The Doctor Grows Holly. [Rivin]

[Eitan Angevin]

15th of Frost, Year 121 Steel
Outside Zaichaer

It was Isold Stechpalme who put him on the trail.

Even after the expedition had ended, she had wanted regular checks on his health. Interaction with magical creatures always had some sort of effect, and sometimes they were slow-acting. In any case, the vision of his ears regrown—the feel of them even—had disappeared as soon as he and Stefan had escaped its enveloping embrace. Sometimes, though, he still heard and saw things that oughtn't to be there. She surmised it was reawakened some latent ability from his maternal bloodline; it was said Dratori could speak to nature itself. He hated it. But he couldn't deny the added beauty of the wind in his ears as it sang.

Mister Dornkirk had afforded him an extended test drive of an experimental air skiff as he followed this lead. The airship was small enough for him to manage on his own, though he had brought Dienerin—his Dienerin, a cousin of Stefan's—because the man missed the skies and he could pilot well enough if Eitan was for whatever reason occupied. Thankfully, this Dienerin didn't have a wife and children, so Eitan could drag him along and he was game.

Dr. Ilex's estate was far enough outside of Zaichaer proper that it was likely they would have to sleep on the airship, moored at his estate, rather than risk a night flight. Eitan trusted the Windworks in general and Stefan specifically, but he didn't want to abuse the trust being shown in him.

The skiff wasn't built for speed, but for pleasure. The helm was abovedeck, exposed to the elements, but for Eitan and his valet, it was an adventure and they had cold weather gear aplenty.

"Destination ahead, sir!" Dienerin called over the song of the wind. It was good to see the wounded warrior a bit excited, even if his cousin would likely have been upset he was showing emotion at all. But they weren't in Zaichaer; Eitan didn't mind. The man pulled the spyglass down from his gaze and pointed. Eitan followed his indication until he could see a faint plume of woodsmoke on the horizon; 'twas winter and while a man of Ilex's means surely had proper steam heat, there was a primal pleasure in a blazing hearth when Frost came freezing.

Eitan nodded and adjusted his course. Via correspondence, the Doctor knew to expect him and his valet. The man had seemed quite well-spoken and hospitable via their messages. Perhaps he enjoyed his isolation, but was happy for the occasional break in it. The Commander had memorized the instructions on where and how to moor the skiff, and when they were close enough, he reduced speed and maneuvered it carefully around. Though he wasn't a pilot for the Air Defense Corps, he had his training. As such, he enjoyed spreading his wings, so to speak, from time to time.

It was a clear, cold day, and between the two of them and once the skiff was secured, they went below decks and changed into winter clothes more befitting the visit. Eitan descended then, Dienerin in tow. He wore civilian clothes with a badge affixed to his lapel. While he was here in an official capacity, Ilex had asked him not to stand on ceremony.

[Rivin]

It was far too hot; suffocating heat pressing at Rivin from all sides. He couldn't tell where he was, the room seemed to shimmer with steam. Then there were others there, bare flesh and grasping hands surrounding him in ways he could neither understand nor prevent. The doctor was there, behind him, always just over his shoulder no matter which way he turned. He could hear the man's voice, commanding him, praising him when he obeyed, urging him on. It was as if Rivin was a puppet, obeying the commands without any ability to control his body himself even as, in his mind, he was screaming. Body after body was paraded before him, touching him, pulling him, trying to claim his mouth, filling it with tongues that writhed impossibly until he tasted bile and struggled to breathe. One of the bodies became more clear, though the face was still obscured, it was female, but all the proportions were warped, too large or too small, grotesque. She latched hold of him, wrapped long, impossibly strong legs around him, and drew him inescapably into her burning flesh.

