Roen

Seconded. Oscare X Aya! moar pls! Thirded! (is that a word) I think it will be cuuuuuute.

.... *Hangs head* I am really ducked behind my computer screen laughing in my office. Ssh.

/thwap You know Naz was not the only female to express interest. It started to make me wonder.. "Is it the armor? Why??" *shrug* Let's just say... Roen is very traditional. EDIT: *dies* CROFTE!

And you wanted a Moneypenny?? Whaaaat?

I support this ship! :thumbsup:

Roen stared up at the dark stony ceiling of her cell, one arm draped over her head. The room was dimly lit, and it reflected her thoughts. How many suns has it been since she'd turned herself in? A week? Suns were already starting to blend into each other. At least she had the singular window in her cell to mark the passage of days; that and the vase of wildflowers that Ser Crofte had brought lent a little brightness to her small cell. A blanket and pillows, parchment to write with, a lamp to lend extra light... all small comforts afforded by the Sultansworn to try and make her incarceration somewhat bearable. It was barely that. The small walled cell sometimes felt as though it encased her like a vise. Askier had noted it within seconds of entering her cell. It took her a few bells, before the dark walls started to feel closer and the room lacking air. When had she become claustrophobic? It was that cursed boat, she thought bitterly. Roen took to her meditations like bee to honey. She had meditated most suns for bells on end, to try and clear her thoughts, to dismiss that heaviness that wanted to crush her chest and shatter her composure. Numerous visitors had brought comfort and welcomed distraction too. Hornet had brought her things from Noscea, just personal trinkets and changes in clothing. But she too immediately felt uncomfortable standing within the prison. Her obvious disgust for the place was worn plainly on the Roegadyn's face. Verad Bellveil, however, brought something Roen did not expect. A gift of levity. He charged in with falsified papers demanding to be put in the gaols, only to be refused. He shared his not-so-sane plan with Roen after the fact, that he had hoped to break her out from within. But the Sworn's refusal to arrest the man on fabricated charges foiled it, and for that Roen was grateful. And... perhaps amused. Their talks were always something that lent brightness to her day and left her with a small, lingering smile. The eccentric elezen seemed to have a special talent for it where she was concerned. He departed with a promise to send her a copy of his highly scandalous memoir to pass the time. Then there was Askier. With the golden-eyed Miqo'te, there was always that sense of stark honesty between them, because they both knew the truth of what had happened aboard that boat, and the darkness they had suffered there. It brought about bouts of sadness, but also a measure of freedom in their honesty towards each other. He whispered his promise, but also slipped her a ceruleum grenade hidden in his sleeve, in their farewell. If she had been quicker in thought, Roen would have gotten Kage to smuggle it back out when he visited her next. But so excited was she when she recalled that the smuggler named Shaelen could potentially clear Gharen of the involvement in the ceruleum theft, that she had completely forgotten about the grenade she had hastily shoved under her pillow. And she dared not share it with Crofte, who may have been duty bound to report it. She could share it with no Sworn. Not even Natalie, who had recklessly stolen Roen from of her cell by sneaking in a courtesan who uncannily bore a face that could have belonged to her sister, all just for an hour's lunch. But the grenade was still in her keeping. Hidden, rolled up in a tunic in her sack, but still there, so she was immediately grateful when Delial unexpectedly came to visit. The woman was obviously not pleased with her decision or her situation, but did not press the issue for long. Instead, Roen asked her to sneak out a special package that Askier had left with her, and the Highlander woman immediately understood. Only after the grenade was disposed of did Roen confess it to Crofte, along with the courtesan who came for a visit. The Sultansworn seemed to gain new lines above her brows with the news, but she bore it stoically. But after the events of today, Roen began to see genuine concern and perhaps even doubt in the Sworn's eyes. Roen frowned as she still felt some lingering aftereffects of the somnus she nearly overdosed on. She was told a potent dose had been hidden in the sweet water that Kage had brought