Rescueing Strangers

[slipknot]

I can't say I really remember that day very well... Sure, I can recall the pain, the facts, and the nightmares... but I'd much rather not. Why would you ask it of me? I'v done nothing to you, but shared the road, yet you condemn me and search my person with such distrust and aprehension that I feel dirty and ashamed in your eyes. You poke and prod me with testing needles as your words bounce off the hull of my fortress. My iron walls are high and all the doors are locked, yet you refuse to accept my chosen solitude. You choose to pry. All minds choose to pry. Full of questions, hidden assumptions, and lies in waiting. You fear I will decieve you, yet you plot to do the same.

:x::x::x::x::x::x::x::x::x::x::x:

Her simple grace and beauty shyly avoided the eyes of those that looked upon her from the balconies above, and the streets abroad. She did not want the attention that her strangeness attracted, but like any stranger within a closeknit community, she was bound to stand out, and there was nothing she could do to avoid the inevitable plunge.
People regarded her carefully, wary of the unknown... and assuming of a stranger. However, there aprehension soon passed as they realized she held no weapon and showed no stark. She wanted only to get to her destination with no trouble in between--and this goal was obvious in the way she placed her feet.
Dark circles hung beneath her eyes, and there was a tiredness in her gait that she could not hide, nor fixed. The night had been long, and the road had been hard, but she'd come nonetheless in hope of proving herself useful and getting away from the loneliness she was beginning to feel without the strength of her family. She had none left, and this could be disheartening at times. But she was strong, and she had put it in her mind to put the episode behind her, and forgive old swords... but forgiveness did not come easily, and there was still a part of her soul that would not be so easily swayed into forgiving those who had trespassed against her.

She was here by word of begging, and the parchment she held tightly rolled inside her bag was a summons of sort--not meant for any one person; an advertisement if one will. It was written in the hand of Satazian, and his signiture signed its professional truth and proved its validity. However, she still worried over the step she was making in coming here, to his home city to offer her aid where she could give it. The soldier's life was still inside her heart, but it was silent now as the city life fell about her in the normal hustle of the day. Whatever war was brooding, was not brooding here--not in the minds of those whose innocent lives depended upon the competence of those that led and protected them. It was a blissful comfort that she had once known, before orphanism had left her meek and humbled. She felt herself plagued by certain troubles that she could not always evade, and a pressure lingered heavily on her heart that did not let her so easily forget what could arise in years to come. So many happy lives could be butchered just as hers had... and so, fighting for her country, and healing its wounds went hand in hand... and she could not help but feel an obligation towards both.

Shifting her feet, she brushed her hanging bangs out of her eyes, and fitting them back behind her ears. It was not long before the dull brown strands were whisked out of hiding by the wind, and soon she gave up her attempt to keep them under control. In a matter of moments, the few loose whisps were strewn across her face in a rugged beauty that was no necessarily attractive, but nor repulsive.
Climbing the few steps that led to the Master's house, she paused on the threshold nervous to enter, frightened of what she'd find within. Though strong in will, mind, and body... there was a certain defaulted humbled respect inside her bones for the man that was alleged to have risen up to the challange of leading a nation, and managed thusfar to keep his throne--if it could be called such.

So with one last assurance, she pulled the rolled parchment from her satchel and unfolded its page to read its contents:

I call out to anyone who has any profound healing abilities, that they shall be drawn to my council to revive the health of two young person who may be lying close to death.

If you have such talents, please return with the parchment inscribed upon, and I shall grant you leeway into my abode to care for those who cannot care for themselves.

With a sigh of newfound confidence she folded it back into her purse and looked back at the door that stood before her. She had not come all this way to turn back now.
But why had she come? She hadn't really needed to, she was not obligated, and the message had been sent throughout the region. Yet she had chosen to come. She knew, at the time of her departure that not many healers resided within the earthen nation. Though she did not know for a fact, she could take a guess. They were not needed now in time of peace. They had faded away with time, either dying without an aprentice to carry on, or merely losing their grace to heal out of pure misuse of their gifts. Any magic after time begins to rust.
No, she had come because she needed to get out. She needed to find herself in the world... and with no family to tie her down, or purpose to hold her in check, she was floating freely in the oceon, with no sense of direction or bearing. Such floatatious standards were unhealthy for a vibrant young soul, and she had found promise and hope in the idea that coming to Saverin at the beckoning of a desperate master might help her find a place in the world were she was important and or needed. Even if she merely found company of some sort in a small band of healers or fighters, she would willingly take it. A life as a wanderer did not appeal to her, and she did not desire to end up alone and solitary.

So she was here, risking her reputation and humility to assist a call for help... the first time since the death of her brother and father.

:x::x::x::x::x::x::x::x::x::x::x:

Death has been here. I can feel its cold deep in the wood, and its claiming hands have marred the ground. It still lingers... but defeating. Its prize has slipped away from it, and now it sulks... looking hopelessly for someone else to snatch away. I cannot help but smile at its childish antics--so spoiled and rotten. Death is not accustomed to losing in its own game. Whoever has defyed him is brave and I admire their strength and reluctance to succumb.

