Olive Branch [Kala]

[Baudric]

B A U D R I C

Frost 121, Day 54
A sharp sting of pain in his wing wrestled him from his slumber. His mind swam still in the fog of brainwashing recovery and sleep. Even still glancing at the spot of pain he could tell it was bleeding again. Being the singular worst wound he sustained followed, If the Demon held onto it a moment longer there was no doubt he would have lost it for good. Even the claw gashs on his side paled in comparison. Briefly he wondered if he should reinforce the bandage with some negation. Not being a medical expert he didn't know if the loss of blood seeping into the bandage was good, acceptable, or problematic to the recovery.
Best leave it alone for the next bandage change so they can inspect it.

A light snow began to drift outside his window. Snow was something he had seen before, but not often. Somehow it brought a lighthearted calm to him. Slowly, with much effort, he rose to his feet that he may go to the window and look out it. For a grace the room was of an appropriate size to accommodate his eight foot stature. Though the window was still too small to fit through for him. Not that he was still contemplating escape.. much. His mind though flicked to the visit from the Draegir, It was clear he was trying to protect the city. For that Baudric could respect the man, but surely he had to return to the Imperium.

The silence in the room lulled his mind as he reflected on his choices. Making him feel that once again he was in that greyscape his mind would trap him in when his body was confronted with trauma and stress. The loneliness he felt since his Trial of Broken wings only deepened with each major event in his life. The only drive in his life was to protect the Imperium. The chill from the window was enough to create need to hug himself for warmth, that the minimal Hospital clothing offered. There was a small vase by the bed with flowers in it. Nothing particularly special, Just something to brighten the room during the season. Its fragrance was nearly undetectable, just enough to let one know it was there to break up the antiseptic aromas of magical tonics and concoctions.

[Kala Leukos]

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There was a knock at his door.

A small woman stood in the doorway with a quiet, kind smile. Her hair was swept back and bound up under a kerchief to keep it out of her way and whatever she wore under her scrub robes was invisible to the eye. She was pale, with large eyes, and many thought her younger than her nineteen (and a half) years for it, but there was a sort of wisdom to her that some read as weird and others read as old. Due to the accident of a twin birth, both she and her winged brother were small for their races, but whether she looked the part of an Avialae or not, she was not intimidated by men who towered over her.

"Hello," she said. "I'm Kala. I'm here to change your bandages."

She took his chart down from outside his door, but didn't look at it yet, preferring to speak to patients as people before she started delving into the notes various people took about them and their progress. There was seepage apparent even from here, but she schooled herself to examine him without the aid of her semblance rune first so she could hone her skills without the gifts that could easily become crutches.

Doctor Wardell had set her up on a list of volunteers to help when the Tranquil Gardens was short-staffed, and so here she was, using what skills she owned to lighten the workload for the professionals. She wasn't sure if he liked her, but that was hardly the point of taking a mentor. He seemed to think her skills sufficient to be able to help with minimal supervision.

"May I come in?"

It might have seemed a silly question given there was no door in the frame, but she seemed to understand that having even a modicum of control over one's space might be reassuring and calming, both of which were helpful for healing.

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[Baudric]

B A U D R I C

A soft tone lifted him gently from the greyscape. Blinking his focus back to the present as he turned from the window to gaze at the tiny thing standing in the doorway. Like a Spirit or Wisp, her looks struck him, pale and calm. What struck him was the fact she seemed so unfazed by him. Usually he got some sort of reaction to his size. He could only assume she has seen it all in her profession as a healer.

Then an unthinkable question came out of her. Why would she ask him that? He was so used to being commanded or told what to do, that no one had ever asked him his permission before. Lightly he rubbed the dragon scales on his jaw trying to think of what to say. She needed to do her job. And he knew his bandages needed attention. The question was rhetorical, yet still it made him think.
"I. Please"
He moved over to the large bed. Sitting back down on the edge to give her the room she needed to work. His large, black mottled, white wings remained relaxed for inspection while his small vestigial lower wings tucked up to his hips, their feathers sticking out behind him like some kind of tail. Pale blue eyes with reflective golden flecks watched her cautiously.
"Your name? I have not seen you around here before. You must be new or you would not have asked me to enter. No one asks me that. It's, odd."

