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[Ricky Maze]

Breaking the Ice
Spring 72nd 514 AV, 12th Bell
Location: The Fountain of Cascading Harmony

Strange. This spot was beginning to become a place filled with nothing but memory for Ricky, yet hopefully this wouldn’t be the last memory he would have here. Surely there was still time. Even then what would he do? He still had to prepare to break the news to his family, and of course a couple of friends that would be able to help him in terms of what could come afterwards… No. He wasn’t giving up yet. He had to remain strong for his boy, even if all hope remained lost he still had to find a way. This was only the hard part of it all though, finding the courage he needed to tell those he loved that he was dying. It was a hell of a way to break the ice, but sure enough that’s what had to be done since he’d held it off for too long. His sickness was of the mind, that he had concluded now after some serious contemplation. So if he was sick in the head by some means then a healer should be able to cure it, yet such wasn’t the case it seems. As time after time Ariann had healed his face and he only suffered the same nosebleeds later on, mainly because she wasn’t the higher marked like other healers were.

He knew not if Aoren was bound to be gifted with such marks, but if he weren’t then maybe he would know of somebody. Someone who could heal his condition, someone that could give him that second chance in life. No… this wasn’t his second chance, it was his turn around that he would need. Too many times had he faced death and spat at its face, this time he would make sure he fought back with the extra mile to boot. The Fountain of Cascading Harmony remained as beautiful as ever before him as he held the nilo in his hand, a deep thought casted onto the coin as he wished for something. Something so dear that it would very well make a difference for him, for the chances he had in living through whatever this was exactly. He wished that hope would carry him onward, bring him to find the answer in this discussion. He’d sent a courier earlier to his fellow friends, specifically to Gale McCenry, Pulren Marsh, Aoren himself, then of course to Hannah who was the Godmother of his son Martin.

Telion watched with their child in her arms as she waited patiently, already aware Ricky wasn’t going to spoil whatever he had to share with her. What he had to say… had to be said in front of everyone, all of those he invited to be here. They would hear him confess the secret he’d been keeping, and in turn know that he was slowly dying. The Nilo was turned over and over between thumb and index finger, like the counts of a clock as the ticks would travel by. Finally, he’d placed all his hope and thought into the wish. From there he flipped the Nilo upward with his thumb and watched, as it plummeted into the base of the fountain with a tiny splash, to join with the other gold, silver, and copper coins that rested within the fountain. Now all he had to do was wait, wait until they’d got his message and arrived. It was rather simple and straightforward really, it’s statement saying that Ricky needed them to be at the fountain urgently around noon. That he had something he needed to say.

He stood waiting as Telion came next to his side, her eyes went from the coin that landed in the fountain up to Ricky. Concern. She was overwhelmed with it by now, and he would in turn comfort her with an embrace. The precious moments he held her close, held Martin close with them… he would never take them for granted ever. Not when his time was limited. He would kiss her on the for head and say that everything would be all right, that no matter what happened after she learned with the rest of them, that the truth wouldn’t hold him back from what he had to do. It was cryptic in her case but she trusted him all the same, and knew that she was bound to learn something dark and heavy. Another burden. Rick was always good at carrying those on his shoulders.

The couple were easy to spot really, the large Zeltivan bear dressed in his white short sleeved shirt and blue trousers, while Telion wore a sleeveless aqua colored shirt, and a white skirt that traveled down to her knees. Martin of course was only dressed in his white small tunic and wrapped in just one of his blankets, his curious eyes wandered between his parents and to that of the fountain as they waited for the others to arrive.

[Gale Austin McCenry]

Common Vani Nari

When someone comes up to you or sends someone or something to tell you that they have something to say, it usually wasn't a good thing. As a matter of fact, Gale couldn't remember a time when it ever was a good thing. It was always something like serious and usually heart breaking. Telling someone you have something urgent you need to tell them is practically like a warning saying that someone you knew well died. But the only people that Gale really knew well anymore was Ricky, Telion, and Hannah, though Hannah was more of on the boarder. None of them looked like they were dying. Ricky has always been his cheery, usual self and even wanted to help train Gale to use a sword instead of an eating knife. Telion was always in a pleasant mood, especially since Martin was born. And Hannah... He hadn't seen Hannah in a while. Didn't she go off on some trip or something? Gale remembered that Ricky said she would be back sooner rather than later but he never took note of any specific season or date. But even then she was probably fine. She was more than capable of handling herself, or at least does a decent job at it. Then again.... He hadn't heard anything from her in a while...

