Fog of War [open]

[Baudric]

Frost 121, Day 50

The world was still and dull. A heavy pressure sat on his mind as he stood in the vast emptiness around him. A sea of dark grey, gravel crunching beneath his feet. The brisk air tasted and smelt of salt. He felt a light flutter in his chest, like a butterfly trapped in a glass jar. Heavily his body trudged on following the direction the fluttering lead him. Where was he? What happened to his Unit..

A familiarity dawned on him, he has been here once before. A crushing wave of sorrow brought him low. The sharp pain of rocks in his knees stung, but not like the pain he felt as the butterfly wing beat began to settle. Loss, grief, and hopelessness gripped at him. Looking to the grey sky for some sort of salvation, he saw only the Black Obelisk towering over him like a grand giant over a insignificant bug. Its light, shone no more. The comforting blue dulled.

With thunderous roar, it cracked! Chucks of it began to fall around him, the weight of his body holding him firm to his place of groveling. This was it, his end. Weakly he held his hand to the air. Focusing his will through the touch of his middle finger to his palm as he had done for his Anchor. With Raspy voice he called its parameters to call on a Triangular shield.
"Deflect stone."

No shield formed to stop the stone impacting.

Suddenly his eyes opened, chest heaving and heart racing, to a now unfamiliar scene. He was laying in a bed looking to polished walls and ceilings.
"You are awake! How do you feel? Can you tell me your name?"
A gentle voice herald a face of fair features. She was dressed in some sort of uniform, without hesitation she began assessing him.

Medical.. hospital probably. Healer, no threat. Name and Rank. Nothing more.
"Baudric von Uberfallenlicht. Knight Legionnaire of the Imperium."
Until he knew if he was back on Imperium soil he had to act like he was being held by enemies of the state. Especially, since he knew his unit had crossed enemy lines to pursue the Nebiros class demon. Sitting up with effort despite the woman's fuss to make him lay down once more, his eyes locked with hers catching her off kilter. She stilled herself and let him sit up. Glancing around he spotted his uniform and Battlearmor. Quickly his hand shot up to his neck where his collar remained.
"Where am I?"

"We had to leave the collar on you. Each time we tried to remove it.. you would act out in panic. Causing your injuries to worsen." She chose to change the subject, fear in her eyes of his reaction if she told him. "Doctor Faelith thought it best to leave it for now."

"Where. Am. I?"
He repeated himself once more as he looked to the window and the city outside. He could guess in an instant. Still the answer came, reluctantly.
"Kalzasi."
Enemy capitol. Seat of the Dawnmartyr Order. Laying back down he closed his eyes knowing energy would be needed. If he was to flee his captors before the Synnekar could execute him. Sleep took him.

The woman poked her head out of the room.
"Someone call Doctor Faelith. Get in touch with the Synnekar. He has pulled through."

[Talon]

Fog of War

50 Frost 121

.

“He is disoriented. When we recovered him, he was wounded. The injuries looked to be intentional, most likely from some form of combat by the looks of them. But…I have to ask…do you think this wise, my prince?” Talon rolled a single black raven feather between his fingers as he stared out the window from his office in Mistreach Keep. He had been reviewing matters of armaments, training and finance for the Sky Guard with several of the ranking officers when a report came in.

A Knight of the Imperial Legion was under observation at the Tranquil Gardens hospital. As soon as the report was made, all eyes in the room had turned to him. Immediately the officers made to move him to the palace, fearing that there might soon be some manner of attack. There had been too many of those recently, especially with escalating tensions between Zaichaer and Kalzasi.

“My bondmate was an Imperial Legionnaire. He is living proof that there is more to our brothers in the south than a life of slavery and war.” Just the thought of what his Kathar brothers might have had to ensure in service to the Gelerian Imperium caused a fire to spark inside of Talon. He quelled it, lest that fire spread and cause an effect to root itself within the city.

“Lord Aoren is a noble man who has proven himself a friend to the Synnekar for years, my prince. He has had time to live and adjust away from the empire. I would not think to compare his circumstances with that of this…newcomer.” The officer was choosing his words carefully, clearly but he need not have bothered. Talon had already made up his mind.

“Then who better suited to usher him into Kalzasi?” The man visibly struggled to form a response before Talon raised a hand. “Enough. I have made my decision. I will not being going alone but I will see this knight. I will learn of what the current state of our people in the south is.”

With that, he dismissed those assembled in his office before letting out a weary sigh.

“You carry much on those shoulders, my Talon.” Aoren pushed off of the shelf where he had been leaning. He tucked his raven wings in close before stepping up to gently grasp Talon’s shoulders. Feeling his bondmate’s hand upon him and experiencing the steady kneading of muscles to loosen tension, it made Talon’s head drop. He felt some of the stiffness in his body lessen.