Tilting his head only the slightest bit. She didn't treat him like he was Imperium, worrying him that the collar around his neck would put her off from conversation. Many here had already treated him with either disdain for him being Imperium, or caution for their life. He had no intention of harming anyone. It wasn't his job unless ordered by the Sovereign himself. No the only thing that would earn his ire would be demons. Waiting for her inspection of his wounds and vitals. His hands settled on his thighs, bringing his attention one knee's bounce with agitation. Or was it nerves?

Though most of his injuries had been greatly aided by Telion in her previous visit. Only his wings and torso bandages were to stay on for a bit longer. For good reason now that his wing began to bleed again. He assumed another visit from Telion would have had him out of the hospital. But now he hoped it would. He knew he needed to get back to service, it worried him that the drive to get back was not there. He loved his Country and the people he protected. It was an honor to give his life in service to the Imperium.

[Kala Leukos]

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Her smile broadened at the invitation and she came inside, setting his chart aside for the time being. Some patients were reluctant to speak, and so she had to rely more on the chart, but she preferred the interaction. She washed her hands in the sink, dried them, and then began the delicate task of removing the bandages around his torso. Avialae were particular about who touched their wings; she groomed her twins, but they were core-bonded. She hoped that the necessary touching to tend to his less vulnerable wounds might ease his nerves at having a stranger meddle with his wings.

"Kala," she reminded him. "Kala Leukos." The name wouldn't mean anything to him. House Leukos wasn't well known even in Kalzasi and that was how they preferred it. "I'm in training under Doctor Wardell. When the staff of the Tranquil Gardens is overwhelmed, I'm one of the volunteers who have been vetted and found capable enough to do basic rounds to keep the patients well tended without overworking the regular staff. It seems like what you need most is time to rest and heal with the occasional tending, so it's something I can help with. But this is your room for the time being. You ought to feel comfortable in it so you can recover. I would expect similar respect if you were knocking at the door to my room."

She began to clean around the wounds on his torso, leaving the scabbed bits alone to get a bit of air.

"These look like they are healing nicely. How is your pain?"

She could see that the bandaging on his wings was going to be the larger issue, but the seepage didn't appear to be so bad that she needed to call in a more experienced healer, though he might require more iron and other nutrients in his diet so his body would be better equipped to brew new blood.

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[Baudric]

B A U D R I C

"Oh, sorry you already said that, I think. I've never had my own room. I've always lived in one barracks or another." He mused to himself if Dr. Faelith would raise hell that one under her own tutelage took care of her prize patient. It seemed demon injuries were a rare enough sight around here. He closed his eye to let the topic fall from thought. Having someone tend to his wounds always felt nice. Almost like a massage, but clearly different. He could feel the greyscape being held at bay while she worked. His mind at peace for the moment.

Muffled as it was from blood rushing in his head, he could only imagine what was being said as he was ordered away from the other two boys with him. He had to take a deep breath and stand up tall as the Overseers talked. To be stopped meant the three of them would move on. But then again they could also order the culling to begin anew if it pleased them. Would he hear them? The heavy pounding in his head did not seem like it would end anytime soon. His body screamed in pain, begged for him to collapse from exhaustion. No, he couldn't stand tall. Ignore the pain. You're a weapon. Not a person. You can't show weakness. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Slowly opening them once more to a world of grey. Shadowy figures stood around him, watching, inspecting.
He glanced over to the observing officers, meeting his gaze with one that held a steady gaze with a grin at Baudric.
"Congratulations. You all have passed. See yourselves to Healers before reporting to your assigned sections. Tomorrow, the real training starts."

He moved with the other boys out of the arena where a team of healers had been waiting. A kind old man took him to the side and began to inspect him carefully. His touch was gentle, comforting. At that moment another man came over to inspect his collar. Satisfied that it was still in working order he gave Baudric a sheet of paper.
"You are to report to this office for your training. You will not be entering into training for the main host. You are being assigned to The Raiding Light."
Baudric gave the best salute he could as the man left. The healer whispered in his ear something that made him look directly at the old man. It confused him. But he never got a chance to ask him his meaning.

