[Viden City] of Huntsmen and Surgeons II

[Sybil Malach]

6th of Cylus arc 719, afternoon

The city of Viden was grand, though sadly not quite so in the sense of architecture. The huddled masses amidst the stabbing chill of Cylus is something that would have been an impossibility elsewhere. The wide streets of this open part of the Citadel itself seem to be made for ease of travel. The towering buildings of stone an utter tribute of the city's beginnings, as well as its future. Wald and Sybil had been travelling through the streets for quite some time now, following pretty faulty directions. A breath is taken through Sybil's lips, as a gesture is made towards the front of a nearby door, "Here, this is the one." The Student simply says, breath visible upon the air itself.

The door is definitely something under tight lock and key. Made out of sturdy materials, and utterly unadorned, it bears an emblazoned, 'MORTUARY' in blocky print upon its sign. And to aide the illiterate, or to clarify what 'mortuary' even means, the sigil of a body at rest, surrounded by a burial shroud is prominently displayed upon the sign, as though the calling card for a more austere business. Considering the location, and condition of the building, however, with security being overlooked... This place is far past its prime. This entire ordeal likely one last ditch effort to curry favor with the Academy, before simply not having the funding to continue its business.

Eyes turning sidelong to Wald, as Sibyl seems to ease against the donkey's back, seemingly getting a bit used to riding the creature. A breath is taken, carefully, "I haven't heard much of this place, being quite honest... Only that my Professor of the anatomies wishes for two bodies." The Student admits, with a light roll of the shoulder, "I must admit... These errands are getting stranger by the day. Not unwelcome, but... Stranger." As the student speaks, it should be noted that the door itself is closed. As many storefronts are, in Viden. Hitching a leg over the donkey, Sybil dismounts with an awkward movement, having no grace behind the footwork. It'll take practice to do anything more than mounting and dismounting the pack mule.

[Wald Lowca]

Going through the city Wald looked around with caution unable to see the vast distance he could through his wilderness home. Buildings and columns of unnatural rock and mangled wood seemed to fill his vision. The uncomfortable twists made in the path did not make it easier to take as they were almost all sharp turns around buildings. Cramped roads kept the people close to him tho they parted slightly due to his beast of burden. Looking towards the stone towers twisted his vision into a visage of terror and domineering an unnatural sight to be avoided by wise predators.

Catching his breath as at being told this was the place he moved quickly to get to the door. looking back to just see the student fumble off of his animal companion. Wald gave a loud thump to the door of the building. The silence after lasted for a time as the Wald readied and gave another knock the inside erupted in a noise, "Can you calm down the dead won't wake if you do it louder! Come in the door is open."

Wald walked in holding the door for Sybil as the smell of death seeped out of the entry way. The smell of human cadavers were slightly more striking then that of animal but not compared to a miss cut when gutting an animal. With no hint of bile in the air it was evident to Wald the bodies where not cut up here just stored for burial or other usage. "Well what is it I... Oh, its the academy my apology." The man said looking at Sybil's crest quickly changing tone. "I am so sorry for my rudeness earlier i hope you understand i am quite busy, and won't tell your professor of any mistakes I may of said?" This made Wald laugh to himself as he closed the door, how quickly someone's mood can change this guy must be desperate for masters approval.

[Sybil Malach]

Sibyl pauses for a moment. Things perhaps moving a bit faster than expected, the Student simply watches as Wald knocks on the door to the mortuary itself. Upon Wald's hand moving to knock on the door properly however, Sibyl simply keeps a hand on the parchment with the orders for the cadavers upon it. Snapping free the bottom of the parchment from the wax seal, and folding the top down. Holding it like this, the contents of the order and the seal are presented to the mortician like a badge by the time the door fully opens in response to the knocking. The door opens.

"Sibyl Malach, of the Academy." Sibyl introduces, letting the letter hang out for the mortician to observe its contents. It is then fully handed to the Mortician, "We've come to transport the bodies. I believe an unclaimed man and woman? That letter will have the details for such things." Sibyl speaks calmly, and evenly.

A dip of the head is given to the direction of Wald, a gesture of thanks as the student steps within the mortuary. Eyes slowly glancing about, it's clear that this place appears less than optimal for Sibyl's tastes. Too cramped, and not enough herbal sachets to dull the scent of preserved bodies. Eyes slowly shift back to Wald, as the two enter, "My associate and I will be sure to remain discreet of such matters." The student's voice is calm and collected, in despite of the seeming change in the mortician's mood.

[Wald Lowca]

The man read over the paper and nodded to confirm the transfer. "Right this way right this way." The strange mortician was trying to make sure he was kind and approachable for continued "Business". Opening the door to the back he lead the way to a room with several tables and most of which had a body being prepared. Many tools and instruments were scattered about, the distanced smell of embalming fluid caught the nose after stepping in. "The product that was saved for you is in the corner over there." Pointing over to the two wrapped bodies in the corner laid about in a uncaring manner.

