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handle_with_care [2021/09/19 18:30] – bluehandle_with_care [2021/09/19 18:40] (current) – blue
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 ====== Handle with Care - 01/11/21 ====== ====== Handle with Care - 01/11/21 ======
  
-''[Blue]''+**''[Blue]''**
  
 > Whether Veldi had been aware of it at the time or not, Blue took her cover as a field medic with all the eagerness of one who inherently wanted to help everyone. While she clearly lacked the experience of others working across the battlefield, the Xaela still did her best, greeting the injured with gentle smiles and offering what aid she knew she could do. And for a short amount of time, that was enough. Cuts, bruises, scrapes, gashes. That was fine, Blue could handle that. Lami had given her the boon of being able to flit across the war torn earth without being noticed too often, popping in and out of visibility to get to where she needed to go unhindered. And so, when she spotted a little bit of blood seeping from the corner of a pile of rubble, Blue immediately darted for the area and the unseen injured. > Whether Veldi had been aware of it at the time or not, Blue took her cover as a field medic with all the eagerness of one who inherently wanted to help everyone. While she clearly lacked the experience of others working across the battlefield, the Xaela still did her best, greeting the injured with gentle smiles and offering what aid she knew she could do. And for a short amount of time, that was enough. Cuts, bruises, scrapes, gashes. That was fine, Blue could handle that. Lami had given her the boon of being able to flit across the war torn earth without being noticed too often, popping in and out of visibility to get to where she needed to go unhindered. And so, when she spotted a little bit of blood seeping from the corner of a pile of rubble, Blue immediately darted for the area and the unseen injured.
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 "There's a man here. He's lost his leg. Bleeding a lot. Think he got shot a few times as well. Lots of blood." Her voice is clear yet expressionless, but the end of each sentence sounds frayed, on the verge of panic that's threatening to burst at any moment. In the background, one could hear gunfire, loud metallic groaning, and the screams and shouts of those who continued the fight fulms away. "There's a man here. He's lost his leg. Bleeding a lot. Think he got shot a few times as well. Lots of blood." Her voice is clear yet expressionless, but the end of each sentence sounds frayed, on the verge of panic that's threatening to burst at any moment. In the background, one could hear gunfire, loud metallic groaning, and the screams and shouts of those who continued the fight fulms away.
  
-''[Vinalo]'' +**''[Vinalo]''** 
  
 A good day. Vinalo had just finished the routine of watering the many, many plants that populated their apartment, and was ready to sit down for a snack when their linkpearl buzzed to life across the room. Wondering who'd be contacting them today (another client who managed to nearly kill their plant again?), they shuffled over and placed the pearl to their ear. A good day. Vinalo had just finished the routine of watering the many, many plants that populated their apartment, and was ready to sit down for a snack when their linkpearl buzzed to life across the room. Wondering who'd be contacting them today (another client who managed to nearly kill their plant again?), they shuffled over and placed the pearl to their ear.
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 "Blue!? Where are you? What's going on?" they said, a clear sense of panicked urgency to their voice. Vinalo was already mentally going over the injuries of the man described, but their concern over their good friend's situation made it out first. "Blue!? Where are you? What's going on?" they said, a clear sense of panicked urgency to their voice. Vinalo was already mentally going over the injuries of the man described, but their concern over their good friend's situation made it out first.
  
-''[Blue]'' +**''[Blue]''** 
  
 A look of confusion crosses Blue's face when she hears Vinalo on the other end. Some weird wiring in her brain, had to be, why would she call Vinalo, shoulda called Veldi...Veldi's out here somewhere. That'd make more sense, right?  A look of confusion crosses Blue's face when she hears Vinalo on the other end. Some weird wiring in her brain, had to be, why would she call Vinalo, shoulda called Veldi...Veldi's out here somewhere. That'd make more sense, right? 
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 Stifling little whimpers, the Xaela sets her pack down beside her, numbly moving it away from the ever expanding pool of blood. Her clothing and skin were already matted in it from moving the man. That did not help matters. Stifling little whimpers, the Xaela sets her pack down beside her, numbly moving it away from the ever expanding pool of blood. Her clothing and skin were already matted in it from moving the man. That did not help matters.
  
