Arlane, Words Unspoken

When I first met you, we were in Adso's camp and trouble had arisen. Not for any of us, but for one of the Bree-land locals. A child, who came racing in to speak of a violent robbery. You stood and offered your help immediately. Not once did you rescind it or waver. You never completely trusted those around you, but you still devoted your loyalty to the same cause.

I know how difficult that tact can be. You did it flawlessly.

As you came nearer to my company, you began to show some traits you may not have meant to. Protectiveness, camaraderie. Even when you were not sure what or who to believe, you still stood by. Steadfast, a reliable warrior and quick as a whip. A questing mind.

I did not see you often, but many times I would hear you were there with the others. Always asking questions, always offering solutions. You never held back or hesitated to come up with ways to cure, ways to fix, ways to heal. 

Then, I saw you at the outings with the girls. You took them to Bree with your seedy acquaintances. Aeldiet and Eirik were guarded, but I was not. You knew what you were doing, and while you and I have barely spoken to one another - never in private at that - I find your heart and motives clear to read. Even if you have your many secrets.

You would not have allowed any harm to come to those girls, and the acquaintances you introduced them to were those you already knew how to manage and predict.

Looking past the risks that plagued Aeldiet and Eirik, I could see that what you had done was just take the girls to Bree ... To dance. To laugh. To build morale, to remind them that even while many people might seem gloomy or glum, there are always aspects of life to enjoy for those who search.

Your act was after my own heart, and I never properly thanked you for it, Arlane.

At the Siege. Why did you stay on the hill? Did you hesitate, or were you trapped in concern for Eirik and Atharann? Did you know Aeldiet respects you enough that he stayed there because of you?

You were needed below. In the square, I needed you. So did the girls. I think, eventually, you realised. When you came into the house, there was a look you gave me. Even though your choice had almost cost us greatly, in your eyes I could see that you understood. You were reaching above what you had ever done, and you were sorry.

You were not the type of sorry that other women all too frequently are; over the top. Resentful. Dramatised, self-bashing for deflection and attention.

No, you were truly sorry. Grounded. You apologised, but it was simple and very real. I felt that apology more than any ever given to me; because of your simplicity. You had no ulterior motive, you had no reason to flog yourself with guilt. What was done was done, it was a mistake and the remorse you felt was exactly what was right and good. Pure, unadultered remorse.

I forgave you already. You needed grounding in that moment, and for your nature, that was rare. It showed to me not that you are or have ever been weak; but how far outside your comfort you had been reaching all this time.

I hope what I said to you, what I asked your mind to do next, in problem solving, was the right thing. I hope it helped you. Though I think even without me doing so, you would no doubt have found your feet again on your own.

Through the rest of the combat, you were the reliable warrior - what I have known you to be, what I trust in you.

Be as cagey as you like, Arlane. Keep your secrets, and take what cares you wish hiding those seedy contacts of yours from the others.

I know some piece of your heart, darling, and it is one of the truest I have ever encountered. I am proud to have you fight beside me. I owe you a great deal already that will never be spoken, and maybe by most it will never be seen.

Thank you, my friend. My blade and life is yours, my clan is yours. If a time ever comes where these debts can be repaid, I only hope I can do them full justice.