001 // Video // Open to Both Courts

[disfavored]

[The video shows a tall, long-haired man in a slightly tattered but fancy robe who appears to be a bit confused by how this thing actually works.]

It's not the best time for introductions, is it? But, I have to do it sometime. It's only polite.

[He doesn't bother locking it from his rival court - he was never one to hide his face from potential enemies. In fact, the more everyone could see of him, the better. He liked attention like that.]

I am Councilman Tarrlok, Representative of the Northern Water Tribe in Republic City.

[...A title he's pretty sure has been revoked by now, but he likes using it and most of the people he's already met have never even heard of Republic City and won't dispute his claim to a seat on the council.]

While I can't say I appreciate being kidnapped, I understand that war is difficult and I'll do my best to aid in the situation. If you ever need any help, let me know.

[That was only partly out of genuine concern, it was also partly to make himself look good and partly because he didn't have anything better to go back home to so he may as well try to be useful here.]

Comments

[sangilak]

That's it? That's all you've got to say for yourself?

[disfavored]

We've...had a discussion already, have we not?

[A discussion of awkward father-related things he'd rather not have brought up again. Also he said sorry at some point so that makes everything better right?]

[sangilak]

[ that could never make anything better, but at least korra can relax a little now that she has a more solid idea of when tarrlok is from. ]

Yeah, but something about your face just gets to me. Gee, I wonder why that is.

[ korra u need to learn to let bygones be bygones ok you have bigger things to deal with than letting your old wounds rip open on the network. ]

[disfavored]

[He sighs.] I don't have my bending anymore, if you recall. Perhaps my face will be more tolerable now.

[sangilak]

[ omg tarrlok no, stop, korra's trying not to feel sympathy for the devil but you're making it difficult.

but she grits her teeth and reminds herself that tarrlok has manipulated her in the past, bold-facedly even. so she has to keep that shield of annoyance up to make sure he can't take advantage of her again.

still, there's a deep breath in on her end, and her facial features relax, frown gradually becoming a thin line. if there's one thing she'll never forget as long as she lives, it's how she felt without her bending. ...spirits, she really does care too much, doesn't she. ]

I wouldn't count on it. [ but it's less harsh than before. ] Just don't get any bright ideas about playing me or any of my friends and we'll get along just fine.

[disfavored]

I don't exactly have a reason to play you here.

...Which court are you in? [Because he has to get that out of the way eventually.]

[sangilak]

Oh, please. In the middle of a war? You'd find a reason, and I don't really feel like making it easier on you by answering that question.

[disfavored]

[Oh of course she won't tell. So stubborn.]

I'm in the Seelie court. And I'm not invested enough in this war that I'm already scouting potential opponents, especially without my bending.

1/2

[sangilak]

[ ... ]

[sangilak]

You're WHAT?

[disfavored]

...Is something wrong?

1/2

[sangilak]

[ WHY no why is he in the seelie court?? the unseelie court is the place for troublemakers!! and while tarrlok is not as vicious or evil as amon or even unalaq, that's still here he belongs!

korra grits her teeth, looking like she might yell in frustration— ]

[sangilak]

[ and then composes herself with one hard breath out through her nostrils. ]

No. Everything's fine.

[ HE MIGHT BE LYING, RIGHT... korra is 100% sure hans was lying about what court he's allied with, so. ]

How did you get here?

[disfavored]

Some little creatures appeared in my cell and wouldn't leave me alone until I agreed to go with them. I'd qualify that as kidnapping.

[Not that being in a cell was all that great.]

[sangilak]

[ uuuuUUUUUGGGGGHHHhhhh.... ]

... All right, fine. [ but hey!! look, she's staying calm. ] I don't know why Queen Solais and King Ridire would have recruited you, but this makes it easy for me.

[disfavored]

My many years of leadership experience might have something to do with it.

Why is it easy for you?

1/2

[sangilak]

That would work just as well for the other monarchs, you know.

[sangilak]

[ it's business

it's business time... ]

Because I'm Seelie too, and when I get back from Redgate, you and me are gonna have a chat, pal.

[disfavored]

Perhaps all the monarchs were fighting over me.

[Yes, he actually believes that.]

And I look forward to it. [NO HE DOES NOT]

[sangilak]

[ uuGGGH she can tell in his tone. ]

I bet you really believe that, don't you. [ EYEROLL ] You might be good at manipulating people, but you're not special.

[ like she is.

tarrlok just wait until you find out about that bounty on her head. ]

[disfavored]

The word you're looking for is persuasive.

[No he's definitely manipulative.]

If there's room here for a bunch of teenagers, I'm sure there's enough room for me.

[sangilak]

[ A BUNCH OF TEENAGERS, HE SAYS.

and korra just. has to scoff. ]

I'm sorry, did you forget who you were talking to?

[disfavored]

You can be the Avatar and a teenager at the same time.

[sangilak]

Uh huh, but I think being the Avatar kinda overshadows the whole "just a teenager" thing.

[ well. at least she's still got that big head of hers. ]

[disfavored]

If you say so.