Follow-up

[Arkash]

It wasn't as though Arkash was without mercy or pity, but his rage robbed him of his reason. His jaw ached with the urge to clamp something, and his palette held a distinct thirst for something warm and coppery. Arkash was without control over his impulses, too, which was just the product of his upbringing. Acting in the moment, on impulse, was what paved the path of his survival in Lower Nivenhain; he ran when he needed to, and fought if he could.
Impulse said to bite the doctor, so Arkash bit him. Perhaps it was a product of his instinct mixed with the learned behaviors he'd gained from society, but it wasn't an immediate reaction. Instead, Arkash baited the poor human, then ambushed him with a vicious aimed attack when it was too late for him to evade.
As a result of his mal intent, his muzzle was gripped and pried off the good doctor, as Arkash was more than happy to gnaw at the raw, broken skin and stain his palette with human blood. Unfortunately, Asmodei assured that did not happen, then snapped his jaws shut with a firm grip around his muzzle. Arkash stared from his one eye and made no effort to resist the grasp that held his mouth shut.
"WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!" Called Asmodei while he stared down the rath.
Arkash rose one of his scalie brows; he was unable to speak. Sure, Asmodei had the right to be mad at him; they'd agreed to test his venom at a later date and he went and spent it all on a whim. He understood, but he didn't care.
"YOU COULD HAVE KILLED HIM, ARK!" Again, the rath rose a brow, unable to speak. He had his suspicions on what his venom did, as Brodie had survived his bite, and Alec's observations rang fresh in his mind. 'He won't stop bleeding!' Cried the youngest brother's voice in his head. A glance of his yellow iris put Cyrus in his line of sight and revealed much the same effect. Cyrus was woozy, wavering. His arm didn't stop bleeding, and the rags of his clothes that he tied around the wound only filled with red and began to drip as they soaked through completely.
"Asmodei," called Fayeth's calm voice. The avialae looked to the pale siltori with the remnants of his rage still burning. "The good doctor is bleeding out. I'll deal with Ark. Can you squeeze his wound?" She got up and approached the pair without sparing a glance at the doctor. Her form was tense, as though she had to show great restraint in his presence.
The rath briefly wondered why she didn't just help Cyrus herself; she was plenty strong enough to hold his wounds shut. Then he recalled her curse; her need to feast on mortal flesh. Did she... crave the doctor? Arkash widened his eye as he watched her rigid form approach. She breathed only through her mouth, perhaps the smell was too intense? It ultimately made sense to send Asmodei to help the bleeding human in her stead.
With a nod, Asmodei returned his gaze to the rath, then released Arkash's muzzle before he approached the doctor, extended his arm, and squeezed the rags of his bloodied arm with a vice-like grip. The human's fingers would turn numb after a moment or two of the intense, metal-clad squeeze, and Asmodei guided the human by the arm to Arkash's bed to lay down. Cyrus needed to be in a resting position to bring down his heart rate.
Meanwhile, Fayeth watched the pair with hungry eyes before Arkash gave her arm a tug to draw her attention. "Shouldn' 'ew be tellin' me off?" he reminded with a raise of his brow.
"Eh, he strangled you first. Besides, you're a rathari. Instinct is instinct." Riiiight, it was instinct that led him to bite the human, or so Arkash feigned. "I can blame you no more than I can blame him," she assured.
"He's a monitor lizard," answered Asmodei while he eased the human back. "Take it easy, don't get too excited."
Arkash cast a sort of glare at the human, which relented when he saw the bloodloss. A tinge of guilt lined his one working eye while he considered the question. "What Az said," he replied with a motion of his head to the avialae. " I dunno wha' me venom does, jus' tha' i' makes people tired an' bleed a lo'."
The avialae cast a confused glance to Arkash. "How do you know that?"
"I bit one of 'em boys 'at was 'asslin' me." It was why the hollows attacked him. "'Is brova couldn' stop th' bleedin', an' 'e was limp as a noodal," he recalled.
Asmodei bowed his head in a thoughtful nod. "...Well then, you might just be a komodo dragon," he affirmed. A dragon? Arkash was a dragon? His eye widened and his brow furrowed. That couldn't be right. "Not an actual dragon, Arkash. That's just what your species was nicknamed for their huge size. I had my suspicions, but you're awfully small for a komodo dragon. Did you know rathari can reach up to eight feet in height? You should be around that marker."
Yeah, well you try starving half your life and see how tall you get, came his thoughts with a glare, but he spoke not a word. "Right, jus' unlucky, I guess."
"Could be your Neoalt make-up, too..." he wondered aloud, the returned his gaze to the human. "Well, mister Faust. While I'm sorry for Arkash's barbaric behavior, I do have to say I'm quite grateful. Thanks to you, we've learned yet another piece of Arkash's puzzle."

