Fantasy Chronicles of Cre' Est

[Mothman]

While her leg was far from fully healed, she was able to at least walk on her own, even if she had to limp a bit. Though, she had mostly been staying within the confines of the clinic, only leaving to grab changes of clothes from her home, as well as eat. When Linde came in a bit before noon for her break, she slid herself out from behind the screen, limping over to one of the chairs in the room and sitting down with a huff.

"Morning, Doctor Almna..." Her sleep schedule had been awfully botched thanks to what had happened as well. The night prior she had stayed up out of worry of being attacked. It wasn't as bad as it had been when she was fearful of Shadow, but she was still more than a bit anxious. She eventually got to sleep without the aid of Linde's tonic, which was starting to run low. "...How's everything been out there? It's sounded busy." A yawn escaped her as she stretched her hands above her head, looking over towards the window.

"Didn't mean to sleep so long. Probably just because I'm still recovering, I'd guess..." Leaning back in the chair a bit, her eyes went to Linde. "You doing okay...?"

GojiBean​

 

[GojiBean]

Linde smiled at Whimsey.

"I'm fine, Whimsey. Thank you." She replied softly.

"We had another visit from Te'i Sai last night. This time at my home. Shadow was with me, so he didn't stay very long. But I doubt we'd have been able to fend him off without consequences given Shadow's condition. Still. They're not ready to attack us again yet. So we have some time."

She took a deep breath.

"Also... Someone else visited us last night. I'd intended to simply allow him to eat dinner with me. But things got... Complicated, when Te'i Sai arrived. And he kind of found out about Shadow. So... He'll be meeting me here any minute now."

Mothman

 

[Mothman]

"Those bastards..." Whimsey grit her teeth at the idea of Linde having to deal with those bastards all by her lonesome. "So they knew where you live now, too...? Are you gonna start staying here, too? We could set up another hidden spot somewhere, or make this one a bit bigger..." She shrugged, not sure on what the best way to deal with people like them would be.

The talk of another person getting dragged into the issue made her sigh, looking over at the door awkwardly. "That's... Troubling. Can he fight, at least...?" She tilted her head, before a knock sounded out at the door.

"Doctor Almna?" The voice was clearly Maretu's, and Cheyanne had told him to just go back and knock, since Linde by all accounts should have been in there. "It's Maretu. I... Wanted to talk further on what we discussed last night."

GojiBean​

 

[GojiBean]

"He most definitely can fight. But it's more a matter of whether or not he should since he's also recovering from some pretty egregious wounds."

The knock at the door came, followed by Maretu's calls.

"Come in, mister Arjun. You have company."

Mothman

 

[Mothman]

“Jeez... We’re so screwed...” A small sigh followed her words as she turned her attention to the voice at the door.

Hearing Linde’s voice, Maretu quickly stepped inside and shut the door behind him, clearing his throat once he stepped in and saw another girl he didn’t recognize.

“It’s a pleasure, Doctor Almna. I don’t believe we’ve met, Miss...?” Maretu looked to Whimsey with a warm smile, though was slightly worried that the girl had something to do with the situation at hand.

“...Whimsey Mausinia. I work here.” Unsure how much Linde wanted her to say on the topic, she kept it simple.

“Maretu Arjun. I’m a researcher.” He took a seat in the other chair just a bit away from Whimsey, not wanting to enclose on her personal space. “So, anyways, Linde... About last night...” He wasn’t sure where even to start, simply staring ahead at Linde.

GojiBean​

 

[GojiBean]

Linde sat with both hands clasped together and resting on the table.

"Well. I think starting with allowing you to ask whatever questions are on your mind about the incident would be a good start. And Whimsey already knows about Shadow. So you don't need to hide his name from the conversation."

Mothman

 

[Mothman]

Maretu gave a glance to Whimsey, curious why Whimsey knew about Shadow as well. Did the whole clinic know...? Or was Whimsey special?

"I mean... I guess my primary concern is if I should be concerned for my safety." Maretu wasn't sure if he should skip town, or if he was going to be a target to Te'i Sai. "But... All the same, I'm worried for you as well, Doctor Almna."

"She can handle herself." Whimsey reassured the man with a slightly distant tone in her voice, not wanting to get too involved in the conversation.

GojiBean​

 

[GojiBean]

Linde took a breath.

"The assassin didn't acknowledge your presence at the house, but I wouldn't bank on the idea that he simply overlooked you. Chances are he'll be looking into you to see if you're a threat to them."

She looked up at Whimsey.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Whimsey. But I can speak for myself, okay?"

She glanced to Maretu.

