Episode Five, Part 4:
Love and War

Sol and Wynn approached the gates of Exile Allegiance's camp, taking it all in. Wynn instinctively reach for the gun in his pocket but Sol scolded him and warned him to put it away.

"They're not going to attack us, Wynn," she reminded him. "Look, they're already opening the gates for us. Just stay calm."

Wynn sighed, but obliged nonetheless and tucked his weapon away. "This still doesn't feel completely safe, even if you have been here and nothing happened. We should still keep our guard up."

"We just negotiated for an alliance with these people and you're still on edge that they might kill you?"

"You say it like I'm crazy for being hesitant," Wynn muttered, following her lead forward into the camp, keeping his hand close to his pocket just in case.

"Take it how you want," Sol said. "But how often am I wrong?"

Wynn didn't answer - partly because he knew she had a point, partly because he didn't want to say anything that might get him in trouble.

"Exactly," Sol smirked. "Maybe you should take it easy on this one, Sovereign. Let me do the talking. Wouldn't want you panicking-"

"Very funny," Wynn chuckled, cracking a smile in return to her. "Just don't come crying out to me for help when they're attacking you."

"I won't," Sol replied. "Because they'll have killed you first."

"You're so paying for that when we get back to camp," Wynn mumbled to her, trying to compose his laughter as Tobias appeared in sight, already walking over towards them.

"Nobel Sovereign Riverly, Sovereign Wynn," he greeted them formally, extending his hand out for them both to shake. "What gives me the pleasure of your arrival?"

Sol took a deep breath before answering, trying to see if she could predict his reaction. "Ivy showed up at our camp. She's asking to speak to you."

Tobias was caught off guard, frowning in concern. "Is she okay?"

"She's fine," Sol replied nonchalantly, "but she wants to talk to you about Calvin's plans. She said she wasn't allowed near here in case she was caught?"

Tobias nodded. "Every now and then, Calvin sends some of his people to lurk around our perimetres; it is usually how they end up killing some of mine when groups are sent out to hunt or retrieve water. If they caught her approaching our camp, the first thing they would do is capture Ivy, then they would inform Calvin."

"Well, we should probably leave if you want to speak to her," Sol said. "I don't particularly want to risk someone from Terra Firma realising we're talking to you, you know, given our alliance with them."

"Understood," Tobias said, signalling for his people to close the gates behind him, leading the Sovereigns' path back down towards the beach.

"...That was easy," Wynn mumbled to Sol as they began to trail behind Tobias who was so determined to reach Ivy that he seemed to have completely forgotten their presence.

"It's almost like I told you we could trust these people? That we don't have to be cautious because they're working with us," she teased.

"I don't recall," Wynn shook his head. "I was very calm, you might have noticed. I didn't even feel the need to speak up."

"You're so full of it," Sol laughed, swatting his chest as they walked side by side. "I'm going to leave you at camp next time."

"Then who would carry this bag full of supplies for you?" Wynn asked, gesturing to Sol's bag which was slung over his shoulder.

"Oh, I didn't actually need that. I just wanted to see if you still do everything I tell you to. You do, by the way."

Wynn chucked his head back in laughter, feeling his cheeks begin to ache from how much she made him smile. It was somewhat foreign for him to believe that in the midst of trying to figure out their clan's future and how they were supposed to keep them safe on the island, Sol was still able to burn every one of his fears away.

"What do you make of all this between Ivy and Tobias?" He asked, swiftly changing subjects to avoid the relentless teasing he was receiving.

Sol let out a heavy sigh, trying to compose it all into one sentence. "I think it's a love triangle blown out of proportion," she said. "I thought you were dramatic, but this takes us to a new level."

"I'm not that dramatic," Wynn said. "And when I am, it's always validated. This just seems like two guys torn over one girl."

"Well, I think it's pretty obvious who Ivy would chose."

"I wonder why she doesn't," Wynn said. "I wonder why she hasn't left Calvin after all these years, especially considering her communication with the journals and her consistent attempts to keep Tobias alive. I barely lasted those nine months without you."

