Closed One Healer and One Knight (Markus Andres)

[S'Essy]

AV 514, spring 74th

It was another warm spring day. Syna was in the sky already, and morning nearly passed. Just like the journey for S'Essy on the sea nearly ended also. She was already up, she hardly slept all night knowing that they were arriving. She was excited, she was ready although she was nervous and her heart was beating fast. She couldn't believe that this is happening.

She could see Syliras, they were closer and closer to the city, which she left years ago. Only 1-2 chimes and they would be in the port. It was an odd feeling to be back, and nostalgic. She made sure that she had everything on her bag and she put it on her back. She took a last glance on the sea. She loved it, but even spending that much time was enough for her. But it was beautiful how it reflect the Sun's light. Like shiney pearl.

"Thank you, Laviku!" She smiled and said to the sea. She also thanked to the sailors who brought her here. Then it was time, they arrived and S'Essy could took off from the ship. She didn't remember that the port was that big. But not like she remembered too much about the city. She was slightly confused what to do first as she was walking towards the city, to its streets.

Memories came to her mind, and she had some slight idea where she was going, but not completely. She looked a bit lost. She also tried to decide what to do first. Get a room for the night or start a search now? She thought a sleeping was a better idea to get first, just where? She forgot where are the inns. Me and my brain... she thought as she was a bit annoyed that nothing came to her mind.

She had no other chance but ask someone. Things didn't go as smooth as she planned in her mind. But this was the reality. She looked around and she spotted a tall,strong man in armor. Must have been a Syliran knight. She felt safe to ask one of them, he must have known a place for her. She slowly approched him, and placed her hand on his shoulder gently, and asked him. She tried to not scare him from the behind. "Hello! Sorry for disturbing, but can you tell me where I can find an inn?"

And as the man turned around S'Essy suddenly felt like somebody stabbed her heart. Her breath stopped for a second. "..." Was that knight him? S'Essy wasn't sure first, but she looked into those dark green eyes, there was no doubt. "Markus? I.. er.." Things really didn't go as smooth as she planned.

[Markus Andres]

Fully decked in armour, plate from toe to neck, mail under, padding under that. Markus was having a very hot day, but duty required him to wear the armour, so he wore it. Even if Syna would cook him alive. A hand wiped away a trickle of sweat from his forehead. No cloak today, too petching hot for such things. His shield was in his apartment. Unneeded for mere goodbyes, barely had the time to get down here before Rhy and his wing begun their shift. On Markus' left hip the new blade crafted in the forges of a master hung. The blade as pristine as it had ten days earlier. Perfection in a blade.

The sergeant knight stood and talked to one of his fellow sergeants. The very same one that he had served under at the beginning of the season. Also the knight who had been Markus' teacher in Ekeldi. There was a warmth in his voice as the two spoke. Markus was saying his goodbyes for this time. Having spent much of the season slaving in his classrooms, it was the least he could do. The man had always been fair to Markus and that was all a knight could ever ask for in a sergeant. Being treated fairly. Markus had already said his goodbyes to his own wing. Barely gotten to know them all intimately, but he would still miss the second of the second, as he personally called his bunch of odd misfits. He hoped the sergeant who would replace him would be as competent and talented as himself.

"Anyhow, stay safe Rhy, surprised you're still standing, almost a full season without me around to keep you safe." The smile on Rhy's lips strained a little as his eyes grew a little harder as he accepted the challenge.

'Do be careful in Zeltiva, Markus, I hear they have plenty of ships around. Especially if you're heading under deck.' The man tapped his forehead and Markus laughed at the retort. The memory that followed did make the conversation a little more sombre. That room still haunted Markus' dreams. The amount of death in such a small room. Grisly. Their hands let go of each other and Markus watched as Rhy returned to his wing, Markus waved to his former wing-mates. Then felt something touch his shoulder. Or rather, he heard the noise, for through the armour he couldn't feel the pressure of a single finger. The knight turned around carefully. Dark emerald eyes looked down at the woman. Immediately recognizing the features as Konti. The scales. The pale skin and hair. The mark of a goddess in her forehead. That~ A tick passed and she spoke his name. Markus recognized the woman immediately after she had spoken his name. He was stunned for several seconds before a large warm smile appeared on his lips. Markus had only gotten bigger since the two had last met, but S'Essy in many ways looked like the Konti girl he had been with for almost a year.

