Re: Svarik and the company II

[VisAnastasis]

"I heard from Falcon, of this little sweet demon child, that knows our Runes and has power of Singing. "Tide smiled sadly. " I hoped to meet him, once, when all this Long Night stuff is over... But, alas, with Death moving in in your city, I quickly abandoned those hopes. I don't know if he could help Hans, but the Beings that are sealed and need help to clothe themselves in new bodies - he could help them. What happens now, though, is in Death's hands - if he will slay me or not. " creature concluded quietly, embracing itself around its knees vulnerably. " I can not take away that little sweet child of wind way from north - he is too frail himself. Let him have a nice home, safe home, with that healing pond you have. That's what he needs. But if Death does not kill me or seek my death, if I can come there safely - then I shall be  the one visiting you, I hope, with souls that are in my keeping. I am a hoarder, in this, as in everything... I gather corrupted souls of Spirits and Demons, trying to help them. There are lot of souls, that I would like to bring upon to your lovely little Zephir, and ask for his assistance in freeing them to live again - but I can not do it, unless it's safe for me to go to capital, so I have all the more reason to get in Death's favor, don't you see? This is something for which I can dare freely to risk my life, if it can give me a chance to be able to come to you, to ask your new little gardener for aid, both for Spirits and Demons that I keep. This is first powerful Singer I found in couple centuries. I have to try to reach him. "

[Mirach]

"If you hold safe the souls of Spirits, what happens to the m if you would die? Maybe we can argue with Death to let you be for their sake. From his point of view, you kind of hold them hostage..." 

[VisAnastasis]

" It really looks like that? Oh... Alright then. Let us mend it. There are no secrets between friends, so I can tell you this as well. " creature took a deep breath, before it spoke. " On my floor, there is a room, locked after ten locks. Only me, Sage, and those who have Sage's blood can access it. It is full of pots, that are marked, each with their own rune seal. I renew those seals every week, to make sure they stay firm. My plan was, if I die, to leave those pots, as all I have, to Sage - for Sage knows enough of runes, to keep renewing seals, and he is only person beside me, that has my gifts of molding souls and passing on his peace to them. He's not nearly as good as me, but he's a gentle student. " creature smiled sadly, as he added. " Tell Death... That I am not a torturer. I would never keep some poor soul a hostage. I only keep corrupted Beings such as himself in my hold, so I can help them. If he chooses to kill me... He can ask Sage, for the keys, to the room. He can come in, if he wants... Why not... And he can take with himself pots with souls of Spirits, but only as long as he promises, that he won't touch any Demon soul in the room. I can not see how that would help anyone, but if he's so keen at taking away the chance of those Spirits to be helped... Guess that would be, like him, heh? " he sighed mournfully. " Let him have them. It's not like he can help them - I mean, sure, whole their minds would have to be erased fully, to be straightened from corruption, and they would be reborn weak and tense and frightful from the trauma put through them - but does Death really care of it? After all, that is how he is reborning Demons into Spirits, forcing them into blank state of mind, turning them into something they are Not. That is who Death, who erases memories of others so easily, is... Tell him, if he has any kindness in his heart, that he should just leave those poor souls to Sage's care. Sage may yet have some chance to grow as soother one day to help restore their minds. If he wants to be cruel and take them, though... Let him be cruel. At least with Spirits, unlike with Demons, he's be oblivious in his cruelty. "

[Mirach]

"I did not mean it like that," Svarik said gently. "I just hoped that we might use the argument to convince Death that you are taking care of those spirits and without you, they would not be cared for. Maybe he will allow you to take care of him as well..."

[VisAnastasis]

" Oh... Well.. I guess it can be an argument. I did not think of it like that. " demon admitted hesitantly. " It is not much of a selling point, really - it is just truth. I can not swallow Spirits to keep them within me, without possibility of perhaps endangering them. That is why I don't eat them like this first, only capture them, so I can help them on other ways. My presence is soothing, gentle, and relaxing, to souls that are brought to braking points. I speak to them, and hold them, and I soothe them, and I touch and nurture their souls with my peace and ease, a little bit every now and then. When they are ell enough, I connect with them and become Semai to them, so I can give their wounded mind peace that it lacks, a little bit every time. It would be much slower process, but it would work, with enough care. And when they get well enough, Hans would call their true name, and they would clothe themselves anew, and thank me, and leave me, as another dear friend of mine. " creature smiled little wistfully, before its expression grew pained, as it added sadly. " It's not good, to keep Being of slowly returning health, under seal forever. It can be suffocating. Recently, though, after Han's... Illness... When I would find I can no longer hold a Spirit under seal without hurting him, and when he's healed enough to regain his mind... I would release them in Veins, to go to Death, and be reborn. It is dangerous for me, for it can get me caught... So I only did that when I had to, three times, in last 300 years. Without a Singer to help clothe those Spirits with body when they are ready to be so, that was only thing I could do. But it is just truth... Without me, there would be no one, who could look after them, the way I can. Some more severely ill Spirits have been in my hold for well over many thousands of years. It is not easy, to soothe souls too hurt, specially those hurt in wars, that are naturally afraid of... creatures like me. It takes long to earn trust of ones so overwhelmed with pain and fear. I am just one person, and I just do what I can... "