As Gale had read this message, dozens of questions buzzed through his head. Was Hannah alright? Is Ricky and them alright? Did something happen? Has someone been keeping a secrete? Was Ricky or anyone in trouble? Again?

A slightly confused but curious frown wiped across Gale's face. When it comes to Ricky, Gale wasn't exactly sure what urgent meant. With his mother it was considered urgent if she needed him home by dinner. Hana considered it urgent if she lost her flute or sprained her ankle. Ricky... So much has happened between them two that Gale wasn't sure if this urgent message was the 'home before dinner' urgent, the 'sprained ankle urgent' or ''til death do us part' urgent. Which made Gale even more worried.

Gale was simply in his room when he got the message. He was flipping through his sketchbook trying to think of a way to gain his ability to draw again. But he dropped that as soon as read the note, grabbing his backpack and heading off.

Now... The fountain. Where was that... Ah, yes, he remembered. It was in the center of the city. Gale hardly ever went there for who knows why. But he remembered from when Ricky had his wedding there. It was a beautiful fountain and definitely a gorgeous part of the city. Maybe he should go there more often. Though, why would Ricky choose there of all places? Having an 'urgent meeting' besides a fountain of the Gods in which you cast coins and wishes wasn't exactly a good sign. Well, maybe he chose there because it was good news, like his wedding! It didn't have to be bad...

But it probably was. Gale could feel it in his spine. A wave of of cold ran down his back as he shuddered at the thought.

The man shook his head and continued to briskly move on. Now, Gale never really walked slow, or even seem casual when he wondered the streets. It always appeared he was on a mission or involved in some great dance with the Zeltiva's streets. Though, he didn't seemed to be dancing this time. As a matter of fact, if he walked any faster he would be running. It was hardly graceful. Or anything similar. But the blonde didn't care, for he just wanted to get to meet Ricky as quickly as possible. It was urgent after all.

Upon taking several turns and weaving through vast crowds of people, Gale finally came to the presence of The Fountain of Cascading Harmony. And not long after, in the presence of Ricky and Telion themselves. And Martin of course.

"Hey guys." Gale greeted rather blandly with a flat face,"Is there something wrong?" It was expected that this would be the first thing one would say, especially Gale being... well, Gale. He always found something to be worried about after all. Especially when one puts the word 'urgent' into the equation.

[Aoren]

University Living Quarters
10th Bell

Aoren had been in the middle of rearranging some of the furniture in his dorm room when he received a knock at the door. The sound of it confused him for a brief moment. Considering that he had just arrived in the city and knew practically no one outside of his instructor and Caesarion the idea that anyone would be purposefully knocking on his door a bit odd. Aoren released his hold on the writing desk he’d been moving to sit in front of the window then walked up to the door. Dusting off his pants he grasped the handle opening it to reveal a rather peppy looking man holding a sealed letter. Aoren blinked at him.

“Can I help you?” The man gave Aoren a smile then proffered the letter.

“Aoren, is it?” The Drykas nodded.

“This is for you, from Mr. Ricky Maze.” Reaching out Aoren accepted the letter. Before he could get another word out the peppy looking man gave him a wave and was off. He looked down at the paper in his hand before closing the door to his room. A huff from the corner drew his attention. Isikai was staring at him expectantly.

“What? I don’t know what it’s about either.” The dog quirked his head before going back to gnawing on a bone from last night’s dinner. Aoren shook his head opening the sealed letter reading its contents. As his eyes scanned the page he found himself furrowing his brow both in curiosity and uneasiness. Folding it back up once he’d finished reading it the young man looked around his room. With the exception of the writing desk it was arranged to his liking. He pushed the desk up against the wall right next to the window before giving an affirmative nod. If the dorms were going to be his home for the coming seasons he would at least be comfortable in them.

Rolling his shoulder and stretching he sighed. Moving all of that furniture had been a good way to get his day started but his day was hardly over. Seating himself on his bed he grabbed his boots pulling them on then pat Isikai on the head.

