Arrow of Justice

"𝙸'𝚍 𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚋𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚎𝚟𝚎 𝚊 𝚕𝚒𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗 𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚔 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚘𝚗𝚎'𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚒𝚏 𝙸'𝚖 𝚠𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚐." 𝙱𝙻 𝚂𝚝𝚞𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚊𝚝 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙾𝚏𝚏𝚒𝚌𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝙰𝚌𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚖𝚢 - 𝙿𝚎𝚗𝚗𝚎𝚍 𝚋𝚢 𝙴𝚗𝚍𝚒

[fabledoath]

Introduction

Hello! I'm Endi (he/him) and I have been granted the honor of writing Ashe for The Officers Academy! At the time of posting this, I have no other muses, but that might change, so stay tuned!

More concrete information about me, or Ashe himself (both regarding his character and his stats), as well as the ask box, may be found in my blog through the buttons on the sidebar, to the left of the search text box.

Here's some useful things!

Activity Posts

I'm very new to tumblr rp, but it's my hope that I'll get used to its quirks, in great part thanks to the active and helpful community of TOA setting an example for me to follow!

LAST UPDATED: Jan. 8th, 2023

[fabledoath]

Wyvern Moon More Like Harvest Moon

[crimsonpaved]

HE PAYS ATTENTION TO OTHERS, both nature and necessity, that learning Ashe's strengths and not-weaknesses come almost natural to him in a way. He cannot fault him for wanting to focus on more martial weaponry, not when magic is all the more volatile than the snapping of bow strings. Still, Hubert cannot allow that to interrupt his precious work, reaching down as flame bursts to life in his grasp, scorching the marred plants before the roots can take any more than they already have.

"And I cannot claim proficiency with the bow, yet it is hardly anything worth feeling shame for." Spoken as if it's a simple fact, offered neither as encouragement nor chastisement as he keeps from acknowledging the almost vicious miasma of a magic meant only to destroy that hums at his senses. Truly, the attack had been almost too strategic, yet he has to keep himself from running off into the dying light in search of answers just yet, instead turning his head to acknowledge the question posed. "There would be fine if you intend to burn them manually, spread fertiliser over the pile to ensure the flame spreads faster." An almost amusing tidbit of knowledge from when he'd reluctantly had to try to smother the fire he'd started beside a pile of fertiliser in an almost distant past, and yet the memory is still as fresh in his mind.

A part of him laments for the medicinal plants rotted to the core as he pulls them from the dead soil, they were to be his supplies upon his return to replace the vulneraries he'd been forced to use and yet here they lay twisted into an accursed poison as he sets them down. Darkened eyes watch over the soil, tracing the scorch marks before a hand quickly darts to the trowel by his side, dragging a line down the dirt before the seeping malice can spread any further towards the fruit bearing plants yet untouched.

"An astute observation, the soil will no doubt need to be replaced, and the plants transferred, however for the moment we can afford to triage the afflicted plants and safely dispose of them before tossing the bed. Some of the plants grown here are used to particularly harsh environments, after all." 

[fabledoath]

While the boy could certainly think of plenty of reasons to be a little jealous of such magic, there were likely just as many situations where magic would be too destructive, too flashy, or too potent, so… That he has to concede! Hubert will see no argument from him, just slow nodding. Fair enough!

"Fertilizer, you say? Actually, I think I remember hearing something like that… I think it was when my siblings would play in Lonato's garden. I never thought of using it on purpose as fuel, though. One person's hazard is another's tool, huh?" Ashe muses, thoughts coming into his mind. He's seen some fire-y siege weapons before, like flammable carts loaded with barrels. Did they use the same or was it some more efficient fuel? He should ask a teacher about that sometime. As he ponders it, he starts putting the discarded plants on a single wheelbarrow, carrying and placing them off to one side, then coming back with it. He only makes a single trip before he gets back to weeding, he won't take the rest away until there's enough.

And then, as his eyes follow Hubert and his trowel in hand, a question.

"… Hey, I'm wondering… And what of the bad soil?" His eyebrows and mouth move, a puzzled look forming in his otherwise bright green eyes. "I mean, you can't just burn it to get rid of it, right? And just dumping it is out of the question, so… What could even be done with it at this point?"

