who will forgive you if you can't forgive yourself?

Darios, Black Eagles Sword Instructor || penned by kuno || affiliated with The Officer's Academy

[grxstnnefealltoir]

getting stabbed is a common fodlan pass time || bruno & darios

[grxstnnefealltoir]

"I suppose but I have to wonder if it only worked because I told Rowan I made it." Dumb regardless but at least then a little more sensical.

Now Darios lets his eyes fall shut, lets his breath even out and he thinks back. "The people of Aytolis are nice, wonderful even. Despite the hardship Gristonne has given them, they remain as such. But that is the problem, Gristonne have them hardship, an perspective I could offer on them is colored by the fact that I... as Gristonne's prince were I ever unhappy it verged on a national emergency."

"It's difficult to wonder if people hold care for you or if they simply fear you that much... but I suppose its nothing compared to the pain that would inspire such reactions from people to begin with."

[stormofembla]

Even if that was the case — that Rowan only enjoyed it because it was made by Darios — the trust held in him is what holds true. Clear as glass, a truth so evident that it could not stay caged within Zacharias; so he gives Darios' hand a gentle squeeze, glances over to see hidden silver.

"Perhaps it may have been the case: that Rowan cared enough for you that he was willing to take down all of poor-tasting broth — although, I doubt that was the story. Regardless, he held enough trust in you to even dare take a sip of what must have been nearly poison for him."

He pauses. Would he go too far if he were to continue? A brief moment of pondering, and he ultimately settles on no, it wouldn't be. Darios stands precariously atop the selfish whims of too many, expected to manage them all and some more. The history of both kingdoms, the memories it has imposed upon Aytolis—

"We will never know if that chef was afraid or cared genuinely about your assistance," he admits, quiet. "If they had lived through this hardship, if they had grown to see Gristonne as a force to be appeased... then it is up to us to rebuild what reputation we can, and to begin to heal what harm history has written to Aytolis.

"Which," he grazes his thumb slowly around Darios' knuckle, "given how Rowan and Lianna both see you, I believe you have already established an unshakeable foundation for."

[grxstnnefealltoir]

Reassurance after reassurance, Darios has to wonder if Zacharias would still feel this way if he'd been there.

He must chuckle at that. "I'd eaten it with him as well so maybe that too helped. Who would want to eat something that no one else is?" They were children, that sort of logic came into full effect.

"You speak so optimistically at times." It makes it easy to believe they can do it all. "However that endeavor has only grown more difficult as Gristonne has returned to those anti-social ways. Granted the loss of king and prince to the nation it's a vassal under now would be as good a reason as any, they aren't aware of what happened during that skirmish."

"There's much much too much to do. So much that a healing man should free his mind from." Grey eyes open and Darios' finger rests atop Zacharias' nose.

[grxstnnefealltoir]

getting stabbed is a common fodlan pass time || bruno & darios

[grxstnnefealltoir]

"You'll be sore..." The covers are warm and he is glad, though still a little worried. For Zacharias to run this hot, healed as they may be, his wounds are still working him quite hard. Regardless, Darios nestles up as closely as he can beneath the covers and smiles.

"Scientific? I don't know if I'd give my younger self such accolades. He was just... happy to try even dumb things. I'm sure the chef would've done so eventually, but Rowan's not wanting to try it after the first would've hindered any progress."

Darios raises his hand, his finger gently taps the tip of Zacharias' nose. "I imagine he was, but in Aytolis it would have been impossible for any of them to express that sort of thing... and I admit that I enjoyed that. In Gristonne that was far from the case."

[stormofembla]

"What you call 'dumb' worked, however. Brilliance only emerges if one is willing to try, even if it may be the worst of ideas."

Zacharias hums; Darios glued to him in such a manner is endearing, and he chuckles softly as he tugs the covers up to their shoulders. He may be running hot, but this only makes the air a stark cold against gently flushed skin: the covers will help keep him warm while he hears more on Darios' histories.

"Impossible to express such frustrations... are individuals in Aytolis expected to be more tolerant?" Really, is there an expectation to be more blunt in Gristonne? "Or was it... greater respect for your status that led to such restraint?"

[grxstnnefealltoir]

"I suppose but I have to wonder if it only worked because I told Rowan I made it." Dumb regardless but at least then a little more sensical.

