Svarik and the company I :)

[VisAnastasis]

Erdel nodded.
" He lives south from here, on his own. On a protected uninhabited island at the sea. No humans, no Spirits, no Demon, not even animals, really... Just him.  " he continued quietly. " He never leaves it, expect when he calls Tide, to escort him somewhere close by so he could grind some minerals he lacks. He then retreats back to his island, to his house carved within a cave, where he keeps his potions. He has a little garden, and an orchard, to which he tends to himself... He speaks scarcely, and quietly... You should not speak up, unless he asks you something, Hans told me. You should not come closer than two meters from him, unless he bids you for it. You should strive to do whatever he bids you, no matter how silly it may look to you, if you want him to have anything to do with you. You should make a deal with him to make you potion for Cernunnos, but you must make sure not to try to either raise your voice to make it or hand to shake with him, or it will just make him send you away. I thought, it would be unpleasant, but easy enough to just go around and do what he bids me to... " vampire sighed with weariness. " But even when you're not a healer, when you gaze into those eyes, sir... You just feel it in your heart... You can almost see it... laid bare before you - there is no sea, but a vast, infinite dessert, where nothing any more grows... It was... a soul forcefully stripped of all complexity and beauty... A soul hollow. " tear couldn't help but fell from his eyes, and he raised his hand and cleaned it, clearly growing shaken as he remembered the sad image... Through hand laid upon Erdel's, Svarik could feel vampire's hands were chillingly cold.

[Mirach]

Svarik pressed his hand lightly, bud didn't say anything, knowing where the desert in the spirit's soul came from and how his soul was close to it as well without water.

[VisAnastasis]

Erdel pressed back the offered hand lightly, as if trying to find some reassurance and comfort in it, though what he had seen there, in that island, must have struck some cord with him, hurting him. He felt need to speak of it, as if to draw out a poison that plagued his thoughts.
" I spent whole day there... " he whispered quietly. " I first explained him about Cernunnos, and he was quiet. He asked me to give him a day of my time, in which I would do only what he bids me, in exchange for potion. I knew you'd spend all day with Melody, so I accepted, for Cernunnos. But things he asked me for.. " he shook his head quietly, before he continued hoarsely. " He asked me to water and tend to his garden with him, in silence, while maintaining safe distance from him. He asked me to join him for a meal, and he made us a fruit salad, and we sat at opposed sides of tables, and he just told me to eat, while he was staring at his bowl and didn't even touch the food, as if it was nothing that would please him but ash that would fall through his mouth. He lead me to his alchemy lab, and he instructed me how to grind some minerals, and he was snickering hoarsely and tearing up in the same time while watching how bad I was at it... After few hours of hard work, he led me outside in his garden for a brake, and we both had a mug of... Lukewarm water. I think he meant to make a tea for me, but forgot to add any herbs to it. He just kept staring at his mug in silence, and when some time passed, he just spilled the water at a side without drinking it, as if  it had no taste or appeal to him. " vampire gulped. " We then worked in the garden some more. He then lit a fire in his cave, and using minerals I have grinded before, he started brewing a potion. It was quite late by then already. He worked quietly and slowly, and silence was deafening. At one point, I did not know what is expected of me... I leaned just a little closer, to see what he was doing... And it must had been too close. He immediately stopped what he was doing, and looked at me tearfully, stepping back and leaning against the wall, looking as if he was anticipating I'd hit him or hurt him. He was looking at me as if I was someone else... " he gulped. " I knew I could not do anything, without being able to speak with him or touch him, so I just stood still. He just... Stared at me, for ten minutes straight, looking at if he had shut down completely. Only then, when I slowly backed of to the edge of the opposing wall, did he slowly come back to his table, and started working again, with shaking hands... It was... hard to watch. "

[Mirach]

Svarik could imagine painfully well how that little spirit felt during Erdel's visit. "Sage said they have no soul healers here, that's why nobody tended to the Sea Deity in that way. Do you think someone has tended to Malachite? Do you think we could help a little? It seems like a very old hurt, and deep, but maybe we could do at least a little..."

