#chapter serf oc

There was nothing wrong with the serf herself- Jacobus praised her for her work ethic, politeness, and optimistic attitude. But Odiniad felt it was unnecessary for him to have a serf working for him. He didn’t need someone to do all his tasks for him. He was capable of doing them on his own. But Captain Acheran insisted that having a serf would be good for him- allow him to focus more on his missions, instead of moping around. Odiniad would have argued that it would leave him with nothing to focus on, but Acheran was still insistent. 

Odiniad relented eventually.

Odiniad walked through the hallways of the Battle Barge, power armour off and in his robes, making his way to his quarters. He already felt perverted at having to share his quarters with her, but she served the Medicae prior to becoming a personal serf, so she is possibly more than familiar with both male and female anatomy, Astartes or no. 

He had reached his quarters, and upon the doors being opened, he had found the serf, Katarina, working through some paperwork on her cot on the opposite side of his bed.

Katarina looked up at him, and already her face seemed so striking. Freckles, albeit a bit faint, were scattered across her face, her long red hair tied loosely into two braids that hung over her shoulders. And her eyes. Her vibrant eyes, blue as a summer sky. He had encountered few people with eyes as intense as hers- Lieutenant Titus’ blue eyes were already intimidating. But her eyes were the only ones that seemed… inviting, for whatever odd reason.

She gave a polite smile. “Welcome back, Lord Odiniad. It relieves me to see your mission on Kadaku has gone successfully.”

Odiniad nodded in acknowledgement and went to sit on his bed. Most personal serfs attended their masters during missions, but Odiniad was insistent that she remained on the ship during his last mission. She initially questioned his decision, but he would not be persuaded.

“Trust me when I say it is better this way.”

Katarina could only nod as she accepted his decision, stating she would offer her services to the Medicae again as usual. Odiniad felt a wave of relief wash over him as she proved her willingness to cooperate. 

She was safer on the Battle Barge.

“You seemed to have been busy,” Odiniad noted. He cringed slightly. Of course she would have been busy while he was gone. That was what she said she would do.

If she was bothered by the comment, she was doing a good job of not expressing it. “I was just attending to your paperwork, but I did do some of my old duties while you were gone. I believe I’d be of more use to you while you are here.” Katarina set down the paperwork next to her and stood up, inspecting Odiniad up and down. “Do you have any injuries that need attending to?”

Odiniad shook his head. “None that need immediate attention. Only bruises.”

As if on cue, Katarina took one of his arms in her hands, pushed the sleeve of his robe up his arm and inspected it. Just as he said, there were a few minor bruises. She did the same to his other arm.

“These bruises appears mild at worst,” She muttered, as she pulled his sleeves down. “They should heal on their own, but do inform me if you need ice for them, or if they get worse.”

Silence fell between the two of them, as Katarina sat down back on her bed, reading through his paperwork once again. Titus was never good at conversation, especially at any that was casual in nature. While the Ultramarines generally treated their serfs as vital assets to their Chapter, he had only ever acknowledged their presence in as polite a manner as he could. Though they usually responded by walking faster away from him. Was it even heretical to know personal details about a serf? Throne, he wished he could remember the Codex better.

But the feeling of her hands on his arm. Her hands were soft, her touch was gentle, and it seemed to linger even as her hand pulled away. A part of him almost missed the sensation. 

“What is it like only having vision in one eye.?”

Odiniad blinked, taken aback by the sudden question. He remained silent, as memories of Karrik came back to him. The casualties, both civilians and of his battle brothers, the Ork forces that almost literally clawed at him. He was lucky to have even survived, let alone still have vision in his left eye.

Katarina’s eyes widened and she panicked. “Forgive the intrusive question, My Lord. I was curious because not all Space Marines with injuries as severe as yours stayed with the Ultramarines for long.”

Odiniad had shook his head. Karrik happened 50 years ago, long before she was born. It was clear she had asked a question out of curiosity, not out of malice.

“The greatest challenge was learning to become accustomed to losing part of my vision,” Odiniad answered. “My aim, my perception of depth, my balance- all had to be adapted to ensure I was still efficient in battle. I spent as much time as possible training to get accustomed to my surroundings.”

Katarina let out a heavy breath. A sigh of relief? She seemed to be a perfectionist. She then smiled.

“Uncle Jacobus told me you came to him for injuries because you had a tendency to train harder than you should, even if you already had injuries from previous training sessions or missions and were supposed to be resting.”

Odiniad raised an eyebrow. “The Apothecary is your uncle?”

“Not by blood. My uncle raised me on the Battle Barge along with his sister, my aunt Annike. Both of them were good friends with my parents before they passed away.”

