Death and Tide

[VisAnastasis]

" It was a final drop, though, so what difference does it make for my blame? You still almost died. " Creature whispered quietly, with clear pain. " It was... so selfish of me.  I spent thousands of years holding back those monsters from the living, and yet... At first chance... For a bit of relief for a little short moment, I almost doomed the world... " he chuckled nervously, not relaxing yet. " Still... I understand. For a chance to bring relief to someone that suffers, even for a little short moment, you took a risk. " he looked down. " I am just worried... that you've returned a little better, but are now going straight back into risking again... I... All this fuss about me... You couldn't even get any sleep last night... I couldn't even... give you that... "

[Mirach]

"Why do you think I risked for a chance to bring some relief?" Death asked. "It brings me relief too. It's my nature to heal and I've acted against it for too long."

[VisAnastasis]

" It is in my nature to make flowers bloom, and yet you almost whithered away under my touch... I... was so scared of you. I dreaded being found out and hurt by you so much. I imagined you so differently... But in the end, what everyone said was right after all... You're... as gentle as a flower. " he blushed a little shyly, redness of it distinguishable from redness of his fever. " I'm sorry... it wasn't supposed to be like this. It used to be in my nature to nurture life and aid it to grow. It is such a cruel twist of fate. Only thanks to you, I was able to think clearly through the night, but now... instead of helping you in turn, I almost crushed you, like a little flower hidden in the grass. It... " he shook his head, avoiding his look shamefully still as if feeling his words were improper, but they were earnest. " It is in my nature, not to crush... but to caress and cherish all the flowers... and especially so the ones that I am fond of... "

[Mirach]

"I have more fault in your state than you have in mine, so let's not speak about it more now," Death said. "I'll eat and then we will see what you did to yourself in that fight, okay?"

[VisAnastasis]

" It's a deal... " creature whispered readily, as finally, it seemed content with Death's reply, as it soothed some of his terrible unrest and guilt to know he is not as bad host and that he will at least have his guest fed. Only when Tide brought the warmed up broth and began feeding the ill Spirit that he finally stopped fidgeting and began relaxing slowly, leaning back in the bed, breathing a little more deeply through the weariness and effort to conceal the pain.

[Mirach]

As Death noticed it, he switched the spoon into his other hand, and took Cernunnos's hand while he ate.

[VisAnastasis]

Critter was a little surprised by it and embarrassed that he was caught, but at the same time, he seemed charmed by it. He still seemed a little unsure with Death in this new human form now that they both were better and with a clearer mind, and on one hand, he knew he should have been wary, but on the other, everything Death did since they met was genuine and kind. It was a conscious choice, but it was honest when he would choose to be kind in too. He pressed his hand back thankfully, and while he could do nothing to ease his pain in turn, he held onto it in support instead, caressing it back timidly with his thumb, the little subtle expressive gestures coming naturally to him.

[Mirach]

Death took it as something most natural, almost subconscious. With the warm broth, he seemed to feel a little better and when he finished it, he looked at Cernunnos with a deep look, through all layers, to see what new hurts he sustained.

[VisAnastasis]

( OOC: I rolled for the severity of injuries and it said 5.... so it shouldn't be life-threatening, but still should get quite bad., I think )

Creature trembled a little, feeling bare under such an intense gaze, but he didn't try to conceal anything this time, as it felt somehow improper in the circumstances, as there was something solemn about it. Death could see creature really didn't think of itself or of consequences in its fit of anger - for there were already a lot of bruises forming on its knees and arms, swollen and considerable, as well as many scratches. There were a lot of those numerous little injuries from rolling and falling on surface layers, but more worryingly so, creature's body seemed frighteningly fragile, and there were quite a few dislocated bones, but even more of those that were cracked here and there... In the worst state were his feeble hands. Since because of Spirit's influence he could not feel pain, hitting the floor harder than he should have left a lot of bones fractures at least lightly... something that creature was not even aware of itself, until Death, who was soothing all that pain, had to leave its side... Only then, had the whole weight of his temper tantrum kick in. Thankfully, most of the wounds did not seem to go too deep, as only other injury that went a little deeper was from the first unexpected fall when the demon landed poorly and bruised his ribs. It was a more unfortunate injury, as it manifested into some deeper layers and seemed to have been one more reason why creature felt fainter and had trouble breathing, as it caused some internal bleeding and was putting pressure on his lungs.

