Dr. Ludo Kraków

Dr. Ludo Kraków - 27 - Doctor - Fairy.

[thatdandyboy]

365 Days of Men // Day 332 // Chella Man

[shiranuiavatars]

[drkrakludo]

.neritaofthesea​:

⊹ ·

The merfolk weren’t the social kind, not that very fond of humans and other creatures. It was rare for them to interact with other beings, even more rare to try to live among them. But that was the case now - they had decided to reveal themselves to the citizens of Barton Hollow and attempt to lead a life alongside them. Not something that particularly excited Nerita, she did not care for others who did not belong to her kind and found it unnecessary to try to create a bond with them. And yet there she was - sharing information with that stranger.

“I know that once I dive in, I will lose my human legs.”, she commented. Nerita was aware of the process. “It is not what I’m asking.”, the mermaid further explained. “I don’t need you to tell me about my natural abilities, but about the human side - the legs.” Those weird-looking limbs. “And I want to know about you and other creatures around here.”

“Okay…” Ludo Pondered. Each of her questions sent him off into different catalogues of thought. He could tell her all the bones in the leg and which arteries supplied each muscle, but he didn’t feel like that was what she was after. 

And then there was her second question, which brought out a shyness in Ludo. He coughed, “Me? Well I’m not human, Faerie, in fact actually,” He wasn’t used to sharing personal information with patients, and telling people about his Fae origins was something he had only recently gotten used to since arriving at Barton Hollow. He was keen to change the subject. He hardly understood the extent of his own Faerie capabilities, and didn’t feel like being questioned on them just yet. “Well, you’ve come to the right place. Theres lots of different people around these parts. You know what - maybe the best way to learn about the residents of this place would be a night out or something like that. See them in all their glory.” Ludo said jokingly, “How does that sound?” He asked her.

[drkrakludo]

rclused​:

⊹   ⊹   ⊹

Trapped. Where waves crashed and collided against his lungs, a wine dark sea would suffocate him. The beating at his chest. Stirred up by the storm that drowns him, he was trapped inside the vessel of his own being unable to escape. Waves starved of oxygen, they deluge the fire that dares burn to vibrantly inside him. Cascading gloriously, in iron tasting mouths and stained teeth. He knows the thrumming blaze too well that he now sees in Ludo’s reflective hues. 

Pond lapping at his feet, and spray of dew drips from his exposed skin. Fresh to the night’s air. And there it was, the calmness in the other like a brewing storm again, and Vidar want’s to know it all again. Before Ludo steps far, his hand reaches up to the side of his face, forcing his gaze back on him. Vi leans forward, his lips pressing to Ludo’s. A kiss of sinking cold, and ice winds sending daggers into the skin. The consuming cold that consumes beings, and swallows them whole. That cold that’s searching for any last warmth left.

He only puts the slightest of space between them once, breathless mouth muttering, “How dangerous can you be?” 

All Ludo’s barriers were down, there was nothing left, so he might as well go for it. If Vi wanted to see more, he would show him more, whatever that looked like - Ludo didn’t know.

Ludo's hand clasped the back of Vi’s neck, his skin searing. The energy was palpable as Ludo focused once more, and the quake began a second time, this time surfacing much faster. The water swept up around them, far taller than before and the noise came with it, so intense that nothing else was audible. He couldn’t detect Vi’s breathing as an overwhelming coolness filled the few spaces between them. The minute spirals of before, now turned into silky looming trees, twirling above their heads, surrounding them. They matched the size of those in the forest.  

His mother's prophecy passed down, years of being raised human, suppressed, was here tonight for the whole forest to see. Ludo’s skin was ice, as if he himself was one of the giant arcs of water. In the midst of it, Ludo leant in again to brush his lips against Vidar's, a streak of heat amongst the cool. That was all that was distinguishable of Vidar amongst the chaos. The grand finale was somewhere Ludo had never before ventured. Those great trees of water slowing their dance to a gentle waltz, as thick white ice crept up their turrets. The sound of the ice soaring up them was deafening, a crack that went straight to the jaw. And then it slowed again, just as it had before. Although there was no silence this time, only a resounding ringing. Tears muddied Ludo’s face and his whole form tingled with electric blue energy. His blue heart drumming. “That’s enough,” Ludo managed to mumble. "Are you okay?" Ludo followed up, as he started to come back to his senses.

[thisoldrubyrider]

[drkrakludo]

rclused​:

⊹   ⊹   ⊹

Wet fingertips cool to the tough ache Vidar’s hand as he feels the drip like fresh morning dew slip from his hand, he takes another step closer, feet in the shallows of the water. Something caged in his chest tries to claw its way out, beating against his ribcage, begging. Trapped. Swallowed down for years, he’d forget the feel of the cool open water against his searing skin. He’d forget the way it chilled to his bones, and the way he wanted more. 

