bardische | Open Post

The military... I see. I've only met a few, myself.

[he's... not met that many people overall, but that isn't the point. that comment pulls a little pursed frown to his lips though.]

Is there something about being examined that should harm one's dignity? [an honest question. the fact that he's naked is practically immaterial to Olivine—honestly it doesn't even seem to have entered his head as a potential issue since they started walking. it's just them and the wildlife out here, approaching a nicely shaded stream.] Thank you, though.

[ He isn’t certain if there’s and expectation attached to his being military, but he does not ask.

He does notice the pursed lips though. Oh dear. Had he misstepped? ]

Not anymore than being naked, bloodied, and clearly the local monster. [ He opens his arms in gesture at himself, offering a weak smile. Even he knows it doesn’t reach his eyes.

The stream is in sight, at least. ]Please let me at least be clean for you first.

[you overstepped by being too humble, Basch, it's fine.]

Mm... I suppose it is disheartening, given your lack of control in the circumstances... but, as someone who has fought monsters, I don't think you're "clearly" a monster at all.

[that question earns another laugh, cheeks tinging pink finally at his realisation.]

I didn't mean to imply that I would keep you from bathing first. I need to go secure some clothes, anyway, so you should have some time.

[the villagers aren't that far, but given the time it'll take him to walk there, find someone to offer him clothing, and get back? it's a pretty decent chunk of space for Basch to be by himself.

once they're there, it's as simple as making sure the stream is deep enough to bathe in, and then Olivine will be able to excuse himself to do just that.]

[ He's not sure he agrees, especially when he's a wolf, but he will concede that fiends are a category of their own. And he knows there is kindness in seeing him as a man, even if he fears it is misplaced.

Olivine laughs, and Basch feels that uncharacteristic warmth in him again, his eyes flicking up to watch the smile brighten the man's face. Was it just that he'd gone so long without hearing happy human sounds? He knows he's staring, tracing that expression like he's never seen a smile before, and he finds himself wanting to keep it there. ]

With some good fortune, I will be even more a man when you return [ And then he's in the water. It's cold, but he was used that from his soldier days, and -- uneasy as it is -- he's found it bothers him less these days. The wolf in him, perhaps.

He's thorough, even without soap, finding a rough stone to help scrape the mud and blood from his skin and doing his best to tame his hair. His too-thin form is still scarred and covered in freckles and thick chest hair, but he can at least be clean and presentable when Olivine returns. And really, who will suspect a well-dressed, quiet man of being a wolf? It was how he'd been able to stay with his liege for the first few moons.

It makes him uneasy, to deceive, and in the privacy of the quiet river, he admits to himself his own weakness. It would be nice to have a few days of companionship, conversation and food he did not have to hunt himself. He -- missed being human. Even if he was for three quarters of his time, it was not the same. He belonged nowhere. He could not offer his services for more than a day or two. ]

I hope hat you feel more so, to your own liking.

[Olivine watches for a beat or two, considering his concerns for a moment before turning away to disappear into the trees.

there's a good portion of time for Basch to get cleaned up, of course—the village is some distance away, and then he also has to secure clothing in the first place. and when he returns, it's with that (and a towel) under one arm and a basket under the other, steps as sure as they had been in leaving.

a small smile crosses his lips when he reaches the river again, making no attempt at keeping his approach quiet.]

I thought you might still be hungry, so I took the townsfolk up on their offer for something to eat, too.

[ Basch is oblivious to Olivine's concern he may disappear. He's starting to chill when he hears the other's approach, smiling despite himself at a familiar face. It's been a long time since he felt that bubble of recognition.

He pulls himself from the water, taking the towel gratefully. Another luxury he's long gone without. ]

You are very kind [ He says again, toweling the water from his body and too-long hair before accepting the clothing. Simple, but sturdy, and certainly enough to make him feel more like a comrade and less like a wild animal.

He does not comment on the irony, or lack of justice, in the townsfolk he terrorized now so kindly feeding him. ] Will you join me in eating?

Thank you. I try. [Olivine chuckles as he says it, politely averting his eyes while Basch dries off and dresses. he looks good though, the priest thinks, cleaned up and looking a little less world-beaten.

the question makes him blink, lips curling upward again.]

Of course. There's plenty for two inside, after all. Do you want to settle here, or wait until we've found a place to rest for now?

[it's all the better he doesn't imply a lack of justice, because Olivine would have to dismiss the idea again... but he does understand it at least somewhat. he'd thrown out the comment that Basch was more afraid of himself than the priest was, but he feels compassion in the face of it really.]

It makes me no difference.

[ The honest deference is an odd echo of his former self, always ready to be convenient unless making a decision was of more convenience. It's an odd twang, equal parts comforting and full of grief. It's like he doesn't remember how his own skin fits -- a little too literally, given the circumstances.

He would throw off any pity, but likely Olivine has the right of it. ]

Will it not cause you any harm if the villagers discover what I am, and that you are helping me?

