folklorist | ϡ - Chapter Forty-Five; an aliment [action|voice|written]

Entry tags:

ϡ - Chapter Forty-Five; an aliment [action|voice|written]

[ When the feed initially comes on there’s merely the sound of pained labored breathing. It’s clear that whoever it on the other end is trying desperately to breathe, but it hardly seems to be working well. There’s another pause as the sound of feet crunching through the snow stops. A deep breath filters through followed by a very agonized, wet, and pained cough, which sounds a bit distant as the afflicted turns away. The voice that comes out is slightly Romanian in accent when the person finally speaks. It's shaky and pained despite the attempts to not sound too much so, as if Helios doesn't want anyone to know his aliment at the moment.]

Ah. It’s snowing. R-Reminds me of when I first arrived here. [ A few moments of soft coughing as he continues to walk through the snow. He isn’t really enjoying the snow as much this time around. ]

I’m s-sorry for taking so long to comeback, they k-kept me a bit longer then expected. [ Helios would be one to apologize amidst having something like this. Another few coughs before there’s some stumbling. His voice is soft and if it wasn’t so quiet out he probably wouldn’t even be heard. But talking loudly is just really far too much for him right how. ] Ah. How long was I away for, exactly? Did we g-get more new arrivals yet? If-if we have I-I suppose a welcome is in o-order. [ Another cough or two as he tries to clear his throat. ] W-Welcome to Luceti, if-if you have just arrived. I hope you g-get...get situated nicely.

[ He sounds out of breath as he tries to get it back. But his chest and lungs just are not cooperating. His panic is thinly masked, because he knows that something is terrible wrong. ]

I’ll be home- [ Another fit of coughing as he tries to steady himself against that tree. Each one sends a tremendous amount of pain through his chest that he really just can’t talk anymore. He’ll switch to writing then instead so as to not worry too many people. ]

[ Written ]

I’ll be home shortly. Raine. I. I don’t think I’ll be able teach at the school for the next few days. [ And with that nothing else comes from him. He would ask for assistance but he doesn't want anyone else to get sick, if they even can. He’s missed so much but it was probably best that he didn’t go to school like this. He’s barely able to stand as is and his chest hurts quite a bit too. If you couldn’t tell Helios is a bit under the weather one look at his pale, slightly damp face will show you everything you need to know. And should you happen across him making his way back through the village from the woods behind C2 you will notice how tired and utterly miserable he looks in that snow. Coughing fits will overtake him slowing his progress back to house 44. ]

((ooc; Helios has come back with TB. It's not contagious (ICly though that won't be known) or able to be cured. But it won't get any better or worse for the week or so that he has it. It's in a fixed state of the later stages of the disease. ))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

S-Sorry. I know it would be easier that way...but I just-

[ He pauses as another cough passes his lips. Helios gives Max a small but genuine smile. It's hidden behind his hand which is currently covering his mouth to stop the coughing. He knows that Max understands and he's grateful for the other not pressing the matter or talking him into going there. On the one hand he probably shouldn't be wary about such things being uncovered anymore but his scars are far too traumatic and personal for him to actually accept other people knowing or seeing them. ]

Of course it's silly of me to think otherwise. I apologize. I'm just not used to having people take care of me when-when I'm sick. You think I'd be used to it by now, being here and all for so long, but some habits are hard to break.

[ Helios will give Max a curious but wary look. Something for the pain, probably magical, he's not sure the ramifications for such a thing especially since he doesn't know how healing magic works in Max's world. But the dull ache is so very hard to put out his mind as he coughs again and looks away, his hand going to the rough bark of the tree to keep himself steady. He manages to catch his breath in a few short gasps of air any shakes his head in silent confirmation. ]

If-if you're sure about doing this. I-I'm not sure how-how well healing magic will...help. You're not going to use Nala's power are you? S-Something more inherent to your world I presume?

Edited 2013-03-19 07:29 (UTC)

You're not gonna rest easy in a place like that. And you need rest.

[He can understand that, especially knowing what Helios wants to keep hidden. He isn't too fond of hospitals himself.

He can't stop the pained expression when Helios speaks next. That's just wrong. More than ever he wishes that he could go to Helios's world and demand answers for how Helios had ended up being surprised that anyone would help. And probably hurt whoever was responsible.]

