The relief that Roen found in his explanation was profound, in more ways than one.
The fact that Nero had thought of so many possibilities, the consequences that would follow, and the expansive scope of his plan...it astounded her. But even more so, the fact that he did try to avoid unnecessary deaths and the killing of innocents, it allowed her to breath again; it granted her some respite from the grim and despondent future that he was painting before.
Listening to him, also made her focus on something else other than the daring and flirtatious words he had thrown at her before; they were there to fluster her, of this she was certain. She should have been better prepared for it. But much to her chagrin, Roen found herself stammering, agitated, and grasping for words. His breath was warm on her lips, his voice smooth like honey, and his touch against her cheek made the skin burn crimson. The smuggler knew how to use his roguish ways to set a woman’s heart aflutter, and Roen hated the fact that she too was so easily affected by it as well. And she was annoyed with herself that she actually felt a pang of disappointment when he withdrew.
Curse that pirate, Roen thought darkly. But really she was silently chiding herself for anticipating something more in the first place. And that was not a road she should be traveling on--or sparing a glance toward--or even pondering, for that matter!
“It…will not be a peaceful transition. But it is the smoothest one with the highest chance of succeeding." Nero’s voice filtered into her consciousness again, and it made the paladin blink. She looked at him, reminding herself to focus on the plan.
He did not seem to notice her distracted mien. "Trust me when I say that I have calculated as many factors as possible. I have accounted every variable. Sacrifices will have to be made...but if this works, then they will be minimal."
"That is well thought out.†Roen nodded quickly, bending her brows with forced concentration. “Complex, difficult, so many things have to go right but..." Roen nodded, encouraged. "I can see how it can work."
Nero nodded confidently. "It will take time. And rebuilding will be rocky. But so long as the Monetarists' power is broken, it can definitely work."
Roen exhaled and shook her head, almost in disbelief. "If it works...it would change everything."
"But there are risks," Nero warned. "Some more enterprising people among Limsa Lominsa will seek to expand. And if the Flames are not adequate to quell the city…the Maelstrom may become involved. The politics are volatile. I hope it will not come to that, but we must prepare for every eventuality." The smuggler’s pondered, his expression turning intent. "Ul'dah may, without the Monetarists, be forced into client state status. We risk its independence for this plan.â€
Nero turned to her, new fire lit in his eyes. “But politics be damned. So long as the people are provided for in the end, with a new system, then that will be enough."
Roen found herself straightening, "Ul'dah still has the largest military force on land. I do not think we would need to look to Maelstorm or anyone else to restore order."
"That's not what I meant.†The smuggler shook his head. “If the Flames grow out of control…if Raubahn cannot seize the reins, then the Storm will step in. I meant every contingency. And that includes the ability of the Sultana and Raubahn to lead. If they fail, Ul'dah loses its sovereignty. Not the worst thing to happen, but...it will cause much chaos."
Nero gave her an odd, rather ironic look. "As much as I hate those bastards, the Monetarists keep the other city-states in check with their economic power. Gridania cares for naught but their forests, but Limsa Lominsa is another story."
"I trust that Nanamo and Raubaun will know how to take the lead. The Monetarists's power comes from gil, that is why the Sultana deals with them as she does. The Brass Blades are but a fraction of the manpower of Ul'dah." Roen reflected out loud, then paused. She gave Nero an odd look. “So all that you spoke of before..." Her eyes narrowed. "That grim tale of blood and violence. That was to test me?"
The smuggler folded his arms, raising a thoughtful eyebrow. "Yes and no. There will be blood and violence. The bandits will not back down easily; many of them are on the Monetarist's payroll as well. They would hate to see their corrupt income vanish." He shrugged, his expression turning somewhat sheepish. "I did…exaggerate some parts of it, to push you. You needed the push. You, not I, needed to know where the line was drawn. You truly will not kill, even knowing how it would save people's lives." The smuggler shook his head. "I still find that…foolish."
And then softer, "But hopeful as well."
His ice-blue gaze turned to her, looking at her intently. "You and I will become a sword and shield. I will slay those who encroach upon us. You shall defend justice and the innocent. An apt analogy, no?" Nero held out his hand.
A slow smile broke through her wary countenance, lofted by relief and the promise of hope. Roen knew a part of her should be angry that he had tested her so. But she did not care. She did not have to run him through with a sword. She did not have to think him an enemy of Ul'dah. She did not have to stop him.
Roen took his hand firmly. "It is."
