Union! Game Thread

Arc stays in the tent, unmoving, giving Tarian a glance to look for any motions on which of them should stay in place. 

Corti follows Brandt and Thia to the medical tent, glancing as coldly as she can at the Marshal and her companion as she walks out. She pats Thia on the arm as they walk to the tents, keeping her voice low, "She doesn't know what she's talking about, Thia." As they arrive in the tent, Corti watches the scene quietly.

From another area in the tent you hear a reply from a rather cheerful voice (considering the surroundings) “You got it Doc, give me a few minutes or so and I’ll be right there.” You hear someone rummaging around looking for the indicated items and not long after you see a small halfling burst through one of the flaps in the tent adorned with simply made clothing but what must have once been very bright colors, though they are now muted with several layers of dirt. The next thing you notice is her bright blue, almost sapphire colored eyes, followed by her short but very unkempt wavy brown hair that stops at the base of her neck.

“Hey Doc I found the ...” Gyselle begins as she bursts through the flaps, though seeing there’s company stops abruptly and begins again. “You didn’t say we had company that could stand by themselves! How are you? Are you here to help take of the injured? Wait ... do you need help? I just love helping people. Do you like helping people too? I’m Gyselle by the way.”

It’s at this point in her very rapid fire speech that she remembers all of the things in her hands turning to Othmar “Here’s the oil for the lamp and the kit you asked for”. Gyselle then quickly turns back to the newcomers to shake everyone’s hand and get their names. OOC: If it’s not asking too much, I would appreciate a description of your character as I come up and shake hands with you 🙂

Thia would appreciate Corti’s familiar touch of comfort. She’d turn to look at the Warforged before going into the tent. Her eyes searched Cortis. The artificer wanted to believe Corti was right, but she wasn’t so sure. It was hard for her not to feel a little shook. Or was she just sensitive? It’s usually the latter with her. But, after a moment of silence, she’d smile a small genuine smile to herself. Both Corti and Brandt were at her side at the church, and they’re beside her again now.

The medic would turn back towards the tent opening, taking one last, fresher breath. She would straighten her posture, correct her face and enter, leaving her emotional baggage at the flap. No matter how prepared one could be, the sights, sounds and smells that were encased in this tent were beyond anything she remembered. It was definitely an assault from all fronts on the senses. Thia’s eyes stung as she assessed the situation. Though, something would be guilty of catching her attention, and if it did what she suspect it did, she was beyond intrigued. An honest gasp of awe would leave her lips just before a man’s voice would address them.

Leech was not at all what Thia had expected. She supposed after the impression she got from the ‘teachers pet’ in the other tent, she didn’t expect much better from someone named Leech. I suppose I should never judge a book by its title, huh? And after the dwarf explained his nickname, she could understand how it could be a little endearing. Thia would sigh to herself for her defensive judgement. She’d bow her head respectfully in greeting to Othmar when Brandt would gesture to her.

Thia would open her mouth to respond when the lively little halfling would burst through a flap from a section of the tent. The artificer would stand there a bit amused with the rapid firing of questions by the energetic Gyselle. She couldn’t help but smile politely until the halfling would take a moment to breathe, leaving an opening for them to speak.

 “Thia.” She’d take Gyselle’s hand for a respectful shake. “I hope I can offer some assistance.” The medic would bow her head to Gyselle trying to hide some shame from her first impressions. It was obvious Leech and Gyselle were exhausted and were doing their best in a bad situation.

“Good luck with that, Marshal.” As she was escorted out of the tent Tarian shook her head with a disappointed frown. “Communication’s been only one-way for us so far, and only to Mister Sparks. If you want to talk to the council quickly, he already has their ear, and if you want to convince him to relay your messages, treating his survey team as hostiles might leave a bad first impression. He knows the direction he sent us, and that this territory is your responsibility. Who knows what he’d say to the council if we don’t make our regular, scheduled report on our progress?”

Tarian bowed as she exited the tent. “I do hope this… misunderstanding about our purpose here will be cleared soon. By your leave, Marshal, I will be joining my companions at the medics. I look forward to the hospitality of your region.” Tarian made sure to emphasize her understanding of whose territory this was.