[serraic]

“Smooth Transition” and “Serra” Probably Shouldn’t Be Put in the Same Sentence

... unless there’s a “not” in there, somewhere

[serraic]

... What was this kid saying? It was better to let feelings out? Serra shoots him a confused look, over the little boy’s head — that’s absolutely the last advice anyone should be giving a kid likely going into the hands of the church. The last things nuns want is children who have feelings. If you need proof, the only person you need look to is Serra herself.

But — you know, maybe there’s a strength to that, too. Maybe there’s something to telling a child to rail against the skyline, knowing they’ll only be punished for it. Yeah... Maybe she can get behind that! So then she nods, firmly, at Ashe, perfectly solidifying a confusingly mixed signal.

The little boy — who hadn’t seen any of that — speaks on. “I don’t even know the two of you,” he mumbles, suspiciously.

“I’m Serra!” Serra introduces, loudly and joyfully. “Cleric with wondrous healing magic! I work in the Garreg Mach infirmary currently!”

[fabledoath]

Yay? Ashe… thinks Serra ended up finding sense in what he says, so that's all that really matters. She didn't look all too pleased in the first few glances he stole, but now she seems satisfied, and full of gusto. The kid still isn't entirely dealt with, but, baby steps!

Ashe composes himself while Serra goes to answer the child, and then follows up.

"And my name's Ashe. I'm a student here, working to become a knight. We really are just here to help," another glance at Serra, trying to see if they can steer the conversation to a optimistic outlook, "and even if you don't know us, and we don't know you… It's still just the right thing to do, you know? Those of us who can spare a thing or two should share it with those who need it most. So, don't worry, alright? Things will get better here. We'll do all we can for you if you just allow us,-"

More than a bit heavy-handed, oops. He forgot to ask the child for their own name.

"… Ah, but, first, now: what's your name?"

[fabledoath]

Activity Tracking: Oct. 2025

Continued Threads:

Get Me a Bald Cap and Call Me Agent 63

When The Seagulls Cry (They Are Hungry)

They Let Anyone Write Chivalric Manuals Back Then

Skill points earned:

General Activity point (not allocated)

Skill point total: 38 Unallocated points: 15

New Classes Accessed:

N/A

Classes Mastered:

N/A

[fabledoath]

Get Me A Bald Cap And Call Me Agent 63

[mementosofantics]

Ah, well. Can't be right all the time. Sometimes guesswork doesn't always work out, especially when collaborating with new people. A field Anna was new to, so any experience would be good experience. "Of course! I'll check if I have something else in stock for you."

It was, in hindsight, a little silly. Obvious customer feedback can really help tighten her loose gaps, and thievery was one of them. Anna's experience with thieves was... limited, on her end. And negatively skewed. Her own bases and biases were clearly off for the task at hand.

Instead, she focused on what she would've given a potential aid if she had set off with one instead. Pulling out a red cloak, near identical to the one she was wearing save for the clasp, and a black shirt, she handed them over with a flourish. "... and here we go! I hope these are more to your taste. Terms and Conditions apply, as per always."

[fabledoath]

Ashe politely lowered his head while accepting the new garb, and then held it up to take a good, loooong look at it. Red, quite eye-catching… And completely the opposite of mysterious! Which, ironically, made it perfect for the job.

"Let's see…"

A glance around, making sure no one was looking, and he changed into the shirt first, using Anna's other merchandise as his cover. Glancing down, checking his sleeves and abdomen, it fit quite nicely! She got the size just right, huh? Coincidence, or a merchant's keen eye?

Then, the cloak, with the hood down, and… Not bad at all! Looked quite new, but hey, who wouldn't want to wear something clean around here? Have to make a good impression on fancy folks somehow.

"This is good, yeah! Very good, actually. You know, I almost look like I work for you like this. Someone who helps you deliver things to your customer's manor, or something like that. That's convincing!"

He ducked his head after he said that, realizing maybe he should not speak of cover stories so loud.

[fabledoath]

Send 🍲 for our muses to make soup together.

"Do you know what you're doing?" Henry dumped the unevenly-chopped carrots into the pot. It was a genuine question, because... well— "Because I don't!"

