Owner of a Lonely Heart

[kmin66]

Tala was speechless. She couldn't move a muscle as Kaireasa spun her heartwrenching tale. When the she-wolf finished, Tala sat there and blinked. She felt that she should say something to fill the silence, but all she could manage was a very quiet "Oh." She thought about it again, and managed another "oh". Then, she  composed herself, gathered her thoughts, organized her thoughts into sentences, and opened her mouth, but somewhere between mouth and brain her words became "oh." She had one thought to still process, though- and this one, thankfully, complied. "Well... here's a thought: the total of friends I've dropped is naught. I'll stick with you through and through, and you never need fear being blue." She remembered something she'd heard once, and repeated it for her friend: "Love is perfect, love is kind; love doesn't care what's in your mind. Love cares; love shares; love protects when we get scared... And it's always there, somewhere." She paused, then continued, "Plus, they were all boys; they sometimes treat us like we're toys. I've got experience with this, and here's something I know: from bad to good, life bounces to and fro. We must bounce with it, or else we just... well, quit, if you get my meaning." She noted that it was getting to be late, and commented, "We should bed down for the night, since we've still got some light." She looked around, and noticed a rock face nearby. "Let's go over there, by that tall rock. If we find a cave, then —if you'd like— we can talk." She began trotting toward the rock, and reactivated her werelight. She sent the teal ball over to the rock face and had it move up and down until it "found" a cave. Perfe-CRUD! It's up too high. Crud, crud, crud, crud. Grrr. Wait, let's see... yeah, I can carry her up with my spell... how high is it... it should work... Yeah, that's definitely the only way up. Well, it'd better work... "As you can see, I've found a cave. The darned thing is inaccsessable to those without wings, but I have a spell that can carry you up. I need your consent, though, first. Otherwise, I'd end up doing the worst. See, the spell only works if you say "yes", so if you want to sleep safely, I'll do my best."   

[Relairah]

OoC: Actually that's a passage from I Corinthians 13 in the Bible But you did a very good job putting it in your own words to fit a rhyme scheme! I'm impressed XD

Also, sorry for my disappearance... again DX

iC:

Kaireasa stared at the ground, just waiting for whatever response this Tala would give. But it wasn't what she expected. It was encouraging, and slowly she found herself peering at the other sideways. It was so strange. Everything within her screamed that she couldn't let herself hope, couldn't let that little light in, couldn't start to believe that maybe, just maybe, this wolfess meant what she said. She'd stick with her? Through anything? No matter what might come? That was impossible! Wasn't it? Wouldn't she eventually be gone like all the rest?

But Tala had a point. They had all been males. But how could this Tala love her? So truly? They had only just met! It was foolish. And there was no way it could be true. So why did she sense such sincerity? Why despite all of her beliefs did she find herself drawn in to this wolfess? Could it be she was a sorceress? And this was part of her magic? Did she seek to overtake her and manipulate her under some spell? Just as she had their weak and dying dinner? She herself was weak and dying. Perhaps Tala mean to eat her! But no. She knew that wasn't true. Now she was just being ridiculous. And even she knew it.

She released a soft sigh and rose upon her all fours. "Fine," she murmured, following after Tala gloomily. When they reached the formation, it seemed Tala got frustrated with something else and began yapping away again. It was strange.. usually she'd have left by now. But there was something about this wolfess. Well, maybe it was because she wouldn't leave her alone! But somehow... it was comforting. And so foreign to her. She felt like a starved pup. She looked up at the cave which Tala spoke of. Too bad she didn't have wings.

She glanced toward the other wolfess and shrugged. "Yes, then."

[kmin66]

Ooc: Sorry for my disappearance- I'd explain, but someone I look up to once said, "... Explanations are excuses."