[Mirach]

"Death is a healer," Svarik said soothingly. "I think he will be merciful, when he learns what you are doing."

[VisAnastasis]

Demon nodded slowly, not seeming much convinced, but determinate to trust Svarik in this, believing as much, that meadow king would speak honestly in his favor best way he can.
" I never wanted any privilege or recognition. I just wanted to give fellow poor creatures with no support a friend, as an anchor to rely on where there is none. I just wanted to leave the world... A little better than I found it, that's all. " he  just whispered quietly, shifting a little uncomfortably. " Do you think... That he will... Not like me? " he asked Svarik suddenly, hesitantly fixing on his mask slowly. " I never thought someone like him could tolerate ones like myself. I know I am... controversial. Existence of creatures like me is frowned upon my many, to say the least. That is... Well, you know it's forbidden against laws nowadays, to eat souls of another creatures? That is how I was practically made, as I am, though, of many souls that became One. Do you think he will... despise me... for being alive like this? He was the one, that insisted on passing the law of soul eating being forbidden to all. I agree with that, of course, in principle, but I always avoided him for it, not wanting to be frowned upon at his city or court. Do you think.. I will be frowned upon, little Nightingale? Do you... frown upon me? "

[Mirach]

"Why should I frown upon someone who tries to better the world and use all his powers in that way, even if they first evolved for an entirely different reason? I admire you, and I will do all I can to explain that to Death..."

[VisAnastasis]

Slowly, a big tender smile spread across demon's face, adorable and warm, as he seemed touched by king's acceptance.
" I... admire you as well. You are a beautiful, soft, and flawless creature. You are sweet and wonderful, like, like,  cotton candy. " he proclaimed boldly, with affection, endearingly. " As long as I live, I shall be a good friend to you, like you are to me. "

[Mirach]

Svarik smiled warmly with those words. "And I will assure that you will not be harmed by Death. I will also try to convince him to let you help, but I fear that will be harder. Is there something else I could tell him to accept your help?"

[VisAnastasis]

" I never really thought of making selling points for myself. I just do my own thing and that's it, you know? Hans is usually the smart one, that bargains for our lives if there's need. I am just his lucky charm. I just do my own thing.  " he admitted hesitantly, seeming nervous, like a would-be-employee would be when applying for a job for the first time. " What... Is there to say? I am just... qualified to help, that's all. I have the experience. My presence soothes and pleases, and I can be a good and reliable anchor, to wounded souls. You can tell him... I don't have to become Semai to him, if he'd be that repulsed to idea. It shouldn't be experience of repulsion, but trust and pleasure, ease and relief, so that is alright. My help doesn't have to be intrusive. If all he allows me to do, is give advises to all those around him on what is best to be done to help him, it's little, true, but even that, can be to his advantage. I would prefer to do more, but it is okay, if I am nothing but a doctor, that monitors signs of his illness, and can make sure he is medicated properly and doesn't go into unexpected seizures. Even that, would give better hopes to his recovery, than ignoring me completely. Tell him... That I value consent above all. Like I would expect him not to do things onto me against my will, I would never do anything unto him, without his permission. For me, that is foundation of trust. What... What else should I say? "

[Mirach]

"I don't know," Svarik sighed. "I really don't knkw how Death will react and if he will be open to any discussion. I just want to gather all arguments that I can."

[VisAnastasis]

" I wish to help you. I wish to give you all good arguments that I can. That is why... Ask me, please. " Being encouraged him. " You still know him better than I ever did, and I can't lead a conversation with a phantom that I don't know, only with you. What could I say, to reassure him I just mean well and want him to be well? I mean... I am a Demon, and two of my best friends are Spirit and Human each, and I help all those creatures equally. All those are important valuable part of my world that makes it so valuable and colorful. Just like I help Spirits even if they're my enemies at war, I'd help him. Yes, I'd be positively terrified while doing it, because I'm positively afraid of losing my life..." he smiled faintly with some dry faint humor. " But I'd do it. That's just Who I am. What other arguments can I give you? "

[Mirach]

"I'm not sure. Tell me more about how exactly you would help Death, if he would allow it," Svarik asked him.

