Discord transcript: Girl, I'm Not Your Savior
[Scene continuation/wrap-up for the Mysra siblings]

CW/TW: None

TAGS: Isla Mysra & Azazeal Mysra

---

AZAZEAL
He had not gone far. Only just outside the Bard’s College, in fact. The Judicar sat and stared out down the street, not really looking at anything or anyone in particular. There was a distance in his eyes and a numb sort of calm in his countenance. “I don’t know if I’m allowed to leave,” he said upon Athena’s approach, laughing a little though the sound was devoid of any mirth.

Azazeal was otherwise quiet all the while Athena spoke to him. He nodded at everything she said to him - whether it was mere acknowledgment or agreement was unclear. Her wisdom would take some time to sink in for him, but deep down Azazeal knew she was hitting every nail on the head.

Reluctantly, he nodded when Athena suggested she go elsewhere when Isla joined them outside of the college. Azazeal was doubtful of his ability or willingness to speak with his sister further today but supposed he owed her an audience after years apart.

"I shouldn't have yelled at you."




ISLA
After Athena’s departure, Isla went back and forth for a few minutes on whether or not she should follow the elf to go speak with her brother. She didn’t want to - it was in fact one of the last things she wanted to do - but seeing as they were now stuck in the same city for the foreseeable future, it was something she would have to do eventually. She made quick work of finding someone to let Isto know where she was before going down the stairs and finding the pair outside.

Athena and Isla exchanged a look before the elf made herself scarce, Azazeal’s voice cutting through her internal dialogue of what exactly she would say to him. Isla laid her arms across her chest and tilted her head back as she let out a sigh. “I didn’t come out here for an apology.” She told him, turning on her heel once she paced a few feet forward and back. Isla wasn’t used to apologies and wasn't sure she wanted any from him. “What did you think…” she trailed off, turning again as she paced in the same spot in a futile attempt to organize her thoughts. “We don’t know one another.” It was a statement. “Why do you keep trying?”




AZAZEAL
“It’s a good thing I wasn’t apologizing, then,” he gently retorted, grimacing a little in a failed attempt to smirk at her. Azazeal seemed more present, then. Drawn back into whatever this conversation was going to turn into. Watching Isla pace made him a little anxious. Apart from clearly having a lot on her mind, she was difficult to read. He wondered what, if anything, Athena might have said to Isla before she had gone to locate him.

Azazeal let out an extended, heavy sigh when she finally spat out a question. He was silent for several moments, eyes cast down to the ground as he tried to navigate the rush of possible answers in his mind. There were a lot of reasons. Many of them were selfish or a matter of ego and pride. There was sense of loyalty and duty as well. Faith and belief their reconnecting had been no coincidence. There was no single, simple answer to give that would cover the complexities of why Az gave a damn.

“I… I don’t know,” Az answered lamely at first. It was easier than spouting every thought that came to mind and maybe when he had been better prepared it could be something they discussed at length. “Because I’m your brother?” He shrugged. “We don’t know each other well but I love you all the same. I care about you and what you think of me, and I don’t want us to always be at each other’s throats, and...”

Az trailed off and paused, swallowing to stop from tearing up or rambling too much.

“Should I stop trying?”




ISLA
The way Isla felt was hard to explain. She had such a complicated history of relationships with her family members, even the very limited one she had with Azazeal. Isla was only given bits and pieces of information regarding who he was, but had trouble reconciling the person in front of her with the man and brother she had built in her head in the years she was at home. She had always expected him to burst through the doors as a sort of white knight, but when that didn’t happen, her opinion had soured. Her ability to hold a grudge against her remaining family members was something to be reckoned with.

Isla wasn’t trying to be cruel to him, but she did want to know what it was that kept him going, as she certainly couldn’t muster that level of engagement. His response caused her to pause her back and forth movements and finally look at him. She stood in front of him, albeit a few feet away, studying Azazeal carefully. He looked dejected - whether it was from her words alone, his journey to Noria, or a combination of the two. “You are my brother, Azazeal.” She paused, walking over and sitting down on the bench next to him. “It’s not that I don’t want to know you.” She took a breath and rubbed her sweaty palms on her legs. “I don’t understand what a sibling relationship is supposed to look like. Is it not speaking or hearing from one another for years and then trying to bribe your sister out of prison?” She asked.