:x::x::x::x::x::x::x::x::x::x::x:

She breached the threshold and was welcomed by the scream of rusty hinges on the door's left side frame. The young woman flinched at the sound, but shut the door nonetheless and suffered through the painful symphony again before beginning down the hall and up the stairs. She kept her eyes focused, ahead... not to the sides. This was not her home, thus the things within it were not her business.
Sounds wafted down the hallways and met her sensitive ears. She followed them without hesitation and soon came upon a room studded and barred. Two guards stood faithfully along the sides and eyed her suspiciously approached. She could see their muscles tense, and the tension filled the air and space around her, making her feel captured and anxious.
She pushed the emotion to the side, and bridled her aprehension and nervousness--reining it in like a misbehaved mount.
When she came upon them, they frowned and looked to her--their eyes brutal and demanding, ready to turn her away, or even arrest her if need me. She feared them respectfully, but not shakily... and steadily she looked to them and nodded her head reverently, as her soft voice breathed out to explain herself.

"He sent a summons, the Master of Soil did. Asked if anyone of the healing art could come and assist, so here I come," her eyes drifted past them into the room, where she saw the nimble fingers of a man, experienced in his work by the way his trained fingers handled the remedies and herbs. Two stood assembled in two corners, and upon each lay one victim. The room itself, was bathed in white, and nurses flitted about the man and patients like bees around a queen. She felt a heaviness sink into her heart--she was nolonger needed, they had already found someone else. She knew when she left that their was a good chance that help had already arrived for Mr. Satazian, but a part of her had still hoped for the opportunity to share her gifts and prove herself and find purpose.
Quickly she added more to her original statement, "... if my assistance is still necessary, that is."

The guards looked at her sideway, pondering her words and searching them for mal-content. After a couple moment, one opened his mouth as if to speak.

[healinglight]

Balanced upon his knees, Kaid felt as though eyes lay upon his lowered form. He noticed the thinning of tension, but he did not allow himself to assume anything. Silence seemed to freeze the nurses in their tracks. They too were waiting for an answer to satisfy their eavesdropping ears. Perhaps even the woman who waited outside the room whom the healer had yet to recognize waited for some answer. Then the confirmation came uttered in the soft voice of a child. The man was allowed to commence.

Healer Kaid stood upright with hands over the girl’s body gently hovering. As the tension decimated, he cooling magic filled the space the oppressive energy had once controlled. His blind eyes searched finding only flesh wounds. She must have been protected quite well to have escaped with naught but torn flesh. After the searching magic tendrils retreated back into his aura, the active magic took control wrapping around the girl’s body. The magic seemed to take on a physical form neutralizing and extracting the poisons mixed in with the blood in her wounds. No stubborn internal injuries or broken bones resisted the healing to prolong her pain. Quickly the flesh began to come together healing the gashes and making the young figure once again whole.

This healing did not take nearly as long. He pulled back and listened. Silence. Soon though, the slow squeak of a cart wheel and the muffled clatter of glass vials. Not turning, Kaid addressed the nurses behind him.

“You may all leave. These young women need their rest and I will be fine tending to them on my own now.”


He hoped they would momentarily forget his blindness and leave. Most scurried out quickly doing just that while a few hesitated, but left anyway taking into account his current authority.

Afterwards, Kaid spoke softly yet clearly to the guards just outside the door.

“You may allow the woman’s entrance. If she possesses the desire to assist and the will to learn, she may come. That is of course if I have the authority of permitting such things.”

Kaid sensed a hint of her gift, a precious and rare gift. He could tend to it if she so desired, but he also noticed another life art – one he did not recognize at the moment. The blind man turned towards the door and began to cross the room once he had decided Kyoko, a name still unknown, was out of danger. Remembering the steps he had taken while in the room, Kaid determined the general direction of his staff and began his search. The staff was his only possession here which he did not have on his person. As he crossed to the other side of the door, the gentle man whispered a comment more for himself but still aloud.

“Besides, I believe I would much enjoy her company.”

[Kyoko Oni]

She relaxed a little, laying her head down against the bed. She watched as his hands moved toward her, tensing up slightly at the thought of the man touching her. She closed her eyes lightly, she could almost feel his hands hovering above her. She layed perfectly flat and still, not wanting to provoke his touch if it wasn't necessary. Of course Ko knew of magics, she was a magical entity herself, the understanding of how these things worked was almost inate, like she knew that she had to eat to make her belly happy.

His hands never touched her, but she could feel the whisps of strong magic flowing over her body. Soft tendrils fishing through her flesh for the wounds and poisons that made her body ache. The invasive tendrils made her squirm lightly with discomfort. It was strange to feel your skin being penetrated and your fleshy muscles sifted through by some kind of force. It was unlike being touched, it was strange. Not really uncomfortable, but strange.

She felt the invasive tendrils move away and a new kind of force envelope her. She held her breath, feeling it flow through her skin and body like water. She refused to open her eyes, as if such a thing wasn't something she wanted to witness, perhaps she was still a little afraid of this sensation. She felt somehow violated, despite the good nature of the magics that flowed through her. Perhaps it was the beast inside that protested this feeling.

She felt the magic receed, and her broken body felt mended. Her eyes opened gently, looking up at the blind old man questioningly. Her yellow eyes held something else now. A kind of sorrowful submission. A kind of thanks. He had saved her life, with no real gain to himself... That was something she didn't quite understand. She felt somehow indebted to him... She watched as he walked off, opening her mouth to try and speek, but allowed her mouth to shut again without a peep.... she turned her head away from him and closed her eyes gently. He heard two voices, Kaid's voice, and a female's voice. She remained still, just waiting now for what would come next. These two leggers were like hers, but she found them all to be very different... Perhaps she didn't belong amongst them. Her head turned slightly, to give her a listening advantage.



