[Well, he should have seen that coming, and so should have Daniil.
As he sees Arion gallop ahead without a rider, he quickly turns back to find Daniil—]
Oh, you damn fool, you can't go weaving through branches like that. Now you just look like some forgotten laundry.
[Joking aside, he does quickly approach, and just as quickly he pulls out his gun to shoot the branch that's presently hanging Daniil. Look, he could try to grab him and pull him free, prolonging his strangulation, or he can do this. It's not that far of a fall, anyway!
He'll guide Nickel over to Daniil, looking down at him with a flat expression of sympathy while offering a hand to help him up on Nickel.]
[That gunshot startles him something awful. His body goes stock straight and he panics, thinking he’s the one who has been shot instead for a moment.]
[He drops, branch still stuck through he cravat, and buckles immediately, having landed unevenly on his feet with a shout of pain. He lands on his side, hastily trying to undo his pin and cravat to fully free himself.]
[and then Daniil realizes he can just pull the branch down to get it out and does so before standing tenderly. He takes Arthur’s hand and manages to get onto Nickel with a hiss of pain. Daniil grimaces.]
We’ve really got to stop doing this. [Daniil mutters as he places his hands around Arthur, again.]
[That ankle is gonna need some tending to, but that won't be Arthur's job. No, he's more about the horses and playing hero, he guesses. It's with a startling ease that he holds himself on the back of Nickel and can pull Daniil up, even with his illness there's a strength to him that doesn't waver quite as much as one might expect.]
Well, you gotta stop getting yourself into messes. Least this time I ain't shooting you.
[And Daniil is decidedly more covered by clothes than blood...
With his hands on Arthur, an odd feeling in itself, he directs Nickel quickly forward to follow Arion's trail.]
So what were you thinking pulling a stunt like that? You do know speed ain't everything in a race.
And you won’t be shooting me again, I hope. I’m a good shot, too, you know.
[If only I had my gun.]
I don’t know, I’m used to winning, I suppose. I wanted to show you I had more to me than just being a doctor. [Even if he spends a lot of time insisting he’s just a doctor. Or he’s not a doctor, he’s a researcher. ]
And race tracks don’t ordinarily have so many trees. That’s a big horse you brought me. Not that I’m complaining, of course. I just thought I’d have a little more room overhead when I decided to do that.
[He gives Arthur a squeeze around the middle unconsciously, as he replays the events from a minute ago. That could have been really bad.]
[Something about these bookish types, really. Arthur just shakes his head. He'll ignore that squeeze at least. For now.]
Sounds to me you're used to the deck being stacked in your favor. That ain't the case here if you ain't noticed. Your whiny excuses—'cos that's what they are— ain't really proving to me that there's more to you than being some book-learned fool who ain't understanding his situation.
[He catches sight of Arion not too far ahead, and keeps on the trail towards him.]
You got arrogant, you made a mistake, happens to the best of us.
Speaking from clear experience, then. I suppose I should listen to a middle aged man.
[Daniil tries to ignore the trobbing in his ankle. That was going to be annoying, for sure. Even if having the horse caused it, he was very grateful he wouldn’t have to walk on his own out in the world now.]
I win on my own merits, too, you know. Everyone is usually against me, but I find my way in the end. Well. Our race is certainly over, I’ll have to win Arion’s trust. I hope he hasn’t gotten injured.
[And... who knows if he ever will be. As they get closer to Arion, however, Arthur clicks his tongue at the horse to get its attention, following up with a sharp whistle. This seems to keep Arion's focus on them, and stops him from trying to trot off immediately.]
Look at that, he ain't quite as spooked as you. Maybe it won't be so bad to win his trust back with your own so-called merits.
[Daniil slides off of Nickel, landing on his other ankle gingerly.]
I didn’t scare you too bad, did I boy? You didn’t even check to see if you sent me to the gallows of my own foolishness, did you? Let’s not hang me again, alright? And we should get you a saddle…
[Daniil gets back on Arion, petting him and whispering adoration. He turns Arion towards Arthur.]