AZAZEAL
Truthfully, Azazeal was a little surprised that Isla had not immediately and firmly said ‘yes’ when he asked if he ought to stop trying. He felt a little relief and some small renewal of optimism that it was (perhaps) not entirely a lost cause.

A faint smile pulled at his lips when she called him her brother. It might have been the first time she had used the word without malice and he truly appreciated her being more gentle with him at that moment.

“And you think I would know?” The question was rhetorical and a scoff of laughter followed. “I was nine when I was sold. My memories of home, of all of you, are small in number and I doubt if I could recognize any of our other siblings apart from Voreena.”

He paused and took a breath, not wanting to go too far off into that tangent just now. Talking of the past could wait. There were more pressing things in the present to navigate. “Look. Neither of us knows what the hell we’re doing and we don’t have a great frame of reference to guide us. So, maybe that means we just get to decide what our sibling relationship looks like, even if it isn’t what it’s ‘supposed’ to look like. Even if it’s no contact for years and bribing each other out of trouble. That wouldn’t be my first choice but we need to come to some sort of agreement about what we want and what we can do. And maybe the first thing we should figure out is how to contact one another, seeing as neither of us is ever settled anywhere for long.”




ISLA
At this moment, Isla was grateful that her brother did not know her well. She was someone who was a fighter in some instances, but was also a coward and ran at even the slightest whisper of a difficult feeling creeping in. Sitting next to him in such a way during what felt like an intimate conversation was nearly setting her skin on fire. It was these feelings that led her to flee when she had similar encounters in the past, and ultimately what wound her up in prison the past several years. It was something that she told herself would change when she was locked away. Putting it into action, however, looked a lot different.

Isla leaned her elbows on her legs and placed her head in her hands as Azazeal spoke. She was silent as he said his peace, though she drew in a sharp breath at the sound of Voreena’s name unexpectedly passing over his lips. “I think that’s fair.” She finally said, slowly lifting up her head and finally turning to face him. Isla was well aware that a relationship with her brother was one that would most likely come with scars being reopened on both sides, but for now only deciding what their relationship might look like seemed feasible. “Well considering we’re both stuck in Noria, I think we might know where to find one another for now.” She gave him a pursed smile. “You’re not semi-permanent anywhere, what with the Judicars?” She asked honestly, assuming they had some sort of base of operations.

“I might be in Thisbē for a while.” Isla offered, though he was right about their lack of settling. “If or when I leave, you could always send word through that channel.” She told him, having told Isto - and meant it - that she wouldn’t disappear again.




AZAZEAL
Though they did not explicitly know it yet, cowardice was a trait the siblings shared. How it manifested varied between them but the end results were not so different when it came to pushing each other away or being unable to connect. For Azazeal, it bothered him to feel so clueless about how to let Isla in. It should have been easy with a sister - even one he had not seen since she was toddling - but the manner of his separation from the family meant she could hurt him in ways others could not. It would take time to bring down walls and take off emotional armor. To trust each other not to disappear.

He shook his head when she asked if he had any consistency through the Judicars. “Technically, yes, but any correspondence sent for me there would not be private and read many times before it reached my hands.” Az suggested the inn he would be staying at for the time being. If Idrial chose to remain in Noria awhile she would be a good and confidential point of contact, especially if he needed to leave in a hurry.

“Thisbē,” he repeated, “With the king, you mean?” Az tried to sound neutral and nonjudgmental. He was curious about them but didn’t think he had any right to ask. He was also curious if she had plans to go to Farringor, or if that was the destination.




ISLA
Isla considered Azazeal for a moment, a dry laugh coming from her at his mention of privacy in any correspondence. “Mmm yes, I wouldn’t want to hand over my whereabouts and lead the law directly to my door.” She took in his uniform again, now that she felt a little more calm than when they initially locked eyes on one another. Isla wondered if that was how he had found her in Cyn Dosa to begin with - through the group who had taken him from their family to begin with. What an odd cyclical world of events they lived in.

“The inn?” She asked, pausing for a moment. “With Athena, you mean?” She arched her brow. Isla was in no way judging, but siblings asked these sort of questions, she was sure.

