RP:Hiring the Healer
Part of the Birds of A Feather Arc
Summary: Arien meets and hires the lycan druid Araina, to the position of naval fleet medic, the need for healers aboard every fleet vessel having increased wit the uptick of attacks on the naval and merchant vessels sailing the channel.
Characters: Arien, Araina
Location: Rynvale; Harbor.
Arien: Along the stone fortified pier, the governor stood huddled against the sudden stiff sea breeze that seemed to kick up upon the lighting of the signal fires. Perhaps some sign of the blessing of the gods upon their endeavors? It was needed, with the current uptick in activity out on the channel. In the moment she felt a sense of dissatisfaction. The seeming impossible had been accomplished, and the Royal fleet and the harbor which would see to its security and that of the merchant traders who ran the supply routs between the island and Cenril, were complete-and yet, it had not been enough. She was not used to failure. Emerald gaze lifted to peer across the stillness of the harbor towards the massive portcullis that was swinging open ceremoniously to admit the flagship of the fleet from the waters without. Something would have to be done..and soon to avoid losses where she had once thought only gain to be present.
Araina moved through the crowd swiftly, the lycan's natural grace earning her safe passage through the bustling streets seemlessly with only a few bumps here and there from passersby. Ebon waves curled about a feminine face to fall without place nor pattern about her shoulders, the breeze coming off the water keeping the offending strands out of her face. There was so much movement here, she noticed, so much purpose in said movement. It was comforting, that, as one should always have a reason for such endevours than merely floundering through their days. The druid had her own purpose as she stopped near the edge of the water, emerald hues scanning, quick and thorough in their inspection. A petite seemingly harmless looking woman, though should one care to gaze hard enough, they would see the intelligence, the cunning that shone through such bright orbs. The lycaness raked her eyes across the towering wall, noting each and every guard placement, every torch. Even with her shield's raised, she felt the bare stirrings of loss, of failure coating her tongue as the tequila she so favored might. She knew not really what she was doing here, but she knew whom she was searching for, if merely by reputation.
Arien was, for the moment lost in thought, eyes fixed pensive upon the horizon where the sun lowered with each passing minute toward the sea. She would have to increase the frequency and size of patrols in the channel, a tricky endeavor, given that those waters were technically shared domain. She had learned however, that a line was no sooner made than breeched, and she would rather mark her line beyond true boundaries, than within her waters.. If the pirates claimed prizes within her waters it would not be long before the passage of traders was reduced as captains sought safer ports. It was unacceptable. In some part of her mind she was aware of movement on the docks behind her; movement that attracted notice because of its precision of focus and direction in the midst of the general organized chaos that was the port at sundown. Such purpose usually bespoke import..either in the nature of risk, or news..and the elven governor braced herself for either. Almost unnoticeably, her fingertips drifted to within reach of her blade hilt.
Araina felt the attention of another, as it focused directly upon her, even though the woman did not look at her. A fine trait that, the ability to be aware, but normally unnoticably so. It would only be felt by the empath simply because she was sensitive to such things. Emerald hues sought the disturbance, landing on an elven female standing atop the pier. Keen interest kicked in, her natural ability allowing her to notice the slight, unhurried movement towards what she was sure was a weapon, though she could not see it at this particular angle. She kept her gaze on thos wandering fingers as she approached the woman. Quickly running it through in her mind, she comes to the conclusion that perhaps coming up behind without warning would not be the wisest course of action. She stopped short of the female, keeping a respectable distance just in case the woman viewed her as a threat and was one of those 'kill and maim now, ask questions later types.
Arien was no empath, but she was aware of the moment that the approaching woman-for that much was evident by now- came up upon her. Given the halt of the female, fingers eased from their temporary home, that hand raising to dip fingers into flame red strands that whipped around her face in another sudden gust of wind. Her voice, when it came, would be melodic and clam..bearing some undernote of amusement. “Well..are you going to stand and stare..or speak your mind?..” she asked quietly, though her head would not turn from its current angle, or her eyes be removed from their current fixation on the oceanic skyline.
Araina :: Unpainted lips tilted into a smile as the woman chuckled, the sound low and bearing a gravel-like quality, much as a growl would from a canine's throat though it was strangely pleasant to the ear. " I could simply stare, though nothing would get accomplished by merely admiring your visage." It was spoke freely and in a friendly nature such was the way of the woman. Fiercely loyal and trusting, she was also innately friendly which is what generally got her into trouble. Something such as curiousity killing something or another, though the woman did no put much stocks in fables of any kind.
