Private Tales The Weight of Your Air

A private roleplay only for those invited by the first writer
Rhidian

Rhidian

The Bestest Buddy
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There were some similarities between being a Dreadlord Initiate and a recruit to the Guard. For example, escorting important figures on their day to day. He did it once, for a foreign dignitary traveling from Vel Hetren to Vel Numera and his father thought it would be a chance to expose Rhidian to more Guard duties. He had been the only recruit to accompany, but no trouble came to them on the way to Numera and back home to Hetren.

Only now, he was tasked to escort on his own. Suppose being an Initiate changes a little of the circumstances, now that he had the power to blow things apart. Himself included.

"Is there much business between the Elves Quarter and Vel Anir?" He pondered as he waited by the door for the one he was tasked with accompanying. He had only seen Vel Anir in small doses, but had been unafraid to ask people for directions and still got here in time to meet Elspeth Sirl and get a brief idea of where they were to go that day.
 
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"Not particularly," came an answer that he may not have been expecting.

Elspeth Sirl had just stepped through her front door, presently held open by her Butler. Dressed in her field medic robes for the day, she stepped out carrying a large leather case of which she handed over to the young man standing at her front door, "Would you mind terribly, please? I have several more to bring. There will be a cart along shortly - do be careful with those," she twisted to look back in through the door as her servants worked on bringing out much larger cases.

She stepped aside while they carried them down the front steps and watched as her ride arrived. Not a carriage, but a well-dressed driver with a sleekly painted cart of white, gold, and red bearing the insignia of Sacred Hearth Inc. on the side.

"I'm Doctor Sirl," Elsi smiled to Rhidian.

"Lady Sirl," the Butler interjected as he oversaw the servants and directed them with the appropriate trunks onto the back of the wagon..

"Well, yes, that too, but mostly I'm a Doctor. You must be Initiate Vaughn. Thank you for taking on my request ... I"m afraid it's a bit tame compared to what you're used to."
 
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"Oh, no. I prefer the easy tasks!" He grinned. If the Lady Doctor knew his personal efforts in his classes in comparison to his attention to physical combat classes, he would note him as a slacker. If she didn't point it out, he would be quick to in the future.

"Y'know, my mum worked as a medic. If I ever wanted to retire from combat, I reckon I would do well as a medic." Rhidian handled the cases without complaint. How quickly he felt at home helping the Doctor like so, how it made him feel at ease to take on the simple escort mission. "So if you need me to assist you, I'm your Initiate!"

He stepped up to the wagon, waiting for his next instruction from the Doctor Sirl.

"Want me to place these cases in the back with the rest or these are to be handled carefully on the ride?"

Elspeth Sirl
 
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Well what an amazing stroke of luck...or fate! Elspeth's already bright expression shined all the more at this news of his familiarity with her craft and skill, nevermind that he admitted to preferring easier tasks. He'd never get away with such a statement in the Academy, but Elspeth was no Proctor.

"Is that so? Well, yes, I suspect I may have many uses for you today. How brilliant!" she clapped her hands together at her front once, rising up on the balls of her feet in enthusiasm, "this case stays with me. They're quite fragile - the contents. Handle with care. Please."

"That's the lot of it, My Lady," the Butler opened the door to the bench seating behind the driver, "shall we expect you home for dinner tonight?"

"Oh, yes, I think so Gideon. And, as a matter of fact," Elspeth smiled broadly as she climbed the steps into the cart and took her seat, "set an extra place for Initiate Vaughn."

Gideon's brows flared upward with contained shock at such a suggestion, "If the Lady believes it proper."

"It's the least I can do for his help today, would you like that?" she turned an expectant gaze to Rhidian.
 
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"Aw, yeah, that sounds grand!" Rhidian was in no hurry to make it back to the Academy anytime soon to the slop they were served. He wasn't going to turn down a meal with a doctor and her butler giving him a look that suggested he was in no state to even enter the home. "Honestly, call on me when you need assistance again if that means I also get a meal." He grinned. If he wasn't under the careful gaze of Gideon, Rhid would have given a friendly wink to Doctor Sirl.

