A Little Carried Away

[Logan Baird]

The day had gone on just like normal. Up early for morning patrol, off for a late breakfast, and then training some of the younger soldiers. There were always new ones. Not all of them royal guard, but it didn't much matter.

Logan didn't have a particularly exciting job, but it fed the family. Even when it could be a little hairy like the last royal gathering. Nevertheless, Logan liked his job. He had always dreamed of being a soldier, and while he was no fancy knight, royal guard was pretty close. It was useful. Not to mention he quite liked most of his comrades and the serving staff. It was a simple existence in which he looked forward to going home to his kids late each night and doing the whole thing again.

Well, usually the same thing. He was visiting the infirmery today in a less than usual manner. He'd been mildly injured when the Unseelie mystics interrupted the party. While the injury had healed nicely, he had gotten...a little carried away in training today, pulling something in his calf. Some of the other soldiers had encouraged him to see one of the medics, just to be safe. Considering it had him limping slightly and it was the same leg he had sprained, he relented.

The captain wouldn't be happy seeing him not take care of himself. And neither would his wife if she found out he was being reckless, even on accident.

It was actually a little embarrassing, walking into the medical ward. Logan knocked on the open doorway a bit sheepishly. "'Ello? Got time for a walk in?" He chuckled slightly at his own joke, considering the limp.

Feleti Eidothea

[Feleti Eidothea]

Feleti was the first on duty to see the man walk in. Or rather limp in. Despite his relative newness to the job, his experience as a healer allowed him to handle the infirmary without much supervision.

He greeted the guard with a warm easy smile "always, is it the leg you're here for?" It felt a bit odd asking what seemed like an obvious question. However he had quickly learned that among military men there were often more old injuries than new. It was best to ask rather than assume. It was a little awkward to him knowing so little about his patients. he had been a healer in a village small enough to know everyone's face until now but he supposed that would work itself out over time.

The healer gesture for him to sit at a chair nearby. He imagined with a limp like that standing wasn't very comfortable.

[Logan Baird]

Logan blinked and then grinned widely at the man. He didn't recall seeing the young man or his flashy white hair before. It was a bit strange, not something he saw every day and he didn't hide his open curiosity. Not that he would say anything. The medic's easy question made him recall his manners.

"Yeah. Landed on it a bit funny. Probably a lovely color by now. Rather not get told off by the wife," he said, somehow managing to be serious and teasing and embarrassed all at once.

He graciously settled into the chair. "Not seen you before? New?" Not that Logan came around often. The guy could have been here weeks. "I'm Baird, by the way." Most people at the castle used his last name and he was used to it by now.

[Feleti Eidothea]

Feleti had in fact only been there for a few days.
He offered an easy laugh as he knelt to better inspect the ankle. "I'm fresh out of the countryside. Still haven't quite gotten used to things yet."
The Captial was still as head spinning to him as when he first arrived. There more people here in just the castle than many villages. He really couldn't stop thinking about how many people there were in the captial city, Ethion. He hadn't even been to Caefall yet and he heard there were even more hustling and bustling which was hard for him to imagine.
At first he had been nervous and afraid, thinking that he would have to confront bastian. Leti still wasn't sure what to do if he ran into the man, especially after all this time. That proved to be a moot point, with this many people it was plenty likely he wouldn't even catch a glimpse of the man. Then again Leti had no way of knowing that Bastian had moved up in rank to the very captain of the royal guards.

After a short moment of inspecting the leg he concluded that it just needed a bit of support and a little rest.
"It looks worse than it is, but you had better stay off it for a little while. I'll wrap it up with something to bring the swelling down. Prop it up tonight." He diagnosed as he moved to a nearby shelf to fetch some salve and bandages.

[Logan Baird]

"Countryside, eh? My wife grew up on a farm outside the city..." he trailed off suddenly, clearly having intended to speak further on the topic, but something in his words distracted him. Logan shook his head at himself. "Where are ya from?" He asked curiously. "City agreeing with you?" This question offered with a smile. He knew Ethion and it's nearby twin could be quite a change.

