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Battle Master

Chapter 8

The amount of time Baedyn had with his brother was all too short and, as Ian had indicated, it was Talvin's plan to show him off to the gathering of men who had assisted with overthrowing the Lord of Stone. Before he knew it, Baedyn had been ushered off to a back section of the pavilion where Ian assisted him with stripping the travel clothes he'd been wearing before gently assisting him with donning a much finer set. It wasn't hard for Baedyn to recognized the replacements.

Ian immediately picked up on the Wolf's thoughts and acknowledged that they were the freshly laundered courtly set that the old Lord of Stone had custom fit for him. Even as Baedyn was wondering about them, his Saglahasan explained that the new Lord of Stone had chosen to send them along as they were technically Baedyn's anyway. Even though the Lizard didn't specifically send the thought, Baedyn coudl tell that Ian approved of them.

The moment that thought went through his mind Baedyn glanced back over his shoulder at the Sarvestinian, who was smoothing out the tunic. Without even needing to make eye contact, Ian confirmed the obvious: of course he did. The Lizard then went on to note that the clothing had been measured for a much thinner Wolf.

Baedyn spoke his counter-argument aloud. "They were tailored for me! ...when I was even worse off."

Just as he turned, Baedyn saw Talvin's head pop up over the divider. "Ah yes... I had some concern that your fitted clothing wouldn't quite be up to the task." His younger brother's head disappeared as he called to somewhere else in the pavilion "I believe we're ready for you now, Gaius."

Baedyn wasn't quite sure what was going on until a vaguely familiar individual came around the divider; it was the Porcupine tailor from back at Izlegaol. Without wasting any time, the older man pulled several quills out from a pincushion strapped to his leather apron. "Looks like you put on some weight... maybe you won't sway back and forth so much this time when I need you to stand still."

The Wolf blinked. "You work for my--" he froze, carefully stopping himself before indicating that Talvin was his brother, "--for My Lord Bane?"

The Porcupine's immediate response was a condescending scowl, followed by a flat statement of "I already said I know who you are and I know who he is. No... I don't 'work for' Talvin... I'm just here repaying a favor."

Finally free from having to put on airs, Baedyn relaxed slightly as the Porcupine stepped up to do his work. A minute passed before Baedyn asked "So how DO you know my brother?"

Apparently a man of little words, the tailor continued his work, moving this-way-and-that around the Wolf while measuring and marking. "Through a mutual acquaintance in Pross."

The question was out before Baedyn could stop himself. "How many people does Talvin know there exactly?"

As if treating the inquiry like a rhetorical question, the Porcupine continued working. After what felt like a doubly-long pause, the tailor stated "My name is Gauis, by the way."

Baedyn looked to the man quizzically. "Hmm?"

Glancing up from his work for a moment, the Porcupine stated "Your brother said that you should know my name... and that I am going to part ways with you before we reach the border."

It took a moment for Baedyn to remember what little he knew of the man. "Oh... Vyodin had said you were from Avredell... are you--?"

He was interrupted curtly "Yes. I am going home once my work is done. I couldn't say why it is so important for you to know who I am or where my home is, but Talvin made me promise to tell you before we were done."

Baedyn craned his head, attempting to peer over the divider to see if he could located his brother; Talvin was seated on the far side of the pavilion in one of the padded chairs, reading something he held in one paw as he casually pulled grapes off of a bunch with the other, popping them into his muzzle as if he hadn't a care in the world. Baedyn scowled. "Sorry... I couldn't say either."

Although the Wolf had a few ideas as to why is brother would have made the tailor divulge the information what he said wasn't exactly a lie; it tied into a secret he and his brother shared so he thought he KNEW why, but he honestly couldn't SAY. Having spent enough years around royalty, Baedyn had become very proficient at spouting half-truths, though he couldn't help but wonder why his brother could trust someone well enough to reveal their real names and association, and yet not reveal the fact that they were both Sorrani.

His musings came to an end as the Porcupine straightened up, pulling away. "Very well. That should do it."

Baedyn stretched his arms and slowly rotated his body at the waist; the clothing felt much more comfortably fit. "That was fast."

Gaius stared at him as if he were a half-wit. "It's hardly anything spectacular, young man. You've gained some weight, not grown another arm."

The Wolf stood up a little straighter. "Well... I haven't met many tailors in my time--"

The Porcupine scowled. "And you still haven't met another one yet either-- I'm a leather worker, not a tailor."

