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 Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2023 11:49 am
Zadia dipped her hands into the warm water and scrubbed them as best she could with a harsh, well used cloth. Ever since her walk on the beach the hybrid had done her best to keep her head high despite the turmoil trying to weigh her down. Coming back to her family looking different hadn’t been easy, but staying away would have been harder, given the circumstances. So, she’d returned and taken up a spot by Isaia’s bedside while their father continued his search for mother.
Now that Isaia was – blessedly – sleeping and she was trying her best to wash up. Most of her spare clothing had been donated to strip into bandages so the skirts she wore now were stained with a few holes near the hemline. Instead of being piled high on her head in a neat bun, strands fell around her shoulders in a wild mess, but Zadia didn’t care. She hardly paid attention to it most days.
She needed a nap and something to eat, but there was work to do in the survivors camp and as soon as her hands were thoroughly cleaned she scooped up a basket of fresh bandages to move out.
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Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2023 11:49 am
[Sabra via Discord]
When Valerian first heard the news about his family, the boy was in complete shock. How had such a thing happened? While he didn't get to visit his family often because of distance there was still a bond there and he was concerned to hear about the accident. Would he ever feel safe traveling that way again? Maybe not. So much for his confidence that nothing bad could happen that way! Such feelings had been completely shattered with the news. Still, Valerian didn't like the feeling of being useless and sitting around in shock would do nothing to help his family. So while the rest prepared to visit to check in and help out, Valerian had gathered whatever herbs he could so that he could share them while his cousin recovered. His father was better at searching and probably would go out to help them with the hunt for his grandmother, but Valerian wasn't certain what else he could do besides gathering medical herbs and things for tea. Calming tea wouldn't obviously wipe away the emotions, but surely it would be nice to have something warm and soothing to drink in the middle of all this chaos. At least that was his hope.
Medical herbs, extra bandages, even a couple of light shawls and blankets were packed away when Valerian headed towards where his cousins would be waiting. Going into the survivors camp though was an experience, the teen feeling completely overwhelmed at first when he found himself running errands for others until finally catching sight of a familiar face. His mother had mentioned something about some members of their family being affected by the pollen, even Valerian and Padma had changed afterwards, but seeing Zadia still caused him to stumble. That was Zadia, right? "Zadia?" He questioned, his bright green gaze wide with worry and a nervous energy as he tried to adjust to the bustle of everything happening around him.
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Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2023 11:50 am
Balancing a basket on a hip that didn’t exist wasn’t an easy task. She was better suited to just strapping the load to her back with a rope, but those had been confiscated as well. Zadia stiffly meandered her way around a group of local healers, all huddled and discussing their next steps, until she was free of them. The constant press of bodies, even in the calmest of moments, was nearly overwhelming. She was used to crowds due to the very nature of Belrean cities, but this was…this was so much worse.
Taking a deep breath, she lifted a foot to round the corner when a voice called out to her. For a moment Zadia wasn’t sure what to do – should she respond? Pretend she didn’t hear it and keep going? The longer she stood and thought it over the less likely she could play it off and so, with a tentative turn, Zadia looked out to…her nephew? Who…looked as unlike himself as she was. “Valerian?”
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Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2023 11:51 am
[Sabra via Discord]
"Yeah." Valerian nodded, realizing that he also probably surprised Zadia with his physical appearance and his actual appearance in the area. They had sent notice, but it wouldn't surprise him if he had beat the carrier with how quickly he rushed away from Tale into Matori for this. "This is the year for some drastic twists." He noticed, his expression not amused in the slightest at said twists. Physical changes like his skin getting lighter and his hair becoming more reddish was one thing, but this situation here? People were injured and some lives may have even been lost...including his own grandmother. It was hard to imagine and even thinking about it made his stomach twist into an uncomfortable knot like he wanted to throw up.
"I brought medical herbs and spare material, even shawls if you need against the evening chill." Even in Matori it could get cold at night with the ocean breezes, that much Valerian knew from his reading and the stories he heard about the area. Though this was his first time experiencing it, the boy had no excitement for beaches or anything like that considering the situation they were in. "Father is good at tracking, he went to help." He also offered, his green gaze darting about the area before going back towards Zadia.
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Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2023 11:52 am
[3]
She could only nod. Too much had happened in such a short amount of time for Zadia to react calmly, so she tried to keep her mouth shut. It wouldn’t do to worry him worse than he already was so when she made her way closer to Valerian Zadia put on a tired smile. “Thank you for coming. It means a lot and I know Isaia will be happy to see you.”
When she closed the distance between them, Zadia sat the basket of bandages down by her feet to give her arms a break. Spindly as she was, the Alchemist just wasn’t meant for the amount of physical labor she’d done over the past few weeks and it was taking it’s toll. “Is it just you and your father?”
