Roen

Tsenkhai. That singular word alone made Roen freeze, her eyes widening with surprise. “I was Tsenkhai, once. Capable of interpreting the Correspondence.” Even now, Kasrjin’s voice returned to her easily. And so did other stories that he had told her over time of his people. And recalling them, it drew forth a wary frown that darkened her countenance. “You…” Roen looked to the Xaela incredulously. “You are a Tsenkhai?” Her crossed arms uncurled and fell limp by her side. “You are of his tribe?” She couldn’t believe it. His people resided in the north, near the glaciers. What was she doing this far south? Or here at all? But then again, Kasrjin himself had traveled all the way to Ishgard. They had magical means of making such a journey. It made her both relieved and suspicious at the same time. “How do I know that you are one of his people?” Roen squinted her eyes, looking her over for anything obsidian she might be wearing. “Do you know whom I speak of? He had traveled to the west. Then he returned to his home.” She blinked, another thought occurring to her. “He did return home, to his people, didn’t he?”

“We will call this place our home The dirt in which our roots may grow Though the storms will push and pull We will call this place our home.” - North by Sleeping at Last Commission: Home By BunBunDango! Commissioned by Anchor's player. I can't say enough about how much I LOVE. THIS. PIECE. (Also I titled it "Home" but between us we usually just call it North because that Sleeping at Last song is so SO PERFECT in context of the RP that inspired this)

Roen shrugged. “I knew no other way to deliver the message. And I was in the east for other reasons. But…” She frowned, studying the Xaela with more care. She knew not who this woman was nor her motivations. Roen only knew that she was likely capable enough to deal with two mercenaries and therefore should not be underestimated. She also guessed that a foreigner threatening those of her kind would probably not go over well. “The threat is not mine. As I said, I seek a friend. He had traveled to the west, and that was where we met.” She glanced to Ashur thoughtfully before continuing. “I want to warn his people of others. Those who are coming for him. Or… more accurately his people.” She crossed his arms and looked between the Xaela and Ashur. “If you can help us navigate the tribes at the Reunion, then we can provide escort there, to at least ensure there are no others who would be tempted to rummage through your belongings.”

Roen glanced over her shoulder, and there was an inkling of a smile that tugged on one corner of her lips. He was worried after all. She held up a hand to Ashur then to the Xaela woman. “He is with me,” she reassured in a calm voice, to quell any alarm or rash actions either of them might take. “The companion I mentioned earlier.” She regarded the Xaela woman a moment longer to make certain there wouldn’t be any more blinding flashes before she turned her attention to Ashur. “These two were trying to go through her things, so I was told. But they are alive.” She left it at that, she still wasn’t sure why they were unconscious. Which made her look back to the Xaela again, her eyes squinting with some wariness. “And she is also traveling to the Reunion. And as we are. As for why we are seeking this particular tribe…” She paused to consider her words carefully. “There are a few reasons. I would like to make certain my friend returned safely to his people. And... also to give him a warning.”

Welcome back! As others have stated above, you might not have to recreate a character on Mateus, since we should be able to move between worlds once the data servers are rearranged. And I also see plenty of sprouts and flowers still around on Balmung. So don't worry about being the only new(ish) guy around. Looking forward to seeing you around!

Roen went back to checking the second Elezen. They both seemed to be breathing evenly, and she couldn’t see any signs of active bleeding. But she gave him a look over to see if she can figure what it was that exactly that left them in their current condition. She brought one knee before her, resting an elbow over it as she gave the Xaela a sidelong glance. From what she had seen in the distance, there was a bright unnatural light which made her suspect, thaumaturgy. Roen wasn’t sure, she wasn’t exactly learned when it came to other schools of magic. Still, while she maintained a neutral tone to the woman, there was no lack of caution. “I am looking for a friend.” She dipped her head after a thought. “Or more accurately, my friend’s people. I do not know if he would actually be at the Reunion.” It was highly unlikely after all. And she was not even sure how many tribes there were, or how well they all knew each other. The intricacies of the Xaela culture was not something other people seemed to be too fluent in. She turned to the woman, looking at her earnestly. “Would you happen to know of a tribe that has warriors who called themselves the Khadai?”