[Haldir]

☠ 32nd of Ash, 120 ☠
Company: Fayeth, Asmodei, & Arkash| Theme: Assembly| Thoughts: Pain is the best Teacher| Mood: Calm, Fascinated

☠ I had already gotten over the fact he had bitten me and was fascinated by the effects the venom had on me. The immediate debilitation that set in was remarkable, so fast once delivered into the bloodstream. I was enthralled by the feeling of weakness, shortness in my breath, it was rather strenuous on the body.

I was forced into the same bed Arkash was once in. I didnt want to be resting, but I knew from a professional standpoint it was for the best. My wound was still bleeding and my excitement wasnt helping. I couldnt stop thinking of the many ways to use this new saliva venom. Then an idea hit me, and I sat up at protest of the Avialae.

"Tell me Arkash, when you bit this person, did they react this way as well?" I was far too curious and I began to press him. "I ask because though I am a doctor, I also moonlight as a torturer. It's more so a business of my father but I have taken a liking to it as well. I am a broken human."

I hoped that the incident from earlier wouldn't ruin what I had to ask next. "If you can handle it, I would like to ask a favor of you." even in a resting position, my gaze was still fixed on Arkash, an intense desire in my eyes. "I have a proposition for you. I would love to experiment with your venom, both for medical and torture practices."

It was without a doubt a marvelous experience, being able to witness and feel this for myself. The fact he was a monitor lizard made sense. The venom was how they would ensure their prey could not escape, and I knew I needed it no matter what. "I will pay you handsomely each time of course, and you have every right to refuse if you wish. I can understand if you do not wish to be put under such conditions for the sake of my own twisted curiosity." I admitted.

I then realized that my runes were showing, having forgotten the fact they were inscribed onto my shoulders, and now they were uncovered as I had ripped the sleeves from my shirt in order to prevent blood loss and the spread of the venom. My eyes looked to Asmodei, hoping he wouldn't make a big deal of it.

I let out a sigh as I didnt think there would be no need to hide things from them. If they wanted to out me to the authorities then they could, but I didnt see that happening. Asmodei was a Kathar Avialae that went against what notions of a knight would be. Even though he still held a sort of honor code, he was in no position to judge me given everything I've come to surmise about him.

"Guess there is no hiding these huh? I have had them for quite some time." ☠

"Common Tongue"
"Silvain Tongue"
"Self-Thoughts"

[Arkash]

