"You're sure about this?"
Obsidian Hornet’s voice broke her out of her thoughts. Roen was staring off at the lighthouse south of Moraby Drydocks. A light misty drizzle was beginning to descend from the skies, lending a grey hue to the seaside landscape. Even though the heavy cloak shielded her from the cold, Roen wrapped her arms around herself as the gusty ocean winds billowed her hood. She used to love the cold. But now it reminded her too much of Coerthas.
"It will be how you want it, Roen. Whatever that winds up being." Hornet placed her hand on her shoulder with a reassuring squeeze.
"Sometimes I wish I knew what that was, exactly." Roen glanced over at Gharen and Hornet who both stood next to her, her brows drawn with troubled thoughts. "But I do know that I do not want you hurting anyone. Not on my account. Not those we will see today."
She meant Natalie of course, and from the look in Hornet’s eyes, the Roegadyn woman knew it too. Roen was not certain that agreeing to meet with Ser Croft and Natalie was a good idea anymore. She had initially agreed, still after some hesitation, resigned to the fact that she could not avoid nor hide from Natalie forever. Last time Roen had seen her was at Crescent Cove, and their exchange had not been kind. And when Ser Crofte contacted them to meet with herself and Natalie, Hornet offered Roen to kill Natalie if she wished.
Roen had said no. Roen asked Hornet, implored her not to kill Natalie. Hornet had promised, but even now Roen could see that there was a struggle behind the Roegadyn’s eyes. The desire. Hornet wanted retribution from Natalie for the wrongs she has committed.
"I will only do what I have to. If they try to take you, I will defend you,†she said simply. “I remember my promise, Roen.†Hornet gave her a nod then crossed the roped bridge to the other side, waiting for the Sultansworns’ arrival from Moraby.
"I am not sure what I will say to her,†Roen murmured quietly. “Or… even if I should.â€
"I'm sure'n it'll come te ye." Gharen inhaled deeply.
"You told me why she did what she did." Roen looked up at her brother. “Have you… forgiven her?â€
Gharen shook his head, his expression stoic. "No, but 'tis ye that needs te decide whether forgiveness is in her future or nae. I'll nae hurt her because she was a friend o' yers, less o' course she decides te be stupid again."
Her frown only deepened as she turned her gaze back toward the ocean.
"Do nae let her words define ye lass,†Gharen said, breaking the silence after a pause. "Yer nae as she said tha' day. If'n anything yer stronger than she'll ever hope te be.. an smarter te boot."
"I... do not have your strength, Gharen."
Gharen stepped up from behind her, putting a hand gently on her shoulder. “Ye do too... you jus' need te find it."
It was then that Roen saw two armored Sultansworns approach from the other side of the bridge where Hornet awaited them. Roen placed a hand over her stomach as if to quell the pitted feeling there, as she watched Hornet motion them to stand in the middle of the bridge. Gharen and Hornet flanked both ends.
"Master Wolfsong. Â A pleasure as always." Crofte glanced from Hornet behind her to Gharen in front of her. Natalie stood silent next to the woman, also wearing the surcoat and armor that befit a Sworn.
"Aye, Ser Crofte. I heard yer predicament was taken care o'?" Gharen crossed his arms and nodded once in greeting. Roen glanced from her brother to the Sworn, to spot the neck that no longer wore a collar.
“If you refer to my personal dilemma, yes.†The Highlander Sworn nodded calmly.
Straightening, Roen took a step to stand near Gharen, although she kept her eyes trained on Ser Crofte. She could see Natalie shift in her stance just slightly.
"Tis fine. Seems there have been a lot o' obstacles in need o' passin' as o' late."
"Indeed. With regret, I must place another in front of you." Crofte bowed her head slightly.
That was when Natalie cleared her throat, breaking her silence. "Ser Crofte, if I may?" Her tone seemed deferential to Crofte, which caught Roen’s attention. When Crofte nodded to Natalie, she continued. "Roen, Ul'dah wants you. They won't stop until they get you, or you flee out of their reach. You have the choice of coming willingly, to what we have been assured is a fair inquiry, to flee to a land beyond their reach, or to wait for someone less... understanding to find you next."
The Miqo’te exhaled, and there was a tinge of grim resignation in her words. "The choice is yours." When Crofte shot her a look, Natalie gave the Sworn a sidelong glance. “She deserves to know the truth. Now of all times."
The Highlander woman drew herself up tall and turned back to Gharen. "Tis as she says. We are here because I am honorable. I had said I would give warning when my hand was forced."
