The end of my tenure in Faergus is still messy to this day as I'm still essentially banned from most of the duchies and fiefdoms due to the lords either loathing me or fearing me. Sometimes both. Alas, my issues were only beginning and not ending as arriving at Garreg Mach in late 1179 would be comparable to entering a lion's den or hornet's nest. My new life in Fodlan has never ceased to be interesting, that's for sure though sometimes I wish it would be more boring for the sake of my nerves.
The carriage ride to Garreg Mach took about a week through the rain and snow, and I honestly don't remember most of it since I had been mentally and physically spent. Not able to process all the events from Earth to return to Galatea's estate I spent most of the trip being nursed back to health by some of the Seiros medics and eating normal food again, as I had been in that dungeon almost two weeks from what the knights told me. This was news to me as I didn't really react but just kinda accepted it. Still feeling a bit numb and defeated considering all the nonsense I had endured recently, being locked in a dungeon for some undetermined amount of time seems inconsequential compared to other revelations.
Sothal hadn't bothered me since his brief ultimatum in the dungeons, which makes me happy but also worries me as he hasn't been extremely forthcoming with me as of late. His agenda makes no sense, but I can also see the other end of it too. Maybe I shouldn't have gone home as he said, but would I have really listened to him or believed him? I'm not trying to play 4d chess with a dead god but it feels like I've been dragged into the game whether I like it or not. Thankfully it seems like an issue I can shelve for a later date due to his absence.
Arriving at Garreg Mach and seeing the huge castle-like structure has an incredible 'wow' factor. The place is easily the biggest church I've ever witnessed. It's what I imagine my abuela would want built for Jesus.
My carriage essentially doubling as the medical cart is led to the main gates of the lower part of the complex and the knights are shouting and unloading things quickly and efficiently. One of the younger medical mages that had been treating me earlier comes in my carriage where I'm laying down on a wooden stretcher asking me, "If you have your wits about you, Lady Rhea is wanting to meet you in her chambers. I'd not keep the Archbishop waiting."
I wave the girl off as I sit up and stretch my back out a bit, "Yeah yeah I'm moving. Just give me a second."
After a minute I exit the carriage and the young mage escorts me through the market area, a few huge hallways and an empty commons area with benches and tables lined throughout the hall. We take a turn upstairs leading us to more hallways and another big open cathedral-like room where I can see Rhea and a few others talking inside. I give the Seiros knight a salute and make my way inside to see what's going on.
First-person I recognize near Rhea, and nearly unchanged after all the years is Alois. The big boisterous knight I met back in Arundel. Next to him is Catharine Charon, the sister of Amelia who I got to know decently well during my time in Fhirdiad, though Catharine doesn't seem to share her sister's disposition of me with her frowning face directed at me. I notice Shamir is also present standing next to a well dressed and official green-haired man that is debating something with Rhea, and certainly not winning by the looks of it.
I walk near the circle of people joining, which instantly makes all side conversations cease. I raise an eyebrow and glance over my shoulder and take a quick once over around the room before remarking, "Okay, so it is me that killed the mood."
"Welcome Santos, to Garreg Mach and the church of Seiros. Some introductions first, before we get to business. Here to my side is my advisor Seteth," I look to Seteth who is projecting an aura of 'don't talk to me' very strongly, I hear Rhea continues, "And the rest here are some of my most trusted knights, most I believe you have met previously. You will meet the rest of the staff in due time, but for now, this will suffice."
"Alright, It's good to meet you or meet you once again," I announce with a bow to the others and I receive a nod from Shamir, an intensified glare from Catharine and Seteth, and Alois takes it upon himself to walk up and hug me cheerily stating, "Ah, it's good to you again too, doctor! Welcome to the Church of Seiros, aha!"
Rhea clears her throat to speak again and interrupt Alois's antics, who quickly gets the message and disengages from his death grip hug on me. Feels like a grizzly bear is hugging you when in that man's grip.
"Indeed, as Alois so put it. Welcome to the Church of Seiros. You will be serving here to help our chief physician, Professor Manuela as well as help Tomas with magical research to help better the Church of Seiros. You will report directly to me, and if I'm not available then you will look to Seteth for guidance. This is your atonement to help better a world that you have made darker with your actions, but through the beliefs, in the goddess, I believe you can be better," Rhea declares and I reply immediately, "Sounds good, when do I get to work?"
"Soon, but I'd like you to settle in first. I'll have someone escort you around the grounds to help familiarize you with where things are at and what we do around here. Seteth?" Rhea asks her advisor who speaks up, "Yes, Lady Rhea?"