Phew, there we go, sorry about the wait.

[slipknot]

ooc: I changed my mind, HealingLight. I'm keeping Ezzy ^_^ just gimme some time to write something worthwhile

[.:..B.l.u.e..:.]

The moderately sized dragoness elegantly flew upon the winds of air, yet she had no wings to bear her up. It was a magic ancient in itself and a design of her new evolution, brought on by a sudden need of the one she felt destined to her. It is both hard to explain and understand exactly how she chooses a healer's company. Whether its by fate, desire, or need... she can never fully know or comprehend. She is merely driven by what compells her, and whether this newly appointed companion was in need or not, she was on her way.

Her body was no longer the small and fragile dragoness that it had once been. Her spirit now rested within the long slender body of a new beast. Nolonger did she represent a more reptilian culture. Her adaptation had taken on a new age, her composition changing to better suit her in this new coming time. The little dragon would not bode well in a world where such grander powers existed, and now that she once again had a calling--Heiseph had beckoned to her a new set of "wings" a new skin to better attain power in this era.
Thus, she looked as an otter might, large with short legs and a long serpentine tail. Her skin was leathery and touch, whilst it was layered by an insulated fur that allowed water to roll gayly from it. Her face had grown whiskers and her eyes were deep with an amber glow, warm and comforting--so much different from the cold yellow glass of the lizard. In length from nose to tail she was over fifteen feet long, and her stature from earth to shoulder rose about four to five feet. She was much more formidable now, and still bore the needlesharp incisors and merciless clawed paws. She was still a dragon, but of a different shape.

She tried to ponder over what would drive her from her sullen state of isolation to her newly derived and motivated sense of passion. But she couldn't fathom it, and she wouldn't force herself to. Not as Earth's boundaries fell farther behind as she became more deeply imbending in the earthen skies--within earthen walls. She felt cowardice creep up upon her as it always did, and futilly tried to ward away restless tremors as she began to draw looks up from the villages below. Half of her mind debated abandonment, but her nature forbid it and she soldiered on--eventually finding herself gracing the skies of the Lord's own estate and town.

He was hear. Fearfully, she rose up into the clouds shielding herself from worried eyes as she let go of her mind's hold, letting it drift down to earth--in a state of innocent invisibilty.

:: Who calls me? ::

Her voice stretched out, hoping to catch the mind of the healer that called to her.

In essence it is in every healer's ability to summon a companion drake such as herself to help protect and guide. Many did not choose to do so, and even more did not even now how. And still some, a rare few possessed the strength to do so, but had no idea of their ability--sometimes "calling" a dragon without ever intending to do so.

Her call, searched for the healer... the unbeknown Kaid, as her body hung suspended by white magic up in the clouds--aware from harmful eyes.

[healinglight]

A few hours had slowly come and gone. The room had remained quiet and isolated for the past hour and a half at least with naught but the steady breathing of the resting woman currently under his care. As for the woman from whom he had only heard her voice, he knew not of what she had decided or of what the guards had permitted. Perhaps for the passing time, she had gone to fetch a few items or perhaps she had simply decided to leave not wanting to disturb the healer, his patients, or provoking the Earthen guards. Just as long as she had done what she wished, Kaid did not mind. He only hoped she would not waste the gift the divine had bestowed upon her.

In the quiet, during the time he possessed for the most part to himself, the healer of Water thought – thought of his past, his present, what he would do upon being dismissed from Earth, what his Lady Rigel could possibly what from a blind healer, and other more miscellaneous things. Fatigue had begun to set in. Its assault becoming harsher and harder to fend off. The past forty-eight hours have not been the most relaxing of days. Beginning by both meeting and departing from the company of Himiel and her mare Saga, listening to and delaying the response to the Mistress of the Rain’s request, crossing both Uncharted territories and Earth to arrive as briskly as possible to the Earthen capitol Saverin the next morning. Finally, tending to the two injured woman with names yet unspoken to his acute ears had left him exhausted but still truthful in waiting for Master of Soil Satazian’s return. One of the soldiers outside the doors had done right to fill Kaid in on their lord’s request – or order – for him to stay while he attends to other matters. Kaid understood the request; many, nobility and commoners alike, wished to hear some sort of report or directions on the care of the weakened from the healer directly. However, this did not change his own condition. Hence, Kaid fought within himself – fighting the urge to find rest for he honestly did not wish to be found asleep by Master Satazian. Therefore, the healer forced himself to lock his mind not allowing it to wander aimlessly. He focused upon his plants reminding himself of their names, uses, of his supplies and mixtures; this acted as a game to keep his mind alert and awake. Despite this wall between him and the outside world, the serene whisper of a cool breeze reached his attention.

Turning to face this quiet breeze, Kaid slowly and casually walked towards a window from which the late afternoon sun entered. Upon reaching the window sill, though he could not witness the brightness of the victorious daytime star, he still enjoyed its comforting warmth. It would seem the morning rains had gone to leave way for a beautiful blue sky and randomly dispersed clouds – of course he could not see this unfortunately. He turned slightly to lean his staff against the wall only to find an obstacle preventing its balanced rest. Bending down to identify this object, the young man soon found what seemed to be a simple enough chair with a welcoming cushion on both the back and seat. Smiling acceptance of the comfort’s offer, Kaid leaned his staff against the sill and lowers himself into the chair currently loving the offer of rest. The healer briskly told himself he would merely sit and not allow himself to drift to sleep… most knows this never works.

