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WHO: Dokja, Himeka, and Abel
WHAT: Dokja has a booboo after his altercation with Gen; Abel is taking him to Himeka to make it better
WHERE: The Godsblood Lodestone
WHEN: After this
WARNINGS: Blood/head trauma/injury, Dokja got Messed Up

[ it has been an exceptionally long day - and yet one that has been fruitful for many. there are new faces among their rank at the Lodestone beneath Godsblood, awakening Pleroma saved from the fate of having fallen into the hands of the Kenoma, saved from knowing the nauseating sensation of that living liquid writhing down one's throat and driving them to madness.

but, as with all things, hasn't come simple or easy, nor without consequences.

it's grown late; most must have surely retreated to the city proper by now, looking to find temporary lodgings and to recuperate from a "rebirth" via chrysalis. but the traveling stones have sent two latecomers - Aions not newly reborn, but who've had time and experience in Horos' lands - stumbling rather abruptly outward as the shimmer of the teleportation spell deposits them in the chilly shadow of the Lodestone's monolith. Dokja is cradled in Abel's arms, face bloodlessly pale underneath bruises and lacerations, beneath the thick caking of blood dripping from somewhere at the side of his head. his temple got the worst of it-- but he's in a very, very bad way. to say someone made a punching bag of his face is no exaggeration. ]

Help-- I need help, quickly, he's--

[ the call rings out, echoes off of the high stone; it carries and makes him sound even more desperate, which is a rather impressive feat considering. and doesn't he have a good reason...? the man he's holding-- one might be forgiven for thinking Dokja might already be dead. ]

D-Dokja. Dokja, hold on, can you hear me? [ the priest is hurriedly stepping further into the ruins, naked fear and something plaintive in his gaze that searches for help. please-- please don't let him be too late. please don't be too late-- ]

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[ There have been many new faces passing through, some taking their admittedly dire and strange situation better than others. Himeka is only glad that they can have a slightly less traumatizing introduction to Horos, one that will hopefully allow them to settle in at an easier and faster pace as well. Of course the imminent destruction of one's star and all of existence itself isn't the sort of thing one should take lightly.

Old hat and all that for some, she supposes.

Still it feels good to be part of that effort, which is why Himeka elects to stay in the general lodestone area even long after the others or gone. Or it's mostly why--truth be told, the smell of salt and brine warms her heart as it fills her lungs. She wants to linger by the sea just a little longer...

Her peace is broken by hearing a voice call out back by the lodestone--a frantic, but now familiar one. Getting back up on her feet, Himeka hurries up from the edge of the water towards the more central ruins proper. ]

Over here!

[ She waves as she rushes over, gaze snapping from Abel to the young man in his arms. It doesn't take much to guess what the issue is here and she wastes no time targeting Abel as the center of a large, shimmering bubble that forms around the two men. In that same instant, there is a gentle, cool, tickling sensation as her healing magicks set to work. Himeka breaks through it only a second later. ]

Is he breathing?

Himeka, [ he breathes an exhale of relief - and he has never been quite so glad to see someone as he is glad to see her, right now. of all the fortuitous turns of events, this... perhaps someone is watching out for his incredibly battered friend, after all. for a horrible moment, he sincerely thought the lodestone was abandoned and he'd returned to empty ruins. ]

--Yes, I... I think so. I don't know; he was already... when I got there, it was already--

[ he's tripping over himself, he knows; this isn't helpful, is it? but she's already gotten to work despite his stumblings, already surrounded them in the iridescent blanket of something he can feel gently easing at aches and pains around them. blue eyes travel down to Dokja in his arms, the first bloom of hope beginning to bud in his chest-- this is... magic? ]

Please, Miss Himeka. Can you help him? --What do you need of me?

[ The young man is in dire straights, though Abel looks like his worry has taken a tool as well. And he doesn't know how long this young man has been unconscious. She needs to stabilize him...hopefully. The thought that they could suffer a loss like this so soon after finally working as (something) of an organized collective--

No, first things first. Don't worry about the what-ifs until they're real. ]

I can try.

[ Despite the fact that her words don't seem to hold much hope, she offers a reassuring smile. ]

Could you lay him down? We'll spend less energy than standing up.

