Senecio and Tide

[VisAnastasis]

" There... is another option? I imagine if there is option without aid, that it's more gloomy. " Boy tried to smile faintly, but his face was pale. " So, I would like to hear that first, please..."

[Mirach]

"Well, it's about compromises between movement and pain. What you have now gives you too much pain for very little useful additional movement. Considering your needs, what would be an actually good compromise would be around here..." he showed on his own hand. "The tumb and a part of the index finger. The middle finger is actually hindering your range more than helping it. Cutting it and allowing the wound to heal would actually make the movement of the remaining fingers easier and less painful."

[VisAnastasis]

" That would leave me only with two fingers. Isn't it too little? When I wear gloves, and stuff in the missing fingers with cloth, people almost don't notice... " He bit his lip, looking down. " So... I assume you will ask me to consider the mechanical offer, then? If he decides to suggest it, I mean..."

[Mirach]

"That was the best compromise between pain and movement. You did not mention looks. But you could still wear gloves and stuff the missing fingers. And the mechanical offer would actually be almost the same, when it comes to what it will attach to. I would leave the thumb in any case, and cut the middle finger. Index finger, that would depend. If there would be a fully functional mechanical replacement, it might be better to cut it at the second joint, too, or even fully.  It depends on your preference."

[VisAnastasis]

Emmet wasn't looking at Svarik, just listening.
" It's not that I... Mind that they look cut. I mind the look people give me. I hate the stares. " He admitted quietly. He tried to look brave, but despite having to be mature to shield the little ones, he was young too, being barely 19, and looked tense. " I feel... Reluctant, to cut off something that can't be taken back. It is a decision for a whole life. Janus... Looks to be trying so far. But what if it's just how he will be now, at a start, when we are interesting change to him?" He asked quietly, looking absently at his hand." He could easily use me needing him to maintain it as a trump card to do anything he wants from me and bind me to his service. What... Would you do?" He asked tensely." If you were in my place? "

[Mirach]

"Ah... You think he could blackmail you with it? Well, from what he told me, he would like to make you something really refined and functional. But making something simple that would just work fine enough - and still better than your current range - shouldn't be that hard to him. I would ask him to do that, if he really means it. So that you don't end with nothing in case he changes his mind. In any case, cutting off the middle finger will do more good than harm. It can't be taken back, but I dare to say that you really wouldn't want to, once it is done and healed. And the damaged end of the index finger, but no more right now. I would only cut more once the refined aid is ready and you are sure that you are getting it."

[VisAnastasis]

" I don't think I can decide well without knowing what he meant when he mentioned the hand to you. I can't help but fear what he wants to accomplish. Why would he do that?. I don't want to hurt his feelings... But I swore I won't depend on someone like that again. It was bad enough that I had to stay with Guliermo because no other mechanic would take me in like this.. " He admitted quietly to Svarik." Do you think we should call him to... Talk with him? I... Don't know what to do. I..." He grimaced." I don't have anyone I trust, to ask for advice... "

[Mirach]

"Well, it's my fault that I revealed it to you before he wanted to. But now that you know, I think that delaying it would only increase your tension. It might be better to talk about it now."

[VisAnastasis]

" I... need answers at least. Would it... be alright if you called him? " he asked Svarik faintly, accepting the obvious, that concealing it now would only make him more helpless and worried. He turned to the other two apprentices, and asked them quietly too if it would be okay for them to leave the basement level for a minute or two, while they talk - he didn't seem to want them to worry, or more so, to see Janus unfavorably, in case goes bad, judging by his worried heavy look. Children were unsure at first, not wanting to leave him alone when he was distraught, but seeing he wants it, not wanting to make this harder for him, and so they stood up to follow Svarik back outside the level again.

[Mirach]

"A moment of your time, please?" Svarik asked Janus when he saw him with Conrad. "See... you didn't tell me that Emmet doesn't know about the mechanical hand so... I fear now he does. He would like to discuss it with you..."

