I feel like a pretender.
Roen shook her head as if to dismiss her own words, looping over and over in her memory. It was what Roen had confessed quietly to Martiallais Heuloix, on the eve of Starlight, as they passed out warm sustenance to the residents in The Brume. A part of her regretted the admission after the fact, for she did not want to explain the meaning the doubt truly held. So she departed hastily soon thereafter, not wanting to confide more in the knight, as she was wont to do whenever they spoke at length.
But now the same words echoed in the paladin’s mind as she walked about the city, making inquiries of The Dufresne Bellworks. This was a decision she had come to after her argument with Khadai, although she wondered if she was doing so because of his words. The stubborn (and likely proud) side of her wanted to deny the possibility, that the Au Ra warrior could even have such an effect on her. Perhaps this was just an attempt to close another chapter in her life. Or she was just trying to at least honor the wishes of a man she once loved. Maybe this was a way of atoning for what she did?
“The Bellworks Foundry? Aye, we know ‘em. Most o’ their workers be commoners,†one patron said over a mug of ale at the Forgotten Knight.
“She’s a workaholic, Miss Ellie. I see the light burning in her office at all hours. I don’t think she ever sleeps!†said a foundry worker returning to the Brume.
“Seen people wearing the Dufresne sigil taking folk out of the Brume. Mark my words, they’re all going to the mines.†Not all words were kind.
The rumors of the Dufresne Bellworks were bountiful, if one knew who and where to ask. Considered one of the more active foundries in Ishgard and headed by an upstart of a newly minted noble house, the impressions ranged from favorable to downright disdainful. The fact that the opinions seemed to grow more positive the less wealthier the population got, the paladin was inclined to believe the words of those who had the least to gain. So it was with some expectations that Roen walked into the busy and bustling Dufresne Bellworks Foundry.
"Miss Ellie?" a Hyur man said loudly over the noise of distant yelling and grinding gears. He grinned at the paladin and lifted a single gloved finger. "Generally safest to look up."
Roen’s gaze followed his gesture, and beyond the pipes and metal rafters of the large vaulted roof stood the Elezen noble, prowling the catwalks with one ear to a row of linkpearls. She seemed to be chattering away with one eye on the work below, the white fall of her long skirt brushing up against the railing. Even amidst the smoke and the metal, Eliane Dufresne still looked the perfect part of an elegant noblewoman.
The man that Roen had conversed with tapped one of his own linkpearls, murmuring into it. She watched as Eliane paused and glanced down, the Hyur next to the paladin waving up at her. Long auburn locks brushed over the Elezen’s shoulder as she leaned over the railing, but a moment later she gathered her skirts and jogged down the stairs. The paladin found herself tugging on her sleeves, straightening her tunic in anticipation.
"Ser Deneith!†Eliane greeted her with a bright smile and a bow. “What a pleasant surprise."
Roen cleared her throat as an odd wave of anxiety washed over her. "Lady Dufresne.†The paladin greeted her with a stiff polite bow of her own. “In hindsight, perhaps I should have sent a missive. I did not want to interrupt you if you were busy."
"Not at all, dear.†The Elezen shook her head, her relaxed smile lingering. “'Tis the most surefire way to catch me, to be sure, but I do not mind you dropping in, either. Besides, it keeps me from micromanaging." She gave the midlander a grin as he bowed and departed, then cleared her throat. "But, ah, no, I am not busy at present. What brings you here?"
"It concerns the matter of the Starlight task." Roen straightened, her mood growing stern. “Khadai will not be calling upon you to collect what he asked for."
The noblewoman gave a small pause, her brow creasing with obvious concern. "I do not understand. Has something happened? I wasn't even aware he hadn't yet collected it. I do hate leaving debts unpaid."
"Nothing happened. He is fine." The paladin shrugged it off. "Set in his ways, as always. But... he will not be seeking some inflated compensation. I was the one who pushed him into participation in the first place, after all."
"I see. Well… so long as that will not be a problem." She bowed her head slightly. "I suppose I ought to apologize as well. I'd hoped he would enjoy himself once he got out there, but I likely came on strong and pushy myself. I'd never want to force anyone into anything, regardless of the intent."
"You were nothing of the sort. He is just..." She pressed her lips tightly in thought. "He sees things as if through a different lens. Many times I think it focuses on certain things with painful clarity while completely ignoring the rest. A stern one, he."
