forum The Veil of Shadows (OxO Closed)

Started July 14, 2023 by @LolaBug

tune

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)

(Yeah, I know-)

Raziel laughs softly, "You're team can't afford to have you collapse in the middle of combat either. Their well being, as well as yours is the most important. So you can live to fight another day." Raziel murmurs softly, his words and tone soothing.

Raziel keeps Cassian pinned down and flashes his iconic playful grin, "Yes, I know, but I must admit, I am one hell of an awesome looking asshole." He winks, his tone equally playful as he leans away from the other man, a surprised expression on his face.

"What? Oh, my tattoo?" He shrugs his shoulder and covers it with his shirt, "It's my familiar, she's resting at the moment and lnding me her strength so I can do my work. She's adorable and cute. She's also a rare breed."

Cassian snorts, finding himself unable to resist the teasing banter even in his current state. "Oh, so now you're calling yourself awesome, huh? Modesty doesn't suit you,” He retorts, more amused than he ought to be by this strange interaction.

He swats at the hands currently holding him in place. Though he knows that it’s important for him to rest and heal, he’s not happy about it. There are a dozen things he should be doing right now and laying in a bed is not one of them.

As Raziel covers the tattoo, Cassian's curiosity only grows. "A familiar, huh? I know a few people who have one, but they're not exactly common," He remarks, admittedly surprised to hear this. The tattoo seems so familiar to him. If it wouldn’t be such a strange request, he would ask to see the tattoo in full so he could figure out why it’s familiar.

(It’ll definitely unfold quickly lol)

Raziel's grin turns into that familiar smirk he can't seem to hold back now. "I am awesome. Normally, that wound on your leg would take two or three healers and a couple hours. Me? I did it by myself and its halfway healed in ten minutes." His smirk only grows, again the gesture was too familiar.

Raziel removes his hands from the warriors and tursn back to the floating tablet, taking it from the air, "I will still be sending that message to your commanding officer, Mr. Cassian."

Raziel tenses, "Yes, it's an amazing bond to have and well treasured. I don not know what I would do without my sweet Nimari."

Cassian rolls his eyes at the less than subtle brag. He has no idea how true that is so he simply goes along with it. "Very humble, aren't you?" The sarcasm drips from his tone. He finds it amusing but he wouldn't admit to that. There's no need to make the healer more smug than he already is.

Something about this entire interaction has him on edge. The little mannerisms, the tattoo, and those eyes……He can't quite place why it all seems so familiar. He knows he has to have met this man before. But when? And why does he feel so wary about it?

The tensing from the healer has him even more suspicious. Not wanting to act on his thoughts yet, he makes sure to keep a neutral expression on his face.

Raziel laughs softly, his eyes glimmering, "Yes, I am very humble. Now, just relax." He lifts his hand, the light flickering back and he hovers them over Cassian's leg.

He focuses on his work, that light up lift to the corner of his mouth still there. He was enjoying himself, but he was alsso careful to keep the tattoo hidden. Most people with familiars would flaunt theirs. But Raziel wasn't, he was trying to keep his hidden, for goo reason. He knew that Cassian had seen Nimari and would recognize the familiar on his neck and collarbone. He wouldn't k=mind a fight, but he wanted the other healed before anything happened.

Cassian obliges and relaxes as Raziel hovers his hands over his injured leg, allowing the man to work his healing magic. He can feel the warmth emanating from Raziel's hands, soothing the pain in his leg.

As Raziel focuses on his work, his eyes work to catch another glimpse of that tattoo. It's going to bug him half to death if he doesn't figure out where he knows it front. So much has happening over the last few weeks that it's all jumbling together. It's hard for him to sort through everything properly. The answer will come to him eventually. For now he wants to try and get some rest. Perhaps he'll be able to think clearly once he's not on the brink of exhuastion.

Raziel hums softly and looks back up at Cassian, "So tell me. . . how did you get shrapnel in you leg? Or is that confidential information? I know they were plannin a siege at the base of the mountains in the north. But that's all I know."

