Roen ascended the stairs of the inn once more, the greatsword heavy in her grasp.
“I will leave the responsibility of his fate in your hands, Deneith. He passed the test, I will not hold him.â€
Idristan Tournes reaction to Khadai’s “arrest†had been as the paladin predicted; she had come to know the knight captain as strict but fair in judgement. But Bellows voiced his dissatisfaction loudly, still arguing against the deaths of the two mercenaries. He also questioned Roen’s judgement in that she was showing bias because she favored the noblewoman, and inquiring about the paladin’s own past that she had yet to speak of. He seemed to be intent on turning the interrogation onto her when the temple knight finally stopped him with a raise of his hand and a stern look.
The knight dismissed Bellows and Stray Oak--the latter who had stayed silent the entire time--and turned to the paladin with a warning that he did not share with the others. He confided in her that it would be best if she would escort the Au Ra to Ishgard, and in doing so discern the foreigner’s motives and nature. Additionally, it would distance her somewhat from Bellows and squelch the unrest that the mercenary’s suspicious nature was inciting among some of the new recruits.
Roen did not know what to think about accompanying Edda and Khadai to Ishgard. A part of her was at least comforted in knowing that she could make certain of the noblewoman’s safety; she did not trust her care to the Xaela. The paladin did not think the Au Ra had ill intentions, but he seemed to be a magnet for trouble. And he would be even more so in Ishgard, a city full of people who looked upon all outsiders with distrust. She did not want Edda caught up in that mess.
The paladin knocked softly upon the door to the noblewoman’s room. It had been bells since she had left the two earlier, and night had fallen long ago. There was no answer. Even a quiet call produced no response.
Her mind set to purpose, Roen knocked on Khadai’s door.
"Enter."
Upon opening the portal, Roen found the Xaela not in the chair or upon the bed, but sitting on the floor with his back against the wall. He was dressed in plain, borrowed clothing from his appearance; slight tears around the neck of his tunic were visible where it seemed some difficulty was had with his horns. The clothing was clearly ill-fitting, though he looked to be of an Elezen's proportions, the tailoring was not as adaptable. The Xaela’s emerald gaze stared straight ahead at the wall opposite him even when she crossed the room in front of him.
"You are free to go in the morn,†the paladin said quietly as she laid his greatsword onto his bed.
"Yet you possess inquiries."
Roen straightened, remaining at the edge of the bed as she studied the seated figure. The Au Ra was perceptive, that was never a doubt. "I have many inquiries. You have been frank so far, as far as I can gather, and have been willing to answer truthfully." She paused as if to mull over her questions. "Why are you here?"
"To find information that will assist me in performing my function." The answer is almost immediate, and with very little hesitation. The Xaela still refused to look at her, keeping his gaze fixed on the wall.
"I need more information than that.†The paladin took the opportunity to study him, for she had never seen an Au Ra before this past sun. Khadai had retied his hair back into the ponytail from before, jet black locks fringed with deepwood green. His ebony horns were capped with metal ornaments on the front ends, and in the light, small detailed patterns of facepaint were visible around his eyes and cheekbones. His expression was as severe as ever. “And why do you need Edda?" she added, her eyes narrowed.
There was a pause. "I became lost."
Roen quirked a brow. "That is it. You became lost.†It was a straightforward answer, and yet almost too simple. She was not sure she believed it. “Edda said she tried to initially run away from you. Why did she say that?"
"I was attacked by masked warriors. I presume she found the aftermath, and drew her conclusions from there." His expression remained stoic, his tone neutral. There was no obvious guile in his voice.
"Did they meet the same fate as the two I was looking for?" Roen knew there was a darkening of her expression as the paladin too began to draw her own conclusions.
The Xaela sighed, as if he expected what was coming next. "The circumstances differed. They did not voice their intentions first. They merely attacked with intent to kill, and forfeited the possibility of discourse."
"This was... in the Shroud?"
He paused again. "The tall forest," he said, more to himself.
Roen frowned. She had been to Gridania a few times, and the Wood Wailers’ compassionless attitude towards foreigners ("poachers") in their land were even at times harsher than in Ishgard. Masked bandits were also plentiful in the Shroud.