“What are your thoughts?” Talon posed his question without looking up, still enjoying the feel of Aoren’s fingers working the tense muscles of his neck and shoulders.

“We knew this day was coming. The Dawnmartyrs are assembling to the northwest. An Inquisitor tried to crush them before they had the chance, one we came face to face with. One that was killed. That sort of thing will not have gone unnoticed. Zaichaer likely knows fully of your ascension. Who are their closest allies?” Aoren shook his head.

“I had been hoping we would have more time.” Talon mused softly. He felt himself being gently turned in the circle of Aoren’s arms. His bondmate rest their brows together.

“Time waits for no man, my Light. Not even stuffy demigod princes.” Aoren kissed his brow fiercely, hands running up and down the length of his arms to soothe Talon’s unsteady nerves. “Come. We should send for Rickter and Telion. They might be able to better help us. Gods knows, Telion can make anyone feel at home. Oh! She should bring her lemon cakes. Tell Rickter to have Telion bring her lemon cakes.”

Talon nodded, a small chuckle leaving him as Aoren stared at him with wide, pleading eyes. He reached across the Bond, searching for Rickter until he felt his beloved wolf. Quietly he sent his partner an update. When it was finished, he looked at Aoren who looked expectant.

“You asked about the lemon cakes?” Talon barked a laugh, shoving his bondmate in the chest only for Aoren to catch his hand and pull him closer.

“Yes, I asked about the lemon cakes.” The look of absolute hope and joy on Aoren’s face made the knot in his stomach untwist itself. He shook his head fondly before taking his partner’s hand in his own. Together the two of them made their way out of the Keep. It was only when they were beyond its walls then they spread their wings and took flight. As they reached the skies, they were joined by several armored Sky Guard along with the hospital messenger who had delivered the report. Upon arriving to the Tranquil Gardens, Talon landed nimbly. He followed the messenger along with the escort of guard until they arrived to a section of the hospital indicated.

Reaching up, Talon gently knocked on the door of what was clearly a physician’s office.

“Come in.” Aoren reached forward, opening the door and stepping inside. Behind a humble desk, reviewing some documents, sat a middle-aged woman with half-moon spectacles. Upon seeing Aoren and Talon enter, she was immediately rising to her feet. Talon waved her off.

“Please, ma’am. Be at peace.” The woman appeared skeptical but eased herself back into her seat.

“You are the Healer charged with the Legionnaire’s care?” Talon gestured to a seat across from her. She nodded her head.

“I am Doctor Faelith, yes.” She looked between the two of them, then glanced behind him to see the armed escort. A frown tugged at her features.

“Not to worry, good Healer. No harm will be brought to your patient. I am here for two reasons. Secondly, because the arrival of an injured Knight Legionnaire of the Imperium to Kalzasi’s hospital is of interest to the Sovereign and myself.” Talon let his hands rest upon the arms of the chair. Doctor Faelith arched an eyebrow.

“And firstly?” She worried at her bottom lip. Talon gave her the most reassuring smile he could manage.

“I wish to meet him.” He let that linger in the air for a moment before the physician nodded.

“He is cooperative. To a point. I must respect his confidence and privacy in certain matters but I will say that the wounds he received did not look to be related to any that might have been sustained from one of our soldiers. They were more raw. Primal. Like wounds we see from the Warrens.” Her words were spoken with care but also with the weight of experience behind them. Talon nodded. That information alone told him that whoever this man was, he had likely been fighting some manner of beast.

“Thank you, Healer. May I see him?” If she refused, Talon would respect her command. The orders of a Healer of Kalzasi carried immense weight and he was not about to contradict them for his own personal interests. So long as this Kathar was in her care and the care of the hospital, he was afforded a different form of protection until he was declared fully healed.

“You may. But, no weaponry and the soldiers remain outside the room.” Her expression became stern. Talon inclined his head. Neither he nor Aoren required physical weapons to protect themselves. She likely knew that but perceptions could help calm the man. As he rose to his feet, Talon spoke before turning.

“My bondmate, Rickter Maze, might arrive. The woman with him is also a Healer, blessed by the Lady. She has a way with people and may be able to bring further calm and comfort.” Talon met the physician’s eyes. She adjusted her glasses.

“I will see them and decide if their presence is of benefit, Your Highness.” Talon bowed then quietly left the office, going to the room of the Knight. He paused outside the door, enough to relay instructions to the guards then meet Aoren’s gaze. His bondmate gave him a reassuring smile then knocked on the door and opened it. Aoren entered silently. The room was spacious, most likely built for a Moratallen on the larger side. Upon laying his eyes on the occupant of the room, Talon did not have to guess why this room was chosen. He was massive. Larger even than Aoren, who stood a few inches taller than himself. As Aoren closed the door behind them, Talon studied the Avialae recovering in the bed across from him.