Logan was mildly uncomfortable with the inspection but he seemed more attentive and still embarrassed than in pain. "Can I walk on it?" Okay, maybe that was an obvious question but he had to make sure, right?

He wasn't sure his wife would like the idea of him limping home...maube he could take it off before then? Or stay here overnight...but then he would miss Anders and Adaira... He felt stupid again for the situation. "Alright, doc. Thanks," he he offered, still not having caught the man's name.

[Feleti Eidothea]

"oh I'm from a pretty long ways off, but the capital certainly is as exciting as everyone said..." He replied a little embarrassed but his smile made it clear he didn't mind the small talk. "I do get lost quite a bit though..." He thought a moment looking at the leg and then shook his head "It would be best if you used a cane or a crutch at least for today and tomorrow."
He knelt down to begin bandaging the most ankle, it seemed like with a bit of support the man would be able to avoid spraining it further but Leti knew from experience how difficult it could be to tell some soldiers to take a rest.
"I think there should be one we can lend out for a time as short as that."
Being addressed as a doctor made him chuckle, he was used to being treated like an apprentice. It was nice to be recognized as competent.
"Just Feleti is alright. I'm afraid there are still a lot of faces I don't recognize. your name is?"

[Logan Baird]

Logan knew from experience the island was a big place. He hadn't visited a whole lot of it but he had traveled a bit. "That it is, exciting," he said with a nod and then laughed good-naturedly at the idea of the man getting lost. "I 'magine with hair like that, yer company never loses you, though," he teased.

He sighed faintly but nodded. No walking...he could probably convince someone to help him home. The captain his usual go to but the guy had been in a mood recently. Not to mention he seemed to be avoiding Logan's wife. He understood.

When a doctor told him to do something, he might grumble a little but he did intend to listen. Better than making things worse. "That would be much appreciated," Logan said sincerely at the mention of borrowing a crutch of some sort. He couldn't afford to habe a cane made.

The laughter made him a little uncertain. Was he not a doctor? Logan didn't habe much understanding of a difference between apothecaries and healers and herbalists and true 'doctors.' Most were a lot more educated than him. If theu could help, thay was what mattered.

Logan leaned forward and offered his hand. "Guardsman Baird," he repeated, giving no indication that he had already introduced himself. "No offence, Feleti, but I hope not to see ya much." He changed the course of his words mid thought. "Not here anyway. Would ya like to join me and my family for dinner? Seeing as I should be home early. And how yer new 'round here and all?" He grinned, excited about the idea.

[Feleti Eidothea]

It was true that his hair stood out but not always in a good way. "haha yes I suppose, though I do also often get mistaken for elderly from behind. I had a very kind maid offer to help me up the steps the other day...she was very surprised when I turned around to decline."
He finished bandaging the ankle and helped guide the man's foot back into the boot.
Feleti the hand and shook it with a surprised blink. "ah, so you said earlier, my apologies." It seemed he had a bit of an air head like quality sometimes, at least it didn't extend to his medical practice.
Though he was much more surprised by the man's offer. "Why, yes actually, that's very kind of you." Seeing as he still didn't know the city that well and it would nice to have a home cooked meal. The barracks here weren't the best equipped after all.

[Logan Baird]

Logan found the notion of mistaking the young man for an elder quite humorous, though he also seemed to understand that Feleti didn't entire love the idea. He supposed, in moderation, the mistake wasn't too bad. But if he himself was always getting confused with an old man not capable enough to climb a set of steps...well, he understood how that could be a little bit of hit to a guys ego.

"I bet you could get a lot of help holding open doors, though," he mused in a playful thoughtfulness. He much preferred to be positive. And he did like joking. It was a lot more interesting when the object of his jokes talked back.

