Participants:
NPC'S: Tosen (Kaskan)
| Date: | July 21, 2011 |
|---|---|
| Location: | EW: Infirmary |
| Synopsis: | Rio rescues Kaskan from both boredom and the infirmary. |
| Rating: | PG |
| Logger: | Kaskan |
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS:
Rio
Large eyes so dark that they are nearly void of any chromatic hue, stare from over a pale ivory veil that shrouds this woman's features, loops around her face and is secured somehow within folds of itself. Her hair, only partially covered, perhaps so that the veil does not look like a bandit's mask, is rich near-black brown. Rio has a fine-boned build, not quite five feet, with delicate hands and nimble fingers, narrow wrists and a small waist — other details are obscured by slightly overlarge, earth-toned clothes: A tan shirt hanging over grey pants which are themselves tucked into black boots. Rio has workman's calluses, and on her right forearm, she wears a brown cloth vanbrace held in position with a thumb-loop to her right hand. Rio wears a Eastern Weyr Junior goldrider's knot.
Kaskan
Thick wisps of ebony fall in half-hazard lengths to shadow rugged features, over-long layers typically in disarray as they feather pale blue eyes, flare about his ears and tickle the nape of his neck. Full lips precede a square-ish jaw, which often bears a dusky shadow of its own. Scars from too many fights mar what would be a handsome visage, most notably one that splices across his left brow stopping just short of his eye. A slight hitch ends his left ear in an oddly curved shape, though it's usually hidden beneath his hair. Darkly intense, his bearing is defensive and watchful, wiry muscles having filled out to create a solid, sturdy frame. Not overly tall, he is a grounded, immovable rock - just as thickly guarded on the inside as he is thickly muscled on the outside - a deceptive impression that suits him well for the panther quick grace that's displayed when he's on the move. – 20 turns
ROOM DESCRIPTION:
[ Eastern Weyr: Infirmary ]
Long beds and examination tables are placed strategically throughout this room, each having its own set of curtains to give some sembance of privacy when needed. The walls are lined with counters, each housing cabinets containing the necessary items Healers need to do their jobs. A small sink fills the east end of the counter: the one nearest the entrance to the bowl. The entrance is sloped so as not to allow the sun to shine in the patients' faces. At the far west end of the Infirmary, a small darkened tunnel curves around to the larger rooms where the dragonhealers take care of their draconic patients.
LOG:
Kaskan is actually sitting up today, but still in nothing but shorts and bandages. A tray sits across his lap with a single bowl of something sending soft curls of misty steam into the air. He doesn't look too thrilled by it, spoon listlessly held between his fingers and stirring the contents slowly.
There is no conference today, with a healer; they are all busy in the relative peace of the infirmary, doing their duty. The goldrider pads in, knowing now which bed she is heading toward. Rio carries something, something looping with strands of scrap lace leather, it appears. Most of the leather is the same color, these laces, and they appear to be wadded into knots upon knots. Here and there, one strand might be a dragon-hue blue, or green, but mostly… brown. There's a few black ones. Just as Rio steps to the side of the bed, the wad of knotted laces lands on Kaskan's lap, downstream from the tray. "Hey. I brought you something to do."
Kaskan starts slightly as the knotted material lands in his lap. Having gotten used to the bustle of bodies moving about throughout the day he didn't look up even though periphial vision had registered someone drawing near. The spoon falls into his bowl with a wet *clunk*.
"Rio!" Kaskan greets, smile instant. Glancing at what she tossed he tilts his head, long-ish layers slipping forward. Despite healer efforts he would -not- let them shave his hair. "What's this?"
"Knots. Lots of them. Took me all afternoon of an incredibly boring meeting, to tie them. I suspect it'll take you much longer, to untie them. But, it'll give your hands something to do, so you don't have to harass the healers." Her eyes crinkle slightly, perhaps hinting at a quick smile behind the veil, before she'll reach over to drag a chair, legs bumping, over. "How are you feeling today?"
Dark brows furrow as she explains, curving in counterpoint to the growing width of an incredulous smile. "Are you serious?" he asks rhetorically, picking the strands up and over his tray to bring it closer while pushing the tray further away. Stretching it out between his fingers he shakes his head and emits a breathy laugh. "Rio, you shouldn't have," he starts, blue eyes bright with amusement as he looks to hers, caught as always by what is undoubtedly one of her best features. "I'm so glad I helped entertain you during your boredom."
Her question draws a sigh and a darted glance over her head toward the nearest healer assisting an elderly man take some medicine. Raising his voice Kaskan answers her with the obvious intention of being overheard. "I feel very well, thank you. Darn good, as a matter of fact. I'm sure bedrest is hindering me more than helping at this point."