“I am told your name is Baudric.” Talon reached over to one of the nearby chairs. He grabbed it and slide it closer until he was only an arm’s length away from the bed. “Welcome to Kalzasi, Ser Baudric. How are you feeling?”

"I am Justice. I am Light."

[Baudric]

Drifting in and out of slumber in the quite room. He had only been disturbed a few times when ever a Healer had came to check on his vitals. The bed he lay in was comfortable for a medical facility. Tranquil Gardens, he had heard the name a couple times. Would seem they pride themselves in living up to the name. Certainly it was more comfortable than the hospitals in the Imperium. Though it seemed they leaned more on Magical healing through spell and tonic more than the Imperium. Magic after all is unclean. Tolerable, but unclean.

It was cold, granted there was warmth from being inside, it was far colder than Grandal. Signs could be seen on the window of snow. From his vantage though he did not know if it still was about. Nearby a tray of food carefully prepared sat untouched, now cold. Soft golden glow from his Negation Rune peered from beneath a simple smock. To cover his decency, only his collar and bandages accompanied it to complete his dashing ensemble. Injuries had been sustained mostly on his torso, however, one of his wings was clearly in bad shape. His mostly white wings with mottled black and grey tips were stained with dried blood. The Healers clearly washed as much of it as they could each time they came to bathe him and his wounds. Whatever he fought clearly could have ripped it clean off had it held on a bit longer. As luck would have it though, it was still salvageable. Opening his eyes as the knock came to see the two Avialae men enter. His pale blue eyes reflected light from the golden flecks as if there were actual metal embedded in them. Studied them, the way they carried themselves bespoke of warriors. The taller one had a familiar air about him. An odd kinship. Pristine black wings framed his muscled frame, skin showing hints of no few scars from battle now healed. The other, shorter, Pale skin with nearly deceivable metallic wings. What struck Baudric most of this one was the definitive air of importance. This was not just another Avialae, this man was important to some degree. Both of them clearly possessed substantial power in strength and magic from the looks of the Runes. There was no chance in his current state he was going to escape them...
So he would be passed over to the Synnekar for imprisonment. Then the shorter one spoke. There was something soft about him though. His words were... honied. A façade most likely.

Name and Rank. Nothing more... maybe small talk.
Sitting up now, a small wince of sharp pain catching the corner of his eye. He was quiet for an impregnated amount of time it felt. Then his words came. Calm, Deep and gravely. The bass almost could be felt in the air as the words funneled past his tusks.
"Like once again the Reaper has rethought his campaign to claim my soul. I can infer from the both of you that you are not just any Avialae. Your presence here is certainly not charity. So, what then?"
His scales covering his features on face and torso caught the light better now as he sat up. Looking like frosted black glass, the surface of each scale was a clear textured coat over the onyx base. It was clear he was a half breed.

[Talon]

Fog of War

50 Frost 121

Talon looked to the injured wing. The apparatus affixed to it in order to brace it from further injury was one that he had worn not so long ago. The wing was a pattern that he did not often see in Kalzasi. Another indicator that this man was not from the northern Synnekar but was a Kathar, if his tense posture and guarded countenance was not enough. When the man spoke, his voice a deep baritone, Talon was not surprised. He felt his bondmate tense as the Kathalan accent was heavy in this one. Undoubtedly it had been a long time since his partner had spoken with another native speaker of his tongue. Through the bond, Talon sent a note of comfort to his partner.

“I am Talon. Draegir of Justice. This city is under my protection. It is known to me that agents of the Imperium are no friends of Kalzasi. I must ask, are you here to bring pain and suffering to my people?” Some might have questioned his decision to introduce himself as the deific power over Justice but Talon had reached a point where he realized it was becoming impossible to hide. He felt it deep within the core of himself. When he had come face to face with Raxen, he had been presented with a choice. He could either continue to try and balance being a mortal who just so happened to have become a demigod or he could fully embrace being the demigod he was. He had chosen the latter, if only because it meant having a fuller grasp on the power at his command to protect those he cared about.

Talon opened his senses, dipping into the wellspring of aether that was within his soul. He channeled it to his eyes, bringing the aura of Baudric into focus. Outwardly there was no shift in Talon’s appearance as he tapped into the power of Semblance. He allowed the tapestry of the man’s aura to spread out in his gaze. Talon attuned his vision to the flow of Baudric’s emotions. Uneasiness was there. Suspicion. Pain. All things that Talon expected for a man who likely believed he was about to face terrible interrogation.