“If you do not come with us today, we will leave.†Natalie added. "But we won't be the end of the matter, Roen. You know how relentless the Jewel can be."
After drawing a breath to steel herself, Roen turned to meet Natalie’s gaze, her jaw set. “Why are you here, Natalie?†Her voice sounded more hoarse than she’d like. “Why did you come?â€
Natalie’s green eyes were as cool as ever. "Because I was ordered to do so.† A pause. “And I would not entrust this task to another."
"Th' jewel's reach is nae as far as one would think Miss Mcbeef.†Gharen growled. “An' I see ye've nae bothered te be humbled any.†His words were also bolstered by a derisive snort from Hornet across the bridge.
"Enough,†Crofte interjected. "She is here under my orders. I brought her for a reason.â€
Natalie continued regardless. "What would you have me do Gharen? Crawl on my knees? Weep? Beg for forgiveness?" She shook her head.â€I did not foresee the way things would turn out." Her eyes narrowed, unwavering. “But I don't regret my motivations for doing them."
"That does not make you not accountable for what happened." Hornet said darkly.
Roen stared at Natalie. "Do you regret anything?"
"I regret not burning those papers when I was given them." Natalie turned her gaze back to Roen, her voice cold. "If I had, we wouldn't be having this discussion."
"That will do, Ser Mcbeef." Crofte turned to her companion, giving her a look of warning.
"So you do not regret anything else." Roen persisted. She had to know.
"Ye did nae bother to think about yer actions an' the effects they would have on others. Miss McBeef. Don' ferget tha'."
Crofte raised her voice along with everyone else. "The actions of my companion are in the past now. I understand the pain they have caused and that such things will not be so easily healed. That is not the reason she is here now. I brought her so that Ser Deneith may see the wisdom of my previous council."
Natalie only spared Crofte a moment’s glance before she continued. "I was blackmailed, with Roen's life as hostage. And you Gharen, you willingly went along with my plan. Do I regret hiring Askier to do it, he and that madman of his? Yes." She gritted her teeth, her eyes narrowing at Gharen. “But I'm not prescient, I did the best I could with what I had and I don't regret that one gods damn bit."
Natalie then spun back to Roen, pointing a finger at her. "You're alive! Instead of dying as a pawn in some political game."
A flash of anger heated her cheeks. Roen’s own voice shook, as she stepped around Gharen onto the bridge. "So you would do that again. Trade his life, for mine."
"He traded his life,†Natalie retorted. "Not me. He could have walked away from that pier.â€
Roen shook her head, her fist clenched by her side. “No. You. You made him the offer. You knew he would take it! Of course he would!â€
"The Syndicate made me an offer." Natalie’s countenance remained steadfast and unmoved. “Of course, I did.â€
Roen shook her head. "You were there. You were there when I got him back. You... you saw how I was. You comforted me!" She felt herself shaking. “How could you possibly think that I could simply continue?" Her face twisted with bitterness, all the anger she bore the Miqo’te woman rising to the fore. "I trusted you. Not with just my life, with everything."
Natalie slowly nodded. "And I bought your life... with that trust." She met Roen’s gaze without flinching. "I consider it well spent."
"Are you waiting for a 'Thank you', McBeef?" Hornet sneered as she stepped up behind the two Sultansworns on the bridge, one hand resting around her axe that hung behind her..
"No. It was a selfish act." Natalie glanced over her shoulder, although not seemingly alarmed by the Roegadyn’s approach.
"You bought it with suffering. And my trust and..." Roen felt a tear escape her eyes unbidden and hated herself for it. She stormed onto the bridge and approached the Miqo’te Sworn, her stride quick and fueled with fury.
Natalie stiffened. "I couldn't let them kill you Roen. … I just couldn’t.â€
Roen stopped a fulm width from her, her stare full of indignation and shame.  "Do you know... what he did to me?" She let out a guttural whisper. "There are days... I wish … I wish I had died. That I do not have this weight upon my chest. This dread looming over me. This … hatred… for man already dead.â€
"Feel free to hate me instead then." Natalie met her gaze and did not look away. "If that will help. Gods know I deserve it.â€
Roen stepped back once, a trembling hand rising to her forehead. Too much emotions were rising all at once. She did not want this.
"An still, ye lack humility," Gharen growled, also stepping onto the roped bridge.
"I didn't come here for forgiveness!" Natalie looked past Roen to Gharen. "I came to give her the truth."