"S'Essy!"

Without hesitation once the stun wore off, he embraced the Konti in a hug. Not as tight as he had wanted it to be, didn't want to squish the woman between his arms and the unyielding armour. As he broke the hug and he looked at the still attractive Konti healer. Truly happy to see the woman again.

"Wow. It has been years since I saw you last! Still as enchanting as ever." He said with a wink and warmth in his lips as he looked at the woman. Looked okay to him, looked fabulous. "How are you doing? What brings you to Syliras again?" To the young sergeant, time healed all wounds. It had been rough when she had gone to Riverfall, but in spirit of himself, he had buried the memory so deep behind walls that he had simply refused to acknowledge the pain. It might come back some day, for now, he was happy to see the first woman he had really loved be back in front of him.

[S'Essy]

She was just staring at him. She couldn't speak. Why was it so hard, she didn't know. Then for her suprise a warm smile appeared on his face as he said he rname. And hugged her. S'Essy smiled too now. It was uncfomrotable because of his armor but her arms also went around his body trying to embrace him as tight as she could. They released each other. S'Essy still had a warm smile on her face.

Now she noticed how much he changed. He was a bit bigger, but the armor made him look a bit bigger also probably. He matured over the years, at least his body. She wondered about his attitude and his personality did he change like that as well? She placed her hands on his cheek. He was real, she wasn't dreaming and strange feeling got into her when she looked at his eyes.

Her hand let his face and she finally got the guts to speak to him at last. "Long time... too much time actually. But you are sweet as ever. Not to mention, you are still pretty enough for me!" She winked back. Memories of their teasisngs came to mind. though she meant it, she found him still handsome. Maybe even more than before. "I thank your and my gods that you are still alive!"

His next question though made her hard to speak again. The smile vanished, she looked down like someone who felt guilty. Should she tell him? He didn't like when she didn't tell him what's wrong back then. He had the right to know. "I came here for the same reason I left." She started and looked back at him. Yes, it must be him... at least she hoped she was right. "I made a big mastake, I left when I shouldn't have. My Call is involving you in some way." She said it, and her eyes wandered away from him again.

[Markus Andres]

The sergeant took her compliment with a small chuckle. The woman seemed like her old self, undeniable cute in her straight forward manner. Even tried to hug him back, a sweet gesture, but he couldn't feel it because of the armour. It was good to see the woman again, especially to see her smile like in the good old days before they had been separated by their respective duties. He didn't think of that though, instead he focused on the present. The girl in front of him and her thanks to the gods for him being alive.

"I owe much to the gods, without them I would not be standing here today. Yahal saved my bacon more than once, blessed be his name." His voice changed from casual to one of reverence when the great god of purity was mentioned. The powerful and merciful god had appeared when every hope had seemed lost and saved the ship Markus had been on board. Eyes returned to the present once more. To his old lover standing in front of him - amazed that she looked so much like herself, four years had passed and not even a wrinkle had appeared on her smooth skin. Her smile vanished and Markus' own stiffened a little. Something was wrong. He braced himself for terrible news. Did he see a flicker of guilt before her head dropped to look at the ground. He wanted to reach out and give her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. But her words stunned him. Brought back the pain he had felt when she had gone aboard a ship for her destiny. His eyes grew a little hard as he refused to acknowledge the pain that welled up in him. The woman distracted him from the pain, replaced it with confusion and eyes grew harder.

Another call? Markus took a deep breath as he tried to regain his composure. This complicates things. Why would I be the source? What the petch is going on?

"A call?" Markus mused to himself. "I know what that is, had my fair share of trouble because of it. But that is a story for another time~" He trailed off as his index and middle finger began to drum against his jaw. "Involves me how? I am leaving for Zeltiva tomorrow. To visit my family." Realizing that this would either postpone his travel plans or mean he would be leaving with S'Essy by his side. Which meant he was even busier than he thought to prepare everything. Needed another horse. More supplies. Needed salted fish, he recalled she loved those. Or ate them with gusto in any case. He would rather have spent the day catching up with S'Essy and not chase around town preparing everything, but as he had begun to understand, the gods intended to keep him a busy man this season. "It wasn't your fault, S'Essy." Came the surprisingly calm voice as he reached out and patted the Konti healer on her shoulder. The boyish grin that she had often seen in his youth appeared on his lips. The words were genuine as Tyveth would allow them. It was the reason he had been able to forgive her for leaving him. It had been on divine authority. It had done little to numb the pain until he had built the walls around it.

