Bedside Manner [Baudric]

[Kala Leukos]

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Tranquil Gardens
55 Frost 121

The autopsy had been a long, exhausting process, and after she cleaned up, she had to spend some time out on one of the balconies to get some fresh air. She unplaited her braids and let the wind tousle her hair, wanting it to smell of the wind rather than death. Pulling a little vial out of her pocket, she dabbed a bit of the scent Faine had created for her at her neck. It was faint, but it would take her mind out of the operating theater and back into the world. She replaited her braids then, took a deep breath, and went back inside. She had learned the general layout of the hospital, so it wasn't difficult to navigate to the wing where Baudric was recovering.

When she checked at the nurses' station, one said that he had been receiving the samples of ice cream with each meal. Kala thanked him and then went to find Baudric's room. He seemed to be wrapping up his dinner. She supposed she would be hungry by the time she returned home, but for now, her appetite had been suppressed by the work she had been doing. It had been enlightening, but she was certainly not used to it. But without the scrub robes covering her clothes, she didn't look like she had been watching a surgeon opening up a corpse to determine cause of death. She just looked like a young woman visiting a friend in hospital.

Per habit, she knocked upon the door frame.

"Good evening, Baudric," she said. "May I come in?"

He hadn't yet denied her, but all the same, she waited for approval to enter. There would be plenty of people coming in whether he wanted them to or not, touching him whether he wanted them to or not, and more. She would afford him what respect and agency she could.

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[Baudric]

B A U D R I C

"Siebzehn... Achtzehn... Neunzehn... Zwanzig..." With a heavy breath he moved into a rest position between sets of pushups. His simple hospital attire thankfully was meager and could not get in his way for the workout. On the other hand..
"What are you doing! You should be resting! get off that floor and back into your bed or I will have the Orderlies strap you to it!"

He couldn't help let out a growl like groan of annoyance. The nurse continuing her rant over his behavior as another enters with his lunch. Breakfast had been a simple pottage with a bit of honey. Basic, But was comforting. Oddly it came with a wonderful surprise of ice cream. plain cream swirled with ribbon of caramel. Immediately he thought of Kala. No doubt it was her doing. However, now the nurse set the tray of lunch down beside the bed as he settled into it. It some some sort of stew but had surprisingly heart portions of vegetables and meat. It didn't really have an aroma so he questioned the flavor.

He must have been making a face because the nurse put her hand across the front of the ice cream.
"Kala had arranged to give you an extra treat with your meals. You did not finish your breakfast and had no qualms about eating your treat. I need you to promise me you will eat all your food from here on out. Or I will see to it you get no more ice cream understood?"

"Da. Verstanden."
"Excuse me?"
"Yes. I will."
The hospital food here was far more appetizing than that of back home in the Imperium. Even still, it was without a doubt hospital food. He Did not dare explain it was his work out they kept yelling at him for that had been regaining his appetite. Recovering was the goal and it would not do to deprive himself of nutrients. Quickly he would devour his food so that he could sit back and savor the treat. The single most convincing drive to eat, was the ice cream that accompanied it. He knew without a doubt it was Kala's doing. Never failing to send a silent thank you to air with each meal since yesterday. Today was a light yellow color. Upon tasting it was a pleasant custard. With a light citrus flavor but it wasn't lemon. Akin to it maybe.

Once his lunch was eaten and treat enjoyed, the nurses would leave him be until check up and later again supper. He needed to plan his timing right. Filling the time with in spot knee ups that dropped him into a few pushups and back up again. He was going to leave this hospital in full capacity of his training.

It wasn't until evening while he was deep in enjoying his cone of dark chocolate when the familiar soft tones of Kala reached his ear. He glanced up to see her, not wanting to be rude by talking with his mouth full he quickly nodded and motioned for her to come in. Looking like an overgrown child eating his ice cream. Already a day later he looked far better than he did prior. He sat up and made room on the bed for her to join him again. He quickly swallowed the bite so that he could actually greet her.
"You came."

