Conscripts

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

John & Zarai

---

"Oh!" Zarai exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she finally connected John's face to his name. "Doctor Williamson, not gloomy enough to keep us from some delicious food, I hope." A mixture of subtle disappointment and relief washed over her as she observed the doctor taking his seat. Part of her was glad it wasn't some rich lord, while the other part wished it had been. Nevertheless, she was content with John's company. He was polite and had enough interesting things to say to fill their morning with doctorly information and pancakes. However, she hoped this doctor was not one to indulge in the gossip that often plagued Varian's social circles.
Zarai picked up the menu and began to browse it casually as if she hadn’t already memorized her order from years of yearning to dine at the Blossom. Two scrambled eggs with salt and pepper, a slice of ham cooked to perfection with a bit of hot sauce, coffee, and of course, a stack of mouth-wateringly buttery pancakes. “Shall we order first, then get down to the details of this mixer?” Her stomach growled in agreement.
”Hunger needs a pat on the tummy, I agree.” John obliged. He took off his coat and neatly wrapped it around his chair before sitting down. For John, some cottage cheese and strawberry pancake was the new fancy meal, followed by a pristine, precisely baked molten chocolate cake, cooled off by good reliable green tea. ”Whenever you are ready.” He closed off the menu, waiting for Zarai then gestured for the waitress.

Once that was done, the details of this mixer…

”I have to say, I’ve been to two coupled events, and both have been randomized. If I bet a coin on it, I’d have two, which isn’t much, but something tells me the Sorians really like this.”

Zarai motioned the waitress over, then turned back to John, “You could buy some candy with that! Perhaps Sorians aren’t keen on mingling on their own, so they need the extra help?” Zarai shrugged. “There aren’t many of these kinds of events back in Varian,” or she had never been invited to them, not that it would surprise her anyway. Not many invitations came in her name since the rumors began back home.

“So, Doctor, are you looking for a wife?” She grinned, leaning in closer and propping her chin on her hand. “Do tell what you look for in a woman!”

That was quite a pointed question.

”Well yes.” He raised an eyebrow. Technically it is true. Just not as actively as Zarai might have imagined.

”Eh, the typical stuff, like kindness and loyalty. I’m certain that you would expect that out of a man too.” He shrugged, looking out the windows thoughtfully. ”But there is something different I would love to see: chattiness.”

”This isn’t really wife or husband specific, but would you like someone who can just make you laugh and keep you engaged? And imagine you living with them for the next five decades or more. Wouldn’t that be lovely?”

“Doctor Williamson!” Zarai gasped, looking around them as if he had said something scandalous. “I didn’t know you were a romantic.” She teased with a grin. She tapped her finger on her chin trying to imagine just that. Lady Zarai and Doctor Williamson talking and laughing over some tea and scones. Lady Zarai and Doctor Williamson talking and laughing while he’s discovering some medical breakthroughs. Lady Zarai and Doctor Williamson talking and laughing over her mother’s nicely polished grave. Lady Zarai and Doctor Williamson talking and laughing. “Yes, I do agree. It would be lovely.”

“But– wouldn’t you grow tired of it?” Zarai asked, tilting her head to one side. “At some point, most people grow tired of one another. Then what would you do then? I suppose you could take a break, have some time apart. Move out of your bedroom and across the estate to be closer to your office and ignore his existence for the next five years.” She shrugged and waved her hand, dismissing that thought before moving on. “I am a bit surprised that you’ve not mentioned any other more… materialistic requirements.”

John thought it was a little bleak of an outlook.

“I…don’t think that’s the case? What makes you think people grow tired of one another after a while?”

John had worked with people from different walks of life, from the highest of nobles to the poorest who clawed at the dirt. The types who grew tired of their spouses, or even family members, are also the ones who got too obsessed with love and tied their entire identity to becoming someone’s lover. The more they do, the faster the process moves.