[VisAnastasis]

" I don't know... " vampire gulped, holding closely onto Svarik's hand, as if it has been only thing grounding him from the pain of what he had to see. " By what Hans said, it seemed to me he had chosen to withdraw into himself st his own volition. That he just asked to be left alone, and didn't want to go anywhere where anyone could meet him, Spirit, human or Demon. He wanted to be left alone... But in the same time, it seemed to me as if he wanted to be alone just so nobody would touch him or raise voice or hand at him. Where nobody could say his name. " Erdel replied tiredly. " At the end of the day, after he poured potion in a bottle... He told me Cernunnos should take one spoon of the mixture every day, and that when it runs out, I can come to him again, to make another deal with him to make me another bottle of it. He told me there is only one thing left he wants from me. He asked me to kneel before him, and extended his left hand to me. He just wanted.. to pat my hair a little, as if to say I did a good job. His hands were gloved, but I could feel scars beneath them. I couldn't stand it. I... Took his hand into mine. He gasped, looking afraid... But when I leaned it against my lips and kissed it, he seemed genuinely surprised and smitten. There was just a bit of opening, as thin as needle's eyes, when he hoarsely asked me if I could do it again, and I used it. I kissed his hand lightly a couple more times, and he was trembling. When he withdrew a moment later, he seemed touched by my act, but also vulnerable, as if.. As if acting so freely had violated him deeply somehow. He left the bottle of potion he made for me on the ground, and told me to leave. He then retrieved, and went back to his house, and I could hear him crying... But I had to respect his wish, and leave... " vampire whispered, and by his voice, it seemed that it was that very moment, that was most seered into his mind, and he couldn't stop thinking of it. " I felt so... Helpless. I felt like I have done a... Sacrilege. It is not the kind of parting that falls easy on your conscience. But still... I feel so helpless, now as well. I know there is nothing I can do... But... He looked so sensitive... As if for him, touch of the body was no different from touch upon the soul. The sound of his tears haunt me. I feel as if I had done something terrible and unclean, just by laying my lips upon his hand... " he sobbed. " I just wished to show him my respect. Last person before whom I have knelt and whose hand I kissed was general... And I could not clean of the scent of his foul skin ever since. I hoped this may wash it away. I feel... Like I have done a terrible thing, without way to fix it... "

[Mirach]

"There was an opening?" Svarik asked. "From what you are saying, it feels to me that you didn't do a bad thing. It's hard to explain... In the Heart, the Sage did something similar to me. In it, you can actually see your soul as a land, and mine was not a desert yet, but very dry, with the water shut very deep. That water... it represent your innermost self there, I think. And you know how Sage is a waterbender..." Svarik paused, looking somewhere into distance. "I built so many barrieres around it, so that nobody would hurt it again. But his touch went right through them, and it felt so unexpected and violating... but it was gentle instead of hurting, and that was also unexpected, and so good and soothing that I realized I longed for it for a long time... From what you say, for this little spirit body and soul are much closer. It must have been something like that what he felt with your kiss. It was hurting and soothing in the same time. Hurting he knows, but the other might make some difference to him. His reaction shows that there is still water somewhere deep in his soul, even if it's a desert on the surface. Music would not help though, it would not get past his barrieres. It seems that you can do more for him than me..."

[VisAnastasis]

" Me? " vampire asked, dumbfounded - it seemed that, for a moment, his distress was broken with confusion. He held Svarik's hand closely, as if it was helping him focus, as he felt closer with Svarik right now, protective of him too, in the light of info which he had shared of his own ordeal. " I hoped... That you may know what should I do, s-sir... Cause I do not. I... I was in awe of him. He doesn't want to meet anyone, but he still had agreed to meet me, and agreed to make me a potion for Cernunnos, even if my presence made him uncomfortable. He agreed to help me, asking for no riches I did not have for such an important cure for me, only for my time. It is not act of someone heartless, but someone good... I want to do something nice for him... But what? What can you do for someone to whom food tastes like ashes, water can't quench thirst? To a person that doesn't want to leave one single island upon the sea where he feels safe, and to whom I can't even lead to travel somewhere nice to enjoy himself? What can *I* possibly do? You are healer, you could do something... " his voice trembled hoarsely and hopefully. " I am just a brute creature whose only virtue is being strong... Only really fit to be a crude bodyguard, but maybe not even that, if we're faced with something supernatural. I am not even sure if he'd even want to see me again, after what I've done... "

[Mirach]

"He would fear that you will come again, and he would long for it," Svarik said. "I think you are the first who touched him in many years, but your touch was gentle, and he opened up to it, even if just a little. That's why you, and not me. He would not allow me to touch him with my music, he would just retreat deeper into himself before it. I will tell you what I think you could do, but I only know what you have told me, so you may know better. I think you should visit him again when Cernunnos needs a new potion. He would expect that visit, so it would not scare him. Spend a day with him again. From the way how he wanted you to do things with him for a day, I would say that somewhere deep down, he is lonely, even if he avoids company. Spend a day with him on his own terms, but before you leave, kiss his hand again. Every time Cernunnos needs more medicine, do that. It will become a ritual. He will expect it, and won't be afraid of it anymore. Maybe he will even long for it. He might even start making smaller potions, so you would come sooner... And with every visit, he may allow you to come just a bit closer to him... It may take years or even centuries, but you have the time for it."

