Roen

Roen grinned from ear to ear when Daegsatz acquiesced. The paladin had come to know Jojon Serojon--the Lalafellin jailor--from her previous stay at the gaols. At first he had been aloof, exchanging a mere glance, or on rare days a word her way. But throughout her stay, Jojon had slowly warmed to her, likely noting the diligence of Ser Crofte and Natalie’s care as they visited her. By the time Roen was exonerated and was released from the gaols, he had actually given her a smile in parting. Now that the paladin had taken up Ser Crofte’s role in visiting the Sea Wolf, Jojon had afforded her an extended bit patience, allowing her to bring in a skin of rum, food, books, and now even a music box. But this? Well... “Dancin’,” the jailor scoffed, squinting up at her. “Ye expect me to let a prisoner out of his cell so he can dance.” “Well, it would be to stretch his legs really,” Roen rolled her shoulders, a cheerful smile given Jojon’s way. “But I thought I would show him some of what I learned from my childhood lessons." She gave him a wink. "And a far safer thing than practicing our swords. I assumed sparring would be out, aye?” The Lalafell snorted. “Don’t be pushing yer luck, Deneith. It’s well an' fine enough I’ve been lettin’ ye bring all sorts of things in here.” He shook his small fingers at her sternly, key-ring jingling on his hip. Despite the frown he gave her, Roen thought she heard a hint of grim inevitability in his tone. “Have you ever seen a Sea Wolf dance, Ser Serojon?” Roen teased, leaning in with her hands clasped behind her back. Jojon paused, giving her a droll look. “I s’pose I haven’t.” When Roen answered with an expectant smile and opened palms, he rolled his eyes helplessly. “Yer lucky the Sworn gaols are empty for the time bein’. Else I’d never hear the end of this.” He walked up to the barred door and unlocked it with a key, stepping back and eyeing both the occupants with a warning. “I’ll be watchin’ the both of ye down the hall. He’s yer responsibility Deneith. If somethin’ goes wrong, it’s on yer head.” Jojon tossed one more threatening glare the Roegadyn way before he made is way back toward the thick doors at the end of the corridor. There he turned and crossed his arms, watching expectantly. Roen minded not the admonition as she nodded gladly. She stepped out of the cell and spun back toward Daegsatz with a delighted grin. “Now. You were saying?”

Roen canted her head, a playful challenge twinkling in her eyes. Daegsatz did not know how stubborn the paladin could be. “I have always liked dancing because it was much like battle, except without weapons. Gauging your partner, moving as he does...” She glanced about, noting the walls and the ceiling, the cramped dimensions. If the Sea Wolf was anything but a Roegadyn, she surmised they could do some basic steps. As it was, the cell did not give him much room to even move around by himself. “Jojon gave me the same look,” Roen clasped her hands behind her back as she leaned back against the bars, glancing to where the Lalafellin guard had strolled off. “I told him you needed to stretch your legs, and what better way? He thought I was daft.” She gave Daegsatz a sidelong glance with a smirk. “Perhaps I am. But I bet I can convince him to have you walk about in the corridor.” Roen pushed herself off the bars, clasping her hands in front of her. “Come now. It has been cycles since my last lesson, and it is always easier with a partner.” She gave the Sea Wolf a broad, hopeful smile.

Roen made a straight face at Daegsatz. The Sea Wolf and the Hyur may have looked at each other with a deadpan expression for what seemed like ages before the paladin shook her head. “Um. Nay. Apologies.” Roen narrowed her eyes as she spotted the smile reemerge on the Roegadyn’s rugged features. She cleared her throat and approached his cot, settling to a seat at the very edge of it. She laid her basket on top of her lap, her lips twisting as she reconsidered her plan for a moment. “Well…” she chuckled nervously. “I hope you are not going to be disappointed then.” The paladin laid her hands neatly over the lid of the basket, her eyes crinkling with warmth. “I thought we could try something a little different today.” She pulled the linen cover away and drew out a small ornately decorated bronze box. Her fingers gently wound the small lever on the side, before she opened the lid. A delicate melody began to play, a slowly rotating cylinder starting to pluck the metal keys within. “You told me you wanted to see me dance,” Roen gently laid the music box on the cot and rose. She turned around and grinned at Daegsatz. “And your captain told me that your name means Soldier Dance.” The paladin dipped in a small curtsy then extended a hand to him. “So? I thought I would you show you, and you can show me what your name means.”