"Great! I won't hesitate. After all, it's too close to night now to wait. I'll go up first, and bring you behind me; that way, you won't get hurt if something up there finds me." Tala backed up a couple steps for a running start, and took off. She landed on the ledge, which was covered in thick, soft moss, and sniffed the air. She didn't sense anything dangerous, so she called down to Kai. "I'm ready now, so I'll just tell you how: I'm going to lift you up on a little breeze, but please don't move- stay at ease. Here we go!" She murmured, "E'nak," and gradually lifted her friend up. "It's done now. Are you alright? I know that for some it's a dreadful fright." As she waited for Kai's answer, she looked around. Then, she noticed something behind Kai's shoulder. "Excuse me," she said, moving past the other wolfess. She looked down to see of her suspicions were correct, and then laughed. "I'm quite the fool, it seems, today- we'd've seen this ramp if we had walked this way!" She turned to face Kai, and waited for her to speak. I hope she didn't mind the unneccesary wind-spell-usage, now that I found that ledge, she thought.

((Ooc: Do you have any human/anthro world characters that are not currently RPing? I have a new character, and would like to start a thread with someone who "knows" me and knows that I've never RPed there (and is forgiving of mistakes...).))

[Relairah]

OoC: Haha a good quote, indeed =)

Also, yes I have lots! If you click in my signature where it says "My Little Lubs" it will take you to my character page. All of my human/anthro world characters are listed at the bottom of that page. I'll check out your new character for sure XD And I'd love to rp with you! If you wanna start, go right ahead. Or if not, I can as well n.n look forward to it!

iC:

Kaireasa watched Tala, surprised at her sudden tense feeling when the female landed on the ledge above - almost as if she anticipated a fall so as to catch her. Was it possible she truly was starting to grow attachments? She pushed the thoughts from her mind as Tala was talking to her once again, explaining what would happen before going right into the motions. Kaireasa was quite surprised as she felt herself grow airborne, her body becoming light, but she obeyed, not moving a muscle except her eyes as she looked around. She suddenly found herself curious as to what it would be like had it been daylight instead of night.

In any case, she was soon finding her paws touching the soft moss and she liked the feeling. Then, Tala moved past her, observing a ramp. She couldn't help a slight smile and a shake of her head. "No matter now, I guess," she murmured. "Thanks for the unique experience... I guess..." she said as she looked into the cave, sniffing slightly before stepping into its mouth. "Either way we're here safely so we might as well take advantage of the shelter for the night..." She was exhausted, and more than ready to get some sleep.

Also, Kaireasa had a strange feeling that for the first time since she could remember, she might actually get some genuine sleep tonight. Sleep not filled with restlessness, nightmares, and waking up screaming and sweating. But only time would really tell that. She glanced back to see if Tala had followed her in, but then would glance around briefly, her eyes having quickly adjusted to the difference in light. She quickly plopped herself down in what seemed like a comfortable spot and laid her head across her paws, closing her eyes. "Tala?" she asked softly after a moment. "Why..." she drifted off, then finished her question, "Why bother with me?"

[kmin66]

Tala padded into the cave behind Kai. She dug a little hollow for herself on the sandy cave floor and circled three times (a little quirk she had) before dropping in. She looked at Kai and mused, then answered, "Well, everyone needs a friend, that's true; I suppose that's why I "bother with you". I saw you there, like a rabbit that was caught, and... well, I remembered what I always have been taught: Everyone needs a true, close friend, someone to stick by their side to the end, to show them their best, and to patch up the rest." Tala stretched, and then got up, saying, "I'll take the watch for tonight; sleep always helps me to be alright. Just fall asleep, and dream of good things. I'll be here when you wake; I swear it on my wings."
She padded outside, and slowly scanned the landscape. As she did this, a thought came to her. I didn't do this because she needed sleep, did I? she thought, smiling in a mystified way at her realization. I did it because I was afraid she would run away, or -I should hope not!- jump off the cliff, and leave me alone. I did it because I want to protect her... from her own mind.