[S'Essy]

S'Essy didn't know how to explain or if she could explain. It was also hard if he had trouble with it. Things didn't go smooth. Her excitement to meet with him ,her happiness to be with him. Those feelings were there but the whole situation was still awkward to her. She took a deep breath. Cmon, get yourself together already! She was trying to motive herself in her mind.

And he would leave by the next day. She just arrived and he was about to leave. But that meant... "I won't give you trouble. In fact I think it would be the other way." She looked up at him. "I don't know. Or not sure. Probably you are the person..." Probably. She felt he was, but she couldn't admit it and say it loudly. "...I have to assist." And she let it out finally. She felt her body eased up suddenly. Then a weak smile appeared on her face. "So, Markus or SER Markus Andres, we are leaving Syliras tomorrow?"

Her weak smile got a bit stronger at his attempt to comfort her. She grabbed his hand. "That's very sweet of you to say." She felt it was her fault still. That awful feeling, her inability to understand her Call correctly. "But I have to take responsibility of it. I was erm... unab.. unable to recognize the man I have to help in his journeys." She said with her unperfect Common. And at once, she let out all of her worries and awkward feelings to him.

She was still holding his hand, felt it better that way. "Let's go for a walk, I need to buy some supplies then, I didn't prepare for another travel. We could also catch up a bit. " She said and she was smiling warmly at him again now. She felt better. "Just don't forget Markus, you are still not knight to me, but the man I found in the forest once."

[Markus Andres]

The Konti healer was quick to adapt to the new situation. Her willingness to change her plans even though she only arrived in Syliras moments earlier, she were ready to leave it again at a moment's notice. It was heart warming and brought his stress levels down a little at the daunting task of suddenly having to account for two in his travels. Surprised as well. For a woman who, according to his knowledge, had spent most of her time in Riverfall since she left him. To return to him and then already At least they were at the harbour still. Ought to be somewhere they could get fish for the bi-pedal fish that held on to his hand. Her calling him ser Markus Andres brought back fond memories of their time together. Back before the ser had become a reality. But he was older now, such feelings could be held aside until he knew what the call was about. For he had once been told that the call did not always serve those in was about. Might be he was the first link in a long chain of people they were to effect. Was he merely to her first stepping stone?

The future is uncertain and having a travel companion would only make the trip better.

"We? Oh. Well. Of course you can join me on my travel. It will take us around thirty days, we will be in Zeltiva in the early summer." The tone was leaning towards neutral, but he couldn't entirely hide the happiness of having someone to travel with. It seeped through his voice. His eyes sought her indigo eyes. His calm dark emerald eyes looked into hers as she insisted on giving herself the blame for them breaking up all those years ago. The words were earnest and so was the self-chastising remarks. Markus hated blame in these regards. Was he to blame for not going with her? As always, Markus had chosen Syliras above anything else... Above anyone else. The knights defeated any challenger to his loyalty.

"Then take the responsibility, but forgive yourself for making that choice. And I take it I am the man you are to help? Having a blessed healer of Rak'keli with me will be an honour. Just like in the past." Markus regretted those last words. It was not like in the past. They were not lovers now. They were old friends who had come in touch with one another again and fate had decided their destinies should be intertwined. The gods and their will, Markus would not try and think rationally about it, their will was beyond his to grasp. Sometimes even his own will was beyond him to grasp. She spoke again and Markus smiled. Exactly his thoughts. To walk around, get supplies, ask questions, catch up. Share stories of the two cities. He was a bit curious about Riverfall. He laughed when she said, or rather reminded him that he would always be the little bumbling squire she ran across in the woods. Or rather, he would be the man and not the rank. It was nice with someone who was so honest with him. And saw him as himself and not the rank. Although, Markus was both of those at all times. He didn't really have days off, only days out of armour and in civilian. Still expected to step in and help. Like with that mouse kelvic thief.

