bardische | Open Post

It isn't that I'm going anywhere, or wandering...

[Olivine's expression is a little complicated at that. The truth is that he could call his duty complete, having found the answer... but it wouldn't be satisfying. Not as a priest, and not as himself.]

I would be lying to say that there is no part of it related to monitoring you for the sake of the villagers, and I won't insult your intelligence and say otherwise. It...

[He pauses, sighs softly. Long fingers reach to push his hair back over his shoulder.]

Even so, I ultimately just want to get to know you. That probably seems strange, but it's the truth. I have a feeling you're worth more than you think you are.

[He offers a small smile then, a little shy really.

Of course, accepting means Olivine is going to have to find him some clothes and a place to clean up, but that doesn't bother him.]

[ Well, he can appreciate honesty. Perhaps he should have realized there was no need to dance around his feelings and pretend this was anything other than surveillance. He'd been an outside before, a less dangerous one. ]

I can leave. After a rest it won't take me more than a day or two to get clear of the village. You need not worry after me or your people. But if you wish to observe me, I can allow it until I am clothed and fed and rested. I plan to leave this area regardless. A few days' delay does not trouble me if it is your preference.

[ As to worthiness, the thought only processes long enough for him to skate past it. A ploy to earn his trust? A naive bit of warmth from a sheltered priest? It matters not.

But he does see the shyness in that smile, and -- as out of character for him as it is -- finds himself noticing a soft jaw, and thick, well-cared for hair worn in a style he isn't used to seeing on men. He feels for this Priest -- protectiveness, perhaps, of someone kind to him, and someone younger than many of his recruits. They'd give him that shy smile sometimes -- uncertain in their authority.

So he gives one back, quiet, but more assured. ]

My name is Basch.

That's my duty to the villagers. I'm not worried for them, truthfully... but I would appreciate that. At least until you're well enough to go.

[he's naive, but not weak. that much is all that really matters to him—if it came down to it, he could handle himself. in any case, there's a little relief in the agreement to stay, a warmer smile drawing across his lips when Basch introduces himself.]

I am Olivine. It's good to meet you, Basch. [his head tilts with his smile then, and he climbs to his feet to offer a hand up.] I don't have anything to give you to wear, but we should be able to find somewhere we can wash up... and I'll stop by the village and see if they have a cloak I can purchase, at least. I need to reassure them that their animals are safe for the time being anyway.

Which of us is deciding I'm well enough?

[ It's not quite a joke, but it isn't pointed either. Especially as he realizes he'll be further in the other's debt for staying; nothing to be done for it. He needs clothes until he transforms again, and bathing would help. He's...slowly realizing how nonplussed this beautifully groomed young man, especially compared to how dirty and unkempt Basch is. ]

I will defer to your instructions, then. I should be alright to walk. [ He stands, gingerly. Nothing bad, just light aches. The magic did a lot, it seems. ] And if there is anything I can do to repay your kindness or your purse, please tell me.

Hm... both of us, perhaps.

[of course, Basch has the final say in all of it, and Olivine is fine with that. and really, it's not like he doesn't have any embarrassment over this, but he's mostly ignoring it. getting him a bath and some clothes is more important than getting lost in some childish stammering state.]

You don't need to worry about my kindness or my purse. If you must find something, then... just converse with me over our time together. Your company is enough for me.

[it may sound a little said, but he says it so earnestly it almost seems normal to him. with Basch on his feet, he can start off; Olivine has a decent memory of the terrain, so finding a secluded river shouldn't be too bad. the rest can come after... though he supposes he could stop by the village while Basch bathes, too.]

[ The only reason Basch hasn't flushed in embarrassment at his state is that the wolf's sense of nakedness being natural lingers. That, and Olivine hasn't reacted.

But being so earnestly asked for his company and conversation somehow brings that back to the forefront, and he's suddenly very aware of this educated, soft, well-coiffed young man standing before his bloodied, dirtied naked body. His eyes fall, even if he keeps from flushing. ]

I will answer what I can. You have my word on that. But perhaps I can bathe and dress before we discuss too deeply. There is a stream not far, if I recall.

[ He does recall, sharply, but by way of a canine; he isn't sure it's suited for traversing as a man. ]

That was the intention. It shouldn't be too far, you're right. And when we get there, I can go find you something to wear while you bathe, unless you think you'll need any assistance.

[Olivine can't help his little laugh, hands lacing together before him as he starts forward. thankfully the stream should be deep enough, even for someone of Basch's height, though they'll know soon enough.]

Do I still seem not quite a man? [ He asks it genuinely, glancing down at himself -- and his bloodied, dirty nudity with some shame -- looking for wolven elements or injuries. He sees neither.

Olivine laughs, and Basch isn't sure why. Rather than feeling self-conscious, he finds himself uncharacteristically warm at the sound, wanting to elicit it again. Not that doing so is a strong suit.

Still, his legs are steady -- stronger than after a usual transformation -- and he starts in the direction of the stream. ]

Not at all. I just offered anyway.

[as ever, Olivine is honest. it's certainly less to do with any lingering effects and more to do with who he is as a person. he's similarly oblivious to Basch's thoughts and wonders, even as they walk.]

I wasn't sure if you'd be fatigued after the transformation; the information we have about werewolves is quite limited.

[he does offer that much, just glancing back briefly in consideration. Basch does seem perfectly steady on his feet, and there is admittedly a small part of him that worries that the other would leave while he went to go get him clothing.]

[ That's comforting in its own way, that he is indeed as much a man again as he feels. The added explanation, though, makes him nod. ]

Typically it is much slower, and I am quite fatigued. I do not know if it is the same for others, or if it will always be the same for me. My own knowledge is quite limited.

[ Perhaps he is being selfish, talking so much, or foolish in giving information on when he would be vulnerable. But he's long made peace that it would be fair if he were to be hunted, and, shamefully perhaps, it is a relief to speak of it at all. ]

[his explanation earns a nod in turn.]

If you would like assistance, I'm still happy to offer it. In any case, if you'd be willing, I'd like to check you over for any injuries before you're fully dressed.

[laughing sheepishly, he glances back to Basch's face.]

Sorry if I seem a bit... pushy. I suppose I've been a healer too long.

[ This gets a small smile from Basch. ]

I am quite used to listening to pushy healers. I was in the military for a long time.

[ Was. It was a profession he had not intended to leave before he died, but like this--he was a danger to his King and to his battalion. ]

I have little dignity to begin, and you have already seen me like this. I have no objections to you finishing your work.

[ He still didn't think her merited such attention, but he knew letting a man do his work was it's own kindness. ]

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.]

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