-''[Vinalo]'' +**''[Vinalo]''** 
  
 "Bozja!? That's... that's a warzone! Wh-" "Bozja!? That's... that's a warzone! Wh-"
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 "Okay. Okay. Blue, I know this is scary, but you're... I need you to try and calm down a bit, if you can," they responded, knowing full well the absurdity of their request. Still... "What do you have on you for medical supplies? Potions? Bandages?" "Okay. Okay. Blue, I know this is scary, but you're... I need you to try and calm down a bit, if you can," they responded, knowing full well the absurdity of their request. Still... "What do you have on you for medical supplies? Potions? Bandages?"
  
-''[Blue]'' +**''[Blue]''** 
  
 Blue stared at the soldier, who through some miracle or other was still breathing raggedly. Long as their chest still kept rising and falling, they were alive. In pain and agony but alive. Just...just can't let that stop. Blue stared at the soldier, who through some miracle or other was still breathing raggedly. Long as their chest still kept rising and falling, they were alive. In pain and agony but alive. Just...just can't let that stop.
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 Blue shudders violently, then slowly continues. "I've got rope and tape and these potions Lami told me I should keep, I think maybe they ease the pain.." Blue shudders violently, then slowly continues. "I've got rope and tape and these potions Lami told me I should keep, I think maybe they ease the pain.."
  
-''[Vinalo]'' +**''[Vinalo]''** 
  
 The healer nodded along as Blue listed off her supplies. 'Not empty-handed. Good.' They drummed their fingers rapidly on the desk, trying to mentally prioritize treatment without being able to see the patient themself. Vinalo closed their eyes and visualized the situation best they could. The healer nodded along as Blue listed off her supplies. 'Not empty-handed. Good.' They drummed their fingers rapidly on the desk, trying to mentally prioritize treatment without being able to see the patient themself. Vinalo closed their eyes and visualized the situation best they could.
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 "Okay, Blue. Just... try to listen best you can. You don't have the tools or... experience to fix up the patient's wounds right there, so... you're going to have to do your best to slow down the bleeding so he can make it elsewhere." A moment to think. "You said he was shot, right? Can you tell if he's breathing? Caughing up blood?" "Okay, Blue. Just... try to listen best you can. You don't have the tools or... experience to fix up the patient's wounds right there, so... you're going to have to do your best to slow down the bleeding so he can make it elsewhere." A moment to think. "You said he was shot, right? Can you tell if he's breathing? Caughing up blood?"
  
-''[Blue]'' +**''[Blue]''** 
  
 Blue without hesitation, gently nestled her head against the bleeding man's chest, just enough to be sure that rise and fall had not faltered. It was weak, but present, and though the man sputtered out in response, no blood came out.  Blue without hesitation, gently nestled her head against the bleeding man's chest, just enough to be sure that rise and fall had not faltered. It was weak, but present, and though the man sputtered out in response, no blood came out. 
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 Flinching, Blue shakily responded. "He's...he's breathing...no blood. Hasn't spoken though..maybe unconscious.." Flinching, Blue shakily responded. "He's...he's breathing...no blood. Hasn't spoken though..maybe unconscious.."
  
