epidemiology | i'm losing blood, i'm gonna leave my bones

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i'm losing blood, i'm gonna leave my bones

CHARACTERS: Sieglinde & visitors (mostly current CR but wanderers welcome)
DATE: Four days after the return to Oska, weeks following
WARNINGS: Potential squicky feet stuff
SUMMARY: A bedridden witch would appreciate some company

[The pain becomes a bit more manageable each day. Some people might say a doctor should never be their own patient, but Sieglinde was managing her own regimen, dosing herself with herbs to reduce the swelling, taking teas to numb the pain, and let sleep come a bit easier. She could have fixed it in an instant with magic...

But it was bad enough she had asked Masamune to rebreak her feet so that she could realign the bones and attempt to return the twisted and damaged muscles, tendons, and nerves back to something resembling their original position. Bad enough that she'd taken away the proof of her ignorance, an act that to her seemed just as if she was trying to hide what she'd done.

Pain was the least she could accept in return.

She wouldn't be able to put an ounce of weight on them for quite some time, even tightly bandaged and splinted though they were, and even after weeks, she knew she'd have to relearn how to walk, unable to remember well what it was like, the way one walked when you had a heel, and sole, and toes in play. But at least it was in Oska, somewhere... relatively safe.

And at least she had books, and visitors. Even though she hadn't told a single person her plan beforehand, she couldn't exactly hide it once it was all said and done... and she had requests. Like meals, and books from the library, and entertaining company. She occupies her time in that manner, curling carefully in bed so as not to twist or put pressure on her healing limbs, pouring over her most recent spellbook and occasionally getting ink all over her sheets writing notes. Chatting with those recruits she knew, as if she hadn't done what she had. Testing how her bones were healing, how the swelling was doing.

Wondering if today was the day she actually felt less doubt about what she'd done.]

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[War was unpredictable- that was true. Until she'd been recruited by ALASTAIR, she had only truly known this from books. She'd read all about the great battles of old, of Troy and of Alexandria, of Gaul and of Orleans... But she had been raised within a single manor, a single village, her feet ritually broken to prevent her from ever leaving that place, venturing beyond the Wolf Forest to see what the outside world was like.

It was beautiful and it was savage both. She had seen Anwick with its mobs, Chantes with its monsters, and Nalawi with its writhing goddess of the depths... And it scared her more than she liked to say. To think that those she had come to love in this group risked their lives fighting those forces. That some of them put themselves directly in harms way for her. That one day she might be too late, or not strong enough to save them.

So instead she put on a brave face, a noble demeanor for her honored guest. She had the name Green Witch to live up to, after all.]

To be honest, they may not even notice. I spend almost all my time in Oska in such a way.

[So she tried a more light-hearted thing, admitting to her penchant for studying and learning, of hours holed up in the library forgetting to eat, or locking herself in her rooms to finish a complicated formula. That was something she was never able to really get a handle on or contain- that thirst for knowledge.]

That potion purifies wounds... That one eases swelling and fever, this one aids sleep...

[She rambled them off while pointing, all the things you'd like to have on hand while tending badly broken bones, until she couldn't help but look Arjuna over again, looking for some sort of cue to his tale and his fame, gaze dropping to his hands.]

You... wield a bow, Lord Arjuna?

[There's only one reason to sound so hesitant when asking that of a man who claimed to be of the Archer class... And that reason was having seen Archer and Gilgamesh fight.]

( all her time. it's a phrase that speaks volumes. that's telling of her situation, however in the dark the was to the severity of it.

it's a curious statement. one he feels profoundly for. as if it were an expression of something else he couldn't quite place his finger on. it was as is his senses were numbed to reading her. he didn't possess an all discerning eye like karna, and in moments like these, he genuinely wish he had. perhaps, he could discover some inkling of what she required... of what she wanted, yearned for, desired. it was a heroes duty to grant wills like those, and he feels in tune with that concept, that this was his self-instated "objective" of sorts. the reason to his summoning.

