forum The Veil of Shadows (OxO Closed)

Started July 14, 2023 by @LolaBug

tune

Cassian's heart pounds in his chest as he carefully navigates through the dimly lit corridors of the enemy hideout. His eyes dart from shadow to shadow, every sense on high alert. He knows that one wrong move could cost him and his soldiers their lives. The fate of his team rests on his shoulders, and he can't afford to make a single mistake.

With a subtle hand signal, Cassian motions his team to halt. He presses his back against the cold, damp wall, straining his ears to catch any sign of movement. The tension in the air is palpable as his soldiers wait, their weapons at the ready. The enemy could be around any corner, and Cassian knows they must proceed with utmost caution.

Silently, he glances back at his team, a reassuring look in his eyes. They all trust him implicitly, knowing that he has led them through countless battles before, and he will lead them safely out of this one too. Each member of the team mirrors his resolve, determination etched on their faces.

With a nod from Cassian, they move forward once more. He guides them through a labyrinth of narrow passages and hidden traps, using his extensive knowledge of enemy tactics to avoid potential dangers. His instincts have kept him alive in countless engagements, and now they guide his men to safety.

As they near the exit, the tension in the air grows thicker. Every step feels like a lifetime as Cassian's mind races through the possible scenarios that could unfold. He can almost taste the sweet taste of freedom, but he knows they can't let their guard down until they are well beyond the enemy's reach.

Cassian leads the way out of the hideout, his soldiers following close behind. As they step into the cool night air, a wave of relief washes over them. They made it. Cassian's eyes sweep over his team, filled with pride and gratitude for their unwavering trust and courage.

But there's no time for celebration just yet. They know they must put distance between themselves and the enemy's territory. With a final glance back at the hideout, Cassian steels himself for the journey ahead.

Raziel sighs softly, looking through Nimari's eyes as he appeared within his own home. A small apartment above an infirmary in the capital. Raziel was an esitimeed healer, good at what he does. He knows he's saved countless lives and well, most people who came here wanted to see him and no one else. Sorry, but I'm too busy to see every Joe and Jane in this city.

He walks to his footlocker at the end of the bed and opens it, pulling all the pointless things out and lifting the false bottom. Inside was a place for his mask and jacket. He puts them neatly in, taking up only a centimeter of space and covers it, putting everything back in. He then sits on his bed, focusing on Nimari.

~~

Nimari follows, silent as a cat, as the warriors make it out of the hideout. She stays out of sight, careful not to make a sound as she trails them. She relaxes once they make it outside, but she knows they aren't safe. Not yet. they need a faster transport than their feet if they want to get past the invisible line in which the bombs would explode.

She sits down on her haunches, licks her paw and says, "You'll need to move faster than your feet can carry you if you want to make it."

Cassian turns when he hears a voice that he doesn’t recognize. Spotting the dragon cat, his eyes narrow. “Go back to your master, cat,” He tells her simply, not wanting to deal with whatever this is. The group has their vehicles waiting not too much further from here. They’ll be there shortly as long as there are no more interruptions. Before he can say much more, the sound of explosions going off in the distance takes over his thoughts. Survival mode is setting in.

“Move! Move! Get to the vehicles!" Cassian shouts, his voice cutting through the chaos of war. He raises his hand, signaling his troops to follow him, and they sprout into action without hesitation.

As they finally reach the extraction point, a collective sigh of relief sweeps through the convoy. Their vehicles form a protective circle, and they continue to scan their surroundings, ready for any last-minute surprises.

Cassian allows himself a moment to catch his breath, wiping the sweat from his brow. He looks at the faces of his soldiers, grateful that they have made it through this harrowing experience. They have faced death and survived, thanks to their training, teamwork, and their leader's steady guidance.

The mission is far from over, but for now, they are safe. They will regroup, assess their situation, and continue the fight against the tyranny that threatens their land. Cassian knows that more challenges lie ahead, but he is determined to lead his soldiers with courage and honor, wherever the path may lead them.

Raziel blinks and his vision clears, a soft sigh of relief blowing through his lips. No one would be seeing him today. He lays back crossing his arms behind his head, Make sure they don't come across any trouble, okay, Nimari? He could picture his familiar dipping her head and spreading her wings, readying for takeoff.

~~

Nimari springs into the air, flying after the group and circling above them, looking down. She did not like Raziel being refereed to as her 'master', she preferred 'friend' or 'companion'. She felt her throat grow hot with the measly flames she could breath. This gift came from her dragon, side, but it was weak. She preferred the stealth and darkness of the shadows,, just like Raziel did. She would follow these people, then return home.

