folklorist | ϡ - Chapter ThirtyEight; Interested questions [Action|Voice] (backdated to the 18th)

Entry tags:

ϡ - Chapter ThirtyEight; Interested questions [Action|Voice] (backdated to the 18th)

[ Helios has just gotten back from his most recent mission and he has comeback with a bit more than a few scratches. He’ll be making his way back towards house forty-four as he was deposited in the town square with his makeshift sling. His arm was broken in the final day’s fight and he might have some slash marks across his upper torso from shift hunters. He looks bruised, worn, and extremely tired for a man of his age far too old and far too gone to ever get back his lost youth. And yet, and yet he still manages to smile and keep on going. But he’s not going to make mention of those injuries delivered by the shift hunters or the nightmares that are likely to follow tonight. He should really not sleep at the house but he has nowhere else to stay. Maybe the clinic could work…

His arm he can’t really hide, although, he does stop by the clothes shop to pick up a new coat to hide his arm under. There’s stiffness to his step as he makes his way back to House 44 most likely too out of sorts to really try to go off the well trotted path, making him a very easy target. He’ll walk slowly inside, making sure not to disturb anyone as he enters. It’s only in the afternoon where his voice will come over the journal. ]

It’s strange isn’t it? Knowing how small ones planet can be here. I-I mean there are so many other places and beings here from worlds unknown. It makes you wonder just who is out there on this planet as well. S-So many other villages probably and who knows if there’s other versions of ourselves or even p-people we know in our worlds. I-I’m not sure if there can be two versions of one person in the same plane of existence. I’ve known it to happen and nothing good has ever come of it unfortunately. If you met yourself one day…and you were an entirely opposite person it would be strange, wouldn’t it?

[ A pause as there’s a finger tapping against a table on his end. A sigh before the tapping stops and there’s some shuffling as a book in taken out of a shelf and then placed on the table with a thump. The turning of pages fills the silence for a short amount of time before there’s another reply. ]

They say seeing ones doppelganger is an omen. I’m not sure if that’s true or not but…has anyone ever encountered something like a double of themselves before? There are myths and legends in my w-world about them but, well, I’d be curious to know if anyone else has something similar. Fetches, Fylgia, vardøgers. Ah. There are so many instances of doubles.

Oh! Yes before I forget. [ Said with a tiredness to his voice which is masked underneath all that excited air. ] Speaking of myths and legends the book club has been on an-an extended hiatus these past few months. But, well, I’ve recently taken up the duty of running the library a-and well the book club as well. A-Anyone who has an interest to read or loves to do so is very much welcomed to join us; we meet on the third Thursday of every month. It’s open to everyone here of course and I might be trying s-something new for this next meeting of ours. Especially to all you newcomers out there I-I’m sure you’re all wondering what there is to do here. We, um, d-do try to make things for people to join in on this is one such case. A-And if there’s anything either I or anyone else in Welcome Center can do to help don’t hesitate to ask! [Not as though Helios can be of much help right now as it is. But that's hardly ever stopped him before. ]

It’s, um, a pleasure meeting you all and welcome to Luceti. I-I know it's probably hard, getting used to this place, but everyone here is very nice s-so there's no harm in asking questions or needing help doing something. We're all very open towards helping one another.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Do you wish to speak of it?

[She hadn't spoken much of her own experiences on a Mission, less for privacy and more to prevent Helios from worrying. But he may yet wish to speak. Her eyes are on her hands, loose tea leaves are set to steep, and the mug is offered. She rests a hand on his shoulder for but a moment before nodding to his arm. She'd noticed. And she's worried.]

May I see?

[ He wants to say no automatically to both things but he stops himself from doing so. Talking about it would be easier to get past but there's always the thought of being a bother, a pain. He's already made people worry about him so much as is what with Ginia leaving. Helios shifts she does that wincing out of habit and hunching away slightly. He talks just to keep his mind off the triggering motion of a hand on his shoulder. ] It-it was a place like this with p-people like us. And the third party...they were, were everywhere.

[ How many people couldn't they save that day? Far too many for him to even consider. What if it happened to this place? What if the people who got hurt were friends or family of one another or even someone here? ] It was just...v-very hard.

Their barrier failed. [One of her greatest fears, that. The supposedly impenetrable barrier flickering, failing, allowing the Third Party entrance. So many children, so many that aren't suited to combat. It would be horrifying, even with the suggestions and implementations of what was covered in the town meeting months ago.