Wald found the sight of this not to be concerning as he walked over to the product. This is just like moving a deer, thought Wald. He placed one hand under one end and over the other on one body as he squatted down to them. With a wrenching motion he swung the body over his shoulders wrapping around his neck. With a huff he slowly stood straight holding both ends with his arms. "You two can handle one body on your own right?"pointing at the other body in the corner as a cold fluid dripped on his neck. That is either blood or embalming fluid either way it could be worst he thought to forget what the worst could be. "It seems like there is a small leek on this one. Someone needs to work on their needle work."

Moving out he left Sybil with the man as he secured the first body and readied for the next. "So girl how are you feeling" Wald said as he had a moment with the donkey.

[Sybil Malach]

"Product?" Comes the curious question, as the Student follows along with the Mortician. A blank stare is given at the scene laid out. A breath is taken, as eyes go sidelong to the Mortician proper, before saying, "Thank you kindly. The Academy sends its regards." Comes the voice, as Sibyl offers a tilt of the head, glancing at the bodies.

They were wrapped in linens. Stains were covering some parts of it, hinting to a very poor job. Then again, these two bodies were unclaimed. There were no families to speak of that would take them. Therefore, no payers to actually cover the costs of genuine embalming fluid. Sibyl at this point doubts the presence of undiluted mixtures, Academy's orders or no. The wrappings stained with either fluids from either other bodies, its own, or from various chemical mixtures meant to perhaps preserve them. The Student internally assesses the body. While still a novice, Sibyl cannot resist feeling as though something strange was happening here. Eyes slowly turn to glance to the Mortician, for an appraising moment. It's clear that the Student isn't going to say anything about this, but at the same time, a bit questioning of what's going on. A breath is taken.

Must I pretend like I don't see this? Sibyl thinks in the mind's periphery, I should probably confirm the identity of the bodies, but I wasn't given anything to do so.

Sibyl itches at the nose, at the smell of preservative chemicals. Mind idly churning, a breath is taken, as Wald makes his statement. An upnod is given, as the Student approaches the body. Good thing Sibyl wasn't wearing the good cloak today. This one was for wetwork, and bared the relevant stains of more than a few assisting in autopsies and surgeries. Sibyl slips both arms beneath the back of the wrapped corpse, securing the shoulders, giving a nod to the Mortician, "Get the legs. We'll move it over. Not too far." Comes the request, as Sibyl does as best as can be done, lifting one side with a grunt. Lifting incorrectly, using the back rather than the knees, the Student doesn't seem used to physical labor of this degree, but gives it the good old college try, regardless. A deep breath is huffed, and a mild wince, at the strong smell of preservatives.

Though, Sibyl isn't particularly strong... It's definitely a struggle to even keep pace with Wald.

[Wald Lowca]

After seeing the two dragging the body out of the building Wald went to grab the center and help place the body on the beast. She shook a bit when placing the body and gave a noise of disapproval. After thinking on it the feeling on Wald's hands made it feel different much more wet and cold then the other body. "Well i must be going now, i am hopeful to see you again." The graves men said ringing his hands together. "Please, tell your professor to message me whenever he n... whenever I have unclaimed bodies."

Wald noticed clearly what the wording represented, these are the bodies of the poor who can't afford to bury their dead properly. Pretending he didn't detect the true reason these bodies were here he secured them as if they were old rugs. After being secured he took a large cloth from the satchel on the donkey and covered them to keep the snow off them.

Wald went to pet the main of his donkey to ensure her things were fine. Nudging the hand in response he sighed and looked over to the student. Wald was ready to leave this place and move out soon. The man then shut the door and you could hear the bolt lock shut. Wald looked around at the city. Is this what civilization is. I want to know if all they care about is money first the merchants then this guy. He thought to himself looking around at what seemed like a twisted scene.

[Sybil Malach]

A pause stirs in Sybil's mind. Something swirls in the distinct thought over the words being said by the Undertaker. Something wasn't right. It was a cloying sensation that seemed to perturb Sybil in a layer that was deeper than expression alone. This was necessary. Sybil knew this for absolute certain. The bodies of the unclaimed could save the lives of others if it was used like this. There was a noble cause in this, some even donated their own bodies to the Academy, for this purpose. Sybil had been present during several autopsies, done to teach the students about organs. A memory lingered on the surface of one such autopsy. ... It wasn't the same as this. Something Sybil realized, is how the man behaved. The quality of the structure. Though the Student couldn't put a finger on why exactly the sensation lingered. The lack of expertise regarding the quality of the buildings was one thing. But Sybil knew bodies. Well, as well as one that doesn't even have a letter in Medicine would know.