Sol's hand latched onto Wynn's at her side, her fingers lacing with his to find some comfort in the face of her bitter reminder. "People can't always leave," she said. "Chessca couldn't leave The City of Targo when she was their hostage; I couldn't leave with you when you showed up, even though I didn't even remember you at the time. Not every one has the chance to escape."

"You make it sound like Ivy's a hostage," Wynn frowned.

"You don't think she is?"

"She said she left Exile Allegiance willingly to join Calvin. She did it to save her own life even though she knew she'd be leaving Tobias."

"That is what she told us," Sol confirmed. "Doesn't mean it's true. You can see the reluctance on her face when she talks about Calvin. Trust me, that girl does not want to be with him."

"We should-"

"We should not intervene," Sol interrupted him, already knowing what he was trying to say.

"Sol..."

"I know you want to help, Wynn. I know that's who you are; I know how important it is to you that everyone gets to chose where they go or who they belong to, but we can't get in the middle of this. We just have to worry about our own people and working things out with Tobias; who knows, maybe they'll even figure it out themselves and Ivy will find a way to escape Calvin, but it can't be our priority. I can think of a dozen ways that it'll get us killed, and that's just off the top of my head."

"You're right," Wynn agreed, a little disappointed that they were out of options, but he pulled Sol closer to his side which eased some of the heaviness in his chest. "All's fair in love and war," he said.

"The irony," Sol laughed softly. "This war is over one girl, if you think about. Definitely dramatic," she concluded her statement from moments ago.

"Speaking of Ivy," he said. "What she said about Izzy... I can't stop thinking about it. I'm worried what it means and how Elara's going to take it."

Sol looked over at him, noting to herself how much of a milestone it was that Wynn was opening up to her rather than bottling everything up and trying to deal with it by himself. She squeezed onto his hand for added measure and focused on finding the most reliving words for him.

"If you're worried this is going to be a repeat of the past where long-lost relatives have come back; your dad showing up alive with The City of Targo and everything that followed, or Hannah coming into our lives, then I'm here to tell you it won't be. No one is going to take anyone away from each other, Quill and Izzy specifically. You said it yourself that Quill took the news from the journal really well, and although something seems to be going on with Izzy lately, I know you can see how much she loves Kodiak and your sister. There's nothing in the world that Izzy would ever chose over Elara. Nothing," she promised him. "Besides, Quill had no emotional response to any of the names in the journal. Kodiak told me that Quill said he doesn't even think about Hannah anymore. I can guarantee you that Quill is not wondering if there's anyone from his family tree out there, because the only people he ever wants to be with is you and Elara."

"But what if there's someone from Izzy's family at Exile Allegiance? Even though you're right about her not choosing anyone over Elara, that doesn't necessarily matter: Quill didn't want Hannah in his life, but that didn't stop her from doing everything she could to try and get to him."

"We found Izzy in The City of Targo along with her father," Sol pointed out. "Chances are, if there even is anyone from her family still alive, they'd have been there, too."

"I don't want to sound selfish, but I wish it wasn't always my family this was happening to," he said. "Every time I think I've got us safe, something always tries to come in between us."

"No one succeeds. You're still here. They're alive because of you."

"Not everyone."

"Hey," Sol frowned, momentarily coming to a stop and tugging on Wynn's hand so he was facing her.

"I'm okay," he said before a word could get out. "It's just hard not to think about him in times like this. He would know what do; he would help Elara figure out what was going on with Izzy; tell me not to let the reminders of Hannah get under my skin."

"I get it," Sol said, soothingly running her hand up and down his arm. "For what it's worth, I know he'd also tell you to stop doubting yourself and focus on what you can control. He'd be proud of you, Wynn. Look at the family you've built for your brother and sister; the very fact that you're terrified that you have so much to lose is just a testament to what you've achieved."

"Thank you," he murmured fondly, initiating a step forward so they didn't lose sight of Tobias. "I honestly don't know what I did right to end to up with you."

"You've done a couple things right, I guess," Sol smiled, glad that she had manage to avoid letting Wynn fall into his own misery. "Not letting me die in the DeadLands, giving me my memories back, saving my life..."

"Tough critic," Wynn smiled, squeezing onto her hand.

"You know it."