[Kala Leukos]

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She laughed quietly at the look on his face. It almost seemed as though he were a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Avialae were a terror in battle; of that there was no doubt. But that wasn't all they were. It didn't seem as though the Imperium allowed them to be their full selves, but she would honor him in his entirety while he was here. She took a perch on the edge of his bed, leaving plenty of room between them in case it made him uncomfortable. With as much time as he was spending here, she was certain he was bored. And she knew he wanted to get home, even if there was a chance that decision would be his last.

"Sometimes life gets in the way, but I do try to keep my promises," she said. In some ways, her own training had been quite strict, though she wouldn't compare hers to his.

"I figured with all the flavors they had available, there would be at least one you would like. Perhaps when you return home, it will still be cold enough to take some with you."

He did seem to be somewhat improved, both from what her eyes told her and what her semblance did. The aetheric patterns that made up his aura were stronger, warmer. It was minute, but she was paying attention. Certainly, he was getting the best of care, but perhaps the ice cream and company helped as well.

"If you want, I could bring you something to read the next time I visit. There are probably things you aren't allowed to read back home, but if you tell me what interests you, I could find something that wouldn't get you into trouble. Something to pass the time. To exercise your mind and your imagination a bit."

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[Baudric]

B A U D R I C

"That would be well, thank you. Insofar I have begun training my body once more as well as my magic. My mind, I'm afraid is growing numb from the monotony of the constant parade of healers and gawkers. Constantly being berated for who I am for one length of time, to being alone with nothing to engage my mind the next. Perhaps," he paused a moment to consider the blasphemy he was contemplating. After their talk yesterday, it seemed prudent only right that he try to understand why so many treated him poorly. And as Talon pointed out, he was going to be treated worse once he left the hospital. "History books. Particularly ones relating to how the people here are taught to view the Imperium?"

She looked like death from exhaustion; her soft diffused light, dimmed from work. Healing was always considered a lesser skill in many circles. Giving more merit to those who can kill. He never understood that, it was easy to kill, healing arts from mundane to magical took far greater knowledge, time, and patience. Took an iron will and stomach both. It was not easy, often the driving force to continue was resolve. His brow furrowed as he worried on the inside of his cheek. Extending his hand of the half eaten dark chocolate ice cream to her. They had both already consumed ice cream partially eaten by the other so it mattered little to him at the moment.

"You look like you could use a mood pick up." he chuckled deep "I promise upon returning home I would, in likelihood, have the chance at ice cream there. I know of at least one person who would get me some. My Patriarch if fond of rewarding his Knights."
Though it was also true he was malicious at other times should they not perform to his liking. The man was especially fond of Baudric. Finding power in this Orkhan blood attractive. Baudric blinked away a memory, remembering to stay in the moment.
"Is there anything I can do for you, Ms. Kala?"

[Kala Leukos]

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"History books I can do," she said with another tired smile. "Perhaps I will find one from the Imperium's perspective to read and we can discuss the differing narratives."

For all that their nations had nearly diametrically opposed viewpoints, they had managed to remain friendly and cognizant of each other's feelings. It might not be a sign of enduring peace, but it was something. She chuckled and accepted the small cup and the remaining ice cream.

"Thank you," she said. There was a possibility of his wounds acquiring secondary infections from the hospital and then passing them along to her through shared food, but she was healthy and his system seemed to be free of infection, so she didn't worry too much about that. "I'm glad you are rewarded for your service." Her eyes lingered upon him for a moment, concerned. She hoped that whatever rewards he had stockpiled, the good graces of his Patriarch, would be enough to protect him when he returned with his broken collar.

