Kerrick’s General Thoughts
I have revealed more than I intended. Words came easier than they should have, drawn out by exhaustion and the length of the day. There is a lingering unease in knowing that some thoughts were spoken before I had fully weighed them. Certain things should be carried with care, and I am not convinced I did that today. Still, what is done is done, and I will live with what was offered.
Today has been long, and my body makes no effort to hide it from me. My bones creak when I move, a quiet reminder of years I prefer not to count. I will not mention this to the others. They need to believe I can keep pace, and for now, I still can. I will give more thought to everything once my breathing settles and the day loosens its grip on me.
Kerrick’s Thoughts on the group
Adam
I can see now, Adam, that you have struggled to find your place. Hearing you laugh was unexpected, and I realize how rare it has become. For a time, I feared you were drifting toward your father’s shadow, but I see now that I was wrong to think it. Those concerns no longer weigh on me. I am relieved to hear that you wish to help Hypatia and to make amends for what has come before.
You carry many burdens, more than you should at your age, and I hope I can ease them while I am still able. Do not mistake this for servitude. I am not your butler, nor would I wish to be. I will consider what guidance I can offer, but I worry, Adam, that a day may come when I am no longer there to stand between you and what seeks to harm you.
Florien
While I am glad that you and Rona have made amends, I can feel how delicate this peace truly is. It rests on uncertain ground. You continue to charge headlong into danger towards your brother, and I cannot ignore the sense that you have already begun to pull away from us. Distance does not always come from anger. Sometimes it comes from conviction, and that worries me more.
I know the augmentations I have taken upon myself are dangerous, but danger has been the constant shape of my life. This is simply another weight added to an already long list. I will survive. I always have, and now I must again. I have more to say on this, but it will have to wait. I need to steady my breathing before I can trust my thoughts.
Rona
You worry for me, and I hear you. I simply cannot stop. Becoming a Dragon Slayer was never the aim, only the consequence of seeking strength. I remember what it was like when my body obeyed without hesitation, when power answered my will and I could shape the outcome of a fight. That feeling mattered because it meant I could protect, that I could make my presence count.
Now I fear that distance from that strength, and I cannot apologize for wanting it back. Not after what we have learned of Gwendolyn. You would do the same for Florien, I know it. That is why I worry for you as well. You are drawn to Florien’s path, and from there it is only a short step into your brother’s shadow. Your concern for Florien is sincere, but I fear you do not turn that same caution inward.
Florien bears the weight of the Butcher of Waterdeep as a brother. Yours, by contrast, still allows you to shoulder trials that could break you. I do not wish my choices to lead us toward war, but there are lines I will not retreat from. I will not let you die, Rona Loran, not while I still have breath to stand in the way.
Kerrick’s Thoughts on specific NPCs
Rick and Evie
Something about them reminds me of Gwendolyn. I don’t want to think too deeply on this for the moment but I am glad they have found each other and I could have helped.
Romeo Shade
The theatres here are quite different from the ones in Aerys. I remember once sneaking to a theatre with Gwendolyn. I don’t remember much of the performance but I do remember how vividly she laughed and clapped.
I can still hear it a little.
Ahem
The rabbit however, was quite talented.