“Come on, boy. Let’s go see what this is about.” Isikai perked up at that. After spending nearly an entire season on the road, free to run and roam as much as he liked, Aoren could understand that the dog was a bit antsy to get up and move. Striding to the door, the young man took one last look around the room before ushering his companion out as the two of them set out for the Fountain of Cascading Harmony.

Wherever that was.

------------------

12th Bell

By the time that Aoren had arrived at the Fountain of Cascading Harmony at the center of the city, Aoren had successfully wandered a portion of West Street. He had probably received dirty looks from nearly half of the city’s well-to-do because of his more rugged appearance. Aoren was in need of a haircut, his clothes were on the more common side being a plain white linen shirt that had dulled with age and worn looking cotton pants. His boots, while comfortable, had quite obviously seen a great deal of travel and while not ratty were hardly fancy. Likely the only reason a person hadn’t outwardly sneered at him was because of his physical stature. There was also the fact that he had a fairly large dog at his side and the mark that shimmered on his face might have contributed to some amount of respectability in the hoity-toity part of town.

Aoren caught sight of Ricky Maze, a friendly enough man whom Aoren had had the pleasure of meeting on his very first day in the city. As he drew closer to the fountain he noticed that there were several more people there and none of them looked very familiar. While he wasn’t put off by the gathering it did strike Aoren as strange. Isikai whined causing the Seer to look at him. The dog had been chided not but a short while ago for nearly toppling a merchant who had been hawking wares in the street. While it had not been an unfriendly event, it had caused quite a bit of commotion and Aoren had since made the canine stay very close to his side. Upon seeing a familiar face, Ricky’s, he was certain Isikai just wanted to run up and say hello.

“What am I going to do with you?” Aoren shook his head then nodded it in Ricky’s direction gently. That subtle queue was all Isikai needed. The dog darted forward padding up to Ricky with a rather happy bark. He was soon followed by Aoren himself.

“You know, for such an apparently obvious landmark this fountain is surprisingly hard to find.” He gave Ricky a smile then politely nodded to the woman next to him waving to the babe in her arms. Aoren then turned his cobalt blue gaze to the blonde haired man standing opposite of Ricky. He extended a hand. It struck him then that he looked oddly familiar though he couldn’t place why.

“You look familiar, have we met before?”

NoteI was half-way through writing this when I remembered Gale's fear of dogs. I also remembered that Gale and I have a Dreamscape thread involving lots of shenanigans. So! Let's see how this unfolds. xD

[Pulren Marsh]

In through the nose, out through the mouth.

The mantra ran though Pulren's head as he managed his breathing, the views of the streets and Zeltiva's people passing by at a moderate pace. He had been in the training yard at Headquarters when he was approached by one of the other guards. After a short exchange of words, he found that Sergeant Rick was down at the fountain of Cascading Harmony, looking to speak with friends about something. The thoughts for Pulren were not those of concern, as he had found it rather nice that Sarge considered him a friend.

Sure, they had fought together against the overgiven Magi and other threats, but that was their duty as Guardsmen. While all of the Guard were brothers and sisters in arms, it didn't always work out that they would mingle in their private lives. A citizen militia draws from all walks and creeds of life, after all. Pulren could feel the light sheen of sweat on his brow, his jogging footsteps taking him between travelers and workers alike.

Watching Syna rise to Her midday seat brought urgency to the young guard's pace and by the time he reached the fountain, his hair was damp from the exertion. He found his superior among his family, two others flanking him. He could tell that they were probably waiting on his arrival, so rather than spew a bunch of excuses, Pulren chose to just stand there hunched over. His breathing was a little ragged and marsh kept his palms affixed to his knees.

"Sorry-- I'm late, Sarge' Had to come from---Headquarters." Standing and rubbing the slight stitch in his ribs, he nodded to the others. One had a dog and the other did not. Of course, he couldn't remember if Portraits ever had a dog. "Portraits." Pulren remembered the smiling face of peace from the Kelp Bar. "Good to see you, man." Then he went on to smile at the baby and greet Rick's wife, before finishing up his thoughts. "So what did you need me for, Sarge?"

