1 to 5 for the ship asks! Lyse and Fordola!!
1- what do you think is the appeal of their dynamic
They're the kind of enemies to lovers I like: where they are on opposing sides and at first hate each other, but slowly come to see that their beliefs and feelings are aligned, and they learn to empathize with each other and find common ground 🥺 Perfect slowburn potential... Lyse already has come around on Fordola from 4.0 to 4.1 and I think beyond that there's infinite time for them to just slowly get to know each other, become friends, confidants, and eventually more.
Lyse sees the best in people, and her driving motivation in everything she does is to unite the people of Gyr Abania even if they hate her for it, and so I don't think she'd give up on Fordola. Lyse is stubborn, even if she routinely admits that she's not as good as the people around her at things like diplomacy, and I think she would keep at it because she knows Fordola's worth the time and effort.
Fordola has been broken by the experiences she's endured, she's full of guilt and remorse, cursed with her resonant to be reminded constantly of all her crimes and mistakes. She does believe in what Lyse does, and wants that too, but doesn't feel there's a place for her in Ala Mhigo anymore. But it's also her home, the thing she'd sacrificed so much for, so she can't well leave (imprisonment aside). I think she'd be so resistant to Lyse's attempts at friendship for a long time, but she would wear her down. She'd show her that everyone deserves second chances 🥺 and all of it is just so remarkable after the place they started at!
2- how do they weaken and strengthen each other
I think Fordola helps Lyse to see the ugly truth of things, and to remind her that this is a bloody path she walks, much as she brings sunshine with her to it. And Lyse, in turn, helps Fordola see that there's still a path forward for her despite how much she soaked it with blood and gunpowder up to now.
I don't know that they weaken each other, honestly? I mean maybe Lyse's relationship to Fordola would make people talk, when Fordola's still so looked down upon... But I don't think it would shake her resolve. Lyse stands up for her beliefs and her loved ones, I don't think it would deter her in the least!
3- is their relationship related in any form to their individual character arcs
I think so, yeah! Lyse strives to understand Fordola when they are still enemies, because she can't fathom someone turning their sword against their own people. Fordola, in turn, thinks Lyse is naive by seeking freedom, and that the only path forward for Ala Mhigo is under Garlemald's boot. Obviously that's just at the start of 4.0 so they grow a lot just within that one patch, and it's obvious by the time of 4.1 that they've both come to understand each other better!
Fordola learns to trust in others, and to believe in Lyse's cause. While Lyse truly listens to her people and begins to learn just what things are truly like for them, so that she can better serve them. I think each other's perspective is vital for their character arcs!
4- are they better in concept than in execution
I mean, maybe only in the sense of the fact that we haven't seen them since ENDWALKER................ 🤨 so like all they are is a concept at this point because we've only had a handful of scenes of them together.. but ahhh what we do have is so good!
5- what visions or hopes do they have for their relationship
I think only Lyse would admit to it, but they both want to see Fordola get better after all her traumas, and to find peace! And for them both to rebuild their nation now that it's finally free!!
