A healers trials. Part 1

A healers trials. Part 1
Elani? Aye that's the anchorite we're bringing to Valgard with us. Lovely lass, easy on the eyes too, if...you know, you're the type to take a fancy to a Draenei. Light only knows what she's doing on a war front though, really she should be back in Stormwind or another city, tending the sick.
Well, that's what I thought when I first saw her, she was fresh off the boat to Valiance keep, wrapped into her robes, and one of the smallest Draenei I have ever seen.
I was ordered to see to her sleeping arrangements in the keep with the other healers. So, I approached her and saluted.
*Welcome to Northrend, Anchorite..."I glanced over the scroll in my hand" Elani. We'll be glad of another healer.* I smiled as I finished and held my hand out to take her belongings, which is when I noticed she didn't have any.
Clearly she presumed this would all be taken care of by someone else. It bugged me, we were here fighting a war and people like her couldn't even by bothered to carry their own belongings.
She looked at my outstretched hand and smiled, *Ah, t-thank you, Sir. Please, lead the way.* she made a little curtsey as she finished.
*Where are your belongings, Miss Elani?*
*Oh, I emm, didn't b-bring anything with me. Was I t-to supply my own healing equipment?* She turned a slightly darker shade of blue and I realised she was blushing.
*No no. your personal belongings.* I smiled, hoping to look reassuring, she was stuttering and looked a little nervous, how was a child like this meant to be a healer?
*Oh! Light, I thought you meant, oh..em, I d-didn't bring any with me. I was u-under the impression I was here to serve the Holy Light, in which case all I n-need are the robes I wear now, and my faith.*
I was, amused to say the least. Chuckling slightly I turned to lead her away and found myself looking at the image of a Wolfs paw on a red backdrop. Looking up I saw that I was in fact staring at a tabard, worn by a giant.
The giant was a Draenei like Elani. I had seen him around, he was one of the *specialists* the Alliance brought in to break sieges and take care of things which required a more subtle hand then an army could provide, apparently men and women like him were all over Northrend, wielding magical weapons and enchanted armour. The elite of the elite.
He look down at me and made an attempt to mirror the salute we humans use, it was a laughable attempt, for a start he used the wrong hand, but it was a gesture or respect all the same and I responded in kind.
*Greetings, brother in arms. I see you are assigned to show my child around?* The man said, his voice was, deep, carried an air of authority, this was man who was accustomed to giving orders, and commanding respect.
Then what he had said sank in, I turned to face Elani and she was beaming, she stepped past me to embrace her father who ruffled her hair affectionately
*Father, you must have more pressing matter to deal with then welcoming your daughter to a war zone. I'm grateful though, thank you.* Elani said, still holding her father.
*I could not miss this, however, I cannot keep you delayed either, as this young man here must also have pressing matters to attend to once he has shown you to your quarters. Not to mention how your own aid will be required as soon as possible.* He replied, before breaking the embrace and smiling down at Elani.
At this point it occurred to me that I hadn't introduced myself.
*Oh, Miss Elani, I'm private Arnel.*
Elani and the giant turned to look at me and Elani bowed,
*An honour, Master Arnel, shall we get moving? I'm eager to make myself useful.* I nodded, and Elani looked back to her father. *Well, you had best get back to work father. Stay safe.*
As she said this she placed her hand on her fathers head, and muttered a prayer. He then straightened and stalked off through the milling crowds. Elani sighed quietly and gestured for me to show her the way.
So we set off through the fort, stopping occasionally as large crowds bustled by, sometimes soldiers, sometimes conscripts on their way to be processed. It took us some time to make our way to the keep, Elani was mostly silent for the walk. Occasionally asking me a question regarding the defence of the keep, she was scared though and it showed.
I was hardly focused, daydreaming as we walked past some guards until reality came crashing down on me as I a screaming soldier was carried past me towards the keep, the armour around his chest was a mess of blood and broken armour and his comrades were hurrying him to the medical wing.
I turned to say something to Elani, I wasn't even sure what I was going to say but when I looked back she had just started moving forward, she ran past me and caught up to the guards carrying the wounded man.
*Stop! Put him down for lights sake! Your shaking him is going to kill him faster then that wound would!* she yelled, and as the guards voiced their protests and kept moving she muttered a prayer and the guards let go of their stricken comrade, looking back, confused as he floated without assistance.
*Now, take his hands and guide him to the medical wing, quickly now!* without another word the guards obeyed and moved along quickly.
When we reached the infirmary other medical personnel took the guard to a bed and Elani stood at the doorway, at first I thought she was awaiting further instruction, but when I looked at her face it was twisted into an expression of horror, and disgust.
Looking around, I could see what troubled her, it wasn't the scores of wounded screaming in their beds, or the silent and still ones. It was the conditions of the medical wing, wounded soldiers were being brought in and laid atop beds that were caked in filth from the previous occupants, the floor was slick with blood and other fluids.
The smell of wound cleaning potions mixed with the stench to create an aroma that had my gag reflex going. Retaining control, I glanced at Elani who was striding forward to meet the man dressed with the markings of the chief medic.