Roen relaxed a bit more when the Xaela made no move. She came to kneel next to the two Elezens as she listened, flicking a glance in the Xaela's direction when the other seemed to indicate a possible robbery. Pulling off her gloves, she reached for the man’s neck to feel for a pulse there, before gently turning him onto his back to scan his possessions. She was interested to see how he was armed, and if he was a foreigner. Considering he was an Elezen, she was already suspicious that he might have hailed from Ishgard. She was reaching to check the second man when the Xaela turned the question back her way, although it was the very final one that made her pause and give the woman a quizzical arch of the brow. “We--I was camped nearby. I…” Roen pursed her lips, annoyed with herself. “My companion and I are on our way to the Steppe.” She paused, finally giving the Xaela woman a more careful study. There was some hesitation that held her tongue, but deception never being Roen’s strong suit, she groaned at the abundance of mistrust that was annoyingly buzzing around in her head. She shook them away. “We are not looking for a job,” she began forthrightly, then paused, narrowing her eyes. “Although we wouldn’t mind some assistance in dealing with the Xaela at the Reunion.” She looked to the Au Ra pointedly. “What are you looking to hire people for?”

Roen narrowed her eyes on the Xaela first, before she flicked her gaze toward the two unconscious males. “By the look of things, I think it is obvious who needs assistance here.” She tapped her finger on the hilt of her sword once, but did not draw it. “I am going to approach. Do not give me a reason to use my weapon.” It was more of a warning rather than a request, as she began to take cautious steps toward the camp. She kept her eyes on the Xaela while the view of the unconscious figures remained in her periphery. She kept her tone even, without any hint of a threat. She didn’t know what exactly happened here after all, and until she did, she would keep things as unbiased as possible. “So. Can you tell me what happened?’

“We’ve had a strange start, she and I. While I know she doesn’t trust me with everything, I trust her… with all things.” Commission: Shael Stormchild By Squaffle!

Roen was tempted to rush in as soon as she reached the scene surrounding the camp fire. But she remained hidden in the shadows afforded by a boulder, warily watching what was happening. The fact that there was a Xaela here in Yanxia was a surprise, and the woman was dragging the other two males closer to the fire. She didn’t seem to be robbing them nor harming them, at least currently. But undoubtedly the Au Ra was the source of the flare Roen had seen earlier, and her calm disposition around the two incapacitated Elezens told Roen that the petite female was probably more capable than she looked. Was she being robbed? Was it self defense? Were the Elezens also mercenaries hired by the Redeemers? Or were they just innocent bystanders attacked by the woman? The latter didn’t quite make sense, since she seemed to be at least making the effort to see to their comforts. But when one of the Elezens reached out weakly calling for help, Roen stood from her place of hiding. She couldn’t very well ignore the call for aid, and she still had no idea what had happened here. She hoped straightforward approach would be received well enough. “Do you need assistance?” she called out in a calm manner, keeping her sword sheathed for now.

It was just to her left. At first, when Roen started out into the darkness away from the protection of their camp, she wasn’t quite sure where to go. The sound had been clear enough to cut through the night’s ambiance, and yet the crisp air had carried it from far enough that it came from nowhere near the cliffside where she and Ashur had decided to settle down for the night. But if what she heard was indeed due to distress of some kind, then it was a good bet that it would not be the only noise that would be heard. And sure enough, she heard something quieter once she started to listen for it. It sounded like arguing or someone being angry. She wasn’t sure. Roen scanned the dark horizon, and what came next was even better than another howl. It was a flash of light. Even while Roen hurried toward the source, she took care in being as quiet as possible in her approach. She was silently grateful now that she wasn’t wearing her usual heavy armor laden with metal and chain. She wasn’t sure what she would be finding when she reached the source of the disturbance, and it was obvious even from this distance that this was no natural light, but one that shined as bright as a star. It was magic. And she wasn’t eager to present herself prematurely to whoever was wielding it. If there was a magic user and someone else was crying out in pain… well, it certainly spelled trouble. Roen quickened her pace, but stayed low, letting both the darkness and the Yanxian foliage hide her as best as she can.

