Death and Tide

[Mirach]

Even though it was a different form, the place was too close to the actual injury and hurt with the touch. In the same time, though, it felt good to release the tension in the muscles, and Death was clutching the pillow with all of it.

[VisAnastasis]

Tide knew it was a lot to take in. He worked slowly and as gently as he could. With time, Death began to feel the effects of the mixture more and more as it got more absorbed. Even if it hurt, it felt somehow nice, reassuring, to be touched, as pain was easing, and demon's hands were warm, relaxing the muscles all the more. Slowly, Tide progressed along the aching spine - until he reached the neck, and while massaging the shoulder with one pair, he laid his other pair of hands on the neck and base of the skull, and began rubbing it down, carefully and steadily.

[Mirach]

That caused Death to tense again, like any touch in that area, but as the balm in the lower parts was starting to work, it wasn't as bad as he expected.

[VisAnastasis]

Tide knew the injury was the worst there, and he has experienced that pain himself, although briefly, while they were Semai, so he was empathetic and compassionate while treating it, his move light and tender, almost reminiscing a caress every now and then. It seemed that with time he got more used to the feeling and began enjoying it a lot more, as he grew confident in it, and as he could see the pain was waning. He was attentive but relaxed while rubbing down the most painful spots that bore the rot and the festering infection deep underneath, knowing the sensations are a lot to take in but also feeling that more than being fast and efficient, he desires to give Death a reassuring experience of proper handling. It was a vulnerable place to be touched, but it was indeed handled responsibly, with an awareness of that vulnerability. The tall mysterious creature worked in slow, soothing circular motions, never pressing harder than it seemed desired and welcome, whistling a gentle demon lullaby as he worked.

[Mirach]

It was a mix of pain and pleasant relaxation, and both was tiring to Death. He could not fall asleep while Tide was treating hom but he closed his eyes and his thoughts became muddled.

[VisAnastasis]

Tide kept working for a while, knowing it's important to be patient and go on, so effects can be better and more lasting. Under effects of Malachite's thoughtful additions, the effects indeed felt a little stronger, and the drowsiness he felt was not only from the muddled thoughts, but the easing lingering sensitivity to the touch, that he was slowly growing to enjoy and welcome. Demon worked, all until Spirit's back got mostly dried up, and Death seemed dazed and half asleep. Then he gradually stopped.
He was hesitant, but a little worried still. The creature leaned toward him, and didn't touch his injured neck and back no more. Instead, Death felt the soft fingertips, brushing through his hair, and heard a voice, Tide's, but coming from a deeper throat, whispering soothingly to him, telling him it's alright, and that he can rest now.

[Mirach]

Death sighed and relaxed slowly, although he did not sleep this time. He remained lying in the bed until it seemed to him he has been there too long, rude to their host and also to Tide who surely wanted to get home rather sooner than later. "Shall we go?" he murmured sleepily.

[VisAnastasis]

" No..." The deep creature's voice whispered, gently, but firmly." Rest some more, please. Do not have a care in the world. Everything will work out. You need not think about anything... " he caressed his hair soothingly." We just evaded people dead set to kill us. We travelled all this way. I wasn't able to care for your health properly on our flight, so let me have this at least, please..."

[Mirach]

"It's hard to rest with the knowledge we are that close to your home," Death said. "Don't you want to get there rather sooner than later?"

[VisAnastasis]

There was a silence for a moment. Tide could not bring himself to lie.
" I... Was stalling returning while I was hurt. I felt embarrassed to come back even more injured. I felt miserable thinking how worried everyone would be. But now... ? Yes... I do really wish to go home. " He whispered, not able to hide the flutter of it's heart, and longing of his voice - but also, not able to hide his worry. " Not at such high price, though. You nearly died in your exercion just the other day. It was... A hard experience for me." His voice trembled." Seeing you like this... Is hard experience for me. It's hard to wait, but not harder than risking even more of this. I long for my home, but I long for you to rest just as much. You did me such... A kindness. You have earned this..."

[Mirach]

"If it's close though, wouldn't it be better to just get over the rest of the way for a chance to rest more peacefully knowing we won't need to travel anymore?" Death asked.

