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

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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. ))

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[ 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.

That's cool. They get kind of a bad rap in the press. And yeah, she likes to embarrass us whenever she visits. I thought a couple of my friends were gonna die laughing when they came to visit.

[He'd been horrified at the time but in retrospect, it was pretty funny. And that Helios might actually get it is something that warms him.]

I'm sure they're all grateful to you, to have you there.

[He says it softly and honestly and can't resist nudging Helios a little, a gentle bump of his shoulder. He wonders who Helios talks to.

He watches out of the corner of his eye as Helios talks, his enthusiasm for the school obvious.]

It sounds like you really love it, and that you've found your calling. It's nice.

Yes they do, it's quite a shame really. The stories don't help their image either. I have the utmost sympathy for you Max. Parents showing baby pictures is probably one of the most terribly endearing things that they could possibly do. And you can't even get annoyed only embarrassed. [ Helios will chuckle and just shake his head. He's never been on the receiving side of such things, but he's been to some student's houses where the parents were much akin to that.

His smile only grows a bit more fonder when Max says those words. The light nudge briefly reminds him of Giles and he manages to laugh a little as he rolls with that action. ] I-I'm glad you think so. And I'm sure that you're right about that too. It's very nice to-to be able to help in such a way that I might actually be able to change their lives in some manner. Even if it's only a small fraction...I'm glad that I can do so.

[ As for who Helios talks to, well, there is a man named Varron and an Egyptian God as well. Helios will then look at Max inquiringly. ]

How about you? Have you found anything like that yet back home? I-I know you said that you work with ghosts and such things. Though to be honest that doesn't sound like such a bad job either. You must have lots of stories to tell, lots of ah adventures too.

I always found Banshees to be fairly straightforward. They're up front about their motives and their purpose. But people will fawn over some of the Sidhe because they're attractive, even while getting screwed over by them.

[He laughs softly and nods.] Yeah. And I have a lot of relatives to be embarrassed by.

[He's glad that the spell's holding up well enough to let Helios laugh and the distraction from his condition is hopefully helping in some way.]

The world could use more people who think like that. Your school, it sounds like good place. A happy place.

[And he holds himself back a little from what he'd like to say, because much more gets into flirting territory.

He looks a little surprised by the question, and gives an awkward smile and a shrug.]

I like what I do, mostly anyway. I could do without accounts. And the occasional possession. It's not- it's nothing I'm kind of... bound to. It's not a calling.

Edited 2013-03-24 04:03 (UTC)

[ Helios will frown covering his mouth again as another wave of coughs escapes him. He listens to Max as he continues, it seems like their worlds are a bit different after all. The banshees in his world would never out right hurt people, but the sidhe were always on the fence about such things. ]

I see. Most of the mythological creatures in my own world would never out right try to take advantage of the humans that live alongside them. Of course every world is different, however. But it is true. The Academy and the students there, I think everyone is marginally happy. And that's all I couldn't really ask and I-I do try to make sure that that happiness isn't endangered.

[ He notes Max's surprise but he doesn't say anything on the matter. ] What do you think is, your calling I mean? I-I know that not everyone fully realizes theirs, and that it sometimes takes time, but if you had the choice what would you like to, ah, do.

[ He blinks in surprise from his own audacity; covering his mouth and turning away to cough again. ]

Oh, dear, I-I'm sorry Max. That was a bit out of hand, even for me. You-you don't have to say anything, if you don't want. I-I'm just rambling thanks to this-this illness of mine.

[He really doesn't like the sound of that cough. He has no medical training, but it doesn't take that to be discomforted by it.]

People take advantage of other people. The Sidhe might be less overt about it, but they have much longer to play games. There are plenty of people who think the Grand Alliance was a bad idea, even if it's rather gauche to say so.

Favours are trickier things than contracts too.

[He smiles warmly at that, and shakes his head.]

No, it's fine, really. [At least while he was talking he was distracted a little.] I don't mind.

I... I dunno. Never really thought about it. I was going to do my doctorate. Probably would've ended up consulting for the government on magical legislation.

Really, all I want to do is research magic, work with it. But after stuff happened... I dunno. It scared me a bit.

[ Helios doesn't like it either, it's painful and the fact that he's starting to taste what he believes is his blood only makes him panic more. ]

Favors certainly. I have known many a creature to have gotten caught up in paying off favors to humans and other beings as well.

[ He will give a slightly relieved sigh because he knows that it was rather personal to ask such a thing and he really should have known better. But perhaps it's the illness because normally he'd have more self awareness and control. Helios will frown his concern easily recognizable as he listens to Max's explanation, stuff happened, yes of course Max had mentioned some things during Valentine's Day. ]

I see. I-I'm sorry if I made you think about them again, that wasn't my intention. But you know after Elise passed away I almost thought about giving up magic as well. But I know that she wouldn't have wanted that. She knew how important and special magic was to me.

[ He'll look down at his hands and sigh tiredly as another several coughs sound through the silence. His eyes widen just a little bit as he notes the metallic taste of blood mouth in the few specks that dot his hands. His eyes tick towards Max, he does want to alarm the other but it's readily apparent that something was very wrong. He'll try to wipe away as much of the blood as he can hoping that it'll come off and that Max won't see it. ]

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