“I’m also not sure of any materialistic requirements I would want.” John laid his cheek on his hand looking up and back at Zarai. He sounded genuine, and he was. What could possibly be a good materialistic requirement? He’s a scientist and doctor, so he’s definitely not starving for money. He doesn’t ask for noble titles or anything. If anything, getting that Duke or Viscount title was more dirty and he tended to get screwed over by royal politics.

“Well…” Zarai paused, unsure if she should continue. Her mother and father came to mind. There had been dinners and parties where she’d seen them together, but it always felt forced. Ever since she could recall, they slept in separate wings of the estate. “It’s what I’ve heard.” She settled with that, her shoulder rising and falling with effortless grace.

She studied him, eyes scanning the clothes he wore and the expression he presented. She was unsure if he was telling her the truth or not because that coat said otherwise, but perhaps that was just a fashion statement. One Zarai considered him brave and bold. ”You’re a doctor. Would you not like to have the latest medical instruments or the necessary funds for your research? What is it that you practice, anyway? What do you say… field of expertise?”

”I started out as an apprentice, then became a general physician, or family doctor as the layman says. Then as epidemics happen like having cornbread for meals, I went into epidemiology, later expanding to public health as it’s closely related. So you can say I fell into my career as a doctor.” John replied. There’s also magic studies, but no need to get ahead of himself. ”As for funds, I guess instruments are nice and all, but I don’t want to feel owed, or worse.”

When the two party’s interests don’t line up, it’s fair to say that the partnership isn’t going to work out really well. Especially when one of the party’s interests (most often the scientist’s side) was to expose the wrongdoings of the other. Sure, the Varian monarchs and government sometimes weren’t good with their transparency either, but at least they had some rights to speak up, and they often left the scientists alone otherwise. Not a potentially unhinged noble who is drunk on delusions of power.

”Anyway, if by materials you mean power and wealth, I’m pretty sure I have enough. And more of that isn’t going to make me happier...” He cupped his hand together on the table, laying it on the table. ”I hope that satisfies your curiosity. How about you? What do you, what’s the word, do as heir of Puerto Vira? Now that I think about it, where is it exactly off the coast?”

She found his lack of desire for material possessions and social status admirable. It was a refreshing change from the men she usually encountered, who seemed to be obsessed with acquiring wealth and power. Or was it his honesty to admit his lack of interest that she found so appealing?

Zarai looked at his hands, examining them for a bit while she tried to form an answer to his question. What do I do? “I plan charity events and dinner parties and help Mother run the estate. Things every lady should know.” But that hadn’t answered his question. Any lady of her standing could arrange a seating chart and make meal plans.

”Hmm.” He didn’t want to say much further. He had a feeling it was kind of a non-job, but he didn’t want to make her uncomfortable about it.

“It’s in the most southern peninsula of Varian, built on the slopes of the hills there. It overlooks the sea and the sunsets are the loveliest.” If you stayed away from the docks and slums. The smell down there was horrid, the infrastructure there hadn’t been properly maintained and all the upper city waste accumulated in the slums and docks. During the summers, Zarai could smell the slums from their estate in the upper city. ”You mentioned epidemics. From your studies and experiences, what is the main cause of them?”

He held himself back from blurting out the obvious response: sanitation. This was actually a really good opportunity to check if Zarai knows things and her values.

”That’s something I’d like to know from your perspective too, as an heir to Puerto Vira.” He stood his hand on his elbows, and rested his chin on it. ”Don’t worry, I will give my answer right after. I just want to gauge the public’s knowledge.”

There are several good answers here, and several bad ones.
Zarai blinked, her brows furrowing slightly. She had intended to educate herself, but it seemed like he wanted to test her. “Cleanliness,” she answered after a moment’s pause. “At least, that’s the main cause, right? Both individual and environmental hygiene?” She tapped her index finger thoughtfully on her chin.“I’ve also heard that some pests can carry diseases, and those in more unfortunate circumstances might be more prone to encountering them.” She waved her hand dismissively. “Then there are those who say it’s the gods or evil spirits punishing the sinful, but that’s just nonsense. ” She rolled her eyes, clearly skeptical of such beliefs.
”Did I get it right?”
”Very much so.” He replied. ”That is the biological and economical side of it. There’s also the political view, in that the main cause of epidemics are inactions. People who thinks like that…the evil spirits one, I mean…You seem to be above that though.”

