't mind fighting your evil adversaries, but I will not support tyranny or harm those who are good or innocent."
He pauses to let Baba Yaga consider his offer. Then adds an afterthought.
"Oh and I will take the white mantle, thank you. Black is not really my colour."
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Baba Yaga fixes Exiel with a long piercing stare.
"A most interesting request. I have no shortage of servants who can protect and look after the girl, and who will not be spouting your ridiculous conditions. And she WILL be queen of Irrisen. That is not up for debate."
"But a boon Baba Yaga has promised, and Baba Yaga could do worse than having you for a rider. Make no mistake though, your main duty will be teaching and raising Anastasia, but as my Rider you may be called upon for other tasks as well. But Baba Yaga will keep your sensitivities in mind. Baba Yaga has many enemies whom you will also find unpalatable, after all."
She nods, apparently satisfied.
"Very well then. You will be the guard and guardian of the Queen Anastasia of Irrisen. Do not think it will be an easy task. You will have to guard her against the politics of the court, against would-be assassins, against bad advisors and the like. And you will need to teach her magic too, for I can see you have some skill at magic."
As she speaks, a swirl of grey energy begins to encircle her. Rivulets of black energy seep out from Exiel and flow to Baba Yaga. At the same time, a stream of white power flows out from her into Exiel, bleaching his clothes and hair to a crisp white of freshly fallen snow.
"Welcome to my service, Exiel, Paladin of Torag, White Rider of Baba Yaga. Eeeeheeeeheeeeheeeeheeee....!"