Crofte came to stand between Natalie and Roen, the woman’s green eyes peering into the heavy hood to seek Roen’s. “Ser Deneith,†she said quietly. “She may not know, but I do. Please, you do not need to do this.â€
Roen looked back up, but her eyes inevitably were drawn back to Natalie. “I clung onto life. To survive. To return to those I loved. You were one of them. But it is because of you that I was on that boat. And possibly would have returned to a dead brother."
"All true,†Natalie said grimly.
"You should have let them kill me,†Roen hissed.
"I couldn't." Natalie shook her head. "No more than Gharen could walk off that pier."
“Do not compare yourself to--†She stopped, then snarled, “You are not my family. You are no longer my sister!â€
"Enough. Gharen!" Hornet stepped up behind Crofte, calling out.
Natalie finally broke her gaze and looked away, releasing a shuddering breath. “Aye," she said softly, "I’m not.†She frowned. “I am just a messenger.â€
Gharen stepped up behind Roen and placed his hand on her shaking shoulder, giving it a squeeze.
"No, I am the messenger,†Crofte insisted. “Ser Deneith, please. I know your ire burns, but you must focus." She stepped closer to Roen. "Look at me, please." She bent slightly to peer into the fall of the heavy hood. "Look... at... me.â€
When Roen’s eyes finally rose to meet Crofte's, they were glistening and bloodshot. “You remember what I told you in Vesper Bay? I ordered her to be here with me to prove that point." She gave a sidelong glance to Natalie who had now turned her back on them to look out over the ropes. "There is a reason she is wearing those colors this day. You may not like it. I'm not even sure I do. But the Captain has returned her status to the Order."
When Roen stared at Crofte with some disbelief, the Sworn continued. "She provided much needed assistance to the people of Ul'dah during a crisis. I know that means nothing here, and I do not expect it to carry weight. But title has once again changed. Do you understand?"
"Aye, an t'was my sister an' I tha' assisted in getting th' device that removed th' collar from yer neck." Gharen did not remove his hands from Roen’s shoulder, as if to give her support, even as he spoke to Crofte.
"I figured as much. You all know I was there by now." The Highlander turned her attention back to Roen. "Please, Ser Deneith... you must allow the system to work. I can clear you of these charges, officially. No more hiding, no more lurking in shadows. No more cover ups."
Obsidian Hornet’s voice broke her out of her thoughts. Roen was staring off at the lighthouse south of Moraby Drydocks. A light misty drizzle was beginning to descend from the skies, lending a grey hue to the seaside landscape. Even though the heavy cloak shielded her from the cold, Roen wrapped her arms around herself as the gusty ocean winds billowed her hood. She used to love the cold. But now it reminded her too much of Coerthas.
"It will be how you want it, Roen. Whatever that winds up being." Hornet placed her hand on her shoulder with a reassuring squeeze.
"Sometimes I wish I knew what that was, exactly." Roen glanced over at Gharen and Hornet who both stood next to her, her brows drawn with troubled thoughts. "But I do know that I do not want you hurting anyone. Not on my account. Not those we will see today."
She meant Natalie of course, and from the look in Hornet’s eyes, the Roegadyn woman knew it too. Roen was not certain that agreeing to meet with Ser Croft and Natalie was a good idea anymore. She had initially agreed, still after some hesitation, resigned to the fact that she could not avoid nor hide from Natalie forever. Last time Roen had seen her was at Crescent Cove, and their exchange had not been kind. And when Ser Crofte contacted them to meet with herself and Natalie, Hornet offered Roen to kill Natalie if she wished.
Roen had said no. Roen asked Hornet, implored her not to kill Natalie. Hornet had promised, but even now Roen could see that there was a struggle behind the Roegadyn’s eyes. The desire. Hornet wanted retribution from Natalie for the wrongs she has committed.
"I will only do what I have to. If they try to take you, I will defend you,†she said simply. “I remember my promise, Roen.†Hornet gave her a nod then crossed the roped bridge to the other side, waiting for the Sultansworns’ arrival from Moraby.
"I am not sure what I will say to her,†Roen murmured quietly. “Or… even if I should.â€
"I'm sure'n it'll come te ye." Gharen inhaled deeply.
"You told me why she did what she did." Roen looked up at her brother. “Have you… forgiven her?â€
Gharen shook his head, his expression stoic. "No, but 'tis ye that needs te decide whether forgiveness is in her future or nae. I'll nae hurt her because she was a friend o' yers, less o' course she decides te be stupid again."
Her frown only deepened as she turned her gaze back toward the ocean.