Tarian took long strides to catch up to the rest of the group at the large medic’s tent. She entered just after Othmar’s introduction, and took in the conversation for a moment to try to catch up to what was already in progress. When Thia offered her assistance after her and Gyselle’s self-introductions, Tarian’s chainmail rattled beneath her oft-mended coal gray surcoat as she shouldered in a quick interjection. She bent down a bit at the hip so that her downward thrust hand was at a height Gyselle could reach comfortably. “Tarian,” was all she said by way of self-introduction as she shook hands with a steady, firm grip. “And I hope you’ll accept Thia’s offer of assistance in exchange for putting her first in the triage queue.”

Tarian looked quickly to Thia, then to Thia’s injury from a few days ago, then back to Thia. Get checked, she mouthed.

“Our field medic was injured a few days ago, and if she’s clear to work, she’ll help. If she’s not cleared, she’ll help… until she becomes your next patient.”

“Assistance you say?! ... Lovely. It’s just been me and ol’ Leech here lookin’ after ‘veryone for the longest time. Anything you’re particularly keen at doing? Preferences I believe is the right word. We get just about all the injuries and wounds here I think.”

Gyselle would pause briefly while greeting Tarian, “Pleasure.” She says after getting her name. “I’m never one to turn away a pair of able hands. The more the merrier I say. ...” Gyselle looks over at Leech giving a wink, “Right Doc?” Then looks back to Tarian looking at her eyes as best she can with her short stature “Injured you say? How may I ask?” Then a bit quieter to herself, ‘Almost ‘vryone comes in here needs fixing somehow’

Without waiting for a response from Tarian, Gyselle whisks Thia to the closest open cot “Come on then, we ‘aven’t got’ll day you know.” and begins her assessment of the injured area gathering the location of the injury from Thia. During her examination she’ll call back to Tarian while looking Thia dead in the eyes, “She better not help if she’s not cleared for it. I won’t stand for that nonsense. Not while she’s under my care.” Then resumes her examination of her latest patient.

Medicine check if needed 13

A smile will tug at Thia’s face when she’d hear Tarian enter and introduce herself in turn. Hey... The smile would drop a bit when she’d realize that Tarian slipped in that Thia should be put ahead in triage queue. Obviously Tarian knew Thia was going to object because she beat her to ‘the look’. It didn’t stop the artificer from scrunching up her nose at Tarian before trying to mouth back. Fine, but -

Thia couldn’t finish her conditions for her part of the agreement because Tarian was much to smooth and quick. She’d already be back to addressing Gyselle and adding extra conditions! The medic would open her mouth as if gasping. Hey! She’d move her mouth a couple times as if trying to find something to say in protest, but eventually it would settle in a ‘defeated’ pout, turned slight smile. Yes, in truth, Thia believed she was fine. But Tarian wasn’t wrong either. Her last statement was accurate, and they both knew it. Tarian already knew how to navigate the stubborn medic and Thia wasn’t even mad about it. It was kind of endearing. So when it came down to it, Thia would listen, but not without a playful fuss. The artificer would go to place her hands on her hips but then would be swept away by the excitable and attentive Gyselle who so quickly jumped on Tarian’s insistence that she be cleared to work. “Nonsense! I’m fine!“ Thia’s eyes will look frantically from Brandt to Corti as if pleading, I’m fine! I swear! Don’t take me further into this tent!

The adrenaline from the encounter with the marshal and her whisper warrior finally subsided and Thia was reminded how quickly ribs do not heal. Her bruised and aching side now throbbed in pain from the incident that happened in the other tent. Between being held, tensing and squirming in panic, she probably stressed her wound. And it was singing all about it the moment she was behind that curtain with only Gyselle. Thia will groan and lift her head to stare at the ceiling to breathe through her discomfort. She hated being a patient because she knew what it was like on the other side of the coin. And when Gyselle had hurried her saying they didn’t have all day, she knew that feeling too and hated being tended to first when there are others who are much worse off. But, again, Thia knew she wasn’t going anywhere without being cleared either. If she were Gyselle, or Tarian, she’d do the same thing. 

So with a begrudging sigh, Thia will give in and cooperate knowing it would be the fastest and most efficient way to continue from here. The artificer would shrug off her jacket and reach to lift her shirt up on the side. “I took a direct, full force, crushing blow to my side.” She’d reveal the large bruise that blanketed her ribcage. “Cracked one.” Thia would look to Gyselle, “Corti, our Warforged companion tended to my wounds within moments of my own assessment.” The medic would keep it short and respectful for the halfling, hoping it’s a good enough summary for her to complete her assessment.