Mmm, maybe that was why he was delegated to only chopping duty in the kitchen. Even that he wasn't too great at, but he didn't mind too much. "Aw, whatever." He laughed. "We'll learn a bit together if anything, won't we?"

Not everyone cooks (and cooks well), and that's fine! Watching is the way to learn, so Ashe did not mind at all if he was the one who had to pull most of the weight in this particular task.

"Don't you worry, we've got this! Soup is one of the easiest things to make. I'd say you're doing pretty good already." It didn't matter if the pieces weren't… pretty. So long as they weren't too large! Though this did mean Ashe had to keep lookout to make sure there wasn't just a huge chunk carelessly tossed in there. Most people don't like biting into a big, soggy cube of carrot.

"Don't overdo it though, alright? Just one carrot more will do, I think. We're putting pumpkin in this one too! Maybe you can handle that too while I deal with the chicken?"

And if it ended up too sweet, nothing broth and a pinch of salt wouldn't fix. Right?

[fabledoath]

They Let Anyone Write Chivalric Manuals Back Then

[ourrolesareclear]

Never had Lon’qu had the displeasure of hearing such words from his own student. While his expression might have softened at the edges for that explanation from one such as Ashe, whose reputation does precede him as a good student, it was not in a pleasant manner at these reassurances. His face probably would have stayed softened at the edges, and he did not hear the listed tactics during the explanation, as Ashe placated his worries and rewarded his patience with a whiplash. Absolutely it was not his intention, but Lon'qu honestly grew more and more baffled.

Yes, he's sure this book was an offensive piece of literature for sure now as he slowly draws his chin down into a waiting fist to stare through the heavy silence and simply ponder. While he's not about to be disparaging towards a young man's interests in war as it was both not his place and hypocritical as an instructor, he can say that he did not see the appeal. Or as stated: the charm. To run back wild and potentially harm fellow humans and creatures alike with conceited and erroneous methods like jousting with the polearm between your legs and taking a creature into battle with not any armor is a detriment to their studies. Those within the infirmary and those in the offices of professors who would not tolerate this are growing. Lon’qu hasn't had to be strict before, but it seems like he might have to put his beliefs out to his students. Is this a teaching moment or... ?

Nevermind. He pulls himself from listening with intent to fixing Ashe with a rather neutral stare. No disgust bleeds through, he's sure, but he also knows his expression cannot be particularly happy either.

“Ashe. I can understand the appeal, and I'm glad you're well aware of the situation that this choice of reading comes with, but I cannot in good faith endorse or praise any of the techniques. ” He tries to be more eloquent, like a teacher would, but he ends up shortening it eventually. "This writing, it sounds more like a joke. Or something amusing to the writer alone, clowning upon others. I wouldn't be surprised if it was from some overeager kid or someone who wants to see you kids flailing about.”

Because who wouldn't want this school's future alma mater to be either slightly worse to fully tarnished in all things lance related. He's yet to see a sword or magic style book but that doesn't mean much with the book endorsing bare horseback riding into a battle. Perhaps it's within the pages itself and he's just yet to see anyone worrying…

But he can agree that something always comes from learning, even something so dangerous. He's not so harsh when he counters. "To put a javelin anywhere so vital as the nethers or so close to the horse's spine does not hold merit or charm, and the flowers they decorate their pen with aren't fooling me. Where could a book like this even be found, I haven't heard of a teacher stumbling upon the likes of this before?"

[fabledoath]

"Oh, no, no, no- I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong idea, I wasn't praising the technique at all!"

Ashe is quick to react: With a book this ridiculous, it would be downright humiliating to be caught supporting it in any way! Hand rises, and both it and his head shake in urgent, defensive denial. The thought of making Lon'qu even wonder if he's been fooled by the outrageous manual, it's embarrassing on its own. He's better than that! The student wants to think he is. Admittedly, it's quite shocking (and a little bit suspicious) that anyone at all is actually falling for it, but there's no denying it when the resulting incidents are known and tangible.

"I only thought the flowery prose itself was pretty good, that's all. I wouldn't ever even think about putting a weapon between my…"

*Gulp. Yeah, let's not think about that.*

"… Anyway! Now that you're asking, I… don't actually know where it's from?" Huh! His gaze wanders up as he tries to recall, rubbing his chin with his thumb idly; he's hoping maybe he'll recall some valuable little detail about it all. A lead, something, anything! But there really isn't much to it.