[Ricky Maze]

Upon Gale's arrival the couple would offer him a generous smile seeing that the Godfather was there first, seeing him more or less always uplifted their spirits and the concern he felt in turn always touched their hearts after all. "Good t' see ya mate," Ricky greeted with a soft chuckle to follow with his warm smile, "As f'r somet'in bein' wrong, well..." His voice trailed off and in turn his eyes averted, which hinted that there was in fact something ill to be shared. That was when of course a dog came up to jump upon Ricky out of the blue, a happy and excited look on his mug as he greeted Ricky eagerly. "De petch?!" He was surprised at first but then found himself already in yet another smile, though this one a weaker form compared to the genuine one.

Even with the grave news he had to share though it was difficult not to smile when greeted by such an energetic fellow, which in turn led Ricky to say hello to the dog with vigorous head scratches and chin rubs as he nudged the dog onto all fours once more. That was when the man Ricky hoped to see would arrive, Aoren the healer that was from beyond the borders of Zeltiva. "Zeltiva's a big ol' place, nevertheless Oi'm glad ye could make it." He then remembered that Gale had a thing about dogs, due to the event of a certain lost bondmate, and in turn proceeded to look towards the Godfather in haste. What he'd hoped was that Gale didn't take to aggression or defense by means of bad memory and sight, since the dog now would likely stir up inner feelings of bitterness. "Don't worry Gale, t'is one ain't gonna bite ya. He's friendlier t'an dose ot'er ones Oi can guarantee." He hoped his word would be enough, seeing as how Ricky knew dogs well enough.

By the looks of things Aoren knew Gale from somewhere as he inquired whether or not he'd seen the Godfather before, of course Ricky didn't question it as he knew the odds were likely. Zeltiva, though big, was a place where you could easily meet anybody. Odds were they probably had met already, if not passed by one another. Finally Pulren seemed to arrive next and it looked as though there was only one left to arrive, as they were one head short in count of people to be present. "No worries lad, ye're actually 'ere on time." He assured Pulren with a faint smile that revealed a bit of nervousness, pretty soon he would share the one thing he'd rather keep quiet to all these people before him. How nerve wrecking. Still he had no choice in the matter, these people would help him. They would be the ones he needed to rely on if he were to survive, to see to it he followed through with his choice in choosing life.

Hannah came at last in the same outfit she wore the other day, the short black tunic with but several adornments, and the short beige colored shorts she wore to allow as much skin to breath as possible. She arrived with a smile on her face, rather amused at the gathering of the small party that collected, but when she noticed the look in Ricky's eye when he watched her, she knew good and well this wasn't some simple get together. Something was up indeed. After they would finish exchanging their greetings with one another, Ricky would finally step up to be the centerfold of the group and address them all. "Ho'kay... Now t'at we're all 'ere, Oi've somet'in Oi want t' tell ya. Somet'in t'at Oi dunno 'ow t' say really, all de same ye all need t' know..."

The pressure was intense, the mood heavier as though gravity increased. Ricky didn't know how else to put it, other than to simply state the words themselves. He took a deep breath and swallowed, his heart already started to sunk as he finally let the cat out of the bag. "Oi've a sickness killin' me slowly, fr'm de inside somewhere." The words never felt harder to say, as the reality behind them were... surreal to him. To comprehend them definitely took a moment for the first time with him, but for these fellows that gathered here it would likely be a different story. They would already know that the meaning of this news was deep, as an impenetrable silence seemed to still the air. He looked to Telion and Hannah first, both in a sort of awe and disbelief. Hannah looked to ponder if this was a cruel joke, but Telion knew straight from the heart he was serious... why? Because this was the very thing he couldn't tell her the other night.

The secret he finally revealed.

oocFeel free to write about the greetings and the like. I went ahead and moved the plot along just a little to carry out the thread.

[Gale Austin McCenry]

Common Vani Nari

There wasn't much said in the first few ticks when Gale first arrived at the fountain. However, more words were exchanged with a mere exchange of looks than one could possibly say within those few moments. After all, actions spoke louder than words.Though, it only grew worse for Gale with Ricky's hesitation to answer his question.

Oh no, oh dear Ssena. Oh dear Ssena no. There was something wrong. What was wrong this time? Why was there always something wrong?!