"Who do you believe would best be suited to guide Santos around the grounds?"
"Why I believe that would be me, Lady Rhea. Allow me to handle the orientation for our new staff member," Seteth explains and the other knights disperse, with Shamir giving me another subtle nod to which I return. I'll have to catch up with her soon and see what she's been up to here.
"Now, Santos? If you'd follow me, I think it would be best to get you dressed in something more appropriate then rags," Seteth states as I can see his eyes judge the poor apparel I had been given by the guards in Fhirdiad.
"Lead the way boss," I reply as I exit the chambers with Rhea watching Seteth and I depart with a slightly creepy smile and intense eyes that seem to be scanning me for every small detail about me. I disregard any negative thoughts and follow my new superior down the well-lit corridors.
Without any small talk, Seteth leads me to a room that reminds me of a dorm. He turns around to me and says, "This will be your room. I have taken the liberty to have the cleaning staff provide you some spare clothing. Since I was told you are a career mage, they are robes in the styling of the Church of Seiros. I will be out here to give you a moment to change, but do not linger too long as we have a lot to cover."
I enter the room and close the door behind me. With not much light coming in from the window I can assume it's going to be dark in the next hour or two, so I use a basic fire spell to light a few unlit candles in the room. Looking around it's a decent room and impeccably clean. Complete with a large writing desk setup, an armoire, a full-body mirror, a comfy looking queen-sized bed and a big footlocker I'm satisfied with my new housing. Could be a hell of a lot worse.
On the bed, I notice folded clothes and I have two identical robes with some assorted plain undergarments as well. The coloring is nearly identical to the clothes Rhea and Seteth wear as the primary blue color is highlighted by whites and gold trim. I quickly slip on the robe and adjust it a little to help accommodate my left side missing an arm and look to the full body mirror in the room next to the armoire. I look like one of the mages I saw in the caravan here except I have slightly long and messy head and facial hair giving me a more wild look than I would typically go for, but considering how things have been going I think it looks decent enough and rather fitting.
After a few more subtle adjustments I exit the room closing the door behind me with Seteth waiting patiently across the hall staring at me and watching every movement of mine with a hawk-like poise. I look back into the administrator's eyes stating, "I'm ready."
"Good, now follow and try to keep pace. We have a lot of ground to cover in a very little amount of time," Seteth orates as he swishes his cape and he leads us out of the hallway.
Seteth begins to prattle on about the history of Garreg Mach and how the Church of Seiros founded the place and giving me more exposition than I had even thought to ask for. I'll give him credit for knowing a ton about religion and history just with our first real encounter as I would occasionally comment on some sculptures or paintings and he would go all-in on the details of how that came to be, what it depicts, who made it, etc. Basically, Seteth is the ultimate tour guide when it comes to Garreg Mach.
The facilities are also quite lavish, better than anything I had previously seen in Dagda or Faergus, including places such as a sauna, huge dining quarters, a greenhouse, a decent-sized training arena, and large lecture halls as well. The crown achievement of Garreg Mach though is its Cathedral. It rivals anything back on Earth in the heart of Europe because this monument is gigantic and beautifully decorated. I suppose when magic is real and your gods died fighting huge wars it warrants the cathedral to be so grand.
After almost 2 hours I can sense we are nearing the end of the tour since we had tracked nearly every foothold the monastery grounds have to offer. We are on the east side of the grounds descending some stairs as Seteth states, "And here is the last major place I have to show you. This here is our cemetery. It is a place where we mourn past knights and clerics of the church. Please do not disturb anyone if you see them here."
"Understood, so what now?" I ask as I look around and notice no staff or knights are even remotely in the general vicinity, leaving just me and Rhea's number one alone out in the open with the cool winter breeze touching our skin as the sun is about half set.
Seteth takes a step towards me and in a quieter yet powerful tone states, "Now, listen. I'm being quite tolerant of your presence at Lady Rhea's request, but know you are being watched. House leaders will be arriving next week, and then another week or so the other students will begin to arrive for the new year. I would prefer you to keep a low profile when they arrive."
"Why the secrecy? I'm working here and I figure I'll end up interacting with some students at some point," I try to reason but Seteth dismisses my logic and replies, "No, I want you to avoid contact as much as possible. You, whether you recognize it or not, are labeled criminal. Lady Rhea has put her reputation on the line bringing you here. Granted, I've heard of your feats, and while they are impressive your reputation doesn't do you much justice and makes you a liability of the church. Many students come from noble houses from all over Fodlan that support the church, and if you were to do something out of sorts it would mean defacing the church or offending a student the results could be disastrous. Not only for Lady Rhea but yourself as well. I say this as a reminder and a warning. Tread carefully."