[VisAnastasis]

By Erdel's expression, and demons' hand growing a touch warmer, Svarik could feel he found right words to respond to him and reassure him - a reply that vampire recognized was well founded, from a source of someone who was hurt in such way and to whom he could trust. A reply that left him hopeful toward the future, and made him realize he actually would forward to that bond, even if scared of it in some ways too.

" That... Sounds nice. Yes, like something that could go wrong, but if I could do it, after all.. It sounds nice. I think.. That I would like that. To befriend him. I would like to have a Spirit friend, who is alright with me being a demon and not scared of me. " he seemed to realize that suddenly, recognizing that need was strong with him, even more so, after White's withdrawal from him. King could see a new rush of color in his face, as his eyes suddenly sparkled with an idea that came to him with king's suggestion. " Svarik, sir.. I... I think I would like... To leave him a gift in apology, still, before we leave for home. Gift of gratitude. You told me, if I see anything on the market, I could tell you, and you would buy it for me.. " he reminded king vulnerably, as if hoping he'd stay true to that promise. " When we go out to buy souvenirs and gifts for our friends.. Could I, please, chose something nice for him as well? Nothing grand and expensive... Whatever cheep token you can spare... Maybe some cool mineral... Or necklace made from gems and colorful stones... He seems to like those.. " he asked hopefully. " Just to leave him something nice, so he would not remember me by ill... Something from me that he can touch, without having to touch me.... Could we do that, please? "

[Mirach]

"Of course we could. And please, don't look at the cost. If you see something you think he would like, we will get it for him," Svarik reassured him.

[VisAnastasis]

" You promise, sir? " vampire asked vulnerably, looking up at him feverishly, gazing into his eyes, as if trying to see if there are any traces of hesitation in them.

[Mirach]

"I promise," Svarik said, pressing his hand two times.

[VisAnastasis]

Vampire's eyes teared up - but not with pain, but with trust and gratefulness, this time. King felt he could get lost in in the warmth and fondness in vampire's eyes. They were filled with respect, as if thanking Svarik, for helping him with advice and offering him solution for something that had upset him and brought him pain.

He looked down at Svarik's hand, as if in his mind, he was deciding on something very important. And then... He solemnly lowered his head, and laid his lips upon Svarik's hand, closing his eyes with a light little kiss. It was an act that he didn't want to do, before he was completely sure he really meant it - an act of respect and budding loyalty, only act he felt could rightfully show to Svarik how much his support and generosity has meant to Erdel... Demons, indeed, seemed to be down to bone, very impulsive creatures, and had to act on their feelings, not able to resist their call - not acting upon them and sharing them would have been damaging to them. However, it seemed it had helped Erdel and gave him relief, to be able to speak with Svarik of this, and have his counsel and support, and he had been compelled to return it on only way he felt is proper.

[Mirach]

Svarik bowed his head a little, acknowledging the gesture and showing he appreciated it. "Would you like one more cup?" he asked then.

[VisAnastasis]

" I think... That I would like it now. " Vampire agreed shyly. " If you would give me the pleasure of sitting down beside you and Xia, not opposite to you, during this one, sir. " he bid with little frail smile, as if seeing how much he could get away with right now. " I feel like I could relax, like that... "

[Mirach]

"Of course, why couldn't you? Sit down wherever you want. Here..." he took the teapot and refilled Erdel's cup.

[VisAnastasis]

Vampire seemed touched by Svarik being so patient and doing it for him. He sat down beside meadow king, and he siped the warm potion, more at ease now, having shared his worries and having something to look forward to in future.
 Going to market to buy something for Malachite seemed to significantly improve his mood, giving him something pleasant he would enjoy in. With that exciting mindset, it seemed he could finally relax, and tears kicked in.  Empty cup rolled down from his hand to floor, and his head sank down slowly, and he murmured something illegible - and his head ended up on Svarik's shoulder, and he fell asleep deeply under the strong doze, with little content smile upon his pale lips.

[Mirach]

Svarik smiled a little, and just watched over his sleeping friends, the only one awake in the room.