[ Himeka herself already begins to kneel as she flexes her fingers, gathering bits of the aether around her towards her palms. Small pale balls of glowing light collect in the space--in in her right she flicks a bright green wave to trickle over Dokja, like falling stars that sink into his skin to over slow bits of vitality. Then her right joins her left to grow the ball of bluish light large until she can place it squarely over his torso, where the most vital organs are kept.

Breathe. ]

[ she tells him to lay Dokja down - and Abel is immediately obliging, gently and cautiously lowering his friend to the cool grounds of the ruins. his eyes lift to Himeka, watching her with marked interest and unbridled hope; this is one of his first touches with magic, real magic-- and if the circumstances were different, perhaps it would be a thing of wonder.

but right now, all he can feel is a frozen sort of fear; he's subconsciously holding his breath as he watches, waits, to see if her efforts bear fruit.

--please let this work... ]

[ Despite fighting it, Dokja had ultimately slipped into a deep unconsciousness, the brittle pieces of his mind scattering and letting go. Like this, there's no pain erupting from his injuries, no sensation of choking on his own bile, nothing but a gentle drift into a pitch black that embraces Dokja like a long lost friend. He has known death a number of times.

But then it's pulled away from him and he feels it. A single tug at first and then more, like hands reaching out to pick up the debris of his mind to stitch them together, reconstruct the sentences of his stories. Letters, words, then entire sentences. Each one carefully administered back into their place until the story is whole. Until Dokja is made whole.

And then his senses gradually return to him. Voices. The uncomfortable caking of blood on his face. The rise and fall of his chest growing steady as his lips part and he inhales and exhales. Then, a slight stirring, fingers twitching to life, before his eyes slowly blink open.

They remain unfocused for now as they stare up in a daze at the shimmering bubble above him. What is that...? His mind distantly wonders, no real thought given to the aches and pains of his body being soothed and healed. No, in fact, he can't think about it. To think about it would be to think of regrets and a selfishness that can't be rivaled. He'd been close.

He'd been so close. ]

[ Progress is often slow, but the longer it takes for the young man to respond, the more Himeka begins to wonder if it's too late, or if her magicks aren't enough to rouse him. She pushes forward regardless, drawing from the aether in the air, in the ground, and even the nearby water to gather and imbue him with the will to live.

Bit by it, pieces of skin may be a little less raw, bones a little less sore. She cannot sew a man back together, but she can soothe pain and help accelerate the body's natural healing processes. Mayhaps if there is just a hill to get over, to push him gently to the side of waking--

--it's the slow rise of his chest that she notices first. Himeka keeps her hands focused to their task, but her tail pops up behind her slightly in response. Then the twitch of his fingers and eventually the opening of his eyes...

She won't be a familiar face, but she smiles nonetheless. ]

Welcome back.

[ This is a turning point. Her shoulders relax a little though her work is hardly done. She weaves another spell, sending a new wave of healing warmth to wash from head to toe.

Himeka turns her gaze to Abel and offers a nod. ]

[ this truly is... amazing.

watching Dokja's vitals slowly stabilize from a dangerous threshold to a far more comforting one is, in a word, utterly relieving, to say the least. this man is far from comfortably recovered, but it seems his life is no longer in immediate danger; thank... thank goodness. Abel doesn't understand it, still has yet to grasp the concept of something as abstract to him as 'magic' even while tentatively learning bits and pieces of it himself; Himeka's prowess is on another level. she has, quite literally, brought a human being back from the brink.

and he considers himself so immensely, intensely lucky and grateful for her.

...Abel gives her a wobbly, endlessly grateful smile in exchange for that glance; perhaps it is a bit embarrassingly watery around the edges, but they don't have to talk about it; instead, he'll commit his attentions to gently and carefully giving one of Dokja's hands a supportive squeeze. ]

Mr. Dokja...? Hey-- stay still, now, alright? You're safe... it's just Miss Himeka and me, so--

[ he's no longer in dire straits within the Lover's shrine facing down the 'enemy;' it's the only meager comfort Abel has to offer considering he can't provide a balm to these wounds like his redheaded companion, here. but... ]

...She's very kindly tending your injuries, so be a good little Dokja and don't go moving around too much, alright? Y... you, really-- scared us, for a moment there...

[ s-stupid....... idiot... going and getting yourself beat to a fine pulp...

