Flashback Intake Examination

[Adnaj]

Adnaj was a bit taken aback by the question. Not because he found it to be rude or because the thought was bizarre. He was caught off guard because Ricky's intuition was right.

"I uh..." Adnaj began. He made a few incoherent noises. The beginnings of words that he didn't intend to finish. After successfully imitating a drunken transient, he found himself trapped in a long pause.

Finally, he decided to gather his thoughts and start over. A sigh of frustration escaped his lips. A wry smile proved that it wasn't a frustration with Ricky but with his own failure to lie or improvise a believable cover story.

The fisherman seemed friendly enough. Zeltiva was a big enough city that, worst case scenario, he could simply disappear. The city was big enough for both of them, if Ricky didn't like the fact that Adnaj was a Nuit, Adnaj could simply walk away. After all, it wasn't as if he had revealed any specific information about his clinic or its location.

"Alright," Adnaj finally spoke after his impossibly long pause. "There are a few things that you should know about me. I have dedicated my existence to healing living tissue. I have studied the living body in the hopes of preserving and extending life. My goals are to study and preserve the art and tradition of healing. You should also know that I am a Nuit."

[Ricky Maze]

Ricky had guessed that he had struck a blow on Adnaj's pride or something, the man practically has felt the need to explain himself where as Ricky only asked a simple question really. "Whoa whoa, calm down lad." He looked humbly to Adnaj as raised his arms with a friendly smile. "Ye ain't got nothin to worry, twas a curiosity was all. So there's no need to explain yerself ya hear." He reassured the Nuit with ease, indeed though Nuits were usually cautioned when it came to the living Ricky felt perfectly safe. Were he not the Odis would've detected the danger to begin with, instead of cheerfully coming to fill his curiosity. Ricky heartidly rested his arm's on the table once more, assessing the thoughts that followed. 'How curious for one who has no life to wish to preserve it, a very notable goal for one so different.' His thoughts wandered just how far Adnaj could go, had he the help he needed to get there. 'If he had help then surely he could...but that's if he truly is seeking to help the livin.' It was an indeed a curious situation. Why would a Nuit wish to help the living when he was immortal, it was quite an unorthodox situation if Ricky ever had one. Yet there was truth in Adnaj's words, a truth Ricky felt was real and heartful. Had his instincts told the fisherman other wise then he would've definitely be second guessing the intentions of this man. Yet there was an air about Adnaj, something about him seemed to say he did have something to prove; and that encouraged the fisherman further. "However I'm very curious as to why an undead would focus on helpin the livin, normally yer brethren don't carry on such association." He pointed out in his humble tonw, curious to hear Adnaj's reasoning behind all of it.

[Adnaj]

Adnaj was pleasantly surprised in the acceptance that he was hearing in the man's voice. He was glad to have the opportunity to continue this conversation, especially in a friendly manner.

"Well," Adnaj began slowly. "Obviously, I started my journey at Sahova. The island was full of motivation to study how living tissue operates. You could feel the overwhelming zeal to discover where life comes from and how to interact with living tissue. The operating fact, was of course, that this study was directed toward understanding tissue so that it could be destroyed.

This failed to gain my interest. Life on Sahova quickly grew dull and I, like so many restless Nuits, decided that it was time to end my existence. Finding myself in a place such as Sahova, I knew that I would have no difficulty researching a novel, painless and efficient method of performing this task. As I poured through the books, however, it wasn't the poisons or the devices that interested me. It was the nuances and the subtleties of the tissue which I was trying to destroy. What had interested me were all of the rules that the body had to follow to see another day. The schedules of what to do and when, the lists of things to avoid and the actions to perform, this was what had finally garnered my attention.

The human body became, to me, a complex machine for study and research. Unlike my fellow Sahovians, I was interested in manipulating the mechanisms of life, not in silencing them. It became the most rewarding puzzle. Static objects are boring but the living body is constantly reacting, constantly adapting and it is always dynamic and fluid.

In short, I look to heal others because it is far more difficult, and therefore far more fascinating, than to kill them."