In that moment’s stillness when their hands met, Roen felt no uneasiness between them. Her eyes lingered on him as did her grasp. “Did you ever consider, that I did not use my sword upon you because...of who you were? That had you been some...bandit leader, boasting of his plan and waving a blade of his own, the results would have been different. But it was you."
Nero cocked his head, seemingly both amused and curious at once. "And who am I, Roen Deneith? Who am I to you? You know nothing about me. Not that that is your fault," He quickly corrected himself, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head with his other hand. "I have been…evasive. To a fault. But still."
Roen smiled just a little at that confession. She let her hold on his hand linger a moment longer, her eyes drifting to their joined grip."I know what you will say. That I am seeing what I want to see. But I do not believe you are the man you want to become. This dark avenging evil incarnate that you sometimes seem so determined to be."
She lightly laid her other hand on top of his, embracing it with her own. "I believe you are the man you hope to be," she said, her voice low. "I know not much more than that, but...it is enough. For now." She peered back up at him, even as her hands fell away.
Nero searched her eyes with a puzzled expression on his face. "Why is it that you seem to care so much?" His voice wavered for just a fraction, and Roen thought his mask of composure flickered away for just an instant. "No one…unless they wanted something from me. Unless I had something to give in return. What must I give in return for your compassion?"
Roen regarded him for a long moment, a gentle smile emerging. "Only that you continue to hope to be a better man." She shrugged. "I wish for nothing else from you."
"There…has to be more than that." The smuggler was hesitant to accept her answer. "It cannot be as simple as all that. Surely you want something in return."
“Actually,†Roen canted her head. An odd expression came over her. “There is one thing.â€
His eyes flickered to attention, though she thought she saw a hint of disappointment. "And that is?"
Roen stepped once toward him, and lightly knocked on his chest with a fist. “Stop. Testing me.†Her voice was firm, but it held a playful challenge. She looked to him with a small furrow of her brows. “Trying to get me flustered. Or challenge who I am. I think you know enough now. What I am willing and not willing to do."
Her words seemed to stun him before his face broke out into a smile. "If that is what you wish, Miss Deneith…I'm afraid I will have to refuse just this once. Forgive me."
In one swift motion, Nero moved his head towards her as he took her arm and pulled her body towards him. Without hesitation or warning, his lips met hers for several long seconds before he moved away. When he did, a small, satisfied grin marked his face.
She could only stare, mouth agape.
That seemed to amuse him even more; his next words came jovially. "We have only known each other for some suns…but I will accept your challenge.†He smiled oddly earnestly. His eyes were narrowed on her, but not in their usual way. He finally said, “I will. I will try…to be better."
Roen barely heard those words. She stood there stunned. The kiss was…over before she knew it even begun, but she did not recall pulling back. Or if she had even breathed. She stood there, dumbfounded, at an utter loss for words. Her cheeks were crimson and her eyes unfocused. She blinked several times before she looked back at him again.
"I...um." The paladin started then stopped. Her tongue felt leaden. Her thoughts moved as if they were caught in a mire. “Right. You. You...you do that." She cleared her throat, holding up a finger and gesturing his way vaguely. She felt like an actor on stage with no lines given to her--completely lost. Roen thumbed to no place in particular behind her. "I should um. Go."
His eyebrow arched. "Should you?"
She couldn't even reply to that.
Nero’s expression shifted as he studied her reaction. It was apparently not precisely what he had expected. He nodded quickly and glanced at the empty sea behind him. "Right. And I...well, anyway..." He turned away from her and pressed a hand against his right ear. "Garalt. Status, please. Now."
As soon as his back turned to her, Roen let out a stuttered breath. She no longer felt like a paladin who swore the Sultana’s Oath; she was no longer the gladiator who trained in the Blood Sands. No, Roen felt like a flustered young schoolgirl caught unawares by a boy, with no idea what to do.
She hated it. So she hastily made her retreat.
"Yes. There are things to do, get done." She spun on a heel, calling over her shoulder. "And you have things to done. To...do. And get...done..." Roen's words and feet seemed to be somehow stumbling over each other. She hurried off the pier, her strides long and quick.
It was only when she reached the top of the walkway, and her feet crossed from wooden planks onto the Western Thalanan sands, that she paused. She did not turn back to look where she had left Nero; her cheeks were still burning too hot for her to dare a peek.
She felt foolish, confused, and humiliated, and for a change it was not because of something he had done or said.
It was her. She had practically ran away from him after a kiss. Roen rubbed her eyes with a frown.
It was too late now. She ducked her head low and walked away quickly, to what destination she knew not.