At first he thinks it’s all in his mind, just as the darkened bodies around him swallowed by the light of the moon. The vibrations from the water’s edge, then the masses forming from the glistening pond. Then he steps back, fingers tightening around Ludo’s grip. He’s no longer looking at the fae before him, instead his eyes focused on the spirals standing a foot in the air. And he wants to reach out and touch them, he wants them to wash over his body and crash him into the ground until he’s tumbling under the sodden moon and no way is up. But even more than that, he wants to step out of its reach. Flee somewhere the Gods can’t see him.

He tells himself he won’t let Ludo see this. The fear traced across his features, and clawing at his throat. Nor the admiration he stares at the water with. But he can’t resist it, his emotions creeping into his tone, as he quickly snatches Ludo’s other hand at the question holding it to his side. “What are you doing?” Vidar asks as if the other could possibly know the way this is affecting him.

The vibration haltered and stabilised to a low hum. The water glistening above the pond was still as Ludo took a moment to take in Vidar’s response. Vidar’s fingernails were dug into Ludo’s hand. The water stood still, then crashed back into the pond as Ludo exhaled, a light spray splashing them both. The vibration was over, the water was still again and the moonlight cut once more through the still surface of the pond into its depths. 

Ludo took a long look at Vidar, unable to figure his response out fully. Half sympathetic and half teasing, Ludo leaned in to Vi, his lips by Vi’s ear,

“Don’t worry,” Ludo said calmly. “Whenever you want to see more, all you have to do is ask,” And he pulled away, his lips brushing Vi’s jaw as he did so. 

[drkrakludo]

rclused​:

⊹   ⊹   ⊹

Underneath the sodden moon that hung so low in the sky, it’s yellow hue illuminating the sight of the two drunken creatures that stand in a welcome silence. Trees rustle with the careful wind that caresses the night with Fall’s touch of chill, and debris cracks somewhere distant under the weight of the animals that linger this late at night. But Vidar is all too focused on the feeling of the other’s hand on his waist, so little distance between them. Vi inches closer as the other takes the bottle, and closer again as he speaks with a bravery he never came to expect. A smile painting his features with answer. And dark eyes taking in the features of Ludo, the wilderness that’s captured in his stare tonight. Something almost dangerous, and Vi wants to find out what’s really there.

He was so caught in his closeness to the fae, to even notice the lake until Ludo’s words struck the night air. All too cautious, Vidar’s hungry stare remains on the other, choosing to focus on the edges of his shirt he lifted. “What danger do you seek tonight?” Slipping out of his shoes, Vidar takes the most cautious steps forward until his toes touch the edge of the water. But the cool touch only takes him right back, eyes darting to the water. He knows it too well, that feeling that latches onto his body, and sends cold daggers into his skin. Looking up to the moon, far above his head- above the whites of crashing waves. 

Breath caught in his throat, and his ears pounding with the sound of the shoreline. He doesn’t know how long he stares back to it with fear, missing the salt that would cling to his skin, before he draws his gaze back to Ludo. Forcing false bravado across his features, “I’m much more interested in you.” 

Ludo wouldn’t hide it, Vi’s statement made him beam. He stepped closer to Vidar. Ludo’s fingertips were wet from skimming the surface of the pond as he interlaced them with Vi’s, their foreheads nearly touching. Vi’s skin was blisteringly hot, and he was breathing deeply. Confusing, Ludo thought, Vi, flirted with everyone, so untouchable, and always managed to stay steely cool. But now, at this moment, there was a vulnerability there, Ludo was sure. 

“Okay then,” Ludo said calmly and closed his eyes. The voice of rationality was screaming somewhere in the back of his mind. Ludo was out here, under the moon, with this dangerous individual, opening up to him. Ludo took a deep breath and relaxed into himself. He felt a surge of electricity up through his feet, fully available to him after contact with the water. 

The pond water, previously glass-like and serene, began to ripple. A deep, bassy sound filled Ludo’s head and hummed, grew louder. The vibration was the only thing filling Ludos head as he focused more. The pond responded - minute spindles and spirals of water across the surface dancing upwards, a foot or so into the air in reply to the noise. Waves of energy crashed from side to side in Ludo’s chest. The sound was so loud it felt as though a large explosion had just been detonated nearby, and a high pitched piercing sound now joined the bass as the vibration grew louder. “Can you feel that?” Ludo said into the noise. Ludo switched his focus briefly to Vidar,

“What’s wrong?”  

