It was rather fortunate that Judith was willing to trust her, for the end result was that the mages were able to safely return to the guild hall. However, the compliment that followed by the newly appointed Guild Master left Esperia smiling briefly, her cheeks flushing up briefly. "I would had been delighted to hear such a compliment if it had been my own body~"
Yet as the fairy mother explained her manner of approach to matters and then guided her to the backyard of a nearby house that had been spared from the riots, the Demigoddess silently pondered. Judith had a motherly and homely feeling, one that could surely draw in people but at the same time she had to question the actual strength of the woman when it came to defending that family she adored so much.
"All in due time Judith, you have big shoes to fill, and it was an appointment which came suddenly. Despite all the noble intentions you have, you also need to ask yourself whether you possess the means to protect the family and people that look at you for guidance."
"I can understand the elfin logic behind such a saying: Even despite their longevity nothing lasts forever. There are so many potential causes that might be beyond our control that could harm those we sworn to protect. I'm certain you might have heard some fragments from Kazimir after his return from the meeting that led to the formation of the Clover Alliance, and in all honesty we have plenty of reason to be worried."
She paused, sitting next to Judith as she closed her eyes for a bit. "Like we seen today crime is growing bolder, not just here in Magnolia but other regions as well. Even despite the actions of certain factions, one could say that at best we are a dam holding back the tide of darkness.
There are those that seek to undo all you and your kin fight for, and yet what are others their opinions? Some believe playing bounty hunter to be a fitting answer, which I believe to be naïve considering how often criminals walk the streets once more. There are some who believe inaction is equal to mercy, but I say that stands equal to the attitude of the divine: If you have power to make a difference, use it but don't hide cowardice behind excuses.
She sighed in frustration, a hand raised to her forehead as she attempted to suppress her anger. Alisa has the right of it: Our only solution would be to find out how Odin would carry out his ambitions, and find a way to stop him. And that on its own is easier said than done."
She smiled briefly at the fairy mother. "And yet, we can't allow ourselves to sit idle either. To speak plainly, Fairy Tail suffers from a lack of numbers and manpower. It is barely possible for the guild to ensure the safety of the city, let stand its own members. It is something that is a glaring difference compared to Blue Pegasus who possesses numbers but also several powerful individuals that when combining forces could repel most threats."
She turned her gaze toward Judith and pondered for a bit. "Perhaps in that regard your appointment is a blessing in disguise. You are a familiar face among Magnolia and the guild itself, people look at you for guidance and support, but who is there to support you?"
She raised a hand to her cheek and pondered softly. "Ideally you would adopt the Ace System as well, find one of your kin to act as a champion for your guild, the sword to vanquish those who would threaten your home, and the shield that would protect it."
She went quiet for a while longer, after which she turned her attention back at the Fairy Mother. "After all~ Every family has a Mother and a Father~ In that regard you could say I came to Magnolia to offer to be a father to your family, to help protect your family while you nurture them, make them grow from small sprouts into majestic trees that can weather the storms that will come."
Esperia lowered her gaze back toward the backyard and mused softly. "I lost too many things already, and yet it is because of Priscilla that I found that which I desire to protect. I am no longer naïve enough to think I can save everyone, but I will continue to hone my strength so that those hands can reach as many as possible."
She hopped off the bench and spun around to look at Judith with a playful glint in her eyes. "After all, the fairies had both Titania and Oberon to guide them~ What is to say you have to weather this storm by yourself?"