The Narrow Path [Closed/Lixue]

[Cachet]

Timestamp NotePlease feel free to timestamp this thread appropriately, just try and place it near the end of the season.

The injury ward was busy like ever. Lixue had likely grown used to the sights smells and layout of the place where many were sent to die. There were so many that if just tended to better would survive; but it was hard especially since Jorg never seemed to have his mind about him. If only the Jamoura was lucid more often instead of walking around confused and befuddled the injury wards death rate would drop like a stone in a lake. But as it was Lixue struggled to keep up with what came in the door; and quite often she was the only one that could provide any sense of medical care at all.

The day would start off pretty normal. Patients laying about beds, some of them stood up and dismissed themselves from the ward because they had recovered enough to do so. In all pretty normal. There were a few patients still lying about that needed tending to but other than that nothing remarkable. But fate had a way of changing on a dime; especially in an injury ward that tended to so many. But for now things were quiet allowing for Lixue to get her bearings.

Jorg was sitting outside, almost as if befuddled by something again. That wasn’t rare here, but he actually seemed to be pondering something very important. His eyes fixed to the heavens and stuck there. It seemed like there was still a spark behind them though, something was on his mind; but none would be able to tell just what at this moment.

“The storms comin.” He said under his breath as if that really meant anything to anyone. Truth be told very few listened to the old man anymore. Sure he was an elder, but he was practically useless now.

A few chimes later the immovable Jamoura was proved right. Dark imposing clouds settled in and a very heavy downpour started. Lightning illuminated the ward for seconds at a time and the heavens floodgate opened up over them. But still Jorg sat now nodding his head slowly with a smile proving to himself he did indeed know what he was talking about. But that still did nothing for the ward. Nevertheless, he had been right…even if it had been a guess.

The violent storm churned on and grew more violent with each passing moment, winds picked up and the gusts at times seemed like they could bring down the walls of the ward. This was indeed going to be a very interesting day for Lixue and all the occupants of the ward…but several chimes later rushed footsteps would carry startling news to the ward.

“LIXUE!!!” A deep voice called out distant at first but growing closer…someone needed help…If Lixue exited the ward she would see a Jamoura rushing toward the ward, panicked but not injured.

“There’s been an accident, quickly…come!The large Jamoura male would waste no time here, a true sign of the state of the emergency

[Lixue]

Spring 88th, 512 AV The day was normal. Perhaps a hint of dampness lay in the air, but no one really minded. Those who were still at the infirmary were either too injured to care or passed out from a fever. Patients who could take care of themselves, or needed rest, were dismissed from the Injury Ward and sent to the longhouses. Cots were gradually emptied, leaving behind crumpled blankets and silence. The place was not as busy as usual, so many assistants were allowed time off for their own lives. Lixue and the other doctors stayed on hand, in case something drastic happened. After all, Jorg was of very little use. The brain under Jorg's thick skull was entrapping him, akin to stitching a wound; slow and steady, with several spaces in between. As it was, the elderly Jamoura was sitting outside strangely fixated on the sky. Lixue feared him catching a cold, but no one else seemed to even make note of Jorg missing. Lixue tried to keep an assistant with him at all times, in case the Jamoura did something dangerous and hazardous to his health. Besides, Jorg enjoyed speaking to someone who listened, even if the topic was disjointed and tedious. When he was lucid, the male relished spreading his medical experience. Lixue was one of the few who paid attention to his words, took them to heart, and used them when the situation arose. When she had a spare moment, she took a blanket to the old man. He seemed not to notice her as she placed it around his shoulders. Instead, Jorg was mumbling something about a storm. What storm? Was the man having one of his hallucinations again? Lixue had barely finished the thought when large droplets of water began to pour down from the darkened sky above. The weather had arrived so unexpectedly. Lixue had not even detected such a change. Too busy with other things had she been. Tasks such as folding blankets, restocking her backpack, and helping organize supplies, were always in demand and rarely fulfilled. A calm day was used for cleaning. Making her way back into the Injury Ward, Lixue's green eyes were automatically drawn to a rising problem. A patient, taken with fever, was thrashing. His large limbs were flailing as he tossed and turned. Fantasized words were slurred loudly. The assistant who was in charge of the Jamoura seemed to not know how to control the situation. She tried to hold his shoulders down, but only succeeded in nearly having herself smacked. The water basin next to her, on the movable table, was bumped and landed with a splash on the ground. "Dayna!" Lixue yelled across the Injury Ward, wasting no time in making her way closer to the place. Dayna was a Jamoura who helped Lixue on numerous occasions. Currently, she was folding a blanket, but snapped to attention at the sound of her name. Dark eyes landed on Lixue before trailing to the current problem. Laying the blanket down, she too hurried closer. The nurse reached the thrashing patient before Lixue did. Taking the initiative, Dayna sat on the man's chest, effectively holding him down for several chimes. "Assistant, grab long rags. Tie his hands and feet to the cot. Haste!" Taking one of the cloths, Lixue kneeled down and tied one end of the rag to the cot. Dayna placed a foot on the Jamoura's shoulder, pushing his arm down. Lixue grasped the man's large wrist, looped the cloth around it, and knotted the rag to bed. Lixue was going to move onto restraining the feet, but her name was called. Head popping up, green eyes searched for the source. Again, her name burst through the air. Using her cane as a brace, she shifted to her bare feet. Hesitation had no placed in her form as she approached the Injury Ward's entrance. A humongous Jamoura seemed panicked, running quickly to her. "There's been an accident, quickly...come!" Lixue nodded, black hair covering her face for a flash before entering the infirmary again. Thankfully, Dayna and the new assistant had managed to subdue the patient. "Dayna! My bag. There should be honey, sugar, and a water-skin in it already. I need rags, another water-skin, a sharp needle, strong thread, scissors, scalpel, turmeric powder, and smelling salts. Take my cane," Lixue tossed it the few feet in between the women before continuing with, "Hurry, Dayna." Lixue was pleased when the Jamoura jumped to complete the task. Within a few chimes, the assistant had returned. Adjusting the bag to sit comfortably on her back, Lixue waited. With her limp, she would slow the travel down. This time Lixue expected to be picked up and carried. After all, she was teeny compared to the large, male, Jamoura who was impatiently waiting.