Isla ran a hand through her hair as she thought of an appropriate response for Azazeal. Perhaps the truth would be a good place to start. “With the king, yes.” She pinched the bridge of her nose. “I met him years before Cyn Dosa. He trusts me, if you can believe it.”




AZAZEAL
He was tempted to sneer (playfully) when Isla turned his question back on him. Somehow it sounded more prying than he had meant it. Or maybe it was that he simply felt unsure of discussing Athena with her just yet. “I don’t know,” he told her honestly, “Perhaps. It hasn’t been discussed. She may return to Vanyar at first opportunity.”

Azazeal made a thoughtful sound, then replied, “Any other ruler… I probably wouldn’t believe you.” He chuckled softly. It occurred to him then that Isla might have been in some of the interesting stories and rumors floating around about Thisbē’s king. How strange that he should know two such women.

“Are you hungry? I was thinking of going to that place just down the way,” he said, pointing to a sign at the end of the block. “You could join me if you like. I might even put you on my tab.”




ISLA
Isla pulled a face at his response, disappointed by his coyness, but genuinely curious about how the pair had met and what was going on between them. “Interesting…” Isla murmured. The elf seemed a bit more protective than she would have guessed if they were just traveling companions, but even so, it was probably none of her business - even as a newly reestablished sister.

“Me either, honestly. Maybe it’s because we are both mad.” She offered, having been surprised the first time the king offered her employment, and even more so by the way he welcomed her back into his life. It was one of the first relationships she had gone back to, though she had a lot of reflecting to do about it over the years she was gone.

Isla could feel her palms get clammy at the mention of spending more uninterrupted time with one another. Though she wanted to try and get to know her brother better, she didn’t think she could handle anymore that day - especially with the prior mention of family. “I should probably get back up there.” She motioned back to the building, wondering absently if anyone had noticed her speedy departure. “Maybe you could put me on your tab another time?” She asked. “That sounds like something an older brother should do, anyway.”




AZAZEAL
He did not regret the impulsive offer to sup together but Az was a little relieved when she declined. The Judicar was exhausted in every way. While he had meant for a highly casual meal together, it was not as if they would suddenly be in a fun and friendly dynamic with a change of venue and something filling their bellies.

“Another time,” he agreed with a nod, smiling politely. “Fine, we’ll add it to my brotherly duties. But little sisters get the tab when they’re on the king’s payroll. Deal?”

Discord transcript: Don't Carry It All
[Scene continuation/wrap-up for the council]

CW/TW: None

TAGS: Josefin Pierre, Éodred, Isto Rivenn

---

JOSEFIN
It seemed everything had been decided and organized. So their call to Triston was about bolstering numbers and extra hands, they did not need her thoughts or advice. But though it stung, she wouldn't let those thoughts consume her. Instead, she would push forward, doing whatever she could to aid the people that needed it. And right now, there were refugees that could not get back in to the city. "Aye... I'll send word, set up a contingent of escorts to meet ours halfway, to cut down the load and time spent away from here. We can spare a few somewhere..." She took a deep breath, thinking over which parts of her own city could go without guards stationed or which patrols they wouldn't need to run for a few weeks. Pinching off a small piece of bread, she tentatively took a bite. She knew she had to keep her strength up, but her appetite was lacking.



ISTO
He studied the princess, trying to read her while she nibbled on a tiny morsel of bread. Isto did not know her very well, or indeed at all, as an adult woman, but he got the distinct impression that she was rather subdued just then. It could have been something else, the king supposed - exhaustion or timidity or even feeling a little out of depth - though he doubted each brief notion that came to mind. At least, he hoped it was none of those things, and hoped they were right about her.

He nodded lightly at her reply and flashed a gracious smile, “As many as can be spared and no more. We need not put a strain on Triston.” He paused and cast a quick glance to Éodred, then changed the subject. “You’re not a marionette, are you?” The Thisbēan king’s eyes squinted appraisingly, then he added some clarification to his blunt question, “You think for yourself?”



ÉODRED
With the sound of a certain woman’s voice echoing in his brain about what was important right at this moment, the Marshal pushed his plate aside for the time being. Perhaps after figuring out their next move, he wouldn’t feel so helplessly guilty about feeding himself when so many in Noria and the surrounding territories were being impacted by the quake. His eyes flicked over to Josefin who seemed to be having a similar experience.