Now Darios lets his eyes fall shut, lets his breath even out and he thinks back. "The people of Aytolis are nice, wonderful even. Despite the hardship Gristonne has given them, they remain as such. But that is the problem, Gristonne have them hardship, an perspective I could offer on them is colored by the fact that I... as Gristonne's prince were I ever unhappy it verged on a national emergency."

"It's difficult to wonder if people hold care for you or if they simply fear you that much... but I suppose its nothing compared to the pain that would inspire such reactions from people to begin with."

[grxstnnefealltoir]

getting stabbed is a common fodlan pass time || bruno & darios

[stormofembla]

"Merely a precaution." Zacharias laughs, and then, in sheepish admittance: "It is not uncomfortable there, either." Rather, the opposite, but that acknowledgement he will keep to himself. He tugs at the covers, rolled up against the side of his bed, and tosses it over them both — in case it grows to be too cold.

He hums. "A scientific endeavor," he lilts, "that ended up improving the chef's techniques and the recipe itself. The more you describe the broth, the more it sounds quite interesting to me... a broth that stems from an overly sweetened plant..."

But then, he pauses and tries to think with shut eyes. A Darios that was more bold, more willing to interrupt — Zacharias finds it hard to fully imagine. He smiles in mere thought of such exchange: "And the chef was not frustrated with you?"

[grxstnnefealltoir]

"You'll be sore..." The covers are warm and he is glad, though still a little worried. For Zacharias to run this hot, healed as they may be, his wounds are still working him quite hard. Regardless, Darios nestles up as closely as he can beneath the covers and smiles.

"Scientific? I don't know if I'd give my younger self such accolades. He was just... happy to try even dumb things. I'm sure the chef would've done so eventually, but Rowan's not wanting to try it after the first would've hindered any progress."

Darios raises his hand, his finger gently taps the tip of Zacharias' nose. "I imagine he was, but in Aytolis it would have been impossible for any of them to express that sort of thing... and I admit that I enjoyed that. In Gristonne that was far from the case."

[grxstnnefealltoir]

whispers of your song drown the voices out // sephiran & darios

♪ kpop demon hunters au ♪

[thelightofcreation]

If the demon hadn't taken measures to grab hold of his wrist, he would have found his head thrown from his shoulders. If hostility had been met with hostility, his own fate may have been less certain, but Sephiarn certainly would not have missed his mark.

"Ha! People on both sides?" Ridiculous enough to make him bark a laugh, but nothing more, pressure mounts in response to lack of injury, pushing the head of his staff closer to his target as he does.

"No human would survive on the other side of the honmoon. Trying to find an easy way to ferry souls over?" Wrenching his arm out of the other's grip, he adjusts his stance. "You should have chosen something more reasonable to speak about."

A sweep of the legs, to knock the other off balance. They could speak when one of them were disarmed, and no earlier.

[grxstnnefealltoir]

More reasonable, the hunter says. Darios finds himself scowling. "You'd say the same to demons living amongst humans too. The only reasonable solution to you is the demons all gone." And sometimes that truly doesn't seem so unreasonable.

Humans on their side of the honmoon would be devoured or succumb to the same demonic pacts that landed most of them down there and become demons as well. Demons were unable to ever regain the humanity they'd lost in undertaking such things.

The hunter may be older but he is no less agile. His arm slips free from his hold and his legs are suddenly not beneath him.

Is this the only way to make him see sense? Will this even make him see it?

He lets himself fall but brings his hands up to shield his vitals. "Tell me, what would you have us do?"

[grxstnnefealltoir]

getting stabbed is a common fodlan pass time || bruno & darios

[stormofembla]

He tilts his head over to face Darios, smile reassured. There's a quiet rustle of fabric as Zacharias puts some more space between himself and the wall, to place himself just a smidge closer to Darios — such that there is still enough space for them both. "When laying on your side grows to be much," he hums, "do tell me. There is always enough space." Or, underlying: I will make it.

Violet flickers down as his hand interlaces with Darios'. "The soup." Whether Darios speaks about sickness and twin rulers, or something as mundane as making broth, Zacharias thinks he can listen to that gentle drawl until time itself ends. So, he prods: "How did you... figure out your recipe?"