Finally, the vehicles are in sight, and Cassian's heart pounds in his chest. There is no time to waste. He motions for his soldiers to take their positions inside the vehicles while he ensures that everyone is accounted for. He refuses to leave anyone behind.

"Load up! Now!" Cassian barks, his voice still firm but tinged with urgency. One by one, his soldiers scramble into the safety of the armored vehicles, moving with practiced precision.

As the last soldier jumps aboard, Cassian slams the door shut behind them and takes a deep breath. The sound of bombs still echoes in the distance, but now they are inside the protective shell of their vehicles, somewhat shielded from the immediate danger.

Cassian grits his teeth, trying to mask the pain shooting up his leg with each step. He prides himself on being agile and quick, but the injury he sustained during the last mission threatens to put him out of action for an indefinite period. Of course he would be unlucky enough to gain an injury on the leg that his missing half of. He knows he has to seek the aid of a skilled healer to mend his leg and get back on his feet.

With determination etched across his face, Cassian makes his way through the bustling streets of the city towards the healer's sanctum. The scent of incense fills the air, mingling with the chatter of merchants and the occasional laughter of children playing. The healer's place is known for its mystic aura, and people from all corners seek solace within its walls.

As he approaches the entrance, Cassian hesitates for a moment, his hand hovering over the heavy wooden door. He can't afford to show weakness or vulnerability, not even to the healer. But his injury is undeniable, and the pain has become too much to bear. Taking a deep breath, he knocks on the door.

Raziel sighs and closes his eyes. It wasn't busy, just a few people here and there, and the long term patents were being tended to by his nurses. Gentle folk with soft words and kind hands. Raziel gets up from his desk, where he was trying to fill out the paperwork for some young woman. He walks over to the large wooden doors, looking at them. Before, one would have a to haul the large doors open,any magic not working on the doors. But Raziel had found a way to magically open them from the inside only. He did this now and almost froze when he saw Cassian.

He smiles, "Welcome, come in." He steps aside, his gaze flitting over the warrior, assessing and looking for the cause of his visit. He locates it quickly and amends his words.

"Do you need any help? It looks painful to be walking, try as you might to hide it from me."

Cassian steps inside, his face showing a mixture of weariness and relief upon seeing Raziel. It takes a lot for him to be willing to seek help. Unfortunately, the placement of this wound is in a place that he simply can't ignore. "Thank you," He says gruffly, accepting the invitation. The warrior's movements are somewhat stiff, and he winces as he eases himself further into the room.

"I took a bit of a beating during a recent mission. Nothing too serious, but enough to make walking a challenge."

There was an unfortunate incident with some bomb shrapnel. Usually such an injury could be avoided but one of the newer soldiers on his team made a mistake and he took the consequence of it.

Raziel keeps looking him over and then scowls, "You have small, tiny wounds. Like bruises. Do you never go see a healer?"

Raziel's words are soft, and yet firm. He seemed to be mother hening over the wounded warrior and he crosses his arms. Currently, he was wearing jeans and some shirt made from a soft material. Not the typical healer wear, but it was what made Raziel comfortable and well, he did his best work when comfortable.

He leads Cassian to a small room with a bed, "Just sit there while I get your information for your file."

Cassian raises his brows when the healer proceeds to scold him like he's a child. "They are minor. Why should I waste a healer's time when I will heal on my own?" He sees no reason to visit a healer unless he absolutely must.

If he weren't so caught off guard by the fussing, perhaps he would be amused by it. Most people wouldn't try speak to him in such a manner. It's almost refreshing. He takes a moment to study Raziel, curious as to why he's wearing such abnormal attire for a healer. It seems so out of place considering what the others in the room are wearing while they tend to their patients.

He takes a seat on the bed, relieved to have the weight off of his leg. He's been doing more walking around than he should with this injury and now he's suffering for it.

Raziel huffs, "It's not wasting a healers time. It is their job. And my apprentices could use the practice. They need to start somewhere. They can not start off healing these kinds of wounds." He motions to Cassian's leg, "They have to start small. Minor cuts and bruises. By not coming here, you are taking away their moments to learn."

Raziel shakes his head, "No, you must come when you get hurt. No matter how insignificant it seems to you." He sits down into a chair, "Now tell me, Name, age, when the wound happened. Everything."

I swear, Nimari, if he got hurt while you were supposed to make sure nothing happened and you didn't tell me about it. Well, I won't give you snuggles tonight.

Cassian resists the urge to roll his eyes. While he does acknowledge that Raziel has a point, he's reluctant to admit it. "I suppose you are right," He concedes, recognizing the importance of giving the apprentices opportunities to learn and practice their healing skills. However, he is holding his tongue so he doesn't say something he should keep to himself.