"Right. The cases are secured, and I am not letting this one so much as slip an inch off my lap." Rhidian had taken a seat beside the Lady, his eyes doing a sweep of everything in the wagon, and those surrounding them out on the street. He was new to being an Initiate, but not new to keeping aware of his surroundings. That had been instilled into him as a child.

"Well, might as well get right to it. You're a noble and out here doing some good work. At least, I think you are with a title such as Doctor. You know the Proctor Urahil? She's a Dreadlord Healer. Helps me train my magic because at least she can stitch herself up if I made a mistake." Rhidian relaxed, hands holding the case in his care carefully and securely.

Elspeth Sirl
 
She did love his enthusiasm. The Dreadlord Initiates did always seem to appreciate a good meal, though she hoped post-revolution their food options had improved at the Academy.

"It's settled then," she said to her Butler, waited for Rhidian to confirm security of her cases, and nodded to the drive to move off. So off they went.

The mention of a Dreadlord Healer did raise her brows, "How interesting - and that she is a Proctor no less. Vel Anir has a massive lack of native-born Healers since the majority of them did not survive the Academy prior to the Revolution. I should like to speak with this Proctor Urahil. I'm quite surprised I did not already know of her!"

The lack of Healers was a major weak point of Kingdom, to say nothing of the lax approach taken to medical advances and technology. Dornoch lead the charge there, and Elsi was finding more and more reasons to be grateful for her own training in the foreign city every day. It only solidified her plans to bring Vel Anir up to speed in that regard.

"Will you speak to me on your life at the Academy and how it has changed since the Revolution?"
 
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"I should like to speak with this Proctor Urahil. I'm quite surprised I did not already know of her!"

"Haven't been here long but I think I understand the standing her family's name was protection enough in that time." The bitterness he spoke was not for the Proctor, but for her cousin. Odessa Urahil certainly lived up to the talk around the Academy, something he only began to realise after spending that a day with her. Her life was worth so much that her family arranged for Perrine to be present, teaching a charade of a lesson and watch over the twins.

"But... life at the Academy? Lessons are shit, sorry, boring." He chuckled, shooting her a look as they began their way forward. "But the people there... the Initiates. It was not hard to find my people but... many of them still struggle. Still hold trauma from what happened. I feel like a dic-- an idiot-- for talking about my happy family and upbringing all the way in Vel Hetren." Rhidian sighed, only slightly, but his body sagged despite the cover up.

Elspeth Sirl
 
"So you're freshly recruited to the Academy?" Elsi blinked at him in surprise, "I knew of Kristen Pirian to be the oldest Initiate to be enrolled after the Revolution, but I hadn't realized this was now a common thing?"

It certainly seemed better than kidnapping or selling toddlers as soon as they exhibited a morsel of magical abilities, but to go in so late ... there were complications and implications she'd not thought about. Did they expect such Initiates to graduate at the same time as those that had been enrolled for the majority of their lives? Wasn't there years of education within the Academy to make up for? How could they possibly expect to garner then same level of magical capability as those that had studied and lived there for well over a decade longer?

His crass language did not seem to ruffle her in the least, but she did frown as the boy next to her deflated.

She patted him gently on the knee, "My twin brother, Elias was handed over to the Academy when he was but 3... maybe 4? I cannot rightly recall, I was too young to really remember. Sadly but understandably, he has no love for his family. I suppose I can see where those original Initiates from before the Revolution may feel quite snubbed by someone who otherwise experienced a normal and positive childhood with their family."

"But that should not devalue your own experience. You just need to find others to share them with."
 
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His eyes did not miss the hand at his knee, but instead of smirking, he nodded along to her words. He had respect for anyone in the medical field. He believed it was best to be on the good side of the medic when they ended up stitching you up. No, no. No charm on this one. He already tried his luck with a noble girl, and he didn't need to be miserable again.