Rivin woke with a cry that might have been loud but that his throat was entirely dry. The choked sound was harsh enough to choke him and he fumbled at his bedside table for the wooden cup he kept for water during the night. Emptying the entire thing, swallow after swallow helped clear both his throat and his mind. Another dream. He fell back into his plush bed with an exasperated groan. The room was ungodly hot, but the reason for that he understood. The little sprite he had employed to keep his room warm was far too enthusiastic and couldn't seem to understand that 'comfortably warm' for a creature of this plane was not the same as 'comfortably warm' for a creature from the fire plane. Sending it a silent rebuke that had it tamping itself down into a pout immediately he sighed and tried to calm his racing heart and disarrayed gut.

In the weeks that followed Ilex's announcement that a new batch of adult (sexually mature at least) breeding stock was to arrive Rivin had grown increasingly more tense. The group had arrived, slaves of various kinds, mostly, though some of the males were being paid for their services. None would be informed of what the experiment was for, or even that it was an experiment. The women who proved to be worthy of being bred would never taste freedom, their only way out once they were pregnant the first time was death. They would know too much, even after they were no longer able to bear additional test subjects. Technically, Rivin did not know what happened to females who reached that stage, assuming they did, but he knew enough to know that they would never be released. The risk to secrecy was too great and the work too important.

He had assisted in the inspections, the tests for sexual readiness, and cleanliness from disease in a peripheral way. Drawing blood and other samples to test for heritage and compatibility had taken up the majority of his time, but it had still been a trial like it never had been before. Every time he went with his clipboard to give the verbal examination he prayed the subject would be male. Whenever he entered a room to find a young female waiting for him his body would try to seize up. Ilex had made no attempt to conceal that Rivin would be required to breed with this generation, so any time he encountered one of the females his mind inevitably tried to force-feed him images of what mating with her would be like until they choked him.

The few times he had been required to produce his seed for testing, Ilex, as well as several others, had been in the exam room to observe. The experiences had been worse, in some ways, than being beaten. Then, of course, there had been the beatings he'd received for mistakenly believing he was allowed 'personal experimentation' as the doctor had named it. None of that had happened in some time, but any expression of his sexuality not caused him to feel deeply anxious at best, violently ill at worst.

Trying to push all of that from his mind he went over the agenda for the day; Ilex had invited a Commander from the ZADC to come discuss some aspects of the experiment. The actual experiment, as far as Rivin could tell, and not the inane babble most people got. So far as he could remember no one from any branch of the military of either country the experiment was being conducted in had ever been told of their true purpose. Of course, some of the very high-ranking members must know, but none had ever come to talk about it. The Commander, Angevin was his name, was also a member of the Order of Reconciliation, so, perhaps that was why he had been given clearance.

Standing, Rivin began to groom and dress himself. He had been given the privilege of greeting their guest and showing him around, if he wanted the tour before settling down to talk. Or, more likely, if Ilex was busy at the time of his arrival. The exact time of expected arrival was not known, so it seemed wise to be dressed and available as soon as could be.

The day passed slowly; Rivin lounging in the library lying to himself that he was reading while really he fought for every sentence as his mind tried to bring him back into a state of dread. When a servant arrived to inform him that the airship (Airship?) had arrived and the passengers were disembarking he gladly launched himself from his chair. The main entrance hall opened into the courtyard, which was large enough for many carriages and, it seemed, a 'small' airship. Rivin had read about airships but he hadn't seen one before and the prospect managed to clear away all the debris that had been trying to gather in his head.

Stepping out into the sunshine, even the Frost sunshine, felt good and he waited, politely, as what he assumed was the Commander, disembarked. The ship was lovely; sleek designed with attractiveness intended. Rivin immediately wanted to know what kept it afloat, what sort of propulsion it used, if it required fuel. He would not ask the dark-haired, swarthy-skinned man these questions. Rivin was there to answer questions. With a polite bow that wasn't associated with any particular nation he greeted,

"Commander Angevin, welcome. I am Doctor Ilex's research assistant, if you will follow me please, you can refresh yourself before the meeting." Waving the man inside he followed in such a way that he ended up back in front where he could lead them down the corridors. The house was lavish, with a pretense of being a country estate, the stuffed heads of animals interspersed with fine paintings. He would answer any questions asked, but otherwise did not attempt to make conversation as they made their way to an equally lavish Refreshing Room. It contained a lavatory with several large silver basins sunk into a marble counter. The first basin steamed, while the last had chips of ice floating in it, with several degrading temperatures between. Fuffy towels were hung at hand height and several soaps were present on little dishes, scented and unscented. The toilettes were each in their own little stall with doors that fastened for privacy.

