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What You Are In The Dark【Complete】

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Roen Roen Find all posts by this user Visit this user's website A Free Sworn Posts:1,230 Joined:Nov 2013 Character:Roen Deneith Server:Balmung Reputation: 306 Timezone:UTC-8 RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 | #11 03-12-2015, 06:47 PM (This post was last modified: 03-14-2015, 01:29 AM by Roen.) The backwards helm was yanked off of Roen's head, the sudden influx of light so bright it made her squint. Her disheveled forelocks hung loose over her eyes, her breaths coming quick behind the gag. She knew she had traveled more than a few malms since the teleportation to Ul’dah’s aetheryte crystal; she had felt the warm touch of the city-state’s cobblestones beneath her bare feet as she was dragged through the street as quickly as possible. Following that, her feet traveled dirt roads. Now she stood upon a woolen rug, and indoors; she knew that even as her vision began to clear. “Hello, Roen. It’s been a while.” Jameson Taeros sat in a reclined pose behind a dark polished desk, his pressed white shirt a stark contrast from her own rain-soaked and mud-stained tunic. He gestured to the mercenaries with two fingers. “Please, remove her gag. We are civilized here. And she knows she is a wanted woman in Ul’dah. This should not come as an undue surprise.” Roen followed the noble’s gaze to the armored Sworn standing next to her in silence. “You did well.” Jameson curled a smile. “I did what was necessary for Ul’dah.” Coatleque kept her tone neutral. “Of course,” Jameson said, gesturing vaguely. “It does pain me that I had to resort to this.” “And yet another Sultansworn wrapped around your finger,” Roen said in a hoarse voice once the gag was removed. “How do you do it?” The noble shrugged. “Roen, we saw one another at the gala, remember? Coatleque was my date.” His amber gaze strayed back to the Sworn. “We are still…an item.” It was a matter-of-fact statement, one that held little warmth, if any. “I was hoping in my most pristine of dreams, that we, the four of us, could find some common ground. To stop the killing. That is what this is all about.” “The four of us?” “You, me, Coatleque, and Lazarov, of course.” Roen narrowed her eyes. “We have nothing to talk about.” “Not fer nothin’, boss,” Morn cleared his throat. “But what this is about is gil. So if me an’ Tash can get our pay, we’ll be the fuck outta yer hair.” Jameson flicked the two mercenaries a patient look. “Vandol. Holbrook. Your pay will be arranged. You have my commendations.” He waved to the door. “If you would like to extend your current contract, please step outside and guard the door. Ensure that no one enters.” There was a pause between the two mercenaries that flanked her sides, and Roen saw a slight stiffening of the male Highlander’s frame. Morn and Tash exchanged looks, then grumbled as they turned. “Yeah, we’ll be right the fuck outside,” the male said. “He’s been good for it so far,” the paladin heard the woman murmur as they closed the door behind her. Taeros let out a long sigh as he rose from his desk, approaching a wine-filled decanter and glasses on a side table. “Coatleque, please make Roen more comfortable,” he said without turning. The Sworn stepped up behind her with a blade, but seemed to hesitate a moment before cutting her binds loose. Roen rubbed at her raw wrists as Jameson walked up to her, two glasses of wine in hand. He handed one to Ser Crofte, and offered her the other. “It’s sad that it takes this to bring you here to me. Really.” He sighed when the paladin made no move to take the offering. “Am I not civilized? Truly?” He lifted the glass to his own lips, taking a languid sip of it as his pale eyes studied both the paladin and the Sworn in turn. “I want you to know that this hurts Coatleque more than she will ever admit.” When Roen did not answer him, he continued. “Not that you’ve ever cared about anyone other than yourself, Roen. That and whatever you hold for honor. Piety.” There was a hint of mocking pity in his tone. “As long as you are at the center.” She shot him a glare. “This is not about me. This was never about me.” “You see people who oppose your views as traitors.” Taeros dismissed her words with a wave. “I believe that was the term that was thrown around regarding poor Natalie. In your view, she must have been brainwashed somehow.” His voice dipped. “I adored Natalie. She was a blunt instrument, but she was guileless. Unselfish. Whatever her other faults.” “I do not know how you did it.” Roen shook her head, finally taking the moment to look at the man standing