OOC: for the anthro roleplay thing: if you don't mind I think I'll start. (I've got the whole thing typed up already)

[Relairah]

OoC: Okee doke! Sorry it's taken me so long <.<;

Also, I'm liking the nickname XD

Oo and I hope you don't mind my skipping time <.<

iC:

The black wolfess simply shrugged and gave a slight nod indicating she somewhat understood what Tala said. Maybe someone really could be that true of heart... just maybe... and for the first time since she could remember... she allowed a little ray of hope to shine into the blackness of her heart. For a moment, she wanted to encourage Tala to sleep also. But then, Tala could do as she pleased, couldn't she? So instead, Kaireasa went to sleep, glad to do so.

---

Light was streaming in through the mouth of the cave and washing over Kaireasa's face. She opened her eyes groggily, blinking and yawned. At first, she wasn't sure where she was or how she got there. But after a moment everything came rushing back to her and she moaned softly. She actually had slept well... how about that...

She slowly moved to stand, shaking out her fur and moving toward the entrance, half-expecting to find Tala gone, but that little ray of hope telling her her new-found friend would be around. "Tala?"

[kmin66]

Ever true to her word, Tala had kept a vigilant watch all though the night. She had been nodding off, but Kaireasa's call fully woke her. "Iwasn'tfallingasleepsirwasjustnotmakingapeepsir!" she said quickly, jumping up and shaking vigorously. Then, she remembered herself and turned to face her friend. "Oh- sorry, I forgot where I was for a minute there. Hope I didn't give you too much of a scare. How did you sleep last night? Was it hard for you, or did you do alright?" Goodness knows it didn't take YOU very long, Tala Breezehead, she thought, falling into the habit that an old friend of hers had (giving a person a surname by their recent actions. When Tala was foolish, her friend had called her Tala Breezehead). "Shall I go out and hunt, or would you like to come with me? I can hunt alone, but it's simpler with two, you see," she said, yawning and stretching. She also didn't want to leave Kaireasa alone, but Tala wasn't about to tell her that. Although she could be silly and playful, Tala was sharper than she looked. She kept up a front so that people would underestimate her, giving her the upper paw in a battle, puzzle, or argument. 

She gazed at Kai intently, searching her new friend's deep green, sad eyes to see what had been buried underneath by the ever-shifting sands of life, experiences, and time. As soon as she looked, Tala felt like she could feel the weight of heavy sorrow resting on her shoulders, as it obviously was on Kaireasa. She searched beneath the sorrow and pain, looking for any spark, anything that might signal that Kai had any sort of hope for the future; she found none in the deep, shadowy green pools that were her friend's eyes.

 Now that she was able to get a good look at the other wolfess's form, she noticed the once-beautiful black-blue coat, now matted and patchy from lack of care; the keen, calculating, I'm-an-alpha-so-stay-outta-my-way gaze underneath the blurriness of sleep; the scars of fights, probably to gain recognition in her pack; and the extra skin hanging off of her too-thin shape, created by lack of eating. This was once a proud young wolfess, with friends and family abundant; but now, she was nothing but a shadow of her former glory. And Tala, being blessed with light magic, knew that this ragged form, laid low by grief and pain, just knew that this shadow must be brought back to the light. But how... A bath! Yes, I can go find a spring, or a creek or something. It's sure to feel good, and goodness knows you need one too, Tala Stinkpelt! With this much foliage, there must be a water source. I wonder where it is? "I have an idea: what you need is a bath! I'll search with my magic, and find us a path. It's sure to feel good, and fix up your coat; in case you can't swim, I can help you to float. We'll eat while we're walking; I can find a good meal. What with that and the talking, I think you'll start to heal! And here's another reason to never, ever mope: one thing I say is "even when life is hardest, there's always some hope"."

Ooc: I did some bio-searching- you are a master at writing descriptions! (Thanks to you, this post is a loooot longer.)

