I think Anwen's taking up Cadwyn's offer could be interpreted several ways - Cerys could take it as vindication (Anwen has taken her advice to step away from the more directly violent warrior's path) and Anwen probably wouldn't want Cerys to think that. However, being sponsored by the father of the guy who died protecting her would be a powerful message of public acceptance and forgiveness, and might be hard to pass up.
Finally, with respect to narrative considerations, this task might seem simple on the surface, but Owain might reveal himself as uglier and more cunning than before, and take the opportunity to confront Anwen while she is out on the journey. She might then find herself in the position of undergoing both challenges, and with even higher stakes than she imagined, particularly if it gets out of hand (Owain or one of his cronies intends only to humiliate her, perhaps, but the situation goes sideways).
Yes, exactly! I should have built on this a bit more extensively in my notes at the end -- the choice in the poll is binary, but if she accepts Cadwyn's offer, there's a lot of nuance in how that could unfold:
In accepting Cadwyn's offer, however, she'll have to make it clear that she's not turning away from the warrior's path and becoming a goatherd for the rest of her life. That could bring her into conflict with Owain (who might spread rumors that she was afraid, or directly try to intervene in her task, as you pointed out), and also with Cerys, who might see this as an opening to continue trying to turn Anwen away from her chosen path (and in so doing, protect Owain's position in the village).
That said, she could accept Cadwyn's offer AND expressly accept Cery's offer to explore this other power she's offering, and that would take the character in a wildly different direction that what's been explored so far -- but there's foundation that's been built (her distress at having killed the helpless guard in Marshedge, for example). That's a path we'll only explore if readers express a lot of energy for it in the comments.
Choosing to challenge the circle is a bit more of a straightforward path -- it's a big middle finger to both Owain and Cerys. Again, as you pointed out, Cadwyn's offer represents forgiveness and acceptance, so she'd have to reject it compassionately, but it'd be a clear signal to the village about who she is.
Fighting Owain certainly has the narrative momentum behind it, especially with Anwen's personality, but she's also maturing. Plus, the death of Cadoc will certainly aid her recognition that thundering into conflict can harm others.
I vote for accepting Cadwyn's offer because it shows maturity and is the least likely to cause more discord in the village, directing her more towards a leadership role, perhaps.
Small tweak though and something to consider. Her battles prior the death of a good friend and the taking the life of the young guard. Those I feel will cause Anwen to heavily reconsider the warriors path. So alternative forms of strength power seen appropriate
I'm not sure she'd lean on cerys though more likely try to tap Vahid. Or go on a pilgrimage which with the storm priest.
High key I feel like the hidden option is the party option.
As I envision it. Vahid pad and Anwen all share this information with the storm priest and she with the assistance of Vahid puts pad and Anwen through the ancient warrior rite beneath Stonetop.
I think Anwen's taking up Cadwyn's offer could be interpreted several ways - Cerys could take it as vindication (Anwen has taken her advice to step away from the more directly violent warrior's path) and Anwen probably wouldn't want Cerys to think that. However, being sponsored by the father of the guy who died protecting her would be a powerful message of public acceptance and forgiveness, and might be hard to pass up.
Finally, with respect to narrative considerations, this task might seem simple on the surface, but Owain might reveal himself as uglier and more cunning than before, and take the opportunity to confront Anwen while she is out on the journey. She might then find herself in the position of undergoing both challenges, and with even higher stakes than she imagined, particularly if it gets out of hand (Owain or one of his cronies intends only to humiliate her, perhaps, but the situation goes sideways).
Yes, exactly! I should have built on this a bit more extensively in my notes at the end -- the choice in the poll is binary, but if she accepts Cadwyn's offer, there's a lot of nuance in how that could unfold:
In accepting Cadwyn's offer, however, she'll have to make it clear that she's not turning away from the warrior's path and becoming a goatherd for the rest of her life. That could bring her into conflict with Owain (who might spread rumors that she was afraid, or directly try to intervene in her task, as you pointed out), and also with Cerys, who might see this as an opening to continue trying to turn Anwen away from her chosen path (and in so doing, protect Owain's position in the village).
That said, she could accept Cadwyn's offer AND expressly accept Cery's offer to explore this other power she's offering, and that would take the character in a wildly different direction that what's been explored so far -- but there's foundation that's been built (her distress at having killed the helpless guard in Marshedge, for example). That's a path we'll only explore if readers express a lot of energy for it in the comments.
Choosing to challenge the circle is a bit more of a straightforward path -- it's a big middle finger to both Owain and Cerys. Again, as you pointed out, Cadwyn's offer represents forgiveness and acceptance, so she'd have to reject it compassionately, but it'd be a clear signal to the village about who she is.
Plenty of nuances there.
Fighting Owain certainly has the narrative momentum behind it, especially with Anwen's personality, but she's also maturing. Plus, the death of Cadoc will certainly aid her recognition that thundering into conflict can harm others.
I vote for accepting Cadwyn's offer because it shows maturity and is the least likely to cause more discord in the village, directing her more towards a leadership role, perhaps.
I'm off the same thought process.
Small tweak though and something to consider. Her battles prior the death of a good friend and the taking the life of the young guard. Those I feel will cause Anwen to heavily reconsider the warriors path. So alternative forms of strength power seen appropriate
I'm not sure she'd lean on cerys though more likely try to tap Vahid. Or go on a pilgrimage which with the storm priest.
High key I feel like the hidden option is the party option.
As I envision it. Vahid pad and Anwen all share this information with the storm priest and she with the assistance of Vahid puts pad and Anwen through the ancient warrior rite beneath Stonetop.
The sort of ultimate initiation if you will
Oh, interesting. A warrior priest or holy warrior channeling the ancient magics. Yes, I like that a lot.
Yeah with where things stand currently its almost like it's all foreshadowed already.