Rosalie was admittedly a bit intimidated by today’s task. She had taught plenty of alumni medicine, for teaching was included among the competences that she was supposed to acquire during her formative years but this would be the first time that she would teach someone that already had experience in the area, even if it was a different way. She had prepared anatomy and pathology books; in her opinion the only problem with healing magic is that at times the healer lacked proper understanding of the concepts: it was easier to treat a disease if the origin was known.
Rosalie was prepared, tapping the table nervously as she waited for her pupil. Despite of the fact that she was trying to remain cool, it was clear to the eye that she wasn’t as calm as she pretended to be.
Once her student arrived she approached him quickly “Hi! I am Rosie!! It’s a pleasure to teach you, even though I feel that likely there’s more that you could teach me!!” she said, her voice a bit high pitched.
Alaric swept into the room with his usual flair, his presence as vibrant and confident as ever. His long, shimmering coat trailed behind him, the intricate patterns on the fabric catching the light in a way that made him look almost otherworldly. His dark eyes sparkled with curiosity and amusement as he took in the sight of Rosalie, clearly nervous but doing her best to mask it. He couldn’t help but smile—a warm, reassuring smile that he hoped would put her at ease.
Rosie, darling, he greeted, his voice smooth and rich like a well-aged wine. The pleasure is all mine, I assure you. And please, no need to be nervous. We're here to learn from each other, after all. And I have no doubt that you’ll be teaching me plenty.
He crossed the room with a graceful ease, his gaze flicking to the books and materials Rosalie had prepared. The meticulousness of her setup didn’t go unnoticed, and he appreciated the effort she had put into this session. He reached out and gently touched her arm, a small gesture meant to comfort.
Now, let’s put those nerves aside, shall we? Alaric continued, his tone light and playful. We’re about to embark on a fascinating journey into the world of non-magical healing. I’ve been dying to expand my horizons, and who better to guide me than someone as knowledgeable as you?
“I feel that there’s way more that you can teach me than vice versa” she said with a nervous smile as she signaled at all the prepared books. “But I am prepared!! I think? I will try my best, I promise.” She concluded definitively not sounding very convincing.
“Uhm yeah! I mean, in order to orient better this session I would need to know in which area you are like…less knowledgeable” she said tapping an anatomy book “My polite guess, is that you are already very good in the arts of anatomy because plenty of healers are due to practical experience. Although if you want to borrow any of these books be my guest, all the information is based on Nevarran autopsies which make them the most accurate anatomy books nowadays”.
“Pathology tends to be a more…obscure area for healers” she said passing onto the next pile “since you don’t need to know the origin of a disease to cure it at times, healers don’t enter in detail into the etiology which in my opinion is vital to treat effectively the problem.” She said, clearly pausing so that Alaric could say which his area of interest was.
Alaric listened attentively, a smile playing at the corners of his lips as Rosalie explained her approach. He appreciated her enthusiasm and thoroughness, though he could sense her nerves underneath it all. Her dedication was endearing, and he found himself even more eager to dive into the lesson.
Rosie, my dear, you're too modest, he said with a playful wink. I’m sure you have a wealth of knowledge that I’ve yet to tap into. But I do love that you’re prepared—it’s always a delight to see such passion in a teacher.
He moved closer to the anatomy books she had pointed out, his fingers brushing lightly over the covers as he spoke. You’re right that practical experience has given me a decent grasp of anatomy, though I must admit I’ve never studied it in such… detail as these Nevarran autopsies seem to offer. His tone was laced with a hint of curiosity, clearly intrigued by the depth of information she had on hand. I might take you up on that offer to borrow these—expanding my knowledge in that area could prove quite useful in more ways than one.
He then shifted his attention to the pathology books, his gaze thoughtful as he considered her words. Pathology, you say? Now that’s an area where I could certainly use some enlightenment. As much as I love the art of healing, I’ve found that understanding the ‘why’ behind an illness is often the key to truly effective treatment. And while magic can be a wonderful shortcut, I’m all about knowing what’s under the hood, so to speak.
Alaric settled into a nearby chair, crossing one leg over the other with a casual elegance. Let’s start with pathology, then. I’m eager to hear your thoughts on the origins of diseases and how that knowledge can enhance magical healing. I have a feeling this is going to be quite the enlightening experience.
He gestured for her to begin, his smile warm and encouraging. Take your time, darling. We’re in no rush, and I’m all ears.