OH MY GOODNESS what a cute cat picture. Welcome!

Needed some angry loud music during lunch:

Well, at least she did not arrest him. The meeting between Nero and Coatleque had gone about as well as expected, though Roen had hoped for more. Ser Crofte was guarded in her answers throughout the conversation, watching the smuggler with a careful eye. Nero was doing the same, gauging the Sultansworn. Roen doubted Coatleque to have come away from that meeting any more reassured about the pirate than before, and Roen herself had not added much to the exchange. She was still unsure where she stood with the smuggler after Lost Hope. The tension between them was thick enough to cut with a blade. What disappointed Roen more than anything, however, was that Nero had not won Ser Crofte over; he could not give her a clear reason to try and advocate for Daegsatz’s release. When Roen had approached her about it afterwards, Coatleque seemed cautious and deflected her questions to Captain Jenlyns instead. Roen’s heart sank; her history with the Captain had not been the smoothest. Roen hoped that there was no ill will remaining between them. He had extended an invitation for her to return to the Order after the exoneration, after all. It was with that hope that Roen had submitted her request to meet with him. Perhaps I will have good news for Daegsatz on the morrow, the paladin hoped. But she had promised the Sea Wolf good news this day. So Roen had brought something else to offer to the Roegadyn in trying to brighten his day. She gave a small lopsided smile to the Lalafellin jailor when he gave her an odd look with a quirked brow. With the roll of his eyes, the guard let her through, not bothering to question the whys of what she had brought. When she entered his cell, Roen patted her basket and greeted Daegsatz with a smile and a nod. She was determined not to let this visit be plagued by ill tidings or dreary reflections. “I have no news yet of your release,” she began with a quick apology even though her eyes twinkled with a hint of mirth, “...but I brought something else today. If you will humor me.”

"If your intentions are so noble, win me over with silvery tongue and honeyed words. That's what you do, no?" "Miss Deneith seems to believe in our alliance. Is that not enough? Or do you believe her to be suspect in all of this as well?" "I believe you've sold her the prettier tale from your shelves. I'd like the unabridged copy."

Criminal and a pirate, Daegsatz called himself. Roen could not refute these claims. And yet, as the paladin searched the Roegayn’s eyes as he bent to meet hers, she could not accept that that was all he was. His words of wisdom, his belief in protecting one’s principles and the value he placed on a person’s compassion... The label of a pirate and a criminal fell woefully short. Despite his chosen way of life, Daegsatz, beneath it all, had a benevolent heart. Was it then that his upbringing made that choice for him? That the Sea Wolf would raid and steal from others, even if a part of him valued kindness and morality in the world? What if many such as he never knew another way of life? Did they even have a choice? In a sea of predators, they surely needed to do more than avoid getting eaten, but did they need to prey on each other to survive? Roen hoped that in coming to understand this dichotomy--where a good man would lead a violent life--she would better understand Daegsatz…and in turn, his captain as well. “No matter what you have done, you would not be here if it were not for me,” Roen said quietly, her words tinged with remorse. “So I will do what I can.” She glanced down at her chest where he had poked her. “And I will heed your advice. I have sworn an Oath to serve and I will hold to it.” She peered back up at the Roegadyn with a solemn nod. “For without it, I would be lost.” The paladin then gave him a gentle smile, regarding his large frame. “You are the one in the gaols. and yet you lend me words of comfort. Gratitude.” She gave him a bow before turning for the barred door to signal the jailor once more.