"I found friends. The class they plopped me in are quite nice. Absolutely the opposite of what I heard growing up with the Guard, you know? Not many from Vel Hetren make it out here as an Initiate... well, until me." He chuckled wryly. At least the more he told the story, the less it stung?

"My magic is explosive. Self detonation. The Academy gave me this year to graduate in hopes that I can at least stop fearing the fact I feel like I am dying when I detonate. But, then I met Alistair Krixus. The lad has an interest in magical theory... helped me figure out how to call on my magic and not be afraid of it. I have to train hard. Every day. Gotta make my dad proud of me, you know?" He grinned at her. "They carted me off to Vel Anir after my unit was ambushed by tribesman in the Savannah. They killed the others and beat me down until I was sure I was pleading for death. Then I felt as it I was coming undone. As if I was being torn apart by their kicks and punches."

Rhidian then imitated the action of explosion, "And then, I woke up at the Academy. Father looking down at me with the proudest smile. 'You're going to make the Vaughns proud, boy.' He said to me."

Elspeth Sirl
 
Well that was... certainly a concerning sort of magic, wasn't it? The feeling did not escape Elspeth's expression, who had schooled it to a socially acceptable sort of thing as a Lady of her stature was expected to do.

"Oh my ... that is rather a frightening means to discovering ones ability. Does it hurt very much when it happens?"
 
Rhid thought back on it.

He could not recall, not even if he had spoke about it days after the incident. The only standout memory was when he thought about death, and how he welcomed it. A sort of... letting go.

"Can't remember. Summoning the magic now, and letting it channel for a while, I become aware of it's heat. Krixus says it works in frequencies. Charged a sword once and chipped away at a boulder until it was the size of my fist." He held it up for reference.
 
Elspeth's frown persisted. She rather was uncertain on the aspect of magic - destructive magic especially - and its wear and affect upon the body of the wielder. It brought into regular worry the state of her brother, of which did not help that he seemed to be both a magnet and a glutton for physical punishment.

"That is concerning..." she worried at her lower lip a moment, "are you able to use other magics? College magics, I mean. I spent some time with a few previous years initiates and some of them were able to do minor magics beyond the ones they honed."
 
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College magic... that term had been thrown around a lot but his clueless face was aimed at the Lady Sirl. "I don't think the Academy wanted me to waste time with that. They are very eager that I graduate this year. Just walk in, detonate, and walk back out of there, smoking." It was the plan he was not happy with the most.

"Been learning from the Proctors outside classes, and then there is Alistair Krixus teaching me some things too. There is more to than just detonating." Rhidian was quiet for a moment, meeting Elspeth's gaze after a moment. There was a daunting thought in his slate grey eyes. "I... I don't think being a Dreadlord may be in my future. I just wanted to be in the Guard, to follow in the footsteps of my fatehr or mother... and now I feel as if I am stuck in a cage with this Initiate business."

Hell, if he was going to get into trouble for saying so, then so be it. Rhidian never liked hiding the truth.
 
But why would the Academy rush his graduation? That made little sense unless they only saw him as exactly what it seemed his power made him: expendable. Elspeth frowned as she listened, finding that even with how little she really knew about the protocol and operations of the Academy, it seemed the poor Initiate was woefully uninformed of his fate.

He did not have a choice of not being a Dreadlord now. His very enrollment contract guaranteed that much.

"Well," she said with a thoughtful sigh, "you at least have the option to go into the Reserves or join the Guard after graduation, yes? That's something, isn't it."

Perhaps he might be able to follow his dreams after all.

"My brother joined the Knights with two of his fellow graduates. He lives in Vel Castere now on the Western front. Who knows when I'll see him again..." if ever, she tried not to think. Surely he'd be back for some reason. Leave? Another errand for the General that had seen Lieutenant Black through Vel Anir not but a few weeks ago?
 