[VisAnastasis]

" What I would prefer ideally, or what is more likely to happen, if he hates me as much as he hates demon kind? " creature sighed sadly. " First before anything... I don't do anything, without consent. That is just path I have chosen. Of course, creatures whose minds are far gone, can not give their consent, and so I have to restrain them and seal in jars, but whenever I am dealing with anyone with his mind still there, I respect their autonomy. I wouldn't do anything he would not let me do - but for sake of arguments, I'll tell you what I think would be best for him, if he'd be willing to try to see if he can learn to trust me. Those are only things I concluded from what you told me, when I see him and spend more time with him, maybe there'd be more things I could do, and I'd ask permission for those. For a start - I'd need to encourage him, to talk with me. He denies his pain, and does not give it proper weight and seriousness... And he is severely injured. He needs to learn to validate himself, and to accept the severity of his hurts. Suppressing feelings instead of letting them flow leads to lot of emotional pressure and tenseness - he needs to learn to be honest and open about how much and where it hurts, if he is to learn to trust ones who handle him to understand his needs. He needs to be more vocal. My plan is to talk, to get to know him, to get to know his needs, so I can on best way determine, when medicine would be best given to him, how can he be helped best, and, very importantly, how to doze the music he is played on flute I gave to Nameless, on which way playing will be most likely to have best effects. " he said simply and earnestly. " As for later on.. My plan was, to doze him with my presence gradually. When shell flute is played, it gives one that listens it a sense of pleasure and bliss. It is able to help one that is played to develop longing and relief at their soul being touched and handed instead of fear - that is what Death may need most right now, to develop healthy attitude to being handled and helped. My plan was, to start a little bit, by small things, by hugs and caresses, to get him to be comfortable with me, so I can work through it, to be able to touch his soul, and have that touch be welcome. That is what I want to do. If I can earn it, to be able to touch his soul, then I will be able to start harmonizing it and soothing it, and I will be able to help you guys to properly start to uncrumble, what has crumbled within him. His little lord Nammy can only touch surface of his soul, as far as he's able to dig his fingers into - I could help Death so, that I would be able to guide Nammy's hands, to reveal and touch deep parts of Death's soul, one never handled before by anyone, one that are centered around core of himself. That was the plan. " creature admitted, but then, it added more vulnerably. " Of course, he is unhealthy, and... What he really could have use of... Is a healthy anchor, of healthy soul and mind. I am what demons deem pure. My essence can make ones that lean into it and upon my mind, feel good and protected, safe and nourished. It is accepting and soothing to all, regardless of their flaws or essences. That is what is deemed pure by us demons. For all I know, that is what corrupted creatures enjoy most, that is able to make their mind grow healthier and calmer again. It is optional, of course... But if we could became friends, than I would be open to idea, of becoming Semai to him. I can lend him what he does not have, in all his might - a peace of mind. If I am proved wrong, it is fine, but if with time it proves we can grow a healthy bond, then I'd be willing to do that, for him. There are many small things over time that I can do with my gifts, as I gain his trust, to provide comfort to him, but those are bigger bullet points of my plan. "

[Mirach]

"I think I will not mention the last part for the beginning, but the rest should feel reasonable to him, if he really accepts that he needs help. That will be hardest, to convince him about that."

[VisAnastasis]