He leaned forward a little, his smile inched closer to Zarai’s. His cheek sank into his hand.

”If only you were there in the north that day…”

His life wouldn’t have been cut short…

“They are afraid to face the fact that their lack of action has resulted in such a loss of life that blaming it on mysticism is easier to face.” Zarai could see her mother and Sir Barrios talking just outside one of the windows. “I do thank you for noticing, however.” She was about to ask about the long-term effects of such epidemics when his expression made her stop before she could fully form the sentence in her mind.

“You’ve seen– No. You’ve lived it before.”

The good doctor gazed into Zarai’s eyes. It looked like an abyss was staring back at her. That was his answer.

Into the Land of Twilight

Tillius

---

The singing voice was heavenly, like a mother's lullaby. The siren song could pull any men, lesser men, into the throes of whatever machination they intended, and Tillius was close to it, but he learned to separate as much as possible the mind and the body. So while his mind was slowly getting seduced by the beautiful woman posing in front of him, his body forced him to stay still, grip tight on both his armaments, his feet planted onto the ground. Like a tree to the storm, he bore through the song while Carnatia stripped it of its fake beauty.

Once the mask had been unveiled to this abomination of a once beautiful woman, the spell was broken, and Tillius gave a firm headshake to throw off any stupor remaining in his system. He was careful not to over commit while everybody was simultaneously attacking it. At the same time, he steadily put his shield back onto his back and took out his two javelins, as whatever moves that thing could do to him, a shield wouldn't help anyway.

As the spider turned to run with Engelbert hanging on for dear life, Tillius was able to swing his newly acquired polearm once at the creature before it dashed away from range. The orc threw a javelin at its direction, though not hoping it would do anything substantial.

Into the Land of Twilight

Tillius

---

After failing off-load his twin falchion over to someone else, Tillius is now carrying multiple weapons at his disposal now. Truly a multi-wielder he is.

On the usual march that Tillius had grown more than used to at this point, they encountered a badly-injured man. After leaving a silent prayer to the man that Roxas would be able to finish the healing before her mana ran out, the orc readied his spear and shield when the singing start. He didn't understand the language, but the voice was so relaxing it was contagious. While fatigue had yet to creep up onto Tillius, and his muscle memory kept his grip on his weapons firm, he was slowly losing his sense of touch on them.

Avalia

Time: One Week After Human Arrival
Location: Seaside Park
Interactions: Aurora/Rowan @mole Vasco @JJ Doe
Mentions: None
Equipment: Longsword and Plate Armor

---

Why did he put up with this? After Zora's death, he could have just eloped. He owed them nothing really, and their survival record hadn't had the best of impressions. But part of him had pledged to come around with them, and he was going to keep that promise. And another part of him wanted to see that dark elf suffer for the crime he did towards the poor girl. Either way, he is now here, having to deal with this...guy...the more annoying version of Zora, a lot less obedient and disinterested in the group's goal.

"None of this alien slang, please." The polite demeanor was more veil for certain 'preferences' for this human. He had been talking weird words all night long, and Barrock was at the very end of the ropes trying to understand what he means.

When it comes to Rowan and Aurora, he was softer on considering what just happened, but he too thought that the milling about crying about Zora artistically wouldn't solve their current situation. They still had a mission to do, whatever that this rebellion gave them.

"What do we do now?" Barrock asked, mainly towards Rowan, as he was more the group leader. Barrock remembered that Zora was supposed to be trained under them before she got axed off, so he assumed Vasco was meant to be the same. "Going into the woods somewhere and train him, or what?"

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Night -> Morning 24th
Location: Lover's Lake -> Blossom Cafe
Interactions: Farim @Lava Alckon, Torvi @Tae, Roman @ReusableSword, Zarai (24th) @Rodiak
Mentions:

---

The sight of the spirits, using Roman as a conduit to discharge their fury, did little to frighten the two men in coats. All it did was confirm what Farim had been warning John about. This meant they weren't dealing with drugs, but rather magic. And also this woman.