Soon enough, Kaid wanders into a dream state between that of meditation and respite. His energy would slowly replenish itself along with his magic, and so the sleeping healer had no further objections to the much need rest.

With a blanket of cool wind, the healer found himself in a land that was both familiar and yet strange. It seemed to possess an essence and a life force of its own. Still, Kaid found comfort and relaxing energy in this place; he felt at home here. Here the blind man could see, but only the light reflecting through the clouds. This was a world still cloaked in mystery. A silver fog lit by an unknown source of pure energy hides its featured landmarks from the healer’s view.

Curiosity leads him through the dream. No direction and no certainty in his location, Kaid wanders without purpose, no true destination in mind either. Seconds pass which seem like hours and minutes pass which seem like days. Within this world he felt exposed and yet as if a mother’s blanket wrapped around his body. Words escaped him as he attempted to call for someone. It would seem the cost of sight would be his voice.

::Who calls me?::

A female voice surprises the healer from a distance. However, she seemed quite close, as if within his very mind. Her tone was wise and gentle. He felt he could trust her. Attempting for the second time to call out, this time to her, words still failed him in this separate world.

It would seem I have not the strength.

Strange. He could hear his thoughts as if her were speaking them. Again Kaid tried contacting her, this time with his thoughts.

I do not remember calling to anyone though I did try in this world. My name is Kaid. Who are you and where are you? Where are we?

He felt as a child. A knock from outside echoes in the distance. Darkness closes in.

His tunic was wrinkled and dirty. His hair lay more wild than usual. His body sported a coating of fine dust of a day’s work. Yet his face displayed the look of tranquility. Yes, this healer was the picture of comfort and peace.

The wooden staff which had leaned against the sill was now lying unceremoniously upon the lavish floor of the Soil Master’s personal home.

Opening his blind eyes to stare blankly into the room, Kaid found he was once again alone with the steady breathing of those two young women. He turned his countenance up into the light of the sun; the right side of his face absorbed the welcomed soothing heat. Thinking he was alone, thinking it was an only a daytime dream, the healer mage of Water discovers a surprising presence from the sky. Kaid could now feel the real presence of the dragoness… his new companion?

OOC: I am sorry for making you wait. It took longer than I thought, but I was hit with a heck of a lot of muse today. Hope it is worth it. ;D

[Kyoko Oni]

Ko moved a little opening her bright yellow hued eyes. She looked out into the world her vision finally cleared. It had been hours since she had been out. She had dwelled in and out of conciousness for hours, just watching as the strings of reality would break away and then come back together. She remembered the pain. Echoes of the screaming still burned in her mind. Horrible sounds, howling, crying... and the screaming. Ko moved slightly, blinking to adjust to the light of the room. There were still a few occupants. Kaid she remembered clearly, she could feel his ura from where she sat. She lifted her body to a crouched possition on her bed, her arms out in front of her supporting her upper body.

Her white hair hung down to her chest and she surveyed the room. Her pupils dialating and expanding over different objects. She was studying everything. Fear seemed dominant in her, but it was strickly controlled by powers of logic that she found herself to possess sometimes. It was her cunningness that would get her out of this room. She gritted her teeth lightly, looking up at the man Kaid. She hadn't noticed the dragon outside, her attention was attuned to this room and every object within it.

She didn't move much save for her eyes. Soon her neck and head began to arch to explore places that she couldn't see by looking straight forward. She said nothing, making small quick, and quiet motions.

She looked over at the woman who had been hurt in battle with her. Noting that she was looking less pale, less deathly. Ko wasn't sure why she was drawn to this woman but she was. She gritted her teeth and moved a little, feeling the bed springs creek under her. Her gaze fell upon the blind healer, her gaze was empty and observant. It was as if she had no expectations for the man and was simply watching out of curiousity for what the man would do. As empty as the gaze was, it was also intense, unbreaking, waiting, lurking, anticipating anything.

[.:..B.l.u.e..:.]

The blue dragoness hovered within the sky, surfing about the clouds half enjoying herself as she searched plaintively with half a heart. Never before had she flown, and the true realism of the fact took her breath away, fascinated her, and distracted her from her initial purpose.
Dashing within the sky, rising higher, dropping low, she played with clouds like a cat might taunt an ailing butterfly. Joyously, she rolled upon her back, letting the warmth of the bright sun soak into the soft flesh of her belly, warming her heart, lightening her soul.

Yet, briskly she was suddenly reminded of her intent as she felt her mind collide abrubtly with the healer whom had called to her. Apparently, he was completely unaware of the facts of his callings and her arrival, as his inquiries did prove. But she was neither condescending nor judgemental, as she herself knew only a little of the situation. She knew her purpose, he did not.

Gliding on a more level plane within the skies, she joined him inside his dreams, letting half her conscience drift into his.
She did not materialize for him to see--she could not spend the reserves of magic, as to use any more would put flying at risk. But, her presence allowed her to view him, if however faintly. For the same silvery sheen that guarded his eyes from the land also blinded her, and she could make out only a blurred figure moving about far below.

Harmoniously, she replied to his questions--a purring voice that drifted casually within the void.

:: I am the blue dragon--a drake of the water, a servant of life. You have called me, aware or not--beckoning me forth from the darkness of a hollow earth. I am a healer's drake, sir Kaid, and your need brings me hence. ::

She swooped down a little lower, so as to view the city below her with breif attention. She could sense him now, within the city--a central point, a large house. She could see the building but did not know of its residents or why sir Kaid was lingering in such a place.