"Do nae let her words define ye lass,†Gharen said, breaking the silence after a pause. "Yer nae as she said tha' day. If'n anything yer stronger than she'll ever hope te be.. an smarter te boot."
"I... do not have your strength, Gharen."
Gharen stepped up from behind her, putting a hand gently on her shoulder. “Ye do too... you jus' need te find it."
It was then that Roen saw two armored Sultansworns approach from the other side of the bridge where Hornet awaited them. Roen placed a hand over her stomach as if to quell the pitted feeling there, as she watched Hornet motion them to stand in the middle of the bridge. Gharen and Hornet flanked both ends.
"Master Wolfsong. Â A pleasure as always." Crofte glanced from Hornet behind her to Gharen in front of her. Natalie stood silent next to the woman, also wearing the surcoat and armor that befit a Sworn.
"Aye, Ser Crofte. I heard yer predicament was taken care o'?" Gharen crossed his arms and nodded once in greeting. Roen glanced from her brother to the Sworn, to spot the neck that no longer wore a collar.
“If you refer to my personal dilemma, yes.†The Highlander Sworn nodded calmly.
Straightening, Roen took a step to stand near Gharen, although she kept her eyes trained on Ser Crofte. She could see Natalie shift in her stance just slightly.
"Tis fine. Seems there have been a lot o' obstacles in need o' passin' as o' late."
"Indeed. With regret, I must place another in front of you." Crofte bowed her head slightly.
That was when Natalie cleared her throat, breaking her silence. "Ser Crofte, if I may?" Her tone seemed deferential to Crofte, which caught Roen’s attention. When Crofte nodded to Natalie, she continued. "Roen, Ul'dah wants you. They won't stop until they get you, or you flee out of their reach. You have the choice of coming willingly, to what we have been assured is a fair inquiry, to flee to a land beyond their reach, or to wait for someone less... understanding to find you next."
The Miqo’te exhaled, and there was a tinge of grim resignation in her words. "The choice is yours." When Crofte shot her a look, Natalie gave the Sworn a sidelong glance. “She deserves to know the truth. Now of all times."
The Highlander woman drew herself up tall and turned back to Gharen. "Tis as she says. We are here because I am honorable. I had said I would give warning when my hand was forced."
“If you do not come with us today, we will leave.†Natalie added. "But we won't be the end of the matter, Roen. You know how relentless the Jewel can be."
After drawing a breath to steel herself, Roen turned to meet Natalie’s gaze, her jaw set. “Why are you here, Natalie?†Her voice sounded more hoarse than she’d like. “Why did you come?â€
Natalie’s green eyes were as cool as ever. "Because I was ordered to do so.† A pause. “And I would not entrust this task to another."
"Th' jewel's reach is nae as far as one would think Miss Mcbeef.†Gharen growled. “An' I see ye've nae bothered te be humbled any.†His words were also bolstered by a derisive snort from Hornet across the bridge.
"Enough,†Crofte interjected. "She is here under my orders. I brought her for a reason.â€
Natalie continued regardless. "What would you have me do Gharen? Crawl on my knees? Weep? Beg for forgiveness?" She shook her head.â€I did not foresee the way things would turn out." Her eyes narrowed, unwavering. “But I don't regret my motivations for doing them."
"That does not make you not accountable for what happened." Hornet said darkly.
Roen stared at Natalie. "Do you regret anything?"
"I regret not burning those papers when I was given them." Natalie turned her gaze back to Roen, her voice cold. "If I had, we wouldn't be having this discussion."
"That will do, Ser Mcbeef." Crofte turned to her companion, giving her a look of warning.
"So you do not regret anything else." Roen persisted. She had to know.
"Ye did nae bother to think about yer actions an' the effects they would have on others. Miss McBeef. Don' ferget tha'."
Crofte raised her voice along with everyone else. "The actions of my companion are in the past now. I understand the pain they have caused and that such things will not be so easily healed. That is not the reason she is here now. I brought her so that Ser Deneith may see the wisdom of my previous council."
Natalie only spared Crofte a moment’s glance before she continued. "I was blackmailed, with Roen's life as hostage. And you Gharen, you willingly went along with my plan. Do I regret hiring Askier to do it, he and that madman of his? Yes." She gritted her teeth, her eyes narrowing at Gharen. “But I'm not prescient, I did the best I could with what I had and I don't regret that one gods damn bit."
Natalie then spun back to Roen, pointing a finger at her. "You're alive! Instead of dying as a pawn in some political game."