Not imagining that the man, who was, Rivin had discovered in his genealogical research, descended from a very high house indeed, would need help or explanations, the part-Lysanrin moved to stand, sentry-like, beside the door.

[Eitan Angevin]

"And what shall I call you," he asked the Lysanrin who met him in the courtyard, "or do you prefer Dr. Ilex's assistant?"

A smile quirked his lips, but otherwise, he spent the walk from the courtyard to the refreshing room asking questions pertinent to the itinerary and the purpose of his visit. It was his habit to gather information, both what he could see and what he could hear, though Dr. Ilex wasn't under investigation. Still and all, this was a fact-finding mission and the assistant's horns made it clear that Ilex had some experience with Lysanrin, at least. Stechpalme hadn't led him astray, he hoped.

When they arrived and their guide stepped aside, Eitan nodded to Dienerin and they each relieved themselves in separate toilets, and then washed up. He tried not to look into the basins, not wanting to see the water spirits swimming with the fire spirits. It was easier to instead look critically at himself in the mirror as Dienerin stepped up to straighten his collar and swipe a hint of lint from his shoulder. He nodded and stepped back when all was up to his exacting standards, and then Eitan returned to their guide.

"Thank you for waiting," he said courteously. "I am ready to meet the doctor now. But if he is busy, you can direct me to where I can await him. I'm certain you have things you would rather be doing than attending me."

He smiled again, a flash of white teeth. Eitan had grown up in a house not so dissimilar from this—mansion, rather—and so he was comfortable enough. He had also been the least of his family, and was used to treating servants and attendants well. They were often his allies in the strange power struggle that existed between the classes and family members.

[Rivin]

The request for his name was unexpected, making his tail twitch slightly from where it had been hanging, polite and docile previously. Most of Ilex's guests had no interest in the help, however skilled it might be. In this circumstance, he was little more than a glorified butler, yet still, the man had asked. Normally he would have said that his title was enough (lie), or just gave a polite smile in response. Not deciding whether this person was worth actually talking to yet he answered all other questions as they came

As he stood, waiting against the wall as Commander and Manservant went about relieving and straightening themselves, he noticed the tiny, almost non-existent, sprites float over in response to Angevin. Rivin's attention became specific and pointed immediately, even as his body remained still. This member of the Order had the rune of Summoning as well, or...

His head tilted fractionally as the Militant pointedly avoided acknowledging the little whisps of almost-life. Ignoring such he could understand, and was forced to do it himself constantly, but there was something other about how the slightly slanted eyes didn't even look at the basins where they swam.

So deep was Rivin in running this puzzle around his head that, when Angevin thanked him, he startled. It was not visible but instead of answering his response was a smile a fraction too sharp to be polite. Pushing off the wall he led the two to a sitting room with a blazing fire. Four chairs were pulled up into a small circle where whoever sat in them would be able to speak comfortably while taking advantage of the heat provided. Keen eyes, kept carefully grey that day, watched for any signs that Angevin would notice the larger fire sprite in the hearth.

"Make yourself comfortable," His polite, bland expression was back, "Mulled wine will be served. I will go inform the Doctor of your readiness."

Slipping away he had to force himself to keep a steady pace in the halls between where he had left the guests and where he would find Ilex. When his thoughts frayed through a puzzle it was harder to keep his body sedate. When he arrived, knocked, entered and informed Ilex of the arrivals the man looked blank for a moment before coming out of his study fog enough to catch up. Rivin only waited, knowing it would come to him. The Doctor's mind was sharp like a shaving blade, but tangled in too many things at once and it would take a moment to slice through. Fetching the dark brown coat (specifically designed to look rumpled) from its hook Rivin held it out while Ilex doffed his lab coat and then pushed into the offered one. The expression of concentration on the older man faded almost immediately, as though, in addition to having been tailored to wrinkle, it was also runeforged to transform him into something almost harmless.