Baedyn really didn't know how to respond to that. He took a moment to reassess how he was going to offer his thanks, but Gaius seized that opportunity to walk out of the partitioned area and head for Talvin. "I'm done. I left a little room for him to grow out some more. Whatever you're doing, Talvin, he doesn't look like a corpse warmed up any longer, so you should keep doing it."

Talvin didn't miss a beat. "Insightful as always, my friend. I can't possibly thank you enough for your courtesy and willingness to separate yourself from your shop and your family as a favor to my brother and myself."

Stepping out from behind the divider, Baedyn made his way over to the discussion. Gaius glanced his way then looked back to Talvin. "Yeah? Well don't forget you promised me a few Lara for my troubles."

Baedyn was surprised at that. "Lara? But I thought you're from Tenvier. Why would you need Vensiian money?"

Gaius shot him a dirty look. "You don't hear me asking you about your business, boy. Show me the same courtesy." at which point he turned his sour gaze back at Talvin. "Well?"

Talvin laughed. "Why yes, of course, my friend. A promise is a promise... and never let it be said that Bane is not a Wolf of his word. Willis, if you please?"

The spotted feline emerged seemingly out of nowhere, or at least quietly enough that Baedyn hadn't noticed him until he was joining the circle of discussion, and he held out a small cloth pouch to the Porcupine. "Fifty Lara. Thank you for your service."

The amount was enough to make Baedyn pause and apparently sufficient to make Gaius do the same. Before the leather worker could speak, the Wolf turned to his younger brother. "Talvin-- I don't think these clothes cost that much new!"

Gaius spoke up a half second later. "They don't... and I don't charge this much. What's your angle, Talvin?"

Seated where he was, the younger Wolf was able to look up at both Baedyn and Gaius. "You went out of your way to assist us. Can my generosity in this instance not be considered repayment for such a gracious favor?"

Silence prevailed for many long seconds. Gralz gave the bag a slight shake but, Baedyn noticed, the Porcupine did not bother opening it; Tenvierian merchants, he remembered, considered it a slight to their customer to count money after being handed payment. Letting out a deep breath, the leather worker eventually shrugged. "Yes... yes, Talvin, I suppose it does." Pausing for a moment, Gralz turned to look at Baedyn. "If you're anything like your brother here, I'm not sure the world is ready for the both of you together."

Rather than offering any explanation or staying for further discussion, the Porcupine made his way to the pavilion exit and waited just long enough for Ian to move the flap aside before making his exit. Baedyn was about to ask a clarifying question of his brother but Talvin simply smiled sweetly, popping another grape into his muzzle. He set his papers down and announced. "Don't worry... you'll be seeing him again."

The soft glow from the fildoma on Talvin's paw was the obvious sign that his brother's statement wasn't just a casual one.

* * * * *

Baedyn was introduced that day to the men and women who had fought through the defenses of Izlegaol to save him. Including teamsters and wagoneers there were forty two in total; they had taken four casualties in the assault and none of them were fatal. When Talvin brought him out of the pavilion to show him off, the recently-freed Wolf felt intimidated immediately by the numerous eyes on him, and it only got worse as Talvin made a speech. It was surprisingly eloquent and inspiring, especially compared to how Baedyn's younger brother used to trip horribly over his words when talking to anyone outside of their immediate family.

Once again presenting himself as Lord Bane, Talvin raised his left paw, hugging Baedyn around the shoulders with his right. "Ladies and gentlemen of this fine caravan, your attention please! I have a few words I'd like to say!"

Although the rough-and-tumble group were all obedient in facing Bane in anticipation of hearing what he had to say, they were also quick to shout back. A large Hound near the front of the gathering crowd barked out "Ladies and gentlemen? Don't see any a those in THIS here group, your Lordship!"

His exclamation was followed by a series of laughs, followed up by another shout by a grizzled Tigress with almost as many scars as she had stripes. "Come on, Lord Bane! You promised when we signed up that we wouldn't have to sit through any boring speeches!"

Further back in the crowd, amidst more laughs, another voice shouted. "Hey! Lord Bane doesn't know the meaning of boring speeches, not like you, Sergeant!"

The Tigress spun around. "Don't make me come back there!" Despite her objection she wore a smirk on her muzzle.

Eventually the crowd did quiet down, at which point Bane took the opportunity to speak up once again. "Thanks to your help, the plan was a success. May I present to you, as promised, Lord Baedyn Vune."