before her. “You, the one who had us all removed from the Sultansworn Order. You somehow convinced her to blackmail my brother into surrendering and execute another man without a trial.” She bowed her head, scowling. “And now you have another Sultansworn to take her place.” “Whatever you judge Natalie to have been, whatever you judge Coatleque…they are nothing compared to the bed of vipers you have decided to lay yourself in.” There was a small curl to the noble’s lips. “So please do not be so quick to judge.” “The snake calling out the viper,” Roen hissed. “I suppose one knows his own kind.” “I brought you here to broker a peace. Not to see you in chains. Why do you think I ordered your face covered?” “You are wishing to bargain…?” the paladin asked with obvious disbelief. She was about to continue when a quick knock interrupted them, followed by the mercenary woman poking her head in. “Uh… boss? Some guy is here. Esmond Dirk? I told ‘im to fuck off but he insisted.” Jameson frowned, his earlier smile fading. “See him in.” Roen remained silent as another Midlander entered, and both he and Taeros retreated to the back room without another word. Their voices were hushed in their exchange, leaving the paladin and the Sultansworn alone in the main room. “I trusted you,” Roen broke the silence, glancing sharply at the armored Sworn who had yet to say anything to her. “You did,” Coatleque responded cooly. “You cannot even meet my eyes.” Roen stared at the woman a moment longer. “I suppose you made your choice.” Coatleque looked off at the map hanging on the wall. “Nero made my choice. Do not make this harder than it must be.” Jameson entered the room again, setting his wine glass on the desk and pouring himself a refill. “Roen, if you must insist on playing the victim, I cannot stop you. Be my guest in that. I do what I do, Coatleque does what she does, for the good of the people of Ul’dah.” He lifted the glass again, although it paused, hovering before his lips. “Can you say the same about Lazarov?” Taking another sip, the noble closed the distance between them. “I understand your…view of his intents may be skewed. But.” He leaned closer, training his gaze upon her. “You cannot deny he is the most dangerous creature our city has seen since Dalamud burst like an egg.” Roen leaned away, glaring back at him. “You, along with the rest of the Monetarists, you live on the backs and drink the blood of the poor. You grow richer as they wither. You consider Nero more dangerous because he wants to do something against people like you. I suppose a sharp dagger looks more like a threat than a festering disease slowly rotting the core.” The noble’s shoulders rose and fell with a heavy sigh. “Festering diseases now.” He flicked a lazy glance at the Ser Crofte. “Love, if your sweet conscience was burdened by this so-called betrayal…” He lifted his hands. “Witness what truly happens when a mind is coerced and poisoned.” "My feelings are irrelevant,” Coatleque said flatly, her gaze still fixated on the distant wall. “My duty takes precedence." Taeros narrowed his eyes on Roen, a look of anger flashing. “A disease I am. Yes. To him. Lazarov wants me dead.” He lifted her chin with the rim of his glass. “You do as well, perhaps?” He paused as if to look for a reaction, searching her eyes. “All because of the first mate, yes? Daegsatz.” Roen stiffened, a part of her insides burned at the mention of the Sea Wolf’s name, but she refused to take the bait. The noble leaned back with an exhale. "That was a bit of bad work. Natalie...took things a bit too far. It was not my intent, I assure you." He rubbed his fingers distastefully. "But what happened happened.” "You will forgive me if I have a hard time believing that," Roen replied coldly. "And there are many who want you dead." “I am shocked you think you know of "many" who want me dead. I don't suppose you are willing to supply names,” the noble said, sounding almost amused. Then he sighed. "It doesn't matter, Roen. You are not the only person willing to break rules for something one truly believes in. This is not about honor. This is not about laws. This is a war for higher values.” "Higher values.” Roen said incredulously. “Is it not about self-preservation? That is what you called higher values?" Jameson tilted his head, that patient look never leaving his face. "This is for the future.” He looked to Coatleque, drawing her attention. “Our future. Roen's future, whether she likes it or not." The Sultansworn nodded. "Yes, of course." "Let us call it what it is.” Roen frowned at them both. “Preservation of your lifestyle. The way things work in Ul'dah. The way Monetarists run things. That