Roen shot a sharp glare in Ashur’s direction. “It may not be our problem, but someone might need our help.” Roen waited awhile longer to make certainly whatever the source of the noise was, wasn’t seeking them out. She narrowed her eyes, trying to look about to see where it could have even come from. It was getting dark and quick, finding her way around might become more difficult longer she waited. But as Ashur made no move but to get himself further situated on the ground, Roen shook her head and began to cautiously make her way to the barrier he had erected. “Well, I intend to go find out. If this is trouble that would soon find us, I would rather know what it is beforehand and be ready for it.” She secured the sword by her hip and grabbed her her shield before she ducked out of the camp.

“The land has a heart of its own. With an energy that flows through all the things of the earth. You can hear that heartbeat if you close your eyes and listen. Really listen. And upon your time of need, it can beat with your own.” Commission: Nabi Kharlu By: ADPong!

Roen was folding her cloak in semblance of a makeshift pillow, half watching him build a protective blockade of sort around them. It wasn’t much, but perhaps it would at least deter any wandering wildlife, she supposed. He was a diligent fellow, at least. She was about to make some comment on sleeping in the wilderness when the abrupt noise broke the quiet. Roen immediately reached for her weapon and shield, half rising to her feet as she did so. Grey eyes narrowed as she tried to make out any signs of movement in the shadows that were quickly lengthening around them. “What was that?” she hissed in Ashur’s direction, without sparing him a glance.

Roen pursed her lips in thought. She had to admit that the prospect of possibly riding a horse was appealing all on its own, and it would definitely cut through the travel time as well. But she doubted that a village full of peasants would have a horse to spare, even if she offered them fair amount of coin. And who knows if Ashur actually could manage on a horse. He already admitted that he hadn’t really even known his bird all that well. Learning how to handle a beast he’s never been on while traveling to a possibly hostile land might not be the best idea. “We go by foot.” She shrugged nonchalantly, a hint of a smirk working its way to the edge of her lips. “I think I can manage. And I imagine this would be easy for you. No snow.”

Well, there went that feeling of goodwill. Ashur was frustratingly adamant about reminding her that violence against the Xaela was never out of his realm of possibility. What little feeling of trust that was starting to be kindled between them was diminishing yet again to a dying ember. And yet… perhaps this was a way he held into hope? To admit to straying from his goal would mean failing his mother. That thought deflated whatever objection that was rising from within. A part of Roen wanted to believe that more he said he would do whatever it takes, more he had doubts on how far he would go. She was not sure what made her want to believe that, but only that the thought lingered. Roen gave Ashur another glance, then looked ahead with a furrowed brow at his mention of Garleans. She had forgotten that Othard was only very recently liberated. And that this entire continent over all was largely occupied by the Empire. It made her wince inwardly but nothing of it was betrayed on her face. “I heard that the Empire showed little interest in the Steppe. I doubt that we would come across any.” Roen hoped. She had been blessed enough that her time in Eorzea was not spent involved in conflicts against the Empire for the most part. She was hoping that her luck had not run out now. “Have you encountered any? In your time?” She was genuinely curious as she regarded Ashur from the corner of her eye. As far as she knew, Ishgardians stayed mostly out of that conflict. Not that she had any plans on sharing her unique past in Garlemald, but she wanted to know nonetheless.

