I'm an Archsage, not a Bishop [Open]

[facepunching.livejournal.com]

Ugh. Eventually, the tide of patients he'd had to deal with had decreased, leaving Soren finally able to take a moment to breathe. He was rather uncharacteristically slouching in his seat on the Obs Deck, staring balefully out at the view outside.

He hadn't realized what a chore it was to have to pick up healing duties. Where he came from, every army had a contingent of clerics to supplement the use of vulneraries by the common infantryman. That he'd seen none in use by the forces fighting on the ground was dismaying. He'd attempted to save what lives he was able to during the events on that moon or planet or whatever (Soren was not great with the proper scientific classifications of celestial bodies), but without adequate support, he knew a number had simply fallen through the cracks. There was only so much a single unit could do, especially with the tools at his disposal.

Healing wasn't even his specialty; he'd studied the use of staves mainly to better fill gaps in the Mercenaries' pool of abilities. Better than learning knives, at any rate. If he'd only had a Fortify staff...

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[facepunching.livejournal.com]

Soren looked a little annoyed, but he didn't get up out of his chair. He was tired, all right?

"The view," he repeated. "Fresh from fighting off the advances of giant insects from the stars, and you're concerned about the view."

[indeliblepast]

"Actually, you're the one that seems more concerned with it," she replied, unfazed. "What with the glare you're given it and all."

[facepunching.livejournal.com]

Now he was becoming irritated in earnest. "I wasn't aware my facial expressions were being monitored at all times. Not that it's any of your business."

[indeliblepast]

Sumeragi put her hands up a touch defensively, though her smile didn't fade. "Hey, sorry. You looked like you could use someone to talk to, that's all."

[facepunching.livejournal.com]

Soren gave her a distinct hmph, but settled back in his chair. "What I could use is a fighting force that can treat its own injuries."

Among, you know, other things.

[indeliblepast]

She gave him a glance and a raised eyebrow. "Got shanghai'd into working medical?"

[facepunching.livejournal.com]

Soren looked vaguely morose. "No. I volunteered, as I can both heal and provide solid offense. Little did I know."

[indeliblepast]

"Aah. More work than you were expecting, then?" She knew how that went.

[facepunching.livejournal.com]

"I'm used to the volume. It's just not my specialty." He frowned. "And you? What is it that brings you here?"

[indeliblepast]

Sumeragi shrugged. "Wanted the familiar view, I suppose." She glanced back at him. "You should put your foot down, next time, if it's too much."

[facepunching.livejournal.com]

Telling a workaholic to complain that they have too much work? WAT.

"Of course," said Soren. "You're absolutely correct. Next time I'll just let someone gasp their last because I'm too busy."

He gave the view outside a dubious look. "Overrated. Give me solid ground any time."

[indeliblepast]

Ah. One of those types. The 'impossible to please' types. Rather like Tieria. He'd probably be happy to just complain. Which meant there was probably no point trying to talk sense into him.

She turned back to the viewport. "They both have their merits, I think."

[facepunching.livejournal.com]

Meanwhile, Soren was pegging Sumeragi as a meddler. Someone who could never just listen to someone's end-of-the-day grievances without inserting their own two cents about how if they just did this, all their problems would magically (ha!) be solved. At least Oscar knew when to keep quiet and listen.

Soren fished a magical tome out of his robes and began thumbing through its pages.

[indeliblepast]

Sumeragi was, for the moment, content to look at the view and most decidedly not meddle. If he didn't want advice - well, she wasn't going to try to give it.