And yet this was still more evidence of the violence that followed in the Xaela’s wake. And Edda had purposefully said nothing of it. Whether this was his fault or not, it should have been disclosed at least to her. There was a stirring of misgivings in her mind, ones that she had just dismissed mere bells ago.
But he did tell me the truth when asked... when he did not have to, the paladin reminded herself. While Edda chose to conceal it, Khadai answered honestly. Despite his abrasive nature, the Xaela did not seem prone to deception. It allowed the paladin to set her suspicions aside for now. "You were intending to come here. To Coerthas. Why?"
Khadai’s expression twisted into a perplexed frown. "I am… meant to travel here."
"For what purpose?"
The Au Ra pursed his lips in thought then pointed to the wall across from him where his gaze had been fixed. "I have carved patterns into the stone. Do you see colour?"
When Roen turned to the opposite wall, her eyes widened to see faint but elaborate patterns on the stone wall that she had not recognized before. Whorls and curves were etched into it, all made with lines seemingly unbroken. When she focused on one section of the pattern, the adjacent section appeared to change to the eye. Some lines would become straighter while others would curl into semicircles, or bend. The shift only happened at peripheral vision, and when one focused on the source of the change, it reverted to its initial state. The optical illusion covered nearly the entirety of a single brick's surface.
"What... is this?" Roen bent closer to the large stone, her eyes squinted.
"Do you see colours within the pattern?"
Her eyes roamed about the diagram once more, this time with care. The etchings were devoid of hues or shades; only the light marring upon the gray stone was visible. "Nay. Just lines. Or circles. Patterns. But... no colors."
"That is why,†Khadai rumbled. "The information I seek is… related. For I see the faint colours, yet they are different. Foreign from what I know. I must discern why.†He drew a breath, and when he continued, his voice was monotonous and his intonations mechanical. It was as if he was reciting a prayer in a foreign language. “Beneath the conflict of swords and wings, the blood of principle spills upon snow and mountains. The sea of mist shrouds a timeless testament, upon which the eternal march shall be impaled." His expression was blank, as if he too did not hold any awareness as to the words’ meaning.
Roe gave him a sidelong glance. "Where do those words come from? Is that a prophecy?"
"It is not. It is a...." he paused, as if struggling to find the right word. "It is a wish, of sorts." He shook his head. "I am not equipped to explain it to you."
Roen turned back to the Au Ra, crossing her arms. "And you need Edda for this?"
"Not her specifically… at least, I do not have reason to believe so. She acts as my guide within this land as I seek my objective. And in return, I am to fight for her when she calls upon me."
"She picked a capable fighter then," she noted mostly to herself. "Edda means to see you to Ishgard, that much is certain. I have agreed to accompany you both to the city, and I have no doubt you will need further guidance within that city." She paused, regarding him intently. "But will you consider your contract complete in terms of her agreement to you once you are there? She is not the best guide you could have chosen."
"The terms of our agreement ended when we breached the snowline. She is obliged to me no longer. That is… the terms of her agreement with me."
The paladin blinked. "I... see. Therefore she continues in your company because she feels that you need her. And she has already assumed responsibility for your actions."
Khadai stared past her, back onto the barely visible pattern. "I do not know the appropriate course of action for this circumstance."
"I wish to see you leave her company," Roen stated bluntly without emotion. "She has taken on a responsibility that should have never been hers, one she is poorly equipped to handle should there be any complications." She paused, her voice quieting. "She is my friend. I do not wish to see her in trouble. Especially when undeserved.â€
It was then that the Au Ra finally looked to her for the first time in their conversation. His face was one of utter confusion. "She is no longer obliged to me," he said awkwardly. "I do not understand why you have opened discourse with me about this."
Roen stepped closer to him, as if that would press her point. "Not by contract. But she feels some obligation to you. And in honoring that, whether it is truly binding or not, she has put herself into a situation that is not suitable for her." The paladin was careful to keep her tone neutral. "I am not faulting you for this. But I am asking you to part from her company. By refusing her generosity."
There was just a slight widening of his eyes, as if a realization had dawned on him. "I understand," he murmured. "From the beginning she has stepped outside of her capacity by serving as a guide. Therefore it would be inefficient to utilize her abilities for that which she is not meant for." He seemed to be agreeing with her. "What would be the optimal course of action? Is there another within a role that may provide me assistance?"