Gale merely blinked at the man with worry. His skin started to turn wan at the thought of another catastrophe breaking out in his line of friends. Well, family. They were family now. Nevertheless, this over flowing feeling of worry didn't last long. This was because boiling rage flushed his cheeks and his face burned. His eyes even narrowed, fingers balling into fists. As Ricky was tackled by a large hound, the image of Ricky being torn apart flashed into his mind. Kendhl stared at him blankly with blood across her neck. His hand itched and throbbed. An overwhelming urge swept over the man that screamed for him to kick the mongrel away and protect his dear friend and whatever secrete he held.

Before Gale knew it, he had screamed,"Hey!!!" The dog probably belonged to someone. Of course it did. Dogs may roam free out in the pass but there was hardly ever a stray dog on the streets. And if there was one, it was dealt with quickly, typically. This meant that Gale couldn't exactly kick it without the owner getting up in his face about it. Instead of kicking the mutt, the sailor decided to simply push the dog away, in hopes that the dog would at least get the hint that it should go on to it's owner.

The man was all too quick to rush over and shove the lousy dog off, and probably a little too roughly. "GET!!" Gale exclaimed through his teeth.

The dog was more than obedient however, and didn't fuss too much against Gale's fit and quickly got off of Ricky, with Rucky's help of course. But Ricky didn't seem to like the artist's rage as much, making a point to tell him that this was not one of the dogs that had killed Kendhl. "Does it look like I care?" Gale pointed to himself with an infuriated glare. It was true. Gale didn't care what dog it was or if it killed anyone. He didn't care if it was the nicest dog on the planet. He wasn't going to give it a chance to tear anyone's throat out while he was standing there.

"What?" Gale turned abruptly at Aoren. His face slowly softened from it's furious form, and his eyebrow raised. His face told the tale of how Gale's mind switched from the previous situation to the current question. The man gave an abruptly spoken reply, "I cannot say that I have seen you before. I am sure I would recognize someone like you." His blue eyes scanned the stranger in a quick, curious manner. The mark on his face... yes, he would have definitely recognized someone like him. Though, why he was familiar with Gale, he wasn't sure. Maybe this man saw him selling his drawings before. Maybe at the Kelp Bar even. Who knew, but all Gale knew was that this man was not familiar. In any way.

While Gale briefly studied the dog owner, another young man came to the group and greeted Ricky without his notice. But once he greeted him directly, Gale perked an eyebrow again. " Portraits?" He turned around once again to face the stranger. His face contorted again in a odd manner, as if trying to recall something from the back of his mind. Portraits. The game? Oh yeah, the bar fight from earlier in the season. He called him Portraits because he invited him to that stupid game. "Ugh." The artist groaned irritably," My name is Gale." He glared again. "Portraits was the game."

Some people liked being called by a nickname of some sort. Suppose it was some sort of bond in a relationship. But Gale hated nicknames. He hated coming up with nicknames, he hated calling people by their nicknames, he hated being called by a nickname. He felt it took something away from the person's identity, or from their respect. It was as if someone decided you weren't good enough for your real name. So they gave you a shorter, easier one. It was almost degrading in Gale's eyes, and he didn't like it at all. Besides, how do you manage to remember everyone's names and their nicknames? That's twice the names.

Gale rolled his eyes and ran his hands through his hair quickly.

Today just wasn't his day it seemed.

"So, is that everyone?" The blonde turned to Ricky, just wanting to get whatever this bad news over with.

With that, Ricky went on to explain about his eminent death. A sickness inside him that was slowly chewing away at the days he had left.

Gale froze.

OOCOkay! I fixed it! I hope that's better than the first version.

[Aoren]

“It’s okay, boy. Not everyone can warm up to you right away.” Isikai had padded back up to Aoren’s side the moment he was pushed away. There was still a curious air about him but it was clear he understood that his excitement wasn’t quite appropriate in this situation. His tail wagged back and forth. Aoren pat him on the head.