When Cyrus next spoke, Fayeth's blood-red eyes fell upon him and stayed there. It was the sort of glare one might expect to find on a lion that had otherwise stalked them as a potential meal. She didn't act, however, and her pose remained rigid. Tension filled the air around her, and drew the gazes of both Asmodei and Arkash, though neither of them spoke against her. "I...-" Arkash started as he pulled his gaze away from the siltori in all her tension. "-Yeah... He wuz chokin' me one sec, on th' floor th' next." Indeed, it was a similar situation to the one he'd just experienced. Perhaps it was instinct that led him down the path of biting those that choked him, after all?
While Arkash replied, Asmodei's gaze was far too focused on the siltori to be of any use in keeping the doctor down, but Arkash did catch the revelation of the doctor's secondary job. Suddenly, everything made sense. Cyrus was a killer, a criminal. It was the reason Fayeth and Asmodei went to him; as they were all lawbreakers and trouble makers. That didn't mean that Cyrus had to help him though, it was still his choice, and he did so anyway. No matter how he spun it, he was indebted to the good doctor. Arkash would have perished otherwise. "A lo' of 'em are, no offense," was all he had to say on the subject of broken humans.
"Me venom?" he asked at the doctor's proposition, then looked between his two guardians, who were otherwise completely absorbed in either their other half or the good doctor himself. Arkash shrugged. It was a strange request, but not one that he refused. "Shore..." He offered with a shrug. What was the worst that could happen? He'd be paid to spit in a jar or something. But then, he realized a problem. "Ah... I' only really comes ou' when am stressin' or in trouble'." He had to figure out how to bring out his venom without having his life threatened or otherwise putting himself in harms way. "But, shore. I'll try."
Fayeth snapped finally and took a step toward the human. In a flash, Asmodei was upon her, holding her by the shoulders. "Arkash, take Cyrus's arm and squeeze it until the bleeding stops," He instructed. Arkash looked upon the two with confusion. Did Fayeth really mean to eat the doctor? Perhaps. As Asmodei soon lifted her from the ground, and began to cart her away. "Play nice, you two-" He spoke with a grunt, then opened the door of the abandoned warehouse with one hand and let himself through. All the while, Fayeht's gaze remained locked on the human, as though she were a cat being dragged away from the fishbowl.
It fell upon Arkash to protect the human from the damage he'd inflicted. Cyrus would feel his arm throb as blood returned to his veins in those parts, And Arkash flicked his forked tongue. Suddenly, the human was bleeding again. Arkash closed the gap and looked the doctor up and down with his one yellow eye before he firmly squeezed the doctor's wound with such force that his own arm shook; even so, it wasn't even half as strong as Asmodei's hold. He did his best, but as usual, he wasn't strong enough.
"She's curs't," Arkash explained. "Can' 'elp i'." It was the best he could do to justify Fayeth's predatory instincts, but then again, Cyrus had attacked him on the basis that he shared such instincts, even though he wasn't cursed or a rathari. Could instincts be learned? Arkash pondered while he held the doctor's arm wound, then shrugged. At that shrug, Arkash's left side twitched and lifted in a series of pulls and spasms that saw his head flick to the left at an angle.
After the reaction settled down, Arkash sighed, then looked over the doctor again, and bowed his head. As he parted his lips to speak, the human pointed out his runes. Arkash raised a brow; they were just like Asmodei's. "O'! You's a maeg!" How interesting, Cyrus was maybe the fourth mage he'd met in the city that damned the use of magic. Did all mages enjoy the danger of living afraid of the argent? Arkash had to wonder. His yellow eye remained locked on the rune before it lifted to Cyrus's gaze. "Wha' sorta magic 'ew do? Az kno's some sorta fia magic, bu' I dunno' shi' all."
It was still a subject that interested him, but Asmodei was too weak to initiate him, or so he claimed. He knew he wanted it, regardless of what the laws dictated, but he doubted the man was strong enough to pass on his gift. "Well, 'snot like we's gonna tell enyone. Youer orite," Arkash assured. It was an odd experience, reassuring a human. He'd not thought he'd care enough about one of their kind to offer any sort of emotional consolation, let alone a local. But there he was, helping a human not bleed to death from a wound he'd inflicted.
With a brief smile on the side of his face that wasn't mangled with a grotesque scar, Arkash bowed his head. "Sorry I bit 'ew. I jus'..." he paused and looked away from the human. "I dun' liek bein' grabbed, an' I los' me tempa'." His eye briefly looked back to meet Cyrus's before he looked away again and bowed his head. "Sorry, age'n." He affirmed.

[Haldir]

☠ 32nd of Ash, 120 ☠
Company: Fayeth, Asmodei, & Arkash| Theme: Assembly| Thoughts: Pain is the best Teacher| Mood: Calm, Fascinated

☠ So it seemed the young rathari had already witnessed what his venom could do first hand and bit me knowing the effects of it, Interesting. Whether dumb luck or careful planning Arkash was proving to be a rather fascinating curiosity to me. I couldnt say I was enjoying this predicament, but I would hold no ill will towards him for doing what he had done.

"None taken Arkash." I assured with a chuckle, seeing as we had something in common, a mutual dislike for humans. It was ironic when I thought about it, as a human who despises his own kind. I felt more at home among the other races rather than my own. As I pondered that thought, however, it seemed a more pressing matter than my bleeding forearm had arisen.