He could feel Aoren observing the man intently. The emotions within his bondmate were being tightly controlled. He could hear the thoughts running through Aoren’s head. This Orkhan Avialae was the ghost of a past he wanted as little to do with as possible. The specter of dozens of painful memories, some of them seen through a foggy lens, loomed over his partner. Gently, Talon performed the mental equivalent of lacing their fingers together. He gave Aoren as much support as he needed, noting that some of the tension in his bondmate’s body lessened.

"I am Justice. I am Light."

[Baudric]

B A U D R I C

Baudric tilted his head slightly to the audacity of this man. Did he in full seriousness introduce himself as Demigod? It couldn't be denied there was certainly a hidden draw to him. However, he certainly wasn't apart of the scriptures he learned growing up. But he knew the title. Had to be a lie, perhaps to get a rise from out of him maybe? For what purpose though? Ah, they fear the Imperium. Rightly so.

The Ideals of Justice was always held true to the people of the Imperium. The problem comes from agreeing what actually is Justice. The Synnekar and the Order of the Dawnmartyr were certainly not amongst them. He was taught they were a plague of selfish desires, no friend to the honor or what was best for all. They supported the individual and the self, while he was taught to value the whole to be its strength of honorable sacrifice. It was a point of teaching to lay his life down for his country and his people. Right? At the very least, this Draegir was not in the teachings. If he really was one. He rubbed his brow lightly, soothing a dull numbness that clouded his brain as he scrutinized this man. Then his hand slid down to hold the point of his chin as he looked between the two of them. Maybe some information would not be detrimental. His gut tossed in guilt for breaking silence. It was not their place to know what he was there for.

"I am no scout heralding an attack. I am Uberfallenlicht. Chapter of Demon Hunters. My unit was in pursuit of a Demon that had escaped the Gash. I fell and find myself here."
He leaned over to grab the cup of water at his bedside to sip at it. To the last of his knowledge there was no current orders of warfare placed on Kalzasi. Tensions were there but His orders had not been to engage in combat with any of them for now. Not even the Synnekar. His stomach tossed once more, did he endanger his unit who could possibly still be behind enemy lines. Fear now began to seep into his mind that he had committed treason and the condemnation of his Unit. His hand touched the collar around his neck now. Hooking a finger through to hold it tight for comfort that did not obey.
"I have no orders aside from that. And I suppose I wont be getting any orders. Not while I am your captive. Will you be torturing me now or after I recover? Might as well assist the Reaper while you are at it."
His chest inflated with pride, trying to reclaim a modicum of his honor to the guilt. Words shifting to Kathalan midway through his point. He was ready to die for the empire. Ready to.. gods, his mind was so unfocused. Making him feel like he was back in that greyscape of his minds design. The place he called home during his Threshold illness and the Exaltation ritual. Bleak and empty. Alone. But he was here in the waking world.

[Rickter]

Time spent together was something special for the wolf, even what with the recent developments that have been unfolding as of late. And whether it was with or without the twins, Rickter knew that every moment spent with his loved ones remained fleeting. Even now he felt the pressing of time infringe upon what personal freedom he had left, only ever able to speculate when the future would decide to hurl the next obstacle their way. "You're doing it again, you know." The healer cooed knowingly as the wolf's eyes shifted, lingering from the stony street of the Promenade toward his beloved just below his right shoulder. "That thing where you vacantly stare when you're lost in thought." The blonde mused with a gentle smirk, her white fur cloak draped snuggly over her shoulders as the pair walked along together.

The wolf could only grin in a bit of dismal effort, his eyes at least endearingly upon her when he managed to press his lips into a slight curve. "I'm just... thinking about the future is all." The suggestion seemed to stir a sense of alarm in her gaze, and yet, when Telion turned toward him more to face him; the pair both stopped their stroll as he felt the grip in her hand tighten a little. "The twins, Talon... us. I think about that a lot lately." He reasoned as he looked deeply into her eyes, the faint smile he possessed just a bit more genuine than before. Telion's eyes widened for almost a second, yet within her gaze there came a wave of comfort.

"Well, where do you see it going?" She inquired with a curious tone, the wolf's brow only slightly furrowing as he needed a moment for consideration. Not that he had much of one that is, since the moment he stopped to think, he felt Talon's innate tug at the outer reaches of his core. The prince beckoned. Therefore with a knowing glance toward the tug, the wolf never failed to amuse Telion the moment he responded to such invitations. Through their Bond he registered thoughts, yet not as clear cut as he hoped they would be. From the impressions he felt, however, Talon specified a need for minor urgency, and that Telion was required to bring a specific snack. Not that he liked the flavor of course, but he wouldn't miss a chance to capitalize on such an opportunity.

With a chuckled Telion leaned further back on the heels of her boots, with a sense of expectancy when she noted the quick rise of bristles within his beard. "Well, what did he say?"

"We're needed soon as possible to meet with someone and some sort of craving for lemon?" That last part brought a burst of laughter from the healer, her hands quickly cupped at her face as the wolf chuckled along.