Odiniad frowned. “My condolences, healer.”

Katarina shook her head. “I hardly remember them. It is not a sore subject for me. My earliest memories were me walking around the Barge with both my uncle and aunt trying to keep me away from all of the hazardous machinery. They said that it would displease the Omnissiah.” 

She let out a giggle, and a warm feeling began to bubble inside of Odiniad. He quickly dismissed it.

“Where is your aunt? It has been a while since I last saw her.”

Katarina’s face dropped, and she went silent. Odiniad would have sworn to the emperor he saw tears well up in her eyes; he could smell the scent of the salty water. Her bringing a hand to wipe her eyes did little to disprove it. 

The face of grief. He knew it all too well, especially as an Astartes. He had outlived his blood family, mentors, too many of his battle brothers to count. And civilians. So many civilians.

He hadn’t realised one of his hands had been outstretched until it appeared into view. He did not know what he was attempting to do. Console her? This was inappropriate, Odiniad thought as he lowered his hand.

Eventually, Katarina blinked, and smiled once more. “Enough about me. I would like to know of some of your accomplishments sometime, if you would not mind telling me. I notice you have a stud on your forehead. I know what the people on the Barge whisper about you, but I want to know about you from yourself.”

A smile so small you would have to look closely to see it tugged at Odiniad’s lips. Katarina’s superiors seem to be justified in their acclaim of her.

“I shall, healer.”

Katarina’s eyes widened, her mouth forming into an O shape.

“Before I forget, My Lord, you may address me as Tari, if you’d like. That is what my friends among the Chapter Serfs refer to me as. Katarina is merely for formalities sake.”

Perhaps he would enjoy having her around after all.

“Allegra! He might hear you!” Yonah scolded.

“What? Fergus has always been an ass to us, Yonah. Especially to Tari.”

That part was certainly true. Fergus had never liked Tari. Even when she tried to act courteous to him, he always looked down upon her with a glare that could strike down a Carnifex in one blow. She found the best way to get on his good side was to focus on her duties. Under her uncle or under Lord Odiniad.

“Antagonizing him or anyone of his team will not get us anywhere.” Tari crossed her arms. “It will always be like this. He despised my family the moment they arrived on the Battle Barge. And by extension, that contempt will latch on to me. As long as we all are on the Barge, he will despise us.”

Tari could only pray to the God-Emperor for Lord Titus’ well-being. She had not received word of what his injuries were, let alone how severe they were. She only saw two of Lord Odiniad’s battle brothers helping him to the Surgery Bay, and Apothecary Fergus and his preferred team of serfs and servitors to help him.

Allegra scoffed. “I think this is a lot of bull-”

“There’s not much we can do on that front. He had been with the company before my return.”

A voice interrupted Allegra, and a shadow covered over them. Tari had recognized the voice and soon looked up.

"Lord Titus," She bowed. "It is a pleasure."

Allegra stood up and looked at Tari, confused. “Wait, you know him?”

Yonah chimed in. “When you’re in the Medicae, you get acquainted with everyone on the ship, Astartes or no. It is good to see you again, my Lord.” Yonah finished off with a bow for both the Marines

“What about me?”

“What about you?” Yonah looked at Allegra confused. “You’re part of the Scribellum.”

“And you do not share their dirty secrets with me? There’s already a rumour that he is involved with an Adepta Sororita, is it true or not?”

Yonah whacked at Allegra’s shoulder with their hand. “Allegra!”

“What?”

“Not in front of the Lieutenant!”

As the two bickered, Tari turned her attention back to Lieutenant Titus.

“Excuse them, My Lord,” She apologized with an embarrassed smile.

“You certainly keep interesting company,” Lord Chairon said with a raised eyebrow. “Including the Lord you serve. I’ve overseen the recent operation.”

“That indeed.” Tari blushed a little. “Speaking off.”

She looked back at the Surgery Bay with a concerned expression.

“You worry for him, healer?” Lieutenant Titus asked.

“No one was telling me anything about him,” Tari answered. “It might just be the former medica who speaks, but no one has even told me about the severity of his injuries.”

“Reports from one of his battle brothers informed me he was attacked by a Trygon,” The Lieutenant stated. “There is a wound on his side, and on his forehead, but I was informed neither are severe.”

Tari sighed. “Thank the Emperor.”

“Your Lord will be fine,” Lieutenant Titus reassured her with a small smile. “It just appears the reaction of the Apothecary treating him is … What is the word?” Lieutenant Titus thought for a bit. “Out of proportion?”