[Arthur silently watches the interaction and unsurprisingly it improves his opinion of Daniil for it. Someone who can be openly warm with an animal, let alone after it left him to hang from a noose of his own foolishness, speaks well of his nature.
He's lost in observing them, until Danill's direct question pulls him from his thoughts.]
Don’t be so sure. Robert sounds keen to hand off all of his patients once I’m trained in 21st century medicine. He’s retiring himself. I can barely conceptualize of such a thing.
[He directs Arion to continue on, but now a mild trot to continue their loop around the hospital.]
Then maybe I ain't needing a doctor. Certainly not one that's gonna go speaking about my condition for everyone else to know about.
[He rides alongside Daniil as he speaks. His tone is casual and conversational, not holding near the amount of venom one might expect for the words spoken.]
That was wrong of me. I’m sorry. I’m not used to this technology, and I think I’d forgotten how public it all is. The concept of writing a telegram to someone that everyone can see…
[Daniil draws his brows together.]
Even so, I’m used to times where secrecy around certain diagnoses is deadly for others. Concealment spells certain death and disaster. So, why are you so secretive about it, anyway? You shouldn’t be contagious in any real way. And consumption isn’t some personal failing, it’s just bad luck, usually.
You think I care for your excuses? Do I look like I'm used to all this technology and civilization either? I don't care about your justifications, honestly it just makes it all more annoying.
[Arthur shakes his head. He didn't comment on that for this little feller to go on a tirade to try to excuse himself. It's like he can't handle just a little bit of teasing. He also doesn't need him telling him it ain't a personal failing...]
And in my case, it is a personal failing, so lets leave it at that, Doc.
What's curious is whether or not you got a lazy eye.
[Arthur gives Daniil a pointed lookn not really enjoying being examined like he's some sort of specimen.]
But as for what I want you to say: how about anything but some little piss-boy excuses? I rather you insult me than try to squirm your way outta being culpable for your decisions.
[Daniil averting his gaze is enough, and so he lets that drop for now as they continue to ride back.]
I'd say. Well, next time just make sure your mouth ain't running faster than that big brain of yours. Some folk might not take so kindly to it. Speaking of which, you still gotta pay for that horse.
[After all, they went immediately into this race.]
But, if all you got is twenty-five points, use some of that to get a proper saddle for your horse, then send me the rest. He probably ain't enjoying your bony ass on his poor back, and all.
[Arthur just nods along with his retort about being light, because sure he is, but it's always better for the horse regardless to have something to help better distribute the weight. He'll be asking for his own saddle back here soon.]
I've met folk, but I ain't so sure about meeting villains. How you deciding who's one of them?
[After all, Arthur himself is a bad man by his reckoning, but he wouldn't say he doesn't have teeth, even if he's trying to be better than before.]
I don’t even really know. I don’t think I’ve even met any of them yet. [He has.] I was just warned about them, and now you just warned me about some folk who won’t be so forgiving. But now that I say it out loud, I think you just mean you.
Robert mentioned people with very unusual names and god-like powers. The sheer density of these sorts of people here is astounding. I had to go all the way to the steppe to meet just one or two. There’s people who fly here. You’re not from somewhere people fly, are you?
Only if they using a hot air balloon, or stood too close to some dynamite.
[But people with powers, huh? He thinks of Tristan, really.]
I think I met a couple with magic powers, but nothing about gods. Apparently a couple of them can make things glow, but magic ain't real where I come from. Some conmen might want you to believe it, though.
You're right, but I know what you mean. I won't deny that there's some odd things that I've seen, stuff I can't explain, but no one is turning themselves or other things into lightbulbs.
[They're not far from the hospital now. Arthur's expression shifts as a thought occurs to him.]
But no, I ain't been supped upon. Just, maybe there was a time I found a feller who was doing that to folk. Not here, but I didn't get the chance to chat with him too much before I shot him dead. He claimed to be with the undead, and implied he was a vampire, but I dunno...