I take a moment to digest the speech Seteth just dropped on me and reply, "Yeah, I got it. I'll stick to the background. You won't even know I'm here."
"Good. It's about time that we retire for the evening. I'll come by your room tomorrow with your daily schedule," Seteth rambles off as we begin our ascent from the cemetery, and as we reach the top of the stairs Seteth mentions, "And one last thing. You are not to be out anywhere alone. Once again considering who you are, you are required to have an escort in the form of an approved staff member or knight of Seiros. Understood."
"Aye. Let's get back. I could use a good night's sleep in an actual bed."
Seteth leads me back to my room fairly silently with no more exposition about the grounds or comments about my standing. The man is probably about as tired as I am, but instead of showing it like me with my short responses and tired body language, he remains upright with perfect posture and an unyielding professional air to him.
As I say my farewells to Seteth and enter into my bedroom I immediately light one of the candles on the study desk with a fire spell and undress from my new robes. I lazily grab and place the extra clothes that I received from the bed on top of my footlocker and fall onto my bed exhausted. I take one last look outside my bedroom window and watch the sunset past the mountain tops before closing my eyes and drifting off into a deep sleep.
Knocking. That's the first thing I hear as I crack open my crusty eyes and try to look to my surroundings. I'm still in my room, yet it's pretty dark despite the candle still burning that I lit from earlier, though it looks as if a decent chunk of the wax has been melted. I glance to the window and notice it's practically pitch black outside. I hear another knock on my door, drawing out a huff from me as I grumble out, "Be there in a moment."
I clean my eyes and get dressed rather hastily back into my new robes and slip on the shoes they had also provided me just to give them a try. A bit stiff due to the leather, but they managed to get the sizing right of all things. I bumble over to the door to take a peek through the door eyehole, and I see an old pale white and grey-robed man holding a lantern looking fairly chipper.
Somewhat convinced that the old man isn't an assassin, I remain on guard as I open the door and ask, "It's pretty late, uh, how can I help you?"
The old man gives a small bow and replies, "Apologies for the late-night intrusion, I hope I didn't wake you. I am Tomas, master librarian of the Church of Seiros. I was hoping to show you the library and chat a bit."
I let out a yawn that I try to stifle and reply, "Don't worry, I'm up now. Master librarian, you say?"
Seteth didn't take me into the library during our tour, sticking mostly to larger facilities and areas. This could be an excellent opportunity to learn more about the church and have a reason to visit the library if I can get along with Tomas. I also have to consider the strangeness of him visiting me in the middle of the night.
"Yes, I've been with the church for around 40 years. Retired a few years ago, but retirement didn't suit me so I decided to return. I also tend to lose myself in my studies, so I apologize once again for my poor timing, but I felt compelled to introduce myself to the newest staff member," Tomas elaborates as he gestures for me to follow him down the corridor. I nod and close my door behind me and lock it, though I don't have any valuables to steal.
Tomas leads me from the knight's and staff quarters to the building housing Rhea's quarters and the other offices that I briefly saw on my way up to the second floor. We pass by a knight of Seiros on our way passing through the courtyard who gives me a weird stare, but backs off when Tomas gives the man a nod. It seems like he is part of the higher tier staff that's approved to chaperone me. That, or he is quite the scrapper of an old man and the knights want none of his business.
We take a few twists and turns down some of the hallways in the administrative building of the church until we finally arrive at the library which is placed at the very end of the hallway. The library itself isn't all that impressive by my metric but compared to the magic academy in Fhirdiad and the libraries I've seen in noble's houses it's definitely top tier with its high shelves filled to the brim and organizational markers.
"Don't mind the mess. I've been prepping the library for student use ever since the last batch graduated. I'll take you around each section to familiarize you with how it's organized," Tomas clarifies as he gestures to a very small pile of unorganized books on a far study table. The man certainly takes his work seriously by the looks of it.
Tomas chants a brief incantation as I follow him and he lights a few of the wall sconces in the large library to brighten up the place, which leads him to the process of putting out the flame in his lantern and asking me, "So, Santos of Dagda. Or do you prefer Dr. Capetillo?"
"Santos or . Either is fine really," I remark as I begin to look at the different sections of books. Everything from warfare strategies, religious practices, etiquette, and cooking exists in here it seems. Quite the diverse collection for a monastery that doubles as a training academy for future militants and knights.
