Remedial Fixations [Walker & Ahana]
“Hmmmmmm, what about ~asphyxiation~?” Xenoeas’ crude huntress Ahana cooly enunciates, as the warm rays of the sun peer through the open window. She’s slyly tracking the guild’s doctor, Walker, as he paces around her room concocting an herbal remedy to soothe the swollen, purple ooze splattered at the top part of her kneecap. Lazily lying upon her bed’s puffy mattress, her right calf is being propped up by two sets of pillows, as to help make the process of treating her afflicted ailment easier. Few seconds later, after grinding some of the herbs together to bolster his medicine’s strength, he delivers a frank and straightforward response to the inquiry: “Nah, too meticulous and dangerous; put too little energy and the partner’s gonna feel squat, put too much and at that point you’re teetering on the line of manslaughter.”
Pouting, Ahana whines back “Awwwwwwwwwwwww come oooooooooooonnnnnn, that’s what makes it so enticing!” Overjoyous, albeit carefully so as to not disrupt her position, she exclaims “Not knowing if your partner’s being taken away due to the force of your grip, the discordant yet delectable tension you two feel as you stare at each other, all while the space between you two ever dissipates as you unknowingly get closer and closer… how could you not find that romantic?!”
Walker coldly sighs and furrows his brow, “Personally speaking, I’d rather not deal with the potentiality of homicide and the runoff of bounty hunters who are erroneously looking to turn me in it would entail, just because I either made an oopsie and/or my self-defense ripostes kicked in.” Finalizing the homemade remedy, and solidifying his content with the results, he shuffles over to the bedside, moving the chair next to him in position. He figures some light reassurance should help ease her into the irritable procedure, if marginally so. “Now, I’ll need you to hold still and relax, alright? It’ll sting… pretty damn awfully. Ready?”
“Go right ahead, but all I’m sayin is that, as long as you and the consenting partner set a guideline of strength factors and a safeword, or safewords even, you’ll be- ACK!”
Within a moment, Ahana sinks her teeth deep on her tongue, watching him slather one of his vials over the ooze and gazing at its bubbling singes. She shuts her eyes, while also pulling her hair puffs to the side as a way to counterplay against the sore’s venomic reaction. After Walker begins to unwrap the remedy around the kneecap, topping it off with three dabs worth of pints from another of his salves, he does a thorough survey, and stretches on up. “Told ya. Anyway, the numbing will take effect after a few minutes have passed. Although both the ooze and the remedy should subside within the next two hours, I suggest waiting in your room for most of the afternoon, just so any muscle exertion doesn’t cause the inflammation again.” Examining the room, he notices her tea set, and huffs it over. “Since we both know you’re not gonna do that and beeline towards the training dummies, however, I’ll just remain here until the allotted time has whizzed by.”
Instructions delivered, he starts to pour the two cups, handing the half-filled one to her while carrying the near-topped other for himself. Ahana, in a fidgety manner, responds “Ehehehe… thanks, Walks. Although, answer me this,” as she angles her head, befuddled and appearing strained, “how uh, did this ooze drop on me to begin with?”
“Right, right, I suppose it makes sense you wouldn’t be able to remember.” Walker, finishing his first sip of the tea, and pining for the starting point of her expunged memory, starts to recount the ordeal; “So after me, Soejima, Aya, and Alicia decided it was best to return to Etria via the newly discovered Geomagnetic Field, due to our exhaustive bout against Fenrir and their rout, we were suddenly startled by the abrupt screech of your domina- er, free-spirited, persona, after which you began to… lose yourself, wailing and repeatedly cracking your whip in tense, circular motions. It was unlike anything we had seen prior or especially during battles, almost as if you had completely altered your rationale and became someone else entirely. We only managed to settle the affair once you conked against the tree near the door, and saw the ooze lay dormant right there on your kneecap, along with two leaves between your…”.
Ahana, in a manner of downcast reflection and anxious concealment, dolefully darts her eyes to her legs. “...I’ve heard enough. I’m, sorry about that, I-”
Walker, sharply, attempts to deflate the worrywart, “Hey, don’t worry about that. No one was gravely wounded or becoming a turncoat, and both of us are in your room, away from the bustle of the Primitive Jungle. I won’t pry about that third persona, nor if it's even an element buried within your psyche at all. When you’re comfortable enough to share, you’ll tell me, alright?”