Just before the spirits returned to their dormant states in Roman, Frederick not so subtly gave all of them a thumbs-down for their trouble. Meanwhile, John turned to Farim, who seemed surprised at John's presence. He feigned equal amazement at Farim, with two fingers crossing behind his back.

"Glad to see you around, my friend. I see the guards were getting rowdy over there, but our friendly bear Roman here have taken cared of them. As for Annie, I believe I saw her running into the forest somewhere. You might want to go after her, she might get lost."

Meanwhile, Frederick looked rather displeased at the woman asserting her authority, but his tone indicated of a disappointed father looking down on her impetuous daughter.

"That's odd, I don't recall you signing a paper, do you? You might want to be careful with your words, and your feet too, madam."

"We appreciate the help, but we are officially responsible for this man's well-being. We will take it from here."

With that, they got to work taking Roman away from this disaster of a ceremony and began his treatment elsewhere safer. As they left, Farim seemed rather suspicious of the duo. Frederick's actions weren't as discreet as they hoped it would.

"You as well, Farim." He nodded neutrally, the words left behind would befit a well-wish, but not a warning. What does he mean by this? Was it a slip of the tongue, or a cleverly veiled threat as well?

---

The incident was reported immediately. The next morning, the three doctors, Alina, Frederick, and John sat in a solitary room in the Varian guesthouse. Sorian servants were suddenly not allowed in, replaced by personal Varian servants and guards this time around. One of them at the very least looked at the news with bagged eyes.

"The Sorians aren't aware of your involvement yet." She exasperatedly said. "However, that guy, Farim, didn't seem like ones who would go quietly into the night, as you both recall. This can be a big big problem, as it could put both of you on the wanted list, completely jeopardizing our work here. Needless to say you made quite a mess yesterday."

"I acted too quickly. It's my fault, it's on me." Frederick quickly covered for John, responsibly and without excessive, if not any, emotions.

"It's on both of us." John also stood up. "The end-result puts both of us in the crosshairs, so it is our responsibility to handle it."

"This concerns the Order as well, so this is our work now." Alina folded the newspaper and tossed it elsewhere. "I'll write a letter to Hunter, telling him to come back. You both ask Ravenwood a favor. See what that precious little princess has to say, and what that Alidasht guy wanted to do, then we'll go from there. Worst case he decides to blabber, he gets the blackout treatment."

"We should move fast then, otherwise it won't be worst case scenario at all." John suggested. "I can check on Farim, see what he has to say."

"No no no no. If you say he's suspicious of both of you, then he will have his guards up when talking to you." Alina protested. "I'll ask if anyone of us have contact with him. If he approaches you, then act normally. Don't expect anything out of him."

"Alright. Then Frederick, you should lay low for now. Stay inside until we figure out what's going on." John said, as close to an order as it could be, but Frederick understood his position

"Got it."

"What do you think I should do then?" John turned to Alina, who shrugged.

"I think you should just go out like you would as a visitor." She replied. "But do not, I repeat do NOT, get into more fights." The doctor chuckled, something Alina didn't find particularly funny. "I'm serious! You've attracted attentions at the park, got on Count Calbert's watchlist, now you assaulted a princess. Thank god, your reputation is so solid people are doubting the story."

"On that note, when is that guy making his move on John?" Frederick asked, crossing his arms.

"Soon. I'll keep my heads up when out and about. If a fight is inevitable, then..." He moved his hand crossing his neck.

"Fine." Alina rolled her eyes. "Your medicine is refilled. Take it, and head out at your leisure. If nothing else, this concludes the meeting."

The three stood up at the same time, one of their hands crossed their chest upward, their hand located beneath their golden medicinal pin.

"For peace and harmony across the land, one pill at a time." They repeated in unison. Then they parted.

---

The weather today was pretty gloomy, but it was fine for John's standard. It made him easier to fit in with the common citizenry, though as today, he wore a yellow jacket over his usual suit, the embroidery certainly stood out among other more prestigious and royal-looking individuals. The pattern looked more rugged, primitive, though not dirty by any means, yet contrasting with the modern collar design, it's a weird and interesting mix.