Tari had assisted with the Lieutenant’s wounds the year he returned to the Medicae. At first, he was withdrawn, cold even. It intimidated her more than when she first started working with Odiniad. Over time, however, he seemed to have been a little more relaxed with everyone, battle brother or humble serfs. First, it was after he earned the Laurels of Victory and was treated after his mission with Calgar that Tari noticed it. He was still reserved, but not entirely withdrawn. Over time, the 2nd Company started working alongside the Adepta Sororitas, and he seemed even less withdrawn…

Suddenly Allegra’s rumour did not seem so implausible.

“You see? He is more lighthearted than usual,” Allegra pointed out. “This is the first time I’ve seen the Lieutenant smile!”

“You are impossible, Allegra!”

“You want to know what’s impossible? Your ass!”

Tari turned to her friends, who were still arguing and smiled apologetically at the Lieutenant.

“Allow me,” Lieutenant Titus offered. Tari stepped back, and watched as the Lieutenant returned to his usual, serious self, picking up both Allegra and Yonah in each hand by the hem of their robes and pulling them apart. Allegra was about to protest when she saw the look on Titus’ face. She was taller than the average serf, but even he towered over her. She went quiet afterwards.

Yonah, on the other hand, already knew it was time to stop. “Leaving with haste would be my suggestion.”

Allegra nodded frantically. “I agree.”

Seeming to be satisfied with the outcome, Lieutenant Titus let them both go, and the two began walking past Tari, but before they could say anything she spoke.

“I will be with you in a moment,” Tari informed them. “I would just like a word with the Lieutenant, if he would not mind. It’s about Lord Odiniad.” She looked over at the Lieutenant expectantly, who gave a nod. 

“We’ll be with your uncle when you come find us,” Allegra said, before she and Yonah walked in the same direction with some distance in between them. Once the two were gone, the Lieutenant spoke.

“I have worked with Brother Odiniad before, and will be fine answering your questions. Should I confirm his current status?”

Before Lieutenant Titus could enter the Surgery Bay, Tari stood in between him and the door.

“That will not be necessary, My Lord,” Tari affirmed. As much as she wanted to know that her Lord was okay, having the Lieutenant check on her behalf might raise suspicion to her, and her Lord Odiniad would be dragged into Apothecary Fergus’ list of people to despise.

“But you brought up the point I wanted to ask,” Tari continued. “I’ve only worked with him for a few weeks now, but you have been supervising his operations over the past year. I was wondering if you had any insights on how to work with him. I think he is becoming more amicable towards me, but he still seems to shut himself away. As if he was hiding something.”

Lieutenant Titus thought for a moment before he had an answer ready. “Lord Odiniad is not the type to open up even with his own Battle Brothers. The fact that you believe he has been amicable towards you already tells me a lot about how you two have been fairing together.”

Tari blinked in surprise, but did not say anything and let the Lieutenant continue.

“He does however exhibit a desire, from my understanding, of wanting to keep his fellow Battle Brothers safe, even if they view him as an outsider. The operation ended with him getting wounded because he sensed the Trygon and pushed one of his brothers out of the way before it could strike.”

It started to make sense why Lord Odiniad was insistent on her remaining on the Barge. He seemed to display this behaviour towards everyone. But where did it come from?

“Do you know why he acts that way?” Tari asked. “Everyone always looked at him as if he does the opposite?”

“I’ve only known him for a year, so I’m afraid not,” The Lieutenant frowned. “But I’ve heard him being referred to as the Wanderer of Karrik. My suspicions tell me wherever he earned that title is the cause of his behaviour.”

The Wanderer of Karrik. She had heard of that title before when people referred to Lord Odiniad. It was supposed to be a title of honour, according to some of the older Astartes on the Barge, for heroic duties that saved countless of lives from heretics.

“Forgive me for being unable to answer your questions, healer,” the Lieutenant apologized. “My only advice would be to approach him with patience. He seems to be fond of you already, so I would advise you to continue to interact with him as you have done, and he will be more willing to open up.”

“Thank you, My Lord,” Tari said with a bow. “I should meet up with my friends and with Apothecary Jacobus.”

Lieutenant Titus nodded. “As you were, healer.”

—---

Tari walked towards her- Lord Odiniad's quarters later when the Night Cycle had begun. After the loitering with her friends, it may be a good idea to finish some of her duties- make the quarters as neat as possible for when her Lord returns, finalize some additional paperwork. 

