The Prodigal Kathar

[Kala Leukos]

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Kala's eyes didn't linger as he moved into the tub, but she didn't avert her eyes. She knew too many Avialae who would downplay damage to their person in some silly attempt to seem invulnerable and he might have to tell her to stop if he didn't want her to fall back into her role as his nurse.

She went to the door, passed the dirty laundry to a servant, made a request for probably fits from Aquilios' wardrobe, and then returned.

Then she settled onto a stool to assist.

"Let me know if you want the heat adjusted," she said. Having an elementalist as a bath attendant was handy like that. Borrowing a sponge, she scrubbed his back, between his shoulders, then dried her hands to see to his wings. There was a meditative quality to such things. She remembered when her mother had taught her how. There were vague memories of her father's feathers under her fingers before he died. Aquilios hadn't appreciated his little sister, but Kaus certainly had, especially when their mother's limited reserves of affection were saved mostly for her heir.

"I want to know it all," she said carefully after he spoke, "when and if you want to share. And if want... I could bring mind-healers. I don't know if your memories are retrievable, but they should be able to make sure you aren't... damaged somehow."

The Sentinels had their Assessors, master semblers and mesmers whose training focused on memory and mental health. Phocion could tell her no and she wouldn't press for favors, but it was a good place to begin if he needed the help.

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[Baudric]

Soaps lathered in sudsy piles along his body, lazily dripped off him. He paused in his scrubbing as his mind drifted back to his return.

He would tell her upon his return he was escorted under heavy guard and presumed dangerous due to his broken collar. Delivered into the care of the Inquisition where they would scrutinize and interrogate him. Though interrogation was too kind a word. It was more akin to torture for answers. He remembered sitting under heavy chains in a circular room staring at faceless figures. They didn't trust he truthful accounts of his time in Kalzasi. He faced one of two possible punishments at that point. Death or wingless servitude. He told her how at that point, if it wasn't for his Chapter Primarch Muller coming in and using his influence and station to spare him of those fates.

How could he tell her how much of a nightmare the man was to Baudric. The single source of all his Trauma.

Retelling the process of going through re-indoctrination was.. difficult. Still he would tell her. Simply for the fact that in the case it would come up again. It could give her the means of dealing with it. The grueling psychosis he went through as his mind was wiped clean and enthralled. The false sense of devotion he had for his Emperor. Whether or not all indoctrination worked the same he could never know but this is what he had gone through.

"My Primarch did not want to let me out of his sight once I was back. After he replaced me in my unit I was forced to stay in proximity to him. Training new recruits. That's when Talon came and some how managed to enlist me for the mission where he freed me. That's.. everything really."
Taking a deep breath and feeling the freedom around him. He was happier now. Free. He could do anything he wanted. He sat in silence in the wake of his tale. It was honestly something he wished he would never speak of again but with Kala. It felt like he could and should have told her.

"Mein Licht, vertreibe die Dunkelheit, befreie meine Seele. Fliegen Sie in der Luft des Zufalls."

Baudric Von Uberfallenlicht

Baudric KathalanCasting

[Kala Leukos]

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The young woman listened without interruption. Occasionally, there was a soft noise of empathy for his pain, knowing what he recalled was likely only the tip of the iceberg. She didn't stop grooming him; the light, sure touch was a way to show that he was accepted. She didn't pull away, or overburden him with affection. Letting him take his time, she stirred a bit of Fire through the water to keep it from growing cold. The heat could continue to soothe and relax. She wove a bit of Water too, urging clean water to soak into his skin and into his flesh so the long bath didn't dehydrate him.

Perhaps she would hold off on the Solunarian Assessors. Better she offer him a safe haven where he felt welcome, wanted, and was given the space to process all that had happened. Kala, the polestar. Kala, the anti-primarch. Certainly, she caught some of the conflicting feelings for the man who had been his torturer but also his savior.

A soft hand caressed his neck where lately the collar had been. He was more naked without than than otherwise in his bare skin.

"Thank you, Baudric," she said quietly. "I will hold this for you." Hold space for him, bear witness to his trauma. What an infinity of suffering he had born, and he was only one of countless Kathar. No wonder Naori had needed a goddess whose jihad was for their freedom.

Kala lapsed back into silence, not expecting anything from him. His wings were mostly clean, if not pristine. They were a matter of maintenance more than anything. Being here, or even if he joined the Dawnmartyrs, there would be other competent people to help. There was a reason birds groomed each other.