Despite his outward charm and confidence, Alaric was genuinely interested in what she had to teach. He knew that the blend of magical and non-magical healing could open new doors for him, and he was eager to see what insights Rosalie could offer.
“Well is not good to be too cocky isn’t it?” asked the blonde with a smile “but I will try to do my best and to live to your expectations on my knowledge!” she said cheerfully.
“Autopsies are a controversial source of information which I at times have difficulty accepting” she was an Andrastian and while the Chantry didn’t forbid them they weren’t specially happy with the procedure either “But admittedly they are one of the best sources of real information, since it’s the most direct way to study the human body. I have never performed one of course, but the diagrams are quite…clarifying.” She said trying to use a proper word.
“Exactly, is a way to spare misuse of magic. If you know that pain in an specific area of the belly with fever, nausea and certain evolution is an appendix inflammation, you can spare the effort of using magic to control the fever and then just casting blindly on the belly. It’s better to remove the source of infection, I have been in a few successful appendicectomies, it’s a surgery that it’s only performed in few Orlesian hospitals.
She started to look through a pile of books “any area that catches your interest specially? Or any kind of medical process”
Alaric leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping thoughtfully on his knee as he listened. Rosalie’s honesty about her faith’s reservations around autopsies intrigued him, but he could see how her curiosity won out, drawing her to seek a deeper understanding of the human body. Her dedication was, frankly, refreshing.
Rosie, I must say, your approach is delightful, he mused, a playful glint in his eyes. All these diagrams and your attention to the “specifics”—it’s like magic in its own right. And you’re absolutely correct; knowing the origin of an illness prevents unnecessary guesswork.
He glanced down at the pile of books she was leafing through, then leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial murmur. I must confess a fascination with the ways that poisons affect the body and how understanding them could help one… counter such effects. Perhaps it’s a bit of a darker interest, but useful nonetheless. Do you have anything on toxicology, perhaps?
Alaric watched her reaction, a slight smirk on his face, waiting to see if her enthusiasm extended to the more shadowed corners of medicine.
“I mean doctors can’t just magicy healing so we do have to get creative” she said with a kind smile “Then pathology it is! I assumed that it would be your principal area of interest so I selected a few books that you can take with you and return to me whenever you are done with them”
“Poisons are interesting, and ironically if correctly used can be the cure for other diseases. In the end it is about understanding the effects of the substances in the body, for example an stimulant can fight off drowsiness but if used in a poorly timed moment it may cause an stroke. It’s all the balance” she said absolutely neutral about the topic. She seemed unfazed about his preference of knowledge, information was information after all.
Alaric’s smirk widened, clearly enjoying Rosalie’s pragmatic and refreshingly unflustered response. He leaned forward slightly, resting his chin in his hand as he regarded her with playful curiosity.
Balance, indeed, he purred, his tone carrying a hint of approval. It’s fascinating how something so deadly in one context can be a lifeline in another. That duality—the fine line between harm and healing—is endlessly intriguing to me. He gestured toward the pile of books she had so meticulously prepared. And I must commend your foresight, my dear. You’re quite the perceptive scholar.
He straightened up, folding his hands in his lap. I think we’ll start with the basics of pathology, as you suggested. But let’s not shy away from delving into toxicology as well—I suspect we’ll find some fascinating overlaps between the two.
Alaric’s expression softened, a warm sincerity shining through his charismatic exterior. I can already tell this will be a rewarding partnership, Rosie. So, show me where to begin—what’s the first lesson?
His enthusiasm was genuine, though tinged with a theatrical flourish, as he motioned for her to proceed.
“I mean many of the poisons that we know nowadays were part of medicines used back them. Do you know that spices are actually a toxin made by plants to dissuade animals from eating them? Yet we add them to our meals while saying “yummy”. Few things are inherently bad or good, it depends on the context and the doses.” Of course Rosalie used always her knowledge for the good, but even that required knowing the “bad” stuff.
“So, let’s delve in the basics: infections…how to treat them and how to identify the source” she said with a smile as she started her lesson. Hours passed as she defined and explained how to identify the early signs of an infection and how to cure them without magic, which plants had an antibiotic effect and which weren’t useful at all. Having an advanced student like Alaric was very useful, she rarely had to stop which made the lesson way smoother than what she expected.
It was almost dinnertime when she was over, taking a breath and a sip of water “And now you know more about infections than many academics in the university” she said with a chuckle as she let herself fall on the couch.
