[hr][hr]
[center][url=https://fontmeme.com/fonts/narnia-bll-font/][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/210225/db0bd0ce4d9cb456463538d6202c97e4.png[/img][/url][/center]
[hr]

Sacha's eyes trailed to Arlo as Karlus' fingers stretched out towards his bed. [color=9e0039][b]Anyone would have. Should have,[/b][/color] he coughed out meekly. As Karlus' hand fumbled along the edge of one of Arlo's bandages a sleeve rolled upward along his arm. Before Sacha could think his hand extended outwards to grasp at Karlus' arm. He could feel the mage's hand shrink away from his touch instinctively. [color=9e0039][b]I...sorry...[/b][/color] He took a step back as he gestured towards the mess of pealing red skin. He could feel Aemma's eyes studying the pair. He figured he'd caught Karlus' glare too, but he could hardly dare to return it. 

[color=goldenrod][b]He'll be healed before long.[/b][/color] Sacha instead looked back at the doctor as she fiddled with supplies at a table in the room. [color=goldenrod][b]They've done worse...to some of the others.[/b][/color] 

[color=9e0039][b]How much worse.[/b][/color]

The clattering of vials and the scratching of papyrus stopped replaced by the dancing sounds of flame to torch. Aemma stood for a minute more. [color=goldenrod][b]It was good that you intervened when you did.[/b][/color] She soon went back to adjusting her supplies. She muttered to herself, as she usually did whenever Sacha visited her. He wasn't sure if she was taking some kind of inventory when she did it, or if it was some kind of ritual. The physiker had all manner of incense, powders and potions, and Sacha was hardly an expert in anything magic. Quite often it made him weary. After all, wasn't magic what had brought ruin to so much in Vicelles. He was lucky to be born without it. Lucky to be a mute. Just like the Goddess Minerva herself. 

Shaking off the thought Sacha pinched the bridge of his nose. [color=9e0039][b]There is another matter, doctor.[/b][/color] Sacha turned again towards Aemma who shifted her body. She now faced the three men. [color=9e0039][b]Father Marrow,[/b][/color] Sacha said. Aemma sighed before turning back to her work. 

[color=goldenrod][b]Ah, not fond of your visits to the infirmary is he?[/b][/color] She clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth a few times as she scribbled a few notes onto the papyrus with a small powdered chalk material. 

[color=9e0039][b]Nor the catacombs.[/b][/color] His voice went up in pitch, and with it some sound between a sigh and winging. [color=9e0039][b]Are we not meant to find a cure for the taint? The Father is stumbling in the dark writing letters to orphans and widows.[/b][/color]

Aemma's eyes widened and darted towards the door suggestively as she shushed Sacha. [color=goldenrod][b]Your tongue moves before your head, [i]nekat[/i]. I will continue my research regarding your people's sickness. [i]You[/i] will not anger the Father further, understood,[/b][/color] she asked like a scolding mother. Her accent was even more pronounced when she spoke sternly. Sacha nodded in compliance.

[color=9e0039][b]I suppose it matters little now, Ser Charles has already passed.[/b][/color]

[color=goldenrod][b]He...hasn't,[/b][/color] Aemma winced. It was clear she hadn't meant to let that slip to Sacha. Father Marrow's doing no doubt. 

[color=9e0039][b]What?[/b][/color] Sacha's brows furrowed as he looked to the doctor. 

[color=goldenrod][b]I'll be studying his sickness at dawn, as per the Father's request.[/b][/color]

[color=9e0039][b]You [i]must[/i] share your findings with me, doctor[/b][/color] Sacha asked.

[color=goldenrod][b]Must I,[/b][/color] Aemma returned with an eyebrow raised. She huffed out a small chuckle at Sacha's exuberance. The two had come to a lucrative arrangement. Sacha would harvest supplies, and use what resources he could to assist Aemma as she researched the taint. Aemma would keep Sacha in-the-know regarding her progress. Unfortunately, Sacha was hardly known for his subtlety. 

Sacha briefly looked back towards Karlus before returning his gaze to match Aemma's. [color=9e0039][b]Please Aemma, you know what this means to me,[/b][/color] he begged. 

[color=goldenrod][b]What I can do, I will[/b][/color] she said as her eyes shifted from Sacha to Karlus, and then back to Sacha.[color=goldenrod][b]So long as our new recruit has no objections.[/b][/color] The doctor was being curt, and perhaps Sacha deserved it. He was never one for secrets and whispers. Certainly every one in the Order would see the blighted taint gone if they'd the means? It hardly felt an endeavor worth hiding. Still, her cagey tone was enough to make Sacha look away sheepishly.