[drkrakludo]

@neritaofthesea

“Another meeting?”, she questioned, raising her eyebrow. She would have preferred for this to be over quicker, she didn’t like having to go back and forth, just to get answers. Unless he didn’t have all the answers and was stalling, as to get all he required. She couldn’t tell. Nerita thought he would be the one to know, considering his profession and how he had been in town longer than her.

His inquiry didn’t surprise her, she had stormed into the room, without even introducing herself. It didn’t seem important at that moment. “I’m Nerita.”, she replied. “That’s what my kind calls me.” The mermaid had noticed how many citizens had two or three names even, and she only had one. Why would anyone need more? “I am what you would call a ‘mermaid’. But I don’t understand how your world works.” 

Ludo chuckled lightly, “Wow,” he said under his breath, “Nice to meet you Nerita. I’ve never met a mermaid before.” Her business-like manner both fascinated him and put him on edge slightly. And then he focused. He felt honoured that this person had chosen him to ask such fundamental questions. He considered the opportunity in front of him, to learn about a completely new species, and how many clinicians would have the opportunity to actually meet one and not simply read about them. He paused a moment, thoughtfully and then answered her properly.

“I will answer all your questions Nerita. It would be a pleasure. You probably know that you can’t breathe underwater in this body, you have no siren voice, you are probably less strong and it will take you longer to heal if you hurt yourself. Sounds like a downgrade, I realise. You will have to stay on land mostly, but you will also stay hydrated longer - but you can’t eat certain foods. As you can tell, there’s a lot of information. Way more than I could ever tell you in one consultation. But I will help you,”

[drkrakludo]

@rclused​

The question strikes the night like a bolt of electricity in the sky, prickling at Vidar’s skin and drawing him closer. His dark gaze sharp on the other for the moment, tracing the smirk that plays so daring across his features. Swallowing the air caught in his throat, Vi nods as his fingers wrap around the neck of the whiskey bottle. His other hand rests against the counter top, in a swift movement he propels himself over the bar, until he’s in the crowd of others, and more importantly staring back to the turbulence that stirred in Ludo’s eyes.

“Take me somewhere worthwhile,” Where Ludo’s words were a command, his own settled somewhere more playful as he followed the other out into the night air with the bar’s bottle of whiskey in his grip. It was the last thing he’d ever expect from the unassuming fairy, in fact he never came to expect much from the doctor. Which only added to the interest that paints Vi’s features tonight as he allows himself to be lead away from his work. He chooses to take a mouthful of whiskey from the bottle, before he finds any words to his lips. “Haven’t you been warned it’s foolish not to be afraid to walk into the night with one of my kind.” The curiosity still there, lacing Vi’s words as he hands the bottle across to Ludo, “Do you believe you’re indestructible or are you drawn to danger?”

Ludo didn’t answer Vi’s question immediately, he just kept walking. He didn’t look back to Vi, although he was reassured by the sound of his footsteps. He was giddy with the alcohol, but the cold air brought a fresh awareness to him, and Vi’s questions were swimming in his mind. They walked uphill through a densely wooded area, the moon flicking through the trees. Although Ludo knew where he was going, he felt a little overwhelmed. Vi alit a fire in him that he needed to extinguish, and this would be the perfect place. In this neutral quiet place, Ludo could summon the confidence to look Vi in the eye and answer him. 

Ludo stopped abruptly and turned to Vi, not making eye contact. They had arrived. Ludo put one hand lightly on vi’s waist to come closer to him, then used his other hand to take the whisky bottle from Vi’s grip. Ludo took a big step back and look a large gulp of whisky, which seemed to loosen his shoulders instantly. Such a lightweight. “I have been warned,” Ludo said, as he finally looked up to meet Vi’s gaze. Vi might have thought Ludo would follow this up with some explanation, but he didn’t. Just letting the danger hang there. “And in answer to your second question - probably the latter,” Ludo said, before taking another swig, looking deep into Vi’s eyes as he did so. Ludo didn’t recognise himself in these moments, acting out like this. Something was guiding him bigger than rationality. Pure electricity. 

The place he had brought Vi to was a spot well known to fae, nestled in the woods. A small but deep pond located in a clearing, the moon could shine straight down onto the water and make the clearing glow. It was clear other fae had been drawn to this place, using their magic to manipulate the flowers and trees to accentuate their natural beauty. The stench of fae was almost overwhelming. Ludo found the silence between them simultaneously excruciating and delicious. Ludo stepped towards the pond, the water calming him and began to lift his shirt off. “Swim with me?” 