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Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2023 11:53 am
[Sabra via Discord]
His expression softened, Valerian realizing how stressful the whole situation was and especially for Zadia who had an injured sibling and a missing mother. She was handling it a lot better than others, at least in his opinion. So he wanted to do his best to remain calm as well no matter how upsetting the whole situation was. Just being surrounded by a crowd of people, including the injured, was enough to put him on edge when he was more comfortable with a quiet forest and less so with a crowded place. Still, Valerian was resolved to help and so he stood his ground. "You're welcome. I couldn't sit still, could I?" He offered with a small smile of his own even though his mouth felt awkward with the movement, the expression not lasting long as he heard some groaning from another temporary tent. He couldn't help but to glance that way before forcing himself to look back to Zadia as a healer rushed into the tent. There definitely wasn't much time for resting, was there? Everyone looked so weary, even those who were fine and just taking care of the injured had seen better days.
"For the moment. Father went ahead to search the area while my mother and sister are bringing more supplies." Valerian explained before glancing at the basket. Valerian was younger and slender built but there was plenty of lean muscle from working in the forest all the time and he had only just arrived so he felt far more energetic than others in the area. Plus, his father always taught him to keep training for survival even if he never intended to fight anyone and so Valerian felt confident as he shifted his backpack and nodded to the basket. "Could I help carry that for you?"
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Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2023 11:54 am
[4]
“I was hoping your mother would come. Father’s been looking after Isaia personally, but when we take turns to look for mother I can’t do as much for him. I know basic spells and herbal care; anything more leaves me…useless.” There were moments where the pain was too much for her brother to bear and the only ingredients that Zadia had at her disposal weren’t fit for healing. She was learning, though, and trying her best to keep him content. Vaani helped, as much as she hated to admit. Having something sweet to look at was keeping him distracted at least.
“I couldn’t. You have your own things to carry.” And yet…she was exhausted and Valerian was full of youthful energy. After glancing down to the basket and back to him she handed it over with a sigh. “Just for a little bit, but if it gets heavy you have to let me know.”
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Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2023 11:55 am
[Sabra via Discord]
"It's alright." Valerian's tone was gentle as he looked towards Zadia. "She'll be here soon." They had all wanted to rush out the door as soon as they received the note, but supplies needed gathering first which was why they had gone in shifts with Valerian chasing after his father with what he already had on hand. "I have some herbs and ointments to help, but I'm not a healer myself." He admitted quietly though he had read some tomes and there was a new determination now to study more after witnessing the aftermath of the disaster. "Could I ask about his condition?" He was afraid to know, but at the same time they had to talk about it. Was he even in one piece? Valerian nearly shivered at the thought but he forced his body to stay still, not wanting to stress out Zadia even more. He couldn't even imagine something falling from such a great height...how anyone had survived was a miracle in itself.
"I will." Valerian reassured her as he bent down to pick up the basket. "Where are you carrying this? To....Isaia?" Or was she just helping whoever she could now? With all the activity in the survivor's camp it wouldn't surprise him if his family had been drafted to help others while waiting out to see how Isaia recovered and if Maritza would be found. The very thought made him swallow once more, forcing down the overwhelming feelings so that he could focus on following Zadia with the basket.
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Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2023 11:56 am
[5]
Even now, miles away from any cobblestone streets and trudging on hard packed sand and stone, Zadia wore her laced boots. Occasionally when she stepped over the few boards that had been laid out as temporary flooring they would click behind her, bringing a sense of comfort and stability with everything going belly up around her. “Isaia’s arms were badly burned and he’s unable to do much with them now though the healers are hopeful.. His leg, though-,” Zadia took a moment to take a unsteady breath, and push some of the hair away from her face, “-at best he’ll have a permanent limp.” And that’s all she could say on that.
That didn’t even begin to cover the menagerie of bruises, scraps and welts covering his body. He looked better now than he had when she first saw him, but to look at him you wouldn’t know. “No, he’s…sleeping, right now. The healers gave him a draught to help with the pain. So I took those to wash and now I’m just…” Where was she taking them? She’d gotten the basket from a Matorian, but of course she had, they were in Matori. For a moment her brows furrowed and the hybrid stood still in the middle of her stride, her tired mind trying to figure out what she was even doing.
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Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2023 1:49 pm
[Sabra via Discord]
Valerian was quiet as he listened to Zadia. The teen's stomach lurched at the thought of the injuries, the idea of burning making his own skin feel raw. He had burned his fingers once in a fire by trying to grab at something he dropped when he was younger and while there was a faint scar from the bottom right of his thumb, that painful injury had been small in comparison to someone burning both arms. Valerian couldn't even begin to imagine how much agony his cousin was surely feeling at the moment then...both arms and then a severely damaged leg? Even if he was lucky to keep them the fact that there was a permanent limp made Valerian worry about how badly the bones must have snapped for them to not properly heal. "I see." He finally managed, his voice quiet as he contemplated the whole situation. Isaia was fortunate to be alive, but saying such a thing would only leave a bitter taste in his mouth. It didn't make the situation any better because it did nothing to ease Isaia's injuries nor was it reassuring to say such a thing considering how Martiza still missing.
Stumbling to a halt, Valerian watched Zadia with a small frown crossing his lips. "If he's sleeping then maybe you should consider taking a moment to rest. Is there a spot to make tea? I can brew you a cup while you sit down for a moment." He managed finally. Just because Zadia wasn't involved in the accident and injured it didn't mean she could run herself ragged. How could she take care of anyone if she didn't take a moment for herself? "I can also drop off herbs with the healers so that they can work with them for whatever poultices they need."
