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Post by Feleti Eidothea on Jan 1, 2021 23:25:58 GMT -5
Leti accepted the congratulations easily. He knew that it might seem an odd choice going out of his way to put himself closer to danger, more at risk of being discovered. Luckily bastian was the only person in the capital who knew. For now he planned to keep his true powers as a healer a tight secret.
He was a little sad to have thier conversation cut short but it was likely for the best. Their conversation did invovle dancing around the elephant in the alley. For now it seemed there was an unspoken armistice.
Well.. a morning walk back to tge castle seemed pleasant too. Leti moved forward ready to follow him back.
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Orion
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Guard Captain (Warden Inquisitor)
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Post by Sebastian Arcturis on Jan 1, 2021 23:36:53 GMT -5
He was rather grateful for the fact that he had managed to avoid running into the healer before now. At the castle, there were a lot more eyes that knew a lot more about Bastian. He wasn't certain he would have followed the man either, likely thinking it was a trick of the light or something.
It did surprise him that Leti would want to be at the castle of all places. But he couldn't know that was the heart of their war, not beyond the obvious, at least. Why he would risk being so near the King who declared his people monsters was beyond Bastian. So was why Bastian was continuing to entertain being so close to one of those supposed 'monsters.' Infatuation was a strange thing, apparently.
The captain stepped back into the street and hesitated. Not because he was uncertain where to go, but because he was uncertain of what was to happen when they reached the castle. Leti lived there, very likely. And so did the soldier. But...the castle was the real world, and he wasn't sure he wanted to be forced to face that just now.
"We should go somewhere else first." There was, unfortunately, no secluded cave to retire to. His own rooms were only barely private. But maybe they could borrow a room at a nearby inn for...well, some personal time. To talk, if he could even figure out what he wanted to say besides expressing his awkward gratitude.
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Post by Feleti Eidothea on Jan 2, 2021 0:03:59 GMT -5
Leti followed bastian back into the street and noticed the hesitation a slight confusion. He was quick on the uptake when the man made his suggestion. He knew plenty well that it was for the best if they were seen together as little as possible at the castle.
He nodded '' there's no reason to head back right away.... if you know a good place... perhaps we could catch up a bit.'' He replied offering a voiced reaffirmation of what he guessed was on the man's mind. He had to admit this awkward ...almost date. Well he wasnt going to complain about this turn of events.
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Orion
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Guard Captain (Warden Inquisitor)
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Post by Sebastian Arcturis on Jan 2, 2021 0:14:49 GMT -5
He wasn't worried too much about being seen in general, even at the castle. They were both commoners, and while soldiers and healers weren't entirely alike, they did work together. Most people wouldn't think very much of two men talking of getting a drink. But that wasn't entirely hat Bastian wanted to do while they got reacquainted. But it was a good place to start.
Nodding to Leti's words of agreement, he could almost feel the man understood. It was a strange feeling.
He shifted and looked at the city skyline around them, using the landmarks as a sort of map. There was the cathedral a ways off, the bell tower over there, that large manor on the hill, which put them... "The Iron Tankard," he mumbled and then glanced at Leti. "It is an inn and tavern." They could get a room there. He knew the bartender and owner well enough, had used the place for less important meetings before, and his rank as a captain of the guard meant he wouldn't get to many questions. "Follow me," he said, stepping off again.
Bastian had never been on a date, so he really had no idea it was almost a date.
"How is your father?" Small talk wasn't really his thing, but even after five years, he felt connected to the white haired man. It was...easier to be interested, if only a little.
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Post by Feleti Eidothea on Jan 5, 2021 23:26:09 GMT -5
It was a little surreal having such small talk with bastian. Even aside from the most obvious reason, so many of his memories were of having conversations of very few words. Though he supposed having several years apart did leave plenty to catch up on even for a more as quiet as the captain. It was actually easy enough to reconcile that bastian was at such a high place of command now that he'd had time to let it sink in. There was a certain air about him that made it clear he gave orders rather than took them.
As he began to follow in step he replied " He's doing well, still surprisingly spry for a man his age. I imagine there are still a few years yet before those stairs get the best of him." Leti did feel a little guilty knowing that should anything happen his father would likely miss his man power and talents. Though in a round about way bastian had helped. He had never questioned himself why the old man hadn't taken in another apprentice. He had always chalked it up to there being not as much need in such a small town for so many healers. After he began to think more seriously about leaving to the capital he had begun to pressure Cain to consider taking in some new orphans. There was plenty of space for it, and plenty of food. If anything the reasoning behind his refusal had seemed emotional. "Last letter I received, I believe he had taken in an orphan from a few villages over." It was nice to know that someone a bit younger would still be able to haul water up the mountain if needed. "we write often but.....well it's a long way to greyshollow for post."