her. She did not recall all of the events clearly, but knew that there was a surprise search of her room while she was trying to stay conscious, and vials of Garlean made aether poison, as declared by the heavily armored Sworn who conducted the search, were discovered hidden in her pillow case. Crofte immediately argued that it was planted, but Roen could not remember any other visitors. She wondered how long she had been asleep after her drugged state. Immediate suspicion fell to the Sworn who conducted the search; Ser Besten was his name, and he proclaimed that his orders came from his superior. He also then implied that his superior had Monetarist ties and knew Taeros. This all seemed to fall back to Taeros, the Monetarists investigator that started the Mines inquiry in the first place; the same man with ties to the Garlean woman, Banurein. Roen frowned, trying to make sense of things. He had his own motivations, as Gharen noted, but none seemed to know what they were. But if he was working for Banurein, one constant had been that the mysterious Garlean woman had wanted Roen to return home to Garlemald. But with this potentially fatal dose of somnus in her waterskin, that no longer seemed to be her agenda. What had changed? The fact that Kiht had known this Banurein woman for a long time came as a complete surprise. Her longtime Moon Keeper friend had come for a visit, and just in time, to discover Roen's groggy, drugged state. Once again, Roen owed her a debt, for with her help, along with that of Ser Crofte and Natalie, the antidote was administered in time and only thing Roen suffered now was a bit of a headache and some hazy memory of the last few bells. But that mattered not to Kiht. The sorrow and guilt she bore on her face when she confessed of the knowledge of the Garlean woman had taken Roen aback. Of all people, she would have never guessed that Kiht would have been in contact with the woman who captured and tortured her brother. Banurein was also likely responsible for getting Natalie, Kage and herself suspended from the Order. And even blackmailing Natalie into luring out Gharen. Now things were starting to make sense. Why would the Syndicate really care for her brother? For a few destroyed properties? For gil? Nay. Banurein wanted him back. This Delial warned her and Gharen. And she used Taeros to bait him back out. Perhaps this somnus was also a trap then. Roen knew, if she had overdosed on somnus, possibly died within the gaols, the news would reach her brother. It would bring him back to Ul’Dah, looking for retribution. It may even rekindle that rage within him that Roen knew he had worked so hard to calm--a rage that Banurein wanted to unleash for unfathomable reasons. Roen clenched her fists. She was tired. She was tired of being beaten. Kidnapped. Poisoned. Tired of being used as a lure for her brother. She was tired of the sleepless nights. Tired of the nightmares. Tired of feeling so helpless. She had turned herself in to the Sultansworns with hope finding a new bloom in her heart. But now laying here, that delicate bloom was threatening to wither. Had she made a mistake? Was she wrong to trust Ser Crofte and the system she so stoutly represented? She could not say. Roen closed her eyes. At least her brother was safe, and Hornet too. But sitting here in the gaols, it made her an easy pawn still. Of this Gharen warned her. He had promised her not to let them use her, but … she was starting to have doubts about his resolve after seeing their methods. She sat up straight in her bed, a new resolve set in her narrowed eyes. Her fate had been given willingly over to the Sultansworns, and she would abide by it. But she would not simply sit here and be bait. A pawn. A victim. There were still pieces to this puzzle that did not quite fit, but she had a nagging feeling in the back of her mind that there was a missing a key, and she just needed to figure out what it was. Roen took a deep breath in, but rather than taking her seated meditative pose, she stood and began to practice her forms--the ones Qaeli had taught her in those final days of her escape in Noscea. She no longer felt the need to clear her thoughts and calm her mind. She needed to get ready for whatever was coming.

WHY Berrod WHY.

Roen would play the piano. I've always loved playing it and hearing it, and it is such a solitary instrument that one can get lost in as you play. And not the sultry singing piano, mind you. Classics. Beethoven. Moonlight sonata. (everyone knows this one) Or any of the Nocturnes from Chopin. My favorite is Nocturne No.2 in E flat, Delicate. Elegant.

