Damn, that journey was a long one. Rhazien was no old man- he considered himself youthful for his age, stout and powerful - but walking across an entire continent was a fucking pain. His muscles ached, his paws were tired, and he felt hungry all the fucking time. Maybe he hadn’t eaten enough on the journey. Still, their travels hadn’t been futile- upon finally returning to The Polar Sound, Rhazien was hit with a powerful wave of nostalgia. Sephiran loved this place.

After settling in, choosing his den site, and harboring Medulla away. Rhazien sought out the company of his nephew Caedes, with a single task in mind. He wanted a medical check-up from the male. Surely their Sultan would be marching them to someone’s door, intent on taking their goods and unleashing chaos. Which meant Rhazien needed to be stout, healthy, and prepared.

He followed the brute’s scent to a rather large den- one adorned in miscellaneous vials and trinkets, stocked to the ceiling with preserved plants and poisons, with the smell of medicinal salves coating every inch of the room. A doctor's office of sorts. “Doctor Caedes,” He’d call out, that suave, charming smile tugging at his lips. “I’m here for my appointment.” Bantering as usual, and keeping their interaction light and casual. He just wanted Caedes to complete the task.  

"Rhazien Saxe"

The brute had taken quickly to the Sound, finally having a place to be rather than simply pass through or spend the night. He had found a hollow in the earth, marked by two fallen logs. He had done well to begin organizing his space, carving out a true healer's den with all the necessities he tirelessly procured for the pack. It was while he was working on more storage space that he heard motion behind him, turning swiftly to see his uncle standing at the entry to the office-like space.

Caedes emerged from the depths of his den, his presence commanding within his own abode as he greeted Rhazien with a nod of acknowledgment and a curious quirk of his brow. Rhazien banter edged with his customary charm caused Caedes to  allow himself a small smirk, motioning his uncle in further. Caedes maintained his usual composed demeanor even through the smile, his emerald gaze assessing Rhazien's condition with a keen eye. Did he have an injury? "Rhazien," Caedes replied in his deep, rumbling voice, his tone betraying little emotion as he observed the male before him. "Injury or malaise?" His words held a subtle hint of investigation, but even still his gaze was already meticulously scanning over the older brute, looking for a cause for the sudden visit, if it was something he could see.

"speaking"

Emerging from his abode, Caedes motioned for Rhazien to follow him inside, which he did without hesitation. Slipping past the fallen logs to enter the subterranean, and taking a seat in the middle of the room, he waited for the brute to begin his inspection. Injury or malaise? The inquiry made his smile pull tighter, and a rumble of laughter to bubble from his jaws. "Mmm, a man in his youth. The journey across the continent didn't tire you out?" Was his answer, as he continued to banter with Caedes. Watching as those acidic, emerald eyes surveyed him over, assessing him with the keen eye of a physician. “Just a general look over is needed.” It wasn’t as glorious a task as debriding a wound or packing one with a salve. But it was a necessary need.  

"Rhazien Saxe"

Caedes stared as Rhazien began to laugh, an amused glint entering his gaze as the older man spoke again. The journey hadn’t tired him out. He even had time for a quick rest stop. Really, he didn't need to be pushing Mariah to her limit. “Youth is a grand thing. Offering vigor, stamina,  but unfortunately I am restless.” The words fell from his lips in low rumbles, a hint of devilry on his tongue as he moved closer to inspect the other brute. A look over is what he wanted, so that’s what he’d get.

With practiced efficiency, Caedes began his examination, his skilled hands(paws) moving with precision as he checked Rhazien's over and  assessed any signs of fatigue or injury. Despite the mischievous tone of their conversation, Caedes approached his task with the utmost professionalism. “Any difficulty breathing? Issues with your eyes? Your hearing? Sense of smell?” He began a line of questions, moving about, poking and prodding Rhazien as he went.

"speaking"

Restless. Rhazien could only wonder, what left the boy stirring within himself, biting at the bit with all the vigor and stamina he mentioned. He knew all too well, that men needed motivators to become powerful- and women tended to be the best kind. Despite his musings, he’d not comment on the thought so quickly. Wanting Caedes to move into the task of giving him a medical check-up, and to not get distracted or detoured.

His ears flicked at all the questioning, and he mused them over before responding. “No, none of that." He said, not recalling having an issue with his breathing, eyes, hearing, or sense of smell. Looking at Caedes, he wonders what the next line of questions will be.  

"Rhazien Saxe"

Nodding in understanding, Caedes continued his examination, his touch gentle yet thorough as he assessed Rhazien's overall condition. He paid particular attention to areas prone to strain during long journeys, such as the shoulders and hips, ensuring that Rhazien's muscles were supple and free from tension. There he found knots and stiffness, signs of muscle fatigue.

"Did the journey cause any discomfort in your joints or strain your muscles?" Caedes inquired to confirm, his voice a low rumble as he further considered the effects of their travel. His uncle was not an old man yet, but perhaps he pushed too far too soon. They had gone and come back so quickly there was little time for rest, and surely a wolf only a few years old would feel the strain. His skilled paws moved with precision as he palpated Rhazien's muscles and joints, checking for any more areas of tenderness, aching, or inflammation. He watched Rhazien’s face, noting a bit of discomfort as he did so.

Caedes stepped back, his expression thoughtful. "Overall, you seem to be in good health," The dire brute remarked, his tone reassuring yet detached. "I'll prepare a tincture – Boneset and Chamomile should suffice. I do recommend plenty of rest and hydration to aid in your recovery." Caedes gave Rhazien a pointed look, affirming the man had heard him before he turned to concoct the prescription.

"speaking"

At his next question, Rhazien rumbled out a gruff sound of agreement. The journey had been quite long- they’d traveled across an entire continent in the span of a few days - and he wasn’t the youngest wolf in their pack either. He was sore more than anything- and it was a sign that he needed to strengthen his endurance in the upcoming weeks. He was silent as Caedes palpated muscles and joints, nothing feeling abnormally tender or inflamed. His expression also remained flat- not stoic, but not as inquisitive as before the examination.

In conclusion, he was in good health- not that he expected anything less, but it was comforting to hear, coming from an experienced physician. Caedes prescribed him a tincture- a mix of herbs he faintly recognized, but their purpose was lost to him until Caedes explained it. Nodding in agreement, his lips pulled back into a smile again- a sentiment, that he was pleased with the outcome of this encounter. “Thank you Caedes.” He says, genuine in his thanks.

-end-


"Rhazien Saxe"