A flash of anger heated her cheeks. Roen’s own voice shook, as she stepped around Gharen onto the bridge. "So you would do that again. Trade his life, for mine."
"He traded his life,†Natalie retorted. "Not me. He could have walked away from that pier.â€
Roen shook her head, her fist clenched by her side. “No. You. You made him the offer. You knew he would take it! Of course he would!â€
"The Syndicate made me an offer." Natalie’s countenance remained steadfast and unmoved. “Of course, I did.â€
Roen shook her head. "You were there. You were there when I got him back. You... you saw how I was. You comforted me!" She felt herself shaking. “How could you possibly think that I could simply continue?" Her face twisted with bitterness, all the anger she bore the Miqo’te woman rising to the fore. "I trusted you. Not with just my life, with everything."
Natalie slowly nodded. "And I bought your life... with that trust." She met Roen’s gaze without flinching. "I consider it well spent."
"Are you waiting for a 'Thank you', McBeef?" Hornet sneered as she stepped up behind the two Sultansworns on the bridge, one hand resting around her axe that hung behind her..
"No. It was a selfish act." Natalie glanced over her shoulder, although not seemingly alarmed by the Roegadyn’s approach.
"You bought it with suffering. And my trust and..." Roen felt a tear escape her eyes unbidden and hated herself for it. She stormed onto the bridge and approached the Miqo’te Sworn, her stride quick and fueled with fury.
Natalie stiffened. "I couldn't let them kill you Roen. … I just couldn’t.â€
Roen stopped a fulm width from her, her stare full of indignation and shame.  "Do you know... what he did to me?" She let out a guttural whisper. "There are days... I wish … I wish I had died. That I do not have this weight upon my chest. This dread looming over me. This … hatred… for man already dead.â€
"Feel free to hate me instead then." Natalie met her gaze and did not look away. "If that will help. Gods know I deserve it.â€
Roen stepped back once, a trembling hand rising to her forehead. Too much emotions were rising all at once. She did not want this.
"An still, ye lack humility," Gharen growled, also stepping onto the roped bridge.
"I didn't come here for forgiveness!" Natalie looked past Roen to Gharen. "I came to give her the truth."
Crofte came to stand between Natalie and Roen, the woman’s green eyes peering into the heavy hood to seek Roen’s. “Ser Deneith,†she said quietly. “She may not know, but I do. Please, you do not need to do this.â€
Roen looked back up, but her eyes inevitably were drawn back to Natalie. “I clung onto life. To survive. To return to those I loved. You were one of them. But it is because of you that I was on that boat. And possibly would have returned to a dead brother."
"All true,†Natalie said grimly.
"You should have let them kill me,†Roen hissed.
"I couldn't." Natalie shook her head. "No more than Gharen could walk off that pier."
“Do not compare yourself to--†She stopped, then snarled, “You are not my family. You are no longer my sister!â€
"Enough. Gharen!" Hornet stepped up behind Crofte, calling out.
Natalie finally broke her gaze and looked away, releasing a shuddering breath. “Aye," she said softly, "I’m not.†She frowned. “I am just a messenger.â€
Gharen stepped up behind Roen and placed his hand on her shaking shoulder, giving it a squeeze.
"No, I am the messenger,†Crofte insisted. “Ser Deneith, please. I know your ire burns, but you must focus." She stepped closer to Roen. "Look at me, please." She bent slightly to peer into the fall of the heavy hood. "Look... at... me.â€
When Roen’s eyes finally rose to meet Crofte's, they were glistening and bloodshot. “You remember what I told you in Vesper Bay? I ordered her to be here with me to prove that point." She gave a sidelong glance to Natalie who had now turned her back on them to look out over the ropes. "There is a reason she is wearing those colors this day. You may not like it. I'm not even sure I do. But the Captain has returned her status to the Order."
When Roen stared at Crofte with some disbelief, the Sworn continued. "She provided much needed assistance to the people of Ul'dah during a crisis. I know that means nothing here, and I do not expect it to carry weight. But title has once again changed. Do you understand?"
"Aye, an t'was my sister an' I tha' assisted in getting th' device that removed th' collar from yer neck." Gharen did not remove his hands from Roen’s shoulder, as if to give her support, even as he spoke to Crofte.
"I figured as much. You all know I was there by now." The Highlander turned her attention back to Roen. "Please, Ser Deneith... you must allow the system to work. I can clear you of these charges, officially. No more hiding, no more lurking in shadows. No more cover ups."