"Excellent, now let me take you on the full tour."
Tomas begins to give me his spiel about the library and its contents, plus a little bit about its history. Apparently, most of the books here are donations from noble families, past students of the church, or picked up by knights. We get to the magic section of books, which takes up about a quarter of the whole library's contents and Tomas abruptly stops and rummages through his thick robe pockets.
"What's the holdup?" I ask as Tomas seems to be struggling to get the book-shaped object from his robe pocket. After a few more moments of prying the book out, Tomas exclaims, "Ah, here we go. Now, I know you are quite well versed in magic, Dr. Capetillo. It's one of the reasons I encouraged Lady Rhea to recruit you."
Now that is an interesting tidbit of information I didn't previously know about. I've been gone from this world for nearly three years, so I still need to take some time to patch together what I've missed out on when I was on Earth busy being disappointed.
"You vouched for me to come to Garreg Mach?" I tentatively ask the elderly man, who simply chuckles as my wariness.
"I did. You were too valuable a mind to let those simple-minded nobles execute you. The whole senior staff took a vote on whether or not to bring you into the fold," Tomas says as he thumbs through the thin book he's holding in his hands.
"Interesting. I take it the voting was confidential, or do I get to know who wants me here and who doesn't?"
"I'm not willing to divulge the information of the meeting, as it was held with privacy in mind. Privacy being something I respect," Tomas asserts as he places the book into my hands and motions for me to open it up.
I carefully crack open the faceless grey hardback book and I'm instantly elated, confused and worried. I flip through the pages faster to confirm my suspicions. Tomas just handed me a complete compendium of all the notes I took at university and in my private journal that I believed to have been confiscated.
I look back up to the elderly man who has his eyes closed and has a huge grin on his wrinkly face stating, "Like I said, Santos, privacy is something I cherish. I managed to get my hands on your work about a year ago and was quite taken with your research methodology and thoughts on magic. You're clearly well trained, yet I sense you look at the practice of magic at an angle very few talented mages and academics do. So, I managed to get your original journals and transcribe them into an actual book. And don't worry, it's a one of a kind as I had originals burned. It's been sitting in my private collection away from prying eyes and over-eager mages that might do more harm than good with that information. When I heard you arrive, I thought it only natural to give you back what is rightfully yours."
I give Tomas an incredulous look of disbelief and do a double-take between him and the book he just handed me. I look back to Tomas and insist, "Who else knows about my research? This is dangerous and almost got me killed."
"A few of the top authorities in Faergus know of it, but I managed to pay a few to have it retrieved. Only other person who knows of its existence is professor Hanneman since I don't understand crestology on the level he does, and we needed to know the full depth of what you did that fateful night. Leaving it in the Kingdom's hands was risky from the rumors we had heard, and after looking at your research we were validated. We've vowed utmost discretion with the information."
"You organized a heist...for my research. You're not a typical librarian, are you? But I can see your rationale for obtaining my stuff. Also, why doesn't Rhea know? And why does the church need to safeguard it?"
Tomas chuckles lightly as my librarian comments and responds, "The Church of Seiros is neutral politically across Fodlan, so it only makes sense to hold sensitive information from potential warmongers. As for Rhea? She is busy running a religion, and I have been entrusted with maintaining books and information as a master librarian of the church of Seiros. If anything arises out of the Kingdom relating to blood magic and strange crestology, she will be the first to know, rest assured."
I nod to Tomas, yet inside my head, I can't help but think that sounds sketchy. I'm not a super sleuth or anything, but the withholding of information is usually never a good sign. Extremely petty doctors would do that with certain other doctors and nurses when I would be working on certain units and it just caused internal drama and usual was downright dangerous. Seems that the church isn't as sinless as one might think once you dig beneath the surface. Not to mention how a librarian has access to thieves to steal from high ranking nobles without much fanfare. Tomas is connected at the very least and perhaps even dangerous, but he considers me an ally so I'm happy to reciprocate with an air of caution.
"Lost in thought Santos?" Tomas jeers as his voice pulls from my train of thought. I didn't even realize I had been blankly staring at my journal.
"A bit. Fairly tired. It's been an active few weeks, and now I'm looking to recover and lay low for a bit," I reply in a matter of fact tone.
"Ah, makes sense. It is quite late, and I lose track of time with my haphazard hours. Ha! Let me lead you back to your room. The last thing you need is a knight questioning you late at night why you are out of your room the first day you arrive. Seteth tends to have less eloquent language if he hasn't had his fill of coffee."