-''[Vinalo]'' +**''[Vinalo]''** 
  
 A very short sigh of relief. 'One thing that isn't a problem yet. Good.' Vinalo ran down the supplies again in their head. What next... A very short sigh of relief. 'One thing that isn't a problem yet. Good.' Vinalo ran down the supplies again in their head. What next...
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 "Okay. Not coughing up blood mean his lungs and stomach weren't pierced. That's good. We can do this, Blue. Just... just stay with me, okay?" they asked, trying not to sound too demanding. Vinalo was not used to giving emergency medical advice over linkpearl. "His leg. You need to slow down the bleeding from the leg. You've some rope, right? You'll have to make a tourniquet from it. I'll talk you through it, okay?" "Okay. Not coughing up blood mean his lungs and stomach weren't pierced. That's good. We can do this, Blue. Just... just stay with me, okay?" they asked, trying not to sound too demanding. Vinalo was not used to giving emergency medical advice over linkpearl. "His leg. You need to slow down the bleeding from the leg. You've some rope, right? You'll have to make a tourniquet from it. I'll talk you through it, okay?"
  
-''[Blue]'' +**''[Blue]''** 
  
 Blue still felt as if every movement she made was as slow as lead, and it was taking an extra moment to process Vinalo's instructions as well. Her anxiety-ridden mind was grateful for the way Vinalo spoke though. She knew she had to stop the bleeding at the leg first. That made sense...but it felt like only when Vinalo advised it that the Xaela could follow through. Blue still felt as if every movement she made was as slow as lead, and it was taking an extra moment to process Vinalo's instructions as well. Her anxiety-ridden mind was grateful for the way Vinalo spoke though. She knew she had to stop the bleeding at the leg first. That made sense...but it felt like only when Vinalo advised it that the Xaela could follow through.
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 "What now?" "What now?"
  
-''[Vinalo]'' +**''[Vinalo]''**
  
 The garbled sounds of combat did not put Vinalo at ease. Doing this kind of triage was hard enough for someone inexperienced. Having to worry about being attacked just made it worse. They shook their head a bit and continued. The garbled sounds of combat did not put Vinalo at ease. Doing this kind of triage was hard enough for someone inexperienced. Having to worry about being attacked just made it worse. They shook their head a bit and continued.
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 "After that, go up a few ilms from the wound. Needs to be skin all round the leg. You need to wrap the rope and tie it tightly around the leg there. Enough to pinch the arteries much as possible to slow the bleed." "After that, go up a few ilms from the wound. Needs to be skin all round the leg. You need to wrap the rope and tie it tightly around the leg there. Enough to pinch the arteries much as possible to slow the bleed."
  
-''[Blue]'' +**''[Blue]''** 
  
 Blue stared blankly at her silent patient as she listened, a sinking feeling in her stomach adding to the mental stress and anguish the Xaela was trying to manage through. That sounded..almost rude, too invasive to be doing without permission, mismatched eyes staring into the soldier's face and willing him to wake up so she could ask him if she could. She even attempted to nudge him in the shoulder a bit, briefly forgetting Vinalo was still in her ear when she murmured to the wounded, "Wake up...just for a few seconds...am I allowed?" Blue stared blankly at her silent patient as she listened, a sinking feeling in her stomach adding to the mental stress and anguish the Xaela was trying to manage through. That sounded..almost rude, too invasive to be doing without permission, mismatched eyes staring into the soldier's face and willing him to wake up so she could ask him if she could. She even attempted to nudge him in the shoulder a bit, briefly forgetting Vinalo was still in her ear when she murmured to the wounded, "Wake up...just for a few seconds...am I allowed?"
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 Still crying, Blue picked up her dagger again and continued to work, cutting above the stump with some trouble. Still crying, Blue picked up her dagger again and continued to work, cutting above the stump with some trouble.
  
-''[Vinalo]'' +**''[Vinalo]''** 
  
 Vinalo heard Blue's pleads to the patient, and her subsequent sobbing. They were almost certain what exactly prompted it. Rubbing their forehead, the healer remembered the first time they had dealt with a violently removed limb. 'Never ready for that.' They waited for a pause in the sobbing before speaking up again. Vinalo heard Blue's pleads to the patient, and her subsequent sobbing. They were almost certain what exactly prompted it. Rubbing their forehead, the healer remembered the first time they had dealt with a violently removed limb. 'Never ready for that.' They waited for a pause in the sobbing before speaking up again.
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 "I'm still here, Blue. If.. if you need to talk through it, I'm here." "I'm still here, Blue. If.. if you need to talk through it, I'm here."
  
