25.Jan.12, 04:38 AM
It only took a few moments for Talian to pick up - at least partially - on what was going on. These two were having some sort of quarrel. The snide comments were enough to give it away, but their body language only made him more certain.
Talian never knew what to make of smug boys. Most of the others at the Healer Hall he was accustomed to were somewhat intimidated by him. They knew he was an advanced student and had the eye and ear of the master crafters. In hindsight, though, he also imagined they didn't find much sport in harassing him. He was a little bit of a dud as far as victims went. Outside of the hall, aggressive people usually rolled right over Talian without him noticing.
These two didn't seem to take issue with him, so for the time being he was comfortable; even admittedly curious. That little glimmer of curiosity was quite welcome. Ever since his arrival, he'd been operating on autopilot. He followed orders and did what he needed to do, but otherwise he ambled through life as a zombie. Feeling curious again was a good sign. It was probably out of self-interest, since staying out of the middle of their bickering out be easier if he knew what was going on, but at least it was there.
There was one overriding source of curiosity, though. Those boys were around his age. They were probably in the same situation he was. That alone interested him.
"All right," he said at length, drifting forward as he carefully tied his hair into place and looked over his patient. Valerian's wounds weren't extraordinary at first glance, but they certainly needed attention. Talian managed a weak but sincere smile and approached. "Let's have a look," he said, gingerly reaching out to examine the wounds. "
He tried to ignore the banter between the two as he looked over Valerian's shredded leg. He pressed his fingers against the flesh and examined the scrapes.
“Hm,” he said after a moment. He had to clear his throat, for his soft voice was almost inaudible. “It looks like you have some grit lodged farther in. How did you do this?” he asked. He turned around and started to root around in a nearby drawer while awaiting a response.
Talian never knew what to make of smug boys. Most of the others at the Healer Hall he was accustomed to were somewhat intimidated by him. They knew he was an advanced student and had the eye and ear of the master crafters. In hindsight, though, he also imagined they didn't find much sport in harassing him. He was a little bit of a dud as far as victims went. Outside of the hall, aggressive people usually rolled right over Talian without him noticing.
These two didn't seem to take issue with him, so for the time being he was comfortable; even admittedly curious. That little glimmer of curiosity was quite welcome. Ever since his arrival, he'd been operating on autopilot. He followed orders and did what he needed to do, but otherwise he ambled through life as a zombie. Feeling curious again was a good sign. It was probably out of self-interest, since staying out of the middle of their bickering out be easier if he knew what was going on, but at least it was there.
There was one overriding source of curiosity, though. Those boys were around his age. They were probably in the same situation he was. That alone interested him.
"All right," he said at length, drifting forward as he carefully tied his hair into place and looked over his patient. Valerian's wounds weren't extraordinary at first glance, but they certainly needed attention. Talian managed a weak but sincere smile and approached. "Let's have a look," he said, gingerly reaching out to examine the wounds. "
He tried to ignore the banter between the two as he looked over Valerian's shredded leg. He pressed his fingers against the flesh and examined the scrapes.
“Hm,” he said after a moment. He had to clear his throat, for his soft voice was almost inaudible. “It looks like you have some grit lodged farther in. How did you do this?” he asked. He turned around and started to root around in a nearby drawer while awaiting a response.