Roen felt no pride when Ashur confirmed her suspicions. She only felt a twinge of sympathy, for she had seen first hand the hardships that were suffered by those that called Ishgard home. Indeed, if Ashur couldn’t return for the fear of his mother’s safety, it was likely that the brand of heretic was already placed upon him. So eager was the church to exercise its power in marking its own citizens as a threat. That word was a feared and whispered thing among the residents. It brought a small scowl to Roen’s countenance at the thought. “Nay, it does not matter.” She shook her head. “Not to me. It just… makes me understand why you are determined to save your mother.” Her voice softened with a sigh as did her expression. “I knew another Temple Knight. He was a noble soul, dedicated to protecting the people and his nation.” She gave him another sidelong glance. “Had I heard that he was wrongfully framed for a crime? I would do everything I could to clear his name.” Roen drew in another deep breath, squaring her shoulders as she looked ahead. “If you are like he, then I know you would be determined to prove your innocence. Return to protect those you love.” There was a small pause, and while there was no smile upon her visage, a hint of it could be heard in her tone. “But I do not believe that you would pillage innocent villagers.”

Roen’s stride slowed at Ashur’s revelation. It was his mother. She felt all the air leave her lungs, and her bearing felt somewhat bereft of its earlier certainty. She still had no doubt that she had to protect Kasrjin’s tribe, and that she couldn’t allow for the Redeemers to reclaim the keystone, but she too couldn’t imagine letting Ashur’s mother suffer. Especially if her son was wrongfully framed. Would she do anything different were she in his shoes? Setting her jaw, she picked up her stride again, continuing forward. They had to keep going after all. But the earlier tension in her shoulders relaxed somewhat. “I have no expectations, in truth.” Roen shook her head with a quiet sigh. “This woman left her son so many years ago, but she believed that he would have a better life. She loved him then, that much is certain. If she wants nothing from me now, not a single detail or coin, then at least I finished something he could not. That will be enough for me.” Another pause fell in between them, as the distant sounds of birds filled the air. Luckily, the trek on land so far had been uneventful. Roen gave Ashur another sidelong glance, her voice quiet but sincere. “You are from Ishgard,” she ventured a guess. “Aye?”

In what seemed like seconds and a lifetime, her hand reached out for his, within her palm a glowing mote of life. There was no way to deny this gift. He felt his hand reaching for it as if it beckoned every fiber of his being. He felt that pull inside him--the same will that had his heart pulsing and lungs working--to take this beautiful offering. And he did. Their fingers touched, and in that moment the light flashed brightly. And he felt her, for just a moment, embracing him. Commission: The Gift By Mizunoir

Roen nearly faltered in her steps with Ashur’s question, the paladin’s gaze going to the man next to her that she almost missed a small dip in the road. She recovered quickly enough as to not trip over it, but gave the dent in the dirt an accusing look as she passed. But it was more of an excuse to divert her gaze away from the Midlander, for her answer wasn’t readily forthcoming. She pursed her lips in thought. She did resign herself to as much honesty as she could just moments ago, did she not? She wrinkled her nose, displeased with her own indecisiveness before she let out a sigh. “I am going to tell her that her son has passed on.” Roen was staring straight ahead, but even as those words left her lips, so did her resolve. Was her mission here something that would give either of them any closure? Would it only bring grief to a woman who had long settled on having parted with her kin? Or would she want to know? Roen shook her head. “And… answer any questions she may have about him. Look to see if her life here is what she wants it to be.” She frowned, and as she continued, conviction began to seep into her tone and gait. “He had much wealth left, when he died. And I do not deserve it. So if I can use it for good, or… to give his mother a better life than what she has…” Her brow was furrowed, and her grey eyes were narrowed. “Then I will do whatever it is in my power to see it happen.” Her eyes flickered to Ashur. “I think he would have wanted that for his mother.”

Gods, Roen was bad at making conversation. With Nero, he’d always been the more talkative one, and Kasrjin was the total opposite, speaking words only as it was necessary. Now that she was going to be traveling with a man she hardly knew, she was trying to get to know the man, but asking blunt questions, she supposed, would not ease them into any kind of trust. But speaking about mounts and riding, well, she at least felt some measure of ease in it. “I have.” Why not start with honesty? All these vague roundabouts were starting to wear on her. “I was fortunate enough to have a mother who… delighted in learning about all exotic things.” Her voice softened notably as the subject of her mother rose to the fore. “I prefer horses over chocobos, in truth. Horses tend to have a smoother gait when running.” The edges of her eyes crinkled at the thought. “I would think riding one would be something you do not forget. I would not pass up an offer, should the opportunity present itself.” With a sidelong glance, Roen spied that hint of amusement on Ashur’s face. “They say that mounts have a natural instinct about who they allow on their back.” Her eyes narrowed with curiosity. “How did you get along with your bird?"