and well, he did ponder upon her being an existence that might grow imperative to him. he isn't sure how many mages there were or what type of support he'd soon grow hungry for (a show of natural needs over actually controllable fancies), but he's been mentally putting that off. if he could make exchanges with them, even in small spurts like this... he thought it couldn't be helped. but, well. as arjuna loved his people...

he does feel it wouldn't be apt or right to simply right this young girl's concerns off. whatever they were. well, to be fair, she also didn't seem keen on telling him. ) If they are truly your companions, they will notice. Have noticed. ( sometimes arjuna could give that much. could pass on that much reassurance.

but, he then simmers off, listens to her list them off, and— ) ...? ( he's almost caught off guard. he was mid-nod into one of her previous statements— "aids sleep"— before he's onto that. ) Yes, you would be correct. But, as any seasoned warrior, of course that isn't all I'm capable of. ( gently puffs up ego and flexes his proverbial muscles. )

[For all that Arjuna's reassurance was simple, somewhat lacking perhaps compared to what someone who knew her better might be able to say... it was almost better now, when she's like this, that it comes from someone somewhat distant. They'd noticed. Maybe more than she'd expected or even wanted, but. Later she could appreciate it.

Once she could walk again, perhaps. Once she convinced herself it hadn't been wrong to undo the bindings that had defined her life for so many years.]

Would you share with me a tale of your heroism?

[Her magical studies could be continued anytime- she knew she wouldn't be able to bear her own weight at least another week, let alone actually remembering what it was like to walk on feet that had toes and an arch.

And she couldn't help but be curious, (about anything, and everything), slowly closing her tome.]

I have only heard tale of one of your number- it would be a pleasure to listen.

[Archer and Saber were not so forthcoming... neither had Lancer been, really. A shame, considering how amazing Gilgamesh's stories were.]

( ah.

it's a complex requests. most of his tales always seemed to have some sort of reverse to them. some aspect which displayed his truer. one that was unbolting for him. one that was ill-fitted for a hero, one revered for their accomplishments. lying was inadvisable. was something he felt was only the stake in his proverbial grave. not that he technically had an actual life, but it was a the implications that mattered. everything else was relatively inconsequential.

but, not withstanding this truth, he also knows the sin of not revealing enough. of not displaying his proficiency, capabilities, abilities, etc... but, perhaps, more than than, for not being able to wear his heritage and feats boldly and without a sense of self-inflicted mortification, if just for his "real face." he's silent, but it isn't done abruptly or awkwardly, instead he disguises is as a careful hum of thought. then, he when he finally reaches a verdict within himself, he speaks. ) While that might serve to be a bit difficult... ( his brows shift ever so slightly, his eyes slightly downcast for a mere second, before he continues. )

I could speak briefly of how this weapon came into my possession. I first encountered it through the meeting with the fire God, Agni. He was on a quest to order to satiate his appetite. However, to do so, he was required to burn down an entire forest. One occupied by the Serpent King, who happened to be in positive relations with the ruler of the heavens— Indra. ( his father, but he skips over this. instead, his voice drops softly. ) I...

( he pauses. while his pride is what sparked the beginning of this story, he also can't state in good conscience that is has a truly good end. destruction still occurred and while everything went in order to the karmic cycle and the equilibrium already pre-established within the boundaries of his own universe... it didn't exactly make it easier to state. instead, he releases a quiet sigh. ) I apologize. Regretfully, I can't continue. ( looking into one's past was sort of like looking into one's heart, after all. but well...

at least she got something out of him!? it's probably more than he's even told his master back in f/go...

granted, they prob. see through visions, anyway. curse that level 5 bond. )

[For all that Sieglinde could talk up a storm when left to her own devices, she was an equally good listener when the time came for it. The story he offered seemed fitting enough, she nodded along when he offered the theme, nestling back against her pillow nest and following along, reserving questions for later.

Was Agni's appetite sated by the act of consumption by fire? What role did the Serpent King occupy? What did Indra appear as?

But then he stops, and she cocks her head curiously, the silence stretching out between them until he announces he could not finish. What- had it come to blows with Agni? Had he failed in some way?