[Mirach]

"May I start healing you now?" Death asked, and when he was given permission, he started with the internal injuries and broken bones, passing over each slowly. He progressed effortlessly to the smaller hurts when he was dobe with those. (6)

[VisAnastasis]

Tide sow that everything was going well and his help and powers weren't as needed right now, so in the meantime, he went to their bags, to pick out and put on plates some more food for his two sickly companions so they could replenish their strength afterwards.

Cernunnos sighed with relief when he could breathe easier. He was tenser at first, but as it kept feeling warm and comforting, he relaxed a little again, and as his bruises and fractured bones were mending so effortlessly under Death's touch, instead of on the injuries, creature's attention passed anew on Death himself. With time, there was less anxiety with it, as instead with it, creature observed his gentle gestures and soothing skills that were such natural innate part of him with a newfound appreciation and wonder.

[Mirach]

Death did not notice his look, focused on the healing fully until even the smallest cuts were mended. He did not perceive his own pain while healing, as he put all his attention into it. That made his features calm and peaceful, as if he were not ill at all.

(OOC: when will Tide use the mirror? Should we wait for it in the other thread or move on?)

[VisAnastasis]

(OOC: He left the mirror with Cernunnos when he went to pick up Death, so Cernunnos could watch the nature and the sea through it until the sun sets. He meant to pick it up afterwards, but as it was with Cernunnos when he hid in his treasure room, I was thinking it must have gotten mixed up with all the things that were thrown around and that they'd have to search for it afterwards when cleaning up. The bloodstream was pretty strong and it shifted and broke many things, so I am not sure if they'd be able to find it, or if it broke too - it was on my mind as one of the bad scenarios to maybe roll the dice on, but I wanted to discuss it when it comes to it. In any case, Tide is too focused on the two of them, and he wouldn't let himself go into such search before he was sure at least that Cernunnos's leg is mended and that Death's fever isn't high. )

Through that, Cernunnos felt as if he has gotten a little window, an insight into how Death really looked when he was whole and true to himself. It was a fascinating sight, one that was as rare as beautiful, and as he felt his body was growing less strained and repaired, the wonder in his soft emerald eyes was replaced with a little bit of bubbly, unexpected delight and thankfulness - unlike Death, creature retrieved here in solitude, hiding even from its people, for so long, so it never had to learn to conceal its feelings, and they were very eloquent on its timid face.

[Mirach]

(OOC: Ok, the other thread is a bit ahead so I thought it would be better to wait, but in that case we don't have to)

Death smiled when he was finished, looking almost thankful that he was allowed to do this. "Alright... now if Tide can help you with the leg, you should be well. Some weariness may remain for a while, but you will recover."

[VisAnastasis]

(OOC: It is a little overpowered device, it feels a bit too convenient for asking for help if needed or for plan making, I think - it felt like something Hans would get to be able to guide Senecio back in case they need to regroup to plan vengeance against Death, but since they use it more for general communication now, I feel it would maybe be more suspenseful for Hans and Senecio to deal with uncertainty, so that Tide does not manage to find the mirror on time before they have to keep flying further. What do you think? )

" As much as someone with a soul like mine can recover, yes... " creature smiled back a little unsurely, its words reflecting its own low self-image. " Are you sure... It's worth wasting the whole limb on me? I, I am used to limping for a long time. I could adjust... "
" I am not wasting anything on you. " Tide, whose attention would be captured immediately when he would sense any self-deprecating talk, spoke up right away, coming with two plates stacked full with treats and food. " I am barely returning you the kindness and understanding you have given us. You have provided us sanctuary, and you have taken a fight upon yourself that could have potentially killed me for real. " he shook his head as he smiled softly, speaking sincerely and simply, sharing emotions easily. " You're a great protector and delightful host. I'm happy to do this. It's not a sacrifice at all, it's a joy to me. I could not do such a thing if every bit of me would not want it fully. "

[Mirach]

"And I will make it painless," Death added. "You don't need to worry about that..."