If Baedyn was surprised at his brother's capacity to speak, he was completely floored at the response from the crowd; they erupted into thunderous cheers and applause. Somewhere near the back of the group he could have sworn he heard some of the folks shout something that almost sounded like a title, but he couldn't understand what it was they specifically said. Turning to his brother he asked quietly "Was that Prossian?"

Holding up a paw to silence him, Bane stepped forward, leaving Ian to move up beside Baedyn and provide him support in standing. The other Wolf continued speaking. "As promised, we have emerged from the conflict with a greater number as we started. We will continue to be victorious, this I swear!"

The crowd was just as energized, many pulling out swords, axes, and maces, raising them into the sky as they screamed, cheered, howled, and hollered out their support. Ian provided him a helpful reprieve from the confusion by pointing out that Baedyn's uncertainty was perfectly fine, and that he would have some of his questions answered that very day. Baedyn wondered dryly if 'some' was anywhere near close to 'all', because all of his questions would probably take a lot more than one day.

A quick 'snork' accompanied by a hot blast of air out of the Sarvestinian's nostrils was as much of a laugh as the Wolf was able to get out of his Saglahasan, but it helped him smile nevertheless.

* * * * *

The 'rally' lasted almost an hour but, once it was finally done, Ian led Baedyn back into the pavilion and Talvin followed immediately thereafter. Both Wolves took their seats in the high backed padded armchairs on the carpet and Ian set himself up on a large servant's stool though, to him, it may as well have been a foot stool. Once they were gathered up together, Talvin slid the fruit bowl closer to Baedyn. "Well, Brother... what do you think?"

Baedyn was brutally honest. "I don't know what to think. Are you REALLY planning on doing all this? Are you really trying to change the world?"

Talvin eased back into his chair, letting out a satisfied sigh. "Indeed I am, Baedyn... Indeed I am."

He could only stare at his younger twin, asking incredulously "Why?"

The other Wolf tented his paws in front of himself, an elbow on either of the chair's arm rests. "Two primary reasons... First: the world needs it. Second: because I believe I have the capacity to be successful. Those two factors put together compels me to act... and I hope, given time, you will agree, because, to be honest, right now you are looking at me like I'm a lunatic."

When Talvin followed up the disclosure with an easy laugh, Baedyn frowned. "The thought HAD crossed my mind... but WHY? I mean... Pross? I've never BEEN to Pross, and-- and I hear you're... you're a LORD there?!?"

He'd planned on trying to keep the conversation at an even tone and use whatever time he had asking questions to their fullest but the further he got in his line of thinking the more insane the whole situation sounded. Regardless, and despite him practically screaming the question, Talvin remained completely at ease, and even smiled wider. "I DID say that we had both changed much in the seventeen years, did I not?"

Baedyn couldn't help but be anything but direct by that point. "How in the Twelve Cities did you become a LORD in PROSS?"

Talvin laughed as if he'd just been told a joke, and smirked as he spoke. "Well, if you'd ever have visited Pross you'd know that they aren't all that picky when it comes to who--"

It had been almost two decades since Baedyn had used his 'older brother' voice and, despite the two of them having been born less than an hour apart, it had always worked. "Talvin. I want to know."

His brother finally sat up a little straighter, the smile slowly dissolving from his muzzle. Taking in a deep breath, Talvin began to explain but, even though it was a straight-forward, matter-of-fact explanation, Baedyn couldn't help but feel that some details were left out. "I arrived in Pross with nothing but Ian. I spent most of my time keeping him safe-- in Pross, Sarvestinians are killed on sight. We made a decent go of it, and I managed to survive on the streets for a time."

Baedyn covered his muzzle in horror; they had lived on the streets in Tenvier and that hadn't been easy even though they'd had one another. The thought of Talvin being alone and having the added burden of needing to provide for and look after Ian was gut-wrenching. "Talvin, I--"

The younger Wolf held up a paw, and continued. "Times were not kind. Much happened-- things I would rather not discuss as I do not want to think about them, and I would not want you to be so distrubed but, rest assured, that came to an end when I encountered Lord Hector Desanti."

The tone with which his brother said the name was almost reverent. Baedyn could certainly imagine what it must have been like to be saved from such a fate; his own rescue was nothing short of life changing, and that had been by someone he knew and loved. To be saved by a well meaning stranger... "It must have been..."