"I borrowed it from another student, and she also got it from someone else, herself. I hear they've just been going around the school, being passed around."

Oh, that's so nothing. No, he can do better. If there's not more of a trail... They'll have to rely on deduction.

"It was pretty hard to get my hands on this one, so, I'm thinking it can only be a handful of copies. If true, that's good at least… We could ask at the monastery library, but, it doesn't seem to have any labelling that'd indicate it belongs there either. Hmmm…" As if the monastery's scribes and management would ever let something like this slip through!

"Maybe a bookstore in town? If it's so popular all of a sudden, they might be advertising it."

[astrronomemes]

THINGS TO DO IN AUTUMN: STARTERS

a collection of starters based around autumnal activities. send an emoji for our muses to do the thing!

Send 🍁 for our muses to rake the leaves together

Send 🎃 for our muses to go to the pumpkin patch together

Send 🌽 for our muses to walk through a corn maze together

Send 🍎 for our muses to go apple-picking together

Send 🍵 for our muses to make apple cider together

Send 🍂 for our muses to jump into a leaf pile together

Send 🌳 for our muses to admire the fall foliage together

Send 🚶 for our muses to go to a fall festival together

Send 🔪 for our muses to carve a pumpkin together

Send 🍲 for our muses to make soup together

Send 📺 for our muses to have a horror movie marathon together

Send 🧺 for our muses to go on a hayride together

Send 🏠 for our muses to visit a haunted house together

Send 👻 for our muses to tell scary stories to each other

Send 🧣 for our muses to help each other bundle up for the cold weather

Send ☔ for our muses to get caught in an autumn rainstorm together

Send 🧶 for our muses to do an autumn / Halloween crafting project together

Send 🥧 for our muses to make a pie together

Send ☕for our muses to make hot chocolate together

Send 🦇 for our muses to dress up for Halloween together

Send 🪣 for our muses to go trick-or-treating together

Send 🎉 for our muses to attend a Halloween party together

Send 🍬 for our muses to eat Halloween candy together

[fabledoath]

She waited a moment before knocking, she wasn't used to these kind of things, but after all, she was very fond of her students, especially the ones who proved themselved valid and capable in Minerva's eyes.

She made a firm knock on the door and before the door opened, her fingers tighten a little on the package: it was finely decorated with a verdant paper, a small silver bow and actually nothing else, as Minerva wasn't really good in preparing gifts or anything like this. Inside the box, a saddle, especially used to flying mount and easily functional for those who recently started. Nothing too fancy, but definitely very practical and comfrotable.

As she met his gaze, the flying instructor handed the package, a brief smile as he greeted him.

"Happy birthday, Ashe"

An unexpected visit indeed!

"H-Huh? Oh, Professor Minerva! Thank you, I didn't realize you knew my birthday, but... I guess it's on my student record, h-hah."

Well he sure felt like a right fool. He got a tad startled at first, but of course, he had no reason to be intimidated by Minerva! She was rather awesome, yes, but after studying directly under her, it'd gotten less overwhelming.

It still distracted him from taking heed of the gift box, taken aback when he finally glanced down at it. It was... quite big! It had some weight to it too. Huh!

"Is this for me? Really? Well, let's..."

Ashe took it off her hands and tried to open it right there. After just a little bit..

"Wow, is this a saddle? Wait, this one's not for horses- it's for a wyvern, is it? I guess I shouldn't be too surprised... But- right, thank you so very much! It feels quite nice too..."

He touched it, feeling the leather, but of course, he wouldn't know just how comfortable it truly was until he sat on it himself.

"I should just be grateful, and I am, but, I hope it's not too much if I ask you help me put it on next time?"

[fabledoath]

When The Seagulls Cry (They Are Hungry)

[breidatactics]

While the other prioritised blocking their upper area, Kiran just made sure none of the seagulls would reach their hair. Listen, sure, getting pecked in the face and ankles sucked but having your hair pulled? And ruined? By seagulls? Worse by far. 

Their cloak managed to protect them from the worst of it, one thing they were eternally grateful for. The cloak might be shit against weapons but against the devious birds? It was about as good as any armour. Golden eyes kept an eye on their new companion, it seemed they hadn’t understood their signing? Or maybe the seagulls kept them preoccupied? Either way, it might be better to gesture until the two were safe. 