Though Sybil could not quite put an answer to such a thing, there was something obvious and blatant that could be said. Something was wrong, here. Whether it be something minor, like the lack of quality, or the words the Mortician said. It was as though the Student had to step back and genuinely consider the implications. Was there any? Was it truly something worth commenting on? Students shouldn't comment on anything, but Sybil knew the bluff that was made. There was no introduction of 'Student'. Only a name, and an order. ... If Sybil were not Videnese, it would be easy to simply... Bluff. Something stopped the Student from prying so deeply, but the curiosity remained.

The bodies are loaded onto the donkey with the help of the Mortician. Sybil spaces out during quite a few of it, and the expression worn is blank. The deep thought being hidden as thoughtlessness. An easy task for the young Student, but it was something more... Internal. Both bodies being strapped onto the back of the donkey however, is enough to snap Sibyl out of it. Professor? Thought Sibyl. Eyes upon the man, curiously, as he scurries away behind his bolted door. ... Perhaps a test? He knew what I was. Comes the internal thought, lingering at the sides of the mind.

A shake of the head, as eyes glance towards Wald, "I don't quite know what's gotten into people today." Comes the words from Sibyl, after a breath, and a shake of the head, "Usually, it's not quite as... Strange, as this." Comes the admission, before a glance is given down at the Student's cloak, a hand rifles through the insides, before pulling out a map, "Are you familiar with where the Academy is?"

[Wald Lowca]

Keeping an expression that was neutral Wald comforted his animal companion. Placing his head on that of hers and stroking her mane. She slowly relaxed with Wald further this calmed him as well. This companion was with Wald for a long time and they could seemingly understand each other. Both of them were nerves but understood that they were safe with each other. Seemingly ignoring the student during this scene but came back to a question.

Wald nodded at the student, "I can find my way to the Academy if you choose not to help but it will take a while." The tone of his voice was calm as he continued, "I'd like to ask to see if there was any identifiers on the bodies but that is your call." Wald began to walk off with the donkey as he waited for the student to answer him.

Not knowing what how the student would react, Something inside him knew that the bodies were anything but unidentifiable. One was a man and the other was a woman that much can be certain buy the size of the bodies. Even warped in linens details like this could not hide from Wald. If they were from the same family is a different story details like that could only be told after a look at face or body. Humans were similar to animals that way. Groups were identifiable off of simple differences, hair, eyes, nose, even weight could be used. If he did look at the bodies it wouldn't change where they went.

[Sybil Malach]

Letting out a slight grimace at the question, Sibyl lets out a soft sigh. it was a fair point. Nonetheless, as the two walk the student simply says, "Mm. That would be good, but if he lied to the Academy itself... Well. There's nothing that can be done, once the Masters of the Citadel begin asking questions." A roll of the shoulders is given, as a breath is taken. But, even at that, an upnod is given to Wald, seemingly conceding a part of his point, "... When we get to the Academy, we can review the orders." Comes the statement. But then... Something strikes Sybil.

A hand is patted on the inner-pocket of the cloak. The Mortician seems to have forgotten to take the order. A beautiful failure, on either party's part. The order is pulled out. The seal now broken, due to the fragility of wax in general. A furrowing of the brows is offered, before a breath,

"The faces can be checked, if you pass through one of the alleys." Comes the answer. The Student seemingly remembering something rather important. Bodies don't rot as fast in the cold. Though Sibyl didn't truly understand indepth why that was the case, the student at least knew that bodies were better preserved in the climate because of the cold. Other cultures would have to build their mortuaries beneath the ground in order to reach the same level of preservation. ... There truly wouldn't be any... Harm, in looking.

A quirk of the brow is given towards Wald, regardless, "Is there something you fear?" Comes the question, as the two make their way through the outside portions of the Citadel, walking the streets among the city dwellers. The cloak is brought tightly around the body, as the winds begin to whip a bit more fierce. The bonfires from the celebration taking place today, however, seem to be quite the boon for the duo. Far better than having to brave the wind without any fires or means of warmth.

[Wald Lowca]

Nodding in approval of the alleyways, "I'd like to check the left hands as well. I should be able to without leaving a trace of my presence on the bodies." This was to check the ring fingers of the two. Wald also knew how to cover up his tracks from his hunting so fixing the linens would be no issue for him.

As the two walked Wald felt surprise at the question in which he was given by the student who seemed to finally open up. What kind of answer is the young one looking for. Do i give the truth or do i show a shadow. Can i truly trust their intentions. These thoughts raged through his mind. After a long pause Wald said, "I..." a vocal swallow came from the rough man. "I am afraid of civilization..." This was the a half truth but he couldn't help but hide some of his self from people.

Looking back to the person who inquire him, "And what about yourself?" The two began to walk down an alley way at this point. Wald got ready and slowed the donkey so they could check on their shared curiosity moving the linens on the hands first there were a slight shadow on the ring finger on both of them. slowly closing back up he made sure to keep them as he left them and decided to not look at the face. Wald was sated and spoke, "They are married most likely to one another." judging by the shadow the rings were also very small. "They are also both from the poor." Wald kept the donkey slow going through the alley for the young student.