"Ah. Well." Rio murmurs, or mutters…. "I worry." A slight shrug, after his 'you shouldn't have'. But she'll direct her attention back to him, quickly, searching his features. Then, "That'll be twenty knots, young man. If you speak nastily to the healers, you're on your honor to take out double that." She settles into the chair, though uncomfortably, and curls her hands into the airy cloth that drapes from her veil, so that she appears mostly just the top of near-black hair, with matching eyes cast against paler skin. "What have they told you, is the reason that you remain the Healers' guest, Kaskan?"
Kaskan's expression softens at Rio's reply and, as on her last visit, he reaches a hand to brush the back of his fingers against her cheek through the veil. "Thank you," is sincerely given, though her next words bring the return of a sidelong smirk and stubborn cast to the rest of his rugged features. "You wouldn't feel so generous either if you were cooped up in here all day with nothing but flavored water to eat and nothing to do." At that he chuckles, hoisting her gift. "But of course you've now remedied that."
Toying absently with the colorful strands he grows serious again. "They don't trust me to 'behave'. Apparently I'm still too fragile to piss on my own…" He stops abruptly, darting her a look of chagrin. "Sorry. It's just so frustrating. I feel like I need to get -out- of here." Suddenly he turns slightly to face her more. "Rio - would you vouch for me? They'll let me go out if I'm with you. They have to do what you tell them, right?"
"If it were Weyr business, they might have to do what I told them, but you are healer business, Kaskan." She isn't done, however, but considers before she speaks again, finally: "I have a ground weyr. If you are truly in health enough that you could mount the stairs… And if they would release you to me, then you could stay with me, for the most part. But I want to know the /medical/ reason you are being kept." In other words, she doesn't sense the full disclosure.
"Healer…?" Her hand reaches to catch his sleeve lightly, almost an absent defense gesture against her cheek's being touched, before that hand falls back to her lap.
Rio turns her intense study on the one who was helping the elderly gent, and gestures to bid him over. She times her next words for his arrival, "Thank you so much, for caring for this fellow. I know he can be difficult… And is. But I am curious. What is the -medical- reason he has not been released yet, if I may?"
Kaskan grunts softly at the distinction as Rio explains, but in the next moment he perks back up as she mentions her ground weyr. Even a sliver of hope is enough to have him sitting up straighter. Pale regard studies her closely, uncertain as to her feelings on sharing her weyr even though she did just offer. Considering their relationship it carries more weight than it normally would - or does it? Considering the hestitation that still limits her even at his slightest touch there's room for concern. Thus the uncertainty.
But there's no time to ask as Rio calls over the healer and the next thing Kaskan does is glower as Rio applies heavy doses of tact that don't fall in his favor. Difficult? She's calling him difficult?? Still, he stows his protests in light of possible success. He'll accept 'difficult' with a smile if it'll get him out of this place.
The healer toddles over with a wary expression already in place, eyeing his earnswhile patient even as he gives the goldrider a polite smile. Nodding knowingly at her description of the situation he tips his balding head in gratitude at her keen understanding. "Well, the patient had several severe injuries," he starts, purposely remaining clinical in not refering to the grumpy guard by name. "He had two broken ribs, a bruised lung, a dislocated shoulder, broken collarbone, sprained wrist, his left eye was swollen shut, and a concussion. Not to mention the many bruises, cuts and other lacerations that have mostly healed now." The man actually spits the entire diagnosis out in one breath. Pausing for another, he continues, "We don't feel with his…. rigorous personality… that he'd keep to the strict regimen he needs for proper healing." See? Healer's can be tactful too - when they have to.
"What, exactly, is the strict regimen that would be necessary, Healer?" Rio asks. She has shifted her body so that she gives the older man the three-quarters view, yet keeps Kaskan in the edge of her sights, which becomes more center as the older man lists the damage that was done. "And what is the consequence if he does not keep to his regimen?" She's reasonably sure that Kaskan could answer the question. Would, probably not. Could, yes.
The healer, Tosen by name, warms even more to Rio as her inquiries give him yet another chance to lecture Kaskan. The invalid in question begins to squirm in his bed, obviously having difficulty remaining quiet. His fingers work the colored strands, probably making the knots even worse.
Tosen stands a little straighter, his tone becoming one of parent-to-parent as he addresses the goldrider. "He needs to stay still, for one. Too much movement will not let the bones reset properly, as well as exertion will stress his lungs and ribs. A softer diet is preferable until we're sure there's no further internal damage. He still requires fellis tea daily for pain but must be careful of the dosage." Twinges in the man's tone on the last two elements suggest there may be more to them than he'll say in front of Kaskan, his rounded brown gaze meeting hers pointedly. Shrugging his shoulders he gives Kaskan a dire look before returning to Rio. "If he persists in endangering himself he could do permanent damage to his bones or lungs and have limited usage thereafter."