Parasols were not built for an attack by a flock of seagulls, tragically. I can’t believe I’m failing clean up of all things… No one else is finding out about this, ever. Which led to a need for a new plan, as the other student suggested. 

Their two options sounded really annoying no matter what. Either they got followed to the estate proper and all got to see them fail at clean up (an event that will not come to happen if Kiran had anything to do about it) or they give up the leftovers and possibly face angry owners. Neither sounded all that appealing. 

There’s gotta be another way…

Kiran glanced up at the seagulls then at the leftovers. They picked up a piece of the leftovers and threw it behind them, slowing down slightly. It wasn’t following either suggestions made by the other student but at least this way it was guaranteed the seagulls would leave them (maybe) be? 

Some of the seagulls flew away and over to the thrown leftovers. Phew, so far so good. They pointed to the leftovers on them and then to the seagulls who were demolishing the thrown leftovers. Hopefully, the other would get the hint, if not… well, back to signing and hoping for the best!

[fabledoath]

Ashe waited for a straightforward response at first, but got none. Only then it finally clicked that Kiran just hadn't been speaking, at all! Their motions hadn't registered as anything specific in the current turmoil, nor did Ashe know how to read such signs, but at least, now he knew what to watch out for.

That said, even without any voiced responses, it was clear Kiran wasn't a fan of either plan. They were… not ideal, frankly. None would likely be. Yet, Kiran did something, something Ashe's eyes barely caught, what with their avian distraction. Did they just… Throw something?

The results of Kiran's third option unraveled before the two: the flapping of wings; high squawks, getting a little further away from the pair; a whole lot of motion. The horde was like a shark smelling blood. They quickly backed off, chasing what appeared to be a single bit of grilled fish, a succulent treat to those natural predators. The flock was hectic, birds pushing up against one another. "Me, me!" One could almost hear them call dibs while forcefully throwing their weight around, seeking to be The One to claim the prize.

"… W-Wow! I really should've thought of using bait like that. Good thinking!"

Was it truly the perfect solution? Well, did… this count as littering the beach? Maybe, but hey, if the birds pecked it all clean, maybe no one would be the wiser. It was still, by any means, the best option at their disposal. A real tide-turner!

Alas, Ashe did not forget: this was only a temporary measure. Once the food hit the sand and the birds finished fighting over it, it would be the students' turn once more. It was a matter of seconds. They had to bolt now, and the lion did so only after issuing his warning:

"Now, let's hurry! And throw another if they get too close!"

Didn't want to leave Kiran behind, of course! They were the whole reason he swooped in in the first place!

[fabledoath]

Activity Tracking: Sep. 2025

Continued Threads:

How Not To Train Your Dragon

Get Me a Bald Cap and Call Me Agent 63

Ethically Questionable

Skill points earned:

General Activity point (not allocated) Mission Board Thread Completion Lances ( D+ ➝ C ) Knightkneeler

Skills point allocation:

Lances ( C ➝ B ) Brave Lance

Skill point total: 37 Unallocated points: 14

New Classes Accessed:

N/A

Classes Mastered:

N/A

[fabledoath]

[ 🧨 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat’s the quickest way to set them off, even if they hide it well ?

It's difficult to anger Ashe for most people, but flippant, shameless and unempathetic attitudes really get his goat, especially coming from people who should know better than him based on their position or age.

Extra points if the other person thinks they're somehow better for it! Not to say all people get the same treatment, but if you act like "being good is a waste, actually, you should stop trying so hard" he'll be really, really annoyed.

[fabledoath]

[ 📜 ]ㅤ.ㅤis there a story they love sharing with others ?

Also asked by @princeofopenness

Loog and the Maiden of Wind, evidently! Okay, easy answer out, joke over, now *actual* personal story time with Ashe.

Cristophe, Lonato's biological son, was of course already training before he came to the Officer's Academy. Even then, Ashe already decided he wanted to come too, so of course, as practice, Cristophe thought it would be a win-win situation if he was to train this scrawny 11 year old. Ashe... tried to use the lance at first, motivated by the image of a cavalier. Emphasis on *tried*.