Then we can settle nearby.

[the ground here isn't so uncomfortable, and there's a certain tranquility to having the water flowing by within earshot, he thinks.

he's already in the process of finding a space to settle when Basch speaks again, glancing to him and shaking his head in turn.]

Mm, I don't think so. It's unlikely that they would do anything rash even if they did find out, as I do have a reputation for reason. It can be difficult for people to think rationally when the unexpected happens... it's why I'm often called for when things are uncertain.

[setting the basket down on a flat patch of soft grass, Olivine exhales a sigh and kneels, setting his legs to one side with his hair coiled over them.]

[ Truth be told, he likes being in nature like this. He did even as a soldier. It made sense to him in ways society sometimes didn't. And, well, now there was the added benefit of not worrying about uneasy stares.

He settles beside Olivine, aware his eyes linger on the other again. He's so...elegant. But not brittle. Like a tree or a water plant. His eyes flick to the other's face, taking in his words.

So Olivine had specifically been sent in to deal with him. Well, he could have had worse luck. ]

I am happy to make your task as easy as possible then, and sorry for troubling you in the first place.

[ He's not sure he agrees though. Fear and hatred can turn even wonderful people into aggressors, and his monstrous form would be enough to incite it. ]

On the contrary, you haven't troubled me at all. I count myself lucky to have been able to see you for who you really are.

[head shaking, he offers Basch a smile before opening the basket to start taking out the little parcels of food and fruits. it's nothing spectacular, but it's filling and hearty. good enough for a meal and some relaxation, talking as they see fit.]

[ Was this who he was? A wandering, unmoored man with no purpose and no home? His history irrelevant?

It's easier to focus on the food, taking the parcels from Olivine and unwrapping them gently. ]

It's been a long time since someone else prepared my food.

[well, all Olivine was thinking about was the "you're not a monster" part... though his views on many things are complicated, truthfully. similarly, he's quite happy to move through the conversation without much ado.]

Has it? I hope you find it pleasant, then. When we're on the road, I'm happy to do the same as well... I'm used to cooking for myself on journeys, after all. [delicate fingers split a hunk of bread, that sheepish little laugh in his tone again.]

[ You don't need to cook for me sits on his lips, but he hides it in a bite of food. Fresh, hardy bread and good cheese. Foods he hasn't had in awhile, and certainly not together. ]

We can share the duty [ He offers instead. It is a nice way to give thanks. ] I am good at hunting and cooking on a fire.

[ He's not sure what the laugh means. Is Olivine uncomfortable? Trying to ease Basch's worry? It's been so long since he was regularly with people, and he wasn't good at it then. ]

That's fine by me. I can hunt, but I'm not particularly good at it... I much prefer foraging.

[He seems... really excited to just be traveling with someone, actually. As to the laugh, well... it's none of those, but he can't explain without being asked, not knowing it's a question. In fact, the priest has already moved past that laugh altogether, eating with careful poise—but not quite delicately.]

Mm, do you normally like spices? I may pick a few sachets up if it suits you.

[ That gets a real smile out of him. ] And I'm passable at foraging but much prefer to hunt. We will be a good team, then.

[ For the few days this lasts. He has to keep his face from wincing when Olivine asks his preferences. Because getting attached, having someone who cares about him -- that will be harder to leave than Olivine knows. Even if he could never turn it down. ]

Whatever you prefer. [ Except he already knows enough to know the priest won't accept that. ] But, yes, I do like them.

It seems so. I have to admit, I'm looking forward to it.

[It probably seems ludicrous that he's gone from his gentle caution at a werewolf to this warmth, but that's honestly just Olivine. Even without acknowledging the odd thrill of seeing him as a wolf and a Wolfman, that's true.

And his answer is a dismissal to a degree—for reasons both clear and hidden to the priest. He has no concept that they're honestly both hurting for companionship based on their selves, not their status.]

Alright. I'll get a few before we leave, then.

[ After they eat, Olivine returns to town once more for provisions, giving Basch a moment to collect himself, and then they're off.

The week passes quickly and warmly. Basch cannot remember being this at ease on the road, certainly not since before the curse. They are indeed a good team, and there's a satisfaction to providing for someone else that he'd forgotten over these long months. Between that and how often Olivine eases conversation out of him after months of little to no use of his voice, he hardly feels like himself. Or maybe more like himself than ever.

Perhaps that's why he finds himself pleased to earn smiles or laughter from the other, just the novelty of having a person to serve once again. He'll be sorry when this company is gone, but not sorry for letting it happen.

Still, each night, he watches the moon with sobering calculation. He will transform soon. And he can't have Olivine alone with him when that happens. Not when he attacked his own prince.