[grxstnnefealltoir]

Darios smirks and leans closer, allowing his head to rest against Zacharias'. "You simply wish to be against the wall I see. Perhaps the only person who knows I sleep on my side is you." Because who else would he trust with his deepest sleeping hours?

Once again their hands find one another and he holds tight. "Much trial and error. My tolerance for sweetness is far higher than Rowan's so it was a matter of undercutting that sugary taste whilst not making a mess of the flavors. Boiling the plant leaves the nutrients and healing factor still in the boil but the flavor as well. The difference is it's far more muted. Apparently there's tried it before but then served it as was... and of course it was horrible."

"I must reiterate my youth when I was making this, were it me now... I doubt I'd have interrupted the chef's as I did then. That said, the brew is added early, the moment the bone broth is made. It's a flavor that slowly overwhelms that sweetness without being bland."

[grxstnnefealltoir]

getting stabbed is a common fodlan pass time || bruno & darios

[stormofembla]

A gentle smile decorates his face, right as eyes fall shut from the quiet peace. Zacharias laughs softly — any louder, and it will hurt again. "It is nothing a cup of tea with honey cannot fix. I will help you regain it before your next lectures if I must."

But again, he pats the empty part of the bed. It may not be much space, that is correct; Darios would simply have to lay there, that is also correct; but he shuffles even further off to the side, until his arm is curled up against the wall. "I do not care," he murmurs. It is blunt, but it is true: recovery matters little if his love will always be an arm's length away. "I can stay here," perfectly flat, on my back, "and ask for nothing more but your close company. Would... would that suffice?"

A pause. Again, because formalities are always needed: "...Please?"

[grxstnnefealltoir]

"It's hardly interesting enough to make you do such a thing." He says as much, but this too may just be Zacharias' own way of healing. If he focuses on his injury alone, then it will be all he is at the moment.

Please.

A word that makes all resolve crumble. Zacharias' expression, that small but meaningful sacrifice of space. Darios has to look away. He can't-

"... I suppose a few minutes won't hurt, but don't squish your arm like that." Black boots are unlaced and slipped off. "I'll lay on my side, that will be enough room for that."

Hesitantly, he does. The injury rests on the right so, tempting as it may be, he can't quite hold Zacharias. "What were we talking about again... the soup?"

[grxstnnefealltoir]

getting stabbed is a common fodlan pass time || bruno & darios

[stormofembla]

"I have an idea," he murmurs. The subtle shift in Darios' voice does not go unnoticed, and he lets his hand stay as comfort in Darios'. "You have done much for them, even if they have done much for you, too."

Zacharias glances back toward Darios; and then, as soft craving tugs at the back of his mind, he shuffles himself closer to one side of the bed. "There is no need for you to tell me anything. Only if you wish to speak, then I will be here to listen."

Such is the courtesy that he is granted from Darios; so he will grant the same. As he arrives at the very edge of his bed, he lets go of Darios' hand and pats the side of the bed. "Join me?" he asks, quiet. At the stillness in the room, the silence between them both, he pats the opening again. There is nothing more that he would like than to have comfort close. "If you would please?"

[grxstnnefealltoir]

And now Zacharias is added to those he owes.

It's a small chuckle accompanied by a timid smile. "The only reason I don't tell you more is for fear of losing my voice recounting it all." Someone to be so utterly honest with, to bare the sins that weigh atop his back and the joys that make carrying them worthwhile, he can find that in no other than Zacharias.

"Join you?" He would like to, but it is not him who needs such rest. He hums, drawing out the fact that he truly must think this over quite hard. "I wouldn't be able to hold you... you'd need to rest on your back just as you are."

[grxstnnefealltoir]

getting stabbed is a common fodlan pass time || bruno & darios

[stormofembla]

He is quiet throughout the story. There is much to take on here: that Rowan, just like his father, is ill; that the reason why Aytolis has dual rulers is to account for such fact; that it seems neither twin understands why it was they were placed on the throne together. No wonder Darios would try to make such herbal soup taste good, he thinks — if one is having that more frequently that most...