" I agree, stay quiet of last part. It is only something I would offer if I would see we can get along well and trust one another, and that is yet to be seen. You should never became Semai to someone out of the blue, but work your way to it.If we can not be on meaningful terms, then it has no point. " he said, but, seeing Jake grew somehow sad and gloomy at his words, he seemed anxious that he hit some painful string unintentionally, so he coughed shyly, and changed the subject. " Death must accept he need help. That is probably the vital part - otherwise, he would just go around, doing stuff, neglecting himself. That is what they all do, deny they have a problem, many terrified by implications they grow grow corrupted. " he paused. Then, he added, very slowly and hesitantly. " Normally, I would leave this to him, to recognize... But as the world may depend on it, we need to give this to him straight. Tell him that there is no mistake. I wondered for weeks, about state of seventh's layer, as I was glancing at it, but only when you came, things fell into place. Seventh layer is usually mostly even, purely white in color, clean and smooth in fabric - but recently, on more places, there seem to be a loss of certain colors, and instead of white, his soul begins to fractal, like light is set through prism. The bright light is dulled, and the fabric of the layer in many places grew stiff from pain, and coarse. Those are little and subtle changes, but to eye of someone like me who had seen many corruptions - I can see it. It is almost as a plague, slowly setting in as he gets weaker. I hoped it may have been just some lingering weakness after Long Night, but after all you told me, I know it's not. It's still subtle, but more time passes, it will be more obvious and noticeable, even for eyes of simple Being folk that can look into Seventh layer, if left untreated. I have battled with corruption myself as I searched for enlightenment in my own pain, but I remember it, of, so well. Ask him, if it feels tiring and suffocating all the time. Ask him, does it feel like he's slowly rotting from within, like a starved plant. Ask him if he always feel a hunger and longing for something unclear and vague, but never feels sated. It is a feeling of soaking in scorched sand, and drinking and drinking, but nothing being able to quench your thirst.  It is an itch that you can not scratch. It is overwhelming sense of lack of purity and safety. It is being acutely aware that something is wrong all the time, but not  able to figure out what exactly. Blinding pain, and blinding headaches, and many feelings getting mixed up and hard to work through. It is... It is mental illness that dries out your heart and mind. It is a feeling of being deeply malnourished, while no food seems to help. If he feels like that., anything of that deep confusion and lack of nutrition despite getting lot of it.. It is a sign of terrible injury, and that he is walking the border between just being injured, and something going terribly wrong. As long as he's on a border, we can still help, but we are running out of time, if he keeps denying his state.  "

[Mirach]

"I will tell it to him," Svarik nodded seriously. "He is a healer. I think he must know that something is wrong, he just does not acknowledge it even before himself."

[VisAnastasis]

" He needs to acknowledge it, if he is to get better. He is like a man that crushed both legs to the hip but claims he will walk it of. " Critter shook his head." I need to make sure he is properly medicated, and ready to eat Erdel's golden apple, too. We have to be careful."
" What apple?" It was Melody that asked hesitantly, and Svarik could remember that they , in all happening, still didn't tell girl if apples Erdel won gor them.

[Mirach]

Svarik looked at Erdel to explain that, since it were his apples, and he knew he's planning to give one to Melody.

[VisAnastasis]

Erdel beamed, as it seemed he was excitedly waiting for this chance. He explained girl about the apples, but he did not quite get reaction he was hoping for.... while girl was surprised and teared up for a moment, the blooming grace and thankfulnes of her expression turned thoughful, and she bit her lip, as she considered something not at all easy for her.
" So... one is mine, isn't it, dear?" She asked quietly,  as if some temptation in her was fighting with goodness of her heart." I can give it to anyone I like, can't I?"

[Mirach]

"I think you can, but Erdel got it for you and he would be sad if you gave it to someone else," Svarik said gently.

[VisAnastasis]

" My dearest sweet friend... You.. know I would never desire to hurt your feelings. I care for you deeply. In any other ciccumstances, I would accept your gift with joy, but... dear.... my king is dying...." she stood up, and she hesitantly reached for vampire, and clung vulnerably at his sleeve. " Please... "
" But I wanted you... to be stronger. I got it for you." Vampire stuttered with dread and sadness, as it dawned on his what she wants.
" I know, sweetest... but... I can see, too, that he suffers. " She whispered. " Please, humor me... I care for him deeply as well. He may not be king anymore, but I grew up at his court, and he would cradle me on his knee when little, or bring me some swet flower or treat when going out into the world when I was older. He is perhaps sad, but still, a wonderous creature... at least in my eyes. Please, dearest Erdel, let me give my apple to Death. He may have better chance with two than one, and I am happy enough just.. just to have such gentle friend, as you... "

[Mirach]

"How about you keep it for now, and give it to him when you see that the one apple is not enough?" Svarik suggested, wishing Melody to get one apple as well.

[VisAnastasis]

" It is not like me, to conceal such things. I may be weaker than once, but I am still hapy and complete, and he sufers and faces incurable ilness. I could never keep it secret like that. " Girl whispered, almost as if horrified by implication she would do such thing. " Please... let me do this for him. I am worried too, but I see that compared to Tide and Namy, I can do little. But I can still do this. If it proves it was not needed, I guess... I guess he could give it back to me ib the end, if he choses. But I desire to give it to him first, none the less. If you only had a meak cold and Birdie had deadly pneumonia, wouldn't you wish to give him your share of medicine, instead of hiding it for just in case, my Sun?" Girl asked him desperately. " That is how I feel.."