She continued to answer his questions, her voice drifting absentmindedly as she withdrew her conscious from his; it was an action that did not severe their intellectual link.

:: I am of the air presently, circling above, but you my friend... drift within a void of dissalusion--a sub reality that bonds me to you and you to me. It is our world, ours alone. But it will remain vague till our connection strengthens. ::

She pondered a moment,
:: Do you need my presence, or shall I wait? ::

But Kaid was nolonger present a sudden wrap, loud and penetrating filled through her head no sooner had she uttered the words. It rang with an unfamiliar edge as it filled her conscious, jerking her from her concentrations. To Kaid it seemed nothing more than a simple knock, a sound he'd heard before within his time, but to the blue drake, it rang like a thunderclap to her sensitive perception and blurred senses. She had much to get used to once again.
Nonetheless, the sound startled her and made her worry. It sounded so violent to her, so loud and jarring, she worried for Kaid with an instinctual impulse that was so recklessly founded.

She dropped altitude, diving towards the earth with a subtle grace. In plain view, but worried enough to risk the exposure. She was not threatening, surely they would see that, but she perhaps too naive.

Dropping to the location from which she had honed in upon him, she reiterated her last question from her mind to his with some force. It was a needing tone, the sound had confused her and she needed reassurance that was not awry.
The little blue had much to learn about this new age, and the situation that Kaid would find himself. But until then, she resorted to circling the house within the air, much like a worried matron might circle her nest.
Was there something to be worried about? She wasn't sure. She just wasn't sure.

[healinglight]

Still seated, he remembered those words which had been carried by a soft feminine voice. The fog had masked any visual hints to reality leaving him to question his daytime vision. Still, he could feel that comforting presence from above; she even confirmed her location drifting in the sky.

“Bond,” he repeated to himself as if confirming its clarity.

Kaid had missed her own inquiry having been thrust back to consciousness. He has, of course, yet to learn about communicating clearly with a water drake. Having been woken by the wooden knock against the floor, the healer rose from the cushion of the chair. He turned to the window and shuffled forward reaching out with one hand to grasp the window sill. Moving that slight distance had brought his feet far enough to kick his staff lying upon the floor. Kaid leaned to scoop up wood never leaving the extra support of his hold.

Standing back at his full height of five ten, stood near the window for a moment gathering his thoughts and senses. His plain naturally colored robes draped over his form flowing over wrinkles. Had it not been for his summoning from another land one might believe him from the earthen nation being the fabrics of browns and greens. Seeping through a subconscious barrier, concern hit his mind sourced from above he supposed. Raising his right arm, not knowing if she could see him and not believing himself telepathically capable of communicating, he waved to her that he was just fine. In addition, he gestured with his staff in the other in an attempt to explain that previously unidentified sound.

I’m just fine. He attempted to explain through their connection anyway despite his uncertainty.

Off to the other side of the room, came a small sound. He shifted his sightless gaze towards the creaking and towards one of the young woman under his care. Kaid recognized her energy signature belonging to the young one whom had been reluctant to let him near. Eyes gaze upon the blind man; he could feel their penetrating glare run through him. The healer smiled in genuine gladness and relief in response to her movement.

“Welcome back,” he offered in a friendly tone. “I am glad to see you’ve awakened.”

[Kyoko Oni]

Her eyes remained on Kaid, looking over his body and those lifeless eyes. Somehow she could tell that those eyes couldn't see. They looked like eyes, but they lied. They were broken. She remained still just watching him. His voice held a gentle soft tone that she could easily ignore and put him off as not a threat.

Why he was welcoming her, she could not be sure. She hadn't gone anywhere to her knowledge. She took a longer time than most to process his tongue, human tongue wasn't her most predominant language. She gritted her teeth lightly remaining content with being still upon her bed.

((Sorry for the shortness))

[healinglight]

The healer smiled at his charge. Her silence was understandable but all the while upsetting in a way. He did not know what she was thinking; he could only guess. A breeze coming through the window played at his robes. Glazed eyes scanned the nothingness of black while he listened for anything from either woman especially from the girl who had awakened. Neither groans of pain nor murmurs of confusion and fear sounded decipherable. Kaid appreciated her reluctance to speak with him; he was after all a stranger in a strange room who had done nothing to gain or lose her trust. It was simply a matter of time before she felt comfortable enough to talk to him. Still, he had to get her to talk to him if he was to know her condition without alienating her further by invading her system through magic again. With gentle voice and slow movement across the room, he asked her the regular question.

“How are you feeling?”

His right hand stretched out in front of him in search of the stand on which one of the Earthen nurses had previously placed a glass of water. In his left hand, his staff kept him far enough away from the other woman’s bed. After a slow walk, Kaid found the pitcher as well as extra glasses turned upside down nearby. Selecting one, he began pouring water into it. By listened to the rise of the tone of the water falling into its new container, the blind healer judged when to stop. When finished, there was a little over half a glass full.

“Would you like some water?”

He lifted the glass towards her. Kaid honestly was not trying to be devious or anything like that; he merely thought it wise not to scare her any more than she already was by approaching without her consent. The sensation of healing can be a rather disconcerting experience and some become edgy for a time afterwards. This girl not only has had the experience of healing recently, but a seemingly gruesome battle for life and relocation to a strange new place. He definitely would rather not irritate her further.