He shrugged off the apology, already forgetting what it was for, testing out his weight on his foot from innocent curiosity more than from any intent to actually walk on it. He did remember he wasn't supposed to do that.

"Consider it a trade for help walking home?" He suggested, leaning on the chair. He leaned toward the healer almost conspiratorially. "Well that, and, don't tell the cook I said as much, but the meat pies here are a load of shit." He straightened back up. "Soups alright though," he added with a smile. "Blake can make just about anything taste good. That would be his wife, not that he thought to suggest as much. Logan was a staple around the castle and most of the rank and file he knew already knew a fair amount about him.

[Feleti Eidothea]

Leti chuckled and offered a small shrug. "I suppose it has it's perks."

Considering it a trade of sorts wasn't too bad. Not that he would ever think the man owed him for simply doing his job. He would gladly help someone injured outside the infirmary if the situation called for it anyway. He also quietly agreed that the food provided at the castle, well the food meant for soldiers and servants, could use some improvement. He certainly wasn't going to openly complain about something someone worked hard to make.
It was endearing seeing the man smile as he boasted about his wife's cooking.
"Then I look forward to dinner." Leti replied with a smile "My shift here is almost over, I'd be happy to help one of my patients home. Even more happy to have some home cooked food."

He stood and brushed himself off before having a look around to find a spare crutch. There were actually a couple of them he found stored away. They were all pretty battered up but he found one that looked sturdy enough and made his way back to Logan. "here we are."

[Logan Baird]

Job or not, the guardsman was quite grateful. Not to mention having company over would distract his wife from pestering him all that much about the foot and the fact that he couldn't work for a day.

Neither was he ungrateful for the food, but Blake had him a bit spoiled.

"Splendid! I'll..." meet him somewhere? Likely not. If Feleti was nearly ready to leave it might be best to just wait instead of walking. "I'll be here." He had already explained to his fellow guards his predicament. Hopefully at least one would remember to mention it to the captain.

"This thing's seen better days, huh?" He mused, accepting the crutch. He tested it out briefly to make sure it would fulfill it's intended purpose. It was a little short, but he reasoned he wouldn't need it all that much. Not that he planned on resting even for a day at home, if only on account of playing with his kids.

Whenever the healer was ready, Logan was more than keen on getting home. His foot didn't hurt all that much, but it wasn't so comfortable being wrapped and in his boot. Plus the idea of food was making his mouth water already.

"Hopefully the captain doesn't get too upset with my absence. I might have to bring him leftovers." Logan briefly considered inviting the officer too but Sebastian didn't visit much anymore, even despite the temptation of home cooked meals.

[Feleti Eidothea]

Leti chuckled easily at the small talk and nodded "You must be close to be bringing him left overs. I'm afraid I haven't had the chance to meet the captain. "
He was nearly going to ask what sort of person the captain of the guard was when he realized he was liable to chatter on. He didn't want to make the man wait. "I'll finish things up shortly."

Then he set about finishing his work for the day. It indeed didn't take long at all before Leti was settling a small satchel about himself. He carried few things to work with him so there was no danger of forgetting something. "Right, lead the way then." He was happy enough to have a guide through part of the city, let alone the meal.

[Logan Baird]

"Not sure 'close' is the right word," he said with a shrug. "He..." Arcturis was more than just another one of his superiors, he supposed. The man might not be a friend exactly, but he certainly had been...something. And it was thanks to him he still had his job and his family. "Captain Arcturis is a good man. Little stern." That was putting it mildly, Logan supposed, but he was quite fond of the man and had been around him for long enough to know he was quite selfless when it came to his men and his work.

The guard didn't seem to mind the wait very much. He cracked his neck and settled back, watching the healer move about the space, the few others that passed through, the leaves and sunlight and birds from the small castle windows. It was actually quite nice, being off his feet. Thought he did still feel a bit embarrassed about it.