Guess we'll just have to keep doing it until you believe us, right?

[He shakes his head at the question, a small smile on his lips.]

It's not a healing. I can't heal. It's a kind of... a net. It catches the pain and siphons it away, that's all. Won't do a thing to make it better, but it should make it easier to get you home.

Edited 2013-03-19 16:06 (UTC)

[ His shoulders sag with a bone deep tiredness and ache. His chest a mixture of being on fire and at the point of breaking open, or that's what it feels like. Another cough or two escapes him as he realizes his choice of words. Whoops he did not mean it like that. He was so very prone to saying things wrong when overly tired. He should just...stop talking. ]

I-I believe it more now than I would have when I first arrived here. I. I didn't mean to sound ungrateful, Max. I'm truly sorry for that. [ Because he should know better by now, really. ]

A siphon...I see. That's rather fascinating. You'll have to- [ a cough ] -have to explain it more in detail. At a better t-time though. [ Because it was taking a lot of his resolve and waning energy to not just collapse right now. Not that he would ever say as much, but the strain and bags under his eyes might make it rather obvious. ]

[He let out a soft, not entirely amused, huff of laughter when Helios apologised again, and shook his head.]

Helios, it's fine. Really. I'm glad to help. And you really don't need to apologise.

[And he'd say that for as long as it took for Helios to believe it.

He hummed noncommittally when Helios asked about the spell. Like hell he was going to explain it if he could avoid it.]

I'll have to do just that. [Nope.] Should only take a minute.

[Really, it was kind of a sloppy spell, one meant for emergencies. This qualified because Helios looked rather like he was going to pass out soon.

He pulls a long loop of thread from his pocket, wrapping it around his fingers in a series of complicated loops and twists, pouring his will into the thread until it becomes something not quite physical. He holds the net in his mind and then reaches out to touch Helios's hand lightly, barely more than a brush of his fingers to ground the spell. It's not one that he uses frequently so he'd rather not cut corners yet.

He can feel the strain of it almost immediately, and forces down a grimace. Oh yeah, that's gonna hurt.]

Done. How does it feel?

[ He gives a sheepish smile as he rubs the back of his head. He was going to apologize again for apologizing too much, but he'll just laugh coughing lightly into his hand as he does so. He watches Max perform the spell and when it's finally completed he'll let out a startled gasp. It's not ot of pain but merely surprise because the tightness in his chest and body has completely dissipated into nothing more than a minor dull ache. The surprise on his face is probably indicative of how it feels he can actually stand straight without his chest being filled with a piercing sharp pain and he can actually take a deep breath without coughing. ]

It-it's amazing I feel so much better. Th-thank you. I-I do appreciate this. It's like I'm not even sick at all. [ He gives a genuine laugh without a cough following it. His green eyes glow with delight. ]

For, ah, not being a healing spell it certainly does the trick.

[He takes a few deep breaths, settling the spell so that it's held tightly because this is going to kick him in the arse later on, he can feel it. But Helios looks better already; his breathing seems to have eased and he's standing straighter and for that, yeah, Max can hold it.

He smiles warmly at Helios and nods and god, he looks so happy. He might colour a little at the praise, but it's cold so who's going to notice?]

Good. I'm glad. It's kind of field medication of the crudest kind though. I can't do anything long term. It's good enough to get you back home though.

We should go.

[ He is very happy right now and his utter joy at the lack of debilitating pain allows Max's obvious blush to go unnoticed. His smile brightens just a little bit more, and he shakes his head at Max's words. ]

Nonsense this is absolutely wonderful. Especially if this is-is crude. Thank you I can actually breathe a bit easier. [ He lets out a slightly breathless laugh, coughing only once or twice afterwards. It's nothing as harsh or jarring as before, but it's still a prevalent symptom. But the pain that normally comes with such an action is diluted and practically nonexistent. It's so very strange how such a simple thing when complicated feels all the more better when you get to do it again unrestricted.

[ He nods and moves away from the tree a little bit unsteadily but otherwise he manages to remain upright. ]

Ah, right yes, of course. Let's, um, get out of this snow. I-I think this calls for some hot tea and perhaps some sweets, depending on if we have any.