But still, Zacharias' gaze flickers downwards, head lulling over to the side. It is not Rowan's health that concerns him most here. "I see," he murmurs, soft. His thumb continues to trail across the back of Darios' hand. "You are not much older than them, are you? Yet, you... knew this all, and carried the burden with you in quiet."

How young were you when you were forced to grow up? And instead, he smiles in what he hopes to be reassurance. "They are quite lucky to have an older brother like you in their life. Without... the king to raise them, the impact you had on them must have been greater than anyone would understand."

[grxstnnefealltoir]

The intention is there and it strikes him faster than he can guard against it. A small jolt leaves his hands a bit tighter and his expression fighting not to turn to a pout. Always... somehow you know the truth.

"I'm five years their elder, but that's hardly it. I just... at that age I had no mother of my own so I often spoke with theirs and she was kind enough to teach me things... or at least allow me the chance to interpret them myself." A chance rarely afforded back home despite how he clamored for it. "A future ally and a teacher. A friend as well. I'm certain you can guess the expectations placed by most who knew of my bond with them."

There's a twist in his chest now and his mouth feels dry. His other hand rests atop Zacharias', part of him wishing to lay and let his mind float away for a moment. "There's much I've not really told you I'm realizing..."

[grxstnnefealltoir]

getting stabbed is a common fodlan pass time || bruno & darios

[stormofembla]

He runs his thumb across each of Darios' knuckles. The movement falls into a steady rhythm, absentminded, as he hums. Broth sounds closer to unappealing rather than palatable, but perhaps the saving grace is how Darios offers it with anecdote.

Zacharias laughs and tilts his head toward Darios. Even if Darios hadn't puffed out his chest at the declaration, he could hear the pride underlying in tone. "But you figured it out, didn't you?" The smile lingers even as his laughter subsides. "Of all the people I expect to appease such pickiness, I would certainly believe it to be you. The maids stood little chance against you who knew him to such an extent."

A hum. "Could you make the broth later, please?" He claps Darios' hand tighter, fingertips leaving gentle indents against skin — hoping that it is enough to encourage him to stay for now. "Tell me more about... what you made for him."

[grxstnnefealltoir]

It's a hypnotic motion. Slowly and easily his mind goes still, its thoughts so clear as to be transparent. "They did try their best, but I have always wondered if he was simply more compliant because it was me rather than them. He's such a— so particular." And Darios finds comfort in every bit of it.

"I can prepare it for you. It is nothing so special." Is it because he is pained or because he seeks comfort? Or... Ah.

"Aytolis has a vast array of plants and vegetables, most have a... gentle sweetness to them. Most of the herbal ones even more so. The cooks and nurses alike both tended to mix such flavors in and it was, to put it bluntly, horrible. Even with the sweeter porridges, the taste ruined any palatability of the dish, but that it was healing mattered more than if it tasted good."

With closed eyes he recalls his young self sneaking a taste and nearly gagging. He has to laugh. "If it were myself, I'd have still eaten it but Rowan's position was a bit... unique." How much should he say? It is only Zacharias and yet it is Zacharias. To know this much when the hardest fight they will face is convincing the court neither favors Aytolis more than Gristonne is almost a set up for failure... but it is Zacharias.

"The previous king of Aytolis was ill and passed due to it... that Rowan seems to have the same illness. I don't believe I've ever expressed it to either of them, but if not for that, it's likely he alone would've been crowned, but a twin rule was by far more beneficial internally and externally — ah... the broth." He's gotten much too side tracked. "The trouble is finding a way to deliver medicine whilst maintaining good taste to fully take the whole dose."

[grxstnnefealltoir]

getting stabbed is a common fodlan pass time || bruno & darios

[stormofembla]

"Non-lethal capture," he echoes. Back down he goes, and Zacharias sinks comfortably back into his pillow, strain no longer on his arms for propping himself up. "I suppose so — that would be wise for the future, wouldn't it?"

He laughs, quiet, before reaching for Darios' hand. With the bandage change out of the way, the exhaustion seeps back into his bones — how... tiring, to require such efforts to do something as simple as walking to and from the door, as sitting upright. No, he will certainly not be ready to return to classes anytime soon; yes, there is no other choice but to accept the care that Darios offers.