Rivin stayed a pace behind until they arrived, then moved to open the door. It was odd to realize that, at some times, he performed all the same actions as Angevin's bodyman. The roles that possessed Rivin at different times all flowed together such that, unless there was someone present who also did one of them, he forgot they weren't all the same.

The two newcomers sat. Ilex extended a hand to Angevin and then his servant, greeting them warmly and asking them about their journey as they all got settled. Rivin took the fourth seat, noticing that the wine had arrived and been served in his absence. He would not be drinking, and while Ilex took a goblet and brought it to his lips he wouldn't either.

"Gentlemen," Ilex began, "You are very welcome. Indeed, it is rare to have guests this far out, particularly at this time of year. Forgive an old man, who was it that sent you again? I try to keep all these things in my mind but," He gave a charming smile and made a little 'poof' gesture with his hand, "at my age, sometimes they just slip away."

This was the test portion. Angevin's letter had claimed he had clearance, and while claiming such without actually having it was asking to be executed, some still tried.

[Eitan Angevin]

Neither did Eitan look hard into the fire in the hearth, but that might not have meant anything in particular. He nodded to Dr. Ilex's assistant, not pushing him for a name if he did not wish to share one. Servants could be strange creatures, or their strangeness could stem from masters with strange rules. While he wasn't here to discover the secrets of the house, but rather to gather information that might help him track Florian, old habits died hard and he did want to keep his skills at observation keen.

They thanked the servant who brought the mulled wine, but neither touched it yet.

When the assistant returned with the good doctor, Eitan smiled. He could be charming.

"Dr. Ilex, a pleasure to meet you. I'm Commander Eitan Angevin of the ZADC Noble Gambit, though I am here on behalf of the Order of Reconciliation. This is my man, Dienerin." After shaking hands and sitting, he picked up his wine, took a measured sip, and then just enjoyed the heat of it against his fingers.

"Dr. Isold Stechpalme is a family friend, and she suggested I speak to you regarding a case I am working. This visit was approved by Vigilant Meike Richter, as well." The man certainly seemed harmless and distracted, so Eitan waited to see whether he had given him enough information to nudge his memory before supplying more than needed. He wondered if this was how Stefan would be in his old age, doddering around the house working on science projects. The thought made him smile a little.

But he did wonder whether it would be wise to speak about Florian Albrecht in front of another Lysanrin. He knew they weren't a hegemon, weren't all connected, and Ilex was from the Imperium rather than Zaichaer so there was even less a chance that he and his people were at all connected with one specific Lysanrin. One couldn't be too careful, though.

[Rivin]

The Doctor's eyes remained vague, and his expression blandly friendly as he listened to the Commander speak. It was a trick Rivin was far from mastering; lying with even his eyes. He could misdirect with them, imply meaning, but making them look as though he did not care at all when he was paying keen attention was still beyond his skill.

The conversation continued thus for a few minutes, the Doctor making little comments about both Stechpalme and Rickter that were slightly wrong, and leaving them to Angevin to correct as though it were all part of an older man's failing memory. Once the testing was done, and passed, the change was immediate. Ilex say up straight in his chair, leaned back, and took an actual sip of his wine. The doddering old charmer was gone, as though a sheet had been whipped off his figure, and only now was it so obvious to have been only a painted-on persona.

"Forgive me my tests, gentlemen," Even his voice was different, precise, and colder, "Isold sent word you would be coming, but one can not be too careful with one's life's work. I do not know what she told you of my work. A great deal of it concerns the gathering and collecting of data on a number of species, mainly Lysanrin. The majority of the experiments and collection have been done by me personally, so I can vouch for its soundness. I am not sure what of my research may be of use to you, but I will try to discover the answer. What is it you need to know?"

Rivin sat quietly, eyes moving mostly between Angevin and Ilex, though he did intentionally spend time studying the third human. A servant always knew more than their master's thought they did, unless, of course, that was the point of them.