"I take it that's Aoren." The wolf tilted his head out of a quick agreement, knowing that man could rival Rickter himself when it came to a healthy appetite. "I usually sneak in some lemon cakes from Rose Teahouse, and was impressed with how few were left when I came back to them later. So ever since, I've made it a point to go out at least once a day, only to bring back a small box of those for everyone."

Funny enough. It was where he'd had a mixed experience that day, practically over a year ago. He didn't think that they provided cakes to eat either, which sounded certainly better than that chocolate stuff he drank. "Well, best stop there first, huh?" The woman chuckled in agreement with a nod, as she allowed for him to take her by the arm before they continued their stroll.

---

They arrived near half an hour later at the Gardens, the wolf glumly remembering the times he'd spent here as well. It was hard to believe that happened at the time, yet all he could do was just reimagine the horror it created. Sure he showed no ill will back then, but despite the length of time, not even a year could relinquish the minor guilt of what he'd done. Yet when they'd crossed through that threshold and into the hospital lobby, the lead of his dear healer led him toward the front desk where they were to check in.

After that however, they quickly discovered that a particular Doctor requested they see her first. Given the nature of her patient, Telion was quickly understanding but Rickter wasn't a fan of such a hold-up. Thus with a nurse prepared to lead them to her office, the couple were soon at the doorway when Rickter caught word of his Bondmates. They were so close now and likely aware of his presence, the wolf quickly acknowledging them as he slipped past the door behind Telion. "Hello, Doctor Faelith, good to meet you two." The white-coated woman greeted them with a nudge of her spectacles, the papers she had viewed placed aside as Rickter and Telion drew toward the desk.

"Telion and Rickter," the healer pointed as he nodded in general toward the woman, "the pleasure is ours." Within his hands was the box of lemon cakes, with another small carton of white cakes underneath. "Is there any way we can assist? Talon did request us to come as urgent as possible." The Doctor looked toward Telion with a slightly baffled expression, leading the wolf to wonder if that gave the lady the wrong impression.

"Well, given the nature of this visit, I'd like to know that as well. Seeing how he's my patient?" Doctor Faelith reflected with a casual wave of his hand, which once Telion realized the question she quickly beamed to the medic.

"Oh right, well, Rickter here is the prince's personal bodyguard." She pointed out with a hinting glance to Rickter, the wolf nodding in agreement toward the fact. Though he wondered that if the good Doc realized this, then would she think him the same as everyone else did? A consort? "And I'm also the healer in this part of the equation." At that statement Faelith's eyebrows rose. "At this distance it's difficult to say. But from here there are gentle signs of it, the pain he feels from the injuries he's suffered." The healer looked downward thoughtfully as to assess her observations, her ice-blue eyes lifted directly back toward the doctor's stare. "If my hunch is right, your patient has some grave wounds to recover from." She remarked considerably as Faelith then leaned back into her chair, puzzled at first but considering her stance on the matter.

Then with a sigh, the wolf stepped forth. "...I'll share one of my cakes if we can just go?" He offered as he parted the lower box into his other hand, offering it to the doctor with high hopes she'd just accept the offer. Needless to say, it did the job. Yet while he only agreed one, the woman had the audacity to take two. The nerve of that woman earned a brief stare but nothing more, for the business, was done and they were finally free to join Talon and Aoren. It was as they reached the door Rickter had caught only the later part of their conversation, where the man in question spoke with a thickly baritone accent. He was no spy but a demon hunter? This far out here? At that moment Telion had already proceeded to knock before entering, though it wasn't like the two Avialae within couldn't sense Rickter joining them.

Thus the couple entered the room quietly as Telion brought in the cakes for Aoren, Rickter already gorging on one as frosting caked the hairs of his upper lip. "You're lucky this was on the way." The healer teased quietly as the smile on her lips quickly faded, her expression serious as she too immediately recognized that tone. "Captive or guest. I think you get to decide that now you're here, and if you let me, then I'll show you how we treat guests here." Telion offered with a gentle bow of her head toward Baudric, the wolf himself looking toward the Ork-ish Kathar warily as he wiped his beard clean.

"Common" "Synskrit" "Norvaegan"
"Rickter" "Telion" "Hannah"

[Talon]

Fog of War

50 Frost 121

Confusion blossomed across the aura of Baudric. Talon was not surprised. He understood that all of this must have been completely unsettling for the man. He gave the knight the time he needed to process what he could. When Baudric confessed to not being a scout but being a demon hunter, that brought an arch of Talon’s eyebrow. It brought something else from his bondmate. Aoren folded his arms over his chest and made a low grunt. Across the bond, he shared his thoughts with Talon.

He’s telling the truth. I recognize the banner on his armor.