Corti catches Thia's desperate glance, and tenses, almost ready to try and step in. Being entirely unsure of what she could say that would alter the situation anyway, and knowing that the artificer could use some first aid, she's somewhat relieved when she sees Thia relax and comply with Gyselle. 

Thia's mention of her name reminds her of the introductions, "Ah, right! That'd be me." She steps forward slightly, raising a hand in greeting, "As Thia said, I'm Corti! It's a pleasure to meet you."

Brandt looks to Tarian as if to say "What the ****?" I brought Thia here so that she could be useful, not poked and prodded by some Garronian doctor. And I sure as shit didn't bring her here for an extended stay.

Brandt doesn't give his name to Gyselle, as he isn't going to befriend a Garronian, or someone that would voluntarily work for them, something that even he wouldn't do.

Brandt is a man in his early 30s, short brown hair, some stubble, a few scars, and has a rifle draped over his back.

“Direct, full force, crushing blow” Gyselle would repeat examining the bruise “Does look like you took quite the hit here. What did the damage? Some type of blunt instrument I reckon” Gently feeling the area in search of a raised area that may indicate a more serious injury and noting Thia’s reaction with each hand placement.

“Tended to this did she? How?”

Gyselle then looks back to the warforged and gives a wave “Nice to meet you as well” then quickly turns back to Thia in a low voice “Corti didn’t do it did she?... Ha, I’m just messing with ya. Don’t often see warforged outside of the battlefield.”

Gyselle reaches into a few of her pockets pulling out some salve, shears and some bandaging material. “Not much to do for wounds like this. If it happened as you described, but I’ll do what I can to make you feel better. Though I must say it doesn’t look as bad as I expected.” Gyselle applies the salve over the bruise as she says all of this and before she starts to apply the bandages the bruising looks like it’s a little smaller than it had been before. cure wounds:8

Finish the wrap, cutting the excess with the shears and securing the wrap. “Now if you have any pain or difficulty with deep breaths I’ll need to check with Leech to see what we have for managing that for you. Supplies are somewhat limited from time to time. But otherwise you aren’t gonna be any worse for wear in a month or so I reckon.” Gyselle would lean in to Thia’s ear, “Who’s the strong silent type staring daggers at me?” Then straightens back up “I hereby clear you for providing assistance ... as long as you aren’t also diseased or something ... kidding. Now if you’ll excuse me I’m gonna check on my other patients.” And with that Gyselle moves around the tent checking on the various patients.

Tarian noted Brandt’s sour look and stepped over. She spoke quietly, and only to Brandt. “I get the impression you don’t approve. I don’t know what part you have a problem with, but if either this doctor or his assistant have a way out of this prison for us, then we need them on our side. I thought Thia would be the best for that, which is why I asked to send her here to begin with.” Tarian massaged her forehead with the heel of her hand as she watched Thia get patched up. “But after asking permission to send her here, Arceneaux would start asking some pretty reasonable questions if we didn’t get Thia checked now. Thia certainly wouldn’t ask on her own.” Tarian looked about the tent, at the wounded and sick. When she spoke again her voice was a bit more gentle. “She’d probably just jump right in to diagnose and treat without a second thought or permission.”

Figuring that Tarian was the person in charge, and noticing Brandt's demeanor, the short unkempt dwarven medic approached: "Fought against the legions, did you? There are no sides in here. Part of why I refuse to wear uniform when treating patients. I got family in Thrane, but my father had come to Garronia in the hopes of better employment. I was of age and fit, so they drafted me into the legions, little choice in the matter. Some of us lost our way in the war, the damn fires of Cyre... But some tried to hold on to their decency. Gyselle here is a good soul, I practically raised her as my daughter. Now, I don't expect you to put away that mistrust and hatred that you were taught in a day. But if you can't help, then you can't stay. It's cramped enough as is in here."

Then, turning to Tarian, he adds :"I'm very glad for your assistance. My contraption here is helping against the Cyrean fever somewhat, but we're low on supplies, and a good third of the men here have other injuries- blisters that cut right down to the bone, weeping sores between their legs from the long marches and the rough tunics, rotting gums from a lack of fresh food... I take it you're not allowed to leave the camp, but I'd gladyl pay you for any source of fresh fruit or vegetables you have with you, I have some men here that desperately need it."

