When Gideon returned, Roen was dressed in a commoner’s outfit: a white tunic that fell off her shoulders with a corset that tightened around her waist and a long dark skirt. That was what was deemed appropriate by the Monetarist noble, it seemed. The guard had taken away her old clothes, and although they were dirty and stained with mud and old rain, loose tunic and pants were much preferable to a corset and a dress. It made the paladin fidget as she sat on the edge of the bed. She kept straightening out the nonexistent wrinkle in her skirt.
After a polite exchange, the guard excused himself “for a piss†after unlocking her cell. Roen guessed that he didn’t want to leave any opportunities open for another lecture from the butler.
“Those dumplings,†she said once the guard left them alone. “Interesting spices.â€
“I am vindicated to hear so, Miss.†Gideon began to gather the dishes and the utensils, stacking them neatly upon the tray. “I always believed, Miss, it was better to be prepared for a variety of circumstances and tastes. If Miss has saved some leftovers from the meal, I advise she hang onto them for now.†He paused, glancing over his shoulder. “One may never know when they may add the perfect complement to an otherwise-complete meal.â€
She took that brief moment to give him the smallest of smiles. "Gratitude," she murmured.
“Merely doing my job, Miss.†He bowed. “Is there anything further Miss requires of me or my master?â€
When she met his gaze, their expressions held a new gravity that they had not spoken with before. "I have very few friends left...here. Or in Thanalan.†She paused with a tilt of her head. “I am not even sure where I am.â€
“Miss is in a subterranean complex below the Hammers. I do not believe the machinery would be audible from this level, however."
Roen frowned. She had guessed as much, at least in terms of the depth. "One is named Kiht Jakkya. She probably does not know what happened to me or where I am. But...she may inquire soon.â€
“Is there an advised course of action for this eventuality?†Gideon asked calmly as he continued to arrange the dishes onto the tray.
The paladin bit her lower lip. How much could she say here? And yet, what other opportunity did she have? “Nero has given up. I have told Ser Crofte this. I do not think she believed me. Or she may not care. Your master likely want him see him dead, either way.â€
“Indeed, Miss.â€
Roen lowered her head, her voice lowering as if almost ashamed to admit these details. They were partly her own failures too, were they not? “Nero had armed a bandit gang in Ul’dah with Limsan guns. I was looking to stop them when I was caught. If I cannot, he must. He said he would. It is…one of the reasons why I cannot turn him over. I will not turn him over to your master no matter what the circumstance. But Kiht…if she knows what has happened…perhaps she can convince him to do the right thing.â€
Gideon paused and turned, looking to her calmly. “I reiterate: what is the appropriate course of action if said woman appears at the estate?â€
That gave paladin pause. She did not quite know. She had asked Shael to contact Kiht if something were to happen to her. Because Kiht was the only other person that Roen was aware of, that knew where Nero could be found. Shaelen possibly knew as well, but Roen never expected the Highlander woman to risk too much. But Kiht…as much as Roen trusted her, would she be able to talk Nero into stopping the bandits when she herself was unable?
"Help her speak to who she needs to." Roen sighed. It was vague enough without speaking out loud too many details. "I am not certain that is your master."
“I am hardly in a position to bring her to anyone else, Miss.†Gideon arched a brow, obviously confused.
The paladin frowned. She was more frustrated at herself than anyone else. She should have thought up a backup plan rather than wallowing in despair over her failures. She was asking him to direct Kiht to Nero, without saying out loud that her friend knew how to find the pirate. She did not know if they were being listened in on, or how much Gideon was risking already. She shook her head, rubbing her forehead. “Ser Crofte. She arrested me. I did not think she would. I was foolish, aye?â€
“In order to ensure the protection of our ideals and those around us, Miss, we often resort to drastic actions when they seem the only method available.â€
"Aye. We do." Her voice grew quiet in reflection. "Perhaps I was doing the same but turning a blind eye to things I should not have." She stared at her dress, scowling. "He gave up," she finally blurted out. "After all that. He just...quit."
“I see. Should he have done it sooner, Miss?â€
Roen bit her lower lip as she bowed her head, her forelocks falling heavily before her eyes. "I...I do not know. He had such violent plans. I do not know if I could have stopped him from enacting them. I suppose a part of me should be glad that he did give up before those plans came to fruition. Plans he hid from me." Her voice trembled slightly. "I thought we saw the same end, he and I. And I thought I could steer him toward one path over the other." She shook her head. "I was so wrong."
“Perhaps, Miss.â€
The paladin snorted bitterly and let out a chuckle tinged with sadness. "So no violent plans, but nothing else either. All that work. And nothing. All the deaths, for nothing."
Gideon turned from the table, his hands folded neatly in front of him. “I am no judge of men, but I have my doubts that much would have changed had his plans succeeded.â€
Her lips curled into an angry frown as she glared up at the butler. "So what was I working for then??"
Gideon’s composure did not falter. “Presumably for love, Miss.â€
Roen stared at him for a moment longer, before turning her gaze away shamefully.
“To my understanding, that was the sole factor in play. Everything else was eliminated.â€
Her hands curled into tight fists upon her lap wrinkling her dress, her knuckles turning pale with the strain. "That would make me the biggest fool, Mister North,†she rasped.