[Kyoko Oni]

(sorry I took so long hehe, didn't notice your reply for a while)



Ko watched him carefully with her piercing yellow hued eyes as he moved towards her. Her gaze fell upon his eyes again curiously. They were broken. Even if he did want to hurt her, she felt that he couldn't. It was hard to hurt something that you couldn't see. She wondered why he couldn't see. Why were they broken?

“How are you feeling?”

She moved slowly, pushing herself up to a sitting position carefully. She felt strange. She felt.... full. Her attention fell upon herself, and her own status. While her body ached, it wasn't the ache of battle. She couldn't identify what this ache was. It flowed through her body, through her veins, through her flesh and bone. It was strange to her, though not entirely unfamiliar. After all, the young girl possessed powerful magics of her own self-transformation. She knew what it felt like to have power coursing through her body... But this was something different. It wasn't as harsh... Not as invasive... Not painful. Rather, it was the opposite. She felt much better than she should. The young girl was not familiar with healing magics and didn't know what their touch felt like.

Her puzzling over this matter was distracted by Kaid's movement. Yellow coyote eyes darted onto his old frame as it poured a glass of water. The objects in which the water was contained were unfamiliar to her, but she knew it's meaning. She licked her lips expectantly.

“Would you like some water?”

She watched his hand stretch out toward her with the glass of water.

"Yes." She spoke affirmatively pushing her little body forward to grasp the glass in his hand. She gulped down a few sips of it. She felt the water going into her body. Her lips felt dry, her throat felt dry. Her stomach tightened around the liquid. She lowered her head a little bit, still feeling the strangeness in her flesh and stomach. She felt nauseated in a way.

"Strange..." She said softly, unsurely. "Very strange..." She moved to sitting on her knees gingerly. Her stomach lurched. She took the glass looking at it in her hands curiously. "Why am I not..." She looked over her skin slowly. "hurt...?" She looked up confused, perhaps a little frightened. "Am I still dreaming?"

[healinglight]

Relief flooded his system when he felt the glass leave his hand after a word of affirmation; she was feeling well enough to speak and better yet, well enough to move. The healer heard the cot shift as she settled the rest of her weight back onto its frame. He replaced the pitcher carefully back on the stand.

Blind eyes turned up to look at her. Her aura was again strong. His curiosity threatened to leak beyond appropriate behavior; her energy was not human and so he was unfamiliar. Still, he remained quiet out of respect.

The room was quiet for a few moments as she drank. Kaid was content to wait until she was ready to talk again not wishing to overwhelm her while she quenched her thirst.

“Strange…” came the whisper. Kaid listened intently to her explanation of sensations. He turned away towards the floor staring off into the darkness listening. The healer pondered over an answer. It needed to be simple and true but still enough to explain what had happened as a whole.

With a hand, he gestured towards her signaling his intended move as a warning to her. Placing his staff against the wall and the stand, Kaid moved closer to her slowly with a hand outstretched to locate larger obstacles in his path. After finding the edge of the girl’s cot, the man lowered to his hunches with the support of the frame. He felt the vibrations through the thin mattress as she shifted her weight. Kaid looked up towards her to answer.

“No,” he began gently, “you are awake. The nightmare is gone.” Kaid paused to smile and hopefully encourage and assure her of her safety. He spoke with clear articulation. “You are not hurt because I healed you. I am a healer; that is what I do. The strange feeling is most probably from me. I used magic to heal you.”

The healer paused to let her ponder the implications. “Are you going to be okay?” A blind hand gently and slowly searched the bed for a hand or a knee – contact of some sort with which to ensure a sense of trust – but he was in no rush.

[Kyoko Oni]

Acid yellow eyes locked on Kaid as he moved towards her again. She watched how carefully he navigated in order to avoid different obstacles within the room. Her body showed little reaction to his approach. Though she often spoke heavily through body language she knew it was useless in this situation and didn't bother to waste her energy on such a laboring form of communication. Though, she found that talking was less natural for her. It would be hard for him to understand her so fully as her speech was broken and labored. She simply was out of practice.

She had lived as a beast, another animal out in the wild. A small pale animal that had to fight extra hard to make her place among them. The forests and fields were full of danger for a little girl. While she was aware of her ability to cause destruction she knew not what it looked like. Her memory for these periods of time were scattered and cryptic. When the beast takes over, the child leaves.

Her gaze remained upon him as he spoke. He explained that he had healed her. He had used some magic to heal her. She knew she possessed magics, but her utilization of them was not nearly as controllable as his. The manner in which he could have achieved what he said didn't really add up to her. How he could speak of it. While she knew how it felt, she knew not that control was possible. Perhaps with training she could learn, but the magics she possessed were too powerful for such a small body. She would erupt like a bolt of lightning, expending her powers all at once. Now she felt weak, fatigued. She could feel the unfamiliar flows of his magic ebbing through her system, but the feeling was uncomfortable.

“Are you going to be okay?”

She was still pondering what he had said to her, trying to make sense of it within her undeveloped mind. She bit her lip lightly watching his hand creeping over the bed. She knew not what he sought with that hand but she soon found out. His hand wandered over hers. At the instant he touched her gaze gracefully flipped up to him while the rest of her body remained frozen. Bright yellow eyes full of confusion locked on his own dead eyes. She couldn't read them though, they were dead... blank... She turned her head suddenly, feeling uncomfortable with the way they appeared to her.