He arrived at the cafe later than others, finding out about this date opportunity only just earlier. Hopefully this time, there won't be any problems. He knew the watchers that might be on him, but he too also wanted to check out for romantic interests. It was one of his original goals upon coming to Sorian, aside from visiting old friends and teachers, before everything began to go south against him.

He was given a number, and escorted to the table number to match. The woman he was paired with today was nobody strange. It was Lady Lesdeman. He met her during Princess Sadie's picnic. That one at least was pretty fun, though she wasn't in the best of mood nor conditions then. Now though, she was pretty. Her blonde hair gracefully rested on her shoulders, as she sat awaiting him. Her beauty was worth a smile, as he would approaching her.

"Lady Lesdeman, we meet again! I hope you're doing fantastic in this rather gloomy morning."

Avalia

Time: One Week After Human Arrival
Location: Seaside Park
Interactions: Aurora/Rowan @mole Vasco @JJ Doe
Mentions: None
Equipment: Longsword and Plate Armor

---

The orc had a few long nights thinking about that battle with the dark elf. His battle instincts all told him that it was a fool's errand to be able to save Zora. He was simply too far away, too slow, and the elf was too fast. But it still hurt to think if he could have. All the possible scenario swirled in his head. Could he have done something if he had spotted Veric earlier? Could he have prevented it if he instead of jumping away, he had moved in and take the initial hit? He couldn't help but wonder in silence. Thankfully, just as annoyingly however, he didn't have that much silence to begin with. Replacing Zora for the human role was this guy Vasco.

He was restless. Spared no gaps between silence. He kept asking everything, from why his skin was green, to poking at the sword he used. While it did the job of distracting him from thinking about Zora, it ticked him off to no end. And not to mention he liked to sneak off and do his own thing. Rowan had already told him specifically to not do that, but who is to stop him. He had already done so the night before, but thankfully Barrock predicted where he was going to go.

When dawn began to break, Barrock headed over to Rowan while Vasco was still asleep.

“Friend,” Rowan spoke to Barrock. “You watched Vasco all last night as promised?”

"As instructed." He lifted an eyebrow above his blood-red eyes. Both metaphorically and literally. "I do not trust him alone. My presence here already risks him wandering off somewhere."

In fact, he might have already did.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Evening
Location: Edge of Lover's Lake
Interactions: Torvi/Mina @Tae, Roman @ReusableSword, Anatasia
Mentions:

---

"Of course nothing goes smoothly."

Without a beat, Frederick swung his hand on the back of Anastasia's head, strong but with tempered measure, very forcefully make her go as gently as possible into the dreamland.

"Wait, that's the princess." John just realized who their target was, as she fell on his arm unconscious. It sent a cold up his throat.

"That's why I acted. She does not need to know." Frederick cracked his knuckles. "We've seen enough. Let's move."

He did not hesitate to dash in already, not even waiting for John's readiness or observation. He was a military man, he trusted John to be right behind him with his syringes at the ready.

When John and Frederick emerged clear from the forest, entering the fight with Roman from the side, with Farim at one end and Torvi on a tug of war with him. They did not stop to consider what Torvi seemed to be doing, they jumped straight on Roman one at a time, who seemed to be more than distracted at the sight in front of him. Frederick was first, he stomped on Roman's knee joint from behind, then he would slam his fist on the back of his head. If it knocked him out here, all the merrier. John is right behind him, ready to detoxify him.

Into the Land of Twilight

Tillius

---

It didn't seem like the hologram was sentient. The orc leaned side to side while it was talking and it didn't react to it, only when he had the spear, a message from the long departed.

From what he could figure, this spear had a stained past. Whoever was named Lukman was clearly very attached to the spear, and likely a good warrior to back its mythical status, but something had happened that made both the owner, the hologram to harbour such conflict towards this spear. For the elves, these objects and artifacts had a romantic notion to them as if they too are also human, and their legacy are tied to that of their owners. Tillius couldn't say he fully understood the sentimentality, but the blade clearly was in good shape, so its story continues to be written. Like that elf said, he ought to use this for the purpose of good, whatever that means with this group of adventurers.