is what you want to preserve. Protect. When it is wrong." Taeros studied her in silence for a long moment. “What would you have me do?” he finally asked quietly. "If you had your fondest wish. Right here, right now. What would happen?” "My wish? It is to see the Sultana recognize you and your kind for the poisonous influence that you are for this city--for all of Thanalan. That she dismisses the powers of the Syndicate, uses your vaulted, treasured wealth to supply for the poor outside those walls and within. To reorganize how this city works." “My wealth. The Syndicate's wealth.” Jameson looked less amused. "But not the Sultana's wealth. Surely. Her wealth, that should remain. Of course. Because she was born to it. It is her gods-given right.” "I have no doubt that she would give what she can to help her people." The look the noble gave her, for a moment, was an odd combination of amused and affronted. “Do you truly think that would result in a sudden boon, a bloom of flowers upon the commons? Not even you are fool enough to believe that. The Sultana would shore up her walls, would make certain portions of the city prettier…and the rest, like Pearl Lane, would be shoved away to continue to wallow in despair.” Jameson twirled the wine in his glass again. “Are the Syndicate's "rules" hard to play by at times? Certainly. They reward bold men and women, ones with courage and guile. The ones who fail to keep up…” He trailed off with a shrug. The noble set his glass back down on the desk, his tone changing oddly. “Your family...they are of an unconventional origin as well, are they not?” "You can stay that.” “And yet, with such an "unconventional" bloodline, you still swear, heart and soul, to Her Majesty.” He gestured to the Sworn. “At least Coatleque can say her blood runs true. A desert rose. Neither of us could say that.” Roen frowned at the implication that was being left unsaid. "You proclaim your higher purpose is for Ul'dah. Does it surprise you that I hold the same?" Roen did not answer. Taeros turned, looking a the map that hung on the wall behind his desk. "I do not proclaim a higher purpose to Ul'dah. It is for the people in it. The smallfolk, the ones I struggled with, shoulder-to-shoulder, in my rise." His voice had quieted. "The city could fall to dust. I care not. Ah, but the people..." Roen could not keep the disbelief out of her voice. "You. You care. For the people." Taeros turned with a chuckle. "Well let's be plain, I do not care for all the people. Ul'dah has its share of sores. But that is life. The strong survive. The Sultana just paints a prettier picture than the plain one I just rendered.” “The Sultana has shown willingness to help her people!” Roen protested. “Oh please,” Taeros sneered. “Token gestures. Have you been to Pearl Lane. Where is her kindness there? The places she cannot be bothered to step her dainty foot get none of her aid. As ever." Roen scowled. "You think she can fix that herself? And fund the Immortal Flames? And still continue to rule? And fend off the power struggle with your kind?" "I doubt I could ever convince you otherwise.” Jameson sighed as he stepped closer, peering at her. “Roen, if I were the man you believe me to be, why should I not simply have you killed?” Roen remained still, her jaw set. "Truth? I do not expect to live for much longer under your care." Taeros narrowed his eyes as if insulted. "The better answer might have been that you are more useful as a hostage." He gave the silent Sworn another glance. “This is what I get, Coatleque. Do you think Lazarov is good for her? Be honest, love.” "I do not,” Ser Crofte responded curtly. Jameson smiled back at her. “You see? Sultansworn and Syndicate. Literally and figuratively in the same bed. And the both of us concerned for your welfare.” "My welfare," Roen let out a bitter snort. "I really doubt I am here because of your concern for my welfare." "Irrelevant,” Coatleque spoke again, her words clipped. “She knows where Lazarov is. He must be brought to justice. Did Vandol give you her linkpearls?" "No, I shall have to retrieve those.” Jameson still wore a frown as he took a long sip from his glass. “We will draw out Lazarov in time. I am not fool enough to believe he would rush in. Especially if I reveal how much Roen and I have in common." He swirled his wine. "She and I, we actually do share an origin. Of a sort." “You and I share nothing in common." Roen almost spat the words. Jameson raised his eyes from that glass to the paladin. "We do," he insisted softly. "The fact that we were both born of Garlemald, primarily.” Roen paused, not expecting that admittance. She had of course suspected that he had