"For what it is worth, much as he frustrated me, he did not offend. I can imagine the cultural transition has not been terribly easy." Eliane frowned, idly readjusting a silver chain on her belt. "Very well, then. We'll call the debt square, I suppose. But he's welcome to change his mind until the end of the moon, for what it's worth."
Roen nodded, her gaze drifting to a distant glow from a nearby forge. Her thumb and finger rubbed together in hesitation. "There is one more thing."
"Of course. What might that be?"
The paladin shifted her weight from one foot to the other. "I have heard from others that your company employs commoners. What I have heard from them has been fair. It... is an admirable thing." She lightly ran her finger along the side seam of her breeches. Why was she hesitant? "I had recently been given some funds. Some minor source of wealth."
It was never mine. It was his.
“I do not need much to live on,†the paladin continued. "I was wondering if someone like you can help me see that the funds be used for something else. Something that can help others." Her last words were quiet, just barely audible over the noise of the foundry. She remembered when such words came from the heart, fueled with conviction. But now there was only trepidation, reluctance to shed the security of her indifference. I am only doing what he would have wanted.
Eliane blinked, but a warm smile was quick to replace her initial surprise. She canted her head to the side with curiosity. "I see. What did you have in mind? Are you seeking to donate it? Invest it? Start a business of your own?"
Roen’s eyes widened and she shook her head quickly. "N-Nay. Running a business or some such... is beyond my ken. Besides, my calling has always been on the battlefront, of one sort or another. But... perhaps it can be used to invest in something. To help others in taking the next step." More words that are not mine. She sighed and ran her fingers through her forelocks, tucking them away again. "I do not even know what is possible.†The paladin peered up at the Elezen imploringly. “But managing wealth is not something I am seeking to do." She gave her a helpless shrug.
The noblewoman gave a small chuckle to that. "I see. Well, there are two easy paths you could take, depending on whether you want a long-term result, or something more instant. If you wished to donate it directly there are certain individuals who can see to it that it will immediately purchase food and firewood for those of the Brume, perhaps even medicine, depending upon the amount. That way you could make a difference in someone's life as immediately as tomorrow. I would just be certain to avoid official routes, such as the church, because I can promise you not a single coin will reach down below."
"Or you could invest it in any number of people or factions,†Eliane continued. “It wouldn't necessarily require you to manage it, but you would likely have to stay in contact with whomever you invest in. In theory, it will keep multiplying should all go well, and any returns you are owed can always be put right back into the organization. Does… that make sense?"
Roen nodded. "Giving medicine and firewood would be one good option, but I was hoping for some way to continue to help. Do these other factions also help the commoners as your Bellworks? Employ them or give them a chance to better their lives?"
The Elezen gave a quiet sigh, a bit of the poise withering from her posture. "If there are, my dear, they are far quieter about it than we are, and… wisely so, given the present state of things, I would imagine. I'm sure they're out there, but they are certainly rare. We could look into it, though, if you do not mind sitting on your money for a few suns. To be honest, I wouldn't mind finding them myself."
Roen furrowed her brow in thought then bobbed her head again. "I can wait." She canted her head, regarding the woman carefully. Other than the fact that she seemed to be dear to Ser Heuloix, the paladin knew very little of this woman. And yet here she was, trusting this noble with the money that Nero had left her. There was something about her, but the paladin could not put her finger on it. "I have kept my head low to the ground where the political affairs of Ishgard is concerned, but… tension seems to be on the rise. I hope all is well with you and yours?"
Eliane was quick to sober with that inquiry. "It's… it could be better, in truth. For my part I'm simply trying to lay low because some of my recent actions have turned some friction on my family. More and more I'm finding my hands tied, and..." She shook her head. "Well, it's not forever, I'm sure."
"Trouble?"
"Politics mostly. The usual Pillars games." The noblewoman gave a bit of a rueful smile. "Which is why I've never been keen on accepting any investors myself. Would that they were all like you, then I wouldn't have to worry about anyone pulling my strings. 'Tis nothing that cannot be solved though, I think, with the right platitudes. That's sadly normal here."
Roen blinked. "I was certain you of all people were not in need. I am not a woman of great affluence, this... small bit of wealth found me by chance. And it is something I do not want. Or deserve." She paused, pursing her lips in thought. "If you were to ever consider accepting an investor... I would consider someone like you ideal to entrust the funds.†Those words sounded foreign to her own ears. It had been sometime since she was willing to admit such a sentiment.