/////////

Sol and Wynn joined Dreea and Kodiak as they allowed Tobias and Ivy enough distance to have their conversation in private, yet still keeping them in sight.

Taking them by surprise, Ivy allowed herself to embrace Tobias, wrapping her arms delicately around his neck and sinking into him. Tobias was saying something to her - something that seemed to be keeping her calm amidst what must have been one million worries running through Ivy's mind about someone from Terra Firma catching them.

"Ugh, disgusting," Dreea groaned, forcing her eyes away from them. She hadn't ever been one for public affection, with an exception for when it was her and Chessca, but they were still mindful about how much of their relationship was on display. "This is just as gross as walking in on Riv and Wynn."

Kodiak's eyes lit up in amusement - having only just found out what had happened - and he let out an uncontrollable laugh, watching as Sol playfully shoved Dreea away from her.

"Or you and Chessca always coincidently disappearing at the same time," Sol fired back.

"Yeah, it's pretty obvious. Plus you're not so discreet, even when you're around everyone," Kodiak contributed, continuing to laugh now that Dreea seemed to be getting a taste of her own medicine.

"Still, not as bad as Kodiak and Ell," Wynn chimed in, pulling a look of discomfort. "That's my sister, don't forget," he teased.

"I'm kind of married to her, don't you forget," Kodiak rolled along with their joking, bringing up his hand to Wynn's face, reminding him of the ring that was enclosed around his finger. "Besides, it's an entirely different relationship when you have a kid to look after," he said. "Speaking of which, now that you guys are back, I need to find Izzy and talk to Ell about those markings Ivy mentioned."

"You said Ell wasn't feeling well earlier?" Wynn spoke up, suddenly remembering what he had said to Izzy. "She okay?"

Kodiak nodded but frowned half-heartedly as if he was a little nervous. "She's been pretty exhausted lately. I think it's because of, you know," he shrugged, trying to tiptoe around the words, "what happened to her on Neptunum."

Wynn nodded in understanding, seeming to mirror the defeated look on Kodiak's face. "Let me know when she's feeling better or if there's anything I can do to help."

"Will do," Kodiak smiled tiredly his way, wishing he could assure Wynn that his sister was fine, but he couldn't always do a good job of telling himself that.

As he left in the direction of his tent, Kodiak couldn't help but worry how Elara would take the news; if he was this worried about Izzy after having only known her for a short period of time, he couldn't begin to imagine how afraid Elara would be. And now he had to wake her up and tell her that was connected to Exile Allegiance in more ways that they had suspected.

He let out a deep breath as he stood outside the tent, trying to put on a brave face before crawling inside. Elara was sleeping soundly and she looked at such peace that Kodiak almost couldn't bring himself to wake her; it seemed no matter how early she went to bed in the evenings, she was still exhausted from trying to survive each day that passed; still recovering from all the trauma her body had been put through on Neptunum.

"Ell?" Kodiak murmured her name, sitting down beside her, carefully tucking her hair behind her ear. She stirred a little, but didn't wake up.

"Elara, wake up. It's me."

She groaned softly, stretching out her legs beneath her before fluttering her eyes open, confused for a few moments until she recognised Kodiak. "Kodi? Did I sleep for too long?" She sighed, trying to force herself to sit up, but she wasn't ready to commit.

"No, you're fine," he said. "You need to rest and I'm sorry to wake you, but I... I need to talk to you."

Elara frowned, suddenly alert and full of concern, pushing herself up so quickly that it ached her healing sides. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, slow down," he chuckled lightly, helping her to get comfortable. "What about you, are you alright? Tired? Hurting? Wynn wants to know if you're okay."

"I'm fine," Elara answered, reaching out and taking hold of his hand, pulling it onto her lap for comfort. "Just tired, like always."

"I'm sorry," Kodiak frowned, using his free hand to run through her hair, caressing the back of her head.

"What was is that you wanted to talk about?" She asked.

"...Izzy."

"Izzy," Elara repeated, searching deep in his eyes to predict how nervous she needed to be. "Is this about her trying to sneak out last night?"

"Not really, it's more about her connection to Exile Allegiance."