He opened his eyes to the world grey once again. A soft fuzzy light at his side, as a young woman worked on his wounds.
"No pain. The wing stung as I woke. Thank you for your attention. I am sure I will be fit to walk out of here soon enough."
He said with a pleasant smile on his face. His deep voice sounded chipper.
No weakness. You are a weapon for the glory of the Imperium.

[Kala Leukos]

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"Ahh," she acknowledged. "I have a twin brother and we spent most of our youth sharing a room. We were so used to it that it felt odd when we were given separate rooms."

But his mind seemed to drift so she didn't pester him with unwanted conversation, instead humming to herself as she worked. But when he broke off from his reverie, she considered what he said.

"No pain at all?" She looked at the fresh bandage she had finished off on his torso. "Then they must be giving you excellent analgesics." She considered the bloodied bandages on his wing. "You could probably walk out of here today, but they will want to observe the healing of your wings. Avialae are strong, but improper healing can impede flight so better safe than sorry."

She paused again, polite and diffident.

"My twin lets me groom his wings, so I do know what I'm doing. May I change the bandages on your wings? I realize that it is an intimate thing. If you would rather one of your regular attendants sees to it, I can make sure they come soon." Whatever he decided, she would have notes to take before she quit his presence, but that could wait until his care was seen to. The notes were important, but not so important as he was.

She wondered if she wasn't adept enough with necromantic healing to create sinew threads, the better to knit his wounds closed. They sped healing and left no scarring when applied correctly, but of course, she was not qualified to take over his care so she would just learn by following the rules and helping as she was able. He would certainly get the best of care here.

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[Baudric]

B A U D R I C

The soft fuzzy light beside him was kinder to him than any he had ever known before. Looking at her as he searched his thoughts with a gentle smile all his own. A light hearted chuckle bubbled up from his chest as she mused that he could probably leave today. Maybe she was right but even he knew his wing was not ready to leave the hospital yet.
"No pain. As a soldier of the Imperium I am trained from a very young age to tolerate pain. My body is conditioned to do so. I am also Ex...hm. I am especially trained then most, my pain threshold is higher than most."

As she paused and hesitated to touch his wing, speaking of her skill with her brothers wings. He had to turn more to look at her better. It was true he vehemently disliked anyone touching his wings. That for someone to be aware of it and yet respect that stunned him. His eyes looked at her, the light reflecting off the gold flecks causing them to glitter as they beheld her steadily. Of course, she was Avialae too. She would know and understand the pride one would have over their wings.
"I have been so used to many healers to do their work regardless. So used am I to being commanded to allow the touch on my wings. I thank you with great respect. I understand you must touch them to do your work so I will not stop you. Please continue your work."
He smiled at her much brighter than before. Settling back into his position "Then again, once I am no longer needing bandages be replaced I don't think I would still allow it, I hope you are not offended."

He chuckled some more to himself despite being honest. He really did hope she would not be offended but was most gracious that she would be so thoughtful. That anyone would.

[Kala Leukos]

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She nodded slowly at what he shared.

"I was taught from a young age that pain is our friend," she said, putting the old bandages in the rubbish where they would be collected and dealt with. "It can clarify the mind, and it warns us about problems that will need to be dealt with. But I am glad you aren't suffering." As she brought more clean bandaging and such for the wing, she nodded solemnly. "Then I will thank you for finding me worthy even for a short while. I will try to be brief."

Kala was, if possible, even more careful with the bandaging on his wings. But she was efficient and managed to be quick as she promised, humming another old Avialae lullaby as she worked. She didn't know if it was something shared among Synnekar and Kathar cultures, or whether their collared brethren were allowed a culture of their own. Too polite to ask just to assuage her curiosity, she remained professional even though she was a mere volunteer.