"Splendid" I rejoice, as he agreed to share his toxic drool for my future experiments. So many ideas of how to apply it and what effects it could do coupled with other poisons or chemical agents swarmed my head. I was glad at his willingness to participate, to supply me with his venom. "I assure you it will not be evasive or anything that will bring you harm, but rest assured you will be paid handsomely for it." I added a smile on my face as unaware of the danger I was actually in from someone in the room.

I didnt notice it till she moved, and the Avialae moving between her and the path that led to me. I wouldn't forget the look in her eyes though, predatorial in nature, yet exuding murderous intent. I felt as though she couldnt stand what I had done to the poor rath and finally decided to retaliate. I wouldn't have blamed her for it of course, but it was still a surprise nonetheless.

The winged male took his wife outside, ordering Arkash to clamp my forearm. As they left I couldnt help but feel like Fayeth had been looking at me not as a threat but with hunger burning behind those crimson orbs of hers. Then it hit me, my blood! She was reacting to my blood, but why? Arkash's explanation only served to pique my curiosity, even more, stoking a firestorm of questions within my mind.

I pegged her for being odd in a sense of not being like other siltorii, but this...this was intriguing to me. Just what did he mean by cursed? What kind of curse made one thirst for blood? How curious, as I would need to further investigate that woman to see what she was.

When I mentioned my runes to him, I was assured that my secret was safe with them, and that took quite the load off my shoulders. It wasnt easy living here, in a desolate land where rune magic was outlawed. His enthusiasm was welcomed however and I wasnt about to deprive him of a learning experience that was for sure.

"Yes, I am indeed a mage. The runes I have are of the magic of affliction and semblance." I began, making myself comfortable as I would begin explaining the two. "Affliction, my personal favorite, is the magic of placing maladies and curses on others. It's a vital tool in the torture trade and I was given the rune by my adoptive father. It was the rune I used during my very first kill, a wretched soul who killed my adoptive mother years ago."

I took a moment to gather my thoughts, as that was always a sore subject to me. Taking a deep breath I continued in my explanation of my runes. "It allows me to experience a poison, toxin, disease, and inscribe its effects onto my soul, by doing so, one can cast those stored effects onto others. Though it does come at a price, the corrosion of one's own soul. The longer you store an affliction, the more one is susceptible to the backlash known as Curserot. It's a nasty little side effect if I'm being honest."

Affliction was truly the best magic of the rune magic in my eye, one that I loved to explore more each time. Testing the limits of the mortal frame, seeing how long one could last before their body gave out and the final moments of their lives played before them like a film.

"As for Semblance, it allows you to read people, to see glimpses of things that have happened. It mainly allows one to discern information from things and people that one wouldn't truly know. If I wanted to, I could use it to ascertain the truth behind how you ended up in the condition when I first patched you up. It's a very interrogative magic if one thinks about it."

I found myself rambling and simply chuckled realizing this. ☠

"Common Tongue"
"Silvain Tongue"
"Self-Thoughts"

[Arkash]