Hmm. ... WHEN did my reputation around here get ruined like this.

Warren. You have FAR too much time to indulge your imagination at work. OMG Top Gun Volleyball scene reference

This thread sucks! Verad is quite the charming fellow! In his funny... eccentric... non-charming and non-heroic sort of way.

People love making no end of trouble for me. Looks like I'm going to have to finally have words with Taeros personally. MUHAHAHA!! Now only if I can get Hornet to know what happened... :bomb: And the Somnus was NOT my idea. Just sayin'.

Voice actor for Roen would have either been Anna Torv or Charlize Theron. Former I discovered later when I discovered Fringe, latter I decided on from the beginning as who she was played by when Roen was a D&D character (Years ago!). I am only reviving this thread as an excuse to put this link up. A) Charlize Theron with a shaved head (!!) and B) because it looks pretty kick ass. I am excited.

Where does he get all those wonderful quotes...?

Berrod, Oscare, and Warren all get into a hot tub..... DAMMIT OSRIC!! You also don't get to summon me without a misquote!

That thread has greatly curtailed my ABILITY TO WORK AT WORK. Luckily, I can return to work now in earnest.

"Oh... no fun." Brynn gave an obvious pout as the two paladins walked away, although soon as all gaze was off her, she afforded herself a small smirk. Her attention drifted back towards the bar and the ... odor there. "Maybe I am not as hungry as I thought either." She said blandly to herself. She scanned the tavern again, this time with purpose and narrowed her eyes when she did not find the one she had actually come searching for. Letting go of that easy smile, she approached the second bar counter, away from the one with the fish, and placed a gil upon it for the blonde barmaid who seemed occupied herself before striding out the door. "Al... where ye be?" She muttered to herself as she made her exit.

The bard canted her head to the Miqo'te, her best patient look in place. She clucked her tongue. "Trying to deflect attention from Lady Coats here? Want more fer yerself? I think ye be the one that is jealous. Not gettin' enough attention from yer lover boy there?" Brynnalia lazily looked from Natalie back to the paladins. "I am not sure why ye think I am insultin' the half of a rather handsome pairing here." Her smile returned, as enigmatic as it was. Her own usual accent was slipping back into her words as well, but she did not care. "I was just makin' friends. Talkin' about what to eat. Our appetites. Isn't that right?"

HEY!! I enjoy writing for both! I am a firm believer that telling both present and past makes for a better story!

The bard glanced over her shoulder, her attention drawn by the hand on it. "Well hello, pretty." She winked, her grin not wavering. Then she slowly arched both her brows with a roll of her shoulders. "Insult? Is callin' someone a Lady an insult now in Ul'Dah? If that be the case, she brought that upon herself. I was merely correcting m'self."

"Lady Coatleque Crofte of her Resplendence's royal guard..." Brynnalia repeated, almost slowly. She tapped her chin methodically in thought. "Now why does that initial ring--" She was about to continue when another inhalation led to a discovery of an incredible smell. She immediately frowned, a baleful glare given as she eyed the one dragging in a sack full of what could have been fish shite. She stepped around the pillar, putting as much distance between the bar and herself, although remained close enough to be cozying with the two paladins. She gave the Miqo'tes at the nearby table a passing glance, but her glance really just lingered on Highlanders. And this day, it was the two by the pillar in particular. "Now Lady Coats," she began again, easy smile falling back into place. "I was about to suggest that ye should really consider sampling." She gave her a pitying look. "Because ye look rather famished yerself. It must have been long since..." The Highlander shook her head with a dismissive wave. "But I see now ye be a Lady. Highborn, well bred, I know yer type. Chaste until the ring is put on yer finger. Aye?" She nodded once, almost in deference. "My apologies. I knew not I speak to a Lady."

