"No" Roche said firmly as he leaned against his desk.
"You owe me. I want out of this cesspit. After tonight, I'm not sure I want to stay anymore"
"Not my problem" He folded his arms.
"You're turning down help? A Healer's help?" She pleaded.
"I am. This next task requires loyalty at its core, and I fear you are not to be trusted"
"You can trust my commitment to healing. No one can fight for Temeria if you all die preventable deaths" Alessa reasoned.
"I thought you hated me?"
"Of course not. I'm fond of your men, and you're okay. Look, I'm not asking for much. If anything I'm doing you a favour"
"Which exactly why I don't want you with me"
"Loredo is dead is he not?"
"Aye"
"Dead because I so graciously gave you the plans, and the information necessary"
"And Temeria thanks you"
"Why can't you thank me?"
"I don't see why you'd want to join a battle front"
"I want to treat people. I want experience. I want some fucking break from this hellhole and fo something meaningful"
"Why?"
"For Temeria" the words spilled from her lips. Words she knew may stir him. Words that made her want to puke.
"For Temeria?" He raised an eyebrow.
"For Temeria" She affirmed.
"Fine. Be ready in three hours. Go... or we leave without you" He shooed her away.
Alessa smiled and rushed out the door to pack. She was sad to leave the girls, but she left recipes for useful, non magical poultices for them. She was ready for change. To make a choice for her, and something just felt right.