"This isn't my first time dealing with Te'i Sai, mister Arjun, though I am grateful that you're worried about me. But you had things you wanted to ask Shadow, correct? I don't know much about him other than what he's allowed me to know. But I can at least try to answer any questions you have. After all... Unfair as it may be, you're in Te'i Sai's cross hairs now."

Mothman

 

[Mothman]

"Jeez... I was hoping that wasn't the case..." A hand ruffled the hair on the back of his head for a moment as he realized just how horrible that was, both from a survival and research perspective. Not only was his life at risk, but he wouldn't be able to go out and get any 'fieldwork' as it were taken care of. At least, not without having to worry about getting a knife in his back. "But I suppose there's no use dwelling on it now. It is what it is."

As Linde gently scolded her for speaking up, she fidgeted with her sleeve a bit and simply nodded, along with a quiet 'yes ma'am'. She didn't have much to add to the conversation anyways, she was just as along for the ride as Maretu seemed to be.

"For what it's worth... I used to be a knight. I'm probably more than a bit rusty, but if I could be of help, I'd be happy to help." Maretu shrugged before moving on to asking more about Shadow. "How much does he tell you? Do you know his age? What about his family life?" It was clear he was far more interested in Shadow as a research subject than about his actual backstory, or relation with Te'i Sai. "Someone like him could be a treasure trove of new data, after all. Never thought I'd be face to face with the Red-Eyed Demon in all my life, honestly."

GojiBean​

 

[GojiBean]

Linde sighed softly, hearing him say he was hoping it wasn't the case that he was in Te'i Sai's cross hairs.

"I'm sorry." She whispered, more to herself than him.

As Maretu asked about Shadow, Linde couldn't help but smile faintly as she lifted her head a bit.

"He doesn't tell me that much, to be honest. But I do know how old he is. He's twenty-five."

She chuckled at the thought of Shadow trying to walk away from Maretu trailing after him like an eager-to-play puppy asking about everything under the sun.

"I'm sure he could be useful in your studies. Though... It may take quite some time for that usefulness to actually come through. He's quite... Um... Stubborn, to put it nicely."

Mothman

 

[Mothman]

"I suppose that's a reasonable age for someone in such incredible shape as him... Though, I must say, it is unfortunate. So much killing and bloodshed likely has taken its toll on his mental state. I would assume that's why he comes off as so... Distant. I wouldn't know the more juicy bits of his life to make that conclusion with certainty, but I'm sure he would have lots to say if he were willing to say it." A hand moved up to his chin and he nodded. "Though, I suppose I can understand where he's coming from. Bringing up memories of the past, especially negative ones, can sometimes be more painful than just leaving them be."

"You were a knight?" It was a bit delayed, Whimsey looking the man to her right over a few times after he mentioned it, having trouble believing it.

"Only for a few months, to be fair. Though, I did learn swordplay, and graduated with quite high marks compared to my peers. Is it a fair assumption to guess you come from a similar background, Whimsey?" Maretu raised an eyebrow, noting that the woman seemed fairly limber, judging from her figure.

"I'm not a fighter, if that's what you're asking." While she was being as standoffish as she usually was, it wasn't entirely a lie. Combat wasn't really her forte, as much as stealth and assassination was. She had been meaning to ask Shadow or Linde to help her improve in that aspect, but in her current condition, it just wasn't viable.


GojiBean​

 

[GojiBean]

Linde observed their brief back and forth and smiled subtly.

"I would agree that his lifestyle has taken a tole on him. Though, I doubt he would admit to such himself." She chuckled. "I'm afraid I can't speak for him, but I can at least offer an opinion that Shadow probably wouldn't want to talk much about his past even if he wasn't so affected by it. He's never once truly confided in me about anything. He only gives me cryptic hints as to what might be going on in his head. And I'm sure Whimsey can attest to that, given that she accompanied him a week or so ago."

Mothman

 

[Mothman]

"Speaks in riddles." Whimsey added, wanting Maretu to know that trying to get any legitimate conversation out of him was likely pointless. Even she wasn't used to talking to a man that was pretty much a brick wall, and she wasn't much for conversation either. Maybe when she put on the act she used to wear and pranced around towns as some sort of cute face, she could have held decent conversation, but that was behind her now. "I, for one, don't know how Doctor Almna understands a word he says, or gets him to listen to her."

"Are you and Shadow... Close? Friends, even? Or is it simply a beneficial relationship, the two of you working together?" Maretu adjusted his glasses as he asked. "I mean this with no offense, I assure you... I simply find it strange that the Red-Eyed Demon of all people would listen to, well, anyone but himself."