[Cachet]

Get-er-doneI’m going to try and stay on top of this thread so we can finish it before the season change.
Just like she had predicted the large Jamoura picked her up in one arm and settled Lixue against him. He was large even by Jamoura standards and burdened the small human female with ease. Then like that they were off through the forest to a location that she could smell even before she saw. The storm around them was carrying on without reprise. The wind kicked up and the rain still in a torrential downpour soaking everything. Under the cover of the trees the droplets would’ve been inspiring…had it not been for the very vivid smell of smoke that began to fill the air. Something was indeed wrong.

As they approached it was very clear what had happened here. A few Jamoura were trying to make a lookout post of some kind up high in the trees. Immediately she would see three Jamoura laying on the ground in no particular position…they looked to have fallen! The trees above seem to have been gleaned off by a lightning strike. The top of the tree was on fire and the debris from the strike that fell was scattered about on the ground. Several of the pieces were on fire now some more than others. There was also a peculiar smell of burning flesh in the air…definitely not a good sign.

The Jamoura set Lix down and then waited for instruction. It seemed he would be her muscle in all this as there were a few Jamoura pinned down by rather large pieces of debris. But should they move them? The Jamoura didn’t know and hoped that Lix did, otherwise there would be a few more bodies buried today. The scene was chaos wrapped in rain, smoke, and fire. She needed to act quickly if she was to save lives today, the downpour helped keep the fires from spreading too far, but it didn’t extinguish them…they were too large already.

“What now!” The Jamoura said clearly at a loss for what to do. He would obey this woman’s orders almost without question but he knew they needed to act fast; Lixue would be able to see this in his eyes clearly.

[Lixue]

