Anju
Anju has judged thousands of handshakes, but Dahlia’s leaves her with little to make assumption on. Everest’s praise makes her smile slightly, fond as ever, though she cannot allow it to last.
The story is as plainly cut as it could be - and unfortunately perfectly aligned with Anju’s last meeting with Sohalia. “I understand. Still, excuse my bluntness as I say what many will think when they hear of the news; Sohalia herself warned the city about you, to a degree of remaining entirely away from you.” She faces the gallows with steely bravery, heart loyal and spirit unafraid of the forewarned death the notice had given. “While you claim to have our best interest at heart, it is my duty as Captain to keep Stormbreak safe. Inside and out.” Given Sohalia’s breakdown in her arms, Anju is willing to believe the Heart had simply abdicated - but the suspicious manner and matter of her replacement remains Anju’s duty to investigate, no matter the peril.
Folding her hands before her on the table, Anju does not meet the eyes of her fellow councilmen as she continues. If anyone is to risk their title, or gods forbid their life, it shall be her and no other. “I do not concern myself with our likability in other regions. If they do not care for you personally, I am willing to believe a smear campaign, or to prepare to contend with a lack of regional allies.” This high up, and the most advanced and blessed among them, what need did they have for the regional leaders beneath their shadow? “However. I would like to confirm Sohalia’s safety and her agreement to grant you leadership if she was the one to validate your character against the missive she wrote.” Not that Anju had ever been fully sold on Sohalia’s maturity and judgment of people, but at least it would provide some context if she had been swayed or shown that the other leaders were wrong.
The story is as plainly cut as it could be - and unfortunately perfectly aligned with Anju’s last meeting with Sohalia. “I understand. Still, excuse my bluntness as I say what many will think when they hear of the news; Sohalia herself warned the city about you, to a degree of remaining entirely away from you.” She faces the gallows with steely bravery, heart loyal and spirit unafraid of the forewarned death the notice had given. “While you claim to have our best interest at heart, it is my duty as Captain to keep Stormbreak safe. Inside and out.” Given Sohalia’s breakdown in her arms, Anju is willing to believe the Heart had simply abdicated - but the suspicious manner and matter of her replacement remains Anju’s duty to investigate, no matter the peril.
Folding her hands before her on the table, Anju does not meet the eyes of her fellow councilmen as she continues. If anyone is to risk their title, or gods forbid their life, it shall be her and no other. “I do not concern myself with our likability in other regions. If they do not care for you personally, I am willing to believe a smear campaign, or to prepare to contend with a lack of regional allies.” This high up, and the most advanced and blessed among them, what need did they have for the regional leaders beneath their shadow? “However. I would like to confirm Sohalia’s safety and her agreement to grant you leadership if she was the one to validate your character against the missive she wrote.” Not that Anju had ever been fully sold on Sohalia’s maturity and judgment of people, but at least it would provide some context if she had been swayed or shown that the other leaders were wrong.
this sun inside of me could set kingdoms ablaze