“The Gash is real then?” Talon quirked his head slightly, the question in his voice obvious as he thought on what such a place with such a title might have been.

“It's real, my prince. The origin beast of our people slumbers there. The Kathar stand watch, waiting for the day it returns to unleash hell.” Aoren’s distinctly Kathalan accent would be noticeable, even after having spent years away from the Imperium. Talon knew the story but he had not thought to put the two things together. That such a place was actually real and had a battalion of dedicated knights to watch over it, he found it fitting in a way. Despite having migrated thousands of miles to the north, the Synnekar had found another beast to fight and a place to keep watch over. When Baudrin spoke again, had to blink at him. He caught some of what the knight said toward the end of his sentence, the rest was translated for him by Aoren in his mind. He could only stare for a moment. Was this man so convinced of the animosity between their two nations that he believed he would be immediately swept up for pain and suffering?

“There is no torture waiting for you, Ser Baudric. You have broken no laws. Being a Knight of the Imperium does not condemn you to a life of misery in Kalzasi. Suspicion? Yes. Likely to draw the attention of people interested in exploiting you? Perhaps. Detainment and torture by our authorities?” Talon shook his head. “You, perhaps, need some cultural education but that is not a crime.”

Talon felt the blessed warmth of Rickter draw near. It was almost as if the wolf had wrapped his arms around him and nuzzled in closer. Talon eased back into his seat, studying Baudric as he did so. Rickter would be joining them soon. He could already feel Aoren’s excitement building because that meant lemon cakes. He felt them both as they entered the room. His attention did not waver from Baudric however.

“I will warn you. Like any nation, there are those who are not interested in the rule of law or justice. That collar…” Talon nodded his head toward it. He could recognize it for what it was. “...it will make you a target. While you are safe here in the Tranquil Gardens Hospital, beyond these walls you are your own man and the city guard will not always be there to protect you.”

He turned to see Aoren tug Telion into a tight hug as he accepted the lemon cakes. The smile of absolute childish delight on his face was infectious as he picked up one of the cakes and shoved it into his mouth. Talon looked to see Rickter was also gorging himself on a cake. He shared a look with Telion.

“Thank you for coming, Telion.” Talon looked at his two bondmates. “I hope you both intend to share those with the rest of us.”

He gestured to Baudric’s uneaten tray of cold food.

“He has not eaten and if I recall, the cakes were meant to help his mood. Not yours.” Aoren looked positively horrified at the idea of sharing the lemon cakes. Talon did not have to see Rickter’s face to know that his beloved wolf found the idea just as distasteful.

“Well…Ser Baudric needs to heal first.” Aoren spoke as though this solitary fact was the most insurmountable point of order that the universe had ever presented. Talon sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He felt Telion squeeze his shoulder as she approached Baudric. He heard her make her offer to the Kathar. As she neared him, Talon watched not just Baudric’s physical movements carefully but also his aura. Injured though the Kathar was, if he made any untoward movements, Talon would not hesitate to protect the woman.

"I am Justice."

[Baudric]

B A U D R I C

Arching an eyebrow at the questioning of the exact thing which brought their kind into existance, Baudric could only sit and stare at this so called Demigod for not knowing. Then his eyes snapped over to the taller Avialae. There was no mix up or deniability to that accent. He was a countrymen, no. No he was a defector if anything. He lost his calling to serve the Imperium and its people. Wooed away by the Synnekar's lies at a better life living for oneself. He felt concern and wanted to help this lost soldier find his way home. His heart sank thinking that it would probably amount to nothing should he try though. Regardless he felt more at ease with him around. At the very least it meant his own position here was not so perilous.

Indeed, a wave of relief washed away his standoffishness. He felt he could fully relax. Having no reason to believe them, he couldn't help but feel they would not lie to him. He at least knew that there was no reason to concern himself since he was not here with ill intent. For now it would seem diplomacy would continue to stand this day. Just as he was about to respond to the fair warning over her collar, two more entered. Seeing the cake being eaten before him made his stomach rumble a little. Oh what he wouldn't give to have any sweets. Ice cream was ever the favorite, but cake would be just as welcome right now. His mood perked a bit more hearing Talon talk about how the cake was also meant for him to begin with. His eyes went to set upon the box of sugar. Instead, however, the woman stood forward commanding his attention instead. Atinorian. His body tensed causing a bit of his wounds to begin to bleed once again.

Suddenly his senses were thrown into the greyscape. The room dissolved into grey mist, air still and balmy. The figures around him turning to shadow aside from the pyre of flame that stood there. Were her words a threat or genuine? He couldn't tell. Could he trust her to heal him or cover malicious intent to see that he would be forever silenced. He had no intention of striking at her. Not even if he could. It came down to whether he would choose to trust her. Or ask her to leave. He took a deep breath to steady his nerves. He looked once more to the flames but saw not flames. No it was something else. As he studied her, her body language, reflecting on her tone. She was pure energy, neither good or bad. The shadows of the men had also shifted. Not shadows. Just grey reflections of themselves.