Lixue's eyes ran over the scene. Three Jamoura down. Two of the three were pinned by large debris. The stench in the air made Lixue cringe, though she pushed the feeling away to focus on the task at hand. What to do? Her mind was racing, heart thumping, eyes flickering between patients. A droplet of rain splattered against her cheek. Glancing around, Lixue became aware of just how much chaos surrounded them. Fire, smoke, and rain mixed together and caused steam. The one Jamoura without debris on him had a leg twisted at an awkward angle and abrasions littered his body. His body was limp, sprawled out on the ground. Blood oozed from wounds. Without hesitation, Lixue quickly limped her way over to the Jamoura. Her backpack thumped awkwardly against her spine as she dropped to her knees. Given the situation, she could not waste precious time scanning over wounds. Two fingers were shoved into the thick flesh beneath the Jamoura's chin, slightly to the right. Forcing her body to be still, heart to be quiet, and appendages to quit shaking, Lixue waited for a lifetime. Green eyes slid closed as she tried to find a pulse. One second…. Two second...three second… There! A faint, but steady, beating of the heart. The man may have been unconscious, but he was alive. Lixue's head snapped up, searching for the Jamoura who had brought her. When she found him, Lixue ordered, "Take him away from here. Carry him. Do not let him drop. Be careful when you set him down. Try to find someplace on hard ground. Take caution with his leg. Lay it higher than the rest of him. If he wakes up, do what is necessary to restrain him. Even if it includes tying him to something. Hurry back!" Though she should have watched the moving to make more harm was not caused, Lixue did not want to throw away seconds when the other two may have been dying. A shaking hand sub-consciously pushed soaked strands of black hair out of Lixue's eyes as she made her way toward the other two still forms. Adrenaline seemed to have kicked in, causing Lixue to calm down. Instead of breathless pants, she breathed deep. Shaking appendages stilled. A racing heart slowed. Unnatural strength ebbed into petite limbs. The feeling of fear and losing control left, leaving Lixue confident and steady. A hardened glint shown from green eyes, as if she had removed her emotions from the situation. Plopping down next to one of the two Jamoura left, Lixue first checked for a pulse. Instead of at the neck, her fingernails pressed into the wrist, directly below the palm. It was necessary to move her fingers several times before a pulse, very faint, was found. Good, he was still alive, if barely. Knowing the male was living, Lixue could now move onto checking for other wounds. A large piece of debris covered both legs at the thigh, successfully pinning them. Blood oozed from the man's left temple, dripping onto the ground below. Scrapes and sores littered hairy flesh, ranging in depth. Short gasps of breath brought Lixue's eyebrows together. A long moment was spent staring at the Jamoura's chest, trying to spot movement, before Lixue reached up to tip the male's head backwards. To do so, she placed one hand beneath the neck and one under the chin. She then lifted upwards and lowered the Jamoura's head. To open the airway. Fortunately, the movement seemed to help in both allowing more breath and keeping blood from draining down the throat. Reaching out, Lixue placed both hands on the Jamoura's chest. Fingertips were pressed inward as she searched for broken ribs. What she was looking for were pointed edges, or bones where they should not be. The process was slow, but necessary. Given how the Jamoura was breathing, Lixue could only hope a lung had not been punctured. During this, Lixue glanced up and spotted the Jamoura returning. "Over here!" she called out, Vantha accent making her words seem more like a song. When the Jamoura reached her, Lixue explained the situation with an aura of confidence. "He is badly hurt. You see the piece of tree keeping him down by the legs. We will have to move this. If you believe you can do it on your own, please, try, but do not be foolish. I may be small, but I will do what I can." A pause. "Your friend is bleeding from the head. I have not examined the wound. Yet. When he is moved, I do not want him picked up. There is a high risk of causing more harm than good. Numerous ribs may be broken, along with his legs. He will be moved by his arms." Green eyes latched onto brown. "Do you understand? I will not tolerate hysteria nor harm to the patients."

[Cachet]

The situation worsened by the second,, the very wood that laid on the men began to gently light up. Casting flickering light across the scene. It went unnoticed at first due to the thick smoke that filled the entire area. Unbearable thick smoke that hung in the air obscuring vision like a black veil only torn away briefly by the harsh hand of the gusts of wind. The smell of burning flesh still hung in the air, but Lixue had a job to do. And she took charge quickly taking command of the situation promptly. Which was really the only hope for this situation.

Her assistant Dayna was there with her as was this rather large Jamoura who still had no name to Lixue. The large Jamoura obeyed her without question carrying away the first patient to a safe location near a shorter tree. There he found hard ground and followed her instructions carefully. Dayna followed him and then saw to setting up a kind of field hospital for the injured while Lixue tended to the more immediate needs of those in the emergency zone. It seemed all of them were horribly injured, but that wasn’t going to stop those who were driven from providing care.