Adele drops her hand and settles across from him, waiting. For whatever ti was he could say, whatever he could bear to slough off.]

Helios- you did what you could, yes?

It did. [ His voice is barely above a whisper because something like this has happened before. In the past something like this has happened and he's not sure how it'll turn out should it happen again.

He blinks and looks at anywhere but at her. ] I-I did. But it, it w-wasn't enough. [ The mission at least was somewhat successful. Even if he in turn got injured from it. Better him than someone else. ]

...we need to double over plans made during the town meeting. We've soldiers enough to see most of the work done. [Preparation was the best preventative measure Adele can think of, now or ever. But they could only prepare for so many eventualities. There was no way of knowing...anything. Really.]

Helios. Guilt doesn't help you, nor does it help anyone you feel you might have failed.

W-We definitely do. If, if it's anything the Third Party brought shift hunters... [ there's an inward shudder at mentioning the beasts before he continues. ] And there was...something else this time. These shifters than could c-copy our abilities. [ And that was frightening to experience and see firsthand. He looks down at his lap then. ] I've never seen anything like them before in my t-two years here.

[ He knows Adele is right and he knows he shouldn't feel guilt over it but some of those people might have lost their lives to his own powers and that's a sickening notion to even consider. ] I-I know I shouldn't be but...but at the same time, I can't help but feel so.

...ours specifically? I know not every enclosure has people with skills and abilities like those in Luceti.

[Were that the case- anyone that had been under observation, that had been taken, affected by a shift. Anyone in the village, in any of the villages, that had skills the Third Party found useful could be replicated and thrown back at them. Considering the sheer variety of world ending talent there was here, that was a harrowing thought.]

We'll find a way to repel them. We'll think of...something. Those that are military minded ought to meet with villagers that have the most experience with the Third party and these new hunters.

[Thoughts for another time. Adele scrubs her face with a hand and looks back over to Helios.] It's not productive- the guilt. Take it and use it in something that would better help those here, or those that you can. It should be a motivator, not a weight.

[ He shakes his head tiredly. ] Anyone who fights them or comes near them. I-I don't know how they do it but they, ah, they're able to mimic our powers to a frightening degree.

[ It is a harrowing thought and not just a thought but reality. Reality that Helios and several others just faced the other day. It makes him on edge, knowing that his powers could be used against people that he was trying to protect. He merely nods at Adele's words looking like he honestly isn't listening as his eyes are distant and remembering. But he'll snap himself back into reality and sigh. ] S-Someone has to-to tell them. I-I'm sure the others have done so by now though, or will do so.

[ The statement of guilt being a motivator and not a weight hits him rather hard and he all but gives a sharp intake of air at those words. His green eyes fill with a familiar pain, regret, all those things one would feel if they had lead to the death of their dearly beloved. ] I try to m-make it into that.

[That is a harrowing thought. Especially if they are able to take on the abilities of multiple villagers, the skills and powers of those most often sent on missions. The culmination of those, the combination...would be devastating in combat at the very best. Make a slaughterhouse out of the village at the worst.]

It won't hurt for them to hear it from someone else- every last detail is of use. But. Perhaps after you have rested, and let me look you over.

[A beat.]

Better in the privacy of our home than in a clinic, Soleil. I know you do not want to be examined, and I understand. I do. And were I able to point out what your injuries are and treat them without one, I would. But I cannot. I promise it will be brief and I will ask no questions that are not relevant to your current injuries. You've the right to not answer anything I ask, and I will no press if you avoid a subject.

[ Rested. Such an unfamiliar term to him sometimes. But Adele was right he needed rest because if anything was clear he looked exhausted. He tried to make it not seem as such but in the end it how much could you really fake towards a surgeon like her?

It's only when she brings up the matter of examining him that his green eyes widen slightly. Fear. There's a mixture of fear and trepidation in every line of his body now. It was scary to have someone look that closely at him. His arms...his hideous scars that bring him so much shame and abhorrence towards his own body. Helios looks away at the floor as if in deep contemplation. It should be an easy answer, get looked at and fixed up, but it never is for him. Never is because he makes things so difficult and hard for people to get close. ] Ah. I-I don't...

[ A pause. He could do it himself, somehow, he had been reading books on such things in the library after all. He doesn't know. He really doesn't want her to but he knows he must. He'll bite his lip not saying much of anything for a long moment. He looks back at Adele briefly and with a small sigh. ] Y-you're not...g-going to let me heal it myself are you?

[ Such a silly question. Of course she isn't, is she? It's worth a try though. ]

I know you don't. If I could treat it without seeing, I would. You know this.