The paladin narrowed her eyes. That was not quite her sentiment, but in a literal sense she supposed it was. "You need to find another guide. One more suitable. Perhaps we can find you one in Ishgard." She paused and bowed her gaze. "Although… that may be difficult in and of itself. By the very nature of your appearance, I fear your will incite much suspicion from those within that city. You are in a land where people have fought dragonkind for over thousand years. Where people have shut their gates to all outsiders. I cannot see them welcoming someone like you with open arms."
Khadai frowned. "....Do they possess doors for arms?"
Roen cocked another brow. That question sounded earnest. She studied him for a moment, as if to expect another sarcastic retort. When none came, she sighed. “No. They are... just arms." She paused, electing to believe that it was his comprehension in figure of speech that was lacking. His grasp of their language was otherwise adequate, if not surprisingly competent. "It is just a turn of expression. They will not be very hospitable."
"I understand,†the Au Ra rumbled. Silence fell over the conversation for a time before he spoke again. "You act within a military capacity. So, too, do I. Is there no possibility of reconciliation between these roles? You and I possess similar responsibilities. Are you not fit to clarify misconceptions of the western continent?"
The paladin narrowed her eyes, trying to follow his logic. “I suppose I am.â€
"Then I propose a transaction of services." His tone was awkward, but he trained his eyes intently upon hers. "I request information of the western continent. In return, I offer my body and abilities."
Both the paladin’s brows shot upwards towards the ceiling. "Your..." There was a long pause as she stared at him with her lips pressed tightly together. "Is that the offer you made to Edda?"
His expression was puzzled. "Is it not adequate?"
She licked her lips, searching for the right words. "You do mean, your body as in... your capacity as a warrior." She cleared her throat. That did not quite sound right either. "What I mean is, your fighting prowess,†she added hastily.
Khadai then stood, as if to display himself.
Roen stared at him again incredulously, for that gesture did not help.
"Yes." He seemed confused and studied her face. "Are you cold?" It was more of a statement than a question.
She immediately made a face even without thinking. She could already feel the burning in her cheeks. "Your..." She cleared her throat again. "You may want to work on that... proposed transaction. That is... if you are going to continue to offer your... services... here. In the Western continent." She let out a long suffering sigh. "It could entirely mean something else."
"What is this other interpretation? I wish to know."
The paladin grimaced. She opened her mouth then closed it a few times before deciding on what to say. But it still came out in a nervous stammer. "Well. To uh... offer ‘your body’... in our ... in this land... this place... it ah... you could be offering services akin to prostitution." She scratched her head, she had never been at ease with this subject.
"I do not understand this word. What is the definition?" Xaela still seemed clueless. "I wish to obtain this information to understand the avoidance of this interpretation."
Roen hung her head, her hands falling to her sides. Of course he does not know what that means, she chided herself. She forced her voice to calm as she peered up at Khadai, willing for him to understand her this time around. "Prostitution is when you offer… sex. For money. Or services." She rolled her eyes away away at him. It was more out of annoyance at herself than the Au Ra. "Understand?"
He still wore somewhat of a bewildered look, but he nodded. "I understand."
Determined not to be flustered, the paladin squared her shoulders and forced her gaze back onto the Xaela. She was feeling rather silly. "So unless that is what you are proposing in the transaction, I suggest you choose another word."
Khadai frowned. "I have erred. Edda may be unaware of this interpretation. If my offer was inadequate, then I must needs clarify the transaction for her. If this transaction is to be performed equitably, the availability of this second offer must be made known to her."
Roen quickly shook her head. "I am fairly certain that she chose to interpret it as you offering your services as a warrior. At least that is what she has told me in what she has agreed to. I do not think you need to--"
The Xaela continued, despite her protests. His expression was intent. "Referring to our own transaction of services. If the first interpretation is found lacking, then I offer the second interpretation in addition." He nodded once as if to himself, seemingly satisfied with the proposal made.
Khadai was met with a long, silent stare. Her lips moved as if trying to form the words, but it was awhile before she actually made any sound. "No," she said hoarsely. "I am certain that is not... not necessary. No."