“Maybe I am thinking of someone else, then.” Aoren shrugged his shoulders at the blonde haired man’s response. He had seemed vaguely familiar but at this point faces were blurring together. It was possible he was just confusing him with one of the people he’d seen on the road or perhaps he’d bumped into him during his first few days in the city. It was then that another man joined them. He was out of breath and seemed to be familiar with both Ricky and the blonde whom he referred to as Portraits. Aoren immediately made the connection to artwork. He managed a small smirk at the blonde, Gale’s, response to the nickname.

Aoren felt a little out of place in all truth. He could tell that he was among people who knew each other on some deeper level. That was made all the more real when Ricky revealed why he had called them there. It also helped Aoren to understand why he had asked for his presence. His thoughts went to the mark that covered the right half of his face. If Ricky were sick he would obviously seek the assistance of a Healer. On an emotional level however, while Aoren could feel sympathy for the man it didn’t strike the same as it would if he had known Ricky better.

“I am sorry to hear that, Ricky. Truly.” He bowed his head to the Wave Guard. He knew simply by virtue of being there that Ricky would ask if there was anything Aoren could do for him. The truth was? Aoren didn’t entirely know. He was still very new as far as Healers were concerned. He wasn’t at all certain of the limits of the abilities Rak’keli had blessed him with. He knew he wouldn’t be able to perform any grand feat of rejuvenation and failing that his medical knowledge was somewhat lacking as well.

“I know why you asked me here. Truth be told I do not know if it is within my power to help you if your illness is so dire that it is killing you. I am new as a Healer. The gifts bestowed upon me by Rak’keli are not even three seasons old. That won’t stop me from trying though.” It probably wasn’t what any of them wanted to hear. A man who was supposed to be able to channel the power of the Goddess of Healing informing them he may or may not be able to help? Aoren knew that certainly wasn’t something he would have wanted to hear. Already he could feel the strength and peace of his goddess urging him to step forward and alleviate this man of the burden upon his shoulders.

He extended a hand Ricky, already the power of the Gnosis causing the mark to shine with a soft blue light as he drew upon the profound peace he felt there. He allowed the strength of Rak’keli to flow through his body. Ricky need only take his hand to receive it.

[Pulren Marsh]

Watching the group gathered, Pulren saw kind faces all around and waited to hear what news his Sergenat had to offer. When Portraits snubbed his own name, Pulren smirked a bit. "Yeah, Gale's a lot better than Portraits, Portraits." He didn't know if the young man could take the ribbing, but he was going to get it anyway. Zeltivans lived with salt in their blood as it was. He could tell that Gale didn't like dogs either, but Pulren had always enjoyed their presence. Kneeling, he offered his hand for the dog to sniff and hopefully lick.

"What a good puppy." Looking up at Gale, he rose and greeted the dog's owner, who looked alot like the guy who had helped to save his life on East Street. "Pulren Marsh. Nice dog. I would've had one myself but I don't have the time to care for one properly." Smiling, he looked back to the Sarge who seemed very morose in his telling of his tale. Pulren's eyebrows furrowed and his smile dropped at the news of his friend's illness. "Damn, Sarge. That really sucks. I'm no healer but you know if there's a deed I can do for ye, it's done."

Loyalty and strength went a long way but they really didn't do a damned thing for illness. Pulren thought that perhaps when he went to the University in Summer that it might do him good to look into some medical training. It could only help, never hurt. Literally. He watched with a clear awe when the cerulean light came forth from Aoren's hands, stalwart in his respect for the presence of the Gods. Divine power was not something that could be used so recklessly as magic and Pulren would always respect its use over the other more crude and violent energies.

[Ricky Maze]

Gale's reaction towards Ricky was all the more expected but nevertheless earned a few looks of concern out of the two women present, nevertheless they remained quiet when Ricky send them the silent notion to pay no mind about the deed in general. Telion knew well enough to understand Gale's reason for disliking dogs, but Hannah hadn't been around enough to rightfully know just what it was that the artist had for reason. All the same the arrival of the others came to pass as they were all present, although Ricky could admit he wanted several others to be present for this. Tallis... Hadrian... Valo... There were a few other friends he'd long missed seeing, and wished he could face them now to tell them what he had to share.