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Rhidian exhaled once more, jaw setting as he turned away from Elspeth. "Suppose you are right. I still have a choice on what to do with this all..." He was still fresh legs in Vel Anir, and it was leagues different than the life he had in Vel Hetren.

"You and this little company need a young, strong, strapping lad like me?" He grinned at her. "The same Proctor that's a Healer teaches first aid as sort of an extracurricular. For those that are curious. I promise I won't be half hopeless!"

His dark grey eyes flicked to the gates the wagon passed through, raising his brows. "Elf Quarter..."
 
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Well that was a smart way to think about things. Elsi's expression brightened once again, "Well if your heart's in it and the knowledge is there, I'd be a fool to turn away willing help.." She'd make no remark on the strapping aspect, though she did quite agree on it.

"We'll see how you fare today. You might just earn yourself an invitation of employment by dinner." Not everyone was cut out to do what she did. Too many were too willing to give a lot of talk about their capability to help, but weren't willing to do the walk and follow-through when it came to the care of non-humans. The elven quarter of Vel Anir was a perfect testing ground for hopefuls.

"Ohh, lovely, that was a quick journey." Having good conversation certainly helped pass the time.

"I wonder if I'll see Pa Llewwelyn today. He is rather a fair-weather sort, didn't come out in the rain on my last visit."
 
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Rhidian let out a laugh, settling into a chuckle as a wide grin stretched across his lips. "An honour I would uphold if one should come my way."

He turned his gaze to their surroundings, brows lifting slightly as he noted the buildings, the thin crowds of dwellers going about their day. "Might as well ask what we are up to today. What's your day looking like? Check ins and whatnot?" Rhidian's mother worked with the Guard in their medical wing, but his sister went beyond that, serving the city as a midwife also.
 
"Oh, yes of course. I set up a mobile care unit in their district square. It's rather a mixed bag. Some times I am endlessly busy, others it's rather quiet and I spend most of my time speaking to their representatives. I tend to everything I am capable with my setup. Sickness, minor wounds, perscriptive medications. I've even collected some herbal remedies to hand out they asked for on my last trip."

"And I always like to take time to talk with the residents so I can gauge what they need or lack. Eventually I will set up a permanent office here, I'm just waiting on approval for one of the building units to be refurbished for the job."

Her smile lingered over ever word in a show of earnest pride and enthusiasm for her efforts and time.

"Fa Llewwelyn is their resident elder and his health has been in decline for some time. Perhaps longer than I've been alive. I do not even know how old he is."
 
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Rhidian turned to watch the Doctor speak, smiling at how passionately she spoke of her work. He always felt a sense of adoration for those that could be so passionate, so excited by the very things they do in life. The Lady Sirl was no exception.

"A permanent office? Sounds pretty grand!" He smiled. "They must be lucky to have you. Must be a comfort that you are offering them this service when... well, I know history hasn't always been peaceful."

Rhid grinned. "Would it be rude of me to ask him? I feel like it is only right we know... might aide you in knowing just what to prescribe him." The boy chuckled. He would if she was curious, but he wasn't going to go forth and be a menace to the elf society. He was here to assist, to listen to any request asked of him by the Doctor. Rhidian was not messing around when he said he'd know a few things in first aid.

And besides, if word got back he was not taking this seriously, he would have his mother sending him a strongly worded letter.
 
"Well I hope it is a comfort," Elsi's smile faded somewhat, "there are those that are not trusting of me and I cannot blame them, but I am hopeful one day they will see what I have to offer, all that I have done, and come to appreciate it."

As the cart drew up toward the district square and the foot traffic of elves began to grow in number, Elspeth turned her attention to those they drove past. Smiling warmly, waving to those who smiled back, offering a kind greeting here and there. Some were moving to follow while others went back about their day. It was good to know her welcome was growing stronger, little by little.