He was staring at her. "Is the first interpretation sufficient?"
"Yes!" she blurted out. "I mean… no! That is..." She released a sharp breath through her nostrils. "I am certain we can get you a guide that is more willing."
The Xaela was squinting at her, as though he could not fathom whatever words she had left unspoken.
Roen took a deep breath to collect her thoughts. "I am not even certain why you are here. And now I believe even you are not sure of your purpose."
"I am not, though I wish to be," he said austerely. "One who is merely a guide may not be sufficient. Our overlapping of responsibilities may offer each of us experience with which we can reach further reconciliation." His emerald gaze met hers. "Is my offer inadequate?"
The paladin sighed. She wanted to object. Continuing in their company beyond Ishgard was not something she had even remotely considered. She had not come to Ishgard to aid a foreigner in some enigmatic journey. And yet… did she truly know what her own purpose was in this frigid place?
"Let me think on it,†she said quietly, her gaze growing distant.
Khadai nodded. "I shall heed your words, and refuse Edda's generosity. Though she steps outside of her role, she must travel with me until my debt is repaid and our transaction completed in full. Our transaction is not done until I am called upon to fight for her."
Roen frowned. Why did Edda need such a favor? From a foreigner no less? She dismissed her apprehensions with a shake of her head. "There are ways in our lands where she can contact you from afar."
"If that is true, then that is adequate. So long as I remain capable of being called upon."
There was a wry curl to her lips. "I will show you one such way, soon enough." There was just a smallest part of her that drew some amusement from imagining how he would react to a moogle.
When the Au Ra merely nodded in answer, she turned toward the door. There was a thought that then crossed her mind, one that she had set aside earlier. "She will likely be angry with me, that I asked you to leave her company," the paladin said quietly without looking at the Xaela. It brought another fleeting reminder of Mister North, he who would tell her that others deciding people’s fate for them was not something he appreciated. And that Roen should be above such pretension.
"That is between you and her," the Xaela said matter-of-factly.
“Aye,†the paladin acknowledged with a tinge of regret as she opened the door. "Be ready to leave in the morn."
“I will leave the responsibility of his fate in your hands, Deneith. He passed the test, I will not hold him.â€
Idristan Tournes reaction to Khadai’s “arrest†had been as the paladin predicted; she had come to know the knight captain as strict but fair in judgement. But Bellows voiced his dissatisfaction loudly, still arguing against the deaths of the two mercenaries. He also questioned Roen’s judgement in that she was showing bias because she favored the noblewoman, and inquiring about the paladin’s own past that she had yet to speak of. He seemed to be intent on turning the interrogation onto her when the temple knight finally stopped him with a raise of his hand and a stern look.
The knight dismissed Bellows and Stray Oak--the latter who had stayed silent the entire time--and turned to the paladin with a warning that he did not share with the others. He confided in her that it would be best if she would escort the Au Ra to Ishgard, and in doing so discern the foreigner’s motives and nature. Additionally, it would distance her somewhat from Bellows and squelch the unrest that the mercenary’s suspicious nature was inciting among some of the new recruits.
Roen did not know what to think about accompanying Edda and Khadai to Ishgard. A part of her was at least comforted in knowing that she could make certain of the noblewoman’s safety; she did not trust her care to the Xaela. The paladin did not think the Au Ra had ill intentions, but he seemed to be a magnet for trouble. And he would be even more so in Ishgard, a city full of people who looked upon all outsiders with distrust. She did not want Edda caught up in that mess.
The paladin knocked softly upon the door to the noblewoman’s room. It had been bells since she had left the two earlier, and night had fallen long ago. There was no answer. Even a quiet call produced no response.
Her mind set to purpose, Roen knocked on Khadai’s door.
"Enter."
Upon opening the portal, Roen found the Xaela not in the chair or upon the bed, but sitting on the floor with his back against the wall. He was dressed in plain, borrowed clothing from his appearance; slight tears around the neck of his tunic were visible where it seemed some difficulty was had with his horns. The clothing was clearly ill-fitting, though he looked to be of an Elezen's proportions, the tailoring was not as adaptable. The Xaela’s emerald gaze stared straight ahead at the wall opposite him even when she crossed the room in front of him.