[Relairah]

OoC: Oh haha thanks ^^

Eh, also it's cool for Tala to say that last line if it really is something she says often... but remember that in roleplay even if you as the roleplayer know something, it doesn't necessarily mean your character knows it too... cause realistically there's no way Tala would remember something from Kaireasa's past unless she had told her or Tala was able to read minds or something XD If Tala really does say that, then it's perfect

iC:

As usual, Tala was quick and happy in response, catching Kaireasa off-guard yet again. She was still somewhat groggy, admittedly... though perhaps she would admit it was refreshing to have someone so chipper about life. She stared at her a moment, pondering how to answer her question since she wasn't sure if she was up for a hunt right that moment or not, yet suddenly, before she could answer, Tala was saying she needed a bath!

It was true the black wolfess hadn't had one in ages... in fact, she couldn't remember the last time. She simply didn't care. Or... hadn't cared, anyway. She briefly glanced toward her pelt, eying over the matted and mangled fur. She did look rather awful... strangely, it didn't much bother her. Still.. she supposed she'd go along with this wolfess - so bent on returning her to the world of the living, it seemed.

As Tala continued talking, saying they could chat and eat and all, it was what she said last that really caught Kaireasa's attention. Sure, she had been moving toward the path, having given a light shrug and a nod, "Okay," indicating she'd go along. But she suddenly stopped, staring forward for a moment before she continued in her paw-steps. "Really? Something you say often..." she murmured softly, almost as if to herself, though audibly. It had caught her by surprise, that was for certain, the way suddenly, out of nowhere, for the first time in years, the sound of her mother's voice rammed through her brain, repeating those words with the slightest difference. There was no way she had come back in some way... to revive her. But perhaps it was a sign?

And yet once more, she felt that tiny little spark of hope begin to grow within her.

"Thanks, Tala..." she said, glancing toward the red wolf before facing forward once more. There still wasn't a hint of a smile, but perhaps Tala was one step closer to seeing Kaireasa for who she really was underneath the darkness. After that, Kaireasa followed wherever Tala lead.

[kmin66]

"No problem, my friend; also, I've found a pool just around the bend. There's plenty of prey we can hunt on the way, so that our stomachs won't start off feeling hungry today."  She headed off toward the ledge she had discovered the night before, trotting down until she'd reached the leafy forest floor. A squirrel chided her from a nearby tree, and before it had the chance to scamper off, Tala leapt into the air and snapped its neck. Carrying it down, she tossed the squirrel in Kaireasa's direction and continued to hunt. Before she reached the pool, she had picked up a rabbit, two chipmunks, and a water vole. She ate the rabbit and one of the chipmunks, tossing the rest behind her for her friend. Tala could smell the water, and soon enough, hear it, too. She weaved through a forest of reeds and cattails, and upon exiting, found herself on a small sandy beach. She hoped that Kai hadn't wandered off and gotten lost, but she told herself not to worry. After all, she is a grown wolf and can take care of herself without any help from you, she thought. Well, she probably can, she amended, remembering the state she'd found Kaireasa in. Alright, fine, I hope she can. She mentally argued with herself, but finally, she assured herself that Kai could certainly find her and that she should stop being such a mother hen. She checked out her surroundings, making sure that she wasn't in any sort of danger, and stepped into the pool. It was cold! She shivered, but continued in. The pool was a gorgeous blue, reflecting the cloud-free sky almost perfectly, excepting where Tala stood. It wasn't very wide, maybe eighteen feet, and Tala was short enough that at its deepest, she had to swim. She kept wading in, looking around until she was almost far enough in to have to swim. Then, she looked around to make sure nobody other than Kaireasa might see her. A smile crept onto her face, and she reared up onto her hind legs and took off. Circling above the forest, she looked down and thought, How beautiful it is in the light! It's a very different view than what I saw last night... Golly, I'm even making poetry in my thoughts now! She spiraled downward until she was only about nine feet above the deepest part of the pool, and then with a "WHEEEEEEEEE!" tucked in her wings and legs and dove into the pool.
It was as gorgeous in the pool as it looked to be from the outside. Now that Tala was out of the shaded beach area, the pool was far warmer—although not by any means a hot spring. She kicked herself back to the surface, regretting that she couldn't stay under for very long. She decided to stay topside for a while, and treading water, howled, "C'mon, Kai, this is great! I'll dunk you if you make me wait!" To pass the time, she dove in again and then porpoised several times. BEST. DAY. EVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEER! she thought, not realizing she had actually yelled it when she resurfaced between dives. She was having the time of her life! If only Kai could come out of her shell and have fun, too...  