He gave the woman a nod.
"Do what you need. I mean no harm to anyone. My orders are for demons. Not people."
Not yet in any case. His memories turned to the many faces of the boys he looked after before his Trial. Each one a stain of crimson and black on his heart. He closed his eyes from the greyscape and waited for Telion to do as she wanted to him. A soft gentle smile on his face, to hide his stress on his senses that even the greyscape didn't lessen for him. Mustn't show weakness. You are a son of the Imperium. Be proud. Strong.

He wanted to cry. But only felt numb.

[Rickter]

Telion admittedly giggled a short moment with the interaction from Aoren, cheery as ever with him when she handed over the cakes and graciously accepted the hug. And with the shared look from Talon the healer simply bowed her head once more, only this time in a friendly manner rather than out of proper etiquette. "Always a pleasure, Talon." Though of course the reasoning for bringing such treats wasn't necessarily for them, and Talon was apt to make that clear as the wolf assessed the situation for himself. An Avialae-born Orkhan with scales found where a beard would reside, wounds that assailed his nostrils with the scent of alcohol, iron, and gods knew what else.

Whatever had torn into the poor soldier had to be a menace, if it left that sort of lasting scent on an individual, but the other details that were present also weren't ignored either. Quite plainly he offered one of his cakes near Talon as he observed, hardly amused with the idea that he had to share already considering their entry fee here. But of course, seeing the bedridden Kathar in his condition, with such a collar on and no attempt at eating his previous meal... The wolf found it rather wasteful as is to leave such things lying around, and so perhaps he arbitrarily went along with the suggestion his Bondmate had made.

Not that he willingly intended to give them over for free, but the wolf had his sweets in small doses anyhow, therefore he gave a wry look of agreement with a shrug at Aoren's remark. Admittedly the sentiment in sharing their food was horrifying in certain aspects, but given the whimsical mood that the wolf found himself within, providing the hospitalized guest with a bit of sweets was the worst they could do. But the wolf did in fact wait, since the healing of this individual would come first after all. Telion may have had the patience of a saint and yet even so, those wounds likely gave her the insatiable urge to do her duties.

Thus while the lot of them waited to watch their guest, it came as no small surprise when he seemed inclined to allow her to help. Just like always. He remembered as his thoughts reflected back to a year ago, with the amount of focus and effort she'd spent aiding Fawn and Senara. Time had flown so quickly already, and yet still, the woman he loved hardly ever stopped putting others before her. Admittedly the wolf looked to her ever fondly, before sharing the warmth of his grin with his Bondmates.

"Thank you." Telion remarked to the injured Kathar before drawing a little closer to his bedside, her blue eyes widening a little as she inspected each injury individually. The light of her enthusiasm quickly diminished the later she got into inspecting him, noting first the bite on his injured wing before the rest of his injuries. Along his ribcage where the bandages had dried once, but now started to bleed a little again, the deep red that seeped into them was stained with both crimson and black. Apart from the other minor abrasions, she could tell his injuries likely did more than just ache and burn. Infection hadn't settled in which could only have been thanks to the efforts of Doctor Faelith, yet, the wounds showed little sign of progressing in recovery. "I see... So these are demon wounds..."

Her observations led her to step back and close her eyes in thought, a minor sigh escaped her lips as she looked back toward her peers respectively. "Even after all my studies throughout this year, this is the first time I've ever actually dealt with such a case. These are wounds that I won't be able to heal completely, but even so, he should be able to make a full recovery with the proper treatment." Telion then gave a look first to Rickter's forearm, where the Eminence emblem resided, and then toward Talon who the blessing belonged to in turn. "My power alone won't be able to mend him, but with the aid of your power Talon, we can provide that treatment and hopefully some proper relief."

"Are you certain you want to try this?" Rickter asked of her curiously, mindful of the fact the healer tended to overreach herself sometimes. Telion softly smiled to him once more though, and with a nod, she looked back to Baudric with a bit of sincerity. "From what I'm sensing, demon wounds don't heal properly. The best way to treat it is with an anodyne, along with holy water in the event the demon has intoxicated or even cursed the individual. Since Talon is here though, his light can expel any of the demon's residual aether lingering in this man's system. Combine that with my healing, and that should allow his serious wounds to finish healing to a close over time." She reasoned with him as the healer took to stand near the injured Kathar once more, her sleeves rolled up so that her hands could delicately press around the covered gashes on his chest.