The Elezen blinked rapidly, slowly straightening again. "Charity is not profitable, my dear, especially when I'm trying to do everything on my own. We're not hurting, mind you -- in fact, we just expanded -- but the truth is we only have so much to spare. I can only hire so many people before I cannot afford it. And then I go out, and others, noble and common alike, sneer and say, 'Why aren't you doing more, then?'"
Eliane sighed, smiling at the paladin. "I'd… never considered taking your investment, it's become such a habit to decline them. But, you… you, I know I could trust. If that is what you wish to do, of course. I'm quite through with pressuring people."
Roen straightened as well, clasping her hands in front of her. "I would owe you much gratitude if you would be so willing. It would go far to put my mind at ease regarding money I know naught else to do with."
"Well, I can most certainly assure you your gil will be well taken care of, and used as wisely as possible.†The Elezen exhaled, looking a bit relieved and curious. “What do you want to do with your interest, however? Are you sure you don't want any of it back? I'd like you to at least get something out of this arrangement. It's only fair."
He would have wanted to do something more radical. Something more defining. Her grey eyes met Eliane's and her voice and expression softened. "Someday, I want do something similar, even if it is not possible now, for people… in Ul'dah." Roen dipped her head, a wistful expression passing over her features like a fleeing shadow.
"You're a native Ul'dahn?†Eliane arched both brows. “I don't know that I'd ever asked. As it happens, that's where I just opened my new expansion. Any advice for a clueless Ishgardian? I've… heard some things." When Roen answered her with tense silence, the Elezen shrugged with a wince. "Well, I'll tell you what. I know you do not wish to muddle with finances too much. But at the end of each moon, I'll deposit what is owed you to a location of your choice. If you need the money, you can take it. If not, send it back and I'll add it to your existing investment, and the process can repeat itself. Is that simple enough for now?"
"That is very simple, and fair.†Roen nodded. “Gratitude, Lady Dufresne. And as for Ul'dah, wealth dictates all there. They will resort to any means to keep their power. It is not what is proper or deemed traditional that prevails, but who is more willing and wanting."
"I see.†Eliane’s eyes narrowed. “That is far more aggressive than I am used to, to be sure. But it is good to know the rumors are true. Suppose we'll all have to be on our guard down there, then. Thank you." She canted her head, and her expression lightened. "And… it is my pleasure, truly. I'm simply grateful to have a hand… and one that I know will not put a blade in my back. You have no idea how invaluable that is to me, especially now."
Roen found herself no longer fidgeting, no longer minding her sleeves. "Ser Heuloix seems to hold you in high regard in his eyes. Now I see for myself why." She regarded the woman earnestly. "I will make arrangements with those that are holding the funds. Hopefully, you will hear from them once everything is arranged."
The noble gave a quiet chuckle, now less so a businesswoman and more so almost a young girl. A faint bit of color crept into her cheeks -- though perhaps it was simply the forge light. "Honestly, I could say the same. Ser Heuloix and I have seen much together and I owe him my life and then some. Any friend of his is naturally a friend of mine.â€
Eliane paused and regarded Roen warmly, her voice quieting. “But if you can forgive a nosy woman a bit of eavesdropping, I've overheard you while you were speaking with others at Starlight, and… you are a good woman, Ser Deneith, more than you give yourself credit for. You belong here or wherever your heart desires.†She took half a step closed to the paladin. “I hope we can continue to work together like this -- then perhaps it needn't be such an uphill battle." The noblewoman cleared her throat, as if realizing herself, and smoothed her hands over her skirts. "In that case, should I await further word from you?"
Roen stiffened. There was a familiar stirring within that suddenly sparked a feeling of dread. A good woman. I am… just pretending, am I not? She moistened her lips and regarded Eliane for a moment, before dipping her head. "Indeed," was all she said.
The lady slowly nodded, her business demeanor quick to return. "Very well then, I'll keep an eye out. And if you have any questions or concerns, by all means, do not hesitate to ask."
"I have taken much of your time, Lady Dufresne. Gratitude." The paladin’s voice returned to the stoic rhythm, as she gave the Elezen a bow.
"It was my pleasure, truly.†Eliane returned an elegant bow, her expression regaining some warmth. “Have a pleasant eve then, ser, and may the Fury watch your back."
Roen strode briskly out of the foundry without another word.