As much as she detested the touch initially she quickly grew comfortable with the presence of his hand there once she broke contact with his eyes. Like a canine in her situation she lowered her head lightly, showing submission. It was her instincts kicking in again. Her communications were mostly nonverbal, and while she could reason that he couldn't receive them it was hard to fight it. Displaying her emotions like this was instinct. In the forests it was a matter of life and death. A disrespectful and aggressive posture could end up poorly for her.

"I am... ok" She avoided looking at him again, staring off to a corner of the room. "Your... 'magic' .... That is the feeling?" She asked quietly before continuing "I thank you..." Gratitude wasn't something often expressed in the world she came from, but neither was such compassion, though she had shown it herself in the fields. She felt oddly akin to him. She had been trying to find her place since she crawled out of the cursed waters. This unnatural feeling of 'compassion' seemed to be key to this. She paused only momentarily, not giving him much time to respond. "Do you feel my 'magic'? It is different from yours." She spoke unsurely. Magic was a hard term for her to use. She didn't know it as magic... She didn't know a name for it. She linked the two together. Perhaps this 'magic' was also a key to where she belonged.

[healinglight]

He could feel the uncomfortable apprehension ebb and flow in the air; it was a far better sensation than what the room had felt like a few hours ago. Finding her hand, Kaid’s palm rolled up under hers to cradle it in a gentle embrace. His thumb softly began to rub the top of her hand back and forth as he listened to her broken answer.

The healer nodded in recognition of her answer. Then came a more confused tone asking after his magic.

“Yes,” he answered directly. “It’s a residual magic left over from the healing. It will disappear after a little time. It’s normal,” Kaid tried to assure her. He bowed his head again in silent acceptance of her expressed gratitude. Left over sweat glistened in his light brown hair in the late afternoon sun.

With his thumb continuing its repetitive motion of intended comfort, the healer did not feel words to be appropriate for the moment, but apparently the girl had more to say. He found it strange though that she was a creature of active magic but said the word with a certain apprehension. He squeezed her hand lightly for a moment.

“Yes, I can feel it and it is different,” Kaid agreed, “but all magics are the same in a way. I can ‘see’ people through their energies. That is how I know where you and your friend are in the room.”

Kaid became silent not knowing what else to say, what else she wanted or needed to know. Honestly, he was not used to explaining his magic in detail. Some would question immediately after the process but would let the details go in simple gladness they were cured. Internally shrugging, the healer chastised himself for forgetting where he was. He was no longer in his homeland, a land of elves and magic. He was standing in the heartland of humanity and science, in the capital of Earth. The difference should have been expected.

“Better?”

[Kyoko Oni]

She felt with his touch a surge of her own energy. Her eyes closed slightly with a slight euphoric feeling. Her touch was draining, only mildly now. Her body was thirsting for aura, but it was weak to collect. She craved power naturally, while she didn't know how to siphon it, she collected it naturally. She was much like a sponge in her physics regarding magics. When empty her absorbent powers are weaker. But when dampened till saturated they are the greatest. Her pull now was very weak, as her aura was weak aside form the ebbings of the old man's magics making their way through her system.

She heard his voice and the gentle rub of his hand against hers. He explained how the sickness she felt was 'normal'. She was relieved at this slightly. It meant that she was going to be alright to her. Though, the sensation was far from normal for her. It rippled over her body like a sickening numbness. With the combination of his touch, and the sensation of their auras meeting, she found it almost enjoyable now. It was like a high of sorts. Her thirsting body craved and loathed his aura at the same time. The craving just seemed to win out.

She listened as he continued to speak. He squeezed her hand gently, though she knew not what such a gesture would mean. She hadn't felt another humans touch in so long... She couldn't even know how long it had been. She had crawled from the murk of the cursed waters to rise again for whatever purpose she hadn't fulfilled yet. She hadn't seen another human since the encounter in the plains. Humans and dragons, and other frightening things had brought her great harm. It was a surprise that she didn't fear them. But there was a certain kinship she felt. It was a kinship she could barely acknowledge but couldn't ignore.

Her eyes fell briefly upon her temporary companion still laying sound within her bed. She couldn't feel her companion from here. Part of her seemed to acknowledge that her companion was dead. Death was a funny thing for her. It was something she had experienced herself before, but the memory of it wasn't something she could recall from her renewed mind. Perhaps it still remained in the depths of her soul, of her aura... But the memories were locked within it. Death was a phenomenon to her. Death meant to her that one wouldn't wake up again. They were done, they were overwith... and it was time to move on.

She turned her head back to the old man before her. He mentioned that he could in fact 'see' others. But it wasn't through his eyes. They were broken, but his 'magic' helped him see. She shifted again lightly, so she was no longer sitting upon her ankles.

"mmm...." She acknowledged vocally that she was infact listening to him. "Better..." She said softly, now watching his hand that was caressing her own. "Well... no..." She corrected herself. She wasn't better at all. She was far worse. She found herself in this strange land cold and hungry. She found herself sick and wild with energy. It had been a rollercoaster. She had her ups and her downs.... But something was undeniably missing. She felt an upwelling of sadness overcome her. Tears began to run down her cheeks. "I have no place here... Missing something..." She confessed, hoping somehow that this other being that looked much like her would understand. "Where did Ko come from? Where does Ko go?" Her gaze wondered. The pleasureful sensations she had been recieving from his touch were overwhelmed by her swing of moods. She recoiled, taking back her hand from him and clasping it in the other. "Ko doesn't know..."