(OOC: I agree, but on the other side, if they have no news now, it will seem something bad happened and instead of having motivation to work on the play, they would be driven to look for any clues of what happened and organize a search and rescue mission. So I would have Cernunnos find the mirror after they leave, so he can let them know what happened, but they lose the direct contact.) 

[VisAnastasis]

" Yes, I was thinking the same thing." Tide nodded." Usually there is naturally pain to it... It is soul we are talking about cutting here. But with your help, maybe we could actually make the whole thing grow back quicker." He looked at Death more openly for the first time since they parted as Semai, and his look wasn't anxious about asking, but hopeful and a little excited, as through the bond with his mind he felt creature would always be eager to take part in healing of any kind." You see, with exchange for example, I cut of and eat part of his soul, and it would just remain within me until it is soothed and can begin to mend, until it is ready to become me. It used to be longer before, but it's usually not longer than few days now... I am not worried for that. But on the other side, I have to tear off part of me to give it, and you lean that part of soul on the person's lost part of soul... But you need something to hold parts together until they heal up and bind to become one. I developed a method - I turn some more part of my soul into thread, and I use that soul thread to sew those two parts well, so it all mends properly. But you can actually heal on spot, can't you?" He grinned." I know you can not heal wound that spreads to the deepest layers fully - but if you could just heal up the two parts a little, I can sew up only those deepest parts you can't heal. That way Cernunnos would recover and be able to walk again much quicker. I heard what you did for little Svarik - that Riversong created new part of soul that you healed to lean onto the old one... It would be the same. Expect, you would not have to force yourself to heal everything even if it hurts. You would only do as much is safe with you. Even if it is just a little bit, it'll help Cernunnos heal with much less strain or pain."

( Ooc: I agree, definitely Cernunnos would find it among the things, it would be his priority to let Tide's family know he is okay. What do you say he calls them sometimes after the rehearsal, while Hans is rewriting sheets of music to give to musicians? )

[Mirach]

"Yes, I can do that," Death said. "Ican heal it in all layers but the one. Will you be well afterwards? Will you be able to travel?"

(OOC: yes, before they go to the restaurant, so they don't have to worry and can enjoy it)

[VisAnastasis]

" I do not have only one leg to be hindered - it is as if taking a bit of clay from a big pile. You can hardly notice a difference. I will just pass through the layers at the end and appear with both legs. There is always some lingering pain for me while I heal, until I fully accept the new part. The pain would be distracting normally, yes, as it's harder to move with it..." He smiled softly at Death as he added shyly but brightly." But that won't be a problem for our travel, will it? Not now that I have you... "

(Ooc: my thoughts exactly :D )

[Mirach]

"No, it shouldn't be," Death agreed. "How long does the pain last usually?"

[VisAnastasis]

" It depends how quick and messy the process is. If I have to hurry, I damage myself more so it takes longer to heal, of course. It happens. When I gave my friend Sage the heart, I had to work fast and rough to keep him alive, so I've been having quite solid pains from that for a good couple of months... But it's not a habit, really. I am not normally like that, I swear. " He rushed to add, stuttering shyly, as he didn't want his companions to think he's careless. " But this is a leg, not a heart, and it's not something I have to do in a matter of minutes like in such cases. I can take the proper time to do proper work. We can work slowly and mend it properly, with no rush. Even in the worst case... Depends how much I tire. Might last a day or so or a couple of days, if I have to fight or strain... "
" Are you sure, then-.. "
" Yes. " Demon answered to Cernunnos right away. " Some pain I can have means nothing to me compared to the pain you'd have for all eternity. I have no doubts... Besides, I have him. " he smiled a little bit. " I will be as fine as one can be, okay? "

[Mirach]

"Yes," Death said. "So what's the order in which you use to do it? And do you need some tools?"