[drkrakludo]

⊹   ⊹   ⊹

To: @rclused​

Location: Nightshade

There was a calmness to Ludo that the blonde would never be able to mirror, something almost stoic in their nature. But it was never something tranquil that was able to draw Vidar’s interest, just like the silence before a storm. Wine dark, Ludo always offered a promise in his silent stints, that it was only a matter of time before westerly winds began to overturn the ocean. A promise that would draw him in. For danger. Vi seemed to spend his life chasing that.

“The Jack? Please, I have an issue you’re drinking that in the first place.” In an easy movement, he’d reach behind him to the shelves, bringing down a finer bottle of whiskey and topping up Ludo’s own tumbler, and pouring a glass for himself, both in generous amounts. Ignoring the other’s suggestion he’d be heading off shortly, there’s a smile vibrant on his features. “Normally I’d let you pick my poison,” His own gaze like tongues of fire licking the night sky, catches Ludo’s as he lifts the glass to clink them together. Trying to ease the tension in the other’s shoulders, “But tonight, it seems we’re introducing you to much better whiskey. Cheers.”

 Ludo smiled and thanked Vidar for the drink. It was undoubtedly an upgrade, something you would drink to enjoy and not just to relax after a long day. They sat there together, not saying much, but the air was heavy. Ludo wasn’t one for small talk anyway. The alcohol went straight to his head and mellowed him. 

Ludo sighed, and it seemed for a moment like he might announce that he was heading home. “Come on a walk with me?”, a cheekiness in his eyes, a bit more of a command than a question. Ludo got up and pulled on his suit jacket. Usually Ludo had his magic under strict and regimented control, inexperienced, he preferred to use it extremely carefully and only in clinical scenarios. But who knows what it was, the whisky, the atmosphere, Vidar. He felt magic rippling through his neck and head as he asked Vidar the question, letting the feeling bubble up, wondering if any powers of persuasion would make their way over to Vi, or if he had barriers that Ludo’s unpracticed magic would resist. 

[drkrakludo]

“And you must be a medical professional.” He assumed when the other man gave him the advice. He nodded his head when the man asked if he could handle it for him. Taking his hand away from his bloody nose so he could do whatever it is he wanted to do. “Uh, no... I don’t think I would either. How do you know I wouldn’t? Is it really that obvious?”

“I’m Milo, it’s nice to meet you.” 

@milolovell​

Milo’s concern took Ludo by surprise. There were plenty in Barton Hollow who didn’t mind their supernatural identity being known, some were even quite proud. “No not at all-” Ludo tried to reassure him. “I’m supposed to be trained to recognise different, uh - types of,” He stuttered, “You get me. The whole medical professional thing.” But Ludo wasn’t sure this had done the job of reassuring him. He tried to instead change the subject. “So how did the nosebleed come about?” Ludo asked awkwardly.

[drkrakludo]

At his question, Nerita took a step forward, as her gaze inspected the room. It looked ordinary, the painting was dull, like the one found in many more buildings she had seen since her arrival at the Hollow. The land was strange indeed.

“I would like you to tell me everything you know about each creature here - the way they’re built, what they do and can’t do.” It was important information, she couldn’t leave her kind in the dark, without knowing if they could truly find allies in the town, or perhaps enemies.“And about this too.”, she then added, waving her hands around in circles, gesturing towards her own body. Her tail was gone, instead replaced by those strange limbs, other people called legs. Her whole body and skin looked so odd to her.

@neritaofthesea​

Ludo was taken aback by her request. He started to answer her, “I mean, I’m happy to help your quest for knowledge. I myself still don’t know everything. Maybe we could arrange a meeting if you wanted to talk these things through-“ And then he stopped. Normally people interested in the human body would google it or buy a book. Supernatural bodies, a bit more difficult, but he knew there were books available at Barton Hollow if you knew where to look.

“But why?” He asked, which admittedly probably should have been his first question. He just couldn’t help but get excited when someone showed interest in his favourite topic. “Who are you?” he asked her, plainly.

[zeynepscordato]

@krakludo​

The way they chose to reveal themselves hadn’t been the best, she realized that. Perhaps the citizens of Barton Hollow felt fear towards her kind, and suspicion too. But she genuinely did not know how those dead bodies came to be. Could it be someone else who was guilty of the act? Or was it one of her own? No matter who was the culprit, that information wasn’t shared with her. She meant no harm though. Unless provoked, of course. She wished to understand how the world on land worked, wished to understand the other beings and her own human-like form.

If she understood correctly, the right place to visit was an institution called “hospital”. It was where they would care for humans and other vulnerable creatures when they got hurt. The people in there could have the information she needed. They were educated and intelligent, she was told. They knew how the body functioned and why and how it healed itself.