So, finally, he suggests they go to town for more supplies -- this time together. He leaves out that he plans to leave Olivine there. He hasn't figured out how. He's never been subtle or much for spy work, but...if nothing else...he can show the early signs and spook the villagers. Already this morning, he feels his hair thickening beneath his clothing, the nails on his feet becoming claw. ]

[in turn, Olivine is vibrant and warm throughout their time together. the week itself passes so easily, so smoothly that even he almost loses track of it—by the time Basch suggests they go to town for supplies, he's surprised to realise how long it's been.

he's quick to agree to go, though, trying not to let the guilty feeling of ignoring his duties slip in. after all, watching over Basch is part of those duties, finding ways to assess the danger of this man. that it provides him comfort is just... incidental. right.

it'll be the first time the blond has seen him interact with people, too. this little town is much less secluded, and the response to his presence is... immediate, vibrant even. cries of Your Holiness are frequent, often accompanied by the insistent offers of everything from fruits and vegetables to medical supplies and everything in between.

it'd be overwhelming for most everyone, and though Olivine seems to be fairly used to navigating this, he... doesn't seem to get through very quickly, especially when any of the villagers decide to squabble over what he might need—without his input, naturally.]

Ah—please, it's quite alright! You need to provide for yourselves first, I'll only take what I need and happily pay—

[what kind of person would I be, asking Your Holiness to pay for anything? God would surely strike me down immediately—]

[ At first, Basch thinks the people here just know him, and that it is a good place to slip away, even if he'll miss the priest's company. But that is selfish, and he's already hurt too many people with his selfishness.

It's when folks start arguing over what Olivine may want without consulting him -- and more or less cornering the two of them while they do it -- that Basch feels a pang of protectiveness. ]

Let him speak [ he says, not realizing how much it comes out in a growl. But there's something deeper under it, something he can't quite put his finger on, but the sense that these are Olivine's people is gone. This is more like being in a foreign court than anything. ]

[Olivine exhales a breath when Basch speaks up, glancing to him with a pang of appreciation in his expression. it's enough to stop them arguing, between the growl and everything else, so it's... enough.]

Ahem. Thank you for your kindness, but as I was saying, it would be ill-fitting for me to abuse your kindness. You have friends and family to support, after all.

[it's enough, too, to get them to stop arguing—though they certainly glance to Basch himself with some wary curiosity. he's with Olivine though, so they don't look at him with too much concern; reluctantly, they agree to a price and eventually disperse, leaving the two with their supplies, at least.]

... sorry about that. People can get... a bit enthusiastic sometimes. Thank you for your assistance.

[ He's been a guard so much of his life. He's used to being overlooked. Prefers it even. But right now he stands close, wanting to be clear Olivine has an escort.

Except he really, really needs to leave. He waits, until it's just the two of them, but still he doesn't move. ]

Does this happen often? We don't have your priests where I come from.

[ Religion that requires an intermediary is something he doesn't personally have much familiarity with, even if he respects it means a good deal to others. ]

Ah—it depends. I think I mentioned it before, but... people do appreciate me quite a lot, since I'm often the one helping with their troubles.

[it really does make it all the more clear that he's not really "part" of these communities, more than he is something they look at with awe and appreciation. something kind of above the "normal" human, even.]

In some of the territories, it isn't nearly so... much, though. Especially where people are less devout.

[settling the supplies in arm, he glances to Basch, quiet for a brief moment.]

Mm... it's getting close to the time, isn't it? [he hadn't talked about it, but Olivine has been keeping an eye on the time. honestly, he doesn't know how best to help the man-turned-werewolf, but the idea of being alone again is...

well, that's just him being selfish. he made a promise, didn't he? that once Basch was healed...]

[ He frowns, gaze going to the people around them as he remembers the way the town folk acted. "Appreciate" isn't the word he'd go for. It feels like trying to curry favor, while outright ignoring what the priest says. He's seen it before with nobles or powerful mages. ]

So this entire territory is like this?

[ Guilt is clawing at his stomach, and something else...protectiveness, perhaps. It's not that he doesn't think Olivine can handle himself. It's that he shouldn't have to. ]

It it typical your kind don't keep Guards? [ It would be unthinkable, at home, but this country seems to have less of a military presence, which isn't all bad.

His thoughts are entirely on Olivine, until the other looks at him and asks that question. There's ice in his veins, and he looks away. ]

I should be far from the village by nightfall, and stay away at least five days to be safe.

I wouldn't say entirely, but there are many who are very... enthusiastic like this.

[Olivine shrugs, like he's used to it—which he is, really. it's not like he'd ever had friends, or really... knew what it was like to connect with people, before this. that's not an important fact right now though.

the question makes him blink, brows furrowing.]

Why would we keep Guards...? I'm capable of protecting myself, so I wouldn't like bothering someone with that anyway. [he does laugh softly, head shaking.] Plus, the knights all belong to the Kleinster Kingdom, in the Light Territory.

[Basch looks away and Olivine smiles, nodding lightly. it's mostly to himself, given that fact, but still.]

Then... I'll stay near here and keep an eye out, just in case. That way, you don't have to worry about the people here while you're out there.

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