Cyrus was a curious human. Even if he thought himself entitled enough to grab Arkash without consequence, he didn't seem to damn the rath for what he was. Instead, he became more interested, intrigued by Arkash and his physiology. The humans that found him interesting were normally nice to him in the end, or so past experiences spoke. Perhaps he shouldn't have bit the human? Despite the welling guilt in his chest, the burning ache in his throat reminded him the bite was warranted.
Regardless, Cyrus was pleased to hear Arkash's acceptance. He'd not really considered the application of his venom in torture, it was always a last resort, a trump card, or in cases like the one poor Cyrus had landed himself in: a warning. "I liek gettin' paid," he affirmed after the doctor spoke his assurances. The extraction would likely be manually pulled from his glands, Arkash recognized, but he was no stranger to pain.
When Fayeth made her move, all eyes fell upon her. Arkash's eye soon returned to Cyrus when the elf was stopped, however. In the human's gaze, Arkash saw something familiar. Not fear, but recognition, acceptance of what would come from his wrongdoings. So, Arkash offered clarification when he approached the human, and in turn, squeezed his arm. Yes, the elf was cursed. How or why Arkash didn't know. But Cyrus seemed more at ease from his brief explanation. At least he knew she didn't mean to try and kill him.
So, the rath elevated the arm with the use of his stump and squeezed with all the might his one set of claws had to offer, which admittedly wasn't much. But, it was enough to slow the steady leak of life force. While Arkash helped to patch the mess he'd made, Cyrus spoke more on his magic. The magic of disease? He'd expected something like water or earth, like Asmodei's fire. But disease? It sounded dark, almost out of place. It seemed that, in his wounded state, Cyrus became an open book. Was that just because of the bloodless or was he just keen to share? He shared the story of his adopted mother's death, and Arkash briefly locked eyes with the doctor before he looked away; no apology for the circumstance came.
What was more, Cyrus believed the magic corroded his soul. To that, the rath furrowed the one brow that worked. "Youer sole, eh?" He asked aloud with a squint. His eye lowered to Cyrus's shoes, and he shrugged. "They looks fine t' me." It was an interesting concept, but Asmodei had mentioned nothing about the poor condition of his feet. Perhaps it was just the disease magic that broke down people's soles? Living in Lorien, with no religious influence outside of the omen, the concept of a soul was unheard of. It was perhaps because of his magic that Cyrus knew of its existence.
"So 'ew can taek th' effects o' my bite?" He wondered aloud with a tilt to his head. More thoughts followed; if Cyrus were to apply his venom's effects to him, would he still be immune? Arkash swallowed his venom nigh daily and felt no adverse effects. It was a passing thought, an idle curiosity. Maybe Cyrus couldn't take the effects of his venom? He did need more samples, after all.
Semblance was also wildly different from both Asmodei's sigilic pyromancy and Cyrus's secondary magic. It was the magic of... investigation? Arkash rose a brow. That one seemed somewhat lame in comparison to fire and poison. "Er's no' much t' see," he shrugged. It was a little uncomfortable to know that people out there could read him so easily, frightening even. Was that why Cyrus was so open? He knew people had the power to take all his past, and saw no reason to hide it?
With a brief exhale from his nose, he looked to Cyrus's arm, which hadn't dripped in some time. Even so, he kept up the pressure to be sure. Perhaps Arkash's venom was wearing off? The feeling of exhaustion in Cyrus's muscles would remain, but he was at least not bleeding as much anymore. "Can 'ew teach people?" he asked after a moment of silence. Perhaps Cyrus was stronger in the arcane than Asmodei. After all, Cyrus had two magics while Asmodei only had one, to his knowledge.

[Haldir]

☠ 32nd of Ash, 120 ☠
Company: Fayeth, Asmodei, & Arkash| Theme: Assembly| Thoughts: Pain is the best Teacher| Mood: Calm, Fascinated

☠ It was rather adorable to see how simple he thought. To think he believed I meant the sole of my shoes as to one's actual soul. I could only smile and shake my head at his misunderstanding. "No my dear boy, when I say soul, what I dont mean here." I began, pointing at my shoes as I clarified. "I mean here, the very core of your being. Do you not know what a soul is Arkash?" I inquired, tapping his chest.

I didnt need an answer as he had already shown me he had no inclination as to what a soul was, so I felt it was only right to educate him. "A soul, something that all living being has, is the essence of what we are, of who we are. A soul is the incorporeal blueprint of a person, what makes them who they are." I explained, hoping he would understand.

When he informed to me about me taking the effects of his bite, I smirked, nodding in acknowledgment. "In a way yes, but its more so the effects of your venom than your bite. You see by experiencing the effects myself, subjecting myself to your venom, I can then imprint those effects onto my soul, and at a later date I can unleash those effects in a hex, jinx, or curse on a victim if I so choose." I explained, seeing his interesting in the magic.

"Granted by doing so, I risk corruption of my very own essence, but its a worthy price to pay for the magic." I added, my breathing finally stabilizing. By this time however my forearm throbbed in pain from the loss of circulation.

I could sit up now, however, and could finally focus on his next question. It was possible to teach him, inscribing the rune on him. Sadly however I was not proficient enough to teach him. "I would love to teach you, but as of right now I am not proficient enough to show you the way. However, when the time comes, I will gladly teach you either of my magic."