[Relairah]

Kaireasa followed along dutifully, stopping suddenly in her tracks the first time Tala tossed a dead squirrel her way. She stared at it a moment, giving a brief sniff. It was so odd for one wolf to so willingly give another first meal, especially when no rank was involved. Yet, she didn't question. She supposed she could appreciate the gestures of kindness. So, she ate, her stomach more than pleased with her for doing so even if she was still mentally somewhat reluctant. Finally, they entered a bunch of various taller plants, and it was not difficult for her to follow after Tala's growing familiar scent.

By the time she got to the sandy bank, Tala had already waded a significant distance into the pool and was suddenly springing into the air. She watched her silently, coming to a seated position. The black she-wolf was awed by Tala's ability to make life look so fun, so carefree, so full, even in her simplicity of play. Somehow, it brought a long forgotten warmth to Kaireasa.

When Tala dove beneath the surface, she turned her face slightly out of instinct to avoid the splash and glanced toward the surface as the other came up, threatening her if she didn't jump in herself. She remained on the bank for a moment, not really feeling like splashing about like a pup, but finally gave in, rising and beginning to wade into the clear depths. Yes, it was cold, but it didn't bother Kaireasa one bit. In fact, she hardly noticed. This was probably due to her ice element, despite the fact it was rather dormant - in that she hadn't used it or hardly thought of it in a very long time.

Finally, she reached her friend, her paws treading water easily and she nudged her with her wet nose. "There. Happy?" she asked the other.

[kmin66]

Tala was glad that her friend was finally in the water. "Good to see you in the water, Kai. Let's chew off some of the mats before they dry, yes?" Does that really rhyme? Hmm... Distracted, she didn't see menacing ridge of water until it was too late.
Suddenly, she was knocked ears over tail out of the water, skipped once, and struck it again with tremendous force. Winded, she tried to gasp for air as she went under, but inhaled only water. She looked ahead, straight into the pike's beady yellow eyes. She immediately backpedaled, still staying under the water by grabbing some air with her wind magic. Tala turned around, and setting off the mildest form of her Blinded by the Light spell, she shot off. Porpoising out of the water, she hovered until she spotted Kai and yelled, "RUN! I CAN KEEP IT OVER HERE! JUST GO TO THE SANDY BEACH! AND DON'T YOU DARE TRY TO HELP ME! Gods all bless you if I don't make it, Kaireasa, and may you find meaning in your life," too worried even to rhyme her words. She couldn't focus on the prospect her last statement inferred now; the pike lunged out of the water and snapped at her tail, barely missing the white-furred tip. She knew that he would go for Kai if she
didn't make herself appear more easy to reach. Only the gods can help me now... Oh wait. I already asked them to protect Kai, so no mice, she thought with grim good humor as she gulped in air and dove into the water.