At that Kaskan sighs, having heard the threats repeatedly. Jaw set, he looks aside, letting the fall of uneven layers partially hide his expression.
There's a serious silence, and in fact the way that Rio's eyes lose focus, suggest that there is an unheard discussion that takes place. Finally, Rio nods slightly, and looks back up to the healer. "Have you considered putting him in a private area? Or can we spare a healer to look in on him as necessary, in that situation? Is such a thing feasible? If he's cranky being here, could he possibly subscribe to a different location where he is … " A thoughtful consideration is now turned to Kaskan, "On his own honor, to be responsible for his healing? And where," she adds with a dour note creeping into her voice, "He will not disturb the peace of the other patients or healers, here, sir?" Her regard snaps back to Tosen, with frank curiosity.
"I'm right here!" Kaskan blurts, unable to take being discussed without his participation any longer. The flame of hope flickers as Rio makes her suggestions, waning before his eyes. Tosen's expression is thick with doubt, but the Bollians little outburst seems to push him toward the idea of a seperation.
"That does sound like a good idea," he muses, narrowing a look at Kaskan. "But I don't see him using the restraint needed to stay inactive, and he doesn't have a private room here." The last is spoken with a touch of annoyance. Kaskan huffs. True, technically Kaskan and Jhorn were sent to Landing and migrated to the weyr on their own so have been bunking in the general visitor's area. "It -would- be most helpful for… the other patients though," Tosen adds, faltering at indicating the relief the healer's themselves will feel. "Do you have a suggestion?" Tosen directs to Rio, hoping her rank might free up space somewhere.
"I have only my weyr. My dragon would …" There's a hesitation while Rio searches for a word that would encompass 'agree to not shred him', but without any intimation of welcome, "Tolerate… His presence. I have only a …Hammock, so a bed would need to be moved. But it is at ground level, so a healer could easily step across and visit with him, and there's a nice view on the ledge, that he might…" She pauses, as there's an editorial comment that need be addressed, "Alright, there's a view -across- the ledge, from within the weyr, which might keep him more occupied than counting how many steps it takes various healers to cross the room, or who has what ailment." She pauses, then adds, "He's a guard, so it's his training to be ever alert. I don't know how he can sleep, even when healers with the lightest step, pad around here at night. He isn't…" Rio sends another look over at Kaskan, "Usually -this- cranky, sir. But if…You healers feel that is a reasonable solution, I would give free permission for he, and the healers, to use our weyr."
Kaskan turns fully to Rio as she lays out her suggestion for Tosen, his fingers growing still amidst the knotted strands. Her dragon. Eovarijath. The young queen who's bellowed warning still rings in his ears. In his eagerness to escape the confines of the infirmary he'd forgotten about her. Living in Rio's weyr would mean daily - constantly - being in the presence of the gold. Within reach of those sharp talons and fiery maw. He'll do it to get out on his own, but he may never sleep again.
Tosen raises thin brows at the goldrider, not having expected -that- suggestion. "Really?" he replies before he can stop himself, darting a quick glance at the guard as if he's somehow twisting the petite woman's arm. Her following explanation forstalls further inquiry along those lines, the woman obviously knowing Kaskan better than Tosen had supposed. "Are you sure, weyrwoman?" he can't resist asking one final time. That she'd willingly expose herself to Kaskan's temper is hard to believe. "I will check with the HealerMaster to get final approval but I'm sure, with your cooperation, that he will approve."
Does she hesitate? Or is it an act, to make this seem more plausible — that Rio as well might have second thoughts? But her head comes down, and her eyes remain caught on the healer's craggy features. "Yes. I would insist that a healer check on him, very regularly. And if he is not owning his own recovery, and -passively- working toward it, then he might be moved back here. I believe he will cooperate, however, Healer. He is unhappy here. I think he could relax, there, and get some of the sleep that you are suggesting he very much needs."
Then the goldrider's regard rounds on Kaskan and she looks at him for a very long moment. "Would this situation be amenable to you, Kaskan? Would you give your oath, that you will cooperate as best you are able, to accommodate your own need for rest and recooperation? Eovarijath will not allow me to take this risk, if there is any danger that our reputations will be compromised, you understand." Then there's a stillness about the woman, as she holds herself viper-taut, to hear Kaskan's answer.