"No." Hornet said immediately, staring at her. "Roen..." Roen continued to stare at Gharen as if to press her point. “I do not want to be a fugitive. I do not want you to be a fugitive.” She reiterated, this time, there was determination that fueled her words. “I do not want Kage to be a Blade. I do not want them hunting you or Hornet to get to me.” "Goin' with them will put ye in close te' th' syndicate lass.” Gharen met her gaze, his jaw drawn tight. "They wanted you, Gharen. Not me." "Aye, an used ye te get te me." "Then you need to make certain that, that does not happen again." Roen frowned. "I cannot let this be for naught." She glanced over her shoulder towards Ser Crofte, and Natalie who had now come to join her. “I need him cleared.” "Roen… that will be complicated." Natalie chimed in, astonishment clear in her expression. “Far more complicated than your own case.” "Complicated, yes, but not impossible, Ser Mcbeef.” Crofte nodded to Roen then to Natalie. “We must try." “Very well,” Natalie narrowed her eyes. “I will take Gharen’s case.” When she saw all eyes turned to her, the Miqo’te Sworn continued, not wavering. “Ser Crofte can focus on Roen’s case, while I work to clear Gharen. One of the strongest charges against Roen is consorting with a terrorist. If Gharen can be cleared, Roen’s case might go a lot easier.” “Besides…” Natalie added under her breath. “Me working with Roen, is not a good idea.” She averted her eyes from those on the bridge. Crofte nodded. "Aye, and you know more of the events personally than I." She looked back to Roen, breathing a sigh of relief. "Not only that, I will be spending time watching over our guest." Roen turned to Hornet, spying the consternation on the taller woman’s face. "Please do not tell me I am making a mistake." "Roen…” Hornet struggled for a response. "I... I'll take care of him," was all she managed. Roen exhaled and nodded. “Aye.” "Every part o' me says this is a bad idea." "I know.” Roen found herself strangely calmer by the minute. She had something to focus on now. Clearing herself and her brother. It was a purpose. “But I feel it is something I need to do. Too many. Too many have been hurt because of this. I need to put an end to it. I will not have it haunt me or anyone else for the rest of our lives." "It's always been your decision Roen,” Hornet said softly. She slipped down to her knees, embracing her tight. "You will take care of him, aye?" Roen said quietly to Hornet. "I promise." Hornet nodded as she rose again. "If they let me, I'll visit." Roen searched Gharen’s eyes. "I am going to put my fate in their hands. No matter what the decision, Gharen. Do not let them use me to get you." Gharen’s neck muscles tightened slightly. "I cannae promise that, an' ye know it." She frowned, her eyes locking onto his. "Please." She pleaded. “Promise.” The siblings looked to each other in a silent struggle, before he exhaled and took her in his arms. "Ye win. We'll see what Nymeia has in store fer us." Roen rested her cheek against his chest. "Aye." She couldn't see Gharen's scowl. She heard it in his voice. "Lets get this o'er with 'fore I change my mind and do somethin' rash."