[VisAnastasis]

From excited after talking with Hans and getting the promise of getting their own place soon, Janus's face fell in fear and panic. He didn't notice the other two kids following along with Svarik, as he seemed overwhelmed suddenly, by the weight of the news it had for him. He leaned against the wall, trying to keep his balance.

" B-but... Why? " he asked, with a pained expression, stuttering, like a toy with broken programming when something went outside his neatly made box of expectations. " Why would you think he would know? Don't you know how terribly tempted and excited I was, all the time, to speak to him about it? Yet, I wasn't insane. Senecio explained me everything. " he gritted his teeth helplessly. " How would you tell a child with a history of being hurt and fears of getting dependent on people, that you want to cut off his hand? No way, to a child that only knows you for a week. I needed at least a month... maybe more... I needed much more time, and I needed to teach him much more, so he understands what I am offering him. He barely began learning the basics of basics. Oh... what do I do... "

[Mirach]

"Talk to him about it. He knows your intention but you still can take the time for him to understand it properly. I'm really sorry, he let me check his hand and wanted my opinion and I couldn't give it properly without knowing what he will be doing with the hand..."

[VisAnastasis]

" I wanted to wait to ask, but I couldn't bear watching how hurtful it was to move it. I just asked if anything could be done for the pain. I wanted to buy time until I can suggest him this properly. Senecio understood. He knew why it was important. " the creature replied with a glassy, lost expression, embracing itself around its arms for comfort, asking tensely, with unreasonable, guilty hope. " How... did he react? Was... was he at least a little... excited about getting it? Was he glad I wanted to do this for him, without him having to ask for it? I... really looked forward, to how happy he'd be when the time comes to tell him... "

[Mirach]

"He was cautious. Afraid that you would use it as a bargaining chip when you want something from him. I think he would like it though, if he learns that you have no other motives to do it than helping him. There was a glimmer of hope in him. I really don't like to rush it, but I also really wouldn't want to leave him in pain for a month. He did not listen to the healers in hope that the damaged parts would still be useful and partly he was right, but this is just cruel. Cutting the middle finger and a part of the index finger would actually let him use the hand more freely without pain. It doesn't need to be the whole hand. Sometimes you need to let go to get better. And I hate to rush him, but I hate leaving him in pain even more. I could do it tomorrow, with no pain from the cutting, and healing the wound right away. There would be no additional pain for him with that, as it would if you would wait and to do it the normal way. And you could make him a mechanical replacement of the missing parts tomorrow, to give him much more use of the hand as he has now and a promise that you are serious about the offer. Nothing fancy, just a simple one that can be made fast. One he can maintain on his own so he doesn't feel dependent on you with it. I understand that Senecio did not want to rush him, but Senecio probably doesn't know how much pain he's in. And he doesn't need to be... I am here right now, I can make it better, as you wanted. But not without the cut, I'm afraid."

[VisAnastasis]

Janus needed rules, guidelines, something to give him direction into how to properly behave and deal with social interaction. He looked enamoured, listening and clinging to Svarik's every word hopefully. While in one hand it did calm him, there seemed to be a conflict in something Svarik said, that made him torn.

" But... Emmet knows nothing of prostetics yet. Barely a bit about mechanisms.  To make something simple enough for him to be able to maintain himself... It has to be really simple. It would have to just work on mechanisms alone, and bend fingers himself. That's not what he deserves, but he isn't ready to comprehend more than something like that right now. I am talking difference between making a toy that moves, and making a robotic support with programing fit for him. " He pressed his temples, adding sadly, but still with spark of hope and passion, like an artist describing a masterpiece. " I wanted it to be my most ambitious prostetics yet! Wired into nervous system, made to move by control of one's will, and with artificial nerve network built inside it, so the touch would feel like the normal hand. Strong like titanium, so he could give a strong punch or block swords or daggers if he is defending himself, but elegant, so he would not feel ugly or bulky wearing it. Sensitive enough to pick up an egg without breaking it. I am not... Making him a toy.  " He sneered, as if idea was proposterous. His eyes darkened, and he seemed rather talk right then, as he straightened, with last bit of pride he could muster." I... I am an elder God. It would be like asking a nature God to give you a pretty leaf that you can find on any tree. I am not giving hiim... A puny leaf." He waved away with his hand sharply."  Any good enough mechanic could make him solid enough toy. I want to make him something fitting enough for... For apprentice of a God. No toys..."

