Just a Scratch [TW: Blood]

[ixis]

We've all seen it before. Someone shows up to the Nexus, fresh from some assault or battle, all beaten and bruised. It's just one of those things that happens in this place.

But it's usually newcomers, not well-established residents.

Ixis Naugus has hobbled his way to the Forum, leaning heavily on his staff and looking like hell. His face is covered in blood, in equal parts from his nose and a long diagonal cut slashed across his face. He's been bleeding from it long enough that it's streaked down his beard and stained a good portion of it red. The wizard is also sporting a gouge in his left side; a grievous puncture wound from the looks of it. That's got the whole of that side darkened with blood as well.

Naugus finds himself a chair and drops himself heavily into it, panting for breath. Adjusting both hand and claw on his staff, he looks about before managing a weary, possibly sarcastic, smile.

"How are you today? I'm fine."

Comments

[brave_heart_verity]

Sooooo hugs are out of the question. Probably just as well, less laundry for her to do if she doesn't end up covered in his blood.

"Well. Bragged. No, her intent was never to preserve anything. She was clear from the start that her intentions were selfish and self-serving. She'd always intended to use it to buy a second chance with-- someone." Verity flexes her fingers idly while she waits to be able to do more.

"I think the worst part, though, is that when she apologized, I forgave her. I actually helped her, right after..." Well, when she shouldn't have been worrying about anyone but herself. "And then she did this to me anyway."

[ixis]

Yeah, don't hug this mess until some laundry has been done on his part. And maybe a shower too.

"What would have been the preferred outcome? Giving you the book instead? Pity that it wasn't the case. Now I wonder what it said." Knowledge compared to the significance and power of a chaos emerald? That's a big deal! "Well, fear not either way. I've dealt such a crippling blow to her ego and mental state, she'll likely not be a problem for us for some time to come."

And to perhaps reassure Verity of this point, he leans over and gives her a smooch on the top of her head. Great, bloody face kisses. Just what she wanted for Valentines.

[brave_heart_verity]

A shower when he gets home isn't going to be optional if he wants her to stop bugging him about it.

"I... don't know. It's hard to know what the right answer in a situation like this." This is not something life has prepared her for. "I guess I'd want to put it in a museum. Where everyone can enjoy it."

Not the best kiss she's ever had. But she's not complaining because his affection is more rare than diamonds. In fact, he's getting a little smile for his efforts.

[ixis]

Imagine Verity having to shove Naugus into the bathroom to finally go get clean. Stop tracking blood in the tower, g-paw.

"Maybe it can be retrieved? Do you know who she gave it to? Acquisition may be so easy as finding the right shadow."

[brave_heart_verity]

The whole place is made of stone. She might just get a hose.

There's a long hesitation before she answers. "Viatorus. He asked his family to do some restoration and preservation magics on it. I'm sure it's in good hands right now, and he said he'd give it to me when I've found a place to keep it." That part isn't the problem right now.

[ixis]

And that right there is the superior mental image.

"Oh! Well, that plays out well. Not that I wouldn't be opposed to secreting it away if it came to that. Offer stands." Let him steal things, Verity. "She's never ever resorted to trying to stab you, has she?" Her skin is all pink and soft! It would hold up even worse than his under a knife!

[brave_heart_verity]

The things we do for love.

"Viatorus wouldn't go back on his word. But. If his other family members are... dawdling... then I may need your help reclaiming it." It's not a promise, but a compromise? "No, she's never stabbed me. She did throw hot coffee at me once, but she missed. She's got a nasty temper."

She is very pink and soft and fragile, yes, and good on grandpa for noticing. Her training hasn't made her any more resistant to damage, only more able to avoid it.

[ixis]

"You know where I live." The second there's a caper to be had, Naugus is on board. He does a little finger gun gesture at it, along with a wink.

"Well, as I said, she'll be less than a problem for some time to come, I think. Probably still laying around, crying her fool eyes out over being locked out. Hhhehehehe."

[brave_heart_verity]

"Yeah. Are you feeling okay?" He's acting stranger than usual. The gun thing is what gets her in the end. He hates technology.

"Probably. So let's not worry about her right now."

[ixis]

"I am so dizzy. And feel a bit drunk. Which isn't much fun; I didn't even get to imbibe to get this feeling. What's the point in that? I'd care to taste it before I'm wobbling about, thank you. And I know what being drunk on power is, and this isn't it."

He closes his eyes as if to try and ward off a wave of nausea. Bloodloss is no fun.

[brave_heart_verity]

"It's blood loss," she explains quietly. She was worried this would be a problem. "You're going to feel dizzy and probably nauseated. You're going to have to rest for a few days, and eat lots of small meals so you don't make yourself sick. Good thing you've got me to look after you."

This does mean steak dinners every night, so, that's nice?

[ixis]

"Very good. Quite good. Mm. Yes." He leans and...thumps his head on her shoulder. Careful of that horn. "Oh, now that I've done this, I'm tired. I don't suppose you can carry me?"

[brave_heart_verity]

That was unexpected, and Ver rocks under the weight she wasn't prepared for--but they don't fall. That's the important thing. Her arms close gently around him to keep him steady while she works out the logistics. He's heavy, and it's a long walk... but she loves him, and gods damn her, she will not fail another friend.

"Yeah. I'll get you home, don't worry."

This is what she's been training for. She can do this. Just give her a sec to figure out how to carry him without hurting anyone.