Hoping that would satisfy him, I brought the conversation back to something that was still bothering me. My eyes betrayed my tone as they fell onto the barn door that Fayeth & Asmodei had exited. "I'm rather curious as to what you mean you say she is cursed? She seemed rather predatorial when my blood was exposed. I have never known an elf to be so fixated on blood."

I was curious, more so than I failed to realize thinking on the many explanations as to her condition. The doctor in me was concerned and curious to give her a thorough examination. "I would be glad to give her an examination, see if there is a way to help her, reverse this if possible." I wasnt aware of what I was offering, though I couldnt help it, I just wanted to help as best as I could as a physician.

The more I thought about it she was truly a medical anomily, her paler skin than siltori shades, her blood-red eyes, and fangs. I happened to notice these things when I came to work on Arkash in our initial meeting. ☠

"Common Tongue"
"Silvain Tongue"
"Self-Thoughts"

[Arkash]

Not a sole, but a soul. Arkash's eye followed where Cyrus pointed, though there was no spark of recognition or understanding. Even when Cyrus pressed his finger to the scales of the rathari's scarred chest, he didn't seem to understand. His heart? His general chest cavity? Was that where the soul resided? He parted his lips to speak, though it was abundantly clear that he truly didn't know what a soul was. From his own perspective, he'd not gone to school like savant children. Education wasn't something the nameless had a right to. Everything he knew was passed down from his parents, so his own knowledge was easy to doubt over Cyrus's.
Cyrus went on to explain what this alien concept was to the rathari, and he bowed his head in affirmation after a moment of hesitation. His one yellow eye looked to the slope of his head while he thought and a low hum rolled from his throat. It was a lot to grasp. "How'dja know if i'ss there or no'?" He asked finally. This soul, this blueprint that Cyrus spoke of. What did it look like? Could one feel it? Lose it? "Is i' inside 'ew? What if 'ew dun' 'ave one?"
Those were all reasonable concerns, he believed. Why didn't Cojack or Liu tell him about souls? Was that just one of the things they meant to teach him when they finally left Lorien? There were a few subjects like that; the most Arkash ever had to learn was how to swing a pick and where on the trunk to strike with his axe. What he lacked in knowledge, he made up for in practical skills.
That lack of knowledge did seem to crutch him more often than not though, as Cyrus went on to explain his ability with the magic of disease. Again, the doctor spoke of his soul, and how he could imprint the effect of Arkash's poison on it. Such a thing sounded... dangerous. If the soul was so important, was there anything worth damaging it for? If Arkash truly did have something so precious, he'd not let it go for the world, let alone the ability to poison people. But maybe he took his venom for granted? Arkash had always struggled not to poison his family whenever they cooked together. He even wore special masks; effective muzzles that prevented spilling whenever his anxiety was too much to bear. Was that something humans craved?
Regardless of the risks, Arkash wanted magic. He wanted power and strength, independence enough to stand up for himself, and spit in the faces of those that walked over him. Rage burned deep in his heart; a fire that could only be doused by his skewed sense of justice. If his quest for strength destroyed him in the process, it wasn't as though he had much left to lose. But Alas, Cyrus wasn't strong enough to pass on his gift to Arkash, much like Asmodei. He seemed to deflate a little at that, but it ultimately didn't matter, as he'd someday learn magic. Whether that was with Cyrus as his teacher or another. "I'ss orite. Thank 'ew tho'."
Both he and Asmodei said they at least wanted to initiate him, which was more than Arkash could hope for from almost any other human or avialae. With a sigh, he returned his gaze to the doctor, then furrowed his brow before he followed the direction at which the doctor stared. His focus was on the door, and it prompted a tilt in the young rathari's head. Was he still concerned about Fayeth? Arkash had already explained she was cursed. Did Cyrus still believe she held some resentment for him?
As it turned out, that was not the case. Instead, he was curious about her affliction. Arkash's eyes widened. Cyrus had magic that dealt in curses; maybe he could help her? Arkash shrugged in response to his question, as he didn't know much of the details surrounding the curse. She never shared anything about how she came to be cursed, and though Arkash had wondered, it wasn't something they talked about at all.
"I... Really dunno." He spoke in honesty, then looked to the human's arm again while he held it. Dried blood caked his claws; it had been some time since Cyrus bled. Carefully, Arkash removed his claws, then looked over the bloodied, pressed cuts in the skin. Arkash had really done a number on the doctor. With a sigh, he returned to the topic, and gently lowered Cyrus's bloody arm. "She can' eat like we do; 'ass to be mortal flesh. She pr'fers fresh, livin' like. She ge's real pissy when she's 'ungry too."
Arkash recalled the state on her when she last went too long without eating, and it ended with him dangling from a rooftop with her hand around his throat. Suffice to say, Arkash didn't mess with Fayeth. "I dunno 'ow she go' curs't; I dun think she likes t' talk abou' i'." That was all he could say on the matter. She was cursed, she ate people, and she got mad when she didn't eat people. "'Ew thinks 'ew can cuer 'er?"