[Ricky Maze]

It was a genuine reason really, the explanation on it was quite clear really. Although it wasn't the one Ricky didn't expect it was still good enough for him, he expected it to be a more "honorable" and "for the good of people" reason then the interest of science really. However it was Adnaj's pursuit and not his, therefore Ricky wouldn't judge him. It was still a worthy goal to follow, and come to think of it a mutual at that. Two birds with one stone or so to think, while Adnaj sought to study the functions of the human body that meant he required a person alive, and people who aren't well can benefit by his research while at the same time become better. So in all honesty it was a very good interest to follow. "Alright then, sounds like a worthy aspiration to me. Ya need a place to stay for a bit and it just so happens that I'm willin to help out." He stated humbly to Adnaj, opening the opportunity before the Nuit. "I've encountered a Nuit maybe once or twice and not a friendly encounter mind ya, but for me this one went rather well lad; so..." He decided it was the right thing to do, after all generosity was something his father taught well. Helping others is in fact important if you can, but only if you don't need the help first. Or so his father once told him, and while Ricky was doing just fine on his own he was sure Adnaj needed help. Now more then ever. "As far as stayin somewhere, I have a open room at my shack. That can be enough to get ya started, but I do have a few conditions." Indeed there were a few concerns Ricky had to bring up, as his home was sanctuary from the world. If there was going to be another dwellin within, they had to know what principles he followed. "I'd appreciate it if no customer's or whatever came by the place seekin yer healin aid." He raised the index figure as a symbol for "one", which then the middle finger joined for the next incoming condition. "While the house may be slightly messy I try to keep it organized, so long as I don't come home to find a hurricane has hit yer research I'm ok with that." He kept the humble smile to Adnaj as the final condition rose up with his ring finger. "Last but not least, my house is a place of peace. I usually leave early in the mornin to fish and come back noon dependin on how things go. Any experimental stuff can be done but I ask that should it be wild or crazy it be done elsewhere, small dealin's I can handle but the big stuff I'm not so sure of." He had hoped he wasn't being to solid or difficult with the Nuit, but these were things he had to address before extending the opportunity out there. He was finished presenting it now of course, and was waiting for Adnaj's answer with confidence. Ricky was willing to share some of his paradise with Adnaj so long as he didn't have to sacrifice so much, already he went out of his comfort zone just to extend this helping hand; but what's done is done. Whatever Adnaj chooses Ricky will respect with ease in mind, knowing that he would have no regret and did what he could to help out someone in need.

[Adnaj]

Adnaj was both gracious and thankful to this generous man but he was also slightly confused.

"Ricky, your terms are incredibly fair and your offer is enormously capricious. But I must ask, why would you offer me such a thing? I do not ask in the context of my existence as a Nuit, I ask in the context of a stranger. I have met others who were not disturbed by the presence of a Nuit but why open your door to a perfect stranger?"

His question was extremely careful. There was a difference between respectfully investigating a humility which one did not understand and expressing bewilderment at a former decision. Adnaj's tone and facial expression were both carefully crafted to express the former. Adnaj certainly wasn't asking because he suspected foul motives, not in this man and his companion. If the fisherman had been this practiced an actor, than Adnaj felt he had earned whatever dark goal he was seeking. More seriously, however, Adnaj simply did not worry about the man's motives. That, perhaps, was what confused him most.

"I will give you a second chance to think about your offer and to decide whether you would have a stranger so close in your living space. If you'd have me, than I would be more than happy to graciously accept your roof over my head and your generous hospitality. In return, you will, of course, have to name what I can do for you."

Adnaj looked down at Odis and smiled faintly. "Although not trained classically, I can do what I'm able for your friend. That is," he looked back at Ricky, "if you haven't yet found a healer in Zeltiva to specifically monitor his health."

Adnaj looked up at the sky for only a brief moment, a revelation into his thoughts. "Or we could seek a more traditional route of a rent payment. I have plenty of medical supplies and natural remedies of which I'm sure you could make use. Oh," he interrupted himself. "I could always teach you a thing or two about some basic healing and first aid," Adnaj suggested again.

"Think about it. Think about what you could potentially need. If you consider again, your offer, and decide that it still stands, then I would hate to occupy space without proving my utility."

[Ricky Maze]