She recalled her conversation with Titus, and the mention of the title. Tari did not know much about the mission, and when she asked her uncle about it, he said it happened when he was a child, thus he knew little of it as well. Was it where he achieved his stud from? She couldn’t ask one of the older Marines- they look at him with glares that would leave a dreadnought feeling ashamed. The only way she would find out about his title would be to ask him directly, and that would take time before she could get him to that level of comfort.

Tari had reached the quarters and opened the door to see Lord Odiniad, sitting on his bed in his robe. Tari heaved a sigh of relief.

“I am relieved to see you are recovering from your injuries, My Lord,” Tari said as she approached Lord Odiniad. “When were you released from the Surgery Bay.”

“Recently,” Lord Odiniad responded. “The Apothecary wanted to keep me in the Bay overnight. But he can honestly kiss my ass about that.”

Of course he did.

Tari took a closer look at the cut on his forehead. She could see the shoddy suturing work on his forehead, and she had to try her best to quell the anger inside her.

“The sutures are too loose, the wound is practically still open,” She muttered out loud, before she looked at her Lord. “Who did the suturing?”

“Two serfs were focused on my wounds,” Lord Odiniad responded once more. “No one really oversaw them.”

“May I see the other one?”

Tari realised that she had practically asked her Lord to remove part of his robe, and she blushed.

“Only if you wish, I wouldn’t want to make you uncomfortable My Lord.”

Lord Odiniad did not seem to react in any obvious manner and simply lifted his robe on his side to allow her to inspect. She took a closer look at the wound. The serf that did the suturing on his side seemed to have done a good job at least.

“You can lower your robe now, this is very awkward.”

“Why do you say that?” Lord Odiniad lowered his robe.

“Well, it’s just…” Tari tried to think of an answer. She had seen him without his clothing before during his Rubicon surgery, but to think of 

“You were a medica,” Lord Titus responded. “You should not have to feel uncomfortable about wanting to see my wounds. Every mission I go on, you seem to insist the check up on me in case I receive any wounds. Why do you feel ashamed now?”

Tari remained silent for a moment, not sure how to answer. It was true, as his serf who served in the medica, she shouldn’t have to feel awkward about wanting to check his wounds, no matter where they were located.

Why was she feeling so hot? Was she developing a fever?

No matter, she had to tend to the wound on his forehead.

“I shall have the wound on your forehead immediately tended to,” Tari bowed, before she ran to her belongings. She took her medica kit from under her Aunt’s old bow and placed it on her cot, rummaging through the bag for what she needed. Some rubbing alcohol, suturing supplies, a cloth. Once she had everything, she took the supplies and placed them on the ground near her. She first took the rubbing alcohol and cloth, pouring some of the alcohol onto the cloth.

“This may sting a little,” She stated, but it seemed to have elicited a low chuckle from her Lord.

“That is the least of my troubles,” Lord Odiniad said.

“I just like to say it in case,” Tari said, as she started cleaning the wound to prevent further infections. Lord Odiniad did not even wince in pain, and Tari’s mouth went agape at his apparently high pain tolerance.

Once she was done, Tari put away the cloth and picked up the needle and suture. She carefully arranged everything before she got to work stitching the wound. On occasion, she would look down at Odiniad, and her cheeks would feel warm. His features were rugged on his tanned skin. His hair was longer, and he was not clean-shaven compared to the rest of his battle brothers. He looked as if he had seen so much suffering, but she could see the kindness in his eyes. At least, the one dark brown eye that could still see, and didn’t have scars running through it.

Now was not the time to stare.

Tari sutured the wound as quickly and efficiently as possible. If Lord Fergus saw the work she had done, he would certainly throw a fit. But at least the wound was now on the right path towards healing.

“Thank you,” Lord Odiniad nodded. “To be fair, the Lord Apothecary was rather… unpleasant to have been treated under.”

Tari was no stranger to that story. A lot of Astartes who had been treated by Apothecary Fergus complained about his… unsavoury attitude. But he had been with the 2nd Company for almost a century. Even though her uncle had earned his place as Apothecary, Fergus was still his superior.

“You are not the first to complain about him.” Tari packed away her medica kit, chuckling a bit. “And I doubt you will be the last.”

“Your uncle is much more pleasant to work with.”

Tari smiled. “I’ll be sure to let him know you said that.”

“As are you.” 

Before Tari could respond, Lord Titus sputtered a bit.

“As a healer and a serf. Your superiors respect you a lot.”

Tari tried to distract herself from the butterflies in her stomach before she shook her head, smiling.

“That is very kind to say, My Lord,” Tari responded. “Now you need to rest. Your wounds will take a few days to heal.”

Lord Odiniad laid back in his bed, his usually tense demeanour surprisingly relaxed.