"You are free to go in the morn,†the paladin said quietly as she laid his greatsword onto his bed.
"Yet you possess inquiries."
Roen straightened, remaining at the edge of the bed as she studied the seated figure. The Au Ra was perceptive, that was never a doubt. "I have many inquiries. You have been frank so far, as far as I can gather, and have been willing to answer truthfully." She paused as if to mull over her questions. "Why are you here?"
"To find information that will assist me in performing my function." The answer is almost immediate, and with very little hesitation. The Xaela still refused to look at her, keeping his gaze fixed on the wall.
"I need more information than that.†The paladin took the opportunity to study him, for she had never seen an Au Ra before this past sun. Khadai had retied his hair back into the ponytail from before, jet black locks fringed with deepwood green. His ebony horns were capped with metal ornaments on the front ends, and in the light, small detailed patterns of facepaint were visible around his eyes and cheekbones. His expression was as severe as ever. “And why do you need Edda?" she added, her eyes narrowed.
There was a pause. "I became lost."
Roen quirked a brow. "That is it. You became lost.†It was a straightforward answer, and yet almost too simple. She was not sure she believed it. “Edda said she tried to initially run away from you. Why did she say that?"
"I was attacked by masked warriors. I presume she found the aftermath, and drew her conclusions from there." His expression remained stoic, his tone neutral. There was no obvious guile in his voice.
"Did they meet the same fate as the two I was looking for?" Roen knew there was a darkening of her expression as the paladin too began to draw her own conclusions.
The Xaela sighed, as if he expected what was coming next. "The circumstances differed. They did not voice their intentions first. They merely attacked with intent to kill, and forfeited the possibility of discourse."
"This was... in the Shroud?"
He paused again. "The tall forest," he said, more to himself.
Roen frowned. She had been to Gridania a few times, and the Wood Wailers’ compassionless attitude towards foreigners ("poachers") in their land were even at times harsher than in Ishgard. Masked bandits were also plentiful in the Shroud.
And yet this was still more evidence of the violence that followed in the Xaela’s wake. And Edda had purposefully said nothing of it. Whether this was his fault or not, it should have been disclosed at least to her. There was a stirring of misgivings in her mind, ones that she had just dismissed mere bells ago.
But he did tell me the truth when asked... when he did not have to, the paladin reminded herself. While Edda chose to conceal it, Khadai answered honestly. Despite his abrasive nature, the Xaela did not seem prone to deception. It allowed the paladin to set her suspicions aside for now. "You were intending to come here. To Coerthas. Why?"
Khadai’s expression twisted into a perplexed frown. "I am… meant to travel here."
"For what purpose?"
The Au Ra pursed his lips in thought then pointed to the wall across from him where his gaze had been fixed. "I have carved patterns into the stone. Do you see colour?"
When Roen turned to the opposite wall, her eyes widened to see faint but elaborate patterns on the stone wall that she had not recognized before. Whorls and curves were etched into it, all made with lines seemingly unbroken. When she focused on one section of the pattern, the adjacent section appeared to change to the eye. Some lines would become straighter while others would curl into semicircles, or bend. The shift only happened at peripheral vision, and when one focused on the source of the change, it reverted to its initial state. The optical illusion covered nearly the entirety of a single brick's surface.
"What... is this?" Roen bent closer to the large stone, her eyes squinted.
"Do you see colours within the pattern?"
Her eyes roamed about the diagram once more, this time with care. The etchings were devoid of hues or shades; only the light marring upon the gray stone was visible. "Nay. Just lines. Or circles. Patterns. But... no colors."
"That is why,†Khadai rumbled. "The information I seek is… related. For I see the faint colours, yet they are different. Foreign from what I know. I must discern why.†He drew a breath, and when he continued, his voice was monotonous and his intonations mechanical. It was as if he was reciting a prayer in a foreign language. “Beneath the conflict of swords and wings, the blood of principle spills upon snow and mountains. The sea of mist shrouds a timeless testament, upon which the eternal march shall be impaled." His expression was blank, as if he too did not hold any awareness as to the words’ meaning.
Roe gave him a sidelong glance. "Where do those words come from? Is that a prophecy?"