GojiBean​

 

[GojiBean]

Linde's eyebrows went up slightly, and the faintest flush of pink went through her cheeks as she cleared her throat and took a breath.

"Shadow's... Difficult. I'll put it that way." She said with a mild amount of exasperation. "I wouldn't say we're "close," exactly. But there is a mutual respect between us which was made quite strong after everything we went through together almost two years ago."

She looked at her hands and moved her thumbs in circles around each other.

"It wasn't until just before I met you both that I saw Shadow for the first time in about a year. In all honesty I never expected to see him again. But there he was. Chasing down a lead by listening to the city from one of my favorite stargazing spots." She giggled softly and looked at them both in turn. "Anyway. I'm not too sure why he listens to me either. When he's in prime condition he could easily overpower me at any time with little effort if he so chose. But hey. I'll take what I can get. You know?"

Mothman

 

[Mothman]

Maretu couldn’t help but chuckle at the fact Linde herself wasn’t sure why the man listened to her. There were a vast variety of possibilities, whether it was out of respect, or just the need to have some sort of anchoring figure in his life that just happened to be Linde... Something that he was now extremely curious to figure out.

“And I take it Shadow doesn’t have many ‘friends’ that he hangs around? Probably just you?” While it was a guess, he was pretty confident the Red-Eyed Demon didn’t have a ton of connections all the same.

“What happened two years ago, if you don’t mind my asking?” Maretu didn’t want to dredge up any bad stories or dark memories, but if Linde was willing to share, he’d be all ears.

GojiBean​

 

[GojiBean]

Linde chuckled.

"You'd be right about him not having many friends. In fact, to the best of my understanding he doesn't have any. And that's mostly his own choice, I think. I asked him what I was to him once before we parted ways, and he said I was an "ally." But I guess it's a step in the right direction from "enemy," right?" She giggled.

"As for what happened... Well." She took a deep breath. "I'll summarize it as best I can. Myself and a few others who were sympathetic to the cause went into the heart of Roda Valley with Shadow, where Te'i Sai's primary headquarters is located. We created a distraction, and Shadow infiltrated it and killed the Grandmaster. He barely made it out of there alive, and we were lucky to escape an accidental fire which started during our distraction. By the time we found Shadow again, a good chunk of the forest near the plateau leading to the entrance had burned down. And it was only thanks to a passing rainstorm that it was put out before spreading too far."

During her relay of information, Linde's right hand had unconsciously made its way to her chest with her fingers massaging the space between her breasts.

"It was... Quite a day. And it was about a week afterwards that Shadow and I parted ways."

Mothman

 

[Mothman]

“Fascinating...” Maretu listened intently, considering taking notes on the story. “Something like that could be in history books someday, Doctor Almna... Being part of the coup that got Te’i Sai’s grandmaster killed is no small feat. I’m glad to hear you and Shadow are alive and well, even after that, though.”

Whimsey brought her good leg up onto the chair, hugging it to her chest as she listened. “Doctor Almna... Are we doing with him what we did with me?” The idea of him working in the clinic, while not particularly interesting to Whimsey, was sound. He could help far more than she could, thanks to his position.

“If you mean help around the clinic...” Maretu laced his fingers for a moment and leaned forward. It was obvious he was conflicted with the issue. “If they’re really after me, I suppose it’d be best.”

GojiBean​

 

[GojiBean]

Linde brought her hands up, resting them in front of her mouth as she pondered in silence for a time. Finally, she looked up at them.

"For the time being, yes. I think it would be best. Just to keep you some place where I can keep an eye on you if anything happens. Once Shadow's on his feet again, which shouldn't take much longer, he can also help by keeping watch over the clinic from a distance to ensure they don't get close before going through him. At least, that's what I hope he does."

Mothman

 

[Mothman]

"It's a pleasure, then, Doctor Almna." Maretu smiled and nodded at the woman. "I hope I can be of use. My medical knowledge isn't anything to write home about, but I've got a fair amount of experience treating wounds from when I was part of the knights." A hand adjusted his glasses, before reaching out to offer Linde a handshake.

"I should go and tell Tsubaar... Should I continue lodging with him, or stay here in the clinic?" He tilted his head, unsure of where would be safest. "I would hate to get Tsubaar caught up in all of this. It might be best he not know about it... I'll just tell him I accepted a position here, I suppose, but he'll have his own things to say about that..." Shaking his head, he glanced over to Linde and gave a smile.

GojiBean​

 

[GojiBean]

Linde nodded.

