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 Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 6:08 pm
Christof's words were filled with logic, and it was logic that comforted her. Still, once he had managed to hug her, she threw her arms around him and did the same. Once her face buried against his shoulder, it was now impossible to hide the fact she was crying.
The pain, Christof. It went through so much pain. I can't- it's Malodore. My Malodore. And it was hurting, so bad..
She shuddered violently in his arms, and the silent sobs continued.
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 6:12 pm
Christof shifted slightly, breathing hitching in his throat. He understood exactly how it had felt, his silly little wing fluttering a bit as he tried to collect himself and relax against her hug. He gently rested his head against her armored shoulder and softer flow of tentacles. My Creator always said, it is through Pain you are made stronger, he mentally whispered, And Master Malodore will be stronger for it. Do not take it too much to heart, Mistress... it is merely making itself better... for you, I am sure.
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 9:05 pm
Riley had never known Christof to say so many things, especially the kind of things that truly reached her. She pulled away, and brushed the meat of her palm against her eyes brusquely before looking directly into his eyes. Her own eyes narrowed critically as she watched him.
Christof. That was.. very insightful. Her face quirked, as if she was trying to smile, but her emotions were not ready for it yet.
I'm glad you're here. She whispered, patting his hands, before turning her head back to begin a melancholy vigil of Malodore. Her expression fell, but she just sat there, watching.
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 9:17 pm
Christof flushed but he was capable of a small weak smile, This sort of thing must be shocking when you are not used to it, I suppose. Personally, I find it very admirable. Few creatures but Patchworks attempt Upgrades. You should be proud of it's ah... boldness. He couldn't stop himself, that third arm that seemed to respond more to instinct than his own mental commands lifted to gently wipe her cheek, his heart fluttering.
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 9:33 pm
Riley's gaze remained on Malodore even as Christof wiped the tears from her cheek, but she leaned back slightly, bumping against him. I find it admirable, as well. I was so proud of it, when it told me what it was going to do. I just.. don't think I'll ever forget the sound of its screams. And I feel.. I don't know, weak, perhaps? Weak, that I could never do something so painful, for the greater good. It is a far better creature than I could ever be. She finally looked back up at Christof, and reached out to put her hand in the thick fingers against her cheek. You too, obviously.
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 9:45 pm
His eyes lowered at the feeling of her fingers entwined with his, focusing on Malodore's sleeping form as well. I did not choose to undergo what I did. It was not my place to choose. If I had I would have... approached it differently. With a lot less trial and error period, most definitely. And a lot less superfluousness. What happened to me was not admirable. It was.... different. Not my place. I am happy for Malodore, it is shaping its own future its own way. I could not dream of something like that. I am happy... and flattered you both trust me to aid in this marvelous experiment. The pain it feels now is just... just a moment in the grand scheme of things. The mind forgets pain. It is a natural defense mechanism or we would all be afraid to do much of anything. The nervous smile returned but it was only half hearted. I understand worrying for the one you love, but it did this entirely of its own accord, I cannot pity that. But I do celebrate its success, if that makes sense.
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 9:52 pm
Riley stared long and hard at Christof. Was this the same igor who stumbled at his words and hardly managed to get a sentence out, around her, without flustering or trembling? This well spoken, confident, intelligent being?
She was glad she had decided to renew their contract. Christof was much more than he seemed.
She nodded her head, and turned back to Malodore. This time, her eyes held no melancholy. Only pride.
Then I will celebrate with you, as we wait for Malodore to awaken. And soon, it too will celebrate it's success.
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 10:11 pm
Christof straightened, smiling a bit more honestly to see Riley's expression brighten up a bit before his hands dove into his pockets only to remember he had put it in his coat pocket. I had hoped you would see things that way, his mental voice had lost it's grim edge as well as he limped his way around the table to very gently reach into Malodore's make-shift pillow without bothering it, pulling out a small plastic package from his coat pocket with a ribbon tied around it to offer her. I brought this to celebrate- I know traditionally one would use champagne or the like, but ah.... I have found out recently I am not very fond of alcohol at all, and it is contraband besides. Please don't make me regret my gift?
The little package contained a few packs of icky sticks as well as a miscellaneous assortment of candies carefully bought at the Maul just after Malodore had informed him of what they were up to. And save some for Master as well, it would appreciate the pick-me-up as well, I am sure.
