Chapter 2: The White Rose

Perhaps better known in Revlon as the premier establishment for nighttime company, the White Rose also served as the hub for my style of work, where I could find supplies to help with heists as well as, let’s call them vendors, to take certain kinds of goods off of my hands in exchange for hard currency.

While walking towards the White Rose, I took a look at the changes that had occurred in Revlon over the past several years. I had been here once before, roughly two years after my home in Leyden burned. It had been one of the first stops I had made as my own, new, man. Then, I was still attempting to solidify my new self, becoming accustomed to being a new person on what felt like a daily basis.

Now, however, much had changed. Both for Revlon and myself. In regards to the former, the town had grown substantially. The old King Ostlyn, eponymously named for his capital and the one reigning at the time I still lived in Leyden, had died, leaving only a young son behind as heir. As such, the crown practically rested on the head of one former Duke Leyden, who was serving as regent for the young boy.

In the years since his ascension, Duke Leyden had heavily pushed the expansion of well-built, well-traveled roads connecting inner cities such as Leyden and Ostlyn with a select number of outer towns, Revlon being one such. As a result, commerce between the areas had grown heavily. And with this came people.

Compared to the Revlon of nearly six years ago, the Revlon of today was, on the whole, much filthier than it had once been. The increase in population had not been met with an increase in waste management, and this led to an almost permanent stench as well as a very real need to watch your step. Though, I wasn’t one to complain. The increase in wealth in the outer towns had served me well. I had more targets to rob, after all. I could handle the filth in exchange.

I had changed, also. Gone was the boy who grew nervous when he started a con on his own. Outside of my nightmares, I had put the worst of my past behind me. I had refined my burgeoning talent in acting into an art, one I used to great personal benefit. I supplemented that with the lessons I had learned before I left Leyden behind. How to pick locks and pockets, where to pawn off my illicit gains, who to pay off to ensure I avoided any issues. I was still Ren when a quiet academic was needed. But I was also so much more. I was Tavlon, dashing and charming if a bit loose with his money. I was Salic, gruff and cutthroat, built for survival in the seedier parts of any city. Frankly, I doubt I had been called Ren in several years.

Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

Imagine my surprise, then, when the first person that approaches me at the White Rose calls me not by Tavlon, but my real name.

As I look up, I take in the man approaching me. Blocky, unkempt, almost more bear than man.

“The name’s Tavlon, not Ren.” I reply. “You must be mistaken.” I instantly regretted not altering my appearance at least slightly for this persona, but I hadn’t used the name or been to this town in years, so it shouldn’t have been an issue.

“Pardon me, then. Let me buy you a drink later in apology.” The man replied as he sat down across from me.

Under my breath, I whispered, “What do you want, Eric? I haven’t seen you in years. And it’s Tavlon here.”

Responding in kind, Eric said, “I’m here on orders from Phillip. He’d heard that you were hanging around Revlon and told me to reach out to you.”

“Phillip? It’s been six years! I thought we were done once I left Leyden.” I spat out.

Eric nodded, “You are, at least in terms of required ties. He has a job that fits your specialties quite well. Pays well, not too difficult. But it requires someone who can blend into a room like you do. So, he thought of you.”

“What’s the catch?” I ask in response. “Phillip and I both benefited from our relationship, I know. His training helped me become what I am today. But that doesn’t mean he’d call me back for something easy, not if there’s nothing in it for him.”

“All I know is that the job’s in Leyden, it involves some important people, and he wants you there,” Eric replied. “Leyden has changed since you left. Duke Leyden being lifted to the regency has made a lot of important and wealthy people move in. It’s ripe for the picking, and Phillip thinks you can help. You’ll get more details if you go talk to the man himself. I’d suggest you at least do that. You can make your decision after.”

Sighing, I asked, “When’s he need me there by?”

“A week tops. But, if you’re asking me,” Eric said, “I’d get there as soon as possible. Like I said, Leyden’s changed. You’d do well to familiarize yourself with the city again. Plus, some new entertainment has moved in.”

Feeling like I might regret it later, I told him, “Fine. I’ll go talk to Phillip. I just finished a job up here anyway, so I need to get out of town. He still based in that old tavern?”

After grunting in acknowledgment, Eric got up with a “Sorry to bother you, friend,” and went on his way.

Well, now to figure out how to get to Leyden.