Ishgard’s climate had noticeably chilled since the last time she had walked the cobbled pavement of the city, but it was not the temperature that bit at her. From the wary glances to the nearly belligerent glower that were thrown in the Xaela’s direction, Roen found her hand swinging just a little closer to her weapon as they made their way across the long bridge into the walled city. It was only when they reached the giant aetheryte crystal, where the merchants and the adventurers seemed more prevalent in their mingling, that the paladin allowed herself to relax. Here the inhospitable air seemed to lift, giving way to one of indifference.
Had this city-state been so hostile when she first arrived? The paladin could not recall. Perhaps her senses were so dulled then that she had not taken much note of her environment. But the image of the frozen woman’s face still hovered in her memory, enough so that it had prickled her senses and made her more aware of her surroundings as they entered through the Gates of Judgement.
Roen stole a few glances at Khadai, and while his expression remained severe as ever, she noted a slight odd shift in his posture; his gaze flitted about and she thought she heard a note of uncertainty that tinged his words. Certainly if she felt like an outsider here, she could not imagine how it must be for a true foreigner like an Au Ra.
“Lodging would be good,†the paladin nodded in agreement. “The Forgotten Knight might have some rooms available still. With the influx of mercenaries and traders, it had gotten quite crowded in the city.â€
Roen frowned. She recalled that despite the fact that the Forgotten Knight shared its doors with the lowborns of the Brume, the inn itself had become quite popular since the gates were opened. It was only because Ser Tournes personally knew the innkeeper that she was afforded a room at a decent rate. Roen pursed her lips and looked to Edda with a conciliatory cant of her head.
“The prices for a room may be quite extraordinary, despite the condition of the lodging.†Strangely, she felt the need to lower the noblewoman’s expectations before Edda saw the dark and dingy room for herself. “But it is what is available to the new arrivals.â€
Roen gestured toward the stairs that led to the tavern, before she paused. She glanced over her shoulder to Khadai, looking him over up and down. “Perhaps a visit to the Jeweled Crozier is also in order. While your furs may have served you well until now, it distinctly marks you a stranger above than the rest. You would do well to try and blend in with the others in the city as much as possible while you are here.†It all may be a futile effort, for nothing would hide his scales and horns, but she did not want to admit that.
The paladin looked toward the path that sloped upwards. “If you find yourself walking uphill, likely you will end up in The Pillars. It is the wealthier part of the city.†She gave another sidelong glance to Edda. “I do not know if you have any connections here, but that is where the noble houses can be found as well as the artisans in the Jeweled Crozier.†She turned and swept her hand towards the Forgotten Knight and beyond. “And if you wish, I can show you The Brume as well. The poorer parts of Ishgard.â€
Her voice dipped as the paladin added with a small frown, “It is night and day, the difference between the two.†She found herself almost reaching for the two earrings that hung from the thin chain around her neck. The amethysts set in their delicate filigrees seemed to press against her chest just a bit heavier beneath the armor.
Roen dismissed the wave of melancholy that threatened to take her with a shake of her head, as if she was loosening some snowflakes from her eyelashes. “Let us get you settled in,†she muttered as she ascended the steps with long strides toward the Forgotten Knight.
Had this city-state been so hostile when she first arrived? The paladin could not recall. Perhaps her senses were so dulled then that she had not taken much note of her environment. But the image of the frozen woman’s face still hovered in her memory, enough so that it had prickled her senses and made her more aware of her surroundings as they entered through the Gates of Judgement.
Roen stole a few glances at Khadai, and while his expression remained severe as ever, she noted a slight odd shift in his posture; his gaze flitted about and she thought she heard a note of uncertainty that tinged his words. Certainly if she felt like an outsider here, she could not imagine how it must be for a true foreigner like an Au Ra.
“Lodging would be good,†the paladin nodded in agreement. “The Forgotten Knight might have some rooms available still. With the influx of mercenaries and traders, it had gotten quite crowded in the city.â€
Roen frowned. She recalled that despite the fact that the Forgotten Knight shared its doors with the lowborns of the Brume, the inn itself had become quite popular since the gates were opened. It was only because Ser Tournes personally knew the innkeeper that she was afforded a room at a decent rate. Roen pursed her lips and looked to Edda with a conciliatory cant of her head.
“The prices for a room may be quite extraordinary, despite the condition of the lodging.†Strangely, she felt the need to lower the noblewoman’s expectations before Edda saw the dark and dingy room for herself. “But it is what is available to the new arrivals.â€
Roen gestured toward the stairs that led to the tavern, before she paused. She glanced over her shoulder to Khadai, looking him over up and down. “Perhaps a visit to the Jeweled Crozier is also in order. While your furs may have served you well until now, it distinctly marks you a stranger above than the rest. You would do well to try and blend in with the others in the city as much as possible while you are here.†It all may be a futile effort, for nothing would hide his scales and horns, but she did not want to admit that.
The paladin looked toward the path that sloped upwards. “If you find yourself walking uphill, likely you will end up in The Pillars. It is the wealthier part of the city.†She gave another sidelong glance to Edda. “I do not know if you have any connections here, but that is where the noble houses can be found as well as the artisans in the Jeweled Crozier.†She turned and swept her hand towards the Forgotten Knight and beyond. “And if you wish, I can show you The Brume as well. The poorer parts of Ishgard.â€
Her voice dipped as the paladin added with a small frown, “It is night and day, the difference between the two.†She found herself almost reaching for the two earrings that hung from the thin chain around her neck. The amethysts set in their delicate filigrees seemed to press against her chest just a bit heavier beneath the armor.
Roen dismissed the wave of melancholy that threatened to take her with a shake of her head, as if she was loosening some snowflakes from her eyelashes. “Let us get you settled in,†she muttered as she ascended the steps with long strides toward the Forgotten Knight.