Solemnly, Ahana nods her head. After a few moments of empty words, he decides to break it by opening up about their next move. “So, since we’re gonna be spending the next few days scoping out the populace, I was thinking about obtaining more medicine ideas and whatnot from the Apothecary, while Soejima does his research back at the Radha Hall. Which sounds more interesting to you?” Grimacing, Ahana crooks her head in displeasure. “Gee, I wonder what’s cooler: gathering clinical info from the guy that can stun three wolves with just his staff while bluntly sharing his forms of non-laboral pleasure, or boring homework with my mentor?” Chortling, Walker retorts with “Hey, I thought you were the one that brought up the topic of training with Soejima, and don’t drag me down on the topic of ribaldry!” As he continues to laugh, Ahana’s eyes begin to roll hard, letting out a groan from discontent.
“Anyway, I’m just asking because we’ve already heard from Val, Hoffman, and Quinn that numerous folk are already beginning to converse amongst themselves in regards to our recent exploit. The ‘Mentor’, Arle, and Boktai are eyeballing the Labyrinth with newfound resolve, and it seems like Aya and Alicia are enjoying themselves with how they’re being treated now.” Leaning back, he elaborates, “Me? I’m just content that we’re steadily improving ourselves. I wasn’t sure if we could even make it, but thanks to your intuit thinking with the Blaze Oil, we were able to succeed. You wanna expand on your training, or what?”
Pondering about it, Ahana puts her left index on her chin. After more moments of silence, Walker sipping his tea in wait, she bulges her eyes in pride, and answers with vigorous boom:
“I haven’t a clue!”
Falling back behind the chair, tea spilt half over the wooden floorboards and half on his coat, some of his vials even rolling out from their pockets, Walker immediately bolts back up and viscerally barks “What the hell do you mean you have no idea?!” Giggling profusely, Ahana could barely muster the words together to give her answer; “I’m sorry but like, I just thought it’d be funny to say that after seeing you take it so seriously!!!” Bitterly annoyed, Walker only groans back as a response, and staunchly pulls his appurtenances back up from the floor, then soon after centers the chair into place once again. Simmering down, and with Walker pouring another spot of tea, Ahana plainly delivers her actual answer. “I wouldn’t mind training more, obvs, but all that bookwormy shenanigan is Soe’s thing, and I’m far more content letting my other handle the brunt of the whip. Now, herbs on the other hand…” She cheekily smirks and glances towards the increasingly disgruntled Walker, “that’s a specialty I don’t know about, be it by provocation or smarts, and considering we have someone that just so happens to know what they’re doing with those….”
“....you can have me teach you the ins-and-outs of it for use, yea yea…” Walker finishes in lugubrious coos. “I won’t deny that you have been getting about herbalism, but I’m still confused as to what exactly you’d even need it for. It’s-” Ahana chucks the pillow into his face, having him spill a small pint of his tea onto the floor again. “Ay, I have no need for it. Aren’t you into exotic lifestyles just cause it sounds fun? I want to do the same with herbs, it’s cool. Also uh, maybe more tea brewery - I heard spicing a set with a chamomile does a sublime job in getting one anesthetize, which would help even out all the rowdy people that crawls into the Inn!”
Reluctantly, Walker gives a slight nod of approval. “Just be sure to take it seriously, I don’t want to pull double duty on your hyperactive imagination. I’ll bring you over to Hoffman as usual to give you more prep work about it.”
“Why tomorrow?”
They both stare at the bruised kneecap again.
“Oh, right.”
Alicia & Aya's Day Off
Within the outskirts of Etria, there lies a grove not too far off the town and the Yggdrasil Labyrinth. Very little critters, specifically the harmful ones, make this hobble their residence, presenting a perfect spot for anyone to visit for suits their needs. It’s here where Alicia, Xenoeas Guild’s prime archer and survivalist, has tended to troubadour Aya’s training with the bow, one of their activities to participate in during their off period. Her instinct for gauging Aya’s potential was a cross between a reasonable assumption, and a frugal handover; it’s not like they could’ve gotten a profit from the Wood Bow, not to mention gazing at the dancer’s support numbers seemed eerily reminiscent as to the type of maneuvers she once partook in, so it was the best solution and a sufficient way to bolster the team’s capabilities. After finishing up one of her latest dance routines, Aya perks up a response. “You know, I must say I sure am glad you’re helping me out with this whole bow-in-target practice and all, Alcy. I never thought I’d be fit with these strings, given how I usually prefer to handle my business!”