Baudric—as the sign outside the door had named him—was a pleasant enough patient. She was glad he didn't give her that look she got from Avialae; they revered their women, but the twin birth was what the healers said made her and her brother small, and many Avialae saw her as too small and delicate to be a mother to Avialae and dismissed her. It was a strange version of the look her twin got for being a bit of a runt for the statuesque warrior race. The thought of childbirth did give her some pause; her mother was not so diminutive as she was, and the twin birth had caused her ongoing health problems.

But she didn't think too much on it just then. Once the wounds were cleaned, she did a little preening of the feathers that would be covered so that they would lie properly and not be unduly ruffled by the bandaging. She wanted him as comfortable as possible. Then the wound was redressed and rebandaged and she made the old, bloodied bandages disappear into the rubbish before washing her hands once more. Rather than take his vitals by hand, she took a sense of him through her rune and what she found made her eyes widen. There was an infernal darkness to the wounds—hints only, as much of it had been purged by his healers, but that would explain why it was still seeping and only slowly healing.

It was enough to know that he didn't have any systemic infections to worry about and this way she wouldn't have to lay her hands on him anymore, which might make him uncomfortable.

"Everything looks fine now," she reported. "The seepage is normal all things considered, not heavy enough to be worrisome. Is there anything I can do to make you more comfortable?"

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[Baudric]

B A U D R I C

Only half listening to her words, just enough to understand her point of familiarity to knowing pain in another way that most. So soothing was her presence he nearly fell asleep. The lullaby, the care in her work and gentle disposition. He had never known such comfort. Eyes lulling into a restful shut, head drooping slightly. His mind drifted to a forgotten dream.

Gliding on thermals over the ocean, he neared a cliffside cottage perched alone over the churning sea. With an easy swoop, his feet touched down on the ground. Surrounded by a rose garden grown lush with permaculture. Fruiting trees and vining fruits interspersed through the garden. Benefitting of the various insects that would be attracted. He took a deep breath of the salty sea air as the sun began to set. He was home. The smell of stew cooking over the hearth already began to warm his core. Which would be paired with a grand sour beer. Followed by dessert and cocoa on the porch to gaze at the stars. He heard the door to the cottage open and his heart leapt in his chest as he turned to look.

His gaze was greeted by his hospital room once again. Waking from his brief dream.
"Ah. You are more efficient then the others. Normally takes them twice as much time." He paused, thinking about if it was rude to take up on the offer. Or if she really meant it. She didn't strike him as the sort to offer something without meaning it however. "Well. I know its probably not possible since its cold here. I can't imagine anyone wanting some in this weather. Could I maybe get some ice cream?"

He dared not ask for more than that. He found himself wanting to either have anyone of Talon's crew the other day return. Even Telion. Or Kala. He was used to feeling alone so he would never impose anyone to stick around. But the more his head cleared from the collar being broken the more he found himself wanting someone, anyone, to want to be around.

[Kala Leukos]

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Kala was not offended when Baudric drifted off. If anything, it was gratifying to know that she was giving inobtrusive care and that, despite her hands on his wings, he was able to relax enough to nap. Her brothers liked to think they were invincible, but even Avialae needed more sleep when they were recovering from injuries. Their body's resources were used for the quiet, but immense task of healing.

She looked thoughtful at his request, but then made a decision.

"What is your favorite flavor?"

Once that was settled, she bid him farewell—at least until she could manage his request. She reached across her bond and made a request, and then went about the rest of her rounds. After an hour, she cleaned up and went to the nearest airborne egress to meet her brother, who gave her a quizzical look and then handed her two ice cream cones without question.

"See you when you get home," he said, and then he was aloft again, his sparrowhawk wings scooping up the air in a way that was familiar to her but rare among their kind.

When she found Baudric's room again, she knocked carefully so as not to overturn the ice cream. Her hair was down, most of it chopped into a long bob, but with a couple of longer braids hanging lower. The scrub robes had been removed and she wore clothes that suited her better. While she had occasionally lunched in the canteen, she didn't know if they had ice cream normally or in the season of Frost or if it was any good, so she had requested a special delivery from one of the fine creameries and trusted that the wintry air would keep it from melting. So far, the plan had gone off without a hitch.

"It seemed like a good idea, so I got one as well," she said. "May I come in?"

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