associations with Garlemald, owing from his past connection with the Garlean scientist Banurein, but she had not known he himself was of Imperial origin. Why was he telling her? But even as she studied his face, she saw him blink, as if he just remembered something--a hair’s width too late. “Dirk.” The man that had entered earlier stepped out from the back room. He bowed deeply, his expression neutral. “Yes, m’lord.” “Do me a great favor, and replace the Holbrook woman's watch.” Jameson smiled. “Send her in.” Roen stole a glance at Coatleque as the man exited, to gauge the Sworn’s reaction. She betrayed nothing, but her eyes were intently fixed on the map. “Y'wanted t' see me, boss?” Tash entered, giving a nervous glance toward the two women. It was as if she was expecting to find a body or two. “Yes.” Taeros turned and rounded his desk, unlocking a drawer with a key he kept hanging on a chain around his neck. He withdrew a small pouch. “Esmond Dirk intends to betray me. He has made that plain enough. We need to ensure he is gone. That should not be too difficult?" He tossed the pouch to the female mercenary. “For your service.” "We's pros. 'Course not. But, uh..." She caught the pouch easily, and drew it open. Whatever she saw within made the woman smile wide. She pocketed it quickly. “We have an understanding,” Jameson nodded once. “Consider it done, boss.” “Dismissed.” When the door clicked closed again, the noble let out a long sigh, "We all have secrets we would rather not see the light of day. Trust is…” He paused for a breath, his amber eyes drifting to the Sworn. “It is a gift.” The two seemed to lock gazes for a moment before Taeros turned back to Roen. “I trust Coatleque implicitly. And she trusts me not to do something so juvenile as to murder you outright.” "So why are you telling me?” Roen too regarded the Sworn who seemed to have no reaction to a death order that was just given. Or the news of Taeros's Garlean origins. Perhaps she did not know the woman at all. “Are you trying to win me over?” “I do not need to win you over, Roen.” Jameson stepped back around the desk, approaching her. “I already know I will not. But I need you to understand my purpose in all this. It is every bit as equal as yours. We both come from a place that, were it learned by the commoners…neither of us would be safe from a common lynch mob.” Jameson studied her for a moment longer before he curled his usual smile. “You will be my guest, Roen. In one of my special cells.” He brushed a forelock away from her eyes, playing with it gently between his fingers. He glanced to Coatleque. “Take a lock of her hair, in case I wish to send it to Lazarov. But we should also ensure she has every comfort. For now.” He gave the paladin a pointed look. “Until she becomes uncooperative." "As you say,” the Sworn’s tone had returned to its flat monotony as she began to withdraw a pair of manacles from her belt. “Cover her face so that other 'Sworn or Blades do not recognize her.” Jameson tilted his head, feigning an apologetic look. Roen said nothing as her wrists were drawn behind her again, cold iron slapping around them. Taeros laid a tender hand on the Coatleque’s shoulder as he watched her work. "You should ask yourself one thing, in all of this, Roen. If I trust her with my secret, and she trusts me as she does, is it even remotely possible you could be the slightest bit wrong about me?" "Or I was entirely wrong about her,” Roen said bitterly, staring Crofte down. "In a way, you may very well have been." Jameson replied softly. Then with an odd smile, he leaned to kiss Coatleque on the cheek. "Return to me tonight, love. We will speak of pasts...and futures." "As you wish,” the Sworn replied quietly. Then another hood fell over Roen’s eyes. Tumblr IC Journal and Inspirations Roen Deneith | Nabi Kharlu | Brynnalia Callae

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What You Are In The Dark【Complete】 - by Nero - 02-20-2015, 06:17 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Coatleque - 02-21-2015, 10:36 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Coatleque - 02-23-2015, 06:06 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Coatleque - 02-25-2015, 01:00 AM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Roen - 02-25-2015, 04:59 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Nero - 02-26-2015, 12:51 AM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Roen - 03-03-2015, 01:50 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Coatleque - 03-03-2015, 04:00 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Coatleque - 03-03-2015, 06:40 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Roen - 