Although, he will try to return back onto his own feet as soon as he is able; Zacharias will not be dependent for long, lest he grows to burden Darios. He shuts his eyes and hums. Darios does not need to worry for much longer. In no time, Bruno will heal and return to full health—

...But, what did he eat?

"I think," he pauses, eyes flickering back open, "I had a small bowl of porridge."

...

"Maybe about half," he sheepishly adds. "I wasn't hungry at the time, nor am I feeling hungry now."

[grxstnnefealltoir]

"If your hand must be stayed, then quite so." Darios rarely finds such mercy within himself. If he must oppose someone, a detrimental injury to capture them is a small task.

Zacharias plops back down harder than Darios really expects or has ever seen from him before. He needs this. When was the last time he actually got to relax. The ball doesn't quite count if Darios is fully honest with himself.

"The man who is not hungry is also the one most likely to starve without knowing it." The lack of appetite is natural considering where he's been injured, but that makes it all the more important that he does. "Could you make an exception for a broth? I'll assure you it's a palatable and easily downed one. It's enough to make even the pickiest of sick eaters ask for more."

And he is quite proud of that. "Rowan was always the pickiest when he was bed ridden and the maids never really could pin down the exact flavors he could tolerate."

[grxstnnefealltoir]

getting stabbed is a common fodlan pass time || bruno & darios

[stormofembla]

He sucks in a breath even at the gentle graze; although the touch is soft, it still burns — subtle, underlying. "There will not be a next time." Perhaps that is poor to say, as Zacharias nor Darios could ever know if that is true. Regardless, he shakes his head. "Next time, if an injury finds me... rest assured it will not be to such a degree."

But nobody can predict their future injuries; if it happens again, Zacharias thinks there is a chance he may not be so lucky next time. Regardless, regardless — time and time again has he been lucky enough to keep coming back from death. Thus, would another one really matter?

"Perhaps I will be better by the time I need to work," Zacharias hums, "and if not... I will tell the academy myself. They will know that it is Dr. Darios who has instructed me to rest further." Laughter, light-hearted; here, again, Darios stands right in his belief — Zacharias should not be returning to teach anytime soon. "Rest assured that I will always trust you with my healing. There is nobody else I could trust further."

[grxstnnefealltoir]

"You nor I cannot guarantee such a thing — I'd not ask you to either." The sharp hiss from his touch almost has Darios shift gently hands away but they stay firm for a moment longer. "I suppose... the best I can ask is that you train in methods of non-lethal capture. I dislike that you values your opponent's safety more than your own."

For whom would he go to such lengths? If it was someone from Zenith, perhaps someone from Zacharias' past?

"You most certainly will not be." Despite the words, he puffs his cheeks out. Finally he returns to wrapping the injury proper. The he would tell the monastery himself is reassuring... it is not as though one professor should speak for another.

To be trusted is to take responsibility. He takes a deep breath as the bandage is secured and the roll set on the bedside. Now he finally pushes Zacharias to lay down and rest. "Then I will give you the fullest care I can offer. Beginning with, what have you eaten today?"

[grxstnnefealltoir]

getting stabbed is a common fodlan pass time || bruno & darios

[stormofembla]

Zacharias shakes his head. "Not for long. I encountered them..." he pauses, pondering — has it been that long, already? "...approximately under a week ago. Most of my time since then has been under the watchful care of the infirmary, who made their judgement based on my progress and the academy need."

The implicit stands quite clear in his speech: Darios needs not to worry, needs not to anger himself. The orbs, he chooses to stay quiet on — somewhat. "They should all be gone, now; or most of them have been removed, except for ones that I have missed." A pause, as the wound prickles under tender touch. But the orbs themselves are only the tip of the iceberg, he thinks; what do we do with the heroes who have arrived, with no way home?

To Darios, at least, he will simply say, "That work is... almost done, then. It will be completed shortly; so there is no need for you to concern yourself further."

[grxstnnefealltoir]

His brows pull into a scowl. His hands work steady, quick but gentle. "That is far too little time for a wound of that size. You could have stretched it as well by still doing as you normally do."

The academy need be damned. If such strain causes further injury then he's no idea how he'd continue on. "I'm glad but, gods forbid there be a next time, just keep me informed..."

