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TL/DR: I'm annoyed at both Riftan and Maxie to be honest. Both of them are at fault in this whole situation. He is shitty at communication and she has a severe lack of understanding that she needs to build up her powers and experience before going on a major expedition like this.
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I know Imma get a lotta thumbs down, but I have to let out this rant, if y'all dont mind.
Yeah, Riftan is being a DICK-FUCK, but he had a point. I mean, she wanted to be treated like a normal Mage aka "like one of the guys", so that means she's not his Wife on this campaign (or expedition or trip or whatever). So, I don't see anything wrong with what he said. Yes, he could've said it a little nicer and in a MUCH better way. And she pissed me off...well, not pissed me off. That's too strong so I'll say she annoyed me. It's bc she asked the one soldier why they had to collect the stones and wouldn't it be better to hurry--she wondered why they couldnt keep it moving. But then a second later, she wants her and Riftan to talk. Which is it? Hurry on with the expedition or stand there and talk about (A) your husband's extreme lack of communication, (B) your lack of experience and potential hazard, and (C) you guys' marital problems? You healed a guy. Great--that's what the job called for. Now get on your horse and keep it moving with the other soldiers. Your Captain/Commander gave you and order. Follow it.
While Riftan should've sat down with Max and explained what he was feeling and at least communicate with her, I'm completely against her coming on this trip. She's not even a rookie--she's a newbie, as in newborn baby. She wouldn't have been able to come on the trip had the Captain/Commander been somebody else and not Riftan (but I have a feeling the Author will probably give her plot armor so that she would do extremely well or be some kind of prodigy). Maybe he/she/they would've done what Riftan was too stupid and stubborn to do, and that is let the girl know that she is NOT ready right now. She needs more practice and build up her experience in smaller expeditions (as in ones that arent so dangerous and maybe closer to home or maybe even just simple healing of the people in their...dukedom?? Kingdom?? Town?? I forget what she and Riftan are as far as being the Lady and Lord of the people). Those smaller expeditions would also allow her to build up her horseback riding skills and stamina.
Like, I get it. She wants to be useful and she's finally found something that she likes and something she's good at. Her surroundings and way of life is completely different from that hell hole and asshole of a family she came from. She has the support of her people and they aren't treating her like she's and idiot or incompetent. I fully support her becoming a Mage--don't get me wrong--and I can't wait to see how powerful she will get. I just hate that she is rushing to do things (like she just learned how to be a Mage 5 minutes ago), instead of taking her time, which could result in potentionally putting everyone on this expedition in danger or worse, putting herself in danger.
I'm annoyed at both Riftan and Maxie to be honest. So, I'm not trying to only bash Maxie, even though that's what it looks like, but that is because my rant was more about her. BOTH of them are at fault in this whole situation. And if something bad happens, it would be bc of them both--for different reasons, of course.
Also, Question: I see some of y'all really hating Riftan (he'seven hated in the subreddit group Im a part of), which I'm not faulting yall for or anything, but if you hate him so much, then why are yall still reading? Genuine question btw. I can understand hating a secondary character, but when it's the MC/ML/FL that you hate, how can y'all still read and stay here and complain about what the character is doing or how they're acting? I would drop the story if I hate the main character(s). OR are yall still reading bc you wanna see the story through or hoping that Riftan gets better? Is it like a "Well I came this far, might as well keep going." kinda thing? I know sometimes I do that. Especially when I'm through 90% of a story, and all of a sudden the plot decides to plummet and go stupid/ridiculous. Like, why stop when you're almost done, ya know? Again, genuine question.
Anyway, if you've gotten to the end, I honestly thank you for hearing/reading me out. And hope I didn't piss anybody off or anything. It's just honestly how I feel. I don't think my annoyance is gonna last. I'm sure both Riftan and Maxie will get back to being good characters. It's just that right now, both are being a little crappy atm.