*My lord, what in the name of the Holy Light is this?* She asked, making an expansive gesture to indicate the wing they were in. The medic looked up from some parchments and scowled.
*It's a war, girl, I assume you are one of the new arrivals? Get into your medics robes and get to work.* Without so much as another word he looked back down at his parchments, clearly to his mind the conversation was over.
*Sir, you cannot expect me, or any of these medics to work in these conditions? We are going to be healing these soldiers, saving them from their wounds only to send them back out with some fatal disease. It's, outrageous.* I winced as she ended the sentence. Elani had no military experience of any shape or form, that much was obvious. I felt sympathy for her, but I was not about to go beyond my own station.
The chief medic set his quill down, and glanced up at Elani, a look of unmasked loathing on his face.
*This is why, I don't like working with your kind, you think everything can be perfect here? You think we have clean sheets to go around? Well we don't, because this is WAR! Thing's are not perfect! Now shut your mouth and get to work or so help me...* A few orderlies were now watching, the medics still tended the wounded but it was obvious they were listening.
*I, but sir surely we ha...* the slap cut Elani off mid sentence, and seemed to echo across the room.
*Get out of here, and come back when you are ready to help us save some lives.* The chief medic spat. Without another word, Elani bowed and turned, striding out of the medical wing quickly, rubbing at her cheek. I saluted the chief medic and turned to leave with her. I still had to show her to her quarters.
I nearly ran into her out in the hallway I had been trying to catch up, she was looking away and I thought she was crying at first, she turned to face me when I walked up behind her and already, her cheek was starting to bruise already, Light the chief medic had hit her hard.
*Anchorite Elani, I apologise for that, I should have stopped you, but I did not believe you would persue it so adamantly.* I muttered, keeping my head down, she may have been an inexperienced child in terms of warfare, but she was still a conduit for the power of the Holy Light, and as such warranted some degree of respect from me.
*It’s alright, Arnel, I overstepped my place, he was within his rights to strike me, I will have to take this to a higher authority though, it’s not acceptable to have men and women treated in such disgusting conditions.* she smiled at me and turned to walk towards the officers quarters, I ran after her and grabbed her arm to stop her.
*Miss Elani, don’t. You’re inviting trouble on yourself, you don’t know how things work here, just, make the best of what you have. If you make yourself into a problem, you may find yourself sent to the frontline, and that is not a safe place for someone with no combat experience.* I met her eyes and prayed she would understand how serious a mistake she would be making. Her smile did not falter and I thought for a second she would agree and let it go.
*Sir Arnel I cannot let good men and women suffer out of fear for my own wellbeing, that would be a betrayal of what I believe in.* She turned to walk away and I spun her around by the arm, holding tight.
*Elani, go to your quarters and rest, think on this and you’ll see how crazy you are being. Please.* I pleaded with her, she looked me over and her shoulders slumped, nodding briefly she followed me as I led her to the healers quarters and as she made to get some rest, she turned and blessed me.
*I’ll see you tomorrow, Sir Arnel.*
*You will, Miss Elani.* I said, saluting and leaving to make my way to my own quarters.
The following morning I went to see if she was still in the healers quarters and nearly walked straight into a young human girl as I walked the corridor of the main keep, I made to apologise and noticed the tabard she wore, it was the same as the giant, Elanis father.
Glancing up at me she saluted, I returned the gesture and smiled politely, the girl was short, didn’t look to be much younger then me really. She was slight of build but to look at her you knew she was able to handle herself, she carried a mace and shield that looked like they would cost a lifetimes worth of payment for a soldier like me.
She gave a bemused smile, and walked past me. Into the healers quarters. I followed knowing she was likely there to see Elani, I stood at the doorway watching as the young woman went to greet Elani who was sitting at the table with one of her hands rested on her bruised cheek, it took me a moment to realise her hand was glowing, she must have been healing the bruise for when she lowered her hand at the young humans request, the bruise was nearly completely gone.
*Elani, what happened?* the human asked, leaning in to inspect the bruise.
*Oh, a I was treating a wounded soldier yesterday Adaire, and he broke his restraint and hit me while he was…thrashing. It’s my own fault for not securing the binding tight enough.* Elani replied, smiling. I silently prayed to the Light in thanks, that she had seen the sense in not causing a fuss.
*Ahh, well you’ll have to be more careful, Elani. The injuries you’re going to be treating here will be worse then most, and as I’m sure you know, pain like that takes away a persons capacity for reason.* Adaire said smiling, channelling some of her own healing magic into diminishing the bruise as she spoke.
*Sir Arnel! It’s lovely to see you this morning, I was hoping you could take me to see your commander today? Or Quartermaster, whichever I should take my concerns to.* Elani called to me as Adaire took her hand away to inspect her work, Adaire then turned to me and beckoned me over. I sat across the table from the women and removed my helm, setting it down I sighed.
*What concerns, does Elani speak of Sir, Arnel, was it?* She enquired of me, I leaned across the table to whisper, not wishing to draw needless attention to what was being said.
*She’s been complaining about the conditions in the medical wing, I tried explaining to her that we simply cannot spare the supplies to change things like bedding after every single patient, but she refuses to listen.* I said, earning a glare from Elani.