"It is not. It is a...." he paused, as if struggling to find the right word. "It is a wish, of sorts." He shook his head. "I am not equipped to explain it to you."
Roen turned back to the Au Ra, crossing her arms. "And you need Edda for this?"
"Not her specifically… at least, I do not have reason to believe so. She acts as my guide within this land as I seek my objective. And in return, I am to fight for her when she calls upon me."
"She picked a capable fighter then," she noted mostly to herself. "Edda means to see you to Ishgard, that much is certain. I have agreed to accompany you both to the city, and I have no doubt you will need further guidance within that city." She paused, regarding him intently. "But will you consider your contract complete in terms of her agreement to you once you are there? She is not the best guide you could have chosen."
"The terms of our agreement ended when we breached the snowline. She is obliged to me no longer. That is… the terms of her agreement with me."
The paladin blinked. "I... see. Therefore she continues in your company because she feels that you need her. And she has already assumed responsibility for your actions."
Khadai stared past her, back onto the barely visible pattern. "I do not know the appropriate course of action for this circumstance."
"I wish to see you leave her company," Roen stated bluntly without emotion. "She has taken on a responsibility that should have never been hers, one she is poorly equipped to handle should there be any complications." She paused, her voice quieting. "She is my friend. I do not wish to see her in trouble. Especially when undeserved.â€
It was then that the Au Ra finally looked to her for the first time in their conversation. His face was one of utter confusion. "She is no longer obliged to me," he said awkwardly. "I do not understand why you have opened discourse with me about this."
Roen stepped closer to him, as if that would press her point. "Not by contract. But she feels some obligation to you. And in honoring that, whether it is truly binding or not, she has put herself into a situation that is not suitable for her." The paladin was careful to keep her tone neutral. "I am not faulting you for this. But I am asking you to part from her company. By refusing her generosity."
There was just a slight widening of his eyes, as if a realization had dawned on him. "I understand," he murmured. "From the beginning she has stepped outside of her capacity by serving as a guide. Therefore it would be inefficient to utilize her abilities for that which she is not meant for." He seemed to be agreeing with her. "What would be the optimal course of action? Is there another within a role that may provide me assistance?"
The paladin narrowed her eyes. That was not quite her sentiment, but in a literal sense she supposed it was. "You need to find another guide. One more suitable. Perhaps we can find you one in Ishgard." She paused and bowed her gaze. "Although… that may be difficult in and of itself. By the very nature of your appearance, I fear your will incite much suspicion from those within that city. You are in a land where people have fought dragonkind for over thousand years. Where people have shut their gates to all outsiders. I cannot see them welcoming someone like you with open arms."
Khadai frowned. "....Do they possess doors for arms?"
Roen cocked another brow. That question sounded earnest. She studied him for a moment, as if to expect another sarcastic retort. When none came, she sighed. “No. They are... just arms." She paused, electing to believe that it was his comprehension in figure of speech that was lacking. His grasp of their language was otherwise adequate, if not surprisingly competent. "It is just a turn of expression. They will not be very hospitable."
"I understand,†the Au Ra rumbled. Silence fell over the conversation for a time before he spoke again. "You act within a military capacity. So, too, do I. Is there no possibility of reconciliation between these roles? You and I possess similar responsibilities. Are you not fit to clarify misconceptions of the western continent?"
The paladin narrowed her eyes, trying to follow his logic. “I suppose I am.â€
"Then I propose a transaction of services." His tone was awkward, but he trained his eyes intently upon hers. "I request information of the western continent. In return, I offer my body and abilities."
Both the paladin’s brows shot upwards towards the ceiling. "Your..." There was a long pause as she stared at him with her lips pressed tightly together. "Is that the offer you made to Edda?"
His expression was puzzled. "Is it not adequate?"
She licked her lips, searching for the right words. "You do mean, your body as in... your capacity as a warrior." She cleared her throat. That did not quite sound right either. "What I mean is, your fighting prowess,†she added hastily.
Khadai then stood, as if to display himself.
Roen stared at him again incredulously, for that gesture did not help.
"Yes." He seemed confused and studied her face. "Are you cold?" It was more of a statement than a question.