Roen shook her head as if to dismiss her own words, looping over and over in her memory. It was what Roen had confessed quietly to Martiallais Heuloix, on the eve of Starlight, as they passed out warm sustenance to the residents in The Brume. A part of her regretted the admission after the fact, for she did not want to explain the meaning the doubt truly held. So she departed hastily soon thereafter, not wanting to confide more in the knight, as she was wont to do whenever they spoke at length.
But now the same words echoed in the paladin’s mind as she walked about the city, making inquiries of The Dufresne Bellworks. This was a decision she had come to after her argument with Khadai, although she wondered if she was doing so because of his words. The stubborn (and likely proud) side of her wanted to deny the possibility, that the Au Ra warrior could even have such an effect on her. Perhaps this was just an attempt to close another chapter in her life. Or she was just trying to at least honor the wishes of a man she once loved. Maybe this was a way of atoning for what she did?
“The Bellworks Foundry? Aye, we know ‘em. Most o’ their workers be commoners,†one patron said over a mug of ale at the Forgotten Knight.
“She’s a workaholic, Miss Ellie. I see the light burning in her office at all hours. I don’t think she ever sleeps!†said a foundry worker returning to the Brume.
“Seen people wearing the Dufresne sigil taking folk out of the Brume. Mark my words, they’re all going to the mines.†Not all words were kind.
The rumors of the Dufresne Bellworks were bountiful, if one knew who and where to ask. Considered one of the more active foundries in Ishgard and headed by an upstart of a newly minted noble house, the impressions ranged from favorable to downright disdainful. The fact that the opinions seemed to grow more positive the less wealthier the population got, the paladin was inclined to believe the words of those who had the least to gain. So it was with some expectations that Roen walked into the busy and bustling Dufresne Bellworks Foundry.
"Miss Ellie?" a Hyur man said loudly over the noise of distant yelling and grinding gears. He grinned at the paladin and lifted a single gloved finger. "Generally safest to look up."
Roen’s gaze followed his gesture, and beyond the pipes and metal rafters of the large vaulted roof stood the Elezen noble, prowling the catwalks with one ear to a row of linkpearls. She seemed to be chattering away with one eye on the work below, the white fall of her long skirt brushing up against the railing. Even amidst the smoke and the metal, Eliane Dufresne still looked the perfect part of an elegant noblewoman.
The man that Roen had conversed with tapped one of his own linkpearls, murmuring into it. She watched as Eliane paused and glanced down, the Hyur next to the paladin waving up at her. Long auburn locks brushed over the Elezen’s shoulder as she leaned over the railing, but a moment later she gathered her skirts and jogged down the stairs. The paladin found herself tugging on her sleeves, straightening her tunic in anticipation.
"Ser Deneith!†Eliane greeted her with a bright smile and a bow. “What a pleasant surprise."
Roen cleared her throat as an odd wave of anxiety washed over her. "Lady Dufresne.†The paladin greeted her with a stiff polite bow of her own. “In hindsight, perhaps I should have sent a missive. I did not want to interrupt you if you were busy."
"Not at all, dear.†The Elezen shook her head, her relaxed smile lingering. “'Tis the most surefire way to catch me, to be sure, but I do not mind you dropping in, either. Besides, it keeps me from micromanaging." She gave the midlander a grin as he bowed and departed, then cleared her throat. "But, ah, no, I am not busy at present. What brings you here?"
"It concerns the matter of the Starlight task." Roen straightened, her mood growing stern. “Khadai will not be calling upon you to collect what he asked for."
The noblewoman gave a small pause, her brow creasing with obvious concern. "I do not understand. Has something happened? I wasn't even aware he hadn't yet collected it. I do hate leaving debts unpaid."
"Nothing happened. He is fine." The paladin shrugged it off. "Set in his ways, as always. But... he will not be seeking some inflated compensation. I was the one who pushed him into participation in the first place, after all."
"I see. Well… so long as that will not be a problem." She bowed her head slightly. "I suppose I ought to apologize as well. I'd hoped he would enjoy himself once he got out there, but I likely came on strong and pushy myself. I'd never want to force anyone into anything, regardless of the intent."
"You were nothing of the sort. He is just..." She pressed her lips tightly in thought. "He sees things as if through a different lens. Many times I think it focuses on certain things with painful clarity while completely ignoring the rest. A stern one, he."
