[ P ] patience as a virtue

Calder Coax

Winter had beset the ground, he felt the stonework below his paws even more. A light breeze carried with it a harmful chill, causing Calder to shiver. He found solace under an old willow, thankful of his thick winter coat to keep the worst of the weather at bay. Still, it was his least favorite season. The world seemed to slow when the night grew and the days became shorter. Aside from the weather, attitudes tended to temper in the cold. Others stuck to their homes, socialites went to their comfort zones. It was a lonely season, but especially for him.

Adjustment was becoming tough as he noticed some of the other inhabitants whispering of events he had no knowledge of. The nation had been split in two, allegiances dividing even further than he recalled. A deep-rooted hatred and seeds of doubt undeniably had festered in his absence. He kept his distance from it, and only focused on his studies and shared his pacifism with like-minded individuals. He was thankful, at least, that the college populace seemed to disagree with the violence. Since he held no part in the war, he did his best to remain indifferent to opinions.

He sighed, the shifting breeze carried his breath with it and he watched it dissipate in the wind. The winter was beautiful, even if it was his least favorite.

A harshened chill traveled throughout his hide, radiating up from his pawpads with each brush against frigid stone and yet it hardly coaxed steps to hurry as he strode through the campus. Mismatched eyes sweeping over each soul that gathered here like moths to a flame. The grounds flourished, it was easily within reach for those of Rionnach yet it would have been more convenient to he if the war hadn’t reduced their previous building to fragmented ruins. Ah well, there was nothing to do about it now but take root in this new compound alongside the other teachers and their students.

It would take time to grow accustomed to it but the rooms granted had already slowly grown familiar with setup alone. A place to teach all the wisdom his fathers’ had to offer and living quarters to keep him closer to the classroom whenever he did not steal away back into the embrace of autumnal woods. Perhaps the clinic itself would need to move here as well? Such a task would be rather troublesome and the Redwood wasn’t too far from those who may be in need of it, right? Kaeya’s crown shook with a softened sigh.

There was no good in worrying over it now. He was hardly going to uproot and move to Rionna on a mere whim. Besides he needed to find a proclaimed pupil, the acquisitioned soul announced to him just this morning by Caduceus. One who sought tutorship, a taste of what the medical field could provide even if it was not a path he remained upon. There was no harm in humoring the man, if he could find this supposed student anyways. Towering, mostly black, the curious gleam of an amethyst gaze… only described just about every other beast passed by.

Nearly every single wolf who traversed the halls was taller than he. So many decorated in shadowy hues, a great number even carrying those very eyes. However, in time, once steps had strayed into the central gardens yet another captured his gaze. Size hard to distinguish from one who lounged amidst the willow but all else could be confirmed and with the way he stilled unlike any other there was a fleeting hope. Paces coming to halt before the unknown as mismatched gems stared him down, “Are you Calder? You spoke with Caduceus about a mentor?”

Calder Coax

Calder’s eyes were closed as he inhaled the cold air. “Are you Calder?” The voice caught him off guard. His attention was so deep in his own thoughts. He knew his inner voice was no company, and yet hadn’t expected anyone but himself. The surprise was welcome, though hearing his own name was met with uncertainty. It wasn’t until they followed up that he suddenly recalled why the inquiry was made, “You spoke with Caduceus about a mentor?”

“Ah, yes. That was me,” He said, providing a quick smile to share his welcome. Calder had a good look at stranger, noting the uniqueness of their stature and coloration of fur. Though small, they held an air of astuteness. His frank greeting made Calder hold judgements and assumptions, some perhaps unfair. Business before introductions. He'd hold off at least before assuming anything more. There was shame in his immediate regard to the stranger, so he swept it clean.

“Are you a peer of his?” Calder inquired, deciding carefully on his words. Caduceus' offer was something he desperately needed. Any tutorship would help with his trailing classes, and beyond the topics, Calder wanted to ask their opinion on staying focused, how to better document and take notes for future reference. When he'd originally taken the plunge he hadn't excepted the depth to be so... deep. It frightened him to fail. That worry was hard to hide, so he tried to hide it behind a shy smile.

Attentions never strayed from the proclaimed pupil perched before him with eyes seemingly glued shut. Was he being ignored? A thought which brought lips to crease and tug into a subtle frown, expression which quickly faded the moment Calder’s gaze fixed to him in turn. Offering the very confirmation he sought without much hesitation. Well at least an identity had been confirmed though there was still a long ways to go from here.