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 10:21 pm
One of the wings twitched in their bonds, just a little - a meaningful movement, not the tilt of a structure yielding to gravity.
Then the other one twitched.
Then the plague doctor's beak opened, and a vague groan spilled forth.
"Mi... sento una merda..." But it sounded more dryly annoyed than pained.
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 11:29 pm
Riley tried, as hard as she could, not to laugh at the celebration gift Christof had prepared. Nor did she want to laugh at the sternness in his voice. She was, however, very amused - and took the little package, before patting Christof on the head.
Well, you've succeeded in lifting my spirits. That is-
The movement caught her attention, and she turned to stare in silence at the wings. Her breath caught when the second wing twitched, and her hand clutched Christof in excitement.
Malodore! She practically yelped, hopping off the slab to crouch in front of the plague doctor, brushing her face all along its beak affectionally. Oh, my Malodore. I love you. I'm so sorry for hurting you. I love you. You're going to be just fine, Christof and I are taking good care of you. I love you.
Had she mentioned that already? It was hard to tell.
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 11:41 pm
Christof couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed that their tender moment had been cut short, his hands falling to his sides as he stood by to let Riley tend to the pained Plague Doctor. He shifted awkwardly, rubbing his hand through his tussled hair before taking up post nearby quietly. If they needed anything, they would call for him. No need to muddle things up after he had been doing so well.
At least it seemed the pain hadn't killed it. That was good. Without another word, he quietly made his way to the nearby stainless steel sink to soak a rag and fill a cup from their pile of supplies. After enough alone time had passed, he moved to sit next to the slab, gingerly dabbing the cool wet cloth against the tender blood-soaked areas of flesh and the plague doctor's head, the cup of water sitting nearby in case it was thirsty.
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 11:55 pm
Malodore's beak opened in a smile - oh, if only it could move its arms properly it would envelop them both! Instead, it settled for radiating that affection past the pain, an affection for patchwork and illithid both... though obviously Riley's portion was a bit different. "Grazie, molto grazie..." it managed.
It flinched slightly at the touch of the cloth, but then relaxed; it hurt, but in a good sort of way. "I think, ah, that... that it worked," it said after a few minutes. "Perhaps." The pain was still singing through its back, but it was constant, and thus more manageable. It would be a while healing, but the worst was over.
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Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2011 12:02 am
It did work, she whispered fervently. It did, it did, and I am so proud of you. Just wait, Malodore. Lie and rest, and wait until you see. Her head tilted to rest directly opposed to its own. Just wait and see.
Her eyes, twin bulbs of excitement, flickered up to Christof for a moment, before returning to Malodore.
You should sleep. You'll need your energy. It won't be easy, but you will definitely recover. I will not leave your side until you walk out this door with me.
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Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2011 12:11 am
"Sleeping... ah... sleeping here on this slab will not... not serve me well," Malodore said, regretfully. It should have thought of that; it had never seen the end of the wing-ritual. They were always ushered out before the newly-created elder was moved off of the slab. An oversight.
The undead dormitories seemed so far away now, but... "If the two of you help..." It shifted its arms as if to push itself up, but its beak clacked shut with sudden pain. "A-ah... um. If the two of you... carry me," it amended, feeling a bit stupid.
Its gaze canted over to the cup of water. "Thank you, Christof... er, if you could?" It opened its beak. Really, the patchwork had an astonishingly good bedside manner. It was quite honestly impressed.
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Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2011 12:18 am
"Huuuh!" Christof flinched as he was addressed, quickly moving with a simple mental, Yes, Master! he hoped Riley was still relaying. His hands were surprisingly gentle as he eased Mal's head up so it wouldn't choke, and just as gently dribble a bit of water into it's beak. It was so small and light, despite the metal, he could probably have carried it on his own, it couldn't weigh more than Master Barth... but he was sure Riley would feel better for helping. Once the cup had been emptied, he quickly moved to pack up their things without being asked, moving to wash off the tools they had borrowed and return them to their proper places in the lab. They would want to return again, no doubt, better leave things as they had found them so no one would get in trouble.
That done, he returned to the Plague Doctor and Mindflayer, stooping to offer his hunch and arm for support if Riley would help move it there.
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