"For what it is worth, much as he frustrated me, he did not offend. I can imagine the cultural transition has not been terribly easy." Eliane frowned, idly readjusting a silver chain on her belt. "Very well, then. We'll call the debt square, I suppose. But he's welcome to change his mind until the end of the moon, for what it's worth."
Roen nodded, her gaze drifting to a distant glow from a nearby forge. Her thumb and finger rubbed together in hesitation. "There is one more thing."
"Of course. What might that be?"
The paladin shifted her weight from one foot to the other. "I have heard from others that your company employs commoners. What I have heard from them has been fair. It... is an admirable thing." She lightly ran her finger along the side seam of her breeches. Why was she hesitant? "I had recently been given some funds. Some minor source of wealth."
It was never mine. It was his.
“I do not need much to live on,†the paladin continued. "I was wondering if someone like you can help me see that the funds be used for something else. Something that can help others." Her last words were quiet, just barely audible over the noise of the foundry. She remembered when such words came from the heart, fueled with conviction. But now there was only trepidation, reluctance to shed the security of her indifference. I am only doing what he would have wanted.
Eliane blinked, but a warm smile was quick to replace her initial surprise. She canted her head to the side with curiosity. "I see. What did you have in mind? Are you seeking to donate it? Invest it? Start a business of your own?"
Roen’s eyes widened and she shook her head quickly. "N-Nay. Running a business or some such... is beyond my ken. Besides, my calling has always been on the battlefront, of one sort or another. But... perhaps it can be used to invest in something. To help others in taking the next step." More words that are not mine. She sighed and ran her fingers through her forelocks, tucking them away again. "I do not even know what is possible.†The paladin peered up at the Elezen imploringly. “But managing wealth is not something I am seeking to do." She gave her a helpless shrug.
The noblewoman gave a small chuckle to that. "I see. Well, there are two easy paths you could take, depending on whether you want a long-term result, or something more instant. If you wished to donate it directly there are certain individuals who can see to it that it will immediately purchase food and firewood for those of the Brume, perhaps even medicine, depending upon the amount. That way you could make a difference in someone's life as immediately as tomorrow. I would just be certain to avoid official routes, such as the church, because I can promise you not a single coin will reach down below."
"Or you could invest it in any number of people or factions,†Eliane continued. “It wouldn't necessarily require you to manage it, but you would likely have to stay in contact with whomever you invest in. In theory, it will keep multiplying should all go well, and any returns you are owed can always be put right back into the organization. Does… that make sense?"
Roen nodded. "Giving medicine and firewood would be one good option, but I was hoping for some way to continue to help. Do these other factions also help the commoners as your Bellworks? Employ them or give them a chance to better their lives?"
The Elezen gave a quiet sigh, a bit of the poise withering from her posture. "If there are, my dear, they are far quieter about it than we are, and… wisely so, given the present state of things, I would imagine. I'm sure they're out there, but they are certainly rare. We could look into it, though, if you do not mind sitting on your money for a few suns. To be honest, I wouldn't mind finding them myself."
Roen furrowed her brow in thought then bobbed her head again. "I can wait." She canted her head, regarding the woman carefully. Other than the fact that she seemed to be dear to Ser Heuloix, the paladin knew very little of this woman. And yet here she was, trusting this noble with the money that Nero had left her. There was something about her, but the paladin could not put her finger on it. "I have kept my head low to the ground where the political affairs of Ishgard is concerned, but… tension seems to be on the rise. I hope all is well with you and yours?"
Eliane was quick to sober with that inquiry. "It's… it could be better, in truth. For my part I'm simply trying to lay low because some of my recent actions have turned some friction on my family. More and more I'm finding my hands tied, and..." She shook her head. "Well, it's not forever, I'm sure."
"Trouble?"
"Politics mostly. The usual Pillars games." The noblewoman gave a bit of a rueful smile. "Which is why I've never been keen on accepting any investors myself. Would that they were all like you, then I wouldn't have to worry about anyone pulling my strings. 'Tis nothing that cannot be solved though, I think, with the right platitudes. That's sadly normal here."
Roen blinked. "I was certain you of all people were not in need. I am not a woman of great affluence, this... small bit of wealth found me by chance. And it is something I do not want. Or deserve." She paused, pursing her lips in thought. "If you were to ever consider accepting an investor... I would consider someone like you ideal to entrust the funds.†Those words sounded foreign to her own ears. It had been sometime since she was willing to admit such a sentiment.