Abel is so glad it seems Dokja's going to pull through, after all. ]

[ Welcome back.

Dokja squeezes his eyes shut for a moment, a sudden lump in his throat hard to swallow down. He's back... He should be grateful, he should be glad. So as long as he draws breath, so will the others he's left back home. It's only natural, then, to be relieved to be alive. For this story to be able to continue.

And yet, it's difficult to ignore the part of him that wishes he had stayed behind in the shrine of the Lover. Bits and pieces of his encounter with that boy return to Dokja, and the shame of what he'd said, of what he'd revealed, puts an undue weight against his heart. Sinks it to the very bottom of his stomach. But he can't think about that right now. Not in the company of others.

So, when he next opens his eyes, they slide over to the unfamiliar face and the corners of his lips lift up in a shaky smile. ]

Thank you.

[ He is grateful, but most of all, he's embarrassed. He'd caused this person to rush to his aid like this, take time out of her own business, just because he'd been stupid enough to let down his guard. Really, he can't seem to do anything but trouble the lives of others.

And to Abel, whose presence is both a comfort and a burden, Dokja shifts his now less aching head to the other side to offer him an unlucky smile, weakly squeezing the priest's hand in return. ]

I'm sorry for scaring you.

[ They're not too late, that's the most important thing. She offers Dokja a quiet nod as well and concentrates on her work. She wonders what happened, of course, though based on the injuries she can see Himeka can venture a few guesses. The specifics will need to wait unless he feels well enough to divulge them of his own volition.

Himeka can't really offer Abel and Dokja the privacy they may want while she attends to his wounds, but she tries to allow the quiet they may need instead.

Her tail waves gently above the ground behind her as she closes her eyes, letting the flow of his aether guide her. She is no where near as skilled at such things as Y'shtola, but cleansing the Shroud has allowed her some semblance of finding damage by more than just sight. Corruption isn't quite the same as physical wounds, but the body sings pain in its own way that you can pick up on when you've seen it often enough.

The bubble around them fades and she must wait to cast another. Instead, a large watery flower blooms above him in a shower of vitality before her hands move to where the greatest wounds are. That he stay still is important so that she can encourage his body to heal in the right ways.

While she doesn't offer words of her own, she cannot help but listen to their exchange. (Who did he face out there?) ]

[ he really can't express how grateful he is in words; Himeka being here in their time of need was nothing short of divine providence, and he'll have to offer a prayer to whoever might listen to him in his thanks, later.

but for now-- he takes a measured breath to calm himself upon seeing Dokja talking, having enough strength to squeeze those fingers back. they're both good signs, a drastic improvement from the state he'd been in mere moments prior. ]

...Miss Himeka, I can't thank you enough for your quick help. --I'll try not to distract you too much, -s-sorry, sorry. Mr. Dokja, don't fidget, alright? She's using a magic flower and it's very pretty, so I'll be extremely upset with you if you go ruining it doing something stupid.

[ His Doing Something Stupid quota has been filled for the day, Abel. No worries there.

He does remain still as instructed, mostly because he's exhausted. He'll never get used to being taken care of, and some of that shows in the way he can't meet either Himeka or Abel's eyes after he's spoken his thanks and apologies.

Instead, he fixes his tired gaze on the watery flower, not entirely sure what it is he's looking at, but whatever it is, it certainly helps. Dokja feels as though his fatigue is being washed from him, and the heaviness of his eyelids and the thrumming of his head further dissipates. ]

I've never seen anything like this before, [ he murmurs quietly, more and more of his body relaxing as if to welcome in the healing magic. ] Himeka, was it?

[ Yes, let's talk about the pretty flower so they don't have to talk about what Dokja had gotten himself into. ]

[ Himeka opens her eyes to give Abel a quizzical but amused look. Not that she expects anyone not from Etheirys to be familiar with these magicks in particular, but putting it like that does make it seem...rather silly, doesn't it?

She supposes that maybe now is not the time for them to lick their more metaphorical wounds and just be glad to be alive. She can certainly provide for that.

She nods to Dokja's question. ]

And you must be Mister Dokja.

[ She's not so reliant on formalities, but copying Abel's moniker is too tempting. It keeps the mood light, she hopes. ]

This is called "white magick" where I'm from. It's a little...arcane.