Soaking without expectations could be a healing experience too, albeit minor. She would not rush him, but tend to him as she tended to the vines in her garden and the other Avialae in her small flock. When he was ready, they would dry him off and feed him. Later, he would meet Kaus again. Then, perhaps Ceran and Indric, more Synnekar to welcome him into the fold.

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[Baudric]

Donning the collar once more as his nerves began to rise. Thoroughly rinsing himself clean and smelling of Magnolia oils. Kala of course had seen him naked before years ago while tending to him. Even then he felt uneasy being naked in front of her. He would feel that way in front of other soldiers too. He reached over to grab his towel once again, bringing his wings in to give himself some modesty as he covered himself with the towel once he stood and drained the tub.

Taking another towel he began to pat his hair and looked to Kala.
"I apologize if my tale has disturbed you. I just thought as a healer you would want to know everything you could about the collar indoctrination. It's worse for boys getting their collars for the first time after surviving their trials. but I hope you might in the future use it to heal others. I trust you more than anyone. You helped me maybe one day we can help my brothers back in the Imperium."

Offering a hand to help her stand up from the stool.
"I know its strange to be saying this as we are in present conditions. But thank you. For welcoming me home. I still have much I need to figure out for myself and to come to terms with others. But for once, I am of my own mind. With no allegiances to a power I am falsely loyal to. No pressures or pressing need to return out of fear of my life. Just me and my wishes. If I can be of help to house Leukos, Please let me know. I owe much and more to you. Not just from duty but because of my appreciation."

"Mein Licht, vertreibe die Dunkelheit, befreie meine Seele. Fliegen Sie in der Luft des Zufalls."

Baudric Von Uberfallenlicht

Baudric KathalanCasting

[Kala Leukos]

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"Thank you," she said with one of her faint smiles. "I know you never seek my discomfort, but it helps me to know, I think. And it warms my heart to know that you are thinking in terms of your brothers, as well. Your journey is yours, but I think it is a good thing, a valorous thing, to want to look backward in order to offer a hand forward. They are always on my mind, as well."

That didn't mean Baudric wasn't special, of course, but Naori had given her a quest and it was close to her heart.

"You have sovereignty now, agency in your own life. I will always be happy to support that, whether by keeping a place for you here, listening when you need to speak, or anything within my power."

She accepted his hand up with murmured thanks. A part of her wanted to help towel dry him as if he were a pet or a child; she wasn't sure that was a good thought, but perhaps it was a trend that would only continue as she gradually grew into her divine power. Logically, she assumed that she would lose some humanity when her mother died, when her elder brother died, when his children died, her friends and acquaintances gradually grew old and died. Losing Kaus might actually break her, and so she was going to ask those moritasi she knew how she could sustain him, even if it meant a loss of power for her.

But she tried not to think of Baudric's inevitable end. With luck, that would not come for decades hence and he would die happy and fulfilled, healed and whole.

There was a polite knock at the door. After a pause, Kala called for them to enter. Baudric had a towel and a privacy screen if he wished to be hidden. The servants weren't the ogling type, anyway. She went to meet them, even as they came in. Accepting the fine robe, she moved aside so they could bring in a hearty stew and all that would entail. Baudric's room had a table to eat or work at, and so they set things up there with an extra bowl in case he invited her to dine and she decided to do so.

Kala went to Baudric with the robe. It was a thin, lightly brocaded silk, with slits at about wing distance, and voluminous amounts of fabric so it could be belted at the waist such that those vents didn't matter in terms of coverage. But in terms of coverage, Baudric was on the high end of the Avialae size spectrum. The robe would fit well enough where it mattered—Aquilios favored loose fits when at his leisure—but the sleeves wouldn't quite brush his wrists, nor the hem his ankles. Thankfully, he wouldn't suffer from cold with his Avialae constitution, but it ought to feel good against his skin.

She offered to help him into it.

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[Baudric]

The knock on the door made his wings snap close to his body as to cover himself. A slight bit of fear of being caught naked with another person still gripped at him.

He moved to stand behind the privacy screen. Slowly breathing through the light fear. It wouldn't last long but it was still something he noted that he would need to work on. The Imperium couldn't hurt him now. He could have friends, find love, make... bonds. One of the three was easy enough now. But the other two. Those terrified him as he had no clue how to even begin to try. The only example he had was the sneaking around of soldiers that always got caught and fatally punished. Or of his Primarch Muller who's lechrous tastes put Baudric through torment on a regular basis so that the human would not turn his attention on the younger boys of the Chapter. His small pair of wings rubbed at his side.