"My name is Cassian. I'm twenty-six years old," He begins, offering the requested information. "The wound happened a days ago during the aftermath of a skirmish in the eastern forest. We were leaving a hostile environment and one of my men misstepped and set off a bomb. The explosion was delayed which granted us the ability to get away but I suppose I didn't move fast enough." The information is there but he keeps the details limited.

He always ensures that his men get to safety before he does. This time it just ended rather painfully from him. It's unfortunate but he doesn't regret his actions.

Raziel nods, recording the information, "Selfless. . ." He murmurs to himself, a small smile on his face.

He clears his throat, "And instead of going to a medic, to see if the wound really was minor, you just, kept going with your life? You seem to be a selfless guy, but someone like you should realize how selfish it is to make a choice like that. If that leg gets infected, and you make it so you cant work anymore, who is going to protect your team? To prtect them, you must also take car of yourself, Mr. Cassian."

Nice to have a name to a face. He thinks, looking the man over and then sighing. He stands, "Show me the wound, please."

"Yes, I just kept going with my life. My responsibilities don't get put on hold because of a minor injury." He has way to much on his plate to be going to the healer every time he has a wound that's inconvenient. The only reason he's here now is because of the placement of said wound. As much as he hates to admit it, the location is proving to be unmanageable.

The lecture about taking care of himself so he can protect his team goes right over his head. It's nothing that he hasn't heard a million times before.

"What are they going to do if it gets infected? Cut off my leg?" He rolls up his pant leg as high as he can, revealing the prosthetic leg he has. The cut is right at the edge of the prosthetic, causing the metal from his leg to rub against it with every step. It's an angry red by now, clearly irritated by his constant movement.

Raziel's gaze locks with the warrior's "Foolish and arrogant, I see. This-" He prods the wound, "Is not 'minor' as you put it. It's halfway to infected. And, well, if they have to chop off any more of your leg, well, you'll be out of a job for sure."

He sighs, brushing his thumb over the wound gently, numbing the nerves. "I'm putting you on bed rest for a few days so I can make sure you're healthy." He closes his eyes, his hands starting to glow softly as he slowly heals the wound. After a moment, he opens his eyes, though he keeps healing Cassian and he meets the other man's gaze.

"And since you seem to be as thick headed as you are stubborn and selfless. I will personally be checking in on you once a week with an apprentice of mine. Just to make sure there's nothing wrong."

Cassian winces slightly as Raziel prods the wound, and then he feels the gentle numbness spreading through the injured area. Unfortunately, it seems as though all care he's going to receive here will be accompanied by a scolding. That is something he doesn't enjoy.

As Raziel continues to heal him, he holds the healer's gaze, not flinching away. There's something about those eyes……They seem eerily familiar but he can't quite figure out why.

"Bed rest? I don't have time for bed rest," He huffs, snapping out of his thoughts when informed he needs to stay in bed. There's no way he's agreeing to that. He has a million things he needs to do. Bed rest isn't an option. Already, he's working on getting off of the bed so he can get out of here.

"I appreciate the help but I have somewhere to be."

Raziel focuses on healing Cassian's leg, his lips pressed lightly together. His gaze stays in contact with the warrior and then he pulls his hands away the wound only partially healed, "No time for bedrest? I'll contact your commanding officer and tell them not to give you any assignments. Then you wont be 'too busy'."

He turns, pulling out a tablet, humming softly under his breath. He starts typing, but when Cassian moves, the tablet is left floating in the air and Raziel is forcing him back down onto the bed. "I will restrain you if I must, I don't want to but I will."

At this angle, Cassian can see the tip of a tattoo. Black, swirling ink and the tip of a horn. A somehow familiar sight.

(Because the tattoo is where Nimari rests, and Cassian saw the tatto of her when Raziels hood fell back and he saw Nimari in the base)

Cassian winces as Raziel's hands leave his leg, the pain only partially alleviated. He narrows his eyes at the mention of contacting his commanding officer. "You wouldn't dare," He grumbles. "I can't afford to be sidelined, not now. There's too much at stake."

As Raziel pulls out the tablet and starts typing, Cassian decides to test his luck and attempts to sit up, his jaw clenched in pain. But before he can get far, the healer swiftly forces him back onto the bed, and Cassian grunts in frustration. "You're a pain in the ass, you know that?" He mutters.

His eyes are drawn to the tattoo peeking out from Raziel's clothes, and something about it seems oddly familiar. "What's the story behind that?" Cassian asks, trying to distract himself from the throbbing pain in his leg.

(Things are going to explode when he figures this out lol)