[God damned, twice cursed feelings. At least Helios seems fairly oblivious to it.]

Learnt it while I was training as an exorcist. It's good for keeping someone going until it's safe to collapse. And hopefully see a doctor.

[And they could get you some real medical treatment.

The cough sounds better, even if he knows that it hasn't solved anything really. The sickness is still there.

He chuckles softly at that and nods.]

I think that's a good idea. Fruit tea with honey might help your cough too.

Edited 2013-03-21 00:47 (UTC)

[ Helios is completely oblivious to it. But that's only because he's basking the fact that he's not keeling over with pain! ]

Ah, I see. There are spells and potions like that in my world. They boost your stamina for a while, but it's rather from once wears out.

[ There's another soft cough from him as he continues covers mouth. His voice is soft when he replies. ]

That sounds positively delicious right about now. Green tea with pomegranate or peach is rather delicious.

[That is the kind of thing that makes you oblivious, yes.]

Yeah, that sounds pretty similar actually. It will come back but... we'll get you back home.

Now you're making me want some. Pomegranate is lovely.

[ and of course Helios being Helios also factors into the equation. He almost frowns at the notion of all that pain returning to him, but no he's grateful and very happy to not have to deal with most of it at the moment. Max using his magic which probably is exhausting to help him get back home is comforting and humbling to see. ]

It certainly is. Pomegranate also happens to be quite good for you. So it's two birds with one stone as the saying goes. [ And he has no qualms about getting additional vitamins at the current moment. Whatever he can do to make himself feel better he'll definitely take the opportunity. ]

[Max would gladly use the spell for longer, except for the small fact that releasing that much pain in one lump would probably kill him.]

Yeah, I guess so. Tasty and healthy. That's not something you get often. Always makes my fingers yellow, like I've been smoking though.

[It's an easy conversation, something laid back as they head back towards the village.]

[ Helios blinks in surprise at that. He'll turn to look back at Max with some concern and yet there's a soft smile on his features as well. ]

Yellow? Any reason why? I-I mean if it's harmful then I don't want you to, ah, ingest it...

[ Helios will cough again and turn back to keep his eye on the road. ]

[Max looks a little confused but laughs softly and shakes his head.]

No, nothing like that. Just the skin of the fruit. Stains your skin if you're not careful. It's actually how my parents found out I was smoking when I was in high school though so... it stuck in my memory.

[ Oh of course, derp. He laughs sheepishly. ]

Ah, of course. I thought it might be that. But...you never know when it comes to food allergies. That's certainly better than what I was thinking though.

[ He laughs a bit more, shaking his head. ] You used to smoke, really? I-I never would have guessed, to be honest.

Oh? what were you thinking?

And I'm not allergic to any food, I don't think. Iron though...

[He laughs at that and nods.]

When I was in school, yeah. Gave up when I left university for the most part. Very very occasionally when I'm drinking with friends I'll have one.

I was thinking more along the lines of an-an actual, ah, reaction. [ He blinks at the iron comment. Ah yes. That does make sense. Max has mentioned being part Sidhe after all. ]

Mm. I've never actually tried it before. I. I wasn't very big on the-the social aspects of things. [ Not until he met Elise. And that thought just sends a painful pang through his chest. A different hurt for a different reason. His expression turns into a frown as he goes silent. ]

Varron, my friend back home and he was my room mate in college, he, um smoked sometimes. [ He shrugs smiling. ] I never really gave it much thought beyond that however.

Yeah, no worries about that. I won't be keeling over from tea.

[he catches that momentary look of hurt on Helios's face and goes quiet for a moment, before smiling again, trying to keep things light.]

Probably for the best. It's terrible for you. But it was kind of a- a small rebellion. And one of the things I could actually share with my brother.

What did you study at college?

Well that's certainly relief. I'd feel dreadful, especially after all the help you've given me, if that were the case.

[ The sadness is brief but deep and with the small smile that appears on his face it's almost as if it never existed at all. ] Everyone goes through those phases. I suppose it's only natural but there's nothing wrong with having your own way of dealing with it.