-''[Blue]'' +**''[Blue]''** 
  
 Blue flicked her ears at Vinalo's words, choking back a shuddering sob with a wild shake of her head. She wiped at her eyes with her arms and cut the remainder of cloth off, this time setting the dagger down at her side without such a clatter. Blue flicked her ears at Vinalo's words, choking back a shuddering sob with a wild shake of her head. She wiped at her eyes with her arms and cut the remainder of cloth off, this time setting the dagger down at her side without such a clatter.
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 She pauses before remembering Vinalo couldn't see any of what she was doing. "I tightened the rope around his leg like you told me to.." She pauses before remembering Vinalo couldn't see any of what she was doing. "I tightened the rope around his leg like you told me to.."
  
-''[Vinalo]'' +**''[Vinalo]''** 
  
 "It's... never easy, Blue. None of the... 'firsts' I'd treated were ever easy. You just get... used to it, I guess." they tried to reassure her. Vinalo had leaned back and was currently laying on the floor, looking up at the ceiling. Part of them wished they could be there to help best they could. "You're not weak, Blue. You can do this. We can do this." "It's... never easy, Blue. None of the... 'firsts' I'd treated were ever easy. You just get... used to it, I guess." they tried to reassure her. Vinalo had leaned back and was currently laying on the floor, looking up at the ceiling. Part of them wished they could be there to help best they could. "You're not weak, Blue. You can do this. We can do this."
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 "You're doing good. You are. If it's tight enough, the bleeding'll slow down enough to keep him going," they said calmly. A deep breath. "Okay. You said was shot, too. Might be a bit... intrusive, but you need to find out where." "You're doing good. You are. If it's tight enough, the bleeding'll slow down enough to keep him going," they said calmly. A deep breath. "Okay. You said was shot, too. Might be a bit... intrusive, but you need to find out where."
  
-''[Blue]'' +**''[Blue]''** 
  
 Blue closes her eyes, trying to take a calming breath before staring back at the leg wound again. As promised by Vinalo, there seemed to be less bleeding as a result of her endeavors. It hadn't stopped, but it had slowed, and that was all the Xaela could hope for at this point. How long had Veldi been here doing all of this? Course this probably wouldn't have phased her as much.. Blue closes her eyes, trying to take a calming breath before staring back at the leg wound again. As promised by Vinalo, there seemed to be less bleeding as a result of her endeavors. It hadn't stopped, but it had slowed, and that was all the Xaela could hope for at this point. How long had Veldi been here doing all of this? Course this probably wouldn't have phased her as much..
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 "I...there's at least four shots..." Clearly not wanting to bother the soldier again yet having no other choice, Blue timidly sifts over his clothing, noting where holes had penetrated the man's garb all along his left side. "One at his left shoulder, two down near his stomach I think...One at the leg I just treated." The Xaela reported these things whilst shuffling her positioning a bit, grabbing at her dagger and cutting at the armor so she could see each one proper. "I...there's at least four shots..." Clearly not wanting to bother the soldier again yet having no other choice, Blue timidly sifts over his clothing, noting where holes had penetrated the man's garb all along his left side. "One at his left shoulder, two down near his stomach I think...One at the leg I just treated." The Xaela reported these things whilst shuffling her positioning a bit, grabbing at her dagger and cutting at the armor so she could see each one proper.
  
