Anju
It's a non-answer at best, and Everest's interjection pings something in her head that says this isn't right. But the defenses are too easy, and Anju...
Anju turns to look at her sister. Riya's golden eyes are clear and steady. She knows if she asked her to die here and now, she would. But she swore many things the day she became a Dragoon, and one of those things was to serve the ruling entity at all costs. That loyalty meant more than politics or optics. If she was told to slaughter a village for the good of Stormbreak, it was her duty to do so, not to question why it had to be done.
And, selfishly, she hopes that Lena will defer. Leave the council, be safe in her peaceful Celestine, while Anju swears her sword to someone she isn't sure she can truly trust. But her oath means more to her - and surely, if she does intend to backtrack on those sacred covenants after a lifetime of service, she would be of better use within the new leader's ranks? Anju despairs in silence, staring into her bonded's eyes. She was never meant to be a thinker or a martyr. A strategist, yes, but on a scale far grander than this. Why should she risk trying and failing?
"I am a Dragoon first," she finally utters, voice steady and sure. "I cannot conceive of any other role for my life. It is my duty to support you; if you will have me." And though she doubts, fears, wonders...Anju bows her head, as she has with every new leader since the barrier in the Grounds fell.
Anju turns to look at her sister. Riya's golden eyes are clear and steady. She knows if she asked her to die here and now, she would. But she swore many things the day she became a Dragoon, and one of those things was to serve the ruling entity at all costs. That loyalty meant more than politics or optics. If she was told to slaughter a village for the good of Stormbreak, it was her duty to do so, not to question why it had to be done.
And, selfishly, she hopes that Lena will defer. Leave the council, be safe in her peaceful Celestine, while Anju swears her sword to someone she isn't sure she can truly trust. But her oath means more to her - and surely, if she does intend to backtrack on those sacred covenants after a lifetime of service, she would be of better use within the new leader's ranks? Anju despairs in silence, staring into her bonded's eyes. She was never meant to be a thinker or a martyr. A strategist, yes, but on a scale far grander than this. Why should she risk trying and failing?
"I am a Dragoon first," she finally utters, voice steady and sure. "I cannot conceive of any other role for my life. It is my duty to support you; if you will have me." And though she doubts, fears, wonders...Anju bows her head, as she has with every new leader since the barrier in the Grounds fell.
this sun inside of me could set kingdoms ablaze