“That would make Miss a proven woman of singular devotion, Miss.â€
Roen buried her face in her hands, her shoulders trembling with emotion. She stifled a sob, refusing to show him her humiliation. That was when she felt an embrace of the blanket around her near bare shoulders, as Gideon gently placed the it around her. He tugged it once as he lowered himself to her eye level.
“And my equal in that respect,†he said softly.
Roen sniffed and peered back up at him with her slightly bloodshot eyes. She forced a small but sad smile. "Gratitude, Mister North.â€
“Unnecessary, Miss.†Gideon removed his handkerchief from his chest pocket and gently dabbed at her face. He continued, his tone ever composed, but slightly softened. “It is a matter of great pride, Miss, to hold true to one's own ideals and code even against all odds. Regardless of the outcome, it is an admirable thing you have done.â€
The paladin remained still where she sat, blinking. She could have resembled a child getting her cheeks cleaned, but there was a small part of her that took comfort in the gesture. She straightened, inhaling deeply to compose herself. "I still...have work to do. If...when...I get out of here." Determination furrowed her brows and she looked at him pointedly. "I am not done yet. I still have promises to keep."
“Perhaps, Miss.†Gideon shrugged as he withdrew the handkerchief. “It is my perspective...that Nero Lazarov and Jameson Taeros are the same man seen from different perspectives. But it is not my place to impose my views on those of anyone else, and I believe I have made my inaction in his affairs clear.†The butler straightened. “If your companion appears, I will attempt to follow what direction I have been provided. Is there anything further Miss requires?â€
Roen sighed softly. "Just give her a bit of perspective. As you have given me." She gave him another nod. "...Gratitude."
“Very good, Miss.†The butler bowed. “I advise rest. I shall inquire to my lord as to whether books will be issued as supplies.â€
“Still at it, eh?†The guard’s voice echoed down from the dungeon door as it creaked open.
“My business is complete, sir.†Gideon answered as he took up the tray in his hand, exiting the cell. “Does sir have any further request for the next visitation? A particular culinary preference?â€
“How about some steak? Nice juicy eft.†The guard swung the door to her cell closed, locking it. “No reason the little princess gets to be the only one pampered around here,†he sneered.
“I shall prepare it especially, sir.â€
As Roen heard the valet depart, she pulled the blanket tighter around her shoulders, as if to linger in the embrace of it. She tried to remember what words of comfort Gideon had imparted upon her, and secretly prayed that Kiht would be able to get through to Nero as well. She had to believe there was still hope for him yet, however slight, that the goodness she saw in him so long ago was not just an illusion. Even if what she felt for him was futile, he still could not wish for everything to burn to the ground. There had to be a part of him that still cared.
She had to believe that.
After a polite exchange, the guard excused himself “for a piss†after unlocking her cell. Roen guessed that he didn’t want to leave any opportunities open for another lecture from the butler.
“Those dumplings,†she said once the guard left them alone. “Interesting spices.â€
“I am vindicated to hear so, Miss.†Gideon began to gather the dishes and the utensils, stacking them neatly upon the tray. “I always believed, Miss, it was better to be prepared for a variety of circumstances and tastes. If Miss has saved some leftovers from the meal, I advise she hang onto them for now.†He paused, glancing over his shoulder. “One may never know when they may add the perfect complement to an otherwise-complete meal.â€
She took that brief moment to give him the smallest of smiles. "Gratitude," she murmured.
“Merely doing my job, Miss.†He bowed. “Is there anything further Miss requires of me or my master?â€
When she met his gaze, their expressions held a new gravity that they had not spoken with before. "I have very few friends left...here. Or in Thanalan.†She paused with a tilt of her head. “I am not even sure where I am.â€
“Miss is in a subterranean complex below the Hammers. I do not believe the machinery would be audible from this level, however."
Roen frowned. She had guessed as much, at least in terms of the depth. "One is named Kiht Jakkya. She probably does not know what happened to me or where I am. But...she may inquire soon.â€
“Is there an advised course of action for this eventuality?†Gideon asked calmly as he continued to arrange the dishes onto the tray.
The paladin bit her lower lip. How much could she say here? And yet, what other opportunity did she have? “Nero has given up. I have told Ser Crofte this. I do not think she believed me. Or she may not care. Your master likely want him see him dead, either way.â€
“Indeed, Miss.â€
Roen lowered her head, her voice lowering as if almost ashamed to admit these details. They were partly her own failures too, were they not? “Nero had armed a bandit gang in Ul’dah with Limsan guns. I was looking to stop them when I was caught. If I cannot, he must. He said he would. It is…one of the reasons why I cannot turn him over. I will not turn him over to your master no matter what the circumstance. But Kiht…if she knows what has happened…perhaps she can convince him to do the right thing.â€
Gideon paused and turned, looking to her calmly. “I reiterate: what is the appropriate course of action if said woman appears at the estate?â€
That gave paladin pause. She did not quite know. She had asked Shael to contact Kiht if something were to happen to her. Because Kiht was the only other person that Roen was aware of, that knew where Nero could be found. Shaelen possibly knew as well, but Roen never expected the Highlander woman to risk too much. But Kiht…as much as Roen trusted her, would she be able to talk Nero into stopping the bandits when she herself was unable?
