Wrong Place [kala]

[Baudric]

B A U D R I C

The world was lifeless around him. The familiarity of this mental space he went to from stress or falling into combat was always calming. Those he deemed a target glowed with a noisy red. Offensive to this space and must be eliminated.

The crimson stain across his face and torso dripped lazily from him as a retreat had been sounded amongst the stragglers not already on the ship as it left with its prize won. Things then stood still. Leaving Baudric to regain his composure and breath.

Looking around the room, spotting the commotion where the Royal family had been. It was clear the intent of the attack. Many people cried out in rage or distress. Their king lay dead. Their princes taken.
"Aoren.. Talon.."

"Kala, Kaus.. Are you alright?"
He looked around him, blinking the offense of his foes from his eyes. Color coming back to the world as he breathing steadied. It seemed that Lord Karam had moved on in his charge of battle. Baudric moved over to Kaus and Kala to look them over.
"As expected. Those pirates are known for dropping in and getting out quickly. They don't usually work this far out. I can only assume their reason for being here was worth the payout."

His mind wanted to figure out what happened to the newlyweds but he needed to ensure those he could help now got the aid they needed first. His priority being the twins first and foremost. Even if they were capable in their own rights, and in his current recovery on the slow road to regain his full battle readiness, he would still place his hosts greater heed for their wellbeing. His hand still held onto the sword he pried from the assailants. The less dominant hand still bled from the action.

[Kala Leukos]

.

The twins were, if anything, in shock. The Shokaze dead; the Shinsei taken. Savien had blessed them on their Warren March. Talon was, in fact, a God. Nothing made sense. And yet, they were unscathed. For all his youth and slight build for his race, he was a terror with his blade. If Baudric had doubted him before, seeing him in action ought to change that, though Baudric seemed wrapped up in a reality of his own when battle descended upon them.

"We are unharmed," she managed, dazed, "but—" She looked after the retreating pirates. It didn't make sense. None of it made sense.

There would be a lockdown; she was sure of it. While she wanted to get word to her mother and brother at Starfall, she didn't know how she could just yet, but she would have to figure something out if this was the beginning of a war. They would be vulnerable.

As Kala had spoken for both of them, Kaus pulled his pact weapon out of the air now that the strange gas had been scrubbed from the air around them by Kala's artifact-wrought stormburst. He nodded to himself, relieved that its manifestation was as sure and true as ever—so the effects of the gas were temporary, and that was good to know. Even so, it had been successful.

His twin turned back to Baudric, blinking as she realized he was injured.

"You are bleeding," she declared, and immediately dipped to rip a strip of silk from her dress so she could bandage him. Acting more on instinct than conscious thought, she scanned him through one Rune and deemed his wounds not quite serious enough to require her to engage another Rune to cauterize them. "Please, let me help." But even acting almost without thought, she waited for his consent to touch him. She needed to do something, though, and binding his wounds would give her momentary purpose in a world gone suddenly mad.

.

[Baudric]

B A U D R I C

He felt a warm wave of relief seeing the two of them in good condition. Shaken, in disbelief, but in good condition. Now that they were well assessed. He continued to scan the room for anyone trying to hide or any other potential threat to the rest of the guests.

Without a second thought he held up his hand for her to tend to. Having grown so accustomed to her touch and presence. It was kind of her to still look for permissions but to him she had more than earned his trust.

He noticed the Royal guard began to comb through the room doing their own investigations and aiding to those injured. He closed his eyes to finish coming down off his battle high. Letting his mind go numb for a moment as the sounds of sorrow and fear echoed around him. He felt the chill of wetness on his skin as the blood began to dry enough to become sticky. A nice hot bath would be extra welcomed today. But that would have to wait until they were free to leave the venue. An attack like this would certainly place everyone here in a place of house arrest. The city itself would go into lockdown. The offending pirate ships now crashed would be picked through by the Military. Escape had to be prevented. Control regained.

The large Orkhan-Avialae sat on a nearby chair so he was on a more even level with Kala as she worked. Slowly he cracked his eyes open and watched her work. Looking over to Kaus as he tested his magical weapons.

"Ich bin froh, dass Sie beide in Sicherheit sind. We will need to get you both back to the Estate as soon as they let us leave. I am sure your family would be glad to hear you are safe and tucked away."

[Kala Leukos]

.

A part of her appreciated the trust he showed her, though she couldn't think about it quite rationally just then. When she was done, she put her hand gently over the silk binding his blood to his body. It wasn't a perfect job, but it would do until he could get proper medical attention. She looked around, trying to make sense of what she saw and what Baudric was saying.

"Perhaps Bryony will hear of this before they lock the city down and she can get word to Mother," she mused aloud. "Baudric — you must stay close to me now. You are an Imperial soldier and there has been a royal assassination and abduction. Any xenophobia you have felt so far will be raised to a fever pitch. I will protect you to the best of my ability, but my power to do so will be reduced if you are out of my sight."

Kaus was helping someone over to them, knowing in that core bonded way that she would need people to help and they had to stay close to their Imperial guest.