"If it's alright I'll start with this one here, once treated the majority of your minor wounds should be all healed." She instructed before glancing over at Talon, a hopeful smile on her lips as she tilted her head to him curiously. "Ready to lend a hand, my prince?" Admittedly that final inquiry brought a minor blush out of Rickter, given it was usually him that called Talon that, but the wolf remained quiet as he nibbled on his last cake from the box he held. The rest he figured would likely go to Baudric, since Talon likely got a share from his and Aoren's.

"Common" "Synskrit" "Norvaegan"
"Rickter" "Telion" "Hannah"

[Talon]

Fog of War

50 Frost 121

Through the lens of Semblance, Talon examined the wounds that still lingered upon Baudric’s body. He could see the festering taint of a demon’s influence eating away at the remedies that had undoubtedly been put in place by Doctor Faelith. The fact that the Kathar was alive and able to be present at all was a testament to his fortitude. He could not say that he was surprised given the caliber of warrior that Aoren himself had proven to be. When Telion called for his assistance, Talon merely inclined his head. He had used his influence to purge the presence of Dread Mist poison before. From what he was seeing, this was not dissimilar in its aethereal makeup. When he felt Rickter’s blush, Talon simply smiled contentedly. He reached out and physically ran a hand down the length of his beloved wolf’s arm.

With that small comforting gesture done, Talon focused on the task before him. He looked at Baudric for a moment, appraising the Kathar. Then he opened himself up to the flow of power that dwelt within the house of his soul. He let the veil of mortality fall away. The markings upon his skin went from a violet-blue to a silver-white. His already silver eyes became even more mercurial, glowing softly with the light of his divinity. Across the feathers of his wings appeared small sigils that told the divine tale of Justice and Light. A third sigil was only faintly visible, as though waiting to manifest but only just out of reach. Talon’s eyes became opened to more than just the tapestry of Baudric’s aura. He beheld the fire of the Kathar’s soul with sharper clarity than he expected. It surprised him but he supposed he should not have been. After the bout and lessons with Raxen, he had gained considerable more control over both himself and the power at his disposal. He looked beyond the realm of mortals, seeing the line that formed the edge between he Aetherium and the physical planes. In his mind, Talon stepped past that boundary opening himself up to the vast infinity that was the Aetherium. At first it was a blinding light that almost made him flinch.

Within that light, Talon felt an overwhelming fire that burned for a single thing; Justice. An inferno that illuminated everything around it in a silver-white light, banishing every shadow. There was an anger that burned at the heart of that inferno but there was also an indescribably beautiful tranquility. The light of that fire brought him both terror and comfort in equal measure. On the edges of it, he could just barely make out this vague sense of boundless hope and a refusal to be extinguished. At the heart of that inferno stood the silhouette of a man who extended his hand to Talon. Talon accepted that hand and felt strength and power beyond any mortal flow into him. The man was ready to give him all of it. The man was ready to cross the boundary and not just connect withTalon, but to join fully with him. He internally flinched away from that.

Please…not yet.

There was a patient acknowledgement from the figure in the flames but also a feeling of sadness. Talon thought of the revelations that had come to him in recent times. He knew why that sadness was there but…he was not ready. There was still too much he did not understand. A voice, his own voice, whispered softly to him.

My strength is your strength. Take what you need.

Talon returned his attention back to the realm of the material after an exchange that had taken no more time than a single beat of his heart. He fixed his gaze upon Baudric, seeing plainly the demonic corruption attempting to eat away at the edges of both his body and soul. There was an oily darkness that clung to Baudric’s otherwise shining soul. The sight of it cause a mild fury to build up in Talon. He extended a hand to Telion as silver-white flames wrapped around his palm. He looked upon the Emblem that was upon her body. A soft and soothing light radiated from it. It was warm, gentle, inviting Talon to be at peace and be restored.

Talon rest his hand upon Telion’s urging the flames in his palm to wind their way toward the Mendicus Emblem that she bore. As soon as his flames touched upon the mark, Talon’s mind was filled with the vision of a beautiful human woman who shone with a brilliant golden light. For a moment, the two of them locked eyes. The woman’s mouth fell slightly open in an “o” of shock. Her hands slowly raised to her chest as tears filled her eyes. The woman fell to her knees as a resplendent joy began to radiate from her as she wept tears of happiness and seemed to laugh with an almost hysterical relief. In the vision, Talon briefly saw others begin to run to her assistance. Dimly he could hear the words she was speaking repeatedly. Words spoken in a language as old as Ransera and with a joy that filled his mind with a bubbling happiness.

He’s back! He’s back! The Prince of Dragons is returned!

The vision blinked out and Talon shook his head, furrowing his brow. He was filled with a momentary dread as he realized something had just happened. He would worry about that in a moment though. For the moment, he spoke to Telion.

“My strength is yours, gentle Healer.”

"I am Light."