"Always prepared, huh?" He asked, meaning the satchel. He hadn't quite seen what the lad put in it. Supplies of some sort. Logan could tell the man liked his work and took his job seriously. He was also a lot more friendly than some of the other doctors. Especially that one surgeon. Not a nice man. Course, maybe part of it was his job, considering he saw a lot of terrible things and saved less.

Logan grinned and lead them out of the castle. He was stopped by a few guards, some playfully, other concerned. Clearly the man was decently liked. A few even greeted the healer, some from recognition, some out of sheer politeness.

"It's not that long a trek on foot. Normally." He was quick to tease himself. He supposed he didn't always just enjoy the walk home, however, and he took his time with the crutch. It was nice to decompress, even in the chill weather. "You from the country?" he asked as they made their way out of the castle and onto the main road. He steered them toward the city center for a little ways before directing them south, pointing out various shops or good places to get a drink as they went.

[Feleti Eidothea]

Leti had an easy chuckle when the man poked fun at his bag. "Better to have and not need than to want and regret". The healer had already encounter one or two men about the castle when had been a bit too embarrassed to trek their minor injuries to the infirmary. It was nice to have a bit on hand in those cases.

He followed Logan through the castle enjoying the leisure pace. He wasn't the type to feel the constant need to rush things anyway. It was nice that people had begun to recognize him, even if he had a hard time keeping track of so many new faces. It made him feel more at home, as if he was settling in to being the village healer again....only it was fairly impossible to know the people of a capital city the way that he had known his townsfolk.

"I always enjoy a good walk. " Leti replied with a dismissive shake of his head at the man's self deprecation. "I'm from as far out as country can go, yes." His eyes followed the various spots the guard highlighted, and he tried to make a mental note of them. If he was being true to himself though he knew he would likely get lost trying to find them again.

[Logan Baird]

Logan grinned and nodded in agreement. They were good words to live by. The guard didn't always find himself in possession of such foresight but hanging out around Arcturis so much had him slightly spoiled. Never knew when the guy was apt to get carried away. Least he seemed to know himself. Logan himself didn't often find himself in such positions. Which was why he wasn't sure how Blake would take him limping home. Hopefully well.

It was rather nice to enjoy the weather. But Logan saw the castle a lot. Walking it off patrol was painfully similar to walking it on patrol. The same was true of the city streets. Just because he wasn't on duty or had a sprain didn't make him less of a guard. He was still intimidating and alert, if slightly less so.

"West, hmm? Never been out there. Family has lived in Ethion for ages. My wife is from a farmstead outside the city. We visit a lot. I...understand the appeal," he said, his tone only half committed to his words. The countryside was nice. But he couldn't imagine raising his kids so far from anything or anyone else. Not after what had already happened. "I 'magine the city is quite the change of pace," he pressed on with a chuckle. "Treating you alright?"

They turned down the street before the one with his home. The road here was cobblestone, lined with narrow walkways, the houses close but not quite touching. A few had shops below and second stories of housing, some housed two families. It was a nice enough area, bit not very much green space out front for gardening or children to play in. Logan admitted that was one down side of the city, not having any land.

Up ahead, there was a sort of park or fenced greenspace. The shouting of children playing could be heard echoing between the buildings. A sudden squeal of delight pierced the air and Logan snorted softly. "That's one of mine."

It wasn't long before a young girl ducked through some of the slats and dashed toward them. "Papa! Yer home!" Adaira was all of five years old, but she already reminded Logan of her older sister. She was mature for her age and while her dream to be a lady knight was new, he didn't doubt it for a second. She collided with his legs in a hug and her father dropped the crutch and shifted so he could scoop her up in both arms. "Adaira!" He kissed her playfully on the nose and the girl giggled. "You playin' knight again? You chase those boys around?"

"Bandits," she clarified with an energetic nod. She glanced behind Logan at Leti, not shy in the slightest. "Whoa! Papa, who that? His hair's pretty! Is he a..a elf?" She held onto the 'f' for a while, almost emphasizing it in the strange word.