"For me?" Kala smiled. "Allowing me to get to know you is enough. But I wonder... I know a talented runeforger. I wonder if he mightn't be able to repair your collar, to mitigate the risk that you will be unduly punished for its breaking, which I think wasn't your fault?" Her fair brow furrowed. Their Shinsei was also a master runeforger, but perhaps he thought reforging such a collar to be anethema. She could understand such revulsion, though she was more pragmatic about it—if Baudric was set on returning, the kindest thing they could do was ensure that he wasn't punished for something that could be avoided.

Or perhaps it hadn't even occurred to him. Or perhaps it was impossible even for him. She didn't know, but she could ask.

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[Baudric]

B A U D R I C

A single brow raise denoted his disbelief that she would find anything accurate on the Imperium. He would not voice that thought though. Would Kalzasi actually import any Imperium Authors? He knew that they were not nearly as antagonistic as the relations were with Atinaw. But they were not allies either. Certainly not with Any Synnekar.

He nodded carefully as she spoke her appreciation for his Patriarch's 'affections' towards Baudric and the other Kathar under his command. He reached over to grab his water to hide his distaste for the man. He paused a moment as the lip of the cup sat on his mouth. Blinking, he turned to look at her. It was true she was kind and made him feel welcome. Truly? She enjoyed getting to know him? Everyone else either tolerated him due to their job or outright gave him his mind over his country. Once again his mind went to the idea of Talon telling him it would only be worse once he left the hospital grounds with his collar on.

His collar. Setting his cup down to look at his feet on the ground, Kala talked about the possibility of getting it fixed with hopes to lessen punishment when he went home.

"I think it would honestly be better to leave it as it is." He scrunched his face in thought "If the Inquisition found it was fixed but not working they might consider it tampering and heresy? Maybe? If it was broken and I submitted myself to the nearest boarder patrol for Inquisitorial Review. Either they will then send me to the nearest Inquisitor or escort me back to the Capitol to HQ."

There were so many chances for his life to get destroyed in a matter of a single day without warning.
"Best to be up front and earnest in the situation then try to fix it on my own. I feel they would be too concerned over tampering or espionage."

[Kala Leukos]

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"You would know better than I," she admitted, spreading her free hand. She found she had finished the remains of the ice cream, so she slipped off the bed to throw away the cup and set the spoon on a napkin for the next nurse or orderly to remove. Then she returned to her perch on his bed.

"I generally think honesty is the best policy, and didn't mean you should lie about it. I thought if it could actually be fixed, then your connection with the Obelisk would be restored and they would see that you are still loyal. But forgive me, I might be speaking out of turn about a thing I don't fully understand." She considered the idea of the collar, comparing it to her knowledge of a core bond. There had been times in their youth when she had, in a fit of pique, forced her twin to do what he didn't want to do via their bond. They had been rare and as soon as she realized the gravity of it, she had been ashamed. The bond could be used to manipulate. She assumed the bond to the Obelisk could be misused as well, though their idea of what misuse might be were certainly different.

"I hope the inquisitors will recognize your earnest desire to be back." Kala offered what she hoped was a supportive smile. She wondered how he had even gotten to Kalzasi in the first place. Between the city-state and his Imperium were the bulk of Karnor, Zaichaer, Dalquia, and unclaimed territories. Perhaps when he was well enough to travel, they would put him on an airship bound for Zaichaer, and from there to Gel'Grandal.

The name sounded menacing even in her mind, the place where here people were kept in bondage, but Baudric didn't seem unhappy.

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[Baudric]

B A U D R I C

"No, sorry I didn't think you were telling me to lie. I just don't want to take the risk. Punishment to violators of mandates are very strict. Especially for the Avialae. Ever since it was my turn to complete my Trial, I and all the others before me, have been held accountable to the mandates. It's like a rite of passage into adulthood. And with it our wrong doings can be tried as actual crime. It has never been easy. But then being a soldier isn't easy. It serves to remind us who we are and what we are there for."

He reflected back to her point of returning. Something in him felt, off about the thought. Without realizing it he muttered two words under his breath.
"...earnest desire..."