[Haldir]

☠ 32nd of Ash, 120 ☠
Company: Fayeth, Asmodei, & Arkash| Theme: Assembly| Thoughts: Such fascinating people| Mood: Calm, Fascinated

☠ His childlike curiosity was infectious and I had to admit he made feel good to explain it all to him. "You know simply because you are alive, you breathe, you exist." I began, hearing his other questions as they came in one by one.

"If one was without a soul, they would be counted among the undead, or golems of Artificing." I added, smiling at his niavity. When i meantion my reluctance to initiate him, I could see the disappointment in his eyes, which in turn made me feel bad. I wish I could help him in his quest for magic.

More so I wondered how he would handle it. It was not for the wrak if had to be so blunt, but the lithe Rathari seemed determined to learn, and I could appreciate that thirst, which made me even more inclined to oblidge him when the time came. He assured me it was alright that I could not instruct him as of right now, but despite that it was only right that I at least try.

He also noticed my attention was still on Fayeth, to which by hearing my questions, he answered the best he could. He really had no idea it seemed, I didnt need semblance to determine that, his tone said as much. "I see" I sighed, tapping my chin in thought.

It seemed she feasted on mortals, which made this curse even more curious to me. This curse turned those afflicted with it into cannibals of sorts, feasting on others. It also makes them voracious at the sight of blood, a trigger of some sort maybe? I had more questions than answers, and Arkash was only adding more fuel to the flames of my curiosity.

She showed all the signs of a predator; stalking live prey, agitation when deprived of food. She was more and more curious to me, I was eager to know more about her condition. When he asked if I could cure her, I looked at him. "Its a possibility, but i dont know enough to say for sure. It would require extensive research and experimentation in order to even assess her condition. That isn't to say it couldnt be done, but it will take time. I would need to study her in order to even know if it's curable or not."

I began realizing I may have dashed his hopes. "In all honesty, some curses cant be cured, but if the time comes, I will do my best to find some way to help." It wasnt much, but it was something if anything.

To break the tension I looked to Arkash, looking over him as he sat there, my dried blood on his talons, and knowing he never meant to bite me like he did, knowing that I didnt mean to choke him as I did. We seemed to get off on the wrong start, and I wanted to rectify that.

"If you are ever in need, come to me, and I will assist you however I can. My father is rather wealthy and has some connections. Also, I want to help make you a new arm. When I become more proficient in Necromancy, I will see about crafting you a true arm again." I offered, seeing the value in him, and a perfect medical opportunity to learn from him.

Looking back at the door a question popped into my head. "Tell me how did you end up with those two, they seem so off and apart from a normal couple." it was always a question I held about the pair, and how they came to have custody of Arkash. ☠

"Common Tongue"
"Silvain Tongue"
"Self-Thoughts"

[Arkash]