“You’d think.” Thia would mutter in response to the blunt weapon remark. “I was lucky to get the blunt side of a greataxe. I’d have been gutted otherwise.” She’d hold up her right arm and hold her shirt with the left while Gyselle examined. The artificer didn’t go without staring a few dagger stares at Gyselle herself. Between the pain and the constant questions, it was taking everything she had not to roll her eyes in annoyance to the poking and prodding. She knew it was going to be the process regardless of whether she’s already been diagnosed and has been tended too. But it didn’t mean she had to like it, especially if she didn’t agree with the treatment. When the halfling would find the tenderest of areas, Thia will suck in some air to avoid a howl of pain and swat Gyselle’s hand away. “Hey! I’ve already-“ She’d have to stop herself from losing it. Although it would hurt, the medic would take a breath and shut her mouth. Thia would glare for the rest of the treatment, feeling it completely unnecessary. Yeah I know! That’s why I haven’t- Ugh! Yes. I knoooowwwwww. This is a waaaastteee. I’ve already said—- guhhh. She’d think to herself while she tried to keep from constantly wanting to slap Gyselle’s hands away from her. 

Finally, when the whole ordeal was winding down, and Thia was beyond flustered and pouting to herself. Gyselle would lean in to her ear to ask Brandt’s name. “His name’s Jeff.” She’d blurt. It’s not that she didn’t like Gyselle, it’s just that she wasn’t her biggest fan right now and didn’t think of anything else. And yeah, like she was going to give up Brandt’s real name in this camp if he didn’t want to give it. Are you kidding? She preferred to be in Brandt’s good favours if she could. 

Thia would groan and lay back on the table for a moment to catch her breath from holding herself up and being poked and prodded. She’d be lying if she said she didn’t feel a little better. The medic would sigh and let her personal frustrations of being a patient pass. When Gyselle would try to step away abruptly, Thia would reach out to stop her before she went. She’d look to Gyselle with softer eyes and sincerity, “Gyselle, from professional to professional I want to say something, then ask you something. First.” She’d glance to Corti then back to the medic, “We say Corti’s my apprentice on paper, but in reality she is just as skilled and capable as the rest of us. And should she show interest in assisting, I hope you and Leech can appreciate what she brings to the table as it is all her own. She’s an equal.” Thia said this because the simple lighthearted joke Gyselle told was enough for the artificer to trust her with respecting her friend. She’ll sit herself up and gingerly hop off the table. “The second... Gyselle... I can’t be the only one here to notice these are not sanitary conditions to heal or work in.” Her eyes would search Gyselle’s. Surely there were simple improvements that could be done to make a difference? Or was that her naïveté again? Should the halfling really not want to stand and discuss with her, Thia wouldn’t hold her there. Gyselle was free to continue her important work any time.

Gyselle would be a bit taken aback as she attempts to take her leave and feels Thia grab her wrist. She instinctively, almost reflexively, puts her hands in her pocket where she just put the shears as she turns to meet the newcomers gaze.

Not seeing any malice or ill intent in her eyes would relax and remove her empty hand from the pocket. Gyselle lets her recently treated patient finish talking and nods in agreement “As I said before, we rarely turn away a set of capable hands in here. If Corti is willing and able to help, I’m all for it. It matters little to me if her hands don’t actually have flesh on them.” Gyselle looks at her own hands marveling at them for a moment before looking down at the dirt floor of the tent and kicks a tuft of grass “I know the conditions here are int the best. But Leech and I try and do our best with what few supplies we have.” Then her expression changes back to being what it has been (mostly chipper) “That said if you know a better way without using extra supplies to get this place in better shape I’m all ears”

Gyselle pauses a moment considering her next words looking between Jeff(Brandt) and Thia “He doesn’t much look like a Jeff to me. More of a Steve I would say.” (Insight check to see if Gyselle noticed Thia’s deception earlier: 20 I figure this would be contested by a roll from Thia?)