"Staying here would be best. There are a few open rooms in the employee living area. Whimsey and the others can show you, and Jessica will get you a key. But that will probably have to wait until later this afternoon since everyone's still on the clock and all. And I haven't told them yet. So come back here by sundown and it should be ready."

She stood up and stretched her arms above her head.

"In the meantime, I need to get back to the clinic. We've a lot of people getting worried about a string of "cold-like" symptoms lately, but I think it's just stress given the situation the city's in. What with the Royal Guards out on patrol every day and everyone worrying about whether or not they'll be able to find Shadow or whoever else has been causing all the murders lately."

She walked over to the door and paused.

"Also, mister Arjun... Nobody in this clinic other than those of us in this room know about Shadow or our situation outside these walls. I'd prefer it stay that way, all right?"

Mothman

 

[Mothman]

"Sundown it is, then... I'll be back." Maretu stood up and listened to Linde finish her line of thought, before nodding. "Strange... I suppose stress generally does nothing but bad for the body. These are stressful times we're trapped in..." Shaking his head, he walked to the door and waited for Linde to finish it.

"Of course. Not even Tsubaar will hear a word of it." After speaking, he opened the door and gestured for Linde to head out first. "I'll see you both later tonight. It's a pleasure to meet you, Whimsey." The woman was clearly a fair bit younger than him, but still an adult for certain. Something about her was odd, and Maretu was curious as to learn more about her. "...Perhaps we can sit down for a nice chat sometime." With that, he turned and walked off to head back to Tsubaar's and gather his belongings.

Now alone in the office again, Whimsey let out a short sigh and got to her feet. She was starving, now that she was awake, and wanted to go and get something in her stomach. Standing up, she used the wall to help her get to the door and out of the clinic. While it took far longer than it normally would of, she got back soon enough and began to rummage around for something to eat.

GojiBean​

 

[GojiBean]

Linde gave a nod of her head to Maretu as he walked through the door and left the building.

"Take care of that hip, okay?" She asked Whimsey before leaving for the clinic.

And as the sun began to set on the horizon, Linde made her way to the office to relax while Jessica had prepared Maretu's key and was waiting for him in the lobby.

Mothman

 

[Mothman]

"I'll do my best." Whimsey gave her response to Linde quickly as she walked out.

---

"A job with Doctor Almna...?" Maretu had sat Tsubaar down upon his return to the house, claiming he had some serious things to discuss with him. Though, at the news, Tsubaar was quick to be in utter disbelief on the topic. "What brought all of this to happen?"

"She's simply been in need of help. She wants to hire me as an aid." He removed his glasses and rubbed at the bridge of his nose.

"What about your research?" Tsubaar was clearly skeptical about the situation, knowing that Maretu wasn't the type to take things like this so carelessly.

"What about it? It'll be a wonderful opportunity to expand my knowledge." A chuckle folllowed as he explained it away easily enough.

"...Fair enough. Better keep in touch, still. You're welcome here whenever." Tsubaar nodded and seemed content enough to let this issue slide. A real job would likely do wonders for Maretu, at least he hoped.

With the conversation going over simply enough, Maretu took his things and headed out to the clinic. He traveled pretty lightly, to be fair, but was excited to be settling down, at least for a while. Stepping into the clinic, he waved to Jessica upon seeing her. "Good evening. Maretu Arjun, I, uh..." He wasn't sure exactly how to phrase it, and simply shrugged. "I work here now, I suppose. Doctor Almna told me to see you for a key."

GojiBean​

 

[GojiBean]

Jessica smiled and gave a nod of her head.

"Welcome, Maretu. May I call you Maretu? This is your key." She said as she reached out to hand the key to him.

"Please, this way."

She had Maretu follow her through the lobby and to the Apothecary, where a door in the back led to the Employee living area.

"This is our lounge. That hallway over there leads to all of our living quarters. Whimsey's is first on the left, there. And yours will be the last room on the left, at the end of the hall. If you need anything, my door is first on the right, directly across from Whimsey. You can knock at any time if you need something and I'll do my best to help you out."

Mothman

 

[Mothman]

"Of course! I'd feel bad if you were all to talk with me too formally." Maretu nodded to Jessica and took the key with a smile, before following her through the apothecary to the living quarters.

As they walked in, Whimsey was just coming out of her room, having slightly lost track of time and planning to get back to Linde's office for the night. She gave only a gentle nod to Maretu as she continued to use any wall or furniture nearby to help her along, having forgot the cane she was using in Linde's office.

"It's quite homely in here. If you're headed back to the clinic, would you mind letting Doctor Almna know I'm ready to start whenever she deems it best?" He casually turned the key between his fingers as he turned to Jessica and asked.

GojiBean​