[ Forbidden to most, but that's neither here nor there. ]

I won't be able to fully heal your wounds, but we can make sure you're stable for the journey to somewhere you can rest properly.

[ Looking back to Abel, she asks, ]

Were you planning on taking him back to Godsblood?

Ah-- sorry, yes, I-- yes! This is Miss Himeka, and... Miss Himeka-- please meet Mr. Dokja. Though I suppose you both-- you, um. Gathered introductions already, th-that's...

[ a-anyway, ]

--Mm, to Godsblood-- that's right. Either to where he's staying, or I'll find some lodgings for him somewhere quiet... and ensure he gets some much-needed rest thanks to your good work.

[ yes, he has decided he's on babysitting duty. suffer, Dokja. ]

You're alright with that, Mr. Dokja?

[ actually he doesn't care bc he's going to do it anyway but let him pretend to ask to be polite, ]

[ Keeping the mood light... He can help with that, despite being the total mood dampener that his actions had caused to begin with.

His shaky smile remains on his face, though it turns apologetic at her explanation. ]

This is more than enough. I won't forget this debt.

[ Because like hell if he's just going to allow himself to get healed for nothing. The last thing he's ever wanted to do was burden people with his problems (minus Gen), so he carefully notes her name and face for the future. He'll have to pay this back somehow.

And, ah, speaking of burdening people... ]

That's okay, Abel, I can find my way back after a moment. You should get some rest, too.

[ Ha... ha... No, really. Aren't they all tired?? They should part ways and get some rest and just never speak of this again— ]

[ Goodness, Abel must be extremely concerned to stutter and stumble over his words that much. He'd been markedly more well-spoken when they were, erm...mind-speaking or whatever that was. (Definitely not speaking through her chest.) She can certainly forgive the lack of proper introductions on the battlefield.

Dokja's promise of debt, of course, needs addressing. She cocks her head to the side as her brows push together and upwards. ]

No.

[ She shakes her head once. ]

No debts. We're all in this together, aren't we? We help where we can.

[ He has a point, though. They are all tired, she remembers seeing the state that Estinien was in as well.

Now both men get a thorough once over. As someone who also avoids resting until she absolutely is forced to, she knows that look. Doesn't mean she won't be a total hypocrite here, though. ]

Mayhaps we should head back together, then.

[ It is a suggestion, but will they dare to say "no"? ]

[ ...Miss Himeka really is kind, isn't she?

her refusal of any 'debt' here makes his heart soften a bit further, and Abel breathes the next exhale out slow through his nose. Tired is a good way to describe it after the day's efforts - and in no small part because the last leg of it had been, ah. stressful. ]

Mr. Dokja, what Miss Himeka is saying in much kinder terms than you deserve is no, we're not letting you walk out of here on your lonesome. [ pat-patting his shoulder... gently, but firmly. ] I'm not even sure walking is on the table, actually-- you should be taking it easy, you know...? A head injury is nothing to sniff at, and you-- you really did take a hard blow, I think...

[ the brain is such a fragile organ, and considering the worrisome signs of concussion at the Lover's shrine... Abel is absolutely intent on keeping an eye on him to make sure he hasn't suffered more serious damage.

not to mention the talk that is coming, too. ]

Miss Himeka-- are you staying in Godsblood as well? If it isn't too much trouble, I think you coming with is an excellent idea, just in case our dear friend here takes a turn for the worst while we're mobile.

[ It's terrible how much Dokja does not heed the words of others because his selective hearing easily tunes out the refusal. He's a selfish person through and through, and he won't rest easy knowing Himeka had gone out of her way for someone like him.

He'll stay silent for now, halfheartedly nodding his head at her question of them all being in this together. Dokja's... actually never really thought that but who has to know!!

Just him? Just him.

Also, he's fine? But he can't seem to get a word in with all this planning the other two are doing, and so he opens his mouth to squeeze out one last useless protest. ]

I'm really okay, though...

[ Sure, maybe his head still aches a bit and he feels ready to pass out at any moment, but. That's just Dokja things. ]

[ A head injury, hm? Seems to be one of many, but that's good to know. She exchanges a silent look with Abel--it seems that they are, at least, on the same page where Dokja's well-being is concerned. Abel is being stubborn in his own quiet way and she's only too happy to assist with an equally stubborn patient.