It was a relief to hear that Triston could relieve some of their guards to patrol in Noria. Logan had spared as many as he could without leaving Vanyar completely without. Then again, his family was in Noria as well, so he assumed his own nation was safer and less prone to attack with the entire family out of its bounds rather than splitting them up.

He arched a brow at Isto’s question, nodding his thanks to the King for asking that which they were both silently wondering. “The last thing we need is another puppeteer behind the scenes.” He noted, remembering his father’s ‘advisors’ and how the man had little to no backbone. It was a miracle he shook them as quickly as he did after assuming power. The Marshal’s gaze was back on the Princess, the question lingering among the trio.



JOSEFIN
"We should keep the groups smaller anyways... it will help avoid suspicion and avoid any undue temptation from bandits looking to rob those who wish to flee. And though it will take more trips, it will allow the few men I can spare to better watch over them." The princess reasoned, her mind still whirling with thoughts on which men she could spare from where. She knew many of them by name, only the newer guards were unfamiliar to her. And many of them had families, and if they were to be attacked on the road...

Sighing, she watched as Isto turned his attention to the Marshal. She would be lying if she said she wasn't at least a little bitter about Vanyar having such a hold over Triston in terms of official business. But what could she do other than vie for a position and expand the council by one seat once the mess with the earthquake was taken care of?

Looking between the two of them, she raised a brow. Did he intend on her answering the question as well? It hadn't been directed toward her. And if there were indeed strings attached somewhere, she was an unknowing puppet in that play. "How many kingdoms have actually sent aid?" She plucked her goblet, drinking from the wine. "Apologies if that is too forward a question, I am merely curious."



ISTO
The king nodded and shrugged. “I have no objection to sending out smaller groups. Éodred?” Truthfully, he couldn’t be bothered with the finer details and would be glad to leave it to more capable hands and minds to determine the best course of action for placing displaced Norians. As far as he was concerned, Josefin could spearhead that entire prong of their operation if she wished.

“Ours,” Isto answered her, indicating the three of them, “and Noria herself, of course.” He laughed a little when she apologized for the question. “You were not being forward at all. It is information you are entitled to simply by being here. And all the moreso for being so magnanimous in your answer to the call for aid.”

“I was trying to be forward earlier and failed to bait you– for which I am still deciding whether I am a little impressed or a little annoyed that you're made of sterner stuff. Perhaps both. But, no matter. We still need to know...” He paused to lean forward and point at her accusatorily with a roasted pheasant’s leg. “Are. You. The true regent of Triston?”



JOSEFIN
What an invasive question. Josefin sighed heavily, there was little use lying to either of them, though she had an inkling they might know more than they were letting on about the health and wellbeing of her father. She furrowed her brow, nodding slightly. "Aye... yes." A simple answer, one she wouldn't elaborate on. They didn't need to hear it from her that her father had little time left on this world, that he'd been in a state of near-death for quite some time, and that she'd been the one making the decisions and dealing with all of the state issues in Triston.

They didn't need to know what sort of weight was upon her shoulders now, or that she needed to focus on getting a foothold for her people so that she might garner better resources, better support and a better life for all of them. They needed to advance as a society, and she wanted to push for that. "Any decisions regarding Triston's military, diplomatic ties, and its people come through me and as of now... I have the final say."



ÉODRED
“No objection here, either,” Logan confirmed, agreeing with the King about the guards and what the princess had requested. He exchanged a look with Isto, as the pair asked similar questions as they tried to determine what her plans were and what they would do about her father and his health failing while on the council.

The Marshal was all too familiar with the failing health - be it suddenly or not - of a father, and the speediness with which one would have to fill that role. It was a good sign she was engaging with them already, getting her proverbial feet wet before he passed on. Logan refused to engage in any sort of politics until his father was already gone, and by then it was more of a struggle to establish himself as a different person than the former Marshal.

“Good. We’re glad to have you with us.” He offered when she confirmed what information they suspected. She seemed like a strong leader for Triston, one that he would happily ally himself with, depending on how their current circumstances shook out. He took a bite of food, thoughtful for a moment. "Do you expect to remain holding the title now that you have it?" He asked carefully, wondering if her father would step back in, should his health allow.



