Temple Infirmary

The infirmary interior was, like the rest of the Temple, constructed in traditional manner with stone and carvings aplenty that would have been at home in a history book, but fitted with modern furnishings and facilities. Technology and tradition were blended, particularly in a practical facility such as the infirmary, where modern medical equipment was required. There were a few busy looking healers making their way between the beds of the few patients there, non-uniformed but easily identifiable by their mannerisms.

"That is most strange," Aiedai remarked, raising an eyebrow, "But these are strange times. Rends are torn in the fabric of reality in the middle of populated cities and nobody bats an eye, it seems. Perhaps there is some greater power at work in bringing you here, or perhaps it was merely chance. Either way, I think we will certainly be more accommodating than the cold ocean floor. I am sorry for the loss of your crew."

As they spoke, an older woman made her way over to them, inclining her head politely at each in turn. "Lady Nasazura." she said in greeting to Aiedai, her voice thick with an accent that sounded like it firmly belonged here in the northern mountains. "And by what should I address your companion?"

Aiedai smiled back at the woman, "His name is Nereus, Anaiya. He needs his wounds treated."

Anaiya's eyes fell on Nereus' wounds, then, and she frowned. "Hmph. Pleasantries can wait, then. This injury must be treated before it is infected. How long has it been open?" The woman turned on heel and gestured for Nereus to follow her towards one of the beds, "Sit!" she instructed, turning to examine the wound more closely to check whether it was still bleeding. "Your blood is golden - what species are you? I don't want to use anything that might cause adverse reaction - do you have any allergies? Substances you know to be poisonous to your kind?"

Nereus looked fascinated at the makeup of the infirmary. He had never seen anything quite like it in his entire life. Glancing around the room, he would pause for a few moments before turning to answer Aiedai. "Not to sound disrespectful, but I think I was sent here as punishment. Forsaken by my father, if that makes any sense." The anger in his voice was obvious, but that was the only thing that gave him away. His face still resembled a blank, emotionless mask, completely ignoring the remark about his lost crew.

Now focusing his attention on Anaiya, he held back a grin. "The wound has been open for a couple of days now, but I'm not worried about an infection. My body is unaffected by such things. Disease, hunger, and even thirst. If I don't consume calories my body will become weak, but I will not succumb to death." He replied, looking down to inspect the injury. The vertical cut on his shoulder was completely clogged by the golden, sappy liquid, which had the consistency of thick honey.

"Where I am from, I am considered an ancient god. There is much confusion among the common folk as to who my parents actually are. My blood is that of the Olympians, not the Titans as many have assumed. Information of my past has been deluded, and not by accident. That isn't very important, though." Shaking his head now, he realized this information was useless. "There are no substances that have adverse reactions to my body. None that I know of."

Anaiya raised an eyebrow, "A god? That is new." she remarked, chuckling and shaking her head. She wasn't entirely sure if she believed it, but if the wound was this unsullied after days of being open and untreated, there must have been some truth to his resistance to disease and infection. "Well, it is lucky for some, then. Hopefully you are not resistant to anaesthetics, or this may hurt. Stay still, once I have cleaned the wound, it will require stitches."

As the doctor went about cleaning, stitching and dressing the wound - utilising a numbing injection of local anaesthetic if permitted - Aiedai tilted her head questioningly at Nereus.

"The Olympians? I have read of them, though accounts differ from place to place. I understand your people were not local to Terra? You are the first god I have met personally, or at least, the first who is referred to as such. The strict definition of a god varies from culture to culture, realm to realm. I am sure in some places the spirits who cohabit my body would be considered gods." the corner of her mouth quirked up in a smile, "I would hazard a guess that in others, they would be baffled at the concept of a god bleeding."

She paused in thought for a moment, before continuing. "If you are the son of the sea, then that would make your father the one known as Poseidon, correct?"

Nereus nodded at Anaiya, standing behind his statement as if it was nothing out of the ordinary. "In the short time I have been here I've seen beings that match or surpass my power. I suppose calling myself a god holds no value in a place like this...oh, and the anesthetics are a welcome gift. Thank you." He watched as the needle pieced his skin, letting the woman do her job. The man would flex his arm a few times to ensure the drug carried out its purpose.

"My world goes by the name of Gaia, not Terra." He replied, turning his head to Aiedai as he invited himself to sit on one of the many beds in the infirmary. He looked incredibly relieved to finally be on a soft surface, not even bothering to take his sheath off of his back before laying down. "I may be immortal, but I am not invulnerable. I have had many brushes with my own demise. I've even met the being who governs the realms of the dead. I'm sure your spirits know something about him. He's infamous for trying to exit his own realm." Ignoring the question about his father, his blank face soon bore a resemblance to a man betrayed; angry and bitter. Without warning, his aura sparked to life once again, filling the air with the scent of vanilla and a silky mist. His emotion seemed to hold some weight in this action.

"Gaia, then. That name is familiar, though my knowledge of the world does not extend beyond its existence." Aiedai said, nodding her head thoughtfully. "How you ended up here from there is anyone's guess, but no doubt magic was involved, be it your father's or anyone else's."

She paused, "But, I see that he is a sensitive subject. I will avoid mentioning him."

Fixing the last of the stitches in place, Anaiya finished tending to Nereus' wound with a satisfied nod. She deposited the materials used to clean the wounds in a sterile jar and set them aside. "Don't put strain on the shoulder, or else you'll break the stitches. Take it easy for a week or two, depending on how fast you heal. You should be perfectly fine before too long. You're welcome to rest here, or I presume there is a bed available in the temple dormitories, if you'd prefer a more homely atmosphere." The doctor shot Aiedai a questioning glance, and the girl nodded in turn.

"There is plenty of room," she said, "I can take you there now, if you wish, or use the opportunity to show you the main temple. I am sure you have questions about our order, if you intend to remain while you recover and decide on your next move. I am happy to answer anything."

While Aiedai spoke, Anaiya moved off into the rest of the infirmary to busy herself with other patients and tasks.

Alexei Belitrov has arrived, coming from Mountain Side Temple.