After Thia’s response, would look at her with tenderness and compassion in her eyes, “Apologies if I was a little rough. Most of my patients are the tough ‘grin and bear it’ soldering types. I didn’t intend to cause you any additional discomfort, just tryin’ to be thorough.”
Gyselle then rubs her eyes saying as she does so “I’ve heard that the eyes are the windows into soul” Thaumaturgy As she resumes looking at Thia, you notice her eyes are slightly different, their color is almost exactly your own Thia. Gyselle continues, “From what I’ve seen so far, ... you seem like a good soul.”

Gyselle smiles, pats Thia on the knee, “Now if you’ll pardon me this time, I need to make the rounds on my patients. You’re welcome to accompany me of course” Then Gyselle hums merrily to herself as she makes her rounds with or without Thia. If Thia decides to accompany her, she would give Thia a brief rundown on each patients condition. 

Corti rubs her arm, feeling a little awkward at Thia and Gyselle's discussion of her. Well, I'm glad that's out of the way. At least I can act independently now without breaking our cover. Resolving to thank Thia when they have a moment alone, she'll chime in with a quick "I'll be happy to help," Although I doubt these soldiers will accept it coming from me. It's worth a shot, I suppose. Despite her relief at not acting as an assistant at all times, at the moment Corti recognizes the tension between the two medics, and in an attempt to support her friend, will wait to see what Thia does before deciding whether or not to follow Gyselle.

To Gyselle’s surprise, Thia wasn’t actually making a conscious attempt to deceive her in any way. From what Gyselle can tell of the artificer, she’s either incredibly aware of her inability to keep secrets, makes the poorest effort to try, or she honestly just can’t. If anything, what you sense from Thia is honest loyalty, in this case, to Brandt. It simply wasn’t her place to give away his information. Sure he’s a little gruff, keeps to himself and calls her kid when she’s the closest to him in age, but she took to him right away. She liked him being around and pestering him. And she knew she would never want to be on the wrong end of his gun.

In Corti’s case it was for the genuine comfort and understanding of all parties involved, and a way for her to reach out to Gyselle with some sincerity. Perhaps Thia was spending too much time around the ‘grin and bear’ it types, coming off rude or challenging. And if Gyselle would look beyond that, she could tell Thia was a lot softer and more sensitive, but afraid to be too much so. The halfling could also tell that Thia felt bonded to Corti and immense amount of respect for the Warforged and believed that at any opportunity she could to recognize her as an equal in the open, she would.

Thia also believes that the window to ones souls is through their eyes and Gyselle can also tell that the artificer meant no offence in any of her actions or words towards the halfling. She genuinely respected her and Leech, as she’s spent time in a similar situation. If anything, Thia’s comment about their conditions was out of compassion and concern, not out of judgement. She already felt terrible for her first judgement of Leech by his name. The medic was more worried about what lead to the precarious situation that they were in and if there were ways they could improve the situation beyond just tending to the wounded.

Thia would offer a reassuring smile to Corti then an an apologetic one to Gyselle for her cranky behaviour from her discomfort. Not wanting to waste any more time with saying anything else, she’ll follow the halfling out for their briefing. The artificer will tie her hair back, her whole demeanour changing to ‘business mode’ as she’d listen intently to the information she’s given.

Seeing Thia join in on her rounds, Gyselle waves at Corti “You’re welcome to come lend a hand if you would like. Plus it’ll save me the trouble of saying everything twice.” She gives both of them a warm smile and then gets right to work. 

Arc watches the various members of his party join in to help, and sighs, opening his journal to keep writing, "If anyone needs a prosthetic, let me know and I'll whip one out." He throws a cautious glance about him, and simply jots down his own thoughts on various upgrades he could give the wagon, based off the degree of effectiveness that last night's upgrade had.

Corti returns Thia's smile, then nods to Gyselle, follows, and listens to Gyselle make the rounds

Tarian held out her cloak one side at a time, as though checking her person. “Sorry, I didn’t pack any fruits or vegetables on me. Your commander already went through our cart, so you might have to requisition our belongings from her. If I thought it might help our situation I might offer to round up something outside, but as you said, ‘outside’ doesn’t seem much of an option for us here.” She pursed her lips and frowned a bit as she watched Thia and Corti get to work. “Not that ‘helping’ was part of the plan. If you had some way to get us in and out at will, perhaps I’d be willing to exchange that for some of my help, but…” Tarian nudged her head toward Brandt, “our organization is a bit less structured than yours. ‘Helping’ is more up to the individual. So if you have anyone to thank, thank the ones actually doing the helping.”