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[color=9e0039][i]He'd be gone again, by morning.[/i] [/color]

Sacha quickened his pace towards the stables that sat towards the eastern gates of the fortress. It was darker now than before, and the humming of torches and crickets played about the air. From where he was walking Sacha could already see him. His uncle, by honor, ready once more to journey beyond the walls of Fort Stag. 

Elias Black was a bastard, a man born to no-name peasants in some fog-consumed town. That's what little Sacha could gather in his time in the Order. To the young noble though Ward Black was a war hero, a tactician, and the best friend of his father. When the fog had only just taken the Duke's mind, Black visited as often as he could. It seems the war took something from them both.

Shaking the thought of lifetimes passed, Sacha made his way towards Elias. The soldier was loading small tonics and scrolls into a sack attached to the satchel of his horse. [color=9e0039][b]You're off again,[/b][/color] Sacha said. He wasn't really sure if he was asking. 

[color=598527][b]Aye, I've business at the capital.[/b][/color] Elias hardly turned his attention to the boy, but instead moved towards a small pile of crates. He let out an exaggerated groan as he knelt to pick one of the crates up before loading it into the cart. [color=598527][b]Ye shouldn't have stepped in...at the pit.[/b][/color] Elias winced as he spoke. For a moment he almost buried his body in the cart as he placed the crate inside. 

Sacha quickly motioned to help Black, picking up another crate to hand to the Ward. He let Elias' words hang for a moment. The two shared a short glance as Sacha handed Elias the crate. In return the man offered a small huff as thanks. [color=9e0039][b]...If I hadn't, they'd have killed him.[/b][/color] Sacha was surprised to feel the weight of the man's fat hand pat his shoulder a few times.

[color=598527][b]I'm glad ye did.[/b][/color]

Sacha could feel the corners of his mouth perk up, but quickly turned downwards towards the final crate. He passed it to Elias. [color=9e0039][b]I'm certainly glad you stepped in, old man.[/b][/color] 

Elias fasted the ropes that held the crates affixed in the back of the carriage. There was a loud cacophony of clanking and creaking as he fiddled with the luggage. 

[color=9e0039][b]I hadn't loaded the powder.[/b][/color] Without turning from his position Elias let out a small belly laugh which in turn made Sacha chuckle too. Amidst the orange-lit camp in the dead of night, they laughed together. 

...

[color=598527][b]Ye intend to visit him?[/b][/color] Elias pulled the curtain down over the luggage before turning towards Sacha who looked to him with a brow raised. [color=598527][b]Arlo.[/b][/color]

[color=9e0039][b]I...[/b][/color]

[color=598527][b]I wouldn't blame ye...do or don't. [/b][/color]

[color=9e0039][b]The things they've said about him. What he's done...[/b][/color] 

[color=598527][b]Terrible things. Unforgivable. Still, it might do that wandering head of yours some good to speak with the dark-elf. Can't cripple yourself with the crimes of another man. Leaving him to die in the mud was never going to unmake what he's wrought.[/b][/color] Elias made his way towards the front of the carriage before mounting the small seat atop the cart's front. 

[color=9e0039][b]When will you be back?[/b][/color] Sacha walked towards the front of the cart too. He placed a hand on the steed meant to steer the carriage. He was dark brown in color, and warm to touch. The horse grunted under the weight of the nobleman's hand petting at his mane. 

[color=598527][b]A fortnight, abouts.[/b][/color]

[color=9e0039][b]When you return, I'd like to speak of my father. Before the taint took him.[/b][/color] Sacha looked towards the Ward with a hint of desperation. Elias seemed almost taken aback by the request. 

[color=598527][b]Surely, my Lord,[/b][/color] Elias said mockingly. He met Sacha's gaze with a half-baked grin of his own before realizing the boy was entirely serious. He cleared his throat, clearly lost in thought for a moment. He looked away from Sacha while he thought. He took the breath of a man about to conquer his fear. He sat resolute as he answered again. [color=598527][b]When I return I'll answer any question that curious tongue can think to ask.[/b][/color] With that the Ward hit the reins against the back of his horse as the carriage jerked forward.

[color=9e0039][b]Until then, uncle.[/b][/color] Sacha watched as Black rode off into the darkness. 

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Aemma wrapped a final bandage snuggly against the forehead. Chunks of the recruits hair had been ripped out from the scalp. Her withering fingers traced the tearing along the head. The young mage had done well in closing most of the wounds. She could feel where his magic webbed the skin together. Turning to Karlus she could sense the boy was lost in his thoughts. [color=goldenrod][b]I would like to gather some incense if-[/b][/color]

Before Aemma could finish, the sound of footsteps approaching the room filled the hallway outside. A figure pushed back the covering that hung at the doorway. 

[color=9e0039][b]I apologize for disturbing you doctor,[/b][/color] the nobleboy, Sacha came into the torchlight. [color=9e0039][b]I...hoped I might...[/b][/color] Aemma gave the boy a small nod and smile. Sacha gave a half-hearted smile before cautiously making his way towards the bed. He nearly let out a gasp at the sight of the bruising lining Arlo's body. 

[color=goldenrod][b]I spoke with the Knight Captain. Thank you, Sacha.[/b][/color] Sacha couldn't give an answer. His glance stayed on Arlo. He studied the man. Where cuts and gashes should be were scars. Had the boy never seen magic? 

[color=9e0039][b]This is incredible,[/b][/color] he said, mystified. He only looked back towards Aemma for a moment. 

Aemma's glance shifted towards Karlus and then back to Sacha. [color=goldenrod][b]This is another of the new recruits,[/b][/color] Aemma motioned to Karlus. [color=598527][b]The credit is his, mostly, [/b][/color] she said with a huff of laughter.

[color=9e0039][b]Of course,[/b][/color] Sacha noted with some semblance of surprise. [color=9e0039][b]Apologies, [/b][/color] he offered with another semi-smile. 

[color=goldenrod][b]Sacha intervened in the initiation.[/b][/color]