When the door opened he looked out catching the scent of a hearty soup and the sight of them setting up the table. Seeing the second bowl being set up made him relax some. She came over to him with the robe that looked to him like it would not be enough. Setting the towel aside and especially eyeing the wing slits. Baudric's wings, unlike other Avialae's, came from his lumbar section of his spine. Not his scapulae. He took the robe and turned his back to Kala slipping the robe on but allowing her to assist in getting his wings through. He was surprised to see it fit enough. it certainly was short in length and in the sleeves as well. Was more surprised it would work for his wings too. The smaller pair he would keep under the robes to hug against his hips.

"I am glad you will be staying to eat with me. I hope I didn't make you change previous plans." He fastened the robe's ties and turned back to Kala, feeling a bit more at ease being covered. "It will do for now until my clothes are done. I will probably need to get a few more things now that I will no longer be on the road."

He moved into the familiar room that seemed like another lifetime. He looked around at the walls and architecture. He pulled out the chair for Kala to sit before he would even think to sit himself down.

"Mein Licht, vertreibe die Dunkelheit, befreie meine Seele. Fliegen Sie in der Luft des Zufalls."

Baudric Von Uberfallenlicht

Baudric KathalanCasting

[Kala Leukos]

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Kala couldn't help but notice his reactions, even the smaller, subtler ones once she was paying closer attention. She did hope he grew more comfortable with people in general, but she would do what she could to make that transition from fear to comfort easier on him.

"Of course," she said. "All that I needed to do was done earlier today, so I am free to spend time with you. Although, if you need time and space to yourself, simply say the word." She understood a need for the occasional solitude herself. She thanked him as he helped her into her seat, wondering if such conscientious behavior was trained into Kathar or he was just sweet and thoughtful; or both.

She served herself quickly so he would hopefully just feel comfortable serving himself and feeling as if this were all informal and nothing was expected of him. The servants were there and gone quite quickly, efficiently setting things up, ensuring Kala and her guest were at their ease, and then leaving them to it.

While they ate, Kala filled him in on some of what had happened in Kalzasi while he was gone. A lot of it was minor, but there had been the year-long Eclipse that had been so hard on the world. Magic had mitigated things, allowing plants and animals to grow without sunlight, but that had taxed mages and she wasn't certain the artificially grown food had been quite as nutritious as the natural variety. As vice-minister of trade, she hadn't been able to do much about the supply chain in that time. Nobody was willing to sell their food when their own populations were at risk. She understood that. Still, it had been a long-term stressor.

She had managed to bring aid from Starfall to Zaichaer, however, and she told him about this, albeit not in any great detail. Kala didn't see them as enemies, and perhaps that was why members high in their government as well as the witches they had long marginalized didn't see her as an enemy. Then again, she hadn't met the emperor of Gelerand, nor any of the handlers who mishandled her Kathar cousins. Time would have to tell on that one.

Time did pass, however. Comfortably full, Kala was leaning back in her chair with a glass of wine. A couple of hours had passed, and there was a knock at the door. When she noted Baudric's reaction, she offered, "It is my brother Kaus and... he has your clean clothes. But this is your room, so you may bid him enter or ask him to leave the clothes and come back at another time."

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[Baudric]

He recounted his own experiences with the year of magic hindered darkness as he filled his own bowl. It was exactly what he needed. A hearty soup that stuck to the ribs. Warming him throughout his entire body with a comforting embrace one can only get from a good soup.

He Pointed out, that is when he got his new scars. The failing of his Negation was a shock to have to adapt to when it was second nature to him. He had taken to Merc work to help him gain finances and it was one particular encounter with some bandits that were a bit too tigger happy with their crossbows that ended up catching him by surprise. Still he managed along with the other hired guard to secure the shipment to Hopsfel.

The longer he traveled the more his mind cleared. He knew he needed to return at some point and he could not explain why but he knew he needed to find Kala again. To let her know he was alive. It was on his way back he started to see the Knights of Dawnhold cropping up found himself wanting to know more and if he could find purpose once again.

As time went on, Baudric polished off his third helping of the soup, unsure if he should go for a fourth and finally serving from the pot. Sitting back as well, he opened his mouth to thank her for the meal. That it was truly appreciated, when the knock came. Glancing to the door as Kala explained.

"Come in. Kaus. You are welcome my friend." When the door opened and the fit Avialae walked in with an arm full of his clothes and gear already fully cleaned dried and mended. Baudric stood and went to meet him so that he wasn't burdened with it all anymore. "Thank you. It is good to see you again."