Again, Talvin continued his story. "He took me in and taught me much of what I know now of etiquette, language, tactics, politics... everything I would need to be able to one day return the favor and help him."

Baedyn fought to keep the distaste off his muzzle and out of his words. "He wanted your help changing the world?"

Rather than be disturbed by what tone snuck through Baedyn's accusation, Talvin smiled. "Yes, to be honest. And it wasn't because he demanded it, or expected repayment-- it's because I wanted to help him. I have seen what the worst of the world is like, Brother, and I know you have too. You just haven't had a chance to experience the best of it. Soon, when we reach Arveras, you will get to meet Lord Desanti, and you'll see."

Baedyn wanted to continue the argument at the absurdity of it all, but the reverence and adoration with which his usually subdued, stand-offish brother spoke almost made him smile. "You know... it almost sounds like you're in a cult or something."

The statement got a full-on belly laugh out of Talvin, and it lasted for quite some time. Beside Baedyn, Ian even cracked a wry grin and his tail twitched mirthfully. Apparently, the Sarvestinian had told him as much quite often. At that moment, Baedyn turned his attention to his Saglahasan, wondering what Ian thought about the man. Ian, much to the Wolf's surprise, apparently thought as fondly of Lord Desanti as Talvin... but there was also a hint of jealousy there too.

Baedyn turned immediately to his brother. "Talvin... why would Ian have a reason to be jealous of Lord Desanti?"

He was flabbergasted when he saw Talvin's ears redden slightly as they drooped. His brother eventually cleared his throat and stood, brushing at his breeches. "Well... I suppose that is another thing you will come to understand when you met the man himself. Lord Hector Desanti is a magnificent individual... beyond peer. He has a commanding presence that draws others in. I suppose you could say I... fancy him."

"You... fancy him?"

Talvin laughed again. "Of course. He is kind and generous; he is intelligent and thoughtful; he strives to make the world a better place and when he encounters the worst that the world has to offer, rather than being dragged down by it, he ends up rising above. Who could not help but fancy such a man? He's had more admirers than I could count since before I ever met him. No finer a Lord could you possibly find."

Baedyn slowly eased himself back to sit in his chair. "Ah... then I suppose I see what you mean. If he's even half of what you describe I guess he'd be appealing as a leader, patron, or friend to anyone."

Ian pointed out that he was appealing as far more than just those things to almost an equal number of people. The Wolf turned to regard his Saglahasan. "And what do you mean by that, exactly, Ian?"

Talvin's smirk returned full fold. "Oh my... is that silly Savestinian of yours causing trouble again?"

Rather than letting Baedyn answer or even answering the question himself, Ian simply slid his tail out and wrapped it around the leg of Talvin's chair and yanked it closer. Kneeling down, the Sarvestinian grabbed both Wolf brothers in a huge hug, picked them up and squeezed them mightily. Baedyn felt his back pop and heard his brother's do the same. Ian explained that he would cause endless amounts of trouble if it meant having his family close by.

The sense of 'family' was neither as vague nor as general as the specific word; it was a feeling that could only be conveyed in the Sarvestinian empathic speech. The three of them had spent time together as outcasts and runaways, thus they shared a bond. Even though Baedyn had been away from that for seventeen years such a thing was immaterial; their connection transcended time and Ian was letting them both know that he was glad that they were together again.

Baedyn didn't fall for it; speaking with a smirk as he accused the Sarvestinian with a question. "Okay... so what exactly are you up to, you sly lizard?"

Ian responded with flashing, vivid images of the last time the two of them had been alone in Izlegaol, pulling back the recollection of The Veil, and what the two had done together with the simulicrum of Talvin added into the mix. The lurid impressions were accompanied by a suggestive invitation to bring that event into the waking world; with the three of them in the pavilion there would be no need for The Veil.

Baedyn glanced to his brother, and received immediate knowledge that Ian's empathic conversation was not sent to him alone; Talvin's slacks were particularly tight in the crotch. Smiling, Baedyn's younger brother came over and, placing a gentle paw on his chest, touched muzzles with him. It was a soft, meaningful peck, devoid of passion, lust, or tongue, and then Talvin had passed, making his way toward the tent flap. "Consider that a down payment."

The older brother looked back over his shoulder. "What? You--"

Talvin lingered, looking longingly back at him. "As much as I would happily give to accept the invitation, time is not something I can spare, Brother. My obligations to the group outside takes precedence. We will depart tomorrow morning and I have to make sure that everyone is ready to leave... but, please be patient, Baedyn. We will have time together soon. Until then, the pavilion is yours and, of course," he smirked wryly, "so is Ian."