"There is a place on Othard, where the tribes of the Xaela meet, far from our glaciers. Look for the Xaela wearing adornments of obsidian, and you will find those of my people. You may tell them of your association with Kasrjin of the Khadai, and should it please you, we may meet again." Those words, spoken over a year ago, returned to her as if she had heard it yesterday. It was the only bit of instruction Roen had to go by, but she hoped it was enough. From the rare occasions that she did cross paths with other Xaelas in Eorzea, none seemed too familiar with Kasrjin’s tribe. But it was also known that there were plenty reclusive tribes in the Steppe. So would it be as simple as looking for particular Xaelas wearing unique jewelry in this place called Reunion to find Kasrjin’s people? “I… hope so,” Roen answered both herself and Ashur tentatively, not sounding as sure as she would have liked. “I have only met one member of the tribe you are looking for, in truth. But I call him friend.” She looked off towards the mountains as she came to stand next to Ashur. Despite the uncertainty, the prospect of traveling through a new land, discovering things she had never seen before, there was a sense of excitement that was tugging at her lips. Or it could have been that she was finally out of the rolling waves of the sea, but her mood was improving already. She drew in deeply of the cool moist air, and leaned to the side to glance at the map in Ashur’s possession. It was a cursory look, but even with that, the markings and the terrain noted on the chart seemed vast. She nodded as she followed the marked trail with her eyes, then once more ahead to the village in the distance. Oddly enough, her apprehensions were dismissed in favor of anticipation. A shared experience in getting lost. She still wasn’t sure how that would go over with man like Ashur, but she supposed she was going to find out. Roen began to make her way down the wooden jetty to land, her hands absently moving about her person to make certain all things, pack and weapons, were in order. She was somewhat glad she wasn't’ wearing full heavy armor, for a trek on foot would have been more arduous. “Have you ridden horses before?” she asked out of the blue as a thought occurred to her. “I do not know how long this trip would take by foot, and probably no one will sell horses to foreigners but…” She gave Ashur a look over her shoulder, and there was a touch of curiosity in her eyes. “They ride horses here in the East. Have you ever been on one before?”

Roen narrowed her eyes, her lips pursing at his own lack of answer. But that irritation was quick to fade along with the next stroke of the oar. Ashur really didn’t have a reason to trust her at this point. For all he knew, he was coming along with him to stop him when it mattered. And she couldn’t deny that it was a distinct possibility. But for reasons Roen couldn’t quite pinpoint, she didn’t want to. Perhaps it was his motivation to save someone, or that he struck an honest and benevolent chord in their initial meeting by offering to help her without much payment in return. A part of her wanted to believe that this man was well intended. That she was here to help him figure out this mess, to realize that his employers were not the kind to be trusted or aided, and that perhaps they can work together to save whoever it was that needed his help but also make certain that no peril fell upon Kasrjin’s tribe as well. Was that the only reason that she came along? Roen couldn’t deny that she looked forward to seeing Kas. It had been over a year since their parting, and she was curious how things had fared for the austere Xaela warrior. He had confided in her that he did suffer a betrayal by his own people and that he didn’t feel as if he belonged there as he had in the past. What had become of him? Was he still with them? All these questions had her mulling and rowing in silence until they were quickly approaching the shore. Roen squinted at the small fishing village along the coast, and a small wooden dock that extended out into the water. She pursed her lips, now truly feeling as if she was in foreign territory. “So. I trust you have been to the mainland of Othard before?” She glanced from the land back to Ashur. Since she was still quite new to the East, she was hoping that he was more familiar with how to navigate to the Steppe. She knew where she needed to be headed, but how to get there was going to be an adventure.

Does the duckling come with Ruckus?? (I kid... I just thought the duckling in the shot was ADORABLE)