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Guard Captain (Warden Inquisitor)
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Post by Sebastian Arcturis on Jan 6, 2021 0:20:31 GMT -5
It was a lot of words, even for him. Especially for him. Especially for the mood he had been in for the last month or so. As much as he hadn't seen or heard from or avoided thinking about Leti (that last one being rather impossible to do) for the last five years, there was some...familiarity. Bastian wasn't sure whether it was because they had slept together or...found part of themselves together, or if was something Leti's magic had done. He probably should ask, but for right now, it was enough that he felt...comfortable with the man. He hadn't felt that way with very many people.
Asking after Cain hardly seemed like small talk. In fact, had Leti not also answered his other concerns within the answer to his first question, he might have asked more. But thankfully, not everyone was so taciturn as he was. "Good," he said, sort of ignoring the note about postage. It felt like Leti was making an excuse for why he hadn't written. Which was fine with the soldier, considering he hadn't written either.
Anything else he might have talked about wasn't suitable for conversing about in the street, so he kept quiet for the rest of their walk, almost seeming to do his best to avoid looking at Feleti. As if when he next did he might really be a phantom of his imagination this time. He was still quite confused that he was seeing the man ever again. Emotions and thoughts and conversations he had never thought would come up again clouding his normally straightforward process.
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Post by Feleti Eidothea on Jan 6, 2021 0:32:28 GMT -5
It was true that perhaps part of it had been just a hair of an excuse. Then again even if his uncertainty about their relationship hadn,t stayed his hand, then not knowing how to address the letter was truly the nail in the coffin. He had never had a reason to write a letter before leaving home and learning how to send one out to his father had been...interesting.
He was unbothered by the ensuing silence, or the way bastian avoided looking at him. If anything the way bastian averted his gaze made it all the easier for leti to openly stare at the man as they went. As many emotions roiled inside of him it was imediatly clear to leti that he was greatful for the chance to see the soldier again. His face and movements seemed....even more stoic and grisled than they had been five years ago. It was mesmerizing to see the little changes in the face he had been so intimately familliar with. Though his desire to see what else might have changed would have to wait for somewhere more private.
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Orion
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Guard Captain (Warden Inquisitor)
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Post by Sebastian Arcturis on Jan 6, 2021 1:56:06 GMT -5
Bastian had certainly never expected Leti to write him. He’d not given him his last name. Or is full first name. Or any information about where he lived. It would have been easy enough for him to write the healer though. Not many like him in Greyshollow.
The silence seemed to make the walk to the tavern take longer than normal, to the point where the soldier almost understood the phrase ‘awkward silence.’ While he was conscious of Leti’s eyes on him, he didn’t know what to say or do.
He led them inside the Iron Tankard Inn and Tavern and straight to the bar.
“Captain! Been a while since you brought a friend!” The round barkeep used to be someone he talked to. Not about anything specific, mostly just about this or that fight he might have ended, but he hadn’t been very talkative recently, even though he had been in for a drink often. The soldier gave the man a strange look at the word ‘friend’ but didn’t bother to introduce Leti.
“Is the back room available?”
“Aye, meetin’ room is free. You’ll be wanting drinks.” Not a question. It was part of the fee for the room.
Bastian nodded. “And dinner.”
“Pot pie or fish?”
The soldier finally looked over at Leti expectantly. He would eat anything. The food was good here.
Orders taken note of, the barkeep stepped away to retrieve a key to the room and handed it to Bastian. “I’ll send Lily with the meals.”
He nodded and then wove his way through the full tables and laughter and drinking and music that he hardly seemed to notice and to the door at the back of the building, near the kitchens. The ‘meeting room’ was in fact just another room at the inn, if one of the larger ones. In addition to the small bed, chest and window, there was a cold but stocked fireplace and a small table with two chairs and a wardrobe. Bastian held the door open for Leti.
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Post by Feleti Eidothea on Jan 11, 2021 0:14:24 GMT -5
The walk was not particularly awkward for leti. If anything the whole thing felt a bit dream like, not in the saccharine since that he had been looking forward to it for so long...but because it was still hard to believe for both of them. Time seemed to be playing odd tricks.