[ Personally Helios doesn't have a stance on such things. As long as no one was harmed and it's not hurting anyone, going through such rebellious nature is very typical of most people ]

Oh. I studied psychology actually. H-How about you?

I guess so. Feels a bit stupid to say that I started because everyone else was doing it, but well. I was a teenager.

[He'd say that he was young and foolish, but he doesn't feel that much older now. Certainly not much wiser.]

Psychology? Huh... sounds interesting. Um, history. I was gonna do a PhD. but... stuff happened.

It's easy to get drawn into such things, especially at such a young age. But we, ah, learn from our mistakes. It could've been much worse lots of times people with magical capabilities sometimes tend to abuse their powers at such an age. It's, um, definitely a slight problem in my own world.

[ But that doesn't mean that it's the same for Max's world. ]

I figured it would be a better choice given what I-I've been through. [ Coming out from Nero's abuse had always made him want to help people going through similar situations. It's no wonder that he took up such a major, in all honesty. ]

I've always enjoyed helping people so-so I figured that a major like that would be better than whatever else was being offered at the time. [ There's a small and yet somewhat sad smile that turns a bit more fond on its face as he continues. ]

But then I met Elise a-and I decided to take up education to open up the school again.

I can see that definitely being problematic, yeah. I guess having family who are quite capable to kicking my arse if I do anything like that is a fairly good deterrent. I did see some idiots cut loose at university though so...

[Helios's answer stings a little and he remembers the scars that he'd seen at Valentine's. It till makes him angry to think about it. But it makes sense.]

That's pretty amazing, using it as a motivation to help people.

[He could have become bitter and angry and instead he'd devoted himself to life and growth. There's something terribly alluring about that smile too.]

That's quite a change although I'm pretty sure you make a great teacher. Still helping people.

[ Helios chuckles lightly at those words smiling and shaking his head as he does so. ] A fairly good deterrent, yes, I can imagine it would be.

[ He blinks in surprise at Max's words. But that smile creeps back on his face, a soft shade of red managing to show itself as well. But he'll just try and pretend that it's nothing and instead will laugh sheepishly a soft cough following afterwards. ] Oh. It-it really isn't all that amazing. Lots of people who've gone through such things end up like myself. But thank you for saying as much. That really does mean quite a bit.

[ And if his tone was indicative enough the smile on his face might be. ]

Ah, yes, well I don't teach too much. I'm actually the headmaster of the school.

Parents who are close personal friends with a banshee kind of make you think twice. The monsters most parents tell their kids about not only know your name, but they have baby pictures.

[And mortification was a better deterrent than fear in that case.

He wants to stare, really he does, when Helios smiles like that, and he bites his lip for a moment, trying to force down that feeling.]

And plenty of people don't. But you have.

[When he could have become bitter instead, or locked himself away. And here he was, trying to help people.

And headmaster. Hah. Maybe Jack's sexy librarian comment hadn't been so out of place and oh god had he really thought that? At least Helios hadn't shown any signs of being telepathic yet.]

Do you enjoy it? I can't imagine running something like that.

Ah. Banshees. I-I've had a lot of experience with them. A good few actually attend the Academy. But...baby pictures, hm? [ Helios can't help but chuckle and grin wryly at the thought. That is something you don't hear everyday, though his parents would probably have been the same.

There's a more understanding and noticeably less sheepish expression on Helios' face. Those words warm him; it's nice to hear. ]

I-I just don't want anyone to go through the same thing as I have and feel like they're alone. Or-or feel like they can't talk to someone about it. [ Much like Helios himself had once felt all those years ago. He fidgets with his sleeve looking down at the ground as he speaks those words. Even now talking about it is hardly something that he's capable of doing, despite how much he's grown and changed thanks to the people that he's met here. ]

Oh, yes, I do enjoy it quite a bit actually. It gives me one of those feelings like you were meant to do it, you know? I don't think I'd give up being headmaster for anything.

[ His voice is warm and whimsical as he talks about school. So much love and compassion fills his voice that it makes one believe that there are such things as dreams, and that one can actually fulfill them should they take the right path towards doing so. ]

It's hard work but I have a wonderful staff who are more than capable of helping me. I don't think I'd be as successful without their help either.

[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]