*Well, I agree that the conditions here are deplorable, but Elani..you’ve not worked on a front line of war before, things are like this. It’s terrible but, it’s simply how things are.* Adaire frowned as she spoke.
Elani smiled again, that same genuine smile. I was, angry. She was ignoring the advice of not one but two people who knew far better then her on such matters. She just smiled and acted as though our opinions were totally irrelevant to her, to so it seemed to me. Adaire didn't seem annoyed, more, resigned.
*Elani, I know you feel personally responsible to see to this, but it is an insane path to take. Promise me you will not overstep your station here.* Adaire said sternly, there was no question, she was telling Elani to give her that promise, not asking her.
*I, yes…Adaire.* Elani replied, bowing her head. I sighed, relieved. And with that Adaire stood and made to leave. I saluted her and she smiled and shook my hand, as she did I got a closer look at her and noted a small scar on her cheek, obviously this one had seen some combat at least, and I wasn’t about to ask questions about it.
I escorted the priestess back to the medical wing and took my post guarding the door, I couldn’t hear anything more then the screaming inside, from the various patients and occasionally from a medic calling for assistance. I preferred fighting, I hated guarding the infirmary, out on the frontline it was easy to tell myself I was making a difference, changing things. Helping…standing here all I saw were wounded carted in, and dead carted out. The thought gave me pause, that was all these medics and healers saw, the very worst of war. They saw none of the victories, they only saw the wounds and the tragedies. What kind of person volunteers for that, I recall thinking…and looking back, I think it is safe to say that braver people then I, are the ones who volunteer for such duties.
A few hours passed, and I saw Elani leaving the wing she was covered in blood and still managed to smile at me as she hurried past. I didn’t stop to think where she was going, and she returned minutes later with sheets slung over her shoulder and my heart skipped, what was she after doing, I made to stop her.
*Elani, where did you get those?* I enquired as she came to a halt in front of me, she bowed deeply and smiled.
*From my own bed, and the beds of a few other healers who offered. Our patients need them more then us.* she replied, smiling happily, it seemed a few healers had taken her feelings to heart, though judging by the amount of sheets she carried it had been very few healers indeed. I stepped aside and she hurried past.
For a time nothing else of note happened until I saw the chief medic coming down the hall, he was a man I tended to notice, and I hadn’t recalled him leaving at all which, meant he was not yet aware of the charity of a few of his healers. I had terrible feeling in my stomach, that things were about to get volatile. He nodded stiffly to me as he strode into the medical wing, his robe spotless and fresh looking. A perk of his position, I thought to myself.
It wasn’t long before the cries and shouts from inside the infirmary took a more aggressive turn, and less then twenty minutes after he walked in, Elani was shoved out the door and stormed off through the keep. I was forbidden to leave my post naturally enough, but I knew this was not going to end well for the Draenei.
Later that evening, after my shift had ended I was about to retire when I saw Elani sat outside the keep, praying at a small shrine, I waited silently until she finished and turned to me holding a parchment tightly in one hand. My stomach sank, I didn’t realise the chief medic had enough clout to get things done this quickly.
*My, reassignment, has come through. I am to be sent across to Valgard. where I will be better able to serve the Light and the Alliance against the Vyrkul and the scourge.* Elani said, quietly, her voice shaking.
*Do not worry, I’m sure the boat ride won’t be that bad, Elani.* I said smiling, she looked up at me, her eyes wide and fearful.
*I’m not being sent by boat, the last ship bound for the other side of the continent has left earlier today. I’m to travel by wagon with some non essential supplies, and a small escort.* She muttered. *What a fool I have been.*
My heart wrenched, this wasn’t uncommon, the long journey through dangerous land would require a healer for the supply guards, but she was fresh off the boat here in Northrend, this directive was intended to either scare her straight or be rid of her, and I doubt command particularly cared which so long as she was gone and the chief medic wasn’t lodging complaint after complaint to the commander.
*Don’t worry, I’m sure they will send you with the very best of protection, Elani…I should be going. Light protect you priestess.* I saluted, and bowed my head before walking away, and hearing her offer her blessing to me in turn.
I felt guilty, I was worried for the girl, but I was also slightly glad that there would not be anyone stirring trouble anymore, things would return to some degree of normality. I turned to glance back at Elani, and saw Adaire had reached her already, the two were speaking and I could see Adaire was angry. I shrugged lightly and carried on.
When I returned to the barracks there was a man dressed in runners gear, waiting at my bed.
*Private Arnel?* He enquired of me, I nodded and he held out a parchment to me. I took it and glanced over the writing before feeling suddenly very ill. A friend of mine, corporal Alem, strode over to me.
*What’s wrong, Arnel? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.* He paused and then laughed at his own terrible joke, stopping only when I shoved the parchment under his nose.
*Ahh…your escorting a supply caravan by land…nice knowing you Arnel.* He said, and I found myself cursing the priestess.
Right, that's all I have time to tell you. The caravan leaves in a few days, and I have some affairs to set in order, just in case...we'll have to talk again some other time friend.
Category:Story