The foam the pike's charges generated was so thick, Tala could barely see her own paws. Nonetheless, she gouged at the pike whenever it showed itself, and whenever it retreated she rose to the surface for another breath. She gouged it with claw and fang as it repeatedly charged her and snapped at her, leaving small scratches everywhere. Tala was drawing it backward and away from her friend, but unknowingly into the area filled with shadows and a ledge under the bank; the area where the pike would have the greatest advantage. Turning, she realized this, and was suddenly hit by the pike again- she hadn't even seen it sneak under the ledge. It knocked her sideways into a tree root, which left a long scratch running from her right hindquarter to her chest. She noticed that she was running out of air, so she quickly kicked to the surface. She pushed her head out, but when she tried to pull it back under, she found that she was stuck in a mass of tree roots!
She kicked and clawed at them, as the pike came back, recognizing an easy target. It slashed into her left flank as she slashed into it with her hind claws; she barely noticed through the rush of adrenaline and fear for her life. Finally, the roots snapped and she broke free, shooting out of the water. She knew that she was injured, and now that the pike had tasted her blood, it would pay no attention to Kaireasa... unless it killed her first. She prayed that Kai wouldn't try to involve herself and become injured in the process.

Quickly glancing at the bank, she noticed that this shore was rockier than the sandy beach that had looked so serene. This gave her an idea. If this doesn't work, we're both dead. As the pike dove out of the water and tried to bite her stomach, she dodged and gave it a good slash across the nose to make it mad, and then set off her full Blinded by the Light spell. She sagged in the air and almost dropped into the pool —she hadn't realized how tired she was— but pulled herself together and immediately dove onto the bank to find a boulder. Picking up one that she judged to be of an adequate size, she grabbed it in her claws and took off.

The pike's blindness had started to wear off, but it was still slightly stunned. It shook away the last of the spell's effects and looked up for its prey.

It was never to know what hit it.

Tala quickly flew to the bank that she had directed Kai to swim to, and landed, panting, legs shaking. Suddenly, the adrenaline was all gone, and the pain surfaced. Kai had better not think I'm dead, she thought before she cried out and collapsed into blissful, healing unconsciousness.

Ooc: sorry this took so long- until the pike, I had no idea what on Earth to do with this! My fault!

[Relairah]

OoC: No biggie XD Sorry for my own lateness...

Also, don't feel like you have to do something big with every post! Just whatever ya know? XD I do like the pike idea though. It gave me some other ideas >D

iC:

Kairaesa found that Tala's nickname for her was growing on her, even if it sounded strange to her ears. She looked around, trying to get used to the feel of swimming again. It had been so long... she didn't notice the ridges either! Suddenly, she heard the sound of flesh hitting flesh, then water and was only able to see the form of the other wolfess skipping across the water like a flung pebble before sinking below. She gasped, eyes wide. Even that reaction surprised her. She stared in shock, frozen, unable to move as she waited for the other to surface, fearing that she had fallen unconscious and was drowning. What should she do?

She was afraid. That was an emotion at least, other than her severe depression. If the other was dying, or dead already, wouldn't it be all the better then that she hadn't gotten attached? But that wasn't true. For she knew, deep within herself, that those little strings of attachment had begun to grow. That her old and true self had already begun to awake and return. Despite her warnings of herself, despite her fears, her qualms, her stubbornness. She knew that she had begun to like the other for whatever reason. Trust. Care. Love. They were dangerous, cruel, potentially fatal. Yet still did her heart dared to defy her fears and wishes and reach out?

She suddenly realized that Tala was above the water, shouting something to her. Urging her to escape. And instructing her not to help. Could she do that? Run, just like she always had? It would be easy, while the attachment was not yet strong. To leave this wolfess to whatever fate might befall her. But something stopped her from doing so. She wasn't sure what it was, or why. At least, not entirely. But perhaps truly something warm had begun inside of her. Tala's efforts had already begun to work their way into the dark, cold corners of Kaireasa's broken heart and she could not turn herself away as easily as she had thought.

Suddenly, she felt something within her. Familiar, and bright, though distant. Like a dream long forgotten from childhood. It rose from her soul, like an instinct one's paw remembers even if the mind cannot. Her eyes began to glow brighter and bluer, and as such happened, tendrils of ice began forming across the water. As Tala was fighting the pike, she might or might not realize that for a moment, it could not move, stuck in one spot within the water. The ice grew faster and faster, crackling as it went until suddenly in a large burst the pike was encased in ice. Just as this process was complete, Tala's bolder came smashing down, shattering the pike and ice into millions of shards which flew through the air, creating a sparkling shower, followed by various splashes across the surface and echoing ripples.