It seemed an odd choice, for a "hero"... but what did she know about him? (What did anyone in this place know about each other, when many of them were alone from their world and had the leeway to construct their own tales and versions of events, like she did?)]

Of course- I apologize. It was not my intent to dredge up that which is best left untouched...

( her interest was genuine. even he could tell that much. it's truly both a humbling, as well as eternally heart-warming concept for a heroic spirit to see. to witness with their own eyes, the impact of their tales. it's something he personally feels regretful over, if just for his own lack of forthcoming. it was a strange sentiment, to a degree. while on one hand he was able to preserve himself, on the other—

it's truly unfortunate. [ arjuna voice ] jitsu ni kanashii ... but, no really. there's an instant sense of him feeling like he's been inherently lacking somehow. more so when she apologizes than anything else. ) Please, raise your head. ( a manner of speech, ofc. )

The fact that you've shown interest in me... ( he gives a clean gesture. something akin to a neat bow; his arm across his chest as some sort of symbol os gratitude. he then, eases a bit in his expression. albeit is lasts a brief fraction of a second. once more, he builds up a front of something a bit more formal. ) I will be sure to repay that sentiment.

( this is his own loose way of making something akin to a promise. a continuation. maybe not immediately, no. but, when he felt himself prepared to deliver. he supposes... time to him, however, meant much less to others. he did have an eternity to wait out, after all. ) Though, I will state—

I have never once failed. One of my titles is "Vijaya," meaning I do not lose in war.

[Though she didn't quite understand it, she could at least follow along with the way this conversation was going. Despite her obvious youth, she had been "the Green Witch" for years, and even though that title had been as fake as the world her demented mother had created for her... she had been acting as a lord, and she knew how to behave with a certain levity when she was in control of her emotions.

She returned Arjuna's seated sort of bow, her long hair slipping somewhat into her face- not quite as dignified, unfortunately, but she'd been bedridden for days and she had gotten too lazy to put it up in her usual hennin headdresses.]

It was hardly difficult, Lord Arjuna... I have met several of your kind in this place now, and I have learned much in the process.

[She'd have to admit that she didn't have entirely selfless motives- she had learned so much from Gilgamesh, even the spellbook in her lap had been a gift from the marvels contained with the Gate. Saber had aided her in Chantes, carried her about in Oska... when Rin allowed her to borrow him, Archer had aided her trips to harvest herb...

But the title gave her a hint as to how the story of Agni and how he had gotten a bow might have ended. Either victory against Agni in defense of the Serpent King, ally of the Heaven King, or for Agni...

Either way, a battle.]

That title will serve you well here in ALASTAIR... we have need of those with such prowess.

Ah. ( he starts off thoughtfully at the mention of "several of your kind." he half-wonders about them. though, not in a way of combat. while there is a part of him that genuinely wished to cover his bases, there was another one... that was merely curious and inquiring. he's encountered a master and a servant. the servant. naturally, was formidable in their own right. the display of mana was one thing, but the bearing and poise... displayed a certain divinity that arjuna was all too familiar with.

still, he doesn't go further into those extraneous details. instead, he cuts his contemplations short. ) I have encountered a few. It seems the conventions of this world differ than what I am accustomed to. ( mostly pertaining to the holy grail war, but he doesn't necessarily find it pertinent to expound on that. instead— ) Regardless, I shall continue this legacy in tutelage. ( aka, he can't be the only servant??? not to offer anything to you??? excuse?? ) As a mage, I would find it unjust for you not to know what you may be subjected to.

( meaning, he'd lend a hand. it was only apt. though, maybe beyond that, it's been fairly difficult to encounter someone who spoke in a manner which he was far more accustomed to. receiving respect for rank. being thought of conscientiously as the hero he was. it's. refreshing, and he smiles at the latter part. )

Yes, that's perfect. Being utilized so earnestly is a Servant's greatest joy, after all. ( there's an unspoken semblance of gratitude here. it isn't that he felt out of place, per say. but these few days of inaction had been... taxing to him in his own right. )

[It took her a moment for it to register, that offer, but when she did Sieglinde sat up straighter, doing her best to avoid letting her excitement shine through too much. Learning from other mages from other worlds was an opportunity she never passed up on, let alone those who were proven to be as powerful as the Servants had.]