He finishes the healing and steps back, going back to his tablet and finishing the message, and sending it. "You need sleep. I'm not just keeping you on bed rest, you're staying here, so I can make sure you sleep, understad?"

"It's confidential." Cassian isn't allowed to go into details about his missions, especially ones so recent. Even if he were allowed to discuss it, he wouldn't. There's no need to stress people out by telling them gruesome details about the missions that he goes on.

Once the healing is complete, he leans forward and takes a look at his leg. "Good as new." He shifts his attention back to Raziel mere moments later. "I won't fight you about needing sleep but I will be leaving first thing in the morning." He's determined to bust out of here.

Raziel nods and hums softly, looking at Cassian for another long moment, his sapphire eyes bright with mirth. "That makes sense. Don't want the common folk like me to know all the details. You never know, you could be talking to the Shadow Bringer himself."

Nimari's soft voice fills his head after he speaks and he pauses the focus on her words, "He may recognize you if you go too far, Raz. . . Be careful, my friend.' He blows out a soft sigh smiles again, flashing his playful grin.

"Well, I'm not Shadow Bringer. All he brings is darkness and destruction, right?" He asks, his voice strangely tense. Raziel was curious to see Cassian's opinion on him. If the warrior really thought he was a bad guy.

Raziel shakes his head, "You are not going anywhere until I clear you. So, I'll lead you to a private room, and you can get settled there. I'll have your commanding officer send over a few things for you."

Cassian's eyes narrow slightly at Raziel's playful remark about being the Shadow Bringer. He doesn't seem amused, but there's no hostility in his expression either. He takes a moment before responding, choosing his words carefully.

"Darkness and destruction are certainly the tales that have been woven about the Shadow Bringer," He says calmly, not sure what he makes of this interaction. "But I've learned that stories are not always the whole truth. There is often more to a person than meets the eye, and I prefer to reserve judgment until I've seen with my own eyes and heard from the source."

“Very well, if that's what it takes to ensure everything is in order, I'll follow your lead." He then adds, "I appreciate your concern for me. But remember, I'm not one to sit idle for long. As soon as I'm cleared, I'll be back in action." He was a warrior, after all, and being sidelined was never easy for someone with his training and mindset. But he respects the need for protocols and procedures.

Raziel keeps that playful grin on his face and nods. "That makes sense, have you met him? Or, do you think you've met him? I hear he has a familiar. The other warriors chat when they think I can't hear them, you know." He stands up straight and motions for Cassian to follow him.

"I understand, and I won't be clearing you until you're back to 100%. I will still be checking up on you. I'll give you mandatory weekly check ups. I've already told your commanding officer to work it into your schedule."

“The others should learn to keep their mouths shut. They shouldn’t be discussing such things in a public place.” Cassian would be furious if he caught any of the people on his team speaking of such things so casually. Their work is meant to be confidential. Running their mouths like this will bring nothing but trouble.

He isn’t thrilled about the weekly checkups. They may be worked into his schedule but he doesn’t want to waste time with them. There are tons of more important things for him to be doing. With a huff, he gets up and follows the healer.

Raziel laughs softly, "Gossip is a thing. It's hard not to do. Most people who claim not to gossip, gossip themselves." He hums softly, a soft tune. A very familiar tune.

He pushes the door ipen and leads Cassian further into the sanctuary, as he liked to call it, to a small room with comfortable furnishings. "There's a remote in the nightands for a TV, and phone charger in there as well. Dinner will be brought at 6."

(Raziel hums this tune from when he was a kid. he does it subconsciously. It's that smae tune every time, and he hummed it during the confrintation)

Cassian frowns upon gossip. All it does is spread misinformation which can be dangerous. Especially if the warriors are gossiping about things they certainly shouldn't be gossiping about.

Hearing the humming, he has to force himself not to tense. All of the pieces of the puzzle come together and he realizes who exactly he's been dealing with. He's instantly on edge but he can't show it.

"Thank you." He enters the room and sits on the edge of the bed, perfectly put together. The second Raziel leaves, he'll be looking for a way to bust out of here.