I smirk a bit at the thought of the prim Seteth cussing me out, but I nod back to Tomas, "Yeah, that'd be bad. Let's get back. And thank you, Tomas."
"Of course, please do come around again. I'd like to have more time to converse when you are more awake."
Tomas leads me back through the dark courtyard with his lantern and back to my room. I bid him a quick farewell and watch him slowly shuffle away into the darkness as I enter my room with key in hand. I quickly undress once more and as soon as my head hits the pillow I'm out like a light.
Once again waking to the sound of knocking I groggily raise my head and hear the voice of Seteth call out, "Dr. Capetillo, I implore you to come out in the next five minutes. We are behind schedule!"
Great, it looks like my late night in the library with Tomas combined with not having a soft bed to sleep on in over 2 weeks caused me to sleep in a bit. If I had a bit more leeway and wasn't essentially forced into indentured servitude I'd tell Seteth to shove it where the sun doesn't shine, but alas I need to play nice. Besides, I'm fairly curious about what kind of routine they want me on. I know I'll be in the infirmary primarily, but I'm wondering what other privileges I might be able to get for myself in the future if I play nice.
I quickly don my robes and slip on my shoes to get ready for the day and open the door to see Seteth looking groomed and chipper on this early morning. He greets me, "Morning Dr. Capetillo. I'd like to get things moving along as quickly as possible so that I may get to my main duties. Follow me to the infirmary."
I bumble after Seteth who has set a decently quick pace through the halls and I ask, "So, how early is it right now? I don't feel like I got a wink of sleep."
"It's approximately 5:50 am, give or take a few minutes. I knocked on your door several times before you finally answered. If you would have gotten up sooner I'd have taken you over to the baths to get cleaned up, but you'll have to save that for later," Seteth explains as we continue at our fast walking pace across the barely sunny courtyard.
I'll have to adjust to waking up earlier than this, and I imagine my days will be fairly long if I'm stuck working whatever shift I have. Though it is nice seeing there is hardly anyone else really about moving fast, minus Seteth naturally.
We make our way quickly towards the medical ward with me trying to still get my bearings and wake up fully. The medical center is located on the second floor along with most of the other admin offices. I passed it briefly on my walk to the library last night, but couldn't see anything since it was so dark and I was more busy keeping an eye on Tomas than gawking at the local medical equipment.
"Here we are, I'll let you take a look around once I unlock the door to familiarize yourself with the layout," Seteth explains as he opens the door and walks across the room to open up the curtains to let the natural light pour into the large room.
As Seteth goes around lighting some extra lanterns to increase the lighting in the room I take my time looking around the place with deep satisfaction. The place looks and smells sterile, which is a rare occurrence in Fodlan considering I keep comparing most of their sanitary practices to the medieval ages back on Earth. So far though, Garreg Mach has been in the upper echelon of cleanliness. They even have indoor plumbing! Even though it's set up like a community bathroom you might find in a park, it's still indoor plumbing. I'll take it.
Scanning the medical bay I notice four hospital beds, a few stools in the room, a large alchemy lab with a whole herbology cabinet assorted with vials and different extracts, and finally an assortment of general equipment like scalpels and basic care tools. Nothing else is extremely necessary I've learned since magic can do a lot of the heavy lifting in the healing process, but it's not a complete solution. The place is the finest medical area I've seen since my years ago in Dagda, so I'm fairly interested in meeting the head physician I'll be working with.
As I'm lost in my daze of picking through the herbology cabinet to see what herbs the doctor keeps on hand I hear Seteth clear his throat abruptly and I look over to see him a bit annoyed. I shrug and answer his frustrated body language, "Sorry, couldn't help myself. I like to know what I'm working with."
"I said you could look around, not pilfer Professor Manuela's medical cabinet," Seteth huffs as I place back a bottle of unlabeled brown leaves and coyly reply, "Okay dad, I'll keep my hands to myself."
"I'll have you know Dr. Capetillo, I have a sizable amount of patience, but I encourage you not to burn through it with your antics. Especially this early," Seteth warns as he crosses his arms.
"Noted. Anyways, where is professor Manuela? Isn't she supposed to give me the rundown?"
Seteth digs into his pocket quickly to look at his pocket watch, "She should be here already. I told her explicitly yesterday to be here by 5:30 am. Hmmm…."
As Seteth is musing over why his immaculate schedule has gone awry I offer, "You could just carry on with your other duties. I don't mind just waiting."