But then again... he didn't really want to share what he had, nor bear the burden of it more or less. Except it was there. A reality he could never escape that in turn became the nightmare he would soon face, save for the one hope that he might actually find a way to be rid of this sickness. Aoren. This meeting was to share the secret he'd kept hidden away, but in turn also grant a sense of hope in the blanket of despair. Such a dark fate could surely be lightened at the touch of a healer's hand, yet even if so Aoren could only admit in modesty that he'd only recently been blessed with the gift. So in a sense he was like Ariann, barred by limits that likely fell short of the expectation. It was something Ricky had prepared for all the same, as he hadn't known or heard of a healer that could create miracles from their very hands. Yet healers were none for that by every right, as they literally restored the body and it's conditions to a state of originality. It only depended on how skilled the healer was, in this case how many marks one had.

In truth Ricky didn't think the act of healing would work, seeing as how he'd already wasted enough time to allow this illness to develop already. Were he not so foolish as to think Natalie less than a mere nuisance upon his memory, he would've listened long ago when she first told him the reason. "I'm here for you" she said. Why didn't he listen at the time? Make better sense of the meaning rather than think of something else. What good will it do me? Oi'm already a lost cause by de sound o' it... He seemed to falter in the effort to remain optimistic, the will to bring his hand up to meet with Aoren's already weakened from the grim outlook of fate. For a moment he just seemed to stand there, defeated with the thought that he was by all means dying. Slowly. It was something he'd struggled to grasp even now, and since everyone else new... it was likely the closer ones found it just the same.

Then of course a hand grasped at his wrist, a gentle hand that he knew right from the first contact. Telion. She'd approached him and looked to him dearly, eyes full of hope as tears remained withheld. Telion. Martin. They were both the main thing he had left in this world, the most important thing that kept him alive and living up to this point. To die and leave them behind... to spend every waking moment realizing that it could be his last. He couldn't help but feel regret, regret for not considering how such important things could be taken fore granted. Yet he knew what he saw in her eyes. She supported him even when he felt there was nothing else to do, where as he would've given up she refused to allow him to do so. In turn she held his wrist as he would bring it up to where he finally clasped Aoren's glimmering hand, the presence of the Divine magic sudden to embrace the inner reaches of Ricky.

At first there was a sense of calm that he knew to be familiar, as all healers tended to have that effect when they healed. Then of course he felt the tensions of pain in his mind ease some, almost enough to where the headaches he felt were far away once again. Was it working? Could even the new fledgling actually hope to put this ordeal at ease? It certainly felt as though everything was going to turn out better in the end, and when the healing finally seemed to stop a moment of silence stilled the entire air around them as they waited to see if it worked... did it? They couldn't tell by looking at him, at least not by any means of default injury or illness. This was something only Ricky would know for sure, and in turn he would find it within himself to figure out if he was truly cured. "Well?" Telion finally asked as the anticipation grew, Ricky only shrugged as he responded with no real answer to the important question.

"Oi dunno. It feels better sure but Oi... just can't tell if Oi've been completely healed." The sudden outlook that hope was possibility there was soon to be eradicated, as the only indication left to give away the fact he was still ill soon took place. He felt it too, warmth that would run down his nostrils and in turn drip a red color. Another nosebleed. They were the only indications he had left in knowing whether or not he was ill, and by the looks of it Aoren had only managed to subside the pains brought on by the illness. Hannah had approached the couple and looked all the more concerned now, as Telion had already connected the two together by now. Nosebleeds, headaches, strange behavior. Ricky was indeed caught in an illness of slow death, and he had to find some way to be saved. "Wort' a try in de least." He murmured with faltered hope, Telion of course held onto his hand dearly as she looked to Aoren.

"T... thank you. Even with it being something beyond your skill, thank you for trying all the same." Her eyes showed appreciation towards the healer but they were full of worry now, a worry that she would now have to live a reality with no more Ricky. No more husband nor father of Martin, no more fisherman of Zeltivan. Such a thing had to be hard to grasp, but the fact was his days were numbered now. Ricky was literally living on a clock that ticked down to the last chime, and as of right now there was no telling how much time remained. "Surely there must be something, something that we can do!" She more or less tried to encourage to Ricky, although she sounded as though she pleaded for him not to give up.