"Ask Fa Llewwelyn? Oh, well you might of course, if he shows," she said ponderously, "he's quite unfussed about himself. Prefers we spend our time with others. I've yet to convince him to let me see to him. I suppose there is always the possibility that what ails him cannot be fixed or cured by a simple visit."
 
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Rhidian did not miss the looks of suspicion thrown his way. Beside Elspeth, he was not someone of recognition, and therefore a stranger in these parts. And he was, he knew this much. So he did his best to smile to those that greeted the doctor, not at all ashamed to throw in a little of his charm into it either. Some smiled back, some stared, but at least none hissed at him... Did elves even hiss?

"Oh, then he must be old." He chuckled.

"Alright. You're the captain, I am just a soldier. Put me to work, Doctor." He turned the grin to the pretty red head.
 
"I'm not certain it's appropriate to ask an elf their age..." Elspeth said with a wide-eyed look of thought. Though she hadn't much time to consider such a thing as the driver pulled the cart around into the district square.

Rhidian earned himself an appreciative smile, "I have a few helpers in the district that usually show up to assist with set-up. There's a small triage tent in the back cart, if you could begin offloading that."

A woman of many skills she was, but Elspeth was not a woman of grand physical strength. She had the wherewithal to wrestle a persnickety patient into treatment when necessary (like her brother, Elias, of all people), but hoisting around overly heavy objects was beyond her limitations.

She hopped from the cart and moved to the side where a fold-down counter could be released with a few undone buckles, and began to set out her more common medications and remedies. Elves were already beginning to form a small crowd - more orderly and mannered than most human settlements she'd offered this service to. There was little in the way of shoving or dramatics, but on the rare occasion she had encountered some in desperate need of attention.

"Hello, yes, how are you?" Elsi smiled warmly to the first citizens to step up, offering her hands in gentle greeting to those she recognized. Joyed to catch up with the news of their community and families.
 
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With his instructions laid out, Rhidian hopped out from the wagon and went to inspect the gear that had been packed away at the rear. It was one of the first things to offload, the tent. Rhidian knew his way around constructing all sorts of tents, and after some general direction and confirmation, Rhidian began to construct the area that Elspeth and her service would need.

He was a good help when he put his mind to it. Rhidian offered to do much of the heavy lifting, being his spirited self as they asked him questions. He looked to those lining up, giving them a kind smile. He knew the histories of elves and Anir, but those that came here, happy to use the service Lady Sirl offered... Rhidian knew they were peaceful.

That was good enough for him.

"Got a good team here, doc." Rhidian grinned to Elspeth.
 
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Doc.

He kept calling her that and Elspeth felt her cheeks color in a mixture of pride and flattery each time. Would it ever get old? No, probably not. Within no time they were joined by several local elves who, after some encouragement and instruction from the Doctor, moved to help Rhidian with what had become routine. Two of them who had helped her numerous times before then shifted to setting up the tent's contents so Elspeth could tend to more grievous or private matters in the seclusion it offered.

"Yes, I do agree. Well done," Elsi beamed warmly, "you said you have some medical experience. Would you feel comfortable passing out these basic medicines, tinctures, and herbs to those who need them?"
 
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Rhidian eyed the items as Elsi indicated what was what, and he nodded to each one. "Right. Bit rusty but I'll do my best. My mum always said to ask questions if I get stuck, so, tell me to annoy someone else if you find me interrupting you at all, doc." He winked, picking up the cases that held the medical items and drifted off to the lined up elves.

"Mornin'." He greeted them, smile at the ready. He listened to their grievances, rifling through the case for the correct solution to help them, before moving on down the line. Rhidian made it look easy, not too comfortable with the wares, but educated nonetheless. He only had to ask the Doctor once for reconfirmation, but carried on around the crowd and those that were too hesitant to line up.

It reminded him of walking around home, helping his mother and sister tend to the nearby settlements of Vel Hetren.
 
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