"Here, sit, please," she said to her new patient, helping Kaus sit him down on the floor with his back to a pillar. Again, she assessed with her eyes as well as her Rune, hands already shredding more of her dress to make impromptu bandages. Kaus gripped the injured man's hand, responding to Kala's needs.

"Grit your teeth," he said, "squeeze my hand as much as it hurts."

The man's scream ripped through his teeth as she cauterized his wound with Fire, immediately cooling it with Water and Air. His injury had been more severe than Baudric's and she didn't know how long it would take for medics, but he couldn't afford to lose blood at that rate.

"It's over," she said, brushing the man's hair back as tenderly as if he were a child. "You were very brave. I'm sorry it hurt, but I had to stop the bleeding."

When she looked up, Baudric could see the tears on her cheeks though she was unaware of them. Sometimes, one had to be cruel to be kind, but cruelty went against her nature.

.

[Baudric]

B A U D R I C

"Verstanden. I don't think there would be anything for me to do in this instance anyway. I want answers like anyone else, but this isn't the place for someone like me to ask questions." Plucking his coat from the ground where he had discarded it. Best he could do now was to sit and wait Kala would be his shield this time.

Kala and Kaus began aiding those around them keeping busy to prevent from the trauma from taking over in this moment. They were strong individuals, but even they would suffer some form of grief to the loose of sense of security. Baudric admired the two of them. Admired their strength to act when any other noble would be in shock. Silently, he watched them work. Healing was a skill valued across the world at large. Be it magical or not.

It was the the tears that threw him off. Inflicting pain did not suit Kala. Even when he was in the hospital she worked hard to not cause his discomfort. He could not fathom how she could work like this. As he opened his lips to speak, he glanced at approaching figures to their location. At first he thought them to be more injured looking to gain aid from the closest person treating wounds. The glint of shiny metal on armor and blade.

Heavy and fast approaching footfalls cause many to part. Freeing the Guardsmen from their duty and quarry. Sitting still upon a chair. covered in drying blood, undetermined to the victims in the moment to them, with sleek black collar and electric blue glowing runes across its surface. The glinting metal was drawn and directed in his direction.
"By order of the Palace, All Zachaeri and any known associations are to be detained for questioning. Put down the weapon and come willingly else by force. Your choice Kathar."

"Can't say I am surprised to see this reaction."
Baudric carefully placed the sword on the ground and lightly slid it over to Kala and Kaus. Standing slowly to his feet, he looked at the twins wondering how things would go for him now. He knew he was only going to cause problems for his hosts. He felt so out of place.
"My Lady. My Lord. It has been an honor to have met you both."

"Silence. Save your words for the Investigators. Sorry Lord and Lady Leukos. We will take this suspect for your safety."
One of them stepped forward and began pulling iron shackles out to place on Baudric's wrists.

[Kala Leukos]

.

Triage after a battle was certainly different from the tranquility of the Tranquil Gardens. Kala only did what she could, stabilizing who she could, comforting those she could not. Kaus moved with her as though they were one creature, anticipating her needs as if he could read her mind. Perhaps he could. Core bonds were strange to those outside them.

She stood, hands at the small of her back as she arched it, stretching the muscles after being bent over patients. Her dress was tattered as the hem had been torn so many times for fine bandaging, and while Kaus hovered at her shoulder, the slight woman stepped between the guardsmen and Baudric.

"Those won't be necessary, sir. The Kathar Baudric is Shinsei's guest at the party and House Leukos' guest in Kalzasi. I will vouch for him." She turned to Baudric and raised her hand as if she wanted to touch his forearm, but didn't, knowing he preferred not to be touched. "Silence might be the better part of valor now, my friend. Anything you say may be misconstrued or taken out of context. I will advocate for you in the meantime."

Most resident aliens were treated with due respect, but citizenry did confer certain rights and privileges. Kala seemed intent on using her privilege to help others, and Kaus followed wherever she led. Other medics had arrived, probably better trained than her, so she didn't feel too guilty about leaving the scene of the assassination.

"Lead the way, sir."

.

[Baudric]

B A U D R I C

"I am sorry my Lady. Orders are orders. I must take this man into custody and.." He looks him over the man covered in blood. Eyes lingering on Baudric's clear Orkhan heritage. It was not a point of necessity. A Kathar Avialae clearly still under the influence of the Imperium was without a doubt here, having fought and killed. Even at the word of a Noble house protocols must be followed. "For the peace of mind for everyone I must put him in irons-"

"Do what you must soldier." he stood, looking down at the Avialae guard offering his hands to be bound. The metal clapped carefully around his wrists as he watched the man do his job. No ill will was had toward him. He knew he was doing his job and he had the right of it. Baudric was technically at a default, at odds with the Kalzasi nation. The man looked up at him catching the giant staring at him with unwavering stillness in his eyes. He had to clear his throat before speaking again.

"Right then walk on sir."
Baudric followed the commands of his arrestor as two more came over to assist. One offered The Lady and her twin a courtesy to follow along with Baudric. Not that she needed it. It was clear she was going to accompany them regardless. Baundric was very thankful for her persistence. Something unsettled him however. He was letting himself fall victim to the idea of friendship. Nothing was more important that his duty to his crown. Yet it made him wonder if it was wrong after all.