The Jamoura headed back to help Lixue. His measured movements carrying him to her easily where he looked to her for some kind of guidance. He knew not medicine…nor anything else that could help him help others in this situation. He only had his strength, and there in his eyes she would see a flicker of a flame. Easily mistaken, but it was a reflection. The Jamoura looked to some of the wood that was scattered about and it seemed it had lit fire to the piece of tree on this man. Quickly he put hands under the tree pieces and lifted it off of the man.

Straining he then pushed harder and then pushed more…more…the wood was shoved off and away from the man into a heaping pile where it promptly lit up only adding to the smoke and ash in the air. But he then assisted Lixue in helping drag this man to safety. He was gentle but deliberate in what he was doing. The fire was getting worse…spreading and it didn’t look like the rain would calm it down either. Surely if this fire got much worse people from the city would come to try and put it out. But the fire didn’t seem to be at that point yet.

A flash, then a crash…and it seemed the entire forest was falling again. Lightning gleaned off the top of another large tree and scattered the flaming smoldering pieces down to the earth. Then…everything failed. She would feel a sharp pain. Feel extreme warmth and hear only a few screams before the deep smoky darkness enveloped her completely. She was away…way far away. Who knew where…

Her mind came to, gently and she was somewhere that she had never seen before. A place that she could only have come u p with in her mind…maybe…White stone walls, were they smooth sandstone? The room was well it, making everything clearly visible to her. The floor was covered with carpet and wood. She was laying on a bed…where? It was comfortable and her body felt fine. Even if her memories of what had happened just before was clearly evidence that suggested otherwise.

The crackling of a wood fireplace echoed in the room and as she turned her head to meet it there was a lone slender figure sitting at a table in the center of the small room. Two chairs, one empty waiting for an occupant and the other she was sitting in. In the center of the table was a teapot on a silver platter. She poured a single cup of tea and looked to Lixue…a smile across her face as she nodded.

“Lixue…my darling I have been watching you.” Her voice soft and melodic.

Her frame was healthy, she had long black flowing hair that cascaded down her body to her waist. Then there were her eyes, her wonderful heavenly emerald eyes. Her complexion was perfect and somewhat pale but perfect. There was an air about her as well, respectful…powerful. She didn’t move from where she sat, no instead she remained her gentle eyes watching Lixue carefully.

“Come, take a seat.” It was an offer…one she likely didn’t feel like she could decline.

[Lixue]

Rolling over, a gentle breath of air was exhaled in shock. Green eyes moved slowly over the room, confused and dazed if not a little hazy. Where… where was she? White stone walls surrounded her, told Lixue she was in an expensive room. The flooring was a mixture of carpet and wood. Somewhere close by, a fireplace was lit. The bed she lay on was soft, comfortable. A woman sat at a dark table in the center of the room, looking completely at home. Was that a cup of.. Tea? The scent teased Lixue's nostrils, made her mouth water. This was not the forest. Where was the rain? The fire? The Jamoura? Where were her patients?

The last thing Lixue remembered before falling unconscious was waiting. Standing a small distance away from the male Jamoura who sought to lift the fallen log, Lixue had been waiting. Her arms were crossed in an attempt to keep the rain from instilling a chill inside of her. Raindrops fell to the earth, making it hard to see and soaking everything in sight, including the patients and helpers. She had been worried about the injured catching hypothermia. Wanted to cover them up and seek shelter under the trees. Black hair was stuck to Lixue's forehead. As she reached up to move the strand, thunder clapped overhead. A startled scream lodged in her throat. The situation was dangerous at best. Why wasn't the log off yet? Did the Jamoura bite off more than he could chew?

Jolting from her thoughts when the piece of burning was successfully moved, Lixue rushed forward. Cold fingertips searched for a pulse frantically. There! Thankfully, the moving of the piece of nature had not caused the man to go into shock. Glancing at his legs, Lixue held back a grimace. Blood gushed from the open wounds. It appeared the log had literally shattered his kneecaps. The skin was broken and bone sliced through, white peeking out in a sea of red. There was nothing Lixue could do with the spreading fire coming closer. Nodding to the male, Lixue moved to her feet and grabbed one of the upper arms near the armpit. After making sure the action was copied by the man, Lixue nodded and the pair proceeded to slowly move the Jamoura away from the chaos. Along the way, Lixue told him, "I will stay with the patients. You must go back and retrieve the final patient. Be extremely careful. I have not checked his wounds yet."