The fact that Nero had thought of so many possibilities, the consequences that would follow, and the expansive scope of his plan...it astounded her. But even more so, the fact that he did try to avoid unnecessary deaths and the killing of innocents, it allowed her to breath again; it granted her some respite from the grim and despondent future that he was painting before.
Listening to him, also made her focus on something else other than the daring and flirtatious words he had thrown at her before; they were there to fluster her, of this she was certain. She should have been better prepared for it. But much to her chagrin, Roen found herself stammering, agitated, and grasping for words. His breath was warm on her lips, his voice smooth like honey, and his touch against her cheek made the skin burn crimson. The smuggler knew how to use his roguish ways to set a woman’s heart aflutter, and Roen hated the fact that she too was so easily affected by it as well. And she was annoyed with herself that she actually felt a pang of disappointment when he withdrew.
Curse that pirate, Roen thought darkly. But really she was silently chiding herself for anticipating something more in the first place. And that was not a road she should be traveling on--or sparing a glance toward--or even pondering, for that matter!
“It…will not be a peaceful transition. But it is the smoothest one with the highest chance of succeeding." Nero’s voice filtered into her consciousness again, and it made the paladin blink. She looked at him, reminding herself to focus on the plan.
He did not seem to notice her distracted mien. "Trust me when I say that I have calculated as many factors as possible. I have accounted every variable. Sacrifices will have to be made...but if this works, then they will be minimal."
"That is well thought out.†Roen nodded quickly, bending her brows with forced concentration. “Complex, difficult, so many things have to go right but..." Roen nodded, encouraged. "I can see how it can work."
Nero nodded confidently. "It will take time. And rebuilding will be rocky. But so long as the Monetarists' power is broken, it can definitely work."
Roen exhaled and shook her head, almost in disbelief. "If it works...it would change everything."
"But there are risks," Nero warned. "Some more enterprising people among Limsa Lominsa will seek to expand. And if the Flames are not adequate to quell the city…the Maelstrom may become involved. The politics are volatile. I hope it will not come to that, but we must prepare for every eventuality." The smuggler’s pondered, his expression turning intent. "Ul'dah may, without the Monetarists, be forced into client state status. We risk its independence for this plan.â€
Nero turned to her, new fire lit in his eyes. “But politics be damned. So long as the people are provided for in the end, with a new system, then that will be enough."
Roen found herself straightening, "Ul'dah still has the largest military force on land. I do not think we would need to look to Maelstorm or anyone else to restore order."
"That's not what I meant.†The smuggler shook his head. “If the Flames grow out of control…if Raubahn cannot seize the reins, then the Storm will step in. I meant every contingency. And that includes the ability of the Sultana and Raubahn to lead. If they fail, Ul'dah loses its sovereignty. Not the worst thing to happen, but...it will cause much chaos."
Nero gave her an odd, rather ironic look. "As much as I hate those bastards, the Monetarists keep the other city-states in check with their economic power. Gridania cares for naught but their forests, but Limsa Lominsa is another story."
"I trust that Nanamo and Raubaun will know how to take the lead. The Monetarists's power comes from gil, that is why the Sultana deals with them as she does. The Brass Blades are but a fraction of the manpower of Ul'dah." Roen reflected out loud, then paused. She gave Nero an odd look. “So all that you spoke of before..." Her eyes narrowed. "That grim tale of blood and violence. That was to test me?"
The smuggler folded his arms, raising a thoughtful eyebrow. "Yes and no. There will be blood and violence. The bandits will not back down easily; many of them are on the Monetarist's payroll as well. They would hate to see their corrupt income vanish." He shrugged, his expression turning somewhat sheepish. "I did…exaggerate some parts of it, to push you. You needed the push. You, not I, needed to know where the line was drawn. You truly will not kill, even knowing how it would save people's lives." The smuggler shook his head. "I still find that…foolish."
And then softer, "But hopeful as well."
His ice-blue gaze turned to her, looking at her intently. "You and I will become a sword and shield. I will slay those who encroach upon us. You shall defend justice and the innocent. An apt analogy, no?" Nero held out his hand.
A slow smile broke through her wary countenance, lofted by relief and the promise of hope. Roen knew a part of her should be angry that he had tested her so. But she did not care. She did not have to run him through with a sword. She did not have to think him an enemy of Ul'dah. She did not have to stop him.
Roen took his hand firmly. "It is."