[VisAnastasis]

" It depends on how do you feel, but I must say you don't look well at all." Tide whispered. " Don't tell me what sounds better... Tell me what is more comfortable option for you. It is an order of your king to speak truthfully." He smiled a little, caressing his hair." One word from you either way is enough. If you want us to go now, we shall go. If you want us to stay couple of hours, we shall stay. If you desire us to stay throughout the night and only continue our journey in the morning... " He took a deep breath. " That's okay too. As long as you can give your word to me that it is truly best for you..."

[Mirach]

"I don't want to rest for a few hours. I would like to be able to have a longer rest without the anticipation of further journey. Whether it's before or after we get to your home, I do not mind. Well... actually... if I have to tell the truth, before would be a little better, I guess. There will be many people waiting for you at home, much hassle and welcomes. And awkwardness when they see me... I think I would be able to face that better after a proper rest..."

[VisAnastasis]

" You don't have to face anybody. I have a whole floor in my mansion for me, and Senecio. You can choose where to stay, and don't have to see anyone," he whispered. " But that's beyond the point... The point is, you're right. You should rest and stay. But you shall be hungry when you wake up, won't you? And Malachite mostly has fruit here... " he seemed a little thoughtful, as an idea suddenly fell on his mind. " How about you and Xia stay here, in Malachite's care? I can go home for a few hours, tell everyone we are fine, get you an order of those cookies that are good for you, and get back. We don't have much food left, and this way, I'll be calm, knowing you'll eat and rest properly, and my family won't be worried about our delay... "

[Mirach]

"Don't go!" Death said in sudden panic. "If you go home, I'll go with you and rest there. It may be better if there's more food..."

[VisAnastasis]

There was a stunned silence with it. After a moment, Death felt a hand being placed over his own, watery and smooth, and it pressed his palm lightly and encouragingly.
" What are you afraid of? " the demon whispered.

[Mirach]

"I didn't die thrice in the last days only because you were around..." Death murmured. "I'm afraid... asking anyone else for help. I'm not able to do that..."

(OOC: where are we in time compared to the other thread and when do we actually want them to arrive?)

[VisAnastasis]

" And I just don't want to stir you before you rest up and lead you to almost die the fourth time. It'd be pretty stupid for you to die because of my homesickness, right? " Tide smiled faintly. " How about... I ask Malachite to send a message to Sage instead? That we are here and alright, and for him to bring us more supplies when he can, so we can eat before continuing our journey. One of the ingreedients for cookies is grown here, and Malachite knows to bake them, anyway, so after we get other ingredients, I can ask him to make you more... "


(OOC: I am not sure if right now is the day before the play, or if they have an extra day before the meeting, I used to keep track, but I lost it sometimes along the way... In the other thread, it's an evening of the day before the play, so at least they shouldn't come until that evening, I think. It'd depend on Death in any case - despite missing his family, Tide would not want to go until Death is more ready to continue the journey, as he is too worried to let things escalate again. )

[Mirach]

"Alright..." Death said slowly. "That sounds good..."

(OOC: that's why I wanted him to stay and rest, so we can catch up with the other thread. We could join them in the morning)

[VisAnastasis]

" See? We solved that one easily. " Tide whispered, caressing his hand with his thumb gently. " Sleep... It will all be better after you've rested. You have earned it, and all the more from me... You... went out of your way to heal my hand. Without you too in the last few days, I'd have been dead twice already... If I could give you more than this, I would... "

[Mirach]

Death smiled faintly. "Alright. I'll try to get some sleep... May I have a drink first?"

[VisAnastasis]

" Do you wish for water of juice? Or... Would you perhaps like me to go to Malachite and ask him to make you more of that delicious tea you liked? " Tide lit up.

[Mirach]

"Yes, that would be nice," Death said. "And some water before it's ready."

[VisAnastasis]

Death could see as the light disappeared that the demon changed its form back. It looked through their bag, and took out the water, making it refreshingly cold with its powers. Then, a familiar hand helped Death straighten out a little bit to the side, so he could sate his thirst.

[Mirach]

Death drank deeply, knowing that he can freely sate his thirst if not hunger.