Roen's anger had begun to slowly ebb away as she focused on what Crofte was saying. Those were the very hopes she had harbored since she had spoken to the Sworn last, and now Crofte was giving them voice. But that was when Natalie spun around again, after tossing her beret off the bridge into the gully. "The fuck do you want from me, Roen. My life? Take it," she growled. “An apology? Sure. I can whip one up in no time at a--" Roen had no time to react as Gharen stepped up and popped Natalie on the nose. The Miqo’te staggered and fell back against the ropes, her nose bleeding. Natalie rubbed at her nose and laughed. “Is this what you want Roen? For me to feel what you felt?” She rose again to her feet. “Keep going if that's the case." “Enough!” Hornet roared. "Gharen, Roen, go home." "Please!" Crofte stepped in front of Natalie, putting herself between the Miqo’te and the rest. Roen heard none of their pleas. She stepped up next to Gharen, a hand going her brother’s arm to stay any further violence. "No. I do not want your blood on anyone's hands. Why do you think I gave those papers to Crofte? She said she could help more than just me." Natalie blinked surprised, looking from Roen to the Highlander Sworn. “Crofte…? Who else?” Roen did not wait for Crofte to answer as she stepped closer to Natalie, nearly shoving past the Sultansworn in her way. “What I want is some regret in your eyes. Some acknowledgement of the mistake you made. That you betrayed EVERYTHING I gave you. My love. My trust. My faith in you. You destroyed all of that.” Natalie blinked, then closed her eyes. "That's why I can't regret. So much was sacrificed. So much." She hung her head low. "And for what? If I regret it all... it means all that, gone." Her voice lowered to a whisper. “For a mistake." She was trembling. “And I can’t say that. I can’t say everything was destroyed… for nothing.” Seeing Natalie’s sorrow only fueled hers more. “A part of me died on that boat. Do you know that?” Roen could not stop, and neither did her tears for all of her pain. “Do you know how... how Askier screamed? The pain he was in." She felt herself starting to shake again. "And yet, and yet I asked him to live," Roen continued. She swallowed, trying to dismiss the constriction in her throat as her voice rose. “And every time he screamed, I knew ... I knew I was not alone on that boat. Do you know what that is like?!” She screamed with all her rage at Natalie, her eyes wide, her voice hoarse. “To be both tormented and relieved by someone else’s agony??” "Ser Deneith... Please!" Crofte pleaded. Natalie met her eyes, darkness creeping into her green Miqo’te gaze. "I can't even imagine." She uttered slowly shaking her head. "That's why... I have to believe it was for something. That some good came of it. Otherwise it's... it's too much." Hornet came up behind Roen and put a hand on her shoulder, but in reliving her shame and guilt, the unexpected touch made her flinch. She spun away, stepping to grip the ropes on the other side of the bridge. She stared at her white knuckles. "Roen..." Natalie called out from behind her. “Did Crofte tell you those papers would help Kage.... and myself?" "This meeting should be ended." Hornet growled. "Natalie. Enough with that for now." Crofte ordered. "My sister will not be returning te Ul'dah, yers is a city that does nae wish te be saved.” Gharen rumbled. "I need to know." Natalie was insistent. “Roen. Who did Crofte tell you the papers would help?” Roen felt her breathes come and go, and with each exhale her grip on the ropes loosened just a little. She had come here to meet with Crofte with hope. She was trying hard to remember it now. “Who Roen?” She straightened as she released the ropes, taking another long inhale of the sea air. She turned when she felt that she had regained some composure even though her voice still sounded ragged. “She hoped it would clear all those that it damned." She lifted her eyes towards the Highlander Sworn. "Is that still your hope... Ser Crofte...?" "Aye, it is, and always has been." Natalie nearly staggered. "You risked yourself..." she murmured, turning away. “For…” "You shut up." Hornet warned. "I need to go,” Natalie choked out as she shoved past Hornet. Roen did not notice when Hornet turned as well and followed her off the bridge. Ser Crofte stepped forward, her voice soft and her gaze imploring. "You need not relive those events every night." "When does it go away...?" "When you chose to allow it, Ser Deneith." The Highlander Sworn bowed her head slightly, locking gaze with her. "For three years... three years I was forced to serve. All manner of... clients. If I refused, I suffered close to the same fate as you." Roen blinked, staring at the woman. "You must not allow it to change you," Crofte said softly. "It is over. Do you understand? It is over, and you survived. Do not make your survival count for naught..." She inhaled. “If you need to talk about it more, I will listen. But that is not why I am here tonight... you understand that?" Roen bowed her head and nodded. "How certain are you...?" Quiet words that held but mere threads of hope, they emerged quietly from beneath the hood. "That you can clear me of these charges." "More certain every day.” "If you do not bring me in... is what Natalie said true? There will be others?" Crofte swallowed, her brows furrowing. "Aye, she speaks true. My... our hands have been forced. To my chagrin, the Captain has made us partners in this matter now. Though I retain rank over Ser Mcbeef. We need your testimony as well, of course, the accused has the right to speak her own defense... but you cannot do so here. The accusations of this man, Cicero. They were used to damn all three of you. If we can acquit you, the other two must be as well by association, as he accused all three for the incident at the mines." She glanced to Gharen who was now glaring at her before she continued. "The only matter I am unsure of is that of your brother." "I do nae care how Ul'dah regards me Miss Crofte.” Gharen crossed his arms, stepping up close behind Roen. “An' regardless o' how yer captain thinks I don' think it wise fer my sister te turn herself in. Th' sworn have shown themselves te be corruptible in th' face o' th' syndicate before." Roen stared off the bridge to the ravine below, her thoughts whirling. She had been pondering these possibilities for many nights now. “If... I am acquitted... then perhaps all implicated would be as well. Including my brother. Lilliana tracked us all, when I was meeting with the Resistance. She said she had no interest in arresting any of them." “Then you have even more to hope for, aye?" Crofte sounded hopeful, looking from Gharen to Roen. A long silence fell between them. A gust of wind tossed her cloak this way and that about her as Roen stood stalk-still, her thoughts lost to possibilities. She had not shared with Gharen what she had been pondering, for she knew he would not like it. And despite the angry exchange with Natalie, it had not wavered the decision Roen silently made before arriving at the lighthouse. "As I have always said..." Crofte broke the silence. "You have time to consider the options." "But next time it may not be you." "Aye, and I would prefer this be resolved tonight... this is not my choice to make." Roen bowed her head and she could feel Gharen’s eyes upon her even without looking up. She spoke quietly. “Gharen. I know you do not want me doing this.” She turned and drew her hood back, looking at him fully. “I do not want to be a fugitive. I do not want you to be a fugitive." "Yer right I don'." He said quietly to her, his jaw set. He casted a look towards Crofte who was retreating off the bridge. "I believe ye te be an honorable woman an tha' ye'll hold te yer word.” The Sultansworn turned at the end of the bridge just as she watched Hornet return, passing her. "Ser Wolfsong, my life is forfeit if I do otherwise." "More'n yer life is forfeit if'n ye fail. Ul'dah is a city tha' does nae with te be saved, an if'n they wish te regard me as a terrorist the'll see jus' what kind o' a holy terror I can be if'n ye fail.” “Gharen,” Roen looked up at her brother, her eyes lucid and focused, having shed the fury and the shame that raged in them before. She waited until Gharen turned his eyes back to her, and she sensed his reluctance. As if he knew what she was going to say. And he did not want to hear it. She said it anyway. “I am turning myself in.”