[Mirach]

"I suspected something like that," Svarik smiled. "Consider the toy just a temporary solution before making that masterpiece. Something he can accept at the moment. When he is ready, you will make him a proper one. But until then, would you rather him being in pain and with no aid or painless with a functional toy?"

[VisAnastasis]

That was a strong argument, only one that could impact a Being so intent on for giving his apprentices the best. His eyes finally fell on the two children, hiding behind Svarik, and he gulped nervously, trying to remember if he said anything harsh they would be scared of, bitting his lip. He tried to pull of a little smile, as he replied.

" I... Guess you are right. There is nothing wrong with... Children having lot of toys. " He cleared his throat, trying to sound more measured." It is most important to me... that they feel well. If not that functional... At least I can make it beautiful, so he can feel good about it and get used to wearing gadgets, before we get to the real thing. I guess I could go over the draft... And see if there is any simple functionality I could pack in it, so he could play with it and have something to explore as he learns." He took a deep breath." What... Do you think? I want to talk with him. Did he say he wished me to come alone? Or with you, as we speak of his options? I sort of hoped we can work up to it until he would agree to get whole hand cut of. From functional point, making the hand from wrist down mechanical would be the best for him, in my opinion. Just like with a shattered feet, I would always building from ankle... "

[Mirach]

"Not now," Svarik said strictly. "From medical point, it is not necessary. Once he understands the mechanical point fully, you can discuss it with him and let him choose himself, even if it's not what you would choose."

[VisAnastasis]

Creature seemed bewildered a little bit, but Svarik seemed to have had a way with words that was soothing him and calming him.
" Yes... I would like him to choose this... But that's the point, isn't it? That he chooses for himself." He smiled a little nervously." Thank you... Do excuse me, please. I must speak with him." He said, and he wanted to leave, but got back in a step, to take the bag." I have all my... Sketches of it here, so I have to bring it..." He explained embaraassedly as he finally turned to leave, his hands shaking a little with emotions.

[Mirach]

"He did not really say if he wants to speak to you alone or not... If either of you needs me, just call my name, alright?" Svarik asked. "I'll be here with the other boys."

[VisAnastasis]

" Thank you. Please, keep them safe for me. I will be back soon. They bedtime is due soon, they must sleep right hours to reset their natural sleep patt-tern..." He stuttered a little embaraassedly, before he turned and left down the stage again, leaving the two men and the children, looking unsure and thoughtful, behind him.

[Mirach]

"I hope I didn't scare you with the talk about cutting off Emmet's finger," he said apologetically. "Sometimes it really is the best that can be done..."

[VisAnastasis]

Youngest one seemed undecided, a little worried, but understanding it. The older, Jack, nodded quietly, seriously.
" No... I think it would be good. I know Emmet for five years now, mister Svarik, and healers are telling him to cut it off all that time. I would be happy if he agrees. I hope the new toy hand may tempt him to agree, because nothing else would... " He whispered. " We... we don't have money right now, but master Janus will pay us tomorrow, so we can pay you tomorrow..."
" Yes.." youngest one chipped in urgently, adding fervently." Please, sir, convince Emmet. If you can make his hand better, you don't have to treat us, we will give you everything we made! If you can stay a week, we will give you the next week's pay too, we promise!"

[Mirach]

"I can't stay for a week, I'm afraid," Svarik said. "But I don't need a payment, really. I used to be a healer, but now I have another job that earns me enough. I just help because I like to."

[VisAnastasis]

The children seemed unsure, as they must have been ready to pay everything they have, little as it was, and didn't know what to do with this reply.
" Sir...Is master Janus paying you?" Jack asked unsurely." If not, please let us repay you. It's not right that you do something so important for us for nothing. "
" Everything needs to be repaid." Youngest one chipped in, like saying a catchphrase drilled deep into him, and Jack confirmed.
" Yes." He said." It's not right..."