"You would refuse a command from your Primarch? I own you! You are my subordinate. If I tell you to clean the halls, tell you to fly laps around the roof all night, tell you to cut yourself; you. will. do. it! Do I make myself clear!?" Baudric lay on the floor of the Primarch's office, his wings crushed beneath the boot of his Chapter's leader. It's twin pinning his head into the marble floor.

"I thought we were the Sovereign's.." his voice was hoarse from fear. White knuckles clutched to the torn shirt he still held to his chest as if it would save him his Primarch's ire. It did not. The moment the boot lifted from his head he curled into a ball, bracing for impact as the steeled toe collided with his back. Once, twice, thrice.. He wanted to cry out in pain but to do so would draw attention, and attention meant harsher punishment. He bit down on the shirt to muffle his pain.

"You want to repeat that soldier..?" All he could do was shake his head "Then get up. Go submit yourself to review. Get your head adjusted right." The moment he stepped off Baudric's wings he stood his whole three feet taller than the Primarch with a salute and left the office.

"Definitely."
He smiled back to Kala, the gold flecks in his eyes gave of a mischievous twinkle. He was a Knight of the Legion. He definitely wanted to go back. For sure.

Present Baudric, Memory BaudricNPC

[Kala Leukos]

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Kala couldn't claim to know Baudric well. There was a cultural divide on top of their only having known each other for two days, but something did feel a bit off from time to time. He didn't seem dishonest, though, and she didn't feel deceived. So she smiled back, unsure what the twinkle meant, but resigning herself to not knowing. A part of her wanted to tell him that if the Imperium would not take him back, then he should return and she would take him in. If Kalzasi would not have him, Starfall would. But there was no way to say that without ruffling his feathers, she was certain, and she wasn't trying to plant a seed of doubt in him, merely to treat him as he was: a sentient being deserving of basic dignity and respect. And she did like him. It was good to remember that the enemies of the state needn't be personal enemies as well. The Imperium was made up of people; war was always a tragedy, a failure of rational beings to communicate and see each other as equals.

"Well, I don't know the logistics of your return to Gel'Grandal, but if you have time between your release from the Tranquil Gardens and your departure, I hope you will come to my home for a meal. Our nations might have their differences, but I would hope you could at least report that our hospitality is not lacking." Her smile widened. "You could meet my brother if you like. He did deliver the first batch of ice cream."

She didn't know if Baudric would balk at spending time with a Synnekar, though she would argue with her dying breath that she was as much Avialae as her brother. But that was an argument with the world, not with this man.

"He might even spar with you." Baudric did seem invested in returning home with his skills intact. Kala could understand that earnest desire as well.

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[Baudric]

B A U D R I C

Strange. Strange that were anyone else sitting with him talking about these topics, conversing with him over the Imperium, hearing the name Gel'Grandal would have been an instant correction to Grandal. Kala had been so polite and welcoming to him that he hesitated to say anything. Letting her continue to talk about an unlikely event of the Imperium letting him leave to return here if they did not accept him back. In all likelihood if he was not returned to rank, he would either be executed or stripped of his wings and convicted to a life of servitude. but he was certain he would be taken back. As his Primarch's favorite Knight Legionnaire, he was sure he would be taken back. If not he was certain the Primarch would take him without his wings. His stomach turned to rot at the thought. Still he maintained his smile.

"Oh, I make a point to not bare arms to another person unless in defense of my life, the protection of another persons life, or I am ordered to do so. As much as I am sure he would enjoy a sparing partner I do not know if I would be open to the idea." His heart sank at the thought remembering his Trail. "But maybe he could convince me." Recovering the moment with a wink and an elbow nudge.

"That being said though. I don't see why I can't hold off my return for a time. It is not like the Imperium knows if I survived let alone that I am recovering. I would be happy to come over for a meal and to meet your brother. It's the least I can do for everything you have done for me."