[.::W:I:T:H:E:R:E:D::.]

ooc: bleh. I'm still getting into the swing of things, and haven't quite found that beautiful muse. Business is boring, lol.

bic:

Satazian traversed through the streets rapidly at a pace some would call unnatural, but indeed he was being hasty—and for good reason. He was not a man who liked to make a habit of keeping others waiting unnecessarily, and though he would very much like to keep Kaid about until his guests were safely out of harms way, he knew his minor council of healers could handle the rest of the rehabiliting now that the initial healing had been performed. Earth was in debt to Water’s healer, Kaid… and thus to Rigel herself. Sata only hoped Kaid’s assistance would also prove useful in discussions with Rigel. It would be wise to gain common ground with a neighbor who had quarrels with the same foe. It would seem, if rumors were true, that fire had not only stirred trouble within earthen territory, but in water as well, from the same incident. They held a common stand in this troublesome matter, and Sata would find an ally nothing less then profitable to either nation. And so was the destiny for the letter clutched in his palm. A letter now intended for Kaid, if he would be so kind as to pass it on to his matron.

Rounding a corner on the street, his eyes came to once again behold his dwelling only to find a new creature upon his doorstep. Or rather… upon his roof. A blue dragoness, floated within the sky—wingless and more graceful than he had ever seen a wind creature fly. She seemed to glide as she pleased, as if… yes… as if “swimming”. Was odd to imagine, but she seemed to be swimming through the air rather than flying, as Satazian observed.

‘twas funny how he observed this new spectacle. While others gawked and whispered in the street—staring and pointing at the new quest… Sata did little but sigh and gaze indifferently. What could he say? What could he do? Was this new sight any stranger than the tidings of late? Not particularly, and therefore… though the sudden appearance was odd and unexpected, he was not surprised, and rapidly his mind began to process a reason for the nervous circling of the drake above his abode as he moved up the threshold and into the house.

Ascending the stairs, he came to rest within the door frame of the room where Kaid and the rescued were stationed. Dismissing the guards, they appreciatively removed themselves from the floor and made haste out the door before Sata could change his mind.

The earth lord lounged within the threshold and warily observed the scene with a hard, but concerned look. All this trouble had begun with these two. Whether they had been the cause of the fight or the victims of it…? … Satazian, master of soil, did not yet know, and this bothered him. How could he meet with Kaji without testimony? He needed Ethida with him. She was the eldest of the two, and he believed her to be most capable of providing a trustworthy testimony. This was nothing against Kyoko, but she was only a child to his eyes.
Yet, as he looked at them, the girl—whose alert, attentive eyes, and curious inquiries spoke of a healthy recovery—was the one who seemed most adequate as the older woman lay unspeaking in her bed.

With a brisk clearing of his throat he announced his presence; “Sorry to have kept you waiting Master Kaid. How are they faring? Are they well enough for their care to be leased to lesser masters?”

Behind his firm, resonant tone, he recalled the letter in his hand—a letter to Rigel, addressing the potential for a common stand. But he could not address such matters now. Such things were saved for private conversations.

[healinglight]

Kaid nodded acknowledging her answer with glazed eyes staring beyond and in the general direction of her cot. However, her tone suddenly changed when she seemed compelled to correct herself. The air turned sad and her aura transitioned into a darker version of itself.

Blind eyes searched through the darkness as his heart picked up its usual pace in fear for her. The girl’s sudden change made him nervous for not only her health but her as a person. He heard her beginning to lose control in her breathing. Hers was a battered spirit and something the healer had said had unintentionally upset her. His heart ached for her and her words were confirmation of her internal pain.

No place…. Missing?

A tear fell upon his hand. Then her questions sprung forth. Kaid’s soul burned to comfort her. These were the times he yearned for his vision to be clear to see exactly where people were – their hands, shoulders, and especially their eyes. To see through to the hidden secrets of the soul and to know for certain what they needed. He wanted this for Ko.

“Oh, my dear, I am sorry.” He took her hand in both of his. Cupping her delicate hand in his larger older hands, the healer slowly stroked her skin trying to weave some sort of comfort through the sad tension now holding the room hostage. “But I cannot answer these questions for you. I cannot tell you from where you come; you will have to discover this yourself, but as to where you go from here, there is only one way. You can only go forward.” Kaid paused realizing he may have gone too fast for her while in her troubled state. “I am sure you have friends.” The man was a healer by practice but a guardian by heart; these words came from that part of his bleeding heart. “They will no doubt help you find a place and be your guides on this journey. You will know,” he attempted at assuring her.

Unfortunately, he had not the time to hear whether or not his words had the desired effect or merely confused her more. He had felt the foreboding presence of Earth’s chosen leader coming closer but a brisk sound announced the man’s arrival. Master Satazian’s low voice boomed in the previous relative silence of the room.

The summoned healer stood taking a step towards Sata. One of his hands still held loosely onto her small hand if she still wanted the connection. Grayed eyes stayed in Kyoko’s general direction for a moment before turned to his host.

“It is fine.” He raised his free hand to assure Satazian he was not lying just to be polite. “Both of these women are doing just fine. This girl, Ko,” Kaid said questionably turning back to her for a moment, “I believe her name is, is doing quite well. She has a natural magic helping her to a speedy recovery though she is, of course, nervous and perhaps somewhat distraught. As for the eldest, she will also be well. She just needs to sleep. She should awaken in an hour or so. Even so they both will need time to recover their full strength as it is with any healing. They will recover,” he finished. Kaid felt a bit uncomfortable answering to the comment about 'lesser masters' the Master of Soil had made towards his own healers; he hoped this was answer enough for the leader.