Kaireasa suddenly jumped, snapping out of her strange state and looked around, quickly spotting Tala's form collapsed on the bank. She moved with ease through the water and within seconds her paws touched the bank, moving swiftly over to the other. She bent her head, staring at Tala intently to determine her state. She was breathing. Thank the gods! She looked around, a soft whine escaping her throat, this simple sound another surprise to her. She was confused and uncertain of what exactly had just happened. But she knew that Tala was more important. That was all she could think about for the moment.

She turned her gaze upon the wolfess once more, noticing the injuries upon her body. She needed a healer... and Kaireasa was definitely not adept in that area. She bit her lip, lying beside her and determining to keep her warm until she woke up. After all she was in too weak a physical state to try and carry Tala and she felt that was all she could do. She stared at the surroundings, a warning to anyone who tried to approach.

[kmin66]

Tala had always been quite resilient, and it only took about half an hour before she groaned and rolled over, slowly getting up into a sitting position. "Oh good gods, my aching head... Kai! Where is she? Does she know I'm not dead?!" Then Tala noticed that Kaireasa was in fact sitting right next to her. "Oh." Another groan. "Hi, Kai... I have a question, if you please. Was it you who saved my tail by making the water freeze? I didn't know you had magic, if this is true; then again, there's a lot of things I don't know about you." As she spoke, she assessed the damage: she had small scratches all over her body, but nothing serious from those. Her two biggest concerns were the scratch up her right side —although not serious, there was a chance that it might be infected— and the slash on her left hindquarters —which probably was infected, along with being deep— and she started to lick at these to clean them. Tala realized she was unable to clean her left hindquarter because turning that way pulled at the healing flesh on her right, so she started licking her right shoulder. It didn't taste or smell infected, so she chewed the fur around it away so that it didn't mat or hold moisture to the wound. Then, Tala shakily stood and stepped into the pond. She correctly figured that the cold would momentarially block the pain from her right side while she inspected the left. It was deep, and still bled, but not heavily. It did not taste or smell infected, either, and she chewed away the fur around that as well. And thank the gods for that! she thought, relieved that she would not have to deal with rot. Getting out of the water, she flopped down (carefully) and sighed. "Kai, could you do something for me? I know herbs to find to heal me, see. If I were stronger, I'd try getting them on my own, but in my condition, I'm as useless as a broken bone." She gathered strength, and then, using her T-Mail spell, created light-pictures on a nearby piece of birch bark. "The herbs shown here, I only need three, are common and easy to find, you see. To heal, I need clover, cobwebs (as many as possible of these), and -most necessary- leaves of hawthorn trees." As she named the items, she made the corresponding picture glow brighter, even though this tired her even more than originally doing the spell had. 
"If you could do this, it'd help me to live, and if not, well, I may not have time to give." She mentally crossed her paws that Kai would accept, and also not be too tired herself from her ice spell. I really need those herbs. More than I probably think. I always have had a high pain tolerance... and have always been told how it would one day be my downfall... She struggled to sit up, but couldn't muster the strength. Notgonnadienotgonnadienotgonnadie! she thought frantically. Tala would be ashamed to admit it, but she was scared; for even though people commented on how "she was so brave" and would "do anything for a friend, even jump into the never-ending pit of Fenris's stomach to rescue them", Tala had three fears: the fear of silence (not just lack of speech, but total silence); the fear of being helpless, just like she was now; and most crippling of all, Tala was afraid of the dark. She had never told anyone this secret, but it was the reason that she wore the vial of tealy "liquid" —really just water infused heavily with her light magic— around her neck, and also why she had trained her light magic more than her wind magic. I can't fade now! Got to stay alive for Kaireasa, she thought. "I really do need those healing supplies- otherwise, soon I may be attracting flies!" she joked, a slightly strained smile on her face. She managed to twitch her tail in an approximation of a wag, but that and the effort of speaking drained her. She tried valiantly to stay conscious, to not let the darkness take her, but felt herself slowly slipping back into sleep. Any gods, any at all, please protect Kai if I don't wake again... was her last thought before she faded completely. 