Just as she finished speaking, lightning lit up the sky. A loud crash echoed, making Lixue jump. Pain. There was pain. In two separate spots: her right leg and her neck. It was though someone had chosen to stab her repeatedly in the neck and taken a hammer to her knee. Then… warmth. As if she had tried to hug a fireplace warmth. Dazed, one hand pressed into the spot and came away red. H-how? And then she lost consciousness.

...And ended up here. Where was here?

The strange woman invited Lixue to take a seat at the table. It would have been rude to refuse. Swinging her feet onto the piece of carpet below, Lixue sat up slowly. One hand moved to her neck, felt around and gave it a tiny squeeze. What had the lady done to remove the pain? There didn't even seem to be a scab! Lixue also gently massaged her knee, made sure everything was in place. Gingerly, she moved to a standing position. Carefully, as if Lixue was unsure her legs could support her. When they did, she made her way over to the table.

Up closer, Lixue could study the female. Vibrant healthy, her face was framed by wavy black hair that reached below the table top. Bright green eyes, more blue than Lixue's. Having been raised around amazing colored eyes, Lixue was not surprised. Pale and blemish free. For some reason, Lixue felt the need to choose her words wisely to not offend this person. There seemed to be an aura of power.

The first question to pop from Lixue's mouth was not about herself. "Where are my patients and are they alright?"

[Cachet]

The lithe figure looked Lixue over and smiled. Exactly the kind of response she was looking for. Selfless, even though she was crippled. But everyone was injured in one way or another. Physically, emotionally or mentally, everyone had their scars. She knew Lixue well. She had been working with her dear healer Jorg. The poor man had lost much of his mind in his old age. It was a tragedy but she knew that Lixue’s patience was more than an aid to him. But he was still so far from well…especially in his old age. He had lived a filling life in her service; healing as much he could and helping the lowest echelon of people in order to fulfill what she had asked of him all those years ago.

For that she owed him more than she could voice right now. “So many have strayed from the path they were asked to take. It isn’t an easy one my darling Lixue.” She said looking deep into the woman’s eyes as she sized her up.

She could be very useful, and had already proven herself in more ways than one. She had risked her well being for the lives of those that were in peril. And when others would not act she did, and drove those same in inactivity into action around her. A leader in the chaos she kept a straight level head about her. Even in the crisis…that was still unfolding around her.

Where she was wasn’t nearly as important as who sat before her right now, across the small wooden circular table. She didn’t pour the tea on the silver platter before her. Instead she nodded and spoke again. “Hopefully you will not stray…”

The words were curious as the woman then spoke even more troubling words. “Your patients are still in need of your help. And they will perish without you.” She stood and then let her next words sink into Lixue’s mind.

“I can grant you the very power to heal the injured. All you have to do is believe you can heal, and swear that you will give this gift openly to all that need it no matter who or what they are. If you do not stray from this path I will reward you.” She said with a smile as she gently opened one of her soft opal hands for Lixue to take. Whatever was going on here was indeed strange.

She was the goddess Rak’keli, the goddess of healing and health. The one Jorg was marked by. He spoke of her whenever he was lucid…but those times were few and far between now that he had aged even more. But he still bore the mark on him, and she had seen him use it a few times. Miraculous thing it was, she could only imagine what having such power would entail. But all Rak’keli was requiring was that she help all those that need it, no matter what or who they were. A double edged sword surely, but a gift that needed to be given openly in order to heal the wounds of the world one person at a time.

[Lixue]