In that moment’s stillness when their hands met, Roen felt no uneasiness between them. Her eyes lingered on him as did her grasp. “Did you ever consider, that I did not use my sword upon you because...of who you were? That had you been some...bandit leader, boasting of his plan and waving a blade of his own, the results would have been different. But it was you."
Nero cocked his head, seemingly both amused and curious at once. "And who am I, Roen Deneith? Who am I to you? You know nothing about me. Not that that is your fault," He quickly corrected himself, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head with his other hand. "I have been…evasive. To a fault. But still."
Roen smiled just a little at that confession. She let her hold on his hand linger a moment longer, her eyes drifting to their joined grip."I know what you will say. That I am seeing what I want to see. But I do not believe you are the man you want to become. This dark avenging evil incarnate that you sometimes seem so determined to be."
She lightly laid her other hand on top of his, embracing it with her own. "I believe you are the man you hope to be," she said, her voice low. "I know not much more than that, but...it is enough. For now." She peered back up at him, even as her hands fell away.
Nero searched her eyes with a puzzled expression on his face. "Why is it that you seem to care so much?" His voice wavered for just a fraction, and Roen thought his mask of composure flickered away for just an instant. "No one…unless they wanted something from me. Unless I had something to give in return. What must I give in return for your compassion?"
Roen regarded him for a long moment, a gentle smile emerging. "Only that you continue to hope to be a better man." She shrugged. "I wish for nothing else from you."
"There…has to be more than that." The smuggler was hesitant to accept her answer. "It cannot be as simple as all that. Surely you want something in return."
“Actually,†Roen canted her head. An odd expression came over her. “There is one thing.â€
His eyes flickered to attention, though she thought she saw a hint of disappointment. "And that is?"
Roen stepped once toward him, and lightly knocked on his chest with a fist. “Stop. Testing me.†Her voice was firm, but it held a playful challenge. She looked to him with a small furrow of her brows. “Trying to get me flustered. Or challenge who I am. I think you know enough now. What I am willing and not willing to do."
Her words seemed to stun him before his face broke out into a smile. "If that is what you wish, Miss Deneith…I'm afraid I will have to refuse just this once. Forgive me."
In one swift motion, Nero moved his head towards her as he took her arm and pulled her body towards him. Without hesitation or warning, his lips met hers for several long seconds before he moved away. When he did, a small, satisfied grin marked his face.
She could only stare, mouth agape.
That seemed to amuse him even more; his next words came jovially. "We have only known each other for some suns…but I will accept your challenge.†He smiled oddly earnestly. His eyes were narrowed on her, but not in their usual way. He finally said, “I will. I will try…to be better."
Roen barely heard those words. She stood there stunned. The kiss was…over before she knew it even begun, but she did not recall pulling back. Or if she had even breathed. She stood there, dumbfounded, at an utter loss for words. Her cheeks were crimson and her eyes unfocused. She blinked several times before she looked back at him again.
"I...um." The paladin started then stopped. Her tongue felt leaden. Her thoughts moved as if they were caught in a mire. “Right. You. You...you do that." She cleared her throat, holding up a finger and gesturing his way vaguely. She felt like an actor on stage with no lines given to her--completely lost. Roen thumbed to no place in particular behind her. "I should um. Go."
His eyebrow arched. "Should you?"
She couldn't even reply to that.
Nero’s expression shifted as he studied her reaction. It was apparently not precisely what he had expected. He nodded quickly and glanced at the empty sea behind him. "Right. And I...well, anyway..." He turned away from her and pressed a hand against his right ear. "Garalt. Status, please. Now."
As soon as his back turned to her, Roen let out a stuttered breath. She no longer felt like a paladin who swore the Sultana’s Oath; she was no longer the gladiator who trained in the Blood Sands. No, Roen felt like a flustered young schoolgirl caught unawares by a boy, with no idea what to do.
She hated it. So she hastily made her retreat.
"Yes. There are things to do, get done." She spun on a heel, calling over her shoulder. "And you have things to done. To...do. And get...done..." Roen's words and feet seemed to be somehow stumbling over each other. She hurried off the pier, her strides long and quick.
It was only when she reached the top of the walkway, and her feet crossed from wooden planks onto the Western Thalanan sands, that she paused. She did not turn back to look where she had left Nero; her cheeks were still burning too hot for her to dare a peek.
She felt foolish, confused, and humiliated, and for a change it was not because of something he had done or said.
It was her. She had practically ran away from him after a kiss. Roen rubbed her eyes with a frown.
It was too late now. She ducked her head low and walked away quickly, to what destination she knew not.
