Rohese (prime)/Honesty and Duty
Honesty and Duty
Originally posted on the official forums by CHIVERST on 01/13/2020 at 04:01 AM CST.
Tucked away in a less-travelled area of Mist Harbor is a rather plain-looking building that purportedly closed for refurbishment some years ago. Rohese glanced around to make sure that she hadn’t been followed and stepped inside.
Pushing back the hood of her cowl and allowing it fall over her shoulders, she was met with a sea of anxious faces and a barrage of questions.
"No one tells us anything!" "Is it true that Greth was attacked?" "I heard all those poor orphans he was looking after have been snatched!" "Someone said Socius tried to kill Nehor with a dart!"
All the wild speculation and genuine concern, however, was drowned out by general grumbling and outrage over "no-good" governments and corrupt administrations.
"Hush now, one at a time!" Someone handed her a cup of freshly brewed tea, which she gladly accepted, and she took a seat in an attempt to calm the mood.
"We’ve suffered enough!" A shabbily dressed man limped forward after his outburst and sheepishly cleared his throat.
Rohese noticed that the right side of his face still bore the raw red scars of a nasty burn, despite his attempts to conceal it from her. Rising to her feet once more, she approached him and tenderly held his hand in her own. She was sharply reminded of the horrific events last year where the townspeople had been attacked. A solitary tear ran down her cheek.
Struggling to find the right words, she simply nodded in agreement and added, "I know."
"Jus’ tell us what we should do or we should trust!" His frustration and skepticism, along with those around him, was clearly evident and it tore at her heart.
Rohese surveyed the room, taking in each and every face now looking to her for answers. She was fairly sure that some of them were Flock sympathisers and word of this gathering would probably reach Nehor but that couldn’t be helped; besides, she had nothing to hide.
How am I ever going to convince them? Honesty. That was her only weapon against the Flock.
Taking a deep breath, Rohese calmly and carefully shared everything she had been made aware of over the last few days, even her own reservations about some of the decisions being made in the name of "restoring balance."
Slowly, but surely, the crowd settled and began to nod along as if they understood and appreciated the complexity of the situation in which they found themselves.
"All I can ask is that you trust us; trust that we are doing all we can to put things right so that you and your children can live in peace and do not suffer anymore." She smiled – hoping it was reassuring - and finished her tea before adding, "trust your instincts and what feels right."
Placing the empty cup on the nearby table, she watched with no small measure of relief as everyone started to discuss ways in which they could help or at least cope with the uncertainties of the days that were likely to follow.
I've done all I can. It's up to them now.
Glancing around the room one last time, she noticed a small group of children playing a game of dice in the corner. She wandered over to them and knelt down. A hushed discussion took place amid a lot of giggling and playful nudges. Rohese then handed them each a piece of colored chalk.
Taking in each of their eager expressions, she began to regret her actions but opted instead to clarify her proposal with a gentle smile.
"Remember what we agreed: nothing offensive or destructive, just draw something that you think your friends will find funny. Promise?"
"We promise, Miss Roh!"
"We promise!"
With a conspiratorial wink, she rose gracefully to her feet and slipped away into the night.
Rohese smiled softly at Greth, stepping towards him and planting a tender kiss on his bruised cheek.
"Forgive me for calling so late but I am here to fulfil Socius's request. Is he ready to be moved?"
Greth cast a perfunctory glance at the door behind the bar and nodded. Resting a small hand over his, Rohese took in the injuries he had suffered and sighed.
"We have to trust that Socius knows what he is doing."
"Right you are, Miss," Greth replied, somewhat reluctantly. "I’m not rightly happy about this but if you think it's for the best too, then so be it."
Rohese gazed fondly at the gruff barkeeper and quietly thanked Xilona for the introduction.
"I have prepared a bed for him at Cyraeni's house, just along Gardenia Lane. It's a peaceful spot, tucked away from prying eyes, so Penre should be safe there and I will do everything in my power to aid in his recovery."
Seeing his brow furrow, Rohese hastily added, "I would welcome any help you might wish to give in terms of a guard and, please, could you see that Darcena is informed of his location."
Greth absently nodded and Rohese noticed a pained expression cross his face.
"We will find those children and see that they are safe too," she added. "It wasn’t your fault!"
Rising to her tiptoes, she kissed him again on the cheek.
"Take care and I will see you very soon."
Making her way back to Cyraeni's, Rohese noticed that one of the propaganda posters now boasted a bird image with a pair of bright yellow penguin feet and a ridiculously large green bowtie. She giggled to herself before hastily pulling the hood back over her head to conceal her obvious amusement.
She mentally checked off another name from her list. There was still so much to be done before she could retire for the night.
Penre would soon be resting in a comfortable bed and receiving around-the-clock care.
I must send that letter of introduction to Socius tonight; I promised Juspera.
I need to consider how to approach the Council of Thrones regarding business dealings with Mist Harbor.
Lylia. Why did that conversation with Xanthium bother her so much? What could the Mayor be thinking! Rohese shook her head and was reminded of her own words earlier that evening. Trust your instincts.
And then, of course, there was Nehor. Despite her best efforts, she was still concerned about that outrageous man. There was definitely something there earlier - a moment - something in the eyes and the way he looked at her. Rohese shrugged it off. I have more important matters to deal with first.
A courier handed Socius a folded sheet of white parchment with an avian-stamped silver wax seal. It read:
12th day of Lormesta in the year 5120
My dear Socius,
It was a pleasure to see you today. First, I want to thank you for stopping by the Museum last month and supporting the Elanthian Vogue event. I’m sure the Lady Avawren won’t mind me saying that she is somewhat enamored with your portrait in the Gallery journal. It is in safe hands.
Secondly, I am writing to let you know that your request has been granted. I have spoken with Greth regarding Penre’s relocation and he will see that your orders are carried out. Please be assured that I will do everything in my power to keep him safe and ensure his recovery.
And finally, please forgive my impertinence, but I have a small favour to ask of you in return. I have been approached by Juspera to see if you might be willing to meet with her and the Magister Raelee Svala. I can vouch for both of them in terms of their respectful behaviour towards to me but I am hesitant to say more as I am not particularly comfortable with certain aspects of their reputations. It is worth nothing that Akenna is not happy at all about the Hall of Mages being involved but I shall leave that for you to determine further. I am, of course, more than happy to accompany both parties, should you or they ask it of me.
As always, your friend and confidante.
Rohese Bayvel-Timsh’l