"No matter if it is that work or otherwise I will worry for you, and I've good reason to after this as well. I don't want you to injure yourself." He stops wrapping for a moment and his finger traces the center of the still exposed part of the wound. "I know inevitably you will, but I selfishly would like to be entrusted to your healing at times too. Like now, you need rest more than any lesson needs you."

[grxstnnefealltoir]

getting stabbed is a common fodlan pass time || bruno & darios

[stormofembla]

Zacharias has never seen such look on Darios' face: a sharp fall, a sudden unease. Darios travels always with a sense of urgency, but Zacharias has never seen him move with such speed now. Pressure mounts in the back of his throat as he watches Darios work; the worry, he had wished to avoid.

"No, eating has been... fine. The clerics made sure of that." Darios' touch is gentle around the wound, a comfort compared to the cold air and scratchy bandage around his skin.

But at his second question, he stiffens. To stay general, to avoid implications — "I had little interest in killing my assailant. The intent, as you could see, was not reciprocated." Zacharias only stares down at his wound and the hands that now work to cover them. "I was slow, hesitant, and... careless. It was all they needed to wound me."

He shakes his head. "This is a one-time incident. If I am right in my hope," that said assailant did not originate from Garreg Mach, "then we should never see them again."

[grxstnnefealltoir]

"The same clerics that allowed you to return to work?" He understands the need while many faculty are off and away, but his lips still press to a thin line.

Short nails trace the edges of the wound as his right hand works to wrap secure but not tight. Zacharias would do this and more, he'd have known much silver than this. Maybe Darios did. The picture of Zacharias' assailant is muddled, but one detail makes most of this all clear. "I told you to be careful while dealing with those orbs... you know more than I how dangerous they can be."

Because truthfully, Darios does not believe anyone less could have done this. As strong as the people of the monastery and Fodlan both are, they are not this strong nor so stupid(he hopes.)

"How long have you been like this? If you tell me it wasn't long after we parted ways..." I won't forgive myself.

[grxstnnefealltoir]

getting stabbed is a common fodlan pass time || bruno & darios

[stormofembla]

Does Darios need to know? He will find out eventually, when the story is ready to be shared. Zacharias takes the shirt off and sets it off to the side. Then, he makes a quiet admittance: "I was lucky. That is all."

He holds himself up with his arms, really — to put too much strain on his body will hurt more the longer he sits here. Thus, Darios is right in his acknowledgement; still, Zacharias shakes his head. "I will be fine." He tugs at the end of the bandage as he leans against his remaining support and starts to unravel. "I will only be up for a brief moment — this will... allow the change to be more efficient."

The full wrap is removed and set aside on a nearby nightstand. He glances down at his main wound, skin still weeping with every rise and fall of his breath; and then, manages a small ( hopefully, reassuring ) smile as he glances back at Darios. "Know that it feels better than it looks."

[grxstnnefealltoir]

It seeps in slowly. He would like to think himself strong in regards to such things but perhaps it is only injuries to himself that he can manage with such ease.

Partially it is that Zacharias sits up where Darios knows how to maneuver him without making his injury worse.

Mainly, it is that he has been stabbed. Who could he have dueled that had bested him in this manner? To draw blood, that wound was dished out with lethal intent.

Zacharias hopes to reassure him, but Darios can't hide the way blood drains from his face. Nor can he stop himself from picking up the pace at which he preps the new bandages for him. The story will come later, whoever assailed Zacharias in this way, he will find them. "There's no trouble eating or some such? You... I'll see if I can find some soothing salves before its time to change your bandages again."

He swallows hard before leaning in close to start setting the bandages. And his eye catches another. Smaller, yet he bristles all the same. "...you're a strong fighter. Good at reading situations as well... why - rather what caused you to falter?"

[grxstnnefealltoir]

getting stabbed is a common fodlan pass time || bruno & darios

[stormofembla]

He hesitates there. He can't. Not until he determines which world the other was pulled from: if it is truly the Ike from this world, then there are larger issues at play; to ask clarifying questions to Darios would implicate what he wanted to avoid. Which means that there was only one option left—

"I have a roll of bandages in that drawer." He points toward the corner of his room. "You can... use that." A pause, and he sits himself up, reliant on his arms and a tug on Darios' hand to lift him back upright; a quiet sigh, and he lifts his shirt slightly to reveal the bandages encircling his core.