"It was exactly what I had in mind. Was thinking, you like fish right? We should get some salted fish for you on the trip." He voiced his memory of fish out loud, people's taste changed over the years. Might be she no longer liked fish. Markus also needed to buy meat. Something that could last the first day or two. So the start of the trip wasn't as miserable as the second leg of the journey. "And you will always be the healer who saved me from bleeding everywhere in the forest." He did notice her hand and wanted to free himself from her hand. Didn't want people to start talking about the two. But he didn't want to ruin the good mood already, would have to find an excuse soon to free his hand. "We need to get you a horse as well. First food, then a horse. I still need to get a tent, I guess that will be two tents now. I expect to sleep in the cabins, but if nightfall comes suddenly, we ought to have tents. Survival gear. Oil for lamps and to start an emergency fire..." Markus trailed off. Not realizing he was rambling. He laughed a little. "A chime after meeting you and here I am rambling once more. Let us just go look for some meat. You remember the way, or should I lead on?" If she didn't know the way, he would lead on, if she did, he would let her lead.

[S'Essy]

And the next day she would continue travelling just not on the sea. In fact, far from the sea. She knew she will miss it but she could get used to it. Also 30 days didn't seem that long for her. They indeed have a long time to catch up with everything at least. She was curious what was his family like but she didn't ask it yet. She didn't feel like it should be her first question. She would know later anyway.

She calmed down, her body and soul. Everything which was troubling and worrying her had gone from S'Essy. The joy of being with him, the happiness that she could see him and that she could travel with him were the dominating feelings for her now. Also she heared in his voice something. Perhaps he was glad too, but he was hiding it. She was smiling brightly at him. How could she not? He was still caring about her, comforting her.

Just like in the past it was a bit different. She tried to ignore that last sentence. She had feelings for him still, but she was trying to ignore those as well. Although she gave it to the temptation to a bit. "And after all these years..." She started, as she let his hand go and place her hands on his shoulders. Helping herself to stand on her those and press lips against his cheek. A brief kiss there. Then she stepped back. "You still care about me. Trying to get what I would like or need. It just makes me realize only now that one thing in my life I have accomplished. Creating a bond that will never break."

At least that's how she felt about wasn't sure about Markus. Then she shook her head about his question. She hardly knew Syliras' streets and shops anymore. "I don't really remember anymore, it's better if you lead on." And as the man would start walking, she would follow being next to him, while she grab her bag and start searching for her money while they are going there. "So I assume you are a knight, aren't you?" She started while she was busy looking for the money. "Where are those coins for Rak'keli's sake... Erm.. Sorry! When did you become one?"

[Markus Andres]

Markus eyes widened when he felt the pressure of the Konti lady on his shoulder. Almost turned to gaze at her to see what the commotion was about, but then he felt her lips against his cheek and a warmth immediately spread from where the soft lips had touched. Markus felt the blush rise and the subsequent guilt quickly turned it from a delightful blush to one of shame. The sergeant paused in a step as she removed herself from his shoulder. Spoke words of gratitude. The warmth swelled up in him once more when she spoke a of a bond that would never break. There was a lingering fear that he might lapse into the young self that had been her boyfriend and lover for almost a year. But that man was long gone. Back in those days the nightmares had not been as terrible. The smile on his lips, however, brought him a little comfort and his focus returned to the road. Deciding to let the kiss slide and imagine it was a one time thing.

"One thing in your life? Oh, I recall you saved my life once or twice back in the day. Hah, you saved me two seconds after we met each other. You have done more than create a single strong bond." He would have followed up with a squeeze on her shoulder. But the less physical contact with her he had, the better.

Markus would lead the way deeper into the city. Not surprised that she had forgotten the way, it had been many years. Too many years according to the sergeant. Things had changed. Changed a little too much perhaps.

"Yes. I became a knight two years ago. They actually promoted me this season to Sergeant knight." Markus turned his torso to face her and pointed to the twin-sword pin on his chest. But he noticed she were looking into her bag at the moment and the motion probably had been wasted. He shrugged and focused on the path ahead again. "And I remember you hated me doing this, but to Hai with that~ I can cover your expenses. I have a literal fortune and nothing at all to spend it on. Might as well spend it on the travel and make it as comfortable as possible for the both of us. Already spent a good chunk of it on this blade." Markus once more turned to face the woman. Showing the new blade on the left hip. Rather, only the hilt and the pommel crafted in the shape of Sylir's mark. In a way it made the pommel more dangerous as it now had an edge to it, instead of the old pommel that was primarily only heavy and round.