-''[Vinalo]'' +**''[Vinalo]''** 
  
 Various thoughts crossed their mind as Blue frantically questioned everything. Why is Blue on the warfront? Did Lami drag her there? Does Tret know? Things to be (hopefully) answered later. Vinalo sat back up and nodded to themself as Blue got to the matters at hand. Various thoughts crossed their mind as Blue frantically questioned everything. Why is Blue on the warfront? Did Lami drag her there? Does Tret know? Things to be (hopefully) answered later. Vinalo sat back up and nodded to themself as Blue got to the matters at hand.
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 "Okay. Just... try to keep focused, Blue. Each of those wounds you're going to treat the same way, more-or-less," they said. Vinalo thought through what Blue had on hand and what she might think of doing. "It's... it's going to sound odd, I know, but trying to remove the bullets right there is too dangerous. Likely do more damage rooting around in the wound, so... as much as it seems right, don't. Idea is same as before. Stop the bleeding much as possible. That'll be what the gauze, bandages, and tape're for." "Okay. Just... try to keep focused, Blue. Each of those wounds you're going to treat the same way, more-or-less," they said. Vinalo thought through what Blue had on hand and what she might think of doing. "It's... it's going to sound odd, I know, but trying to remove the bullets right there is too dangerous. Likely do more damage rooting around in the wound, so... as much as it seems right, don't. Idea is same as before. Stop the bleeding much as possible. That'll be what the gauze, bandages, and tape're for."
  
-''[Blue]'' +**''[Blue]''** 
  
 Blue listened intently, and as predicted, her own head questioned not pulling out the bullets. When Astra had shot her moons ago that had been the first thing the Xaela had done. But the healer knew best, and though they wouldn't be able to see, the Xaela would nod after a moment before responding with an obedient "..Okay. I know how to wrap up wounds." There just, usually wasn't this many of them... Blue listened intently, and as predicted, her own head questioned not pulling out the bullets. When Astra had shot her moons ago that had been the first thing the Xaela had done. But the healer knew best, and though they wouldn't be able to see, the Xaela would nod after a moment before responding with an obedient "..Okay. I know how to wrap up wounds." There just, usually wasn't this many of them...
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 Just then, a gun fires and it sounds CLOSE, as if the shot had gone off right behind the Xaela. And though that was thankfully not the case, it was clear something had happened because a surprised yelp suddenly sounds through the linkpearl followed by an even fainter "..Oh." Just then, a gun fires and it sounds CLOSE, as if the shot had gone off right behind the Xaela. And though that was thankfully not the case, it was clear something had happened because a surprised yelp suddenly sounds through the linkpearl followed by an even fainter "..Oh."
  
-''[Vinalo]'' +**''[Vinalo]''** 
  
 "Yes. Just take it nice and easy. Pressure, but not too much. Enough to hold back the bleeding," they said, their voice returning to the reassuring tone. "Just a bit more and you'll have him patched up well as you can until he gets to a proper healer." "Yes. Just take it nice and easy. Pressure, but not too much. Enough to hold back the bleeding," they said, their voice returning to the reassuring tone. "Just a bit more and you'll have him patched up well as you can until he gets to a proper healer."
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 "BLUE! What happened!?" Vinalo yelled, hoping they didn't just hear what it sounded like. "BLUE! What happened!?" Vinalo yelled, hoping they didn't just hear what it sounded like.
  
-''[Blue]'' +**''[Blue]''** 
  
 "Just a little hurt." The Xaela answers after a long moment of staring at the red blossom growing on her arm. She looks down at the gauze she'd dropped upon being struck, then at the soldier who had almost been patched up. She wasn't going to let this stop her from finishing her work. "Just a little hurt." The Xaela answers after a long moment of staring at the red blossom growing on her arm. She looks down at the gauze she'd dropped upon being struck, then at the soldier who had almost been patched up. She wasn't going to let this stop her from finishing her work.
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 After a moment, Blue snorts softly and brings the gauze up to her mouth to bite down on, making an honest if not meager attempt at trying to wrap up the soldier's final wounds with what she's got. After a moment, Blue snorts softly and brings the gauze up to her mouth to bite down on, making an honest if not meager attempt at trying to wrap up the soldier's final wounds with what she's got.
  