Lixue frowned. What was she doing inside this room if her patients were still in dire need of help? Having a simple conversation about… What was the woman even rambling about? Paths and straying? What? The words twisted in Lixue's mind, trying to find a definition and meaning. None popped to the surface, leaving her befuddled. A pale nose scrunched in thought. This woman knew Lixue's patients were in danger and still spoke riddles, still sat casually at the table? Anger threatened to bubble to the surface, but Lixue forced the feeling down. No. Being upset would not help her wards. In the back of her mind, Lixue knew she did not want to cause an uproar with this female; felt the sense of power surrounding her. Any thoughts of anger were pushed from Lixue's mind as the lady kept speaking. The power to heal the injured? Lixue thought only Rak'keli could give that power? Or, at least, those who were healers claimed the goddess had marked them. Even Jorg spoke more of the goddess than anything else; he bore his mark proudly. Only a handful of times had Lixue seen Jorg use his gift, more from him not being lucid than her not being around. Though she had not paid particular attention what was possible with the mark, Lixue still wondered. Could she help save more lives at Nature's Nurture, or even in the cover of the trees while dealing with impromptu injuries? Wait. Was this woman Rak'keli? The thought had not reached Lixue's mind before then and when it did, the prospect overflowed. Had she been holding a simple conversation with a goddess who could decide whether or not Lixue was able to be involved in the medical field? But did Rak'keli not say Lixue had to decide whether or not she was able to heal everyone? The lady had seemed so nice, yet so powerful. The mixture of feelings finally made sense and left Lixue mentally befuddled. How could she feel so normal in the presence of such a person? Realizing Rak'keli was awaiting an answer, Lixue told her, with an undercurrent of steel, "My policy has always been: 'heal those who need it, not just those who want it'. I have never grudged someone by who they are or what they are. If in need of medical help, I step forward. Even if they are not considered safe, in any sense of the word. I know I can heal, and if I cannot, I will try until the last breath is taken." Placing her own slightly calloused hand into the goddess's, Lixue moved to her feet.

[Cachet]

The Goddess smiled, yes she had pegged this woman correctly. Her wonderful eyes looked with insight and passion down to this woman. She had so much potential…as did nearly every healer she marked when they first were marked. But so many strayed endeavoring to follow more lucrative paths, that was the folly with marking those who were not Konti. They lived more passionate lives driven by their inner self and ambitions. They were more volatile than the gentle Konti, set in their ways and prone to do outrageous acts. But this also worked in her favor; because every now and then she found a potential Healer with great promise. Someone who could do outrageous acts in her name.

“I will hold you to those words Lixue.” Those words had a mixed meaning in how they were delivered, easily spoken but at the same time Lixue had the feeling that she was now in a binding contract with this Goddess. One that was about to come more concrete.

The Goddess gently pulled Lixue to her feet and then was within a breaths distance of the woman. So close to immortality…to the Goddess Rak’keli herself. Rak’keli’s very presence at this close a distance was filled with an aura of peace and tranquility. So peaceful…so soothing, it would make a person want to stay in her presence forever. With a gentle twist the soft underside of Lixue’s arm was exposed and the Goddess looked at this spot and nodded. “This will do fine.”

Gently, but with very great purpose Rak’keli laid her soft opposing hand on Lixue’s soft flesh. She traced a figure out on her forearm. Swirling she made the very insignia of herself in Lixue’s flesh. Her fingertips gentle applying no pressure…but the feeling was surreal. Warmth flowed from the Goddesses fingers into her flesh. And left behind a shimmering opalescent mark…one that Lixue had seen before on Jorg many times. It was beautiful and a definite sense of purpose came with it. The mark started off small and thin near Lixue’s wrist on the underside of her arm. The small interwoven strands running up her arm, with every crossover the mark grew thicker and the circles grew larger until they finished at her elbow.

“When you heal, remember this peace. And know you can heal my darling Lixue.” She then gently whispered into Lixue’s ear leaning forward almost as if to embrace her. ”Do me proud.”

And just like that the peace in that room was stripped away from her completely. Smell would come to her first, burning…ash…then feeling…she would feel heat…extreme heat. Her vision was spotty but she would see a large limb atop her and the Jamoura man that came with her lifting it off of her body; throwing the burning timber piece away and then stooping down beside her.

“Lixue…..please….Lixue.” His voice was muffled…distorted like it was coming through water. The words slurred together but she could still sense the urgency in the mans voice.

Her body felt like it had been hit by a train…or it should. If she struggled to her feet she would find everything was in complete order. Not even a scorch mark on her body. How was that possible? There were even parts of her clothing that were slightly burned, but her skin was completely untouched…except for her right arm whose soft flesh was now marked with a shimmering opalescent mark from Rak’keli. There was no mistaking it now she had been in the Goddesses presence. The Jamoura man was stunned; he swore he smelt her flesh burn from the large timber piece. He heard bones break! He was set in his mind to carry her into the city to a real doctor and have them try and heal her up. But instead…she was fine.

“How….I heard bones break…smelt flesh burn…how?” He was clearly puzzled to what was going on with her.