I could never think to refuse such an offer- I assure you, I am a diligent student, Lord Arjuna.

[Her bed might attest to that, seeing as she was in pain with broken feet and still studying, still dedicating her time towards trying to enhance her skills.

Being utilized might be a Servant's purpose and joy... but learning and putting that knowledge to use to help others was the purpose and joy of the Green Witch.

At least, the Green Witch she wished to be.]

( unfortunately, while he's not much of a practitioner of magic (at least not to a more universal definition of it), he does have his fair share of knowledge over it and its traditions. especially, concerning a more aged breed of it. being present during a period of time where curses ran rampant and were particularly utilized quite.... loosely (looks at karna and all the curses cast upon him...???) and battles between gods ensue, it may have only been natural. he doesn't claim to extremely well-versed, at least, not in comparison to his proficiency in the bow or other forms of martial arts—

but, it's a point that stands nonetheless. arjuna appreciated the virtues of diligence. of those who constantly wished to better themselves. if anything, it's a life mantra he also lived by, despite the blackness that dwelled at his core. hence— ) I expect no less of you, Green Witch. ( while, initially, he may have used this title purely because their names weren't mutually divulged, now he uses it as a form of relating some form of anticipation for what she'll do and how she'll develop as a mage and person.

if his post and title was meant to serve him well, he has no doubt the same of the girl before him. ) I assure you the best of my abilities. ( though, at this, he gives a brief cant of his head. ) Though, I am sure this will all come to light in due time. For now... ( he looks to her on the bed, before giving a thoughtful hum.

this was his... form of consideration in a way. he's stayed for longer than he intended, and she suspected, she'd want her rest.

while in some ways, his character certainly had gaps between his politeness and what could often be seen as passive aggression— that wasn't to discount his ability to project himself appropriately. kindly and benevolently. )

[That knowledge is valuable to Sieglinde, even if it didn't come from someone who actually cast spells themselves. If they understood the nature of magic in their world, if they could explain how a spell or curse was placed or worked... that was enough for her to wish to hear them out.

Her title was one she found good to hear as well. Not out of pride, so much as distaste for her past ignorance and what she had done, but masochistic as it was... it served to remind her. The Green Witch she had believed herself to be in her own world had been a fabrication, a lie for the worst reasons... but here she could be the Green Witch she ought to be.

Had to be.]

Of course- you must have duties to attend to elsewhere.

[As curious as she was, she knew when someone was ready to depart, (even if she might be mistaking that urge to depart as one self-driven rather than for her own sake), wishing to leave him with the impression of her nobility and decorum, returning the nod.]

Should you wish to speak again... I shall not be going anywhere.

[Certainly not anytime soon, anyway.]

( he hears those words. the properness to them, even down to the presumption he had other ... extraneous obligations. ones he hasn't divulged, but that she had faith in, regardless. maybe in some ways he did have things to do. other places to see, for example, but, none of them are nearly as hard-pressed as his want... to at least not worsen her condition by pushing her bodily limits. after all, stress was always a factor to the healing process. even good news could bring stress and even the company of most beloved companions could be seen as a unforeseen pressure.

as someone who yearned after eternal solitude, it probably wasn't surprising he had such considerations far beneath his surface and well-monitored facade. either way, he doesn't correct her. he takes it as her own form of reflection to his feelings and perceptions. so instead, he moves to stand up smoothly. followed by a: ) Of course. I will see you to your recovery. ( an indication to mean, he'd visit again in due time. he'd hardly be a suitable hero, otherwise, especially after making such a proclamation. but, at any rate—

for now, he walks to the door, and even that motion is oddly ceremonial somehow. how he does that with the simplest tasks?? still, before he makes his official depart, he tacks on his final words for the day: ) Until then... ( until he leaves, barely leaving audible footsteps as the door shuts behind his figure. )

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i'm losing blood, i'm gonna leave my bones

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