"Help her speak to who she needs to." Roen sighed. It was vague enough without speaking out loud too many details. "I am not certain that is your master."
“I am hardly in a position to bring her to anyone else, Miss.†Gideon arched a brow, obviously confused.
The paladin frowned. She was more frustrated at herself than anyone else. She should have thought up a backup plan rather than wallowing in despair over her failures. She was asking him to direct Kiht to Nero, without saying out loud that her friend knew how to find the pirate. She did not know if they were being listened in on, or how much Gideon was risking already. She shook her head, rubbing her forehead. “Ser Crofte. She arrested me. I did not think she would. I was foolish, aye?â€
“In order to ensure the protection of our ideals and those around us, Miss, we often resort to drastic actions when they seem the only method available.â€
"Aye. We do." Her voice grew quiet in reflection. "Perhaps I was doing the same but turning a blind eye to things I should not have." She stared at her dress, scowling. "He gave up," she finally blurted out. "After all that. He just...quit."
“I see. Should he have done it sooner, Miss?â€
Roen bit her lower lip as she bowed her head, her forelocks falling heavily before her eyes. "I...I do not know. He had such violent plans. I do not know if I could have stopped him from enacting them. I suppose a part of me should be glad that he did give up before those plans came to fruition. Plans he hid from me." Her voice trembled slightly. "I thought we saw the same end, he and I. And I thought I could steer him toward one path over the other." She shook her head. "I was so wrong."
“Perhaps, Miss.â€
The paladin snorted bitterly and let out a chuckle tinged with sadness. "So no violent plans, but nothing else either. All that work. And nothing. All the deaths, for nothing."
Gideon turned from the table, his hands folded neatly in front of him. “I am no judge of men, but I have my doubts that much would have changed had his plans succeeded.â€
Her lips curled into an angry frown as she glared up at the butler. "So what was I working for then??"
Gideon’s composure did not falter. “Presumably for love, Miss.â€
Roen stared at him for a moment longer, before turning her gaze away shamefully.
“To my understanding, that was the sole factor in play. Everything else was eliminated.â€
Her hands curled into tight fists upon her lap wrinkling her dress, her knuckles turning pale with the strain. "That would make me the biggest fool, Mister North,†she rasped.
“That would make Miss a proven woman of singular devotion, Miss.â€
Roen buried her face in her hands, her shoulders trembling with emotion. She stifled a sob, refusing to show him her humiliation. That was when she felt an embrace of the blanket around her near bare shoulders, as Gideon gently placed the it around her. He tugged it once as he lowered himself to her eye level.
“And my equal in that respect,†he said softly.
Roen sniffed and peered back up at him with her slightly bloodshot eyes. She forced a small but sad smile. "Gratitude, Mister North.â€
“Unnecessary, Miss.†Gideon removed his handkerchief from his chest pocket and gently dabbed at her face. He continued, his tone ever composed, but slightly softened. “It is a matter of great pride, Miss, to hold true to one's own ideals and code even against all odds. Regardless of the outcome, it is an admirable thing you have done.â€
The paladin remained still where she sat, blinking. She could have resembled a child getting her cheeks cleaned, but there was a small part of her that took comfort in the gesture. She straightened, inhaling deeply to compose herself. "I still...have work to do. If...when...I get out of here." Determination furrowed her brows and she looked at him pointedly. "I am not done yet. I still have promises to keep."
“Perhaps, Miss.†Gideon shrugged as he withdrew the handkerchief. “It is my perspective...that Nero Lazarov and Jameson Taeros are the same man seen from different perspectives. But it is not my place to impose my views on those of anyone else, and I believe I have made my inaction in his affairs clear.†The butler straightened. “If your companion appears, I will attempt to follow what direction I have been provided. Is there anything further Miss requires?â€
Roen sighed softly. "Just give her a bit of perspective. As you have given me." She gave him another nod. "...Gratitude."
“Very good, Miss.†The butler bowed. “I advise rest. I shall inquire to my lord as to whether books will be issued as supplies.â€
“Still at it, eh?†The guard’s voice echoed down from the dungeon door as it creaked open.
“My business is complete, sir.†Gideon answered as he took up the tray in his hand, exiting the cell. “Does sir have any further request for the next visitation? A particular culinary preference?â€
“How about some steak? Nice juicy eft.†The guard swung the door to her cell closed, locking it. “No reason the little princess gets to be the only one pampered around here,†he sneered.
“I shall prepare it especially, sir.â€
As Roen heard the valet depart, she pulled the blanket tighter around her shoulders, as if to linger in the embrace of it. She tried to remember what words of comfort Gideon had imparted upon her, and secretly prayed that Kiht would be able to get through to Nero as well. She had to believe there was still hope for him yet, however slight, that the goodness she saw in him so long ago was not just an illusion. Even if what she felt for him was futile, he still could not wish for everything to burn to the ground. There had to be a part of him that still cared.
She had to believe that.