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Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2023 1:58 pm
[6]
For a moment Zadia forgot that the person she had been talking to was her nephew and it was only when he started talking again that it registered. She shook her head with a jolt and widened her eyes against the pull of exhaustion. “I think…that would be good. The, uhm…the volunteers tents are this way, we can sit there. It’s quieter.” Not that sounds of the survivors couldn’t be heard, but it was far enough away that the dull thrum of waves could mostly block it. She started walking in the direction, quietly contemplating what sort of things would need to be done once she’d rested, and then the list started to blend.
For the moment the tents were calmer. Most of the volunteers and medics were out tending to business, leaving those behind to sleep in peace. Zadia led Valerian to a little makeshift sitting area just outside the tents where a fire was tended to by an equally worn Geian. She paused just long enough to hold up a hand in greeting before moving toward some driftlog seats. “Valerian…I think you should wait to see Isaia. I don’t like the idea of you going in alone.”
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Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2023 2:28 pm
[Sabra via Discord]
"Okay." Valerian nodded, thankful that Zadia had agreed to such a request. He had faith in his aunt to be strong, but this type of situation would wear down anyone. It was hard for him to not worry about her and the others. Quiet was also much appreciated, Valerian was still adjusting to the area and the urgency of everyone who brushed past them was already wearing him down. No wonder Zadia seemed so worn out.
His lips pressed tightly together at the advice but Valerian nodded. "Understood." He replied before looking over her, his expression softening. "That works for me, honestly. I would rather focus on helping you at the moment. You're probably exhausted, right? Try to get some rest while I make tea, you can't really help Isaia more if you're wobbling and ready to pass out at any moment." He advised, the teen's maturity showing despite his age. Despite being Zadia's nephew the age gap wasn't too great between the pair and he always looked up to his aunts and uncles as older siblings who just lived a whole continent away, almost wishing they had more time together despite their differences.
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Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2023 2:35 pm
[7]
Honestly? Zadia was afraid of sitting down. She knew from experience that the moment her body released its tension she would be out, but he had a point. With a nod she moved over to the makeshift seating and found a comfortable spot to settle in. She smoothed her skirts out in front of her, doing her best to keep them ‘respectable’ despite the grime clinging to the fabric.
In moments like this she missed her shawl. She’d always had one for as long as she could remember, but somewhere along the line she’d given it to someone in need. While Zadia wasn’t cold she did missing running her fingers along it’s hem and taking her mind away. “…I’m surprised it didn’t happen sooner.” She answered honestly. Zadia’s tone was soft, barely above a murmur, and her hands were folded in her lap. “Things like that…they weren’t meant to fly. I just…wish I knew where she was.”
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Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2023 2:58 pm
[Sabra via Discord]
Valerian blinked in surprise at the confession. He had started with a kettle that he found nearby, the teen pouring in water from a bucket and setting in on a fire that someone else had made earlier for a similar purpose. As the kettle hung there, the water slowly coming to a boil, he had returned to Zadia's side to keep an eye on her. "I didn't realize you felt that way." He admitted softly, his expression conflicted as he studied his aunt. "So many Belreans bragged about the airships that I never thought anyone would doubt them." They had after all managed quite a few successful flights with so many earthlings traveling between the countries now since their introduction. It was truly surprising to hear someone raised in Belrea being wary of them. Then again he had only visited Belrea a few times and surely others would have similar thoughts. He simply hadn't had enough time to hear them, especially if such words were usually kept in more private spaces to avoid conflict.
"My father is amazing at tracking. I'm sure he'll be able to help them." Valerian reassured her quietly before shrugging off his backpack and digging through it. "Here. The ocean breeze is kind of cold, right?" He offered her one of the shawls he had brought from home, the soft wool almost comforting to the touch. "Do...do you think that you'll go back to Belrea?" He added after a moment, hesitation written on his features. "There's not as many cities here, but it's not an awful life."
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Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2023 3:10 pm
[8]
“…When my mother was young her airship crash landed in Sauti. She always told me that nothing was guaranteed to work, even people, and that maintenance would only go so far.” She squeezed her hands together. “They’re so much smoother and faster than a regular ship that you forget it can break. I forgot it could until it did.” Unlike her mother and brother Zadia wasn’t a well-traveled individual. Beyond the occasional trips to Tale she stayed in Zenner. It was a good life, one that kept her eye on the skies and she’d never really thought about what could go wrong.
“Oh?” The shawl brought an instant smile to her face and Zadia gave a comforted sigh when she slipped it over her shoulders. “I don’t…I don’t know. I miss living in Tale, but all my research is in Belrea. I have to go back, Valerian.” When she looked back at him his hesitation was met with her fear. Ever since she was young Zadia was terrified of water and if she couldn’t go back by airship then that left only one option. The same one she’d used to get here.
“We’ll stay for a while, until Isaia is well enough to travel and…we know something about mother. Who knows? Maybe they’ll choose to stay. I think it would be good for father.”
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