Arien laughed softly. “Indeed, nothing would..which might be sad indeed if what you desire to accomplish is something of worth.” Finally would the elf turn to meet the vibrant eyes of the druid, a smile lingering in her own. “I shall assume, at the very least that you wished contact with me. How may I be of service.?” She asked quietly, keen gaze sweeping over the woman.
Araina allowed the perusal of her person willingly, performing a quick scan of the elfess in turn. With a light smile, she offered a delicate hand, manners coming to the forefront, " Araina Leoganthe. My sister Yasmine recommended that I come talk to you about perhaps joining you in your venture." An inquisitive smile was offered, " I hear you're in need of a healer?"
Arien’s smile grew a tad wider, before settling into her familiar placid expression. “Did she indeed?..” the elf inquired softly. “And did she also tell you precisely which venture she spoke of? I have..several, as it were..” And Arien did not lie. Was the druid seeking kinship of her clan? Employ in her city? And what might this ..Yasmine..know of either? In times of open hostilities, the elf was always wary of those who appeared suddenly from nowhere to offer their services. “I will admit however, that I am in need of a healer..for most of them.” The half smile returned.
Araina noticed the change in expression and fought the urge to loft a brow, it would not do to offend one she was looking to for help, or employment such as it was. The empath merely stood still, listening intently for any misconceptions that would betray the elfess of lending falsehoods. None were present, and the druid smiled once more, lowering the offered hand as the woman had not taken it. She wondered silently whether that was an insult, or merely the woman being cautious. With a slight tilt of an ebon head, she replied quietly, " She did not offer specifics, as she supposed you would rather be the one to do the talking. I believe she would have considered it an injustice to explain for you, perhaps an insult?" Emerald hues gazed intently, still feeling the woman out, there was something about her that felt a little off. Not bad, necessarily simply off. She returned the smile with one of her own, " I am...open to possibilities Miss...." she trailed off, wondering if the woman would offer a name.
Arien was not one to be rude, but she had been heavily distracted. Only when the offered hand was being removed, did she actually see it, and a shadow of apologetic consternation entered her gaze. “I am sorry..” she murmured quietly, “I am being most inhosbitable. I am Arien, governor of Rynvale, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you to our city,” she added, sketching dip of her chin the druid’s way. It would seem the woman’s answer was enough to satisfy..That, or her own guilt for being so cool with one who came with offer of help, nudged her toward a warmer demeanor. “We are in fact of need of healers aboard the fleet. There has been an uptick in raids upon our naval and merchant vessels..violent raids that oft result in casualties. Sometimes these men die, because there are none experienced aboard to tend to their injuries until they make it to port. I would see this matter addressed with a healer upon every vessel who flies our flag..if it can be managed. I would be honored for you to serve.”
Araina met this explanation with a dazzling smile, an acceptance of apology as well as an affirmitive answer, " I would be honored to serve, though I would be remiss to readily agree without more information." She gestured with her hands as she spoke, absently allowing emphasis to her words. She would also need to speak with Cerinii, though that could be done privately as she was sure her mate would have much to say on the matter. Considering the plight of needing more healers, the woman spoke softly, sincerely as she wanted to help whether she accepted the position or not, " There is another healer I know of who might be of some use. He can be rather....incessantly annoying at times, but he is thorough and does very well with practical tending. If you find yourself frequenting Kelay anytime in the near future perhaps you might speak with him, his name is Strend."
Arien smiled. “Kelay is my second home..my clan is housed within its forests. I must admit to some reluctance to frequent the tavern there of late, but that is often the place where it might be easiest to establish such connections,” she said dryly. “I cannot promise that I will find him..but if you believe him capable, and interested..do feel free to point him my way. Our offices are easy enough to find.” Arien fell into a slow strolling stride next to the healer, inviting her to walk along the docks beside her. “I will share as much unclassified information as you are willing to hear…but I must admit that we are ourselves in the beginning stages of our investigations..I likely know, as much as you do” A smile tugged on her lips. Which, at the moment..was not saying very much.