I think the ships on this thread are heading into the Twilight Zone... >_>

"Crikey, wot a beaut we've got 'ere! It's an exoneratus garlemaldus, one of the most exotic an' dangerous woild animals o' the Western coast!" No poking me with a stick!! :evil:

D: I am being classified.

. . . :cry: MUHAHAHAHA

Nothing has changed from that premise that we already discussed. I am assuming you and Jancis will be at that certain place at that certain hour once we decide when and where that will be... >_> Well, since you are part of Red Wings security and I think some of the members might get involved... As for those who do not have hooks yet... I am leaving you all in Natalie's hands. MUHAHAHA.

The paladin curled a wistful smile for Daegsatz. “But what if I want to help him too? I cannot just let him be.” Roen let those words fade as reached for the basket again, taking out what food she had brought: a grilled dodo this time, along with some parsnip salad. Her movements were somewhat slowed, her thoughts returned to Nero of course; the smuggler and his mission had been the sole occupants of her thoughts of late. She frowned when she realized this as she handed the dish to the Sea Wolf. “I am going to speak to Ser Crofte tomorrow.” She shifted the topic again. “Surely, there must be something more that can be done to get you released.” Roen began to tidy up the parchments she had laid out, turning away from the Roegadyn to hide her look of disappointment. She did not want to say that she had received no assistance from Ser Crofte or any of the Sworns involved in the raid. Kage had been distant, and Natalie... well, Roen had been avoiding her altogether. Coatleque was her best hope. She would look to the Highlander Sworn to help free Daegsatz from the gaols. Perhaps if she was to arrange for a meeting between the Sultansworn and the smuggler, and Coatleque saw that Nero was not a threat, she would extend that same reasoning to his First Mate. “Perhaps I will have more news for you on the morrow,” She reassured him as she stood. “We will get you out of here yet.”

I will get back to you on the time. Need to touch base with Taeros' player. Alright just remember I like a red dress. HaHa! Well. Um. Roen would not be there... since she is actively working against the Syndicate and Jameson. Buuut I am sure I can arrange for a certain Highlander bard to show up if Otto needs some female enticement. Oscare, I think we have an in for you already into the plot?

I will get back to you on the time. Need to touch base with Taeros' player.

Hm... I can possibly draw you in Verad. We should brainstorm something. Are you going to be on tonight though in Ul'dah? There may be a meeting he may be interested in. Tell me more... Does Otto work for the Syndicate...? If so that would be nice. Too many goodie two shoes in this city. The only person I expressly work for is myself. I view my involvement with them more like Union membership, pay my dues and they crush the fuck out of my problems when I ask and do the favors they ask of me. But if you need their help, or my help since I am apart of that organization, I would be game. I think perhaps when the Ul'dah/Syndicate ships are raided on, it may also affect some of Otto's shipments. I would imagine. Maybe we should arrange a meeting between Otto and a certain noble. Hmmmm.

WHY. WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS.

Yes. I see this too. Natalie x Taeros. And this isn't a good thing.

I think you still forgot to stoneskin my Eos.

A frown creased her brows as Roen regarded the Sea Wolf. Even Daegsatz was voicing some doubt, fearing that Nero could be too far gone. Perhaps it was her stubbornness that refused to accept it, or that she did not want to consider the possibility yet. She wanted to believe that the Roegadyn was just trying to warn her of things should they ever turn dire. Surely if Daegsatz truly thought that Nero was already lost, he would not have shown such loyalty and compassion towards his captain so far. “I always thought it was enough if I just dedicated myself to others, held to my Oath,” Roen answered him, shifting the topic to something other than Nero. “That the difference I could make every day--fulfilling my duty, helping those in need--was something. That it was enough.” She let out a wistful sigh. “I never thought, or saw, beyond that.” The paladin paused, recalling a memory. “When I was in the gaols, I was approached by a Flame Sergeant who told me that I had to make a choice. I had not known what he meant then, but now I think I do. I think…somehow he saw this path that lay before me. This obligation to do more.” The look Roen then gave to Daegsatz was tinged with doubt. “But I am not sure I know what to do. I am not some Light, as he believes me to be. I am just me. All I can do is…” she paused, searching for words, but there were none that could aptly encompass what she meant. She sighed and peered up at the Roegadyn again. “I can only help where I think it matters.” She echoed his words softly. When Daegsatz answered her gaze with a nod, she gave him a small smile. “My mother once told me kindness is a treasure we can all give freely. I always try to live by those words. I may not have a plan, but I will care for who I can. Guard them best I can.” She repeated his words back to him again, this time her own voice steady with conviction.