ISTO
The king nodded thoughtfully at her answer, resisting the urge to agitate her further just for fun. It seemed clear enough to him that she was not entirely comfortable with this line of questioning - not that she was meant to be. They had plans for her, but none that could be enacted unless her coronation was as near as they suspected it was. In his personal experience, and Éodred’s for that matter, it was not a good thing when an elderly ruler transferred full regency to their child. Given the age of Josefin’s father alone, Isto would be very surprised if she answered the Marshal’s question with an indication that Triston’s king was not permanently retired from ruling.

“What we’re getting at, my dear, is that we find ourselves at a rather unexpected and crucial juncture. An opportunity that we may all be remiss to… well, miss. So long as you are who and what we think you are and will be.”



JOSEFIN
With a glance between the two of them, Josefin sighed quietly, fully aware of how much weight was both being forced and placed willingly on her shoulders. And coming into a situation where other leaders were already comfortable with each other and had established a rapport was putting her at a further disadvantage. If she were meant to prove herself here, she had an uphill battle to face.

And she was still just a person dealing with the failing health of their parent. While it was expected and she had been preparing to take over her whole life, it was a loss nonetheless. Perhaps it was the guilt that hung over her, or the sorrow, but knowing she’d had to leave her sisters alone in Triston’s capital while everything was seemingly decided already by a king and a marshal… well…

Glancing to Logan, Josefin raised a golden brow. “Are you asking if I expect anyone to challenge my title?” She huffed a dry laugh, “Of course, I expect there to be challenges. I’m a woman claiming a crown, I will not be met without resistance.” She picked up the goblet of wine, taking a slow drink. “Short of my father miraculously regaining his health and finding a wife and having a son… it will be me on the throne, not as a consort but my seat by birthright.” Shrugging a shoulder, she glanced around, “And I intend to do what I must to keep it.”



ÉODRED
The Marshal’s thoughts were quite frankly all over the place - between the council and its threat of uncertainty, not to mention the recovery efforts - he was having a hard time keeping his focus and staying still. After all, he was fresh to the position as well, having been able to lay low for the most part since his father's passing, and only engage when absolutely necessary.

He liked Josefin, that much was certain, but there was trust that had yet to be built between the council members. He met her gaze, about to answer the question when she continued speaking. The Marshal had certainly wondered how her nation would react to a female leader, and obviously she was well aware of that being a concern as well. He let out a low sort of laughter at her comment about her father marrying and producing a male heir. “Understood. I’m glad to hear you’re not willing to give in to societal shit so easily.” He said cavalierly, understanding now that Josefin was made of tougher stock than others, including at times himself. "Seems like we have an understanding here." He glanced towards Isto.



ISTO
He returned a nod to the Marshal, agreeing that they all appeared to be on the same page. Likewise appreciated a peek at the strength they suspected Josefin possessed - something she would no doubt have tested in the period leading up to, and likely a long while after, her ascension to queen. “You have our full support and allyship. When the time comes, we intend to publicly recognize your birthright to the throne (not that you need it), attend the coronation, and supply additional forces you may require in order to overcome any particularly feisty challenges.” Isto’s mouth widened into a somewhat devious smile. “However, we suspect that some of your staunchest opposition may be swayed into support within the first year...” The king paused and drank from his goblet before gesturing with it as he continued. “What would you say if the Marshal here were to tell you we meant to see this temporary seat on the council become a permanent one?” A little wine sloshed onto the table. “What would you think if, hypothetically, Vanyar was prepared to create a path to Triston’s full sovereignty? And that Thisbē - and Brelan, because I have favors to call on - would expand trade to bolster Triston’s independence? Are those things you might be interested in, Josefin Pierre?”



JOSEFIN
At least they seemed to be listening to her. That was likely more than she could have asked for, all things considered, but it was a relief nonetheless. They were not fools either, they knew she faced a force which would only be swayed by the most miraculous of deeds, a force which few had ever conquered. Public opinion. Triston's traditions were deeply rooted and patriarchal, and if there were ever a time to change that, perhaps she could capitalize on a natural disaster to thrust the stagnant nation into the future. Whether they were willing to follow or not.