Alicia, sitting on a field of grass a few feet away, shuffles around with an inquisitive look. Noticing this, Aya continues, “Well, I usually stick with small knives, keenly tucked away so as to not be conspicuous during my dazzling routines, should one be so… utterly captivated by it. Although unfamiliar, I assume this is a feeling you endure, correct? Coupled with all the shows I’ve done prior to this engagement, such an opportunity was scarcely available…” Alicia, beginning to stand upright and brushing off the small grass stains on her skirt, nods her head slightly. Once done, and after gesturing to Aya that it was time to start, she then hops straight over to a tree branch several feet from where the two were at, planting small, circular pieces of wood at the end. “A little higher than that, Alcy, lemme see if I can show off my training a little” was slyly commented. Upon apathetically following the request, she begins to head behind Aya. Everything ready, she begins to steady her arm, draws a sharp breath, and then…
THWACK
Once brought back for a close inspection, the two gaze plainly at the arrow’s place; not too far off the center, just within the cusp of the first area. “Ehehehe… I didn’t think that would work?” Aya sheepishly admits. “I figured it was better to tighten my forearms to avoid the string’s bounce back, as well as curl my fingers just a smidge more.. think I should focus on tidying up these areas?” Alicia nods her head approvingly, though Aya could’ve sworn she caught a glimpse of a faint smile. Brushing it aside, she continues, “Y’think it’s alright for us to go back to town for a break? We still have our reserve money an-”
Without warning, Alicia stares coldly and disapprovingly. Realizing what this is about, Aya retorts “HEY! Don’t assume I’ve forgotten the guild’s unified principle: anyone wishing to procure the Ental for personal use must abide by a 10-15% cut, then be able to pay it up after through whatever means, or hold back from another offering til the net amount or higher is pooled! I’ve followed it to a tee!”
She still stares, though this time with a raised eyebrow and demeaning allure, swallowing the distance between them.
“...OK, so MAYBE I indulged and took 20% when Sir Iron wasn’t looking!”
Closer…
“...25%...”
Discontent, Alicia heavily sighs, pondering why it had to be today of all days. “W-w-wait," Aya stammers, "listen, this was before you piqued my interest in another training session, alright? I’ll cover whatever you want as an apology and uh, any lashing from the rest of the group.” Alicia rolls her eyes, yet doesn’t make any resisting gesture, going over to grip her satchel and Aya’s pack, as the exasperated songstress begins to ruminate. Something the two can do with this much cash on hand, and more importantly, be able to participate or give as a suitable apology… once donning her pack, it dons on her: “Oh! Didn’t some stalls open up for the limited fair? Let’s peruse what they have available before the day’s over, there’s bound to be some extravagant items to pick up! We - well, I - might even be able to concoct a prank for Sensu… Come on!” She quickly yet gleefully grasps Alicia’s arm around the middle, shocking the reserved mute as they make their way back to the town square.
Once they had arrived, it was astonishingly calm, rarely populated by newcomers and/or feverish traders. Both had feared they missed the event, but a few participants such as Shilleka were quick to point out that it’s still ongoing, just that not many come during the late afternoon. Getting some pointed recommendations, the two head off, circling each stall one after another for any particular highlights. A stall with jewelry, another with small instruments, but they only stopped at the one pertaining to different herbal remedies, beaming Aya as she starts investigating the stocks for purchase. As this was happening, Alicia noticed around the corner a floral standee. Slowly making her way over, she noticed all kinds of flora being hung or placed within the display stands, making slow gazes to each as the stallholder quietly waters them. “Welcome! Feel free to look around, and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you have any!” Bowing in respect, Alicia surveys for any noteworthy plants, and halts at a peculiar bundle: four fandango-blotted flowers, blooming within the constricted pot, and just within the width and height restrictions to be able to keep in her inn’s room.