Kaus had an air about him that just reminded him of one of his senior Knight in the Legion. Unknown to him, it made the man stand a bit taller with a straight back to show respect. Kaus' Pale skin and steely gaze brought more memories of his time in the estate. He had seen Kaus plenty of times. Had even a few interactions though none of them he could clearly remember.
"Would you care for some soup? Kala and I were just catching up about the past two years. I will admit much of my memory with you is.. still clouded. But Some of it is coming back now."

Gesturing for him to take his chair as he moved to the privacy screen once more. Dressing in his Linen shirt and Leather pants. He would then put his boots back on before stepping out and adjusting everything so that it fit his body sharply. Even as a vagrant he would never be caught unkempt and slovenly.

"Mein Licht, vertreibe die Dunkelheit, befreie meine Seele. Fliegen Sie in der Luft des Zufalls."

Baudric Von Uberfallenlicht

Baudric KathalanCasting

[Kala Leukos]

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"Welcome home, Baudric," he said with a smile as he let the other Avialae take his laundry delivery in hand. Though he was smaller than Baudric and this was rightfully his home, he moved carefully and quietly, keeping his voice and his normally ebullient nature contained. From his memories, too much too fast had not gone over well with the foreign soldier, almost like a wild animal or a dog who had been kicked by one too many boots.

"It is good to see you, too." His smile brightened; he could be a whirlwind, but he was calm for now. "Don't worry about me. We didn't spend a great deal of time together when you were recovering. Kala wanted you to have peace and quiet and I often have trouble being peaceful and quiet."

If Kala was the Fire, frequently a candle in the dark or, like today, a warm hearth fire, and occasionally a terrifying explosion, Kaus was the Air, always moving, always flowing, refreshing and invigorating most of the time, but sometimes a little too much to handle.

While Baudric was changing, Kaus perused the remains of their meal.

"An Avialae is always hungry," he said, "but I am not starving. Was your meal enough? Ought I to send for more? Do you like sweet things? Cook makes excellent desserts, too, and Kala won't be content until she has put a few extra pounds on you in case of future hunger."

She stuck her tongue out at him while she thought Baudric safely behind the screen and Kaus just grinned at her. He glanced over at Baudric when he emerged, dressed in all but his armor. Kaus smiled again, warm and bright; they tended to be infectious.

"Sent a runner to see which of the tailors we use can drop by earliest to fill out your wardrobe a bit. Wouldn't want you to have to sit around in Aquilios' things whenever they need washed. Whatever we can do to help one of our Kathar cousins find their free winds is an honor."

Kaus hadn't yet taken Baudric's seat. As their guest approached, he glanced aside and tugged a large, comfortable armchair across the room so Baudric could more comfortably lounge while Kaus took the smaller chair he had vacated at the table. He certainly didn't want to put Baudric out.

"Now you're physically recovered, though, I'm going to drag you out to spar! Well, not right now, but soon."

.

[Baudric]

Baudric watched as Kaus brought over a larger chair for him before taking his offered one. It was very thoughtful but seemed overly unnecessary. Not wanting to be ungrateful though, he would not speak on it. A slight pinking spread on his checks as he went to sit, nodding his thanks to Kaus. Stretching his twenty foot wingspan as much as there was room for before re-tucking them close to him as he sat. A hand subconsciously felt his midsection, He was still in good shape after being freed from the Legion. Though he had personally thought he had already gained some extra weight. He glanced to Kala with a worried smile.

"Ah, I do not think I need to put on extra weight. Though the thought is appreciated. Actually, to think of it the only dessert I remember ever consuming was the cake at the wedding. So I don't know if desserts are a thing I like."
The smaller set of wings hugging his hips stopped rubbing against him. Showing his growing level of comfort.

"You know.. I greatly appreciate everything you both are doing for me. I don't want to be a burden or put you out. So while I am here I do expect you to put me to work. I have a lot of training I need to do in order to meet the expectations of joining the Dawnmartyrs" His blue eyes speckled with flecks of gold look to Kaus. "Training under a swordmaster would be highly desired. And I will need to find time to acquire the Rune of Reaving, possibly another."

He looked to them both to gauge their reactions. He already expected that Kala was displeased with the idea of him joining the Dawnmartyrs, but being the woman she was, she would not bring herself to express that openly. "If you are willing to help train me Kaus. I would be very grateful." He knew he needed to get stronger. Being away from the demons that poured from the Gash had dulled his blade. Something made apparent as he had arrived in Kalzasi and helped Talon with the undead that threatened outside Dawnhold and Light's Reach.

"Mein Licht, vertreibe die Dunkelheit, befreie meine Seele. Fliegen Sie in der Luft des Zufalls."

Baudric Von Uberfallenlicht

Baudric KathalanCasting