However, he must clarify: "I intend not on hiding the recounting from you for eternity. I only... wish to seek more information before I approach you with the story."

[grxstnnefealltoir]

"A wise choice." Not so wise is that Zacharias sits up ,but Darios will revel in the wins he is allowed. The bandages are procured and set on the bed's edge. "Truthfully, I'd have been more sad if you didn't allow me this."

He admits as much because there is an understanding. In his eyes, to do this now matters far more than hearing of it could. Zacharias will tell him when it's time for him to be told. Until then, he looks at the wrappings around Zacharias's torso and grimaces. "...I know it's hardly me that should make a comment like this... but you must've had a healer nearby if this is as bad as it looks to be."

Keeping the atmosphere light would be ideal, but the pull of black eyebrows and the contemplation behind grey eyes makes that less and less of a possibility. "You shouldn't even be sitting up right now."

[grxstnnefealltoir]

getting stabbed is a common fodlan pass time || bruno & darios

[stormofembla]

...No, Darios is right — in no world should Zacharias have been cleared. Perhaps it was twofold: the plea from Bruno to let him out of the infirmary, alongside the fact that much of the faculty would be departing for—

"Oh, the festival," he echoes. His entire body relaxes into the bed as he reaches for Darios' hand, intertwining their fingers. "I had heard much about that — but perhaps they could wait until next year for us. At least the academy will be quiet while the others travel."

A pause, as he rests their hands atop his chest. It is comfortable with Darios around: significantly better compared to the static white of the infirmary. "I have not, no." He hums, quiet; for Darios to see the wound itself... he shakes his head and adds — "It is something I can take care of myself, though."

[grxstnnefealltoir]

"It would've been nice to mingle with an ally of the church ,but it's as you say. Next year... so please stay safe in that time." He can ask how Bruno came to be this injured, but he should know. Part of him thinks he does when he recalls what they'd last spoken of.

Cold hand in cold hand, he wonders if it's wise for him to let Zacharias have this. He certainly could change his bandages on his own. Just as he likely could reach if he really was forced to, but it makes little sense to Darios that he should. So he offers, "I won't insist on changing your bandages... on the condition that you tell me how you of all people became this injured."

"Or I may simply change them and you need not recount." No matter what, I must do something, he thinks. He should have been more attentive, it should not always be that it is Zacharias who comes to him, he shouldn't ever wait in such a manner.

[grxstnnefealltoir]

getting stabbed is a common fodlan pass time || bruno & darios

[stormofembla]

"It was merely an altercation where I was not... careful enough." Darios takes enough weight off such that Zacharias is nearly floating from the lift, walk now only lightly grazing the wooden planks. He thinks of adding that it did not involve any from the academy, but holds his tongue — no, he should confirm that first.

They approach the edge of the bed, and Zacharias sinks himself onto the mattress as soon as he is able. The soft impact forces another flicker of pain, and he winces, hand cradling the sting as it glows a subtle blue. It is comfortable, the cold: it seeps through the shirt, the bandages, and over to the wound itself.

"It was recent — you have missed little. I had been approved to return to teaching only earlier today, albeit," he pauses, "not at my full capacity."

Another pause, and then he manages a quiet laugh. "Perhaps this will be my forced vacation of sorts."

[grxstnnefealltoir]

"I'd like to think myself good at judging people's strength. It could not be a mere altercation to keep you down as it has." Zacharias is laid down, but still he works himself. If it is still so painful that he would exert himself to stop it, then he does not understand the decision to approve him back for work. (Perhaps recalling the kind of charisma Bruno's voice drips with makes it easier to see how he might convince some poor nurse he is fine when he decidedly is not.)

"You should not return in any capacity, if I must don the banner of the Lions and teach in your stead, I will." He sighs through his nose as he sits on the edge of the bed. His hand hovers above Zacharias' chest, afraid that touch itself might harm him too.

"I was waiting. Of course there are matters to attend to but a festival is the sort of freedom that a ball can't quite allow. I would have liked to go with you, but it seems I was correct in staying until I heard word from you." Darios turns his lips to the side and a small smirk crosses his lips. "If your injury is this bad, you will rest for another week at the least."

"I'm assuming you've yet to change your bandages today?"