[NPC: VIDEO]

[ironcoin]

[ The feed starts with the straightforward stare of a young woman into the screen, with a hard set to her jaw on otherwise slight features. Those who have visited him might recognize the backdrop as that of Aroyan's office in the Merchant's Guild; those who have needed the Guild's services will know the woman as Odyni, the one who has been filling in for him. ]

On behalf of the Merchant's Guild, it is to my deepest sorrow that I inform you all that Aroyan... has passed away from his illness. Despite the best efforts of kedanese healers, he succumbed last evening, surrounded by his family.

[ Odyni doesn't look sorrowful, so much as she looks angry. Trying to cover it, but with the inexperience of youth. ]

Per custom, the Guild will be suspending all trade business for one week. At the request of the Merchant's committee, I will be assuming the liaison position between the Guild and the Foreigners. Aroyan is-- was my mentor for the last several years, and I wish to live up to the expectations he would have had.

[ The inside of her cheek works a little, as though she's physically biting it to keep from adding something else, but instead with a sharp nod, she will end the broadcast. ]

---

[OOC: Odyni will respond, if messaged! ]

Comments

[redlightgreenlight]

I'm sorry to hear of his passing. Aroyan was a good friend to us.

[She hadn't even known he was ill, too messed up inside from her failure to pay much attention to anything other than her friends.]

Even Milyn's skill could not heal him?

[The question might seem innocent enough, but she's fishing, trying to gage the general feelings of the Guild.]

[ironcoin]

The Cherrywood said she had not seen this variant strain of this illness before, and that it wasn't usually so aggressive. She said that she would try to find something to abate it, but wasn't able to.

[redlightgreenlight]

That's concerning to be sure. Has it infected anyone else?

[ironcoin]

Not that I am aware of, but that question would be better directed to the Healer's Guild or one of the independent clinics in the city.

I'd say you could ask your fellow Foreigners, but I doubt such things concern them very much.

[redlightgreenlight]

I'm sorry you feel that way.

[She sounds sincere]

It's a difficult balance. I mean, we don't want to interfere too much, but when our aid is required you only have to ask.

[ironcoin]

An interesting approach. We kedan prefer to offer help before it's asked for and let those in need accept or decline, not withhold it on principle. Just another facet of the Foreigners we'll have to adjust to, evidently.

[redlightgreenlight]

It has nothing to do with principle. We've been reprimanded for meddling too much in the past, I suppose it has made us a bit wary of offering help.

[ironcoin]

There is a difference between forcing your aid on us and offering it so that we can choose. If you've "reprimanded" for the latter, I would be greatly interested in knowing when and by whom.

[redlightgreenlight]

The emotional state of the Kedan regarding us fluctuates based upon societal expectations that are difficult to pin down. One day we might be treated with respect and kindness and the next, disdain.

[ironcoin]

Then I'm sorry that your potentially hurt feelings may have cost Aroyan his life.

[redlightgreenlight]

[This girl had decided to hold onto her grudge for now, but hopefully some of the other Kedan wouldn't feel the same way.]

Your anger is understandable and I'm sorry that you lost someone close to you, it's a feeling that I wouldn't wish on anyone.

[ironcoin]

You didn't answer my question about who might have reprimanded you for offering aid to us. Or were you just using that claim as a deflection?

[redlightgreenlight]

All of you.

Do you think that our treatment doesn't affect us? Do you think that we make mistakes on purpose or withhold aid for the sheer cruelty of it?

It seems to me that somehow you believe that we are incapable of making mistakes. We are not perfect, Odyni, and we never will be.

[ironcoin]

[ flat yet incredulously: ] You're saying that had you moved to save Aroyan's life, we would have protested? That's a bold claim.

So you admit that not trying to help him was a mistake.

[redlightgreenlight]

Perhaps, but I'm afraid that there would have been nothing I could have done, no matter how much you might have wanted it. I am not a healer and neither are most of the foreigners. You have decided to blame an entire part of the population for something we have no control over. Does that seem fair to you?

[ironcoin]

You mean like assuming that "all of us" might have rejected said offer? Isn't that the same kind of blanket statement?

[veinediron]

[Rosyn looks something approaching sympathetic.]

I'm very sorry for your loss, Odyni. Keeliai has certainly lost a good man.

Do let me know if my services or resources can be of any use. We must look after our own.

[It's hard to tell if that comment is pointed at the Foreigners or not, really.]

[ironcoin]

[ a sigh; she looks a little tired from arguing with Valdis ]

Thank you, madam Rosyn. It's his family I'm most worried about. His children especially.

[veinediron]

Death is an unfortunate part of life. [She's old enough to have seen a lot of people die, but she's not quite jaded enough to be unconcerned.] I'll see to it they don't find themselves wanting.

[In one way or another.]

How are you handling the transition to liaison? It's not a simple task, as I understand it.

[ironcoin]

Thank you. I know they'll be grateful for it. The Guild is taking care of their financials, but that is small comfort in such a time.

It's been... encompassing. I'd still planned to have a few more years learning under Aroyan, but it's Guild custom to promote the apprentice to the same position unless they're unable to do the work. I admit I hadn't worked much with the Foreigners directly before this. Aroyan was always generous with them.

[lasergrenades]

[Pepper looks concerned and worried and a host of other things, and she's wringing her hands a little when she replies. She doesn't miss Odyni's anger or the hinted blame but she's not quite sure what to do with it.]

I'm really, really sorry for your loss. For the whole Guild and his family, too, of course, it's just you're the one here--

[She catches herself before she starts rambling too much.]

I didn't know Aroyan well, but he was very nice. Very helpful and supportive and smart. If he taught you, I'm sure he knew you'd be the right person to replace him. I mean, obviously not under these circumstances, it would be better if no one had to die but-- um. Yeah. I'm sorry.

[ironcoin]

I understood what you meant.

[ The reply is brusque, but not too scathing. ]

Thank you. For the condolences.

[lasergrenades]

Yeah. Um.

[This is awkward.]

I just-- I know what it's like to lose family.If there's anything I can help with-- I mean, I don't know all the responsibilities obviously but I'm pretty good at logistics.

[It's too little, too late, she thinks, but she could at least try.]