Ricky could tell by the look that Adnaj gave it was a bit of a shock, but he waited patiently to hear the good Nuit's words. "Ricky, your terms are incredibly fair and your offer is enormously capricious. But I must ask, why would you offer me such a thing? I do not ask in the context of my existence as a Nuit, I ask in the context of a stranger. I have met others who were not disturbed by the presence of a Nuit but why open your door to a perfect stranger?" It was indeed a curious question that Ricky too had to ask himself, strangely enough people are quite bold as to make such an offer, whether out of kindness or a naive idea, Ricky wasn't sure why he felt what he had. It was natural sort of, just a way of "paying it forward" for him really. Before he could answer though Adnaj had continued. "Although not trained classically, I can do what I'm able for your friend. That is if you haven't yet found a healer in Zeltiva to specifically monitor his health." It seemed like a generous trade off really, one Ricky hadn't considered to be on the table but a favorable one nonetheless. "Or we could seek a more traditional route of a rent payment. I have plenty of medical supplies and natural remedies of which I'm sure you could make use. Oh," he interrupted himself. "I could always teach you a thing or two about some basic healing and first aid," Adnaj suggested after a moment of thought. Ricky was nodded to this as he looked deep in thought considering just how well this agreement could work out. It was a couple of chimes of hm's and mm's for the fisherman as he thought deep on this, surely Adnaj felt he needed some way to repay Ricky's kidness. Ricky wasn't all that worried about money or rent, as Nuits really didn't have to eat or anything from what he heard. Being undead they needed very little things compared to the mortal bodies, so of course there would be no financial strain for the fisherman. As for space well... that was a different story. Adnaj would have Ricky's old room he had as a boy, for the fisherman and Odis both usually slept in his father's old room. Everything seemed to work out well enough in his head, from what Ricky had put together Adnaj had a few bonuses to offer for his stay and Ricky wasn't going to turn down such a kind gesture. "Aight lad, here's what I have to say," His intrigued expression returned to it's friendly smile, "First off to answer yer first question. I gotta good feelin about ya lad, surely ye can do good if ye get the help ya need, and based on how Odis reacted to ya that's more then enough proof yer alright." He was honest and humble about his point, looking Adnaj straight in the eyes with a respectful smile. "While ye be stayin in my place I won't need any coin from ya, and will decline any attempt to accept it; ye'll need that for yer clinic and supplies no doubt. As for teachin me a bit and the health care ya can provide, know that while I find it unnecessary I will humbly accept. I'm pretty sure we can count on yer skills as they are." He still held the smile he had after admitting it, his tone relaxed and free of worry. Ricky had kept his approach simple and easy, and his nature would have reflected on that which seemed natural. He regarded the fact that they may be strangers now, but with the ability to place trust in Adnaj present Ricky felt that the start of their relationship was a favorable one. Adnaj had the capability of being a good friend to have, and so Ricky would welcome whatever was to come with no regret.

[Adnaj]

Adnaj was very pleased with how this chance encounter had turned out. He had met many gruff, cold and sometimes unabashedly rude citizens in Zeltiva. Conversely, he had met a number of warm, kind, generous souls as well. This man, Ricky, however was peculiarly generous to him. What had started off as a typical afternoon routine had turned into a rendezvous with an amiable fellow and the gracious offer of inexpensive living space.

With at least this one single stressor off of his mind, he could devote more of his attention toward the all-consuming effort to bring his clinic to life. For the time being, it appeared that Ricky would not allow him to pay him back with any material goods. That was okay, though. Adnaj would be there in case Ricky or Odis needed any medical care. That and any occasional instruction that Ricky desired could suffice as a method of payment.

As happy as Adnaj was to have a sheltered place to lay his head, there was something more important going on here. He had met someone who had offered a friendly, helping hand. He had actually managed to make a friendly acquaintance in Zeltiva. This was a big step. The idea that he might not be so alone in Zeltiva was a strange one. Through all of his time at Sahova he was basically by himself. He could scarcely remember any names of the other inhabitants of the island. Yet here he was, a stranger in a city of the living, making friends and even sharing a roof! This mildly aroused some sort of warm sentiment within Adnaj. He invited the idea of having a friendly and mutually beneficial alliance in his new city.

"Alright," Adnaj weakly smiled. "Your terms surpass hospitality. I gladly accept." His handshake was a firmer a gesture than his smile was an expressive reaction.

He had secured safe, reliable and trustworthy housing here in Zeltiva. And he had accomplished this task through a human who knew that Adnaj was a Nuit. The undead healer was quite proud of himself indeed.

[Echelon]

Adventurer's Loot A Gift Experience is its own reward. Adnaj's Loot : Adnaj Skill XP Reward Observation +1XP Lore: The Allure of Zeltivan Culture Procuring Zeltivan Sanctuary Wary of Canines Revealing One's Nature A Worthy Aspiration Items or Consequences: None Notes: Your writing, though a tad minimalistic, is actually pretty solid all around. Ricky's Loot : Richo Maze Skill XP Reward Animal Husbandry +2XP Lore: Dreams Of The Future Endless Hospitality Strictly Non Judgmental Items or Consequences: None Notes: None (Ok... That is just CREEPY!) - if you have ANY questions or concerns about this grading, please PM me.