"Absolutely not. You are still very new here, and I don't know you that well yet considering your reputation and such. I shall stay, though if Manuela doesn't arrive soon I'll be forced to send for her."
I take a seat on one of the wooden stools and shrug, "Eh, works for me. Just trying to make your life less stressful."
Seteth takes a seat on the other stool in the room that's about 10 feet from me and he and I just exchange glances; my look coming more from being tired as hell and my body craving sleep while Seteth seems to be frustrated and having his blood pressure steadily increase by the minute. We sit in relative silence for about 5 minutes before my boredom gets the better of me and I suggest, "Want to play a game while we wait. I Spy? 20 Questions?"
"No. I'm content to wait until Manuela arrives, which-" Seteth retorts as the door swings open to reveal a dirty blonde haired woman with short-cropped hair, a fair amount of make-up, a very fuzzy and luxurious cloak paired with a slightly risque green corset-like dress which hugs her shapely body quite well. She also looks like 100% of her doesn't want to be here and would rather be in bed.
"Manuela! You are late do you how long we have-" Seteth begins to berate but Manuela cuts him off, "Seteth, don't shout. You're not doing my hangover any favors. I'm here early like you asked."
Seteth stands up from his stool and throws his hands up in exasperation, "Unbelievable. With a new staff member on board, we need to be professional. That includes being on time, Manuela."
Manuela pauses to ponder Seteth's reasoning before responding, "Doesn't that mean you're late to your next appointment? You didn't have to stay and wait for me."
Looking extremely conflicted between giving Manuela a harsh tongue lashing or leaving I pipe up, "Head on out Seteth, I wouldn't want you to be late to your next appointment. I can take it from here."
Seteth heads towards the door chiding, "Very well, but we will discuss your tardiness at the staff meeting. Again."
With that last quip, Seteth walks out of the room but as the door is coming to a close I can hear his pace increase into a run as his shoes slap against the stone flooring. Manuela in her daze goes over to herb cabinet and takes a vial and downs it immediately. I look on with curiosity that she notices from the corner of her eye and explains, "It helps with hangovers if you are curious."
"I figured as much. I also recommend not binge drinking."
Manuela gives me a miffed look and sarcastically responded, "Oh, why didn't I think of that? It's not my fault my date walked out on me."
I clam up immediately on my snarky comments as I don't want to tread into murky waters with my new superior about personal business. I have enough skeletons in my closet already to fill a crypt it feels like, and I'd rather not get into other people's personal lives when I don't know them well enough.
Looking to steer the conversation back to its original purpose I propose, "So, want to give me the grand tour and explain what I'll be doing here?"
"Certainly, and as we do it I'll figure out how much you know. I remember you were rumored to be a doctor back in Dagda and gave health seminars back in Fhirdiad for a time."
"I was and still am a doctor. Shall we begin?"
Manuela runs me through all the basic equipment in the medical bay and the usual treatments that students get afflicted with be it from training injuries or getting sick with fever from stressing out or eating too much of the leftover chili. We cover herbs, and thanks to my heavy study into Fodlan medicine since I arrived since I didn't like not knowing what elixirs and herbs helped with illness I keep up fairly well and manage to get a few impressed looks from Manuela thanks to my knowledge. Other than that she explains that the clinic is open when needed essentially and that having me here will mean she doesn't need to be pulled from lessons for emergencies. Other than that some clerics come in as nurses, but don't have much medical knowledge besides using heal and basic procedures. All in all seems like a decent enough gig, minus the crappy hours.
"So, that just about covers it. Any questions?" Manuela says as she takes a seat on one of the stools and stretched her arms out a bit. We have been going over different herbs, procedures, and diagnoses for almost an hour. Needless to say, we are both a bit done considering our mutual lack of sleep.
"Not really. I'm sure something will come up eventually though. Confident in my knowledge?"
"Oh yes. You have the proper knowledge, seems whoever taught you knew their stuff. You should be fine with treating all the bumps and bruises the noble children complain about," Manuela teases as I stretch out my limbs a bit. Looking out the window I can see the sun has fully risen and I'm starting to feel a bit hungry as I haven't eaten since I was on the cart yesterday before I had even entered Garreg Mach.
"Thanks. Say, since we don't have any patients or anything going on and it's fairly early still, what do you think about getting some breakfast?" I ask as I can feel the emptiness in my stomach groan at me. Some real food besides travel rations or dungeon slop would be heavenly right about now.