He looked over his shoulder to reflect on his memories made with the twins. Each one of them had in their own way made him feel like he had a new source of strength than before. His mind drifted back to his memories of the Imperium. What was right and what was wrong?

"It will probably take some time before he is questioned, longer still before its decided to try him at grand jury or let him walk. It all really depends on his cooperation and honesty."
The armored Avialae bowed his head respectfully to Lady Kala.
"If you would return home instead we can notify you of the decision regarding him."

[Kala Leukos]

.

The twins bore the guards no ill will either, and didn't give them a hard time for doing their job. Kala could only imagine what would happen now that the Shokaze was assassinated and his heir presumptive captured. She wondered if House Senue had been complicit in this; with Talon Novalys out of the picture, it would be much easier to get the votes necessary to make Lord Senue the next Shokaze. She didn't know that it would be a terrible thing to have a new Great House in power, but it would be a terrible thing if it were to come about from treachery. But she had no evidence of this, and she had fought alongside Karam Senue. It was difficult to know what to hold onto now, and so she had done what she could: triage for the injured and advocate for Baudric.

The twins flanked Baudric so that the guards were forced to flank them; they were a physical shield between them and the Kathar. Perhaps it would seem silly; Kala was tiny compared to him, and Kaus was small for their race. But their guest was in iron and they would do what the rule of hospitality required, and while Kala had spent more time with him, they both considered him a sort of a friend.

When they stopped, something passed between the twins' bond.

"I will go home and rest," Kaus said. "When I come back, Kala can do the same."

"One of us will remain to advocate for you, Baudric," she said, addressing the Kathar instead of his guards.

Too much could happen if he were left without an advocate; good people might do bad things in these circumstances. It was best not to give them an opportunity to do so. The guards seemed uncomfortable, but they didn't gainsay the young nobles. The twins hadn't prevented them from doing their duty, and so they had no authority to deny them this. But their eyes popped out when they opened the cell door and Kala preceded Baudric into it.

"Right, well..." one said. Another nudged Baudric into the cell after her. The door was locked.

"I'll bring you some books," Kaus promised before giving his sister and their friend one last look, then he departed.

.

[Baudric]

B A U D R I C

Taken aback himself as Lady Kala stepped into the the cell before him, it took the nudge of the solider to bring him back to reality to step inside himself. The Soldiers then removed his shackles and locked the cell until the time in which Baudric could be questioned. With his hand now unbound, he lightly rubbed at his wrists, sliding his large frame to the cushioned cot and leaving room for her to join him should she need the chance to sit.
"I didn't think you would willingly stay here with me. Are you sure about this? A lot happened today. Would you not be more comfortable at home, don't misunderstand me. I am thankful to you for wanting to look after me. But as someone of your station, I hope you are not defacing your honor in other's eyes."

His large body looked almost comical sitting on the cot. Something the normally would have insighted a laugh were it not for the crimson soaked suit he wore. He began carefully wiping his face the best he could with the sleeves of his newly tailored embroidered linen suit.
"Truth be told I am more than grateful actually. There is still so many things I want to understand before I return. Yet the longer I stay the harder it will be for me to return. For now though, you and Kaus has made me feel like I can for once in my life, Breathe. Like I have been beneath the surface of the sea churned by tempest skies. Whatever happens, I want you to know the two of you have been a true pleasure to know."

He dropped his head back against the wall and closed his eyes trying to attempt to get comfortable and relax.
"Mein Licht, vertreibe die Dunkelheit, befreie meine Seele. Fliegen Sie in der Luft des Zufalls."

[Kala Leukos]

.

When Baudric made room for her on the cot, she accepted his small act of kindness with a weary smile. The adrenaline was wearing thin and the enormity of what had befallen their city-state and its royal family and, hence, the rest of them, was crashing down into her awareness.

"Oh, they will think I am an idealistic child or they will think I am currying favor with a citizen of the Imperium in case things go poorly for Kalzasi... I don't know. I don't care. You are my guest and my friend, so I will stay with you through this."

She smiled at what else he said, then tore another strip of silk from her dress to offer him to wipe the blood from his face. The dress was already ragged, but there were many layers between her and the cold, so she had fabric to spare.

"Knowing you has been a privilege and a pleasure for us as well," she assured him. Then he shifted into what she assumed was Kathalan, and she could only imagine that it was some sort of prayer from the tone of his voice and the posture he took. Taking her cue from him, she let her hands rest calmly in her lap, her posture still straight.

In Synskrit, she prayed, fingers running over a relic that hung from her wrist, "Lady Saedene, Mistress of Midnight Mourning, a noble soul has flown to Wraeden on this day. Mourn with me for Savien Praetus Novalys, thirteenth Shokaze of Kalzasi. The father of our nation is gone from us. Turn your face to him, and to those of us who remain behind."

What followed was an ancient litany for the dead. She didn't weep, but there was a hollowness to her voice, a fear for what the future held, but a dedication to do her part no matter what came.

.