Arkash could not live without a soul, so the good doctor claimed. Was it akin to the beat of his heart on importance? The more the good doctor spoke of it, the more it seemed to be so. Though it was confirmed that Arkash did in fact have one, as he was not undead or a hollow, he couldn't feel it. It wasn't like his heartbeat in that sense, as he'd gone his whole life without knowing of its existence. When he was young, he could ask Liu about his pulse, and hearts were then explained to quell his curiosity, but aside from thinking and breathing, there were no indicators of the soul. Had Arkash just taken such things for granted? In that sense, he had a lot more to be grateful for than he first imagined.
Though Arkash said nothing else on the topic of souls, he explained Fayeth's situation the best he could. Arkash knew little of curses and hexes; he knew little of all things magic entirely. He couldn't have known what path he led the good doctor down, that her curse was anything but curable. Cyrus seemed to think for a moment at Arkash's question: Could he cure her? He waited for the doctor's answer with bated breath, then exhaled deeply when he, at last, explained that he would have to examine her. It wasn't a no, but it wasn't a yes, either. "I's worf a try enyway, rite?" Arkash added with a shrug.
The rath fell into silence at the revelation; not all curses could be cured. That mood was lifted when Cyrus spoke of his willingness to help Arkash, though. With what, he was unsure. Arkash didn't intend to be injured as he had been ever again. He would be an unstoppable force if he had his way, and no one would hurt him again. The addition of a new arm was nice, though. To that, his one eye lit up with hope. "Really? 'Ew will?" He asked with something of a grin on the side of his face that wasn't mangled with the lip-curling scar. He hadn't known such things were possible, getting new limbs. Perhaps all the emotional pain he'd experienced when he first awoke was for naught?
Arkash looked at his stump at the thought, then curled his elbow to flex the scaled nub that rested there. If such a thing was truly possible, he needed it. Being a cripple for the rest of his life was not ideal. "Thank 'ew..." He spoke with a bow of his head. Though he wasn't entirely sure it was possible, nor was he certain that the soul was a thing that existed in reality, Cyrus had given him hope for a better future.
On the subject of Asmodei and Fayeth, Arkash smiled a little uncomfortably. Before he could part his lips to speak, however, the large sliding door of the abandoned factory opened, and daylight washed over the two in a wave. Arkash stared from his blind side and listened. There was no response from the eye, not even so much as a narrowing of his pupil, let alone a squint. "Doctor Faust," called Asmodei, who entered the facility alone. "While my wife and I are grateful for your visit and most sorry for the... Training accident, I think it's best you make your way home." His eyes fell on Arkash, who turned to face the winged human fully. "She's fine, don't worry. I doubt the rope will hold long, so it's best the doctor scrams before she can pick up his scent again," he spoke in vithmi.
Arkash bowed his head at that, then looked to the doctor with a faint smile. "He's rite, 'ew best maek a move. I can tell 'ew soem otha tiem."
As Asmodei closed the gap with the two, still panting and huffing with the late effects of his workout, he offered a gauntlet-wrapped hand to the doctor. If Cyrus accepted it, Asmodei would escort and guide the doctor back to the wall's construction site, where he would be permitted entry back into Outer Nivenhain and they would go their separate ways.

[Haldir]

☠ 32nd of Ash, 120 ☠
Company: Fayeth, Asmodei, & Arkash| Theme: Assembly| Thoughts: Such fascinating people| Mood: Calm, Fascinated

☠ I was glad to see Arkash was still hopeful, given there was no guarantee I could deliver on a cure, but his optimism was appreciated. In truth there was a lot I had no idea about; the extent of her affliction; how long she has had it; how long did she have left if it was killing her as well?

I was getting more questions than answers, and unfortunately, the only one able to answer was just as in the dark as I was on the subject. I would need to study her for certain, or someone like her if that was even possible. I wouldn't know anything about this affliction until then, and that is what infuriated me.

As a physician, it was hard to fully turn away from something like this. By this time the winged Argent had returned, signaled by the large barn doors opening up. He apologized for the incident between me and Arkash during training and offered to escort me home. I couldnt help but notice that Fayeth was not with him and that he spoke another language to Arkash.

So it seemed to me something was wrong and they needed to get me out of here......but why? Was it because of how Fayeth was reacting to my blood? Was I in danger from her if I remained here? Whatever the case may have been, I was in no position to argue with him, and with a nod took the hand extended to me.

With a final farewell and pat on Arkash's shoulder, I left with Asmodei to which he led me back to the massive partition that was being built. ☠

"Common Tongue"
"Silvain Tongue"
"Self-Thoughts"