Rona’s General Thoughts
I already had the suspicion that there was a higher power behind all of this. There are too many signs pointing to a third party being involved. The coincidence that we found this letter… it’s either our luck or our misfortune. But I have to tell Yasin. Eventually, there must be a way to end this cycle of loss and pain, by striking at the root of the problem itself. I’ll tell him that Florien was the one who warned us.
I keep wondering who it was that came to Waterdeep and made everything worse. I heard the guards talking about Lower Waterdeep and its people, as if they were dangerous. Just as Yasin said, the people there are treated as lesser. “Rebel” is just another word they use to degrade them.
I’m afraid to learn more about these underground fight clubs. I’m afraid there are darker things happening beneath the surface. The fact that there are no patrols in that part of the city means something. I know what that kind of silence hides… from my time at sea, I’ve seen what happens behind closed doors when no one is asking questions.
So I’ll stay close to my friends. Maybe I can learn something useful. Even if it’s harder to keep myself unseen with a group around me. I hate needing to keep my distance, but I have bigger responsibilities now.
Rona’s Thoughts on the group
Adam/Tarvo
Tarvo, this back and forth between you and Adam is starting to worry me. You take it lightly, though not as lightly as Adam did when he first appeared. I’ve missed your warmth, but somehow, you seem wilder than before. Reckless.
I saw you kill a man without hesitation. I really hope you don’t do that to everyone you meet. This isn’t the wilderness. The rules here are different. As much as I love you, you could become a danger to my cause if you keep acting this way.
If you truly are the great mother wolf you claim to be, then remember, protection also means restraint. Sometimes, to keep your cubs safe, you have to hold yourself back.
Still… I’m so glad you’re back. I just don’t know how much of a wild card you and Adam really are. He’s unpredictable with his words, and you with your actions. It makes me anxious.
I don’t mean to distrust you. I still see the same charming boy beneath it all, but… what are you doing? You don’t belong in a jail, Tarvo. Think about your mother.
Florien
I don’t know what’s happening to you. You met Faust alone, and now you’re acting so unlike yourself. You were anxious before, but this feels different.
It reminds me of Mere… of when I heard my mother’s voice in my head. That same panic, that same need to pull away. Maybe it’s something we can’t understand, something only you can feel. I don’t know what power he holds over you, or maybe it’s just the memory of him, but I wish this wasn’t something you had to face alone.
I remember how you were there for me in Mere. Now I understand what it’s like… to want to help, but to know all you can do is give someone space and watch.
Whoever Tyr is… I thought Tyr was a god. Do you pray to him to feel better? I’m curious. If it helps, breathing, space, then I’ll make sure you have it.
I just wish we had more time to enjoy the normal moments. The usual banter. That whole husband-and-wife act made me smile. It felt normal, like the distance between us wasn’t so wide after all. It was too short-lived. How do we hold on to those brief moments when everything else is so heavy?
I don’t know what I can do for you when you face Faust again. But I’m with you, always. We’ve parted once more, but at least this time it doesn’t feel like forever.
I only hope Faust hasn’t cursed you, or that your memories aren’t what’s hurting you. You once said you don’t know how long you’ll have us, but the truth is, you already have us within you. You’ll have us forever.
Stay strong, Florien.
Kerrick
It makes sense that the rebels don’t distrust you as much as they do Adam or Florien. You’re quiet, and most of the time, wise. You keep yourself hidden too, and there’s a compassion in you that helps you understand the rebels, even if I haven’t told you everything I could. I knew you would understand anyway.
We haven’t connected much yet, but I think I can trust you. I know I have a strong man watching my back for whatever comes next, even if, for the most part, I have to face this alone. You’re a friend who knows what I need to do, and why it’s necessary.
I think I finally understand the reason behind your restrained demeanour. You and I, we’re both devoted to what we care about. For you, it may be Gwendolyn. For me, it’s my people. Perhaps there’s someone else significant for both of us, but I can’t focus on that now. The cause comes first.
I’m glad I understand you better now. Before, you were just an old man, too kind, too forgiving of Adam and Tarvo’s actions. But I see it differently now. You’re still learning how to be a parental figure yourself, with no one to show you how.
I may not have children of my own, but I’ve always been good with them. I’ll gladly share what I know to help you shape our beloved wilderness prince into a good man. Adam and Tarvo, both need guidance. Until he’s reunited with his mother, I’ll care for him, both of them, as best I can.
You helped an orphanage once, didn’t you? You care for those who will shape the future. I respect that deeply.
I hope the encounter we’re about to face brings you the answers you need and brings you a step closer to Gwendolyn.
Rona’s Thoughts on specific NPCs
Willow
Somehow, you were more right about who to trust than I realized. I had barely left the rebels when I was forced to hide again, one of my friends murdered a guard. I won’t cry for the guard, but it’s dangerous to be seen with a killer. It puts the entire cause at risk.
And Florien… he’s been acting strange. I wonder if this is something you experienced with Faust too.
I have to admit, I miss having you beside me. Another feminine presence, it was comforting. It made me feel grounded. I was reminded of Sir French’s toast, and even though my time in Lower Waterdeep humbled me, I find myself missing the charm of that place. Maybe it felt more like home than I ever realized.
Yasin
I have my head straight at the task at hand, Brother. I will not disappoint you.