Kaskan is torn six ways and under as to what to focus on and how to feel about it. Having time alone with Rio every day, telling her good night and then good morning, lights a fire in his gut that nearly takes his breath away. Facing Eovarijath every day terrifies him. Not being in the infirmary any longer lifts a huge weight from his shoulders. Giving his oath to a long, passive recuperation scares him. How will he watch over Jhorn? How will he keep his staff skills sharp? Things just seem to -happen- to him of their own accord. Will Rio hate him if he fails?
A jumble of thoughts and emotions whirl about in his brain as Rio confronts him, leaving him hesitant in replying. But only for a moment. Once he pulls his gaze from the healer to Rio, noting the stiffness of her posture and intensity in those richly hued irises, the answer practically leaps from his throat. His fingers curl around the bundled strands as he leans forward slightly.
"I swear I'll do what I can, Rio. I'd never willingly put you in any danger."
"Danger is different for me, now, Kaskan. I have a dragon to protect me. But it is -our- duty to protect the Weyr." She draws in a long breath, a moment to compose herself, before speaking again: "If my word, as your …" What was the word he used before? "If I vouch for you, Kaskan, and you betray your own healing, then what will my word mean with this man, or with the Healers? I won't be leaving Eastern Weyr; this is my home forever." She reaches out with a quick movement, to touch him lightly on the shoulder, "I do not think you can heal well, while you are miserable." Behind the veil, her lips twitch. She has a year of experience behind those words, "And you are miserable here. I… Can only offer this, but you have the bulk of the responsibility, Kaskan. You have to … Take care of yourself," a nod toward the healers, "And do as they bid you, for their job is to heal you as fast as possible." Then she relaxes just slightly, her piece spoken. To the healer, Rio looks, again. "If he wishes to come to our weyr, we will have to have a bed brought in. I will go arrange this, sir. I will leave you to sorting out the details on this end, and safely conveying Kaskan over to our weyr, if," another look at the guard, before Rio finishes speaking to Tosen, "If this is approved. Thank you." She rises, unable to sit any farther, and reaches to drag the chair back over to where she'd pulled it from.
So solemn. So serious. The levity of the situation is not lost on Kaskan, but seeing Rio so formal bothers him. Memories flicker of days when she smiled freely and her laugh came easy, raising a swell of determination on his part to see her that way again. Giving his chin a jerk he shifts wayward layers from his view, facing the future squarely. "I understand," he tells her softly when she finishes.
Listening as Rio turns to Tosen and affirms the arrangements Kaskan watches her closely. Tosen quickly nods agreement, offering his own thanks with lingering doubt. When she gets up to move her chair he gives the healer a pointed look, dark brows rising, and the man turns to leave. "Rio, wait," Kaskan says, lifting a hand toward her.
Rio pauses, then turns back toward Kaskan's bed, and after another hesitation, takes a step, then another, to his bedside. Her voice does not sound; she gives him the full attention of dark eyes, again with the perhaps eerie stillness of body.
Kaskan's pale blue regard holds hers with a quiet intensity as she tentively approaches, watching for something he doesn't know how to identify. When she reaches the bedside he purposely touches her cheek again, feather soft through the thin gauze, then drops his hand to reach for hers. Determined to get her used to his touch again he never takes his eyes from hers, his voice lowering to a soft tone aimed just for her.
"Thank you, Rio." Pause. "But love, are you sure? You know I would move the weyr itself to be with you every day, no more sneaking around in the lowest hallways… but if it unnerves you too much to have me in your weyr… I'll understand." Rugged features are openly earnest, still shadowed by mostly-healed bruises around one eye and marred by stitches along his jaw, but a subtle breath is held as he waits for her reply.
No doubt the healer is witness to this. All of this. The tension drawn through Rio's shoulders flutters. Twitches, almost, as her breath hitches in her chest. The rumors about this elusive, secluded, night-wandering goldrider and her ghostly gold, do not generally attach her to anyone, much less anyone who might refer to her as 'love'.
But Rio does not deny this, nor flinch away from the man's touch. Her swallow is unseen, but audible: "I want you to get better." There's a fierceness in that. "And here, you are wasting too much of your energy…" She glances around, incorporating the poor healer and everything else, "Resisting all efforts to -get- you better. If having you in my weyr will help, then so be it. Eovarijath is not pleased." Rio wins the Understatement of the Sevenday Award, with those four words, "But she agrees that it is in my best interests that I not," her voice lilts to pick up perhaps a hint of an accent that is not Rio's, "Waste my time… In the infirmary, if I am not ill." One brow twitches up. "Quit being a pain in the ass, Kaskan, and get better." Her hand, caught by his, turns within it and her fingers squeeze his, hard. "I will see you later this evening. Except you will be asleep." Then she's turned and quickstepping out, the skirts that she wears obscuring individual steps that she might take.