And hey, if all else fails, a well-timed sleep spell would do the trick...

Dokja is overruled as she smiles at Abel and gives a nod of agreement, the glow of her latest healing spell finally fading. ]

I've been staying in Greentruth but I'd be happy to stick around for a while. I'd like to see the city.

[ Nevermind that she's definitely not dressed for it. She rests her hands on her knees as she returns her smile to Dokja. ]

It would be upsetting if you split in two on the way or something.

[ That won't happen.

Probably? Yeah. ]

[ well~! Dokja isn't the only one with selective hearing, because Abel is outright ignoring that pitiful mumble about okay-ness in favor of nodding along to Himeka, ]

--Ah! Well if that's the case, an excursion is long overdue...! It's quite nice, Miss Himeka-- a bit boisterous, but as long as you're not bothered by crowds? I bet you'll enjoy it!

[ Abel's beginning to pull himself back a bit, before he hesitates and looks at The Patient. ]

Hm. I definitely don't want him splitting in two... that would be terribly unfortunate, mm. Mm, mm. Just one of him is troublesome enough. Do you suppose he's alright to walk, or should I give him a taxi...?

[ Hello? He is right here?

He is also starting to realize that no matter what he says, they've made up their minds. The very least he can at this point is to walk on his own without relying on anyone.

And look, he'll prove that he's able to walk. Just give him a second... as he tries to prop himself up on his elbows... Ignore the grimace on his face as his head screams and throbs in protest. When he moves his hand to his head and then pulls it away, his fingers come away sticky with blood. Shit, he needs to clean himself up.

But, hey. The important part is that he's no longer on the brink of death, agreed? ]

I can walk.

[ He tries to push himself up further but stops short once his surroundings start spinning. Uh, is it doing that for anyone else? ]

[ It sounds like it's settled, then! She gives a happy nod in agreement to Abel. ]

Does that mean you're playing tour guide?

[ Or rather, can he say no?

Dokja certainly makes an attempt, she will give him points for that. But she will also have to subtract those points if he starts to undo a bit of the healing she's done for him in a few seconds of stubbornness. ]

Hmmm...

[ Himeka purses her lips, eyes narrowing as she looks over her new ward. ]

He may need to be carried.

[ Sorry not sorry, Dokja. ]

--Ah, Mr. Dokja... d-don't push it, what did I just say?!

[ he is FRETTING, he is absolutely Fretting now as he gently stretches a hand to steady Dokja's shoulder. you lunatic?? stop... ]

Miss Himeka is right; I don't think you should be on your feet right now, so-- please, take it easy! I'll simply have to carry you, so don't make a fuss, would you? Goodness, this is turning into a whole thing-- Hm.

[ well then. the only question becomes, ]

Edited (i forgor my icon?? help) 2022-05-02 04:54 (UTC)

...Do you want a piggyback~? Or would you like me to carry you like you're a pretty princess~? ♥

[ Carried? No? He just said he can walk?? Look, he's demonstrating how he can sit up so... so pathetically.

And what does his attempt earn him? Utter betrayal.

He goes from staring at Himeka in disbelief, mouth open for another protest, but then he's whipping his head around at a speed that most definitely has him wincing in pain.

A... a pretty what now??? ]

... Please knock me out instead.

[ She could try to help Dokja stand. Having readily accepted the mantle of one of his caretakers that would be the right thing to do. She is a healer, after all, and to let him strain himself further...

But no. She watches as he tries and fails with a sort of bemused expression and her tail swishing behind her gently. Not entirely unlike a cat who has found something to finally keep its attention.

(If she thought he were truly in danger of bursting this would be a different story, of course. Sometimes the best medicine is well-intended ribbing from allies.)

Dokja's request does open up Himeka's expression as her brows raise and her lips form an "o". ]

Oh? We could do that.

[ The fact that she's drawing a new spell her palms should indicate the nature of her solution. This aether, however, carries a light purple hue in contrast to the blues and greens of her healing magicks.

She cants her head in Abel's direction. ]

What do you think, Father Abel?

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apparently DW ate my tag SORRY GUYS

how utterly dare. unforgivable; 1/2

2/2

EATS DW!!!

No nutrients in that!!