She immediately made a face even without thinking. She could already feel the burning in her cheeks. "Your..." She cleared her throat again. "You may want to work on that... proposed transaction. That is... if you are going to continue to offer your... services... here. In the Western continent." She let out a long suffering sigh. "It could entirely mean something else."
"What is this other interpretation? I wish to know."
The paladin grimaced. She opened her mouth then closed it a few times before deciding on what to say. But it still came out in a nervous stammer. "Well. To uh... offer ‘your body’... in our ... in this land... this place... it ah... you could be offering services akin to prostitution." She scratched her head, she had never been at ease with this subject.
"I do not understand this word. What is the definition?" Xaela still seemed clueless. "I wish to obtain this information to understand the avoidance of this interpretation."
Roen hung her head, her hands falling to her sides. Of course he does not know what that means, she chided herself. She forced her voice to calm as she peered up at Khadai, willing for him to understand her this time around. "Prostitution is when you offer… sex. For money. Or services." She rolled her eyes away away at him. It was more out of annoyance at herself than the Au Ra. "Understand?"
He still wore somewhat of a bewildered look, but he nodded. "I understand."
Determined not to be flustered, the paladin squared her shoulders and forced her gaze back onto the Xaela. She was feeling rather silly. "So unless that is what you are proposing in the transaction, I suggest you choose another word."
Khadai frowned. "I have erred. Edda may be unaware of this interpretation. If my offer was inadequate, then I must needs clarify the transaction for her. If this transaction is to be performed equitably, the availability of this second offer must be made known to her."
Roen quickly shook her head. "I am fairly certain that she chose to interpret it as you offering your services as a warrior. At least that is what she has told me in what she has agreed to. I do not think you need to--"
The Xaela continued, despite her protests. His expression was intent. "Referring to our own transaction of services. If the first interpretation is found lacking, then I offer the second interpretation in addition." He nodded once as if to himself, seemingly satisfied with the proposal made.
Khadai was met with a long, silent stare. Her lips moved as if trying to form the words, but it was awhile before she actually made any sound. "No," she said hoarsely. "I am certain that is not... not necessary. No."
He was staring at her. "Is the first interpretation sufficient?"
"Yes!" she blurted out. "I mean… no! That is..." She released a sharp breath through her nostrils. "I am certain we can get you a guide that is more willing."
The Xaela was squinting at her, as though he could not fathom whatever words she had left unspoken.
Roen took a deep breath to collect her thoughts. "I am not even certain why you are here. And now I believe even you are not sure of your purpose."
"I am not, though I wish to be," he said austerely. "One who is merely a guide may not be sufficient. Our overlapping of responsibilities may offer each of us experience with which we can reach further reconciliation." His emerald gaze met hers. "Is my offer inadequate?"
The paladin sighed. She wanted to object. Continuing in their company beyond Ishgard was not something she had even remotely considered. She had not come to Ishgard to aid a foreigner in some enigmatic journey. And yet… did she truly know what her own purpose was in this frigid place?
"Let me think on it,†she said quietly, her gaze growing distant.
Khadai nodded. "I shall heed your words, and refuse Edda's generosity. Though she steps outside of her role, she must travel with me until my debt is repaid and our transaction completed in full. Our transaction is not done until I am called upon to fight for her."
Roen frowned. Why did Edda need such a favor? From a foreigner no less? She dismissed her apprehensions with a shake of her head. "There are ways in our lands where she can contact you from afar."
"If that is true, then that is adequate. So long as I remain capable of being called upon."
There was a wry curl to her lips. "I will show you one such way, soon enough." There was just a smallest part of her that drew some amusement from imagining how he would react to a moogle.
When the Au Ra merely nodded in answer, she turned toward the door. There was a thought that then crossed her mind, one that she had set aside earlier. "She will likely be angry with me, that I asked you to leave her company," the paladin said quietly without looking at the Xaela. It brought another fleeting reminder of Mister North, he who would tell her that others deciding people’s fate for them was not something he appreciated. And that Roen should be above such pretension.
"That is between you and her," the Xaela said matter-of-factly.
“Aye,†the paladin acknowledged with a tinge of regret as she opened the door. "Be ready to leave in the morn."