As they entered the tavern Leti could tell that bastian had at some point been a frequent patron. The noisy and joyful atmosphere calmed whatever nerves he had felt. His eyes were still casting about the busy interior as bastian turned to let him decide the meal. Without really thinking he replied "ah!...then potpie!" perhap remembering the last dinner he had made for the man. He followed the captain on into the 'meeting room' though it was surprisingly...quaint. For a second confusion drifted across his face as he entered and inspected the relatively normal tavern room. "This....isn't quite where I expected soldiers to hold their secret talks... " He seemed only slightly disappointed. It wasn't as though it had thrown out the mystique of it, considering that he was still talking casually with a warden.
He pulled out a chair and plopped down with an expectant look. here they could actually do some 'catching' up, so it wasn't a real disappointment anyway. If anything it was a bit of a confirmation.
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Orion
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Guard Captain (Warden Inquisitor)
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Post by Sebastian Arcturis on Jan 11, 2021 0:36:46 GMT -5
Bastian didn't remember the pie so much as...other things. But as Leti mentioned it, he did recall that had been...a nice memory. He'd never really cooked before. He hadn't really cooked then, but he had helped.
The warden paused in the doorway as Leti quickly toured the room and got himself settled. And where exactly were soldiers supposed to hold 'secret talks?' The cellar? A dungeon? Not places Bastian had a particular affinity for. If he wasn't holding a coded conversation in his room at the castle or here, he was talking while on a ride or in one of the more...remote locations the wardens used to train or hold ceremonies.
There was some part of him that didn't want to close the door. It nagged at him not to be alone with a mystic. That they were potentially dangerous and he still didn't exactly know what this one could do. But this wasn't a mystic, this was Feleti. Bastian wasn't sure if it was for Leti's sake he was wary of being alone with the man. But he also really did want to be alone with him.
He pulled the door closed behind him. He was itching to lock it, but they would have food and drinks momentarily. Not to mention he didn't want to frighten Leti.
The soldier took the other chair, settling into the seat quietly. He studied the white haired man for a moment. "I told you once this is dangerous. Why are you here?" Yes, he'd mentioned being a medic, but that wasn't what Bastian meant. Of course, Leti could just as well ask why Bastian was here too.
Almost before he finished speaking, the door opened to admit a serving maid with drinks and two small, steaming, chicken pot pies. She placed the food and utensil on the table and left with an exaggeratedly provocative ruffle of her skirts that the soldier didn't notice.
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Post by Feleti Eidothea on Jan 11, 2021 1:14:57 GMT -5
Meanwhile Leti had now foolishly dropped his guard. He knew that he should be on edge. That perhaps he should be warry that bastian was merely seeking to get rid of him in a less conspicuous way. But there was a stronger part of him that couldn't bring himself to pay heed to the very rational twinges of fight or flight. By all counts he was exceedingly too calm.
The first question off the captain's lips was an expected one. He opened his mouth to respond but they were interrupted by the arrival of their food. He offered the barmaid a warm smile as she left, waiting for the door to click fully closed before turning back to his companion. His smile turned much more melancholy "I know....But I...couldn't stay there...not after what I had done." Sure Cain hadn't said as much, but looking at those stairs everyday and passing those graves every time he went to town. He offered a reassuring smile "I knew the risks when I left. There's something here for me. I can feel it." Sure his gut feeling hadn't left the best track record thus far. However he couldn't resist the pull that was tugging at his chest when he had thought of coming here. It was something that could no longer be ignored.
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Guard Captain (Warden Inquisitor)
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Post by Sebastian Arcturis on Jan 11, 2021 1:41:15 GMT -5
The truth was, Bastian still hadn't worked out his feelings. Ignoring them had worked for years. Or at least he had thought it had worked. The last couple months dragged him down and seeing Leti again had tugged something inside of him. He didn't know how to shake out either feeling. It was...familiar. Five years ago familiar.
Seeing the healer so relaxed helped him settle physically, if not mentally.
Sebastian's eyes never left Leti as the man spoke, as if judging not just his words but how he said them. Or perhaps he was just marveling in seeing the man again and getting a little lost in the movements he made.
His gaze softened ever so slightly. After what they had done. He had sort of hoped Leti would put killing those men behind him and carry on with his life. But he also wasn't surprised he had been unable to. A crucible like that changed a man. Bastian nodded once in understanding.