-''[Vinalo]'' +**''[Vinalo]''** 
  
 ''No no no. Not now. Not like this.''  ''No no no. Not now. Not like this.'' 
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 "...How bad is it, Blue? Can you still get yourself moving?" they asked quietly, trying not to stress Blue any more than already happened. "You have to keep yourself safe, Blue." "...How bad is it, Blue? Can you still get yourself moving?" they asked quietly, trying not to stress Blue any more than already happened. "You have to keep yourself safe, Blue."
  
-''[Blue]'' +**''[Blue]''** 
  
 Blue fumbled a bit, awkwardly finishing up her wrapping job on the soldier's belly which was unfortunately coming loose no matter how much she applied the scraps of tape to bind it. Blue fumbled a bit, awkwardly finishing up her wrapping job on the soldier's belly which was unfortunately coming loose no matter how much she applied the scraps of tape to bind it.
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 "...How're you Vinalo? Staying out of trouble?" Blue nestles her limp arm against her lap and closes her eyes, wondering what she should say to Veldi. "...How're you Vinalo? Staying out of trouble?" Blue nestles her limp arm against her lap and closes her eyes, wondering what she should say to Veldi.
  
-''[Vinalo]'' +**''[Vinalo]''** 
  
 She didn't answer the question. Vinalo's mind raced even more and the sinking feeling in their gut became impossible to ignore. 'Sleepy? No. No no no.' They leapt to their feet, as if they could just rush off to wherever Blue was. They knew they couldn't, but it didn't stop them from getting the urge to grab their robe, supplies, and whatever else they could carry and head out the door. Instead, the healer stood there trying to think. It wasn't working the best. Instead, an increase in volume seemed to win over. She didn't answer the question. Vinalo's mind raced even more and the sinking feeling in their gut became impossible to ignore. 'Sleepy? No. No no no.' They leapt to their feet, as if they could just rush off to wherever Blue was. They knew they couldn't, but it didn't stop them from getting the urge to grab their robe, supplies, and whatever else they could carry and head out the door. Instead, the healer stood there trying to think. It wasn't working the best. Instead, an increase in volume seemed to win over.
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 "BLUE! Listen to me, please! You... you need to get to safety. You need to move!" Vinalo practically yelled over the linkpearl. "You have to make it back here! You have to! Tret's waiting for you. And we've got that garden to grow, remember? Please, Blue!" "BLUE! Listen to me, please! You... you need to get to safety. You need to move!" Vinalo practically yelled over the linkpearl. "You have to make it back here! You have to! Tret's waiting for you. And we've got that garden to grow, remember? Please, Blue!"
  
-''[Blue]'' +**''[Blue]''** 
  
 Blue flicks her ears in mild agitation, slowly opening her eyes again. It was getting harder to keep them open, and she complains lightly, Blue flicks her ears in mild agitation, slowly opening her eyes again. It was getting harder to keep them open, and she complains lightly,
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 She stares down at the soldier, swaying a bit from side to side, muddled, stubborn brain not wanting to leave the unconscious man behind, especially with the blasts and the shouting and the clashing going on nearby. She stares down at the soldier, swaying a bit from side to side, muddled, stubborn brain not wanting to leave the unconscious man behind, especially with the blasts and the shouting and the clashing going on nearby.
  
-''[Vinalo]'' +**''[Vinalo]''** 
  
 "...Right, right. No sleeping now, Blue. Can rest later. Need to get to safety now." "...Right, right. No sleeping now, Blue. Can rest later. Need to get to safety now."
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 "B-Blue. I'm... sorry. Unless you can heal yourself, or get... much stronger quickly..." the healer said quietly. Hesitation. They didn't want to say the rest. "...You have to leave him, Blue. You've done everything you can, but you're injured. It's too dangerous. You need to get to safety. Send for help if you can, but you need to go." "B-Blue. I'm... sorry. Unless you can heal yourself, or get... much stronger quickly..." the healer said quietly. Hesitation. They didn't want to say the rest. "...You have to leave him, Blue. You've done everything you can, but you're injured. It's too dangerous. You need to get to safety. Send for help if you can, but you need to go."
  