Ashe proceeded to almost poke Cristophe's eye out with a wooden pole, and the brother in turn started wearing a helmet for protection without telling Lonato about the incident. When the father found out, the older one earned a proper scolding, and had Ashe switch to shorter blunt weapons, while Lonato himself helped him with archery training instead.

Is it embarrassing to talk about later? A little. But the fact that they didn't give up on him means everything to Ashe.

[fabledoath]

Ethically Questionable

[encantresse]

thank goodness he’s able to intercept those punches when he does. a sigh of relief tears from her lungs at the sight of their berserked classmate now bound—even if temporarily. 

under better circumstances, she’d have thought to cheer him on—a simple “way to go, ashe!” though now, it’s out of the question. there’s no knowing what might provoke the aggravated even further, and dorothea is not the sort to push her luck so carelessly, especially not when ashe is still in such close proximity to the other. not when they could break free at any second to give the poor boy the walloping of a lifetime. 

ashe, and the whole classroom at that. did a person in this altered state of mind know when to stop? 

“that sash isn’t going to hold him for much longer.”  surely he realizes this, too. 

she dashes to ashe’s side and grabs one end of the fabric to further loop around their classmate’s hands. it earns her a vexed huff, the berserked attempting to headbutt her aggressively until she jerks back at the right moment. “and if we,” dorothea's voice drops, worried it might further provoke more ire, “fight back, it might set him off even worse.” a grimace takes hold as she glances over her shoulder at the huddled presenters.

some help they all are. 

“you know more than we do!” she calls out to them. “how do we free him from this?” 

they glance at each other, hesitating for whatever reason dorothea can’t discern, until one of the frailer-looking ones speaks up—a man with a salt-and-pepper beard, who fidgets nervously by continuously pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. 

“a restore staff ought to do the trick,” is the reply they get back. “that, or we’ll have to wait this out.” 

she struggles for a minute, just as the berserked classmate wrestles some more. a light jab of her elbow, straight into his chest, is enough to temporarily stave off his efforts. “where is it? the staff?” 

the man hesitates. 

clearly, his silence says it all. so much so, that it prompts an incredulous look out of dorothea as she locks eyes with ashe: can you believe they showed up unprepared?

[fabledoath]

Both of their green eyes meet in total incredulity.

For a moment, Ashe was even glad that they seemed to be making progress towards some actual solution, compared to their attempts to far: they had only been stalling and delaying up until this point.

But that glimmer of hope was dissipated in less than five seconds. Two steps forward, one step back, it seems like.

It's frustrating. Ashe is not prone to anger, typically, but this? This is just baffling. His brow sinks, and he directs his gaze towards the bearded man.

"You'd really conduct something like this without preparing at all?! That's ..."

But, the resisting classmate grounds Ashe, with all their jerking around, forcing him to turn his gaze back to it. He needs to focus, least they'll be back to square one.

"No, we don't have time to fight amongst ourselves right now, let's just..."

His heart and his brain runs a mile a minute. Thankfully, the adrenaline of the moment is helping him hold still so far, which is a small silver lining... But that'll only be good so long as the sash holds, which is not a guarantee at all.

"Maybe there'll be some in the infirmary? Dorothea, you'll be better at using it than I would, you should go look for it. I'll- I'll try to hold them here as long as I can!"

[fabledoath]

[ 🗡️ ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat is a scar that they have but never talk about ?

I believe his legs and knees are somewhat banged up, but his uniform conceals this. Mostly scrapes and such from reckless behavior in the streets, trying to climb precarious windows, and tripping on rough, rocky streets. Thankfully no lifelong injuries and very light scarring, it might only bite him back if he reaches advanced age.

[fabledoath]

[ 🪶 ]ㅤ.ㅤhow do they laugh ?

Warm, pretty nasally, but light, moderate in volume and easy on the ears!

[fabledoath]

[ 🕊️ ]ㅤ.ㅤwhen did they feel the safest ?

(also asked by @twistedisciple) When he was too young to know the cruelty of the world, with his parents. They weren't wealthy or anything, and technically, he's been safer since then in a physical sense, but his innocent mind back then couldn't even imagine the horrors of plague, and the reality of how life can change so suddenly.