The Elezen blinked rapidly, slowly straightening again. "Charity is not profitable, my dear, especially when I'm trying to do everything on my own. We're not hurting, mind you -- in fact, we just expanded -- but the truth is we only have so much to spare. I can only hire so many people before I cannot afford it. And then I go out, and others, noble and common alike, sneer and say, 'Why aren't you doing more, then?'"
Eliane sighed, smiling at the paladin. "I'd… never considered taking your investment, it's become such a habit to decline them. But, you… you, I know I could trust. If that is what you wish to do, of course. I'm quite through with pressuring people."
Roen straightened as well, clasping her hands in front of her. "I would owe you much gratitude if you would be so willing. It would go far to put my mind at ease regarding money I know naught else to do with."
"Well, I can most certainly assure you your gil will be well taken care of, and used as wisely as possible.†The Elezen exhaled, looking a bit relieved and curious. “What do you want to do with your interest, however? Are you sure you don't want any of it back? I'd like you to at least get something out of this arrangement. It's only fair."
He would have wanted to do something more radical. Something more defining. Her grey eyes met Eliane's and her voice and expression softened. "Someday, I want do something similar, even if it is not possible now, for people… in Ul'dah." Roen dipped her head, a wistful expression passing over her features like a fleeing shadow.
"You're a native Ul'dahn?†Eliane arched both brows. “I don't know that I'd ever asked. As it happens, that's where I just opened my new expansion. Any advice for a clueless Ishgardian? I've… heard some things." When Roen answered her with tense silence, the Elezen shrugged with a wince. "Well, I'll tell you what. I know you do not wish to muddle with finances too much. But at the end of each moon, I'll deposit what is owed you to a location of your choice. If you need the money, you can take it. If not, send it back and I'll add it to your existing investment, and the process can repeat itself. Is that simple enough for now?"
"That is very simple, and fair.†Roen nodded. “Gratitude, Lady Dufresne. And as for Ul'dah, wealth dictates all there. They will resort to any means to keep their power. It is not what is proper or deemed traditional that prevails, but who is more willing and wanting."
"I see.†Eliane’s eyes narrowed. “That is far more aggressive than I am used to, to be sure. But it is good to know the rumors are true. Suppose we'll all have to be on our guard down there, then. Thank you." She canted her head, and her expression lightened. "And… it is my pleasure, truly. I'm simply grateful to have a hand… and one that I know will not put a blade in my back. You have no idea how invaluable that is to me, especially now."
Roen found herself no longer fidgeting, no longer minding her sleeves. "Ser Heuloix seems to hold you in high regard in his eyes. Now I see for myself why." She regarded the woman earnestly. "I will make arrangements with those that are holding the funds. Hopefully, you will hear from them once everything is arranged."
The noble gave a quiet chuckle, now less so a businesswoman and more so almost a young girl. A faint bit of color crept into her cheeks -- though perhaps it was simply the forge light. "Honestly, I could say the same. Ser Heuloix and I have seen much together and I owe him my life and then some. Any friend of his is naturally a friend of mine.â€
Eliane paused and regarded Roen warmly, her voice quieting. “But if you can forgive a nosy woman a bit of eavesdropping, I've overheard you while you were speaking with others at Starlight, and… you are a good woman, Ser Deneith, more than you give yourself credit for. You belong here or wherever your heart desires.†She took half a step closed to the paladin. “I hope we can continue to work together like this -- then perhaps it needn't be such an uphill battle." The noblewoman cleared her throat, as if realizing herself, and smoothed her hands over her skirts. "In that case, should I await further word from you?"
Roen stiffened. There was a familiar stirring within that suddenly sparked a feeling of dread. A good woman. I am… just pretending, am I not? She moistened her lips and regarded Eliane for a moment, before dipping her head. "Indeed," was all she said.
The lady slowly nodded, her business demeanor quick to return. "Very well then, I'll keep an eye out. And if you have any questions or concerns, by all means, do not hesitate to ask."
"I have taken much of your time, Lady Dufresne. Gratitude." The paladin’s voice returned to the stoic rhythm, as she gave the Elezen a bow.
"It was my pleasure, truly.†Eliane returned an elegant bow, her expression regaining some warmth. “Have a pleasant eve then, ser, and may the Fury watch your back."
Roen strode briskly out of the foundry without another word.