Florien’s General Thoughts
I am no stranger to the feeling of someone attacking me with the intent to kill. Years have passed, but the sensation is the same—though my legs were no longer rooted into the ground. I hate that this face of mine places a target on my head for any of his enemies. So much for keeping my head down in Waterdeep.
My family still holds so much power, but my words hold no weight. What is the use of being a Wolfric if I cannot do anything but watch innocents die? I…
I refuse to take a life unless I must. I am not the Butcher.
But I look even more like him now. I caught my reflection in the glass, and for a split second my heart sank. He always kept his hair short. All that sets us apart is the eyepatch and scars. And the piercings too, I don’t think those are to his taste. I know that we are as different as can be, but I fear the similarities that go unnoticed by myself.
I need to be braver. I can—No. I must do more to help. I don’t know what influence I can have, but if it saves even just one life, I’ll sleep better at night.
Florien’s Thoughts on Waterdeep
This city is more divided than I thought. The guards say the rebels did it, but I don’t believe them. There are always two sides to a story, and I hope we find someone who can give us the truth. Is that too much to ask for?
Florien’s Thoughts on the group
Kerrick
“I will give you the blood you seek. Your time will come.”
What… was that? Everything I’ve known about Kerrick tells me that he’s a man of honour with a code of conduct who kills only when necessary. But that sight, that lone figure amidst the smoke and corpses, and that voice—Who are you, Kerrick Lurgan? The Dragon Slayer of the West, yes, I know that. But what things have you done? Whose blood have you spilled in your duties?
I wish I hadn’t overheard those words. Kerrick was supposed to be someone I could look up to, but now I find myself hesitating to look in his direction. I avoid his gaze. When he noticed I’d heard, he spoke so softly but those words felt laced with caution. Like he would strike me down if I reacted wrongly.
First it was the goblins, and now the way he talks about the rebels. There are minute details in the way he does things that is so reminiscent of a warrior. His past battles seem to have etched itself into his movements, his mindset.
Then there was the laugh. What the fuck was that? It felt evil—no. Malicious. Whatever that was, that was not Kerrick.
Rona
Since we stepped foot in Waterdeep, I have been by your side as much as you would allow me to be. I thought it would be safer to keep you away from that place, but something happened. I don’t know what you witnessed but you looked shattered. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you. You and I are so interwoven into the conflict, but where I haven’t chosen my side, I know you have. The rebels. Your family.
I admire the courage you have, to still stand against the guards. But that courage will get you hurt one day, Rona. I don’t want to see that happen. But Waterdeep—this place is more cruel than I remember. I know you wanted me to keep away from trouble, but was that really so easy when those guards spoke to you like that? My body moved on its own. I didn’t care if those guards fired at me, just as long as you were unscathed. I finally could protect you, but I’m sorry we couldn’t save those men. Innocence does not matter when those guards have their sights set on covering the truth.
The emotions that surface whenever you turn to me are complicated. I care so deeply about you, it worries me. Every little thing I do has its consequence, and I fear that what I’ve done will have its rebuttal. I protected you, and when Faust finds out, does that not single you out?
If it ever comes down to it, please, don’t throw your life aside. I know it’s a noble thing to do, but allow me to be selfish for this one thing. I can’t say this to you, I’m not that brave. But… life feels lighter with you around.
Adam/Tarvo
I knew something was up. He sounded different. I thought he’d hit his head too hard, but he even carried himself differently. I don’t fully understand, but he’s no longer the Tarvo we knew. Adam, he calls himself.
I initially thought that maybe that ‘Tarvo’ had been an act. But the way he behaved was like an entirely other person now piloted that same body. He was… coherent. He was a lot more careful too. He made Rona keep a secret, however brief. Funny, since I remember Tarvo saying he wouldn’t like us to keep secrets from each other anymore.
I miss Tarvo, but it looks like Adam is here to stay. He called me Flower, and it didn’t feel right. I don’t know this man, and I wonder if I will ever see ‘Tarvo’ again. I want to understand what’s going on, but everyone is allowed their secrets. Perhaps I need to talk to him more, but he seems to hold everyone at an arm’s length.
Florien’s Thoughts on specific NPCs
Billie
I can still taste the blueberry pie. I remember her friendliness, passion and those teasing remarks. Billie was full of life, and though I hesitated to speak with her, I appreciated her. This city has lost a kind soul, and I know more losses will come. Rest easy.
Faust
It’s strange. I met people who trusted you, who put their lives in your hands, claiming that you swore to protect them. The guards regard you with fear, I’ve seen it first hand. Does The Butcher of Waterdeep have a heart? Do you truly care for these people, or is it simply part of your duties?
You were here. Perhaps we were separated by the smoke, but wherever you were, I… I was glad to hear that you were alive. Huh. That thought brought a twist to my gut. Is that guilt?
In another life, perhaps we would be fighting alongside one another to help the people.
Faust’s Right Hand Man
I don’t think I’ve seen him before, have I? That look of distaste he gave me was so reminiscent of the look Faust used to give me. This man definitely works closely with him.
He’s off to tell him all about what happened. I have a feeling this isn’t the last time I’ll be seeing him.