03-10-2015, 12:13 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Roen - 03-12-2015, 06:47 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Coatleque - 03-13-2015, 11:58 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Roen - 03-16-2015, 02:55 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Roen - 03-17-2015, 11:59 AM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Roen - 03-21-2015, 12:23 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Roen - 03-22-2015, 11:10 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Roen - 03-24-2015, 11:59 AM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by C'kayah Polaali - 03-24-2015, 06:28 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Coatleque - 03-25-2015, 03:48 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Nero - 03-26-2015, 12:32 AM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Coatleque - 03-26-2015, 04:35 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Roen - 03-26-2015, 10:58 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Roen - 03-29-2015, 01:12 AM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by cuideag - 03-31-2015, 09:15 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Coatleque - 04-01-2015, 03:58 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Coatleque - 04-04-2015, 06:44 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Coatleque - 04-06-2015, 10:35 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Coatleque - 04-07-2015, 11:37 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Banquo Viaquo - 04-08-2015, 03:39 AM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Melkire - 04-08-2015, 03:47 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Roen - 04-09-2015, 10:22 AM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Roen - 04-09-2015, 06:46 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Warren Castille - 04-10-2015, 10:21 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Nero - 04-10-2015, 10:44 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Roen - 04-13-2015, 12:05 AM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Leggerless - 04-13-2015, 01:48 AM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Coatleque - 04-13-2015, 05:20 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Coatleque - 04-13-2015, 09:06 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Melkire - 04-14-2015, 08:18 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Knight Kat - 04-17-2015, 08:54 AM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Coatleque - 04-20-2015, 09:51 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Roen - 04-26-2015, 02:15 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Melkire - 04-27-2015, 03:30 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Nero - 04-29-2015, 05:30 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Coatleque - 04-27-2015, 09:00 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Coatleque - 04-29-2015, 12:07 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by C'kayah Polaali - 04-29-2015, 07:19 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Melkire - 05-01-2015, 08:40 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Banquo Viaquo - 05-02-2015, 06:27 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Roen - 05-03-2015, 04:48 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Roen - 05-03-2015, 06:14 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Shas - 05-05-2015, 04:09 AM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Mikh'a - 05-05-2015, 01:40 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Nero - 05-05-2015, 03:42 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Aya - 05-08-2015, 06:36 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Melkire - 05-08-2015, 07:38 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Askier - 05-08-2015, 11:36 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Mikh'a - 05-10-2015, 09:52 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Coatleque - 05-11-2015, 12:56 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Nero - 05-11-2015, 02:19 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Melkire - 05-11-2015, 03:58 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Shas - 05-11-2015, 05:39 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Mikh'a - 05-12-2015, 04:14 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Nero - 05-14-2015, 06:01 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Roen - 05-15-2015, 01:38 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Roen - 05-15-2015, 01:43 PM RE: What You Are In The Dark【Closed】 - by Roen - 05-15-2015, 01:46 PM

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