"From the journal? Does this have something to do with the other names that were listed with hers? Because I don't think I can handle a repeat of what happened with Quill and Hannah-"

"No, nothing like that," Kodiak assured her. "Ivy showed up at camp not too long ago wanting to talk to Tobias," he said. "Wynn and Riv went to get him and they brought him back here, but while we were talking to her, Izzy interrupted."

"Where is she now? Did she seem okay?"

"I told her to wait in here with you or play with Harlow," he answered. "She seemed a little weary, but that's not actually what I'm trying to get at," he said.

Elara tilted her head, trying to wonder what else it could be about; what other reason they now had to worry about Izzy.

"When Ivy saw her when she came to speak to me, she noticed markings on Izzy."

"Markings?"

Kodiak nodded. "Three circles in a line - on her temple, she said. It's the clan symbol for Exile Allegiance. Something to show that she was born there."

"...We already knew this," Elara said, confused at why it seemed like Kodiak was trying to break the news to her all over again.

"I know, but Ivy explained what the markings mean," he clarified. "They're discreet; you wouldn't know they were tiny, little tattoos, or that they were even there, unless you knew what to look for. Tobias wanted a subtle way to display who was part of the exile clan for when presumably he, and others, went into The City to help other people escape."

"So Ivy knows that Izzy is from Exile Allegiance originally?"

"Yeah," Kodiak said, "but she also revealed that it means she's guaranteed sanctuary at Exile Allegiance. And also... If she can recognise that Izzy is from there, then other people can, too..."

"People like Tobias," Elara pieced together. "Is that a bad thing?"

"I don't know," Kodiak answered. "I hope not because Ivy knows about it, and we have an alliance with Tobias, but it feels like it could be dangerous if more people find out about it. Particularly someone from Terra Firma."

"The whole reason you guys wanted the alliance with Exile Allegiance is because they're full of kids and Terra Firma have shown that they won't hold back because of that."

Kodiak nodded miserably. "Izzy could be in danger if they realise she's from exile Allegiance, even though she's a Basilisk. But for all we know, Terra Firma might not even know how to figure that out; I'll have to ask Ivy if her people can recognise the markings."

Elara dropped her head down and let out a deep, unstable breath. "A part of me thinks that we should tell her so she knows how serious the consequences to her sneaking out of camp are," she confided in him. "The other part of me is terrified that this is just going to scare the life out of her; she won't feel safe, even with both of us around."

"I know," Kodiak assured her, not able to do anything else but let her know that he knew exactly how she was feeling. "I think if we can't get an explanation out of her for why she tried to leave last night, then we just tell her. She's a smart kid: she won't try and do anything risky once she knows."

"You're right," Elara sighed. "I don't want you to be, but you're right."

Kodiak managed a half-hearted smile. "It'll be okay, Ell. I'm going to keep you two safe. For always."

Elara glanced up at him, a glimmer of relief in her eyes against all odds; he was there, after all - right in front of her, holding her hand, making promises that she knew he would keep. "For always."

"Let's go find her," Kodiak said, standing up first so that he could help Elara to her feet, holding open the flap of the tent for her to step out of, their expecting eyes scanning up and down the beach for a sight of their little girl, but they couldn't see her... Anywhere... 

Five // Part Four
There's nothing in the world that Izzy would ever choose over Elara.

Ummm.... Izzy's missing again! Surprise!
Poor Kodiak and Elara, lol. Those two need to catch a break! In the meantime, I'm glad they have each other because their relationship is just the purest, softest thing ever. I absolutely ADORE writing #Kodara scenes and they will forever be my OTP!

Also, we got more cute Wynn and Sol scenes! I love how easily they tease one another and how well they fee each other and work off of what the other one says! I also like how this chapter demonstrated that whilst they can have their fun in their relationship, they're also able to have those vulnerable, emotional moments with each other like how Wynn unintentionally brought up Ares again in this chapter and it made him a little sadder than usual. But, of course Sol was there to remind him of what an incredible job he's done at providing for Quill and Elara (and Izzy) and like always, she was prepared to put the pieces of his heartback together! I honestly love them so much and it makes me so proud to see how far they've come from Season 1!

Big things still coming up! Lots about to happen for Izzy! I can't wait to write it!

21/03/21.