Tillius spent a couple more minutes than the rest looking over the quality of this nifty weapon he just acquired. Even with just a whiff, the air already cried pain. It's a good weapon, something he would have loved to have possessed back in his service. And better yet, since it was made by elves for elves, the weight of the weapon was nowhere near heavy enough for him to be used with two hands. It wouldn't hinder his ability to use it in conjunction with the shield, unlike the two falchions that actually required two hands to use to its fullest extent. However, he is at the limit of his capacity.

Finally, he joined back the group. Like Rezello, he caught the tail-end of the conversation. Letting the lads have the discussion of whether or not they should carry around that skull that could potentially put everyone in jeopardy, Tillius stood by Rezello.

"Out of curiosity, how good are you with spears? Or twin swords?" He said to the man, still looking at the group hurdling in the workshop.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Evening
Location: Edge of Lover's Lake
Interactions: Not yet
Mentions: Torvi/Mina @Tae, Roman @ReusableSword, Sorian Guards @princess

---

For most of the celebrations, the two doctors recused himself in the woods, only observing the celebration from a safe if not unseen distance, their black jackets blended harmonically in the evening mist. They mostly chatted, observed other celebration goers and often times, mostly for the younger and excitable John, humming to the sound of the music. However, they both did not participate in the celebratory feasts or dance. It is easy to get swept up in the heat of the moment, and as doctors, they needed to stay vigilant for others who might be in or causing trouble. Case in point.

"What in the hell is happening?" John looked upon the stage, seeing his friend, Roman, acting strange and then getting piled on by several guards.

"Hmm?" Frederick turned towards the stage on command, as Roman was slowly breaking free of his grasp. His eyes flattened for a few seconds. "Looks like he might be drugged."

"Drugged? We have to restrain him pronto. A man of his size is a juggernaut." John proclaimed.

"Patience." Frederick crossed both his arms, his head gestured in the direction of the few city guards. They didn't seem aware of the two doctor's presence, but the two can hear them easily. They were here for Violet, so unrelated.

Roman finally broke free after a minute or so of struggling, now John's fear materialized, as he began rampaging through the remaining guards and towards the Sorian guards. The escalation had gone to the moon, with weapons drawn now. But Frederick continued to observe and held John back.

"That woman..." He raised an eyebrow in annoyance, fearing that Roman might charge her and lost attention on the Sorian guards instead. He wanted them neutralized first before taking action, but if it came to this, they might have to take action anyway. He wasn't sure if that hooded woman had nefarious purpose or not, but the focus is on Roman first, and he felt it necessary to remind John of that. His temper was close to bursting seeing her being threatened.

"Frederick..." John looked over.

"Trust my judgement." He calmly said, the military man in him coming out. But his posture changed this moment, from casual observance to professional vigilance.

Into the Land of Twilight

Tillius

---

Tillius followed Carnatia shortly after, catching the hologram in the midst of its explanation. The orc was eager to look around, but considering the last few fights or so, he only loosened the wrap on his helmet. It is still possible that this holographic elf could end up smacking the group in the face again if they deemed them a threat. But for now, he seemed content on letting the group take whatever they wanted.

Tillius was curious though. That hologram seemed sentient enough to recognize the group's presence, and even come up to respond to Roxas. This wasn't the golem, where that thing was pre-programmed. He wondered what kind of creature this is? A piece of technology, magic, or this is what elves are in this land, knowing how weird it could get.

While Roxas went for the bow, Tillius went for the polearm. He laid his shield to rest against the wall and picked up the weapon. Even just holding it he felt the superior craftsmanship of the elves. The slight chill as it made contact with his bare skins, the glint from its sharp blades, the scratches and dents from past combat. It was...a bit too beautiful.

"That hologram did say it's almost a millennia and a half since someone stepped in here..." He mumbled as he looked over the spears again.