Roen watched as Chachanji fell silent, his violet gaze going distant. It was as if he was seeing right past her to watch some odd scene that was somewhere else, and some other time. His expression turned from one of determination to introspection...the latter then giving way to a myriad of subtle shifts in his mood. She thought she saw a glimpse of fear or even doubt as the apple dropped from his hand, forgotten. But moments later an air of conviction that settled about his young frame; he straightened just a little bit in his seat. She thought she could spy a hint of a newly found confidence behind his eyes.
The paladin released a long sigh of relief. A part of her had feared that Chachanji was not read for this road. This weight that would be put upon his shoulders once his has taken up the Oath. She wanted to impart upon him what wisdom she could share, of the harsh lessons she herself had learned since starting this path.
But she was still learning herself, and her journey was far from over. She did not know if she was ready for what waited ahead. So how was she to prepare another?
In her mind's eye, familiar faces--some she recognized with fondness and others that brought about a twinge of regret--appeared before her, like wisps of memory drifting upon the wind. From her Sworn mentors, Erik, Anelia, and Natalie, to all who have taught her wisdom and strength, such as Gharen, Hornet, and Qaeli, to those who had extended their hands in friendship like Kiht, Osric, Coatleque, and so many others…they were the ones who helped her stand strong when she felt weak, so that she could continue to walk this path. It was they who had helped her rise again when she stumbled.
A soft smile rose upon her lips as the memories of them bolstered her courage, hope and faith chasing away the lingering shadows of doubt. She could be to Chachanji as all those she remembered were to her: a lifeline when needed, a hand extended to pull her up when she was drowning, a kind word of comfort when she was lost.
“Your desire is clear and unwavering, Chachanji.†Roen leaned forward to lay her own unmarked apple upon his lap, its crimson surface shining under the Thanalan sun. “I have all the confidence in the world that no matter what sparked your need to do this in the beginning, in the end, it is who you are that will continue to carry you in this path.†She offered a gentle smile with a tilt of her head. “And should you ever feel lost, alone, or overwhelmed, know that you have friends. You have mentors, like me. You are not alone. No one should do this alone.â€
If the paladin had anything more to add, it was interrupted by a quark as Goldwind’s head dipped between the mentor and pupil, the chocobo snatching up the half eaten apple that had dropped to the ground. Roen let out a laughing yelp as she raised her hand in front of her face to guard herself against the spray of apple bits, Goldwind unceremoniously crunching down on the fruit just fulms away from their faces.
By the time the bird made its sheepish retreat, Roen was wiping away droplets of juice from her forehead, her eyes and expression bright with amusement.
She regarded the young Lalafell with a satisfied nod.
“I think you will be fine paladin. And you can tell Ser Crofte I said that.â€
The paladin released a long sigh of relief. A part of her had feared that Chachanji was not read for this road. This weight that would be put upon his shoulders once his has taken up the Oath. She wanted to impart upon him what wisdom she could share, of the harsh lessons she herself had learned since starting this path.
But she was still learning herself, and her journey was far from over. She did not know if she was ready for what waited ahead. So how was she to prepare another?
In her mind's eye, familiar faces--some she recognized with fondness and others that brought about a twinge of regret--appeared before her, like wisps of memory drifting upon the wind. From her Sworn mentors, Erik, Anelia, and Natalie, to all who have taught her wisdom and strength, such as Gharen, Hornet, and Qaeli, to those who had extended their hands in friendship like Kiht, Osric, Coatleque, and so many others…they were the ones who helped her stand strong when she felt weak, so that she could continue to walk this path. It was they who had helped her rise again when she stumbled.
A soft smile rose upon her lips as the memories of them bolstered her courage, hope and faith chasing away the lingering shadows of doubt. She could be to Chachanji as all those she remembered were to her: a lifeline when needed, a hand extended to pull her up when she was drowning, a kind word of comfort when she was lost.
“Your desire is clear and unwavering, Chachanji.†Roen leaned forward to lay her own unmarked apple upon his lap, its crimson surface shining under the Thanalan sun. “I have all the confidence in the world that no matter what sparked your need to do this in the beginning, in the end, it is who you are that will continue to carry you in this path.†She offered a gentle smile with a tilt of her head. “And should you ever feel lost, alone, or overwhelmed, know that you have friends. You have mentors, like me. You are not alone. No one should do this alone.â€
If the paladin had anything more to add, it was interrupted by a quark as Goldwind’s head dipped between the mentor and pupil, the chocobo snatching up the half eaten apple that had dropped to the ground. Roen let out a laughing yelp as she raised her hand in front of her face to guard herself against the spray of apple bits, Goldwind unceremoniously crunching down on the fruit just fulms away from their faces.
By the time the bird made its sheepish retreat, Roen was wiping away droplets of juice from her forehead, her eyes and expression bright with amusement.
She regarded the young Lalafell with a satisfied nod.
“I think you will be fine paladin. And you can tell Ser Crofte I said that.â€