Thanks to some assistance from the receptionist, Nerita was guided to a white door. Without knocking or waiting to be called in, Nerita grabbed the door handle and opened the door, stepping inside the room.

“Are you Doctor Kraków?”, she asked.

[drkrakludo]

Ludo glanced briefly at his new patient before saying “Indeed it is” and continued to type at his computer. He took a breath and then turned to her,  “What can I do for you today?” 

He looked at her, and was taken aback by her presence. She looked so calm, so regal. Unusual, patients more commonly entered looking at least mildly perturbed.

[celebswhogetslepton]

Chella Man Photos by Tate Tullier

[rclused]

LOCATION: nightshade . LETTER TO: @krakludo​​​ .

Vibrant shades of hues wash over the sea of bodies crammed together in the venue, as pounding music like thunder rumbles through the air. It was a easy to feel at home here, under artificial lights, where there’s a longing in the night. Intoxication starts to wash over even Vi, drinking about as much as he’d poured that night- but that was an advantage to being dead. His attention’s about to be shifted to a pretty blonde at the other end of the bar, but his eyes catch sight of something much more interesting along the way. Within seconds Vi’s resting his elbows on the bar, and head in hand as he inches too close to Ludo. “A bit late for you to be out, isn’t it, Doc?” An amused smile gracing his features, “What are you drinking?”

[drkrakludo]

LOCATION: nightshade . LETTER TO:  @rclused

Ludo sat at the bar hunched over, his body language closed. His mind was adrift, enjoying the undulating noise and vibrations that washed over him from the crowd of dancing people. He didn’t come out often, in fact he had hardly been anywhere in Barton Hollow besides his apartment and the hospital since his arrival. Consciously or not, he longed for something social, something more. Maybe that’s why he was here tonight, sat adrift at the bar. Despite this, when Vi approached him he was instantly defensive. 

“I’m heading home soon. Work tomorrow” he replied, turning his head to Vi calmly. “I’m finishing off the bar’s bottle of JD. I hope that’s okay” Ludo smiled, swirling the last sip of whisky round in the tumbler before knocking it back. Ludo saw hundreds of faces every day, and though he didn’t like to admit it, at some points, his social interactions were reduced to transactions, a puzzle to solve, a diagnosis, and he would loose himself in it gladly. But Vi had suddenly sparked something within him, a whisper of interest. And he was beautiful, there was that too. “What’s your poison?” Ludo asked, looking up at Vi with his dark eyes, choppy and pelagic. When their eyes met, and Ludo noticed the crimson shade of Vi’s, he wished he hadn’t asked. 

[drkrakludo]

open

Ludo nearly spilled his coffee as he opened the door of the consultation room, a stack of papers in his other hand. It had been a busy morning already at Wentworth Memorial, and his mind was scattered. He sat down at his desk, rolling up his sleeves and looked at the nervous patient in front of him.

“What can I do for you today?” He asked, gathering focus. 

@bartonstart​

[drkrakludo]

katherinemesser

“I- uh.. I was coming in to see if you can help me.. I cut my hand very bad and I-” KT hissed at the pain a cloth covering her left palm. “Work-related accident.” She offered an explanation, “I was being stupid and wasn’t looking what I was doing and then sliced my hand. I don’t know if I need stitches or not.”

“Let’s take a look,” Ludo said, eyeballing the gash on her hand. “Stitches it is then!” He summarised, gathering together the necessary equipment. “Seems strange that an experienced mechanic such as yourself would have this type of injury. Was something on your mind?” He asked.

[drkrakludo]

Ludo nearly spilled his coffee as he opened the door of the consultation room, a stack of papers in his other hand. It had been a busy morning already at Wentworth Memorial, and his mind was scattered. He sat down at his desk, rolling up his sleeves and looked at the nervous patient in front of him.

“What can I do for you today?” He asked, gathering focus. 

@bartonstart​

[drkrakludo]

@anyagrayscn

“oh, well I “ she said lifting up the arm of her sweater show a large dog bite. “we got a stray in the shelter.he was hurt and scared. I think i need stitches.” she said wincing as the fabric brushed the wound.

“Ouch,” Ludo winced, taking her arm and examining it. Her arm was warm, suggesting it was on the verge of infection. “It’s a good thing you came in,” he said, “It will need stitches though I’m afraid.”

He prepared oral antibiotics for her, cleaned the bite thoroughly and began to stitch. “It was nice of you to help the dog anyway,” Ludo mumbled, trying to distract Anya from the pain.