"Must have been a long boat ride from Riverfall to here? And then I take you out on the road right away. I hope you are an experienced rider. Or else it will be a very long ride for your butt." Markus asked politely when his words took a life of their own and started talking. A part of the nervousness, joy of seeing her, a little shame and anger mixing together and bringing him out of his usual cool.

[S'Essy]

She smiled at his comment. True, she should have put her words better. "Yes, you are right. But you saved mine once or twice as well." She noticed that things were harder for him to say or do. For her too, but she wasn't sure why. Although things were going so fast... too fast.

"Oh. You were working hard. Congratulation!" Impressive. He deserved it, she knew how hard she worked and how dedicated he was towards the knights. Nothing could seperate him from it and no one. She finally found her money in her backpack and was about to take it out. Then just like the old times. She finally turned her head towards Markus. "Your pride would die if you would let a lady carry,pay or do anything for you. " She chuckled and shook her head. "And I didn't hate that you did that. But are you sure about this? " Then she looked at the sword he bought. It was nothing like the bastard sword he used before. New and it seemed very well crafted. Something which she would never touch.

Then she turned away and gave out a loud sigh. She already forgot that they have to ride on a horse. And as he said it, she already felt the pain at her butt. "Yeah it was long. And I will get used to it I guess. " She looked up at the sky. 30 days. She tried to think about it as her journey from Riverfall to Syliras was much longer. No, this won't stop her.

She wasn't sure what to ask. She didn't feel comfortable asking about their life after their break up. Not yet, she wasn't ready and she saw it on Markus that he wasn't either. She wasn't even sure if he was comfortable completely with her presence. Her own fault. Then a question came to mind which might not disturb any waters. "Oh becoming knight. Does that mean that you have or had a squire as well?" She was grinning, curious how he handled any kind of squire, if he had any.

[Markus Andres]

The sergeant looked away when she congratulated him on the rank. He had once been open and frank with the woman about everything in his life. Shared everything for close to a year, only for that to be torn away. Markus pushed the thoughts aside and instead nodded to the healer with a simple thank you in response. Still feeling awkward with praise from the woman. Would take time before he would be able to trust and confide in the woman like the old days again. If he ever would be able to. His gaze returned, ever present friendly smile on the slips. It was great to see her again, even if he felt a bit awkward in the situation. Maybe once the shock subsided and he felt grounded again he might be less in turmoil and confusion about everything. Had dropped quite the news on him. He was her target in a call? He wondered what that actually meant. Was she there to heal him, assists him, or to get used by her goddess to forward her own cause? Markus couldn't know. Not until the call came to fruition. Though he did note the irony of the gods separating them and the gods had brought the two together.

"I don't think it would die, per say, but perhaps struggle a little." He teased her in return. "And yes. No reason for me to keep hanging on to the gold I don't care about. Could toss it out on the street for all I care. Might as well use it." Markus explained as he made his way towards the bazaar. Someone should have salted fish there. Markus, surprisingly, knew little about the food market in Syliras. His meals had always been provided by the knights. It was rare that he had to cook his own meal. He pondered if S'Essy had gotten any better at that over the years they had been apart. "I am quite sure, S'Essy. If you do not like charity, I can call it payment for past and future healing. Make me feel better about having you take care of my injuries on the road." Having her along had probably doubled his odds of surviving. Conversely, a hot Konti woman also made them three or four times more likely to be targeted by scum.

"Squires. Two actually. One of them vanished, quite a shock, but perhaps the life was not for him. Never did find him again. The other, my current one, is soon ready to go on his own knighting quest. Got the skills for it. A formidable warrior in his own right. Also a Pycon, you know, clay men." Praising Ball. It was rare words he spoke then, but the idea of getting away from Ball had made his thoughts on the mud pile a little more favourable. Still looking forward to being rid of the thing and not having to see him every day. Markus shrugged a little.

"And then I got my Wing of knights under me, naturally. Some of the best knights I've ever served with." The worry in his voice was masked a little as he turned to her again. "We need to get you a horse as well. So many things we need to get. Anything special you want, by the way?"