Alaric stretched languidly, rolling his shoulders as though to ease the tension from sitting for so long, though the sparkle in his eyes betrayed his satisfaction. He leaned back in his chair, legs crossed with effortless poise, and offered Rosalie a wide, approving smile.
Rosie, my darling, he began, his tone light but sincere, if this is what you consider a ‘basic’ lesson, then I’m positively terrified to see what the advanced ones entail. I haven’t worked this hard since that ill-advised attempt to learn Antivan fencing. But, I must say, you’re a brilliant teacher. You’ve managed to keep even me—an unrepentant dabbler—engaged for hours.
He paused, his gaze softening as he regarded her, sprawled on the couch with a well-earned look of relief.
I mean it, you know. You’ve a gift, not just for healing but for sharing what you know in a way that makes it... intoxicatingly fascinating. That’s no small feat.
Alaric rose from his chair with a fluid grace and made his way to her side. He plucked a cushion from the couch and handed it to her with an exaggerated bow, as though presenting her with a priceless artifact.
For your remarkable service to the realm of education, I bestow upon you this honorary pillow of relaxation. Truly, a symbol of the highest academic honors.
He dropped onto the couch beside her, resting his elbows on his knees and looking up at her with a mischievous grin.
Now, tell me, what’s the dinner situation around here? Because after all that learning, I think we’ve both earned something spectacular. I’ll even cook, if you trust me in your kitchen. Although, fair warning, my culinary talents lean more toward flair than practicality.
Alaric winked, his mood buoyant, though the respect in his expression made it clear how much he valued the day’s lesson—and Rosalie’s efforts.
Rosalie couldn’t help but laugh at what he said “Well there’s a reason why Medicine it’s 4 years of study without counting the time practicing at the hospital” well, likely healers didn’t have to study as much as doctors did but she had to make up with knowledge what she lacked by the absence of magic skills. “And you are a brilliant student, few can follow a entire lesson which such a good understanding of concepts like the ones we have discussed today”
“I have to say that this is the first time that I have been in the receiving end of the adjective intoxicatingly fascinating” she said amused “but again the people I hang out with tend to be less prone to compliments”
“Oh Maker, I didn’t know I could earn this so early in my career of teacher, I am truly honored” she said with a chuckle. “I do trust you but my boyfriend Vincent is supposed to pick me after this lesson for that very reason, unless you don’t mind joining us at our home; I doubt that he will mind” she offered back. Vincent wasn’t a social flower but he was extrovert enough to get along with Alaric, or so she thought.
Alaric tilted his head, a playful smirk gracing his lips as he regarded Rosalie. His eyes twinkled with amusement at her modesty, and he let out a soft chuckle.
Rosie, darling, I think you sell yourself short. If this is your debut as a teacher, then you’ve set the bar dangerously high for everyone else. Vincent must be very lucky to have someone as dazzlingly brilliant—and dare I say, intoxicatingly fascinating—as you in his life.
He placed a hand over his heart in an exaggerated gesture of mock devastation.
And here I was, prepared to offer my culinary masterpiece as thanks for your guidance. But alas, it seems Vincent has beaten me to the honor of hosting you. How terribly unfair.
His teasing tone softened as he leaned back into the couch, one arm draping over the backrest as though he owned the space.
That said, I’d be delighted to join you both—provided Vincent won’t mind sharing your company with me for a while longer. I promise to behave. Well, mostly.
Alaric’s grin widened as he added with a mischievous glint in his eye, And I’ll even offer my services as entertainment for the evening. Stories, a bit of magic, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, an impromptu fashion consultation. My talents are at your disposal.
He paused, studying her with an expression that mingled sincerity with his signature charm.
But truly, thank you, Rosie. Today has been nothing short of enlightening, and I’m looking forward to seeing what else you have up your sleeves—both as a healer and as a friend.
Alaric stood, extending a hand to help her up, his energy as magnetic as ever. Now, lead the way, my dear. Let’s see what culinary delights—or adventures—await us.
“Well he has not complained so far, although academics is not his field” she said as she blushed slightly, it was strange (although not bad at all) to feel so flattered.
“I doubt that he will mind, he is quite the extrovert whenever the mood strikes so I think that you two will hit it off quite well” she said with a small smile. She laughed at the offer “Your company is as valuable as all the offers so your presence will be enough my dear student” she said with affection. She really did like Alaric despite of being quite different to herself.
“I will try to not bore you too soon then” she said as they made their way out towards where Vincent was waiting for them.