[He shrugs his shoulders.]
Guess I was wondering if you knew what drives a man to do that sorta thing, short of being insane.
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As he sees Arion gallop ahead without a rider, he quickly turns back to find Daniil—]
Oh, you damn fool, you can't go weaving through branches like that. Now you just look like some forgotten laundry.
[Joking aside, he does quickly approach, and just as quickly he pulls out his gun to shoot the branch that's presently hanging Daniil. Look, he could try to grab him and pull him free, prolonging his strangulation, or he can do this. It's not that far of a fall, anyway!
He'll guide Nickel over to Daniil, looking down at him with a flat expression of sympathy while offering a hand to help him up on Nickel.]
C'mon, let's get your horse.
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[That gunshot startles him something awful. His body goes stock straight and he panics, thinking he’s the one who has been shot instead for a moment.]
[He drops, branch still stuck through he cravat, and buckles immediately, having landed unevenly on his feet with a shout of pain. He lands on his side, hastily trying to undo his pin and cravat to fully free himself.]
[and then Daniil realizes he can just pull the branch down to get it out and does so before standing tenderly. He takes Arthur’s hand and manages to get onto Nickel with a hiss of pain. Daniil grimaces.]
We’ve really got to stop doing this. [Daniil mutters as he places his hands around Arthur, again.]
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Well, you gotta stop getting yourself into messes. Least this time I ain't shooting you.
[And Daniil is decidedly more covered by clothes than blood...
With his hands on Arthur, an odd feeling in itself, he directs Nickel quickly forward to follow Arion's trail.]
So what were you thinking pulling a stunt like that? You do know speed ain't everything in a race.
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[If only I had my gun.]
I don’t know, I’m used to winning, I suppose. I wanted to show you I had more to me than just being a doctor. [Even if he spends a lot of time insisting he’s just a doctor. Or he’s not a doctor, he’s a researcher. ]
And race tracks don’t ordinarily have so many trees. That’s a big horse you brought me. Not that I’m complaining, of course. I just thought I’d have a little more room overhead when I decided to do that.
[He gives Arthur a squeeze around the middle unconsciously, as he replays the events from a minute ago. That could have been really bad.]
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[Something about these bookish types, really. Arthur just shakes his head. He'll ignore that squeeze at least. For now.]
Sounds to me you're used to the deck being stacked in your favor. That ain't the case here if you ain't noticed. Your whiny excuses—'cos that's what they are— ain't really proving to me that there's more to you than being some book-learned fool who ain't understanding his situation.
[He catches sight of Arion not too far ahead, and keeps on the trail towards him.]
You got arrogant, you made a mistake, happens to the best of us.
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[Daniil tries to ignore the trobbing in his ankle. That was going to be annoying, for sure. Even if having the horse caused it, he was very grateful he wouldn’t have to walk on his own out in the world now.]
I win on my own merits, too, you know. Everyone is usually against me, but I find my way in the end. Well. Our race is certainly over, I’ll have to win Arion’s trust. I hope he hasn’t gotten injured.
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[And... who knows if he ever will be. As they get closer to Arion, however, Arthur clicks his tongue at the horse to get its attention, following up with a sharp whistle. This seems to keep Arion's focus on them, and stops him from trying to trot off immediately.]
Look at that, he ain't quite as spooked as you. Maybe it won't be so bad to win his trust back with your own so-called merits.
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[Daniil slides off of Nickel, landing on his other ankle gingerly.]
I didn’t scare you too bad, did I boy? You didn’t even check to see if you sent me to the gallows of my own foolishness, did you? Let’s not hang me again, alright? And we should get you a saddle…
[Daniil gets back on Arion, petting him and whispering adoration. He turns Arion towards Arthur.]
Oh? How old are you, then?
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He's lost in observing them, until Danill's direct question pulls him from his thoughts.]
Why? Ain't like you're my doctor.
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[He directs Arion to continue on, but now a mild trot to continue their loop around the hospital.]