-''[Blue]'' +**''[Blue]''** 
  
 Blue brought the back of her uninjured hand against her forehead, leaning into it a bit as she listened and clearly wasn't pleased with Vinalo's answer. Blue brought the back of her uninjured hand against her forehead, leaning into it a bit as she listened and clearly wasn't pleased with Vinalo's answer.
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 There was that miserable sinking feeling again, mixed in with the numbness of one arm and the grogginess in her head. He'd been breathing last Blue had checked, but how long before someone came? There was that miserable sinking feeling again, mixed in with the numbness of one arm and the grogginess in her head. He'd been breathing last Blue had checked, but how long before someone came?
  
-''[Vinalo]'' +**''[Vinalo]''** 
  
 "Send out a call?" Vinalo asked, voice still dripping with concern. "...Who else is there with you, Blue? Is Lami close?" "Send out a call?" Vinalo asked, voice still dripping with concern. "...Who else is there with you, Blue? Is Lami close?"
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 "A dead healer can't help anyone else." "A dead healer can't help anyone else."
  
-''[Blue]'' +**''[Blue]''** 
  
 Blue blinks, a bit of a haze lifting at the mention of Lami, her tail giving a slow wag. Blue blinks, a bit of a haze lifting at the mention of Lami, her tail giving a slow wag.
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 Blue's words are slightly muddled in spite of her adamant attempts to be as clear as possible, staring down at her injured arm distractedly. The blood had seeped through the bandages she'd wrapped around herself much to her dismay. Blue's words are slightly muddled in spite of her adamant attempts to be as clear as possible, staring down at her injured arm distractedly. The blood had seeped through the bandages she'd wrapped around herself much to her dismay.
  
-''[Veldi]'' +**''[Veldi]''** 
  
 The linkpearl clicks on shortly after, but there appears to be gunfire crackling through nearby. The linkpearl clicks on shortly after, but there appears to be gunfire crackling through nearby.
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 “Where were they...//crackle//..shot?” “Where were they...//crackle//..shot?”
  
-''[Vinalo]'' +**''[Vinalo]''** 
  
 Vinalo nodded to themself as they heard the connection drop. They slowly walked over to the sofa and unceremoniously flopped down, removing the linkpearl once settled. Staring again at the ceiling, they rolled the linkpearl around in their hand, unable to truly relax. Blue was still out there, just now they couldn't talk to her. They closed their eyes and began breathing deeply and slowly. In and out. With linkpearl held close, Vinalo simply thought, waited, and hoped. Vinalo nodded to themself as they heard the connection drop. They slowly walked over to the sofa and unceremoniously flopped down, removing the linkpearl once settled. Staring again at the ceiling, they rolled the linkpearl around in their hand, unable to truly relax. Blue was still out there, just now they couldn't talk to her. They closed their eyes and began breathing deeply and slowly. In and out. With linkpearl held close, Vinalo simply thought, waited, and hoped.
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 ---- ----
  
-''[Blue]'' +**''[Blue]''** 
  
 The Xaela felt a surge of relief at the answering call, her eyes closing again,  fins flicking at the crackling noise that wouldn't have been too different from where she was situated, though at least somewhat muted. The Xaela felt a surge of relief at the answering call, her eyes closing again,  fins flicking at the crackling noise that wouldn't have been too different from where she was situated, though at least somewhat muted.
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 Silence. Then, "But they're bandaged, bullets still in, don't think I can move him and guns're louder now." Silence. Then, "But they're bandaged, bullets still in, don't think I can move him and guns're louder now."
  
-''[Veldi]'' +**''[Veldi]''** 
  
 