[Eitan Angevin]

Eitan hadn't doubted Stechpalme's lead or he wouldn't be here, but he had wondered at the façade until it disappeared. He allowed a small, rueful smile to show on his face, the tip of his hat to Ilex's ruse, though he wasn't truly surprised even if he hadn't expected it.

"Your caution is commendable, Doctor," he assured him. His eyes flicked toward the Lysanrin, but at this point, Ilex was responsible for the sanctity of their conversation. Dienerin he trusted; the man hid his hero-worship well, but his experience of Eitan in the field of battle had shone upon the Commander in the best of lights. He and his brother-in-law were fortunate in that their men were, it seemed, entirely devoted and more so than one might expect from a steady paycheck.

"In brief, a Lysanrin enrolled in the Air Defense Corps and in the process of vetting, the Order discovered he was capable of aether siphoning. It was decided to let him matriculate, and he was assigned to the Noble Gambit where I could keep an eye on him. His power developed and proved quite useful, and he was proving himself to be an asset to the Corps. All was going well and he was the poster child for Lysanrin finding their niche in the High City when he fled for no apparent reason. I am investigating his flight, but I have only known him the span of a season and it is my hope you might have some insights to share to aid me in tracking him down as he has gone from being an asset to the state to being a danger."

He was quite used to being clinical in his description of Florian Albrecht. Their friendship had smoothed things out upon their airship, on the expedition, and otherwise. Now, it was also a habit to protect them both. He knew Richter wouldn't hesitate to use Eitan as bait if she thought it would pull the Lysanrin back into her web. Eitan would rather be hunter than bait.

[Rivin]

The Doctor leaned forward slightly hands clasped before him, his whole attention seeming focused on Angevin as he spoke. The level of singularly focused attention that Ilex could put onto a subject caused discomfort in many. Rivin was used to it and sometimes still it made him wonder if the man might not have some delving magic that he hid from the world.

"Mmm, aether siphoning, how strong? No, don't answer, go on and finished." Was the only interruption to the speed, accompanied by the flat of the Doctor's hand sweeping as though to cut away his own question. His voice was quiet and calm, for all it held a subdued version of the intensity of his attention. For all it wasn't loud, there was absolute authority in every sound.

Rivin observed the conversation with just as much attention, but without pushing his presence into it.

When the Commander finished Ilex sat back again, nodding.

"Albrecht. Yes. I know of 'him'." The way the gendered term came from the Doctor's mouth made Rivin wonder at the nature of the Lysanrin in question, but he knew to keep his silence.

"An experiment of a different kind than I would have indulged but," He spread his hands, the movement suggesting a shrug, "It was not mine, and now, as you say, it has gone astray."

Ilex's Imperial accent grew stronger and the look on his face was more annoyed now than interested. It wasn't a strong expression, but for a being so tuned to this human's every frown, it was enough. Little time was left for Rivin to begin to worry, as the Doctor went on almost immediately.

"I received a blood sample, when your experiment first began. It had potential, yes, very high potential indeed. I had hoped to include the subject in my own experiment, even accepted that I would have to give him back after." The tone was amused, implying the unusualness of the idea.

"I even went so far as to request his mother's blood, but, alas, what is left of that seems to have been collected by those who have no interest in my studies." Turning abruptly to Rivin he said, "Bring me the Albrecht file."

Rivin rose immediately, as though the Doctor's voice were in direct control of his nervous system. Hurrying away he returned and handed the folder over, before sitting again.

Ilex took a moment to flip through the file, not really reading it, more as though he were refreshing his recall.

"Ah yes, very promising. I am disappointed, though," His eyes left the papers and returned to Angevin, "Not as disappointed as I imagine you to be. Do you have any specific questions, or are you hoping I can pull a Dämonen-Verwandtschaft out of my hat?"

The teasing was near to kind but no closer. It teasing without sympathy.

[Eitan Angevin]

While the assistant was fetching Albrecht's file, Angevin answered the previous question.