As she came to she would put everything together. She was back in that clearing with the Jamoura laying about. The smell of fire made this all the more real to her. The Jamoura was right...she should be dead...injured at the very least. But she was not, no she was as she had been. Uninjured...untouched by the giant falling timber piece the Jamoura had lifted off of her. She could see that he burned his hands in the process as well indicating that her wounds should be deadly at the very least if she was still alive at all. But no...she was untouched...aside from the mark on her right arm...the mark of Rak'keli.

[Lixue]

Lixue had somehow expected Rak'keli to mark her but still surprised at the actual action. And honored. And proud. Lixue could not help but to be a mixture of all the emotions; Rak'keli was marking her. Rak'keli was trusting her with the lives of others. Rak'keli was blessing Lixue with her mark. Never did Lixue think she was worth the sight of the gods and goddesses and such a treat was amazing. It left Lixue feeling as though she could do anything, within reason. As though the tips of the stars hanging in the sky could be reached. Lixue did not expect the blessing to as it was. Rak'keli twisted her arm, scouting out a place. And gently, ever so gently, Rak'keli traced a symbol into Lixue's skin. Warmth spread through Lixue's arm, echoing the fires that kept the longhouses warm at night. The hot feeling tickled up her arm and Lixue was amazed at how the blessing seemed to encourage her to accept it, as though it sought Lixue's approval. And Lixue gave it. She could not help but adore the mark and want to show the mark to the world. This meant she was blessed by Rak'keli, after all! And what a gift that was! The actual mark was larger than Lixue believed it would be. Jorg's was not as expansive. The mark started at her wrist and ended at her elbow. Though it started off small, the swirls and interwoven strands ended large and thick. The mark practically glittered and glowed, opalescent. Bright, but still light, colors swirled in the mark; aqua, green, and was that purple? When Lixue tried to focus on the blessing, the colors were too intertwined to truly decipher. When the Goddess nearly embraced Lixue, Lixue was barely aware of it or the words spoken. She knew she had to do Rak'keli proud, however, one way over another. The next moment, Lixue could smell the fire. Inhale the scent of ash and burnt skin. The next sense to return to her was feeling. Lixue nearly wished it had not. A different type of heat enveloped her than the one Rak'keli had had. Instead, this one was so hot it nearly caused pain and Lixue wanted to recoil from the warmth instead of embrace it. There was a weight atop her, pushing her into the ground below. This weight kept her from breathing fully, which may have been a good thing considering all she would inhale would be smoke. And that was never a good thing to have in the lungs. Blinking several times, Lixue attempted to clear her vision. Sight was the next sense to return and was accompanied by hearing. A man was pleading with her. About what? Desperation tinged his voice, although it was slurred and muffled. Was the man drunk? And what did he want? Lixue crushed her eyelids together, blinking away the stinging feeling the smoke left. Silent tears fell from her eyes, encouraged only by the lingering sting. Distinctly, Lixue was aware of the weight on her chest leaving. The man threw it to the side and Lixue wanted to thank him. The person seemed aware of this and crouched beside her. But before Lixue could even begin to form the words, the man spoke, "How... I heard bones break... smelt flesh burn... how?" And Lixue had no answers for him. Lixue was not aware of what had conspired while she was with the goddess. All she could gather was that a limb had fallen on her and pinned her. The lingering warmth on her skin and clothes informed her that the limb had been on fire, at the very least. But, with gentle touches to her body, Lixue discovered she had not been harmed. Her skin was hotter than a raging fever and her clothes were slightly charred, but she was relatively uninjured. Besides the raging headache pulsing between her eyes. That could have easily have been from the smoke inhalation and the confusion she had attempted to sift through. With a worried gaze, Lixue glanced at her right arm in case the meeting with Rak'keli had been nothing but a dream and she had not been blessed with the mark. But the blessing was still there, shimmering and shining proudly, covering her underarm. With nearly a sense of wonder, Lixue ran her fingertips along the mark. She had truly met with Rak'keli and received her praise and approval. But now was the time to work. Pushing off the ground with a slightly shaking hand, Lixue moved slowly into a sitting position. The world spun only for a moment before leveling out and Lixue breathed deep during these few chimes. When she was certain she could move without help and without falling over, Lixue pushed to her feet. "I think we have work to do, don't you?" A pointed glance was shot toward the Jamoura's charred hands and included everything around them.