Caught off guard by my offer Manuela's eyes widen as she mumbles something to herself that I can't quite hear and then clarifies with me, "You're asking me out to breakfast?"
"That's what I asked. You in or out?" I ask a bit impatiently as the hunger pains that I had been ignoring are piling on top of me like a sack of bricks.
A bit tongue-tied Manuela sputters out, "So forward… Ahem, yes I'd love to. I think that'd be lovely. I'll show you the way."
We lock up the medical ward quickly and begin our jaunt down the hallways of the building at a reasonable pace, much unlike Seteth's Olympic power walking stride. Manuela takes the lead with a lively bounce to her step that wasn't there previously. Must be excited for breakfast as much as I am, which isn't far fetched considering it's my go-to for when I have a hangover.
We reach the dining hall which seems to be a buffet-style kind of serving, and thankfully there seems to be no line and very few people eating at tables as it's only around 7 am. Both Manuela and I get a plate and are given the choice between vegetable stew or a seared salmon dish. I gravitate towards the salmon dish as I haven't had a good source of protein in a while and it smells amazing. Manuela gets the vegetable soup instead and we both take our seats at a little side table away from the other knights that are silently mowing down their breakfasts.
We begin to munch away, albeit I'm going at a bit more of a ravenous pace compared to my fellow doctor. As I'm digging into the tender salmon I hear Manuela ask, "So Santos, tell me a bit about yourself."
Without looking up from the food that I'm cutting into bite-sized pieces I respond, "Well you already know I'm a doctor. I'm also an accomplished mage from what I've been told. Bit of a traveler considering I've been to a few different countries and areas."
"Interesting, but I was wondering more than what I could figure out from propaganda. Like, do you have family, other hobbies...significant others?" Manuela tentatively asks with a bit of a sultry tone.
I stop eating the delicious fish bake and take a moment to just stare at my half-eaten meal. I haven't had time to process what had happened on Earth yet, at least not really. Ever since I returned to Fodlan my mind and body have been in survival mode since I nearly got executed for things I did and didn't do. How do I explain that I was wiped from reality to which my family and fiance lived different lives without me? I still have all the memories of a bygone world that technically doesn't exist, except in my mind.
"Hello? You doing okay in there?" Manuela asks as she waves her hand in front of my face snapping me out of my daze and my more depressing thoughts. Thinking about my family and my fiance killed whatever mood was present previously. Manuela is looking at me curiously expecting an answer so I solemnly and quietly reply, "Uh, family and loved ones? They're not around anymore. Won't ever see them again. As for hobbies? Besides being public enemy #1, I'd say researching magic and trying to get down horseback riding. Also some amateur cooking. You?"
Manuela digests the information with a knowing nod, "Ah, you have my condolences for your family. Caught up in the wars I presume?"
"Something like that. Could we talk about literally anything else?" I plead as I've now completely lost my appetite and set my fork down. Thankfully Manuela picks up on my mannerisms and asks, "So, have you heard of the Mittelfrank Opera Company?"
"Can't say I have. Not really up to date on music these days. My tastes are a bit...esoteric," I sigh as I think of all the rap and rock music I used to listen to back on Earth. I should have grabbed an iPod or something while I was there so I could at least remember what some songs sound like because I am having trouble remember what some of my favorite songs sound like anymore.
"Ah, so you prefer music from your homeland in...Almyra, correct?" Manuela questions, but I can tell she is more excited to talk about her opera company so I relent, "Yes, but tell me more about the Mittelfrank Opera Company. Sounds like there is a story there, or I must've thought wrong?"
Manuela snatches the opportunity for the next half hour to regale me with her exploits and songs she did while traveling with her troop through Adrestia. It's quite fascinating listening to the equivalent of a pop star ramble on about all the theatrics Manuela went through, even picking up physician skills that started back when caring for sick or injured troop members that she would later expand on when leaving the troop. While paying more attention to the way she phrases her past and how long ago some events seem, I would venture it's safe to say she's older than I am, but I wouldn't have guessed that at first glance. I'm technically around 27 at this point, but I haven't been keeping track too hard as most of the months and days all kinda blurred together when I was trying to get back home.
"...and then after the performance, I bid farewell to my troop and set out for something new. I had earned enough accolades to satisfy me, but I wanted something more, you know?" Manuela ends her long story with a question posed at my interested yet blank face as I had missed a few parts when my mind drifted back to home and thinking about all the nonsense I have had to put up with.
"Manuela, can I ask you a serious question?"