[For a moment she's tempted to tell him that no matter what it was he didn't want her to see, whatever he hid, it was quite likely she has seen worse. But it's not about the appearance, not for him. Otherwise he wouldn't be so very adamant about keeping covered. There's a connection here, one she might go so far as to guess at- but she won't. Bring it up, guess, or ask. All she wants, all she needs is to make certain he can sleep easily tonight and that the bulk of it is mended to the best of her ability.]

Not tonight. You're exhausted. You'll need at least a day's rest before it would be wise to use your magic to heal yourself. Perhaps as many as two. Maybe more, but I cannot know until I've seen the worst of your injuries.

[She slides her hand across the table, lets it rest near his. Not close enough to touch, but enough that the warmth of her hand would radiate against his chilled skin.]

Let me help you. I promise, I won't ask. I won't bother you about anything I see. I won't look longer than I must to make certain you are treated. I won't speak of it. You've my word Helios.

[ Helios shifts looking at Adele with a clear air of anxiety and uncomfortableness around him. His own hand twitches when he feels at that heat from Adele's, he gives her a look filled with trepidation and a undercurrent of not wanting her to see or check despite knowing that is has to be done. The jagged wounds on his shoulder and side throb along with his broken arm and he's becoming increasingly aware that thinking straight is becoming harder and harder.

He knows he needs to be looked over but the more active part of his mind, the paranoid and afraid part, doesn't want that at all. ] I-I know. I know. I-I just...

[ God he really just doesn't want to show you anything, not after that talk they had. Not after he tried to deny something that was so blatant and so obvious. He's never shown anyone, not even Giles, his scars and Alice had only seen them because of circumstances beyond his control. He bites his lip as he considers. He doesn't have to stay he can just go to his room and wait until he can heal it himself. He has half a mind to do that. Better to not bother her too, correct? He makes to get up then. ] It-it's not you. It's m-me. I-I'm sorry I just I can't...

[ He can't deal with that, not now, not ever. If it's only damning factor to his damaged psyche it's his arms and having anyone see them is just something he hasn't gotten over yet. ]

...I understand.

[She doesn't like it. At all. But...she does understand. Since she cannot treat him, not without seeing things best left covered, there is the one alternative. Not one she cares for in the slightest- but for Helios? She'll allow it. Adele pushes away from the table, motions slow and easy- nothing sudden. Nothing forceful. Stands, walks over to the far drawer where she'd set up a medical kit akin to the one in her case and pulls out an ampule and a syringe.]

On a level of 'I have a mild buzzing in the back of my head' to 'someone has taken a mallet to all the bones of my hands' how much pain are you experiencing, and where is it localized?

[She turns while she speaks, leaning a hip against the counter and offering Helios a half smile. Sad, tired, and so very worried- but she can't ask more than she already has. She'll respect this. As it stands she knows more than he would have liked.]

I will not treat you, but I can keep you comfortable until you are well enough to heal yourself. Morphine where the wounds are at their worst, and a sling for your arm. And bedrest.

[ A tired sigh as he might stop in his motions to get up from his seat. His legs feel weak, like jello really, and he can't help but sit back down again wincing as his arm shifts in the makeshift sling around his shoulder. He can't even tell Adele how grateful he is for her not pressing or prying into his reasons for this. He can't really form words that would convey the utter gratitude her actions leave him with. It's something that's always hard for him, especially when people show him such kindness. Though really he should be used to such things by now.

He'll look over his injured arm and motion to the very top of his shoulder to the ball and socket joint of the scapula and his left humerus. That's where the most pain is. More than anywhere else really. ] It. It hurts r-rather a lot right there. W-When I, ah, g-got hit I think it, it might have broken it.

[ He bites his lip looking at his arm and reliving that moment for a brief second before looking back at Adele. ] The rest of my arm just hurts a little. B-Buzzing in the back of my head hurting.

Do you mind loosening your collar? I could just inject you through the fabric but I'd rather avoid damaging your clothing or contaminating the injection site. Just enough for me to get the needle in. I will be quick, I promise.

[It was the least she could do and let herself rest easy, knowing that she has done something to help. A mild dose of painkillers, a proper sling. Perhaps something stronger in the morning if he's still too tired to mend himself on his own.]