Araina smiled slightly, bitter amusement lacing her words as she fell into step alongside the woman, " I would...should he ever willingly pull his head from his arse. We've had...a disagreement of sorts. He doesn't approve of my mate, nor she him. It's a difficult situation." She spoke rather simply, but the situation caused her pain and she attempted to reign in her wayward emotions, they would pose no help here. She took a moment to offer a few assurances, " Arien, whether or not I join you in this venture, my capabilties are offered as they are needed. If you find yourself in port and are in need, all you must do is send word and I would come willingly. My only reservation is that I'm not sure how my mate would handle the long periods asea." She gazed up at the wall once more, allowing emerald hues to follow the path along the horizon, " I would be happy for any information on these...investigations as you put it."
Arien cast a curious glance the druid’s way. It was not her business to enquire after the personal matters of one not yet even tied to her service. “Our need, unfortunately, abides not in port..but at sea where initial first aid is required in the event of an assault. It is inherently a dangerous job, naturally. But on one point I can assure you-you will not be required to long tours at sea. Patrol ships leave port to serve their duty at set times- most individual ships tour twice a day. Crewmen are not required to stay with their ship while it is in port..only to serve their tour for the mere hours per day it demands. It is no different than a day at the office, unless you have a night shift- We have a large enough fleet that no one captain or crew is unduly burdened. As she spoke, her assessing gaze was sweeping past Araina’s form to the ships beyond, watching one, even now, in the process of hoisting anchor to head to the portculliss and out to sea on its evening tour. “You may take what time you need, to come to your final decision however.” She added assuringly. “Thus far, what we know is little enough. It would seem that the pirates who laid hold of Southern Cenril, have taken it upon themselves to poach loot in our waters. A breech of our security that cannot be tolerated, especially as it harms an already fragile economy.” She finished solemnly. The fleet will be tasked with the duty of ensuring that their activity..if it continues..will not bear successful fruit- it will, for the most part, provide escort for, and a ring of protection for the merchant vessels sailing the channel.” Arien smiled again. “It is as much as I can tell you at the moment..such is already public knowledge.”
Araina let her shoulders rise and fall gently in a shrug, " Is more than I knew previously so I would consider it valuable information." She rolled her neck gently, gaining some slight satisfaction as the bones cracked and provided temporary relief, " If it is merely a few hours a day, whether it be once or twice, I see no problem in giving you an answer now." She slowed to a halt, indicating absently to the elf that she should as well. Following the traditions of old as one pledged their service, their life to another, the lycaness dropped subserviantly to one knee, her prideful nature taking a backseat as she bowed her head. Whether or not this was expected, she expected nothing less for herself as she spoke, " I pledge my life, my duty, my abilities to you Lady Arien, in hopes that I may provide some relief from the increasing death at sea, until such a point you release me, I feel I am no longer needed, or have succumbed to the everlasting slumber that is death." It may have seemed a bit dramatic, but the lycaness was sincere as she lifted her emerald hues to meet the perhaps inquiring orbs of the other woman. She held out an arm, and should the elfess take it, the bargain would be made.
The moment the lycan began to lower herself to her knee, the elf’s fingers flew forward to rest upon her shoulder. “Rise, Araina,” she commanded quietly. “While I accept your pledge, and am honored by it..you will find that I treat those within my service, as equals. You are a free spirit, and are bound to none..Do not bow your knee..” The rosen lips curved gently in a warm smile, her emerald depths shimmering with appreciation. “But I take your hand, healer..and thank you for the life you will guard..” Helping the woman to her feet, Arien would grasp her hand in warrior’s clasp, before releasing it to bring it to rest, fist clasped, over her heart in singular salute. “You may report to the admiral at your earliest convenience. She will inform you of your duty schedule and fleet assignment.”
Araina rose as she was told, a dimpled smile crossing her features as her own hand grasped the woman's forearm in a respectful way, then allowed her hand to fall and rest over her own heart, mirroring the appropriate responses. She nodded, grinning, " I'll be certain to do so, Arien."
Arien smiled. “Excellent..you will be a worthy crew member I am certain. Now, if you will pardon my haste, there is much yet that I have to attend to this night. The work never ends..” Hands falling behind her back, and her chin dipping in farewell once more, the elf was already making clear preparations for her departure.
Araina offered a smile in return, pleased that everything had gone so well, " Thank you for your time Arien. Have a lovely evening. I must be off as well, give Ceri the good news and pray she doesn't kill me." With a chuckled, the druid turns to leave as well, waving a light goodbye as she took off back towards Kelay.