"Unless ye know somebody who actually can 'eal dis... den t'ere isn't much we can do love." He looked to her at first with sorrow, then turned his attention to the others. What was he to say now? What was he to do? They were all important in some aspect, even Aoren though he hadn't been here long. To Ricky he proved to not be just a healer, but a kind hearted man that could help if asked. Yet... to request such burdens was beyond Ricky, although he had little choice in the matter now. How would he prepare to live out his final days with these people, knowing his life would end at some point? There was an answer to this somewhere, though that remained hidden from Ricky at the moment.

[Gale Austin McCenry]

Common Vani Nari

OOCForgive me! I didn't realize it was my turn! Thankfully Ricky reminded me. Thanks Ricks!

When Gale froze, his mind stopped as well. It was stuck on one word. Just stopped and focused in on it, blurring out whatever else was going on.

Killing. Killing him. Slowly. A sickness. Now didn't that sound familiar.

The artist's chest locked and was unable to expel his breath nor inhale. He held it as he continued to dwell on this sentence. This concept of death. Gale was all too familiar with death and even disease for that fact, however it appeared so foreign to him now. It was like a forgotten memory that recalled itself, pressing into his brain once more.

How could this be? How could this happen? To Ricky of all people! There was no justice behind this insidious act, no reason. There was no reason for this at all! How could Ricky be dying?

The man let out his breath slowly, feeling as if his heart would come out of his throat if he didn't. His blue eyes blinked once and then started to blink furiously. Gale took in a deep breath and looked at the ground as his eyes wiped themselves repeatedly with battering lashes. His hands were firmly placed on his bony pelvis and his body pivoted slightly to the side, as if he were a child about to be scolded. It appeared he was refusing to make any sort of eye contact, and this eye contact somehow included his body facing towards them as well. His starred at the ground, his shaggy hair drooping around his face like drapes.

Killing him. Killer her. Killing them. Why was there so much of it around him? Why was it always his friends? His family? Why was it always him? Wasn't one life enough? How many more people had to die?

The murderer wasonly partially paying attention to the conversation, it being a dull roar in his head. But, despite the memories that wanted to invade, he managed to actually comprehend what was being said.

"I am sorry to hear that, Ricky. Truly."

"Damn, Sarge. That really sucks. I'm no healer but you know if there's a deed I can do for ye, it's done."

Oh yeah right! Petch that I'm sorry shyke! They aren't sorry! If they were really sorry they wouldn't say so! At least not like... that! What the petch type of apology is that?! I'm sorry to hear that? Oh, that really sucks? How is that in any way suppose to make anyone feel better? Of course he petching know it sucks! Of course he knows everyone is mother petching sorry! He doesn't need a bunch of useless, selfish people telling him the same thing he already knows, whether they were truly sorry or not. He didn't need that shyke! He didn't need any of this shyke! He didn't deserve this!

The man straightened his back out and ran his hand through his hair. He crossed his arms and his eyebrows furrowed, starring at the two other men with what one can only assume was bitter hatred. But as the conversation went on, his face only grew more sharp lines and so much more bitter.

A Healer that couldn't heal? You have got to be petching him. Weren't Healers suppose to be divine in their own right? Healing people and things that not even the most educated doctor or nurse can? A Healer that couldn't petching heal was no more use than those stupid, useless nurses that kept telling you everyone was going to be alright when disease tells otherwise. Telling she'll be alright when she's dying right in front of you...

Gale's eyes started to fill with water and he looked back down at the ground angrily, crossing his arms. The conversation went on and whoever this 'Healer' fellow was went about doing what he could, which obviously wasn't much, given his persistent lack of faith in his ability. Not to mention Ricky didn't feel much of a difference. If he did anything worth noting he more than likely would have felt something worth noting. But he didn't.

With all optimism fleeing the group, Ricky concluded with a brief,"t'ere isn't much we can do."

Petch it.

Gale shook his head. As a tear ran down his cheek, the man let his arms down, turned on his heels, and started to walk away.

OOCIf anyone wants to go after Gale feel free. Or, Ricks, if you want Telion of Hannah to go after him I'm fine with that. I just felt like this is what Gale would do at this point, so I'm not purposely trying to exit the thread. Just how it turned out. If it doesn't fit anyone to go after him either then that's fine, I'll just do one more post to conclude Gale's thoughts and exit and you guys can finish.