Oh. [ It takes him a second to register what it is exactly that Adele's asked of him. ]

Oh of-of course. [ He'll undo his collar just enough for Adele to easily access the site for injection. He looks a bit tentative as he shifts in his seat at the sight on that needle. Having none too happy a memory associated with them. But, no, this was the least he could allow her to do and he knows how terribly unfair he's being right now with all of this. He knows that as a surgeon and a doctor to deny her giving him treatment is almost like denying him the use of his magic. It's unfair, terribly so, but he just can't do it.

He's far too weak that way. A frown touches his features as he looks back at Adele, watching the other with apologetic green eyes. ]

[She waits until his collar is open, until she approaches. Syringe in hand, but out of sight. He's anxious enough for so many reasons, and she'll not give him another. Not when all she wants is to help. Not when he's always been so kind. The fabric of his shirt is held away from his skin, she finesses her other hand inside and even blind, the needle slides home. A small pinch, then? Relief as she depresses the plunger.

Sweet soothing morphine at the core of his pain. It's the most she can do for him, well. The most he'll allow. And the least she'll let herself get away with doing.]

Give it a few seconds. If it aches yet, I will give you more. As I'm not entirely certain as to the extent of the damage I cannot in good conscious give you more than this in one go.

[ He manages to repress that wince as Adele injects him with morphine. The burning sensation travels down his arms, torso, to his legs. It's an odd feeling, one that he hasn't felt in a rather long time, and one that he didn't think to feel after so long. The terrible pain and aching dulls to a minor throb and then to an almost pulled muscle sort of feeling. Helios lets out a tired sigh as he slumps a little in his chair. Looking slightly better but still worse for wear. He'll look up at Adele with a small smile. ] That, ah, that h-helped a good deal. Th-thank you Adele.

[ He doesn't move for a few seconds only shifting slightly in his seat after a moment or two. ] I-I think I'll be alright f-for now.

Soleil, use this sling. And...go to bed. Rest. Mend yourself in the morning if you are able. If not? I will give you more painkillers. But...please try to rest. You need it.

[It's all she can do. Urge him to rest. Keep him comfortable. If she was stronger with Nala perhaps she could help more- but. All she can mend are mild bruises. And it takes quite a bit of focus and time to manage even that much. She relies on her craft, what little she's allowed to use, here.]

Will you need help up the stairs, or would you rather use one of the rooms down here for tonight?

[ Helios nods at the recommendations. Rest is the one thing he can do right now. He's positively exhausted as is, even if he wanted to stay up he probably couldn't. ] I-I will. Rest I mean.

[ He says that as sincerely as possible. ] I-I'll be alright going upstairs. Y-You don't, ah, you don't have to w-worry.

You know me Helios. I always worry.

[She offers him a half smile as she sets the syringe aside. She'll wrap it later, dispose of it properly. For now she'll make a kettle of tea, and wait downstairs for an hour. Keep an ear out for disturbances in Helios' room. Stay up and mind the house for awhile.]

I-I apologize for, for making you do so even more than-than normal then.

[ He sounds so terribly guilty. But once the pain subsides and Helios comes down from his room after a long shower and changing into a fresh pair of clothes he'll look...slightly better. But he's still awake and well there was tea which could probably be used to help him relax some more.

So to the kitchen he goes. ] Adele. Those...all those locks. What-what are they f-for? I-I have a barrier around the house. Is...did something happen?

...

[Right. Those.]

Nothing happened...yet. I simply had the time and drive to add a few new ones over the past few days and feel more secure with the locks. And.

[Honesty. Be honest.]

I may have been having night terrors the past week or so. Again.

Nothing...yet? [ That gets a frown along with the admittance of having night terrors. Boy does Helios know how it feels to have those. ]

Adele. I-I can help you know? I do have a barrier around the entire house. If, if there's someone or-or something you're not comfortable with being inside I fully understand. [ A tired sigh escapes him as he sits back down in one of the kitchen chairs. ]

I also might h-have something to help you with, with your night terrors if-if you'd like?

I am not entirely certain if you have noticed Helios, but I am somewhat paranoid. It comes and goes depending on a great many factors but...

[But. Scorpius. The dreams. That accidental attack by Peeta. That lingering fear of some of the less savory individuals she'd heard whispers of in the village.]

...I. Thank you, Soleil. When I can properly organize my thought and concerns in a way that might help you sort out what you would need for the barrier I will let you know.

[A beat.]

I've been taking mild sedatives. It's not helping but I do not wish to take anything stronger should I be needed late at night. Anything you could think of to help? Would be greatly appreciated.

ϡ - Chapter ThirtyEight; Interested questions [Action|Voice] (backdated to the 18th)

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]