"I am uncertain which scale you use to gauge power in the Lysanrin corruption, but as of the last time I worked with him, he was developing the skill of transmutation of siphoned aether into more controlled releases: bolts, steady streams, even crystallized aether. It was a fledgling talent, however. As for Ava Albrecht's blood, there may have been some collected from her murder scene, but you would have to speak to Vigilant Richter for access. And I don't know if any blood collected thusly would be of any biological use to you." All Stefan's samples were wet and fresh.

Angevin was stoic as Ilex reviewed the file, though, at his jest, he could but spread his hands and offer a bit of Kathalan poetry: "Es irrt der Mensch so lang er strebt."

Man errs until he has ceased to strive.

"His is rapidly becoming a cold case and my superiors require answers if not a Lysanrin. I would appreciate any sleight of hand you might know to make him reappear, but perhaps you know some easily substantiated rumors as to where Lysanrin might be congregating, where they might be honing their abilities, or anything, really. Any data might help me form a pattern."

He paused. "And any data you might have as to how the aether siphoning ability can be culled without killing the subject. He will certainly face trial, but he would be dangerous even in captivity."

Angevin wondered if this was where Albrecht would end up if he was recovered. He knew little of what had happened. Richter and others had cross-examined him to ensure that he had not aided and abetted Albrecht in his flight. Then, there had been silence on the matter for some time. He didn't know why they hadn't set him on the trail earlier when it might have been easier to investigate, but it wasn't for him to question his superiors and their superior wisdom.

[Rivin]

Ilex shook his head, making a grunting sound that somehow conveyed regret.

"I particularly wanted that one for the breeding program. Pity. But, perhaps you'll find him again." A warm smile came to his face at the words in his native tongue and he nodded, almost like a proud father.

"Indeed, yes, indeed. It is nice to know Zaichaer hasn't neglected the education of its officers." Looking more closely at Angevin, as though seeing him as more than a cog for the first time he observed,

"But, perhaps that is the job your father did, more than the armed forces, eh?"

At the proper questions he hummed, glanced over at Rivin as though seeing him helped him recall facts about the race in question and then answered,

"I still have the wet sample of your Albrecht's blood, as I am sure the Order has also. Some things might be done with that, to give you a direction, at least. But that would require time. Aside from that, according to all my sources, which are more than rumors, Lysanrin have been heading for Kalzasi often of late. They aren't welcome anywhere, as I'm sure you know, but the new demi-diety status of the Kalzasian prince seems to have caused a mood of temperance. There are a few other minor colonies trying to survive on their own, or little pockets in smaller settlements. I can get you a detailed map before you leave."

The second line of questioning had Ilex withdrawing in subtle ways, picking up his wine glass and holding it, glancing down into its depths.

"The simplest way would be to take him unaware and use an Imperial slave collar on him. I have found them to be quite effective, at least, the ones designed for it. My own work has been used to adjust the collars used for other sub-human races and their unique violations of nature."

Toying with the glass for a moment he sighed and then set it aside,

"I have such an item, which I will lend you if you wish. In exchange, I want to interview you after you have captured the subject, and to see any notes you take during the situation. I can provide you whatever proof of clearance you might need when the time comes."

Rivin could tell that Ilex intended to have the Lysanrin in question under his control as soon as it was possible. It made him wonder what use would be the notes of his capture. Inklings of possibility came floating into his mind but he pushed them back down for later.

"Other than the collar and the map, I'm afraid that is all the information I can provide you. Except, of course, instructions for the use of the collar. If you would like my notes on subduing them without undue trouble I can have those copied for you tonight."

When thanks had been given and agreements made the Doctor stood,

"Now, if you will excuse me, gentlemen, I still have much to do this evening."

Nodding to Rivin to follow him, he gave instructions as they walked out as to which notes to have copied.

The part-Lysanrin glanced back at the two left sitting by the fire. He would come back and take them to the prepared rooms once all instructions were received. Something stirred in him as his eyes worked to memorize the men, something beyond him. Rivin shuddered.