The soldier sighed and leaned forward, folding his arms on the table. He knew the risks and he came here anyway? He didn't understand. And Leti didn't either. Bastian wasn't just a warden anymore, he was in charge of them. He decided it was best not to share that with the other man. Largely because he couldn't admit to that and also admit to other feelings in the same night.
The smell of the food soaked into him and helped him relax with the residual memories. "I hope you find whatever that something is, Leti," he said, taking a thoughtful drink of his ale. "How was the road here?" Small talk still didn't suit him, clearly. Arguably he was more awkward than the first time they met.
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Post by Feleti Eidothea on Jan 14, 2021 1:38:26 GMT -5
Leti was surprised that bastian hadn't said more against him coming here. Then again what would bastian have told him to do? Leave? It was also becoming apparent to him more day by day that even in peace the capital could use every healer it could get. He too had wished in some ways that he could have put what he had done behind him. The healer could no longer say that his hands and heart were entirely clean. Knowing that he had done it for, no, that he had WANTED to do it to keep this man safe perhaps had been the real reason he hadn't come sooner. If it had been an accident of some kind maybe he could have forgotten it. There was a part of him that worried what other less than desirable feelings might float to the surface being here where he could meet bastian again. Even so looking at the warden's face it was hard to feel even a fraction of regret for coming here.
He nodded to what was fairly close to encouragement coming from such a stoic man, as aloof as it came across. Even bastian's stilted attempts at small talk and awkward speech were endearing. "The road was...." filled with bandits, harsh conditions and stone faced strangers. "a learning experience." Even so his tone made it clear that the memories were held fondly like an adventurer remembering an expedition. It had been rough but he had learned a lot and met many people. Having been so sheltered from the world, it was eye opening to see how different the various villages of teronna could be. "I took my time visiting a few places along the way."
The smell of food had warmed Leti too as he tasted the pot pie and ale with great interest. The ale was pretty good and the pot pie was much better than food from the barracks. Though with a little hint of pride he thought it could use a bit more spices. He sipped the ale as he told bastian a story or two about the people he had met on his way to the capital.
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Orion
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Guard Captain (Warden Inquisitor)
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Post by Sebastian Arcturis on Jan 14, 2021 2:02:00 GMT -5
Was he worried about Feleti? Yes. But even though he cared about the man and didn't know how to show it, he did realize that 'caring' for someone didn't mean ignore their wishes. What was he going to do, tell him to leave? To go back to a home that haunted him? To leave whatever dreams he had behind? No. It was already Bastian's fault for crushing the healer's innocence. He wasn't prepared to crush anything else.
Besides, he really had missed waking up next to him every morning. His life had only gotten harder after his return. The nightmares and isolation and his duty harder to deal with. His resolve was all the sharper for it, but that didn't mean he was happy.
As Leti regaled him with a few of the finer parts of his travels, the captain listened quietly. Hearing the man's voice again felt good. It also...hurt. He wasn't sure how to describe it, but it wasn't a bad feeling, though it hurt nonetheless. It was clear the white haired man had learned a lot, yet Bastian was glad to see it hadn't dampened his spirits and drive to help others.
He ate while he spoke, asking small questions here and there and nodding as the other spoke, slowly seeming to settle back into some familiarity and ease with the man. He cleaned his plate quickly, his ale following suit. He wanted to order more but at the same time, found himself almost...content. At the same time, he wanted more only he had no idea how to broach that topic. Whatever spontaneity he had had with kissing the man in the ally seemed lost, but none of his excitement at seeing the man had gone away. "How has the army been treating you?" Not what he wanted to talk about.
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Post by Feleti Eidothea on Jan 14, 2021 2:20:50 GMT -5
It was true that his home had felt haunted after bastian left. Not just the darkening stain that was impossible to clean out of stone...but also the hollowness. He had never found the silent coldness of the cave as anything but peaceful before. Waking each morning alone had forced him to recognize the deafening absence.
Even as awkward their conversation was, there was something familiar about this feeling. Finding himself talking far too much as he filled in the silence easily. His plate was cleaned with much less speed, partially due to the amount of talking. He could see his companion getting somehow more awkward but he could sense it wasn't really about the conversation.
"well enough, the food could be better...and soldiers make for rather stubborn patients...but it's nice." He replied though his voice trailed in a way that made it obvious his own attention had also wandered. As he finished his own plate he noticed that bastian had been sitting with an empty glass for a while now. "should we call the bar maid again...?" He asked sounding a bit reluctant. Not because of the funds but because he had grown comfortable of it being just the two of them in the room. His eyes looked over bastian with a bit of coyness.
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