"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.” "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?” 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. 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?” 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.” Natalie continued regardless. "What would you have me do Gharen? Crawl on my knees? Weep? Beg for forgiveness?" She shook her head.”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.” 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!” "The Syndicate made me an offer." Natalie’s countenance remained steadfast and unmoved. “Of course, I did.” 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.” 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.” "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.” 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.” 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!” "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.” 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.” 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."

Brynnalia eyed the red-headed woman with a look, a wide-eyed smirk that hinted at both anticipation and amusement. "Oh?" She canted her head as she looked her up and down. "Recovered from yer fall I see. Sobered up fast enough." "And who might ye be? His bookkeeper?" She swayed closer to both of them. "Because dear kind Warren here was just helping poor old me feel back at home with some company. Ye would not begrudge a girl fer wanting a handsome specimen like that across the table, hm?" She winked at Warren, then at Crofte with a wider grin. The bard certainly was not shy. She clucked her tongue. "Tsk tsk. Crows. Such gamey things are for those who waste time indulging in silly things like propriety." She shrugged. "I prefer to sample all sorts of meats." She gave the room a quick scan, noting quite a few men. "Chest or thigh? That would be my dilemma. Not hens or crows." Green eyes flickered to the red-head again. "Have ye sampled some recently? Ye look hungry."