[VisAnastasis]

" It depends on his wish. " he looked at Cernunnos, and he now paid attention to him, gazing at him intently, look under which demon blushed. " You know what I offered you before. I can give you a couple of little pieces to sew into your torn soul there... We can mend it as best as it can be done. I'd put all my heart to it... Or I can give you a leg whole. By my tone, it is apparent, I know, what I wish you choose, but the choice is on you. If you want to keep as much of you as you can, I'll respect that too. " he smiled gently. " What would you like, little one? "
" You said before... that you enjoy the exchange because it adds to you something unique from everyone you give to. " Cernunnos whispered. " It is not much. It is a beaten up and torn piece... I do not know if it'll give you anything you would wish from a Being of nature. And yet... I would feel much better about this if I were not to only take, but to gift you something, in turn, my... my kind guest... "
" It's not little, it's a lot to me. To have a little part of you, and to have you have part of me - it will only make me happy. It'll be a fulfilling memory of your trust in me. " Tide quietly touched Cernunnos's free hand and pressed it encouragingly. " And I'd never do such thing only for the power. I do it for a bond, and I do it for the fondness of you. I did not tell you... But I am immune to miasma, and I can not excrete it either. I could not, never since I became one. If you have a part of me, a part of someone healthy, become part of you, it'll make you more stable. It'll take some time, but once you grow into it, you'll feel like it was always yours, okay? And the piece of you I take, I shall love and appreciate dearly, have no doubt. Within me, it'll even out and mend, and be happy. It'll have no pain and feel like it was never broken, torn, or stretched thin. " he smiled encouragingly at him, as he added more quietly. " It may just feel a little unpleasant to it at first... or scary, with your experience of being eaten and having your soul chewed on, because... We'll have to cut your leg off first and I'll have to eat it, Cernunnos. It's the safest way to do this, for you, and for it - no, to say, for you and for me, because it shall become me... "

[Mirach]

"I would like to lnow the exact order still," Death said. "You're the only one who has experience with it here. Is it better if you cut off his leg first, or yours, so it is ready to be sewn on right away?"

[VisAnastasis]

" Different order works best for different cases. " Tide explained quietly. " There's too much pain in the leg, once it gets cut off, it'll be alarmed and fearful. It is most important that I swallow it and soothe it, more important than sewing right away, so it can heal. There's no danger to Cernunnos of bleeding out when I am controlling the blood flow at the same time. " he explained. " When it comes to limbs when I have time, I always cut off the limb first and eat it. That way, my hands are free in case something goes wrong, to grab onto the soul of the one I'm helping. I'm only one person, and I don't want to be distracted when it's most important. If I do it in my order it's safest - a piece I eat is safe within me so that I only have two parts of souls to account for, the one of a limb I'll tear of myself, and the one of a patient if he's too weak and I have to catch and hold onto his soul to keep him living. If I cut off my piece first, I'd have three parts to deal with - my torn part, the host's torn soul part, and the rest of the soul of a host. But I only have two hands. " he shook his head, seeming a little embarrassed. " I prefer to do it my way when I have time, so that risk is minimal, and there's the least chance for something slipping by accident. Long ago, at start of the war, it... may have happened once or twice that you'd find a tiny bit of soul pass through layers, with no apparent full Being... That was most likely me, at the start, when I didn't have much practice yet - when I'd have to choose, I'd let the bit of me slip so I could keep the other's soul intact. It was a little messy learning curve, but I knew it had to be possible so I kept messing with it until I figured it out. I don't know the fate of those couple of little parts, but if they passed through you before anyone would manage to eat them for power, I imagine you might have gotten a bit of taste of knowing me before you actually met me... I don't really know, what happens to rougue little soul pieces that are too small to form a person... but it was as it was, my choice to try and fail before I could succeed... "