His brother departed without any further fanfare leaving the two of them alone. Although Baedyn continued looking at the closed flap, unable to figure out just how or when Talvin had become so mercurial, his attention returned quickly to Ian as the Sarvestinian let out a soft, audible rumble. It was, in a manner, both a greeting and an attention-getting sound combined with the realization that the two of them were alone together-- it was a situation which Ian found appealing. The lizard was also curious why Baedyn was so distracted.

The Wolf let out a sigh. "He really has changed, hasn't he?"

Ian hefted Baedyn off of the chair in which he sat, carrying him in his arms back to the pavillion's massive bed. The Wolf was laid down gently onto it and the Sarvestinian sat down beside him, taking a paw into his talon. The lizard acknowledged that Talvin had indeed changed but so had Baedyn himself. Ian, however, indicated that he still cared for both of the brothers and wanted to know what he could do to set Baedyn's mind at ease.

Smiling at the empathic offer, the Wolf simply raised their joined digits so he could kiss the back of the lizard's talon. "Having you here and being with you is all I could ask for, Ian. You're doing so much for me already."

Ian's responding rumble sent a shiver up Baedyn's mind and gave him a moment of vertigo. Granted, the more time he spent with his Saglahasan the less the Sarvestinian's hypnotic voice affected him but, in that moment, his defenses were down and he was happy to let his mind flow wherever it wished. That thought had been broadcast to Ian as well, to which the lizard suggested further viewing the time at the circus with his family-- for whatever reason it seemed to interest him greatly.

The request snapped Baedyn out of the developing link almost immediately and he slowly disengaged. "No... not tonight, Ian. I'm still not at my best and I don't need painful memories on my mind."

The Lizard didn't have to offer an apology or seek forgiveness; his own thoughts revealed that he knew that Baedyn wasn't just offering a random excuse. Ian was, however, curious as to why such a wonderful memory would be so painful. That curiosity was more than just a passing lack of understanding; he was actively trying to understand what was so difficult for the Wolf.

Baedyn shook his head, burying his face into his Saglahasan's shoulder. "I don't want to think about it, Ian... just hold me for awhile. No questions. No memories."

The Sarvestinian did not object, and, before Baedyn knew it, he was hauled up onto the lizard's lap and he was enveloped by Ian's scaled, loving arms. It was impossible for the Wolf to quiet his mind however and, picking up on those thoughts, Ian began broadcasting his own thoughts, providing insight and background into what Baedyn had missed in their lives. The story Ian had to tell was mind-blowing.

Talvin and Ian had made their way into Pross; since Sarvestinians were killed on sight in the northern kingdom they had to be careful. Everything went as smoothly as could have been expected for a time but, eventually, Talvin realized that they couldn't stay together and they had to part ways. Ian was, at that point, on his own. He did horrible things during to stay alive-- things that were required to survive yes, but also things that were done only because he could not stand being away from the wolf brothers. With Talvin the closest, Ian's mind was focused solely on reclaiming him from the slavers.

That single thought knocked Baedyn out of the calming, comforting reverie in which he'd found himself. "Slavers? Talvin was a SLAVE?"

An immediate wall of mental defense immediately separated Ian's mind from the Wolf's; it was not a common thing for one Saglahasan to do with another but Baedyn could tell that the Sarvestinian was thrown off by the sudden question; the follow up sense that Ian would prefer to let Talvin explain that if Baedyn felt the need to gather more details further helped the Wolf realize that there was far more of a story there. He did, nevertheless, relent. "Fine."

The Sarvestinian gave him another gentle squeeze and slowly laid down on the bed, pulling Baedyn with him. Ian was concerned that the Wolf was angry. After Baedyn reassured his Saglahasan that he wasn't, a scaled tail curled around his ankle. Although Ian very much wanted some intimate time with him, the Sarvestinian also knew that the wagon train would be leaving early in the morning. Nuzzling the Wolf gently, Ian wished him sweet dreams.

Baedyn did dream that night. He dreamed of his family and specifically his parents. He somehow knew before waking up that his dreams had been guided by his thoughts earlier that night but, respecting boundaries and knowing he didn't have permission, Ian had not delved into his mind. The Wolf was thankful for that, and even more thankful that the Lizard was there in the morning, comforting him through tears and not asking why he cried.