Manuela looks a bit surprised but quickly composes herself and smiles leaning in to whisper, " Now that's intriguing? Let me guess you want to go out on a da-"
Not really listening to Manuela's conjecture I profess, "Do you offer therapy services?"
Manuela leans back in her seat with a dissatisfied look on her face remarking to herself, "Not what I was expecting," but she quickly returns her attention to me saying, "Sorry. But, yes. I do offer that. Why?"
Now it's my turn to lean back in my chair as the tiredness in my mind and muscles seems to come out as I feel the weight of everything that has happened begin to physically hit me, "It's for me. I need psychiatric help. Not sure really where to turn, but your the only other physician and the closest thing I have to someone who could get me the help I need."
Shifting back into her professional demeanor Manuela responds, "Well I would be happy to help you Santos, but with how busy I am it would be infrequent unless you're willing to have it over drinks," Manuela lets out a half-hearted and albeit depressing laugh before continuing, "I would suggest finding someone within the church. Many would be willing to listen to whatever is troubling you."
I ponder her suggestion, but going to the church for psych help doesn't appeal to me. I need ultimate discretion in what I need to get off my chest, and I can't be sure some cleric isn't going to report that. Plus I'm a bit salty about religion in general considering I still have a genocidal god living in the confines of my mind waiting for me to give up the goat and say murdering everyone is okay. Yeah, no religious affiliation will have to be the way, at least until I learn more about them or find someone I can trust.
"Well, looks like you just found yourself a new drinking partner," I declare to a slightly dumbfounded Manuela who replies, "What, are you serious?"
"Mhmmm. It's not ideal as far as therapy goes, in fact, the opposite, but I'll take what I can get."
"Wow. And to think I was only sort of joking…"Manuela mutters to herself before fully addressing me, "Well, it would be unbecoming of me to turn away a patient, no matter how unorthodox the method. It's a deal, on one condition."
"Sure, what's the catch?"
"It goes both ways. I get to confide in you as you do to me. Upon each of our Hippocratic oaths for the utmost discretion."
"I can live with that, you've got yourself a deal," I announce as I shake Manuela's hand to seal our spoken agreement.
Manuela takes another bite from her soup and chuckles to herself a bit while shaking her head, but doesn't say anything so I broach the situation asking, "What's so funny?"
"Oh, nothing. It's just I've hardly met you, yet I find you interesting and decisive. And a bit charming. Something I don't see in many men today. Hard to imagine you're a wanted criminal in nearly every territory, but I suppose maybe you got this far by being so unassuming?"
I shrug, "People like to place blame on others whether it is true or not. I'll admit to making mistakes, but if you want the truth, it's much less interesting than you might imagine. Reality has an awful trend of being incredibly disappointing."
"Shhh. I don't see any alcohol, so save that for later. Let's just enjoy our meals before things get too sad. It's too early for this anyways," Manuela rebukes to get me off my sad train of thought, to which I nod and return to my salmon bake. Hopefully, things will be better here and I can be on the road to some closure about my past without having so many intrusive thoughts.
A/N: Finally we see Santos settling into his new role within Garreg Mach and looking for help. Also, It's a bit longer than the average chapter since the last one felt short with the lack of events happening. Next chapter we will see the house leaders arrive in Garreg Mach, and who else knows what may happen? I'm working on it as I'm typing and editing this chapter, so prepare for next week! Also I'll need to extend my update times, as Fridays are just convenient for me.
Review Response: Firstly thanks for all the wonderful comments! It brings me joy as I like to know what my readers are thinking!
Rationalism: Square one and worse in a lot of ways. At least this time he knows what to expect out of the world in general, and still has some allies.
VGBlackwing: With 2 years away and no way to vouch for yourself against a kingdom ruler that's trying to prove he has authority, people who are struggling and looking for someone to blame, not to mention Santos's notes he left behind since he didn't consider ever coming back if the world was what he hoped it would be. A scapegoat for a political mess essentially, but fate has other plans as Sothal and Sothis can't seem to escape one another. It's as if by fate.
Bukakke: Here is moar!
Bonefish: Oh yes, Ingrid's reaction will be interesting for sure. A criminal and a strange mercenary both joining Garred Mach at the same time. Things will get spicy for sure. And thanks!
Sakura108645: Indeed! It's showtime, and yeah he did cause a decent amount of damage. Things don't get better when you disappear for 2 years with no explanation and a journal full of crestology and blood magic left behind.
That's all for this week folks, I'll be back next time with more content but, until then have a great day and thanks for reading!
Next Chapter: 1/17-1/19