:angel: I think because they were already firmly canon?

I wasn't there either (and I haven't been... sorry! >_< )but just knowing the people who are involved and running things... They aren't the cliquish type! Don't give up! I mean, Askier & Co. goes through the pains of setting these events up to bring the community together after all! This community is really open. Just make sure there is plenty of OOC communication BEFORE HAND so people know who is whom and what is going on. I know I had to direct someone to this event (late even) and I am sure incorporating anyone to this event would have been made SO much easier if there was just some preparation ahead of time.

Roen stared at her hands that lay still upon her lap, the rest of the contents of the basket untouched. Daegsatz’s prodding was gentle, as if to coax a wary animal out of hiding. In the few suns that she had known the Roegadyn, she had come to feel relaxed around him, voicing her thoughts easily without apprehension. There was also no one else who would understand her predicament with his captain better than his First Mate. But it was more than that. Daegsatz had lived the life of a sailor, a pirate, much as Nero had. That afforded him a certain different perspective in life, and perhaps that was what she was seeking. She knew nothing of the smuggler, but this Roegadyn had shared Nero’s way of life and had raised him from boy to man; in knowing what Daegsatz thought, perhaps Roen would glean something about the mystery of the pirate captain himself. Roen also found that Daegsatz’s honest but simple viewpoint was something she needed. It was in such contrast to his captain, who continuously challenged her at every turn. “Do you know how I met your captain?” The paladin asked thoughtfully, her pensive gaze drifting to the stony floor of the gaol. “I was following him because I thought him a business associate with a Monetarist noble I was investigating.” She furrowed her brows at the memory. “But he did not turn out at all to be who I thought him to be.” Roen flicked Daegsatz a sidelong glance. “Here I was investigating one man, and your captain opens my eyes to the needs of so many more.” She sighed, her shoulders sinking again. “I knew of the plight of the poor and the refugees, but I never truly saw it. Your captain has though. I can see that now. And…while I want to help him, I have no idea how.” She leaned back against the wall with a helpless shrug. “Yesterday, it was made clear to me that his plans, his ways, are far more violent than I would have ever imagined.” She looked up at the ceiling, her head leaning back against the wall. “And I realized, I have no plan of my own to fix Ul’dah. I just never…thought of it. But now, my mind is awhirl trying to think up solutions less violent than his. There must be a way. Despite how naive or foolish he thinks me.” The paladin looked to the Roegadyn seated on the cot with a swivel of her head. Daegsatz was listening to her intently, and she could tell by the pensive wrinkling of his forehead that perhaps he was conflicted again, not wanting to break his captain’s confidence. Roen just smiled weakly, shaking her head. She did not expect him to share secrets of Nero’s past. She offered instead, one of her own. “I used serve the Brass Blades, for a short time at least. My time there was…trying.” She frowned but kept her voice even. “After I left, I did not want to come back. But now…now I see that I can work with the contacts I made, to try and change it from within.” She inhaled, pushing herself off the wall. “You see? Your captain did this. He opened my eyes to the possibilities that I did not want to consider before.” What small hope that rose with that statement was quickly extinguished by doubt. “But he knows only of brutal means to achieve his goals. I see glimpses of the good man that he is inside; he must be, for him to want to help those who cannot help themselves. But with what he has seen, the anger and pain that resides within him, can I hope to change him from his violent course?” Roen looked to the Roegadyn imploringly. She hoped he would have the answers that she did not.

Is it true? It's not low if it's true. I dunno, Oscare's pretty tall... I can hear him screech every time about that shirt...