[VisAnastasis]

The doze seemed to be really strong this time, because his friends remained sleeping for a long while, and their  aura seemed to be trembling with some relief from being eased by the sothing beverage. Only around half an your later, did he see little changes in Xia, as she slowly started to wake.

[Mirach]

Svarik embraced her more closely, so she would feel his presence while waking.

[VisAnastasis]

Creature was incoherent and confused at first, wondering what has happened. But when she recognized Svarik and remembered, she fluffed up shyly and vulnerably. She leaned onto his embrace, and she fraily started purring, as if trying to tell him her thanks for keeping her safe and watching over her so gently, it meaning much to her.

[Mirach]

Svarik caressed her, glad that she was feeling a little better.

[VisAnastasis]

Creature's purr was fainter and less free than usual, but it was apparent she was feeling safer and less tense, because, despite being in the world she could see was inherently cruel, it was easier to be in it, when she could have someone she sow as so inherently good by her side, to protect her and soothe her. As she was slowly coming to her senses more during next couple of minutes, fraily, she started licking his hand with which he caressed her, as if sleepily caressing him back, finding comfort and solace in that closeness with him.

( OOC: Hi, dear! This is going to sound a bit strange, but I would like to ask you for something. I remembered you liked camping, so I wondered if you maybe have some sort of a sleeping bag that you could borrow me for tomorrow night? I'd return it to you during Monday afternoon. It's okay if you don't have it, it's actually a little funny why I ask, but me and my friends need to go to international police, so we can sign up for temporary stay, and we already had tried to do it two times, but there were so many, like hundreds of people waiting, and we waited two times for the whole day and couldn't make it on time, and we heard people wait through whole night just to get the number. It can get quite bad. We want to wait this time for as long too, from 8 in the evening, throughout whole night, to the morning, so we would be among first people in line and hopefully finish it this time. I will carry food and lot layers of clothes and a blanket, of course, so it won't be too bad a wait, but it would be nice to have something warmer like sleeping bag, if you could spare to borrow it for that one night, or if some of your friends have more than one so some of my friends could borrow it and sleep too, it would be even better, but I wouldn't dare worry you for no reason if it's inconvenient, as it's really just one night :) I don't plan  to buy and have to drag home something big like that just for that one night spent outside, but if you don't have it, it's okay, of course, and please do not worry, it will all be well, I hope, I just figured it wouldn't hurt to ask <3

[Mirach]

Svarik did not speak to her yet, letting her wake with her own pace, just caressing her lightly.

(OOC: I have heard about the ridiculous situation in that police department, sure you can borrow a sleeping bag, I have two. Can you come sometime in the afternoon?)

[VisAnastasis]

It seemed to be good for the creature, to just relax and do nothing. It gave time for her thoughts to fall better into perspective, and also gave her a safe, warm environment where she felt support and protection of meadow king whom she trusted.
It passed a while before she did anything, just thinking things through herself. Only then, when tea's effect wore of for the most part, as things fell into better place for her, did she smile weakly at meadow king vulnerably.
" Xia... eating animal... food... not... Xia... hunter.... not... " she signed very slowly, taking time to make each sign properly, as if they had big weight for her this time. " But... Xia... Xia.. carry... uncle... lot... animal food.... " she looked at king, quietly and shyly - there were clouds of some loss and sadness, something she could not return to again, knowing what she had known now. However, there was some acceptance, as creature chose not to be part of such world and eat flesh of another, but understood others were not build like her, and needed such food to stay healthy and get better - she had hardship with comprehending it, but did not want to judge anyone for it, seeming to slowly grow to understand that her powers made her privileged in some ways.


( OOC: Yes, it really is ridiculous, I've never seen anything quite like it - camping, sleeping, or even worse, standing whole night just to get a number, and then waiting whole day for your turn - I'd be angry, honestly, if it wasn't so weird and surreal. Even, like, it's international police, but people have only basic understanding of English... One Chinese man had a thick English accent, and they couldn't understand him so they sent him away and told him to come back another day with a translator, after waiting for whole night... It's brutal, and rather hard to watch, I really hope we'll finish it this time so we can put it behind us, since it's last working day before Easter holidays.
If you have two sleeping bags, could I perhaps borrow them both? There'll be four of us, me, Alexander, Đorđe and Dejan waiting throughout the night, and I'd feel bad if I was only one that's warm. If we have two sleeping bags, we could exchange once in a while. Would that be alright? I won't do much of homework today, as I'm checking out what all books and stuff I can pack up to get faster through the night and preparing for it, so I can stop by to get it anytime in afternoon that  you're freer, whenever time works best for you, I'll be there. <3