Nothing more than a light hum reverberating in the physician’s throat as he regarded the shadow in momentary silence, as well as the query asked of him. “You could say that,” phrase followed with quiet until he recalled all Caduceus had said over how unsure the man before him had been over the matters presented. But so too came certainty within his father’s phrases that this one could be helped. Guided into finding a path to hold tightly to, to chase after in hopes of continued learning - someone just needed to pave a road for those paws to follow.

How ridiculous and yet Kaeya could not deny the truth behind it. But was he really the one suited for the job? He supposed only time would tell for the both of them as soon enough a slow breath fled his lung in gradual exhale before mismatched jewels fixed to amethyst with a smile. A decision seemingly made as dark lips turned, “I am Dr. Valiathan’s son, Kaeya, and your guide down the illustrious path of remedies.” That practiced façade faintly cracking beneath a single huff of laughter as it twisted his breath, threatening to taint the words parroted from his father’s lips.

The very declaration Caduceus had encouraged him to give and may have even offered upon his meeting with Calder, “Herbalism, medicinal brewing, physical therapy, alternative healing; you name it, we teach it.” Even if Ragnavir would be a far better choice when it came to teaching any of those ‘folk’ cures he was so found of studying. However, Kaeya held no intention of bothering the man lest the situation absolutely called for it. He could handle this, whatever this entailed for none were sure what this Calder hoped to gain from taking on the role of student.

And from what lingered behind his eyes, upon the lyrics uttered when speaking with his father; there was uncertainty on if even he knew what was wanted. Though the mottled roan intended to find out as expression lightened, “But with formalities aside, I have but one question for you. Which do you care to learn?” Or was he merely grappling for a place in the program before declaring a role in it? A thought kept to himself in the moment as he idly looked the other over once more.

One who appeared a touch older than any previous student he’d taken under his wing but in the end he were still a fresh face amidst the college grounds. At least, as far as Kaeya knew he was, he certainly hadn’t seen him around. Then again, he didn’t really pay passersby much mind, “And do be honest, it will help direct your teachings.” Prove his determination and how much effort he himself actually needed to put into this endeavor.

Already he could hear the doctor’s voice bidding him to treat this with utmost importance, to act as if all held the same heightened values to medicine as he did… but that was nothing more than fantasy. A far fetched dream and lest he could see it with his own eyes, hear it uttered from another’s lips, it would not hold truth.

Calder Coax

Calder was surprised, again, by Kaeya's introduction. A peer he was expecting, but the child of Dr. Valiathan? It was difficult to hide the surprise, It made him very nervous that their engagement was an interview rather than a simple inquiry— he felt far more vulnerable. Violet eyes met the heterochromatic, his expression carefully guarded.

"And do be honest," the line stung worse than it likely had meant to. His ear flicked, the turmoil daring to brew, but he kept his agitation and nerves behind him and focused on the topic between them. He didn't want to lose any favor with Kaeya, yet he wouldn't sacrifice a bit of pride if it came to it. The irritation was only quelled by that lingering uncertainty- he was too nervous to decide whether this was an invitation or a taunt.

"Ah, well, Kaeya," he began, determined to stay engaged in a meaningful way, "it's a pleasure to meet you." Again, he provided a small smile and bowed his head somewhat in greeting, now that the introduction was finally over. While he felt his own hesitation was understandable, there was purpose behind this interaction. Calder wanted to make the most of it. He had been taken by surprise with Kaeya's approach and subsequent familial revelation, but he wasn't completely helpless. There was purpose for him, too, to figure if this was the best approach to his failing grades.

"You asked for honesty, so I'll provide it," he said, "I'm drawing parallels between this moment and the college—for the record, I'm completely unprepared for this line of questioning." Calder wasn't going to dance around the topic, or avoid shaming himself by being tedious. If Kaeya was blunt enough to ask, he would match it foot for foot. "I don't have a study picked out yet. I'm hoping to gain some insight or clarity— something that I can understand and succeed at. Your father offered tutorship and it would be very remiss of me to not take advantage of that opportunity. My current studies are in medicine, I'm unsure if that will change." His weight shifted some, but rather than looking down or feeling shame, he kept himself securely planted and leveled. He wondered, for a moment, if the honesty would ruin this opportunity. Would a program be required for the tutorship to take place? Calder wasn't prepared for that choice. He wasn't prepared for most choices that came to him, but he was good at taking action.