“Oh!” the stallholder exclaims, “that’s a real beaut, innit? This one’s a peony, and though they ain’t a perennial type, they’ll at least keep you company for a good few years.” After being gestured on the topic of outlines necessary to keep it alive, the clerk responds “Welllllllllll, outside the usual pruning and dividending each stem, I should tell you to keep watch on the height of the stalk; these ones are different from the typical bush peonies, meaning they require a bit more attention in stalk management and weekly feeding than usual. Also, just be sure there’s no form of fungal rot every now and then, it tends to get overrun by them if anything happens with either the soil or watering them.”
As Alicia nods and reaches for her pouch, she halts in disarray, remembering she can’t spend her Ental unless she wants to sink the overall funds further down. Sulking, she once again bows and proceeds to shake hands as an apology. “Don’t worry about it, it’s fine! I unfortunately won’t be able to stick around once twilight comes around, but if you or someone else affiliated with you happens to come by then, I’ll have it available”. Marginally feeling better, she gives an approving grunt, and sulks away.
After benching about the plaza, glum about her predicament, she looks up and notices the orange-hued sky dwindling. Turning tail, she begins to head back to the inn, figuring Aya would be able to know to go back once she-
“AAAAALLLLLLCCCCCCCYYYYYYYYYYY”
Sharply turning around, Alicia notices Aya… slowly and carefully carrying a book, three sets of herbs, and something else she can’t quite make out. Catching up so as to not cause any other scene from the shriek, she stares plainly into the irritant-burning pupils beholden to her. “You know, I don’t exactly mind the fact that you ran off, but it’d be nice if you at least assure any need of help by finding me after nearly four and a half hours have passed. Who’d know what’ll occur to me and my absent-minded frills?” the dancer spouted. Rolling her eyes, Alicia picks up the object with her left hand and holds the book right-side up on the other. Then, she realizes something… without missing a beat, Aya perks back up, “I only barely caught you leaving the floral shoppe at the corner of my eye, so once I picked up what I had, I hobbled over. The owner there didn’t exactly believe me when I told him we were together, so I had to slightly flub my way into procuring the peony for you. I’m not wrong to assume that’s why you were upset at my miscreancy?”
Startled, she violently yet cautiously nods her head, then turns her eyes onto the book. “That one, admittedly, was a whim. I wanted to pick up something regarding tea and herbal brewery, and a book stall a ways away had exactly what I needed. After making some room to put it in for lighter carry, that botanist encyclopedia happened unto me, making it yet another perfect apologia - barely managed to pick it up though, I had to do some honest haggling, hehe!” Flushed, Alicia quickly turns away, avoiding any impending stares. The songstress, wanting to de-escalate, attempts to turn this back around in a practical manner: “Honestly… I wouldn’t mind helping you out with taking care of that. I’m not too familiar with floras and faunas myself, but considering their wonderful and hilarious application variety, it can help with figuring out material and/or an eyecatching flourisher. Besides, being taught about flower raising would be…” quieting down, she whispers “kind of cool, if it’s you doing it.”
Uncharacteristically, Alicia freezes, dazed in confusion. It wasn’t the first time she was asked to tutor something outside of archery, but it was the first time someone took an interest in her fascination beyond the laborial line of grunt work. “S-S-S-Snap out of it!” a flustered Aya yelps, “It’s just, I need to find a suitable, soothing break. Drinking tea with Poyo and Orchid’s nice and all, but it’s not quite the same. One’s not able to catch up with me for obvious reasons, and the other is, er, more on a habitual wavelength, I guess to put it? And don’t even mention Sensu; as adequate as he is, my gut places him more in the ‘has to be beneficial in my fashion’ mentality”. Refreshing her head, Alicia nods profusely. There was more to lay in the topic, but both decided to save it for the future. Pacing conjointly, Aya prattles on about what the three remedies she bought are able to do, all while Alicia listens in diligently, carefully making sure the peony doesn’t become ruined as they make their way back.
Once they enter the inn, Aya gets chewed out by a furious Soejima and lackadaisical Walker, while Alicia puts her presents down, grabs her Ental allowance from the satchel and settles it onto the nearby table, continuing up the stairs with her remaining items in tow as the three bicker. Entering her room, she places the book down near her chair, and the flower upon the desk, she lays in her bed in preparation of drifting away, as the same faint smile from before glistens again as the now encroaching moonlight illuminates.