[Relairah]

Kairaesa glanced toward Tala when she noticed her movements, gazing at her, uncertain if she should do anything or not. She looked at her, and then began asking her a question. Well, she was glad to see she seemed herself enough. But that didn't mean she was all better. She let out her breath softly and glanced away, "Yes," she stated simply, "it was me." She paused a while, before glancing back at Tala. "It's something I had forgotten. When I buried any emotion except my despair, I thought the spirit within me died. But I suppose it was only dormant... waiting for me to care enough to use it." She bit her lip, looking toward the ground. "I couldn't just let the pike destroy you... after you've done so much to try and help me," she admitted, softly and shyly. Her words didn't say that she cared about Tala, necessarily, she wasn't ready to admit or to accept such feelings within herself yet. But it didn't mean they weren't there... starting to grow once again.

She was startled when she realized Tala had moved into the water again and she leaped to her paws. But before she could really react, Tala was back upon the bank again, looking miserable. Kaireasa watched as Tala made the spell and indicated what she needed and she glanced back at her, nodding. "Sure," she stated with a shrug. As she turned to enter the trees, she heard Tala's last comment and turned slightly, frowning at her. "Of course you won't. Don't be silly," and with that she ran off.

As Tala had said, the herbs really were quite common and she found them in no time, collecting them in her mouth and soon bringing them back to Tala, though they were somewhat all tangled together. She put them before Tala, not sure what to do next, thus simply sat back and waited.

[kmin66]

Tala was awake when Kaireasa returned, and she carefully separated the herbs and made poultices for her wounds. As she did so, she explained to Kaireasa what each herb's purpose was. "You know each herb I have here's name, but now, I'll explain what gives them healing fame. First, the clover- strange, you'd think, but it keeps away rot and covers the stink. A useful herb, and easy to find, always good if you're in a bind. Second, cobwebs, clear and thin; these are to keep the poultice in. Their stickiness is annoying, but good, as without it, they wouldn't do what they should! Last comes hawthorne, oddest of these. I honestly don't know the use for those leaves, but I do know one thing I believe to be true: they always work well, they've past seen me through!" She applied the poultices carefully, and while she did she thought about their current situation. Quite the fix you've got us into, hmmm? I'm injured, so I'm of no use to anyone, and she's still pretty severely depressed. Great job, idiot. Suddenly, another thought entered her frazzled brain. Didn't she say she was a leader or something? Hunh... this would be a preeeeeeeeety good opportunity for her to live a little. I am obviously nonfunctioning, and judging by how she helped be with the pike and the herbs, and what she said earlier —saying how she helped with the pike because of what I'd done to help her, and later, that of course I wouldn't die— she cares enough to help support the two of us. I'll help to some degree, naturally, but I'm injured, so most tasks would fall on her head. Hee hee hee-this is actually working out for good! I hope she doesn't have a dormant telepathy-spirit as well... that could end poorly for me. She chuckled to herself, and then sat up. Already she could feel the herbs working their metaphorical magic, and thank the gods for that! she thought. "Kaireasa, I've been thinking, and my thoughts have come to this: since my injuries will prevent it, I'll have to give most chores a miss. What I'm trying to tell you with my poorly-worded stew is hunting, fighting, and guarding must now fall to you." She sat back on her haunches and waited for a reaction.

OoC: Quick question: earlier, you said "After that, Kaireasa followed wherever Tala lead." Should I write like I'm assuming that Kai is always following/willing to follow Tala? (It seems a bit like powerplaying, which is why I'm struggling with this.) In my last few posts I tried not to assume that— would it be better if I wrote like my last posts?