"Aye..." She paused, tapping her fingers against her chin. There was a lot to consider in his words and she seemed to be weighing them, testing the meanings behind them, the weight, the spaces between them. "I would ask first what do you wish for in return? A favor of that magnitude doesn't come cheap, I would assume..." Lifting a golden brow, she watched the two men carefully for any signs of discomfort. "In truth, one of my goals coming here was to prove that Triston should be on the council and not under Vanyar's jurisdiction any longer... but I was also expecting more resistance and an expectation of much grander offerings on our part."



ÉODRED
The thought of attending a coronation and being at a public ball - while not exciting for the Marshal - would certainly send his mother into a tailspin. She had always agreed with his father on the thumb that they kept over Triston, in a sense, a reminder that they were not completely their own. Logan had always thought it was a power move, as it certainly didn’t seem since he took over the role that they provided much support to one another either way. He wanted to change that, and this was probably the best way. He certainly didn’t need anyone else’s approval, but having Isto in the same camp was comforting to him. He tended to shy away from any major changes since assuming his position, but he would have to rock the boat at some point or another.

“I wouldn’t think of this proposition as a trade-off.” Logan paused, trying to rack his brain about the appropriate way to help Triston on their way. “It would be what we all expect from one another: exchange of resources in times of trouble, obviously council meetings and assistance making joint decisions…” he trailed off. “In all honesty I would love to say today that you’re fully independent, but I don’t think it would be fair to you. Setting you up for success would also free up resources for Vanyar and allow us all to focus on independent ventures as well.” Logan’s thoughts wandered to Noora and her impression of how he was and using his energy or reach as much as possible. “Does that sound fair?”



ISTO
Isto did not pretend to understand the co-dependencies between Triston and Vanyar. Whatever benefits there may have been in the past, if indeed there had ever been enough to warrant such an arrangement long-term, it no longer seemed to be a particularly symbiotic relationship. It did not take a genius to observe the potential there. And, Isto was one such non-genius to encourage change before prime opportunities were lost and animosity had a chance to take over.

He nodded lightly as Éodred explained his position on the matter, and made a sound of approval at the conclusion. “Very wise,” Isto praised distractedly. He seemed to be looking for something - lifting under everyone’s plates, looking under the table, and shaking out his boots. “I, on the other hand, dear princesse, operate with more of a clandestine flair.”

At last, he found what he was looking for in a breast pocket. He smiled, then dramatically slapped his hand on the table and slid over what merely appeared to be small pieces of blank paper. “I want three future favors; carte blanche.”



JOSEFIN
There was certainly a game of cat and mouse, at least from Josefin's point of view, going on. There was also nothing except tradition that would indicate any sort of ulterior motives. Yet, with all of their promises of fairness and equal trade, she was still wary. Those in charge rarely liked to simply allow anyone to gain an equal hand, let alone an upper one. And if she were betting on them honestly, she was simply waiting for the knife to stab her back. Affixing a pleasant smile to her face, she leaned back in the heavy wooden chair, crossing her legs. If one glanced at her, they might assume her to be a bored merchant, surveying a business deal that was already secure. But her guarded glances between the two men weren't simple looks, she was calculating, assessing.

Finally, she nodded, looking between the Marshal and the King. "That does seem fair. Excuse my caution, I'm not accustomed to fair treatment." She shrugged a shoulder, "And I'll agree to your favors... with some caveats. I won't kill anyone, well... unless it's justified. I won't sign away Triston in any fashion, and I won't do anything that would limit my people's security or freedom. Otherwise, I will agree to your favors." She gestured before reaching for the blank sheets of paper. "Is that agreeable?" @fizz @skye



ISTO
“There is nothing to excuse,” he insisted with a dismissive little wave of his right hand. “Your skepticism is natural. And sensible.” Josefin would be a fool indeed to take such offers without question or caution. Things that seemed too good to be true often were. Triston would not likely afford Josefin many missteps in her rule. It was early days yet and they were asking a lot of her. It was a matter for which Isto was unusually compassionate. “Trust must be earned. For which we will endeavor to do just that through our promised actions here; that one day you may be able to take us upon our words alone. Within reason.” He smiled and dropped his gaze to the blank cards. “Your terms are a bit of a killjoy, but nonetheless… Nous avons un accord, princesse régente.”

[end thread]