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Jote, Keeper of the Green Word
Jote is the oldest sister and the leader of the viera of Eruyt village. She insists that humes are not allowed on the sacred grounds of the village. Although she knows that Vaan and company are looking for Mrjn, she refuses help until Fran shows up. In fact, Jote does give the party information, but only after Vaan insists that they do not need her help. She gives the party a clue which leads them to find Mrjn in the Henne mines. She and Fran disagree about the viera's isolation which leads to the revelation that the two have been in disagreement for the last fifty years. She is quick to disagree with humes and believes in upholding the laws of the viera.
In all honesty, I believe that Jote was deeply hurt by Fran leaving. I feel that she also wanted to help Mrjn, but as the leader, or at least a prominent figure within Eruyt, she needed to uphold the laws of their people. This puts Jote in a terrible position in which she chooses her clan and their ways over her own family. I do not, however, think that this means she loves her sisters any less. In fact, I believe she feels deeply for them and part of her sharpness is due to the pain that she cannot face or come to terms with. She is stubborn, that stubbornness is probably one of many things that Fran wanted to get away from. I have always wondered if Jote felt somewhat responsible for pushing Fran away, as despite her harsh words she tries to reassure Fran but is caught in a lie.
I believe that Jote loves her sisters very much. Unfortunately, I feel she is quite wrapped up in her job as a leader. I find it very frustrating to watch. As an older sister, I know that Jote wants what is best for her sisters. I know how easy it is to be stubborn and want little sisters to follow along with what I say. Sometimes, it is really hard to relinquish that idea. Even more so, than being controlling, it's an idea of wanting to protect little sisters. I think this is one of many reasons that Jote forbids her sisters from leaving and focuses so much on upholding the Viera laws. The Wood is safe, it is familiar. Uncertainty and the dangers outside of the Wood can be very distressing. I feel like part of Jote merely wanted to protect her sisters and that in part when she couldn't she felt trapped. I think this is most likely why she stops scolding Fran and ultimately helps to find Mrjn. I also believe that once she sees Fran understands her position that she has an easier time relating that she loves her (without saying it of course).