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[He rides alongside Daniil as he speaks. His tone is casual and conversational, not holding near the amount of venom one might expect for the words spoken.]
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[Daniil draws his brows together.]
Even so, I’m used to times where secrecy around certain diagnoses is deadly for others. Concealment spells certain death and disaster. So, why are you so secretive about it, anyway? You shouldn’t be contagious in any real way. And consumption isn’t some personal failing, it’s just bad luck, usually.
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[Arthur shakes his head. He didn't comment on that for this little feller to go on a tirade to try to excuse himself. It's like he can't handle just a little bit of teasing. He also doesn't need him telling him it ain't a personal failing...]
And in my case, it is a personal failing, so lets leave it at that, Doc.
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[Daniil’s brows furrow. If Arthur’s didn’t want to make himself a puzzle box, he should try to be so mysterious.]
Don’t call me Doc.
[He frowns.]
[Something about this is making him senstive. He thinks contracting TB was a failing. He’s ashamed of this somehow for having such candor otherwise.]
[Somehow, I don’t think he got it from volunteering at a TB ward. ]
[Does he think it’s divine punishment?]
Curious.
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[Arthur gives Daniil a pointed lookn not really enjoying being examined like he's some sort of specimen.]
But as for what I want you to say: how about anything but some little piss-boy excuses? I rather you insult me than try to squirm your way outta being culpable for your decisions.
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… I’ve been accused of speaking without thinking.
[Which I resent. I think a lot, actually. But maybe not always about the consequences.]
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I'd say. Well, next time just make sure your mouth ain't running faster than that big brain of yours. Some folk might not take so kindly to it. Speaking of which, you still gotta pay for that horse.
[After all, they went immediately into this race.]
But, if all you got is twenty-five points, use some of that to get a proper saddle for your horse, then send me the rest. He probably ain't enjoying your bony ass on his poor back, and all.
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[Daniil did prefer a saddle, though. And he had to agree, Arion would probably prefer it too. Without a blanket at the very least this was a problem.]
Of course. I’ll send payment as soon as we get to the hospital entrance.
Have you met the “some folk” yet? I heard even the villains around here have no teeth.
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I've met folk, but I ain't so sure about meeting villains. How you deciding who's one of them?
[After all, Arthur himself is a bad man by his reckoning, but he wouldn't say he doesn't have teeth, even if he's trying to be better than before.]
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Robert mentioned people with very unusual names and god-like powers. The sheer density of these sorts of people here is astounding. I had to go all the way to the steppe to meet just one or two. There’s people who fly here. You’re not from somewhere people fly, are you?
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[But people with powers, huh? He thinks of Tristan, really.]
I think I met a couple with magic powers, but nothing about gods. Apparently a couple of them can make things glow, but magic ain't real where I come from. Some conmen might want you to believe it, though.
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[Is magic real where he’s from? He doubts it.]
I’ve met someone who glows. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but their powers are real.
Back home, I don’t think magic was real either. It’s hard to explain, and you’ve already complained about how much I talk anyway.
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[They absolutely have.]
You're right, but I know what you mean. I won't deny that there's some odd things that I've seen, stuff I can't explain, but no one is turning themselves or other things into lightbulbs.
[They're not far from the hospital now. Arthur's expression shifts as a thought occurs to him.]
Hey Doc, you ever treat anybody who drinks blood?
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[Daniil pets and soothes his horse, immensely grateful to be on his back.]
Don’t call me “Doc”.
As a matter of fact, I have. Why do you ask? Been supped upon, sleeping outside like you do?
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[You've only made this worse for you, Dankovsky.]
But no, I ain't been supped upon. Just, maybe there was a time I found a feller who was doing that to folk. Not here, but I didn't get the chance to chat with him too much before I shot him dead. He claimed to be with the undead, and implied he was a vampire, but I dunno...
[He shrugs his shoulders.]
Guess I was wondering if you knew what drives a man to do that sorta thing, short of being insane.
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