23. Arcady: Partitions

Summary

• The protagonist and Everen arrive at a hideout and meet their old gang, where they'd spent much of their early life. This visit prompts the protagonist to reminisce about their memories in the hideout, the Cote.
• Discovering their old rooms still vacant, Everen and the protagonist choose to stay in them for the night. This brings back memories of their friend Lightfinger, and they can't help but feel nostalgic, even sad.
• Wren, one of their old gang members, expresses fear about being double-crossed again. They assure him that there will be no deception on their part. Wren suggests that they could rejoin the Marricks permanently after their current job, but they decline, stating their intention to change their ways after this last mission.
• In darkness, they begin a conversation with Everen through their psychic bond. They discuss their complex feelings about gender identity, societal expectations, and the freedom embodied in their non-binary identity.
• Unable to sleep, they reveal their reasons for leaving the Marricks: Lightfinger’s death during a botched job which they believe could have been prevented if Larkin, their leader, had spent the money to heal Lightfinger.
• After revealing their past and feelings, they explain their ultimate goal: to expose the corruption at the heart of the Citadel using all the money they had stolen to fund their education and investigation, and to create a better future for themselves.
• Ultimately, they caution Everen against becoming too close, saying that those who care for them often end up hurt. They wish him a good night, effectively ending the conversation.