Wisdom In Loyalty (Semi Scrapped Comic)
So this comic has been sat in my drafts for over a year. I say it's semi scrapped as I am keeping it when I can figure out how to tie it in. But I thought I'd share it. It's 17 pages long and just kinda ends.
Context: This takes place just after Devos leaves yells at the Archon in Afterlifes: Bastion, I also have it that Devos in her impulse makes Uther Ascended immediately after being brushed off by the Archon.
Ft. Devos, Lysonia, Thenios, Adrestes and Arios.
Page 1 (fix numbers after writing before):
“Where is Devos?” Thenios asked Lysonia. “She's not here Thenios- she was earlier briefly. Came in for something then left just as quick.”
Thenios frowns “How long ago?” “Few hours give or take.” “And she's not been back since?” “That is what I said paragon.”
“Lysonia please.” He says sternly even irritated by her tone.
“It's imperative I speak to her as soon as possible. The meeting with the Archon-” “Didn't go well I know.”
Page 2.
“Lysonia, please stop interrupting me.” He says letting his irritation show.
Lysonia just kinda gives him a knowing brow raise. But says nothing.
“I know Devos is upset about the outcome, we could all tell that from the way she stormed out. It is why the Archon kept us there for another three hours. So I am very much not in the mood from this sudden attitude from you as well.” He spits.
“I think this is something you need to talk to her about.” Lysonia says in a way that is knowing.
“Lysonia what did she tell you?”
“Ask her yourself.” She nods behind him.
Page 3.
Devos is walking in through the door behind Thenios. She makes her way through the lobby.
“Devos!” Thenios calls.
Thenios moves to meet her
But notices she looks almost ill.
Page 4.
“Devos what happened to you? Where have you been? You look sickly- " he hovers over her.
"I'm fine Thenios it's none of your concern.” She pushes him away.
“None of my concern?” He almost scoffs, “No one's seen you in hours and you look exhausted how is that not my concern Devos-”
The looks she gives him shuts him up real fast.
“I was not aware you were supposed to be monitoring my movements Thenios, am I supposed to inform you every time I wish to be alone.” She turns to face him and got closer to him.
Page 5.
“I didn't mean it like that Devos-
His nose sniffs.
“Why is your anima depleted?”
“Again, why is that your concern Thenios?” She snaps,
“I haven't eaten today that's all do you need to keep track of that too?” “If it causes you to act like this I just might!” their argument starts.
Page 6.
Devos gives him a sneer.
She turns to go. “Devos!” Thenios snaps.
“What?!” She tells back spinning around, “Whatever you want Thenios it can wait!”
“You know what I want, I want to talk about what in the Archon's name where you THINKING causing such a scene like that!?”
Page 7.
“I had a rightful concern Thenios! It doesn't matter anymore it has been dealt with by the archon, not you. Stop inserting yourself when you are not wanted.” she yells.
“What does that mean?” He yells back.
She scoffs “You interrupt me all the time Thenios, you dismiss me, you talk over me, you act like I'm stupid!”
“You were being stupid I was trying to stop you from clipping your own wings by going directly to the Archon and telling her there is a flaw in the path! You wonder why she dismissed you because it was damn folly!”
Page 8.
Devos looks hurt by this. “I didn't mean that—” Thenios starts.
“Is that what you see my concerns as ‘folly’?” She says her voice shaking, “No Devos— but you do rush into things and get tunnel visioned, how do you even know this blade was from the Maw?”
“The Archon taught us of what is in the Maw!” “What she thinks is in the Maw, she told us not to take that as gospel! This could all be for nothing, and you want us to change our entire purpose over something you assume!”
“You have no faith in me!” She says back “You think I would not question the path if I was not certain!? The blade wounded Uther's soul Thenios. You control the archives, when have you seen that happen before!?”
Page 9.
Thenios paused for a moment, he thinks, she makes a point.
“I don't want you training that Aspirant anymore, Devos. You're neglecting your other duties, putting so much focus on him! And he's putting ideas into your head that are not proper!”
“Do you doubt me that you think I cannot think for myself Thenios?” “No-”
But she does not listen, “You just said an aspirant put ideas into my head! Do you think I'm Chyrus when he made one his hand in what you called his maina?!”
“Don't bring him into this, he proved me wrong and I apologised!”
Page 10.
“Then why bring Uther into this? He is an aspirant it is my job to help him ascend and yours!” “Because Uther is the reason you started screaming at the Archon!”
“This is going in circles.” She hisses. “Get out of my Temple Thenios.”
“Devos…” he says his eyes watery. “I said get out! I can't look at you right now!”
Instead he doesn't, he takes a step towards her, “Devos please I don't want us to fight-”
He can see her upset as tears well in her own eyes.
Page 11.
He takes another step towards her “Devos,-”
but Lysonia steps in. “I think it's wise if you left.”
Thenios looks ready to defend himself. “You're both making a scene. People are watching.
Thenios looks around, they where in the Temple of Loyalty lobby.
He swallows.
“Contact me when you want to talk…” he says. As he leaves.
Page 12.
Late the next day. “He's been in his office all day.” Arios tells Adrestes. Who is walking with him both are carrying books and scrolls. “He usually locks himself in his work when he's upset.”
“I can understand that, I was not witness to their argument but from the whispers around Loyalty, it was not something I wished to see.”
“How is Devos?” Arios asks, “Unseen, I believe Lysonia talked her into taking time off till she calmed down. It is not like the Paragon to be so emotional.” “This is a personal matter, Adrestes, emotion often gets in the way of wisdom. We all have moments where we are not our best self. Thenios also lost his temper.”
Adrestes nods in thought. “So is Lysonia in charge now?” “For today yes, she sent me here to see Thenios. No directive of what to say to him or what I'm supposed to do.” “She wants you to spy on him Adrestes.” Arios spells it out.
Page 13.
“But that is ill moral!” Adrestes protests. “No, she wants you to see how Thenios is doing for the sake of Devos. But without actually asking him.”
“Why should I not just ask him? That would be easier.” “It would, but Devos doesn't want him to know she cares enough to send someone to check on him. But Thenios won't see anyone, so you might as well keep helping me with these scrolls.” Arios says.
“Are you sure he won't see anyone, what about his aspirants?” “Disciples followed by me, are covering it unless it's a dire emergency, I can prove it to you we'll pass his office on the way to the Modern Wing.”
Page 14.
Shortly later “There he is.” He says looking in at Thenios who was scribbling scrolls on his desk.
“Has he left his office?” “Adrestes asks,” “I think to pee,” Arios says, “I hope to pee, we're not going through that again.”
“What do you mean again-” Adrestes asks but Arios just drags him along to Thenios' office.
Arios shoves them both inside, “Hey Thenios how we doing.” He says but it's not a question.
Page 15.
Thenios lets out a little grunt that sounds like ‘fine’.
“You want some coffee while I'm up?” Arios asks, but Thenios just grunts, an ‘I'm good.’
“Whatcha working on there?” ‘Just stuff.’ Again a grunt.
“See what I mean?” Arios asks Adrestes. “He hasn't even noticed you're here.”
Page 16.
“Who's here-” Thenios asks, looking up finally.
“Adrestes?” He said but his face gives away his anxiety.
Adrestes give a little wave.
“Did… Devos send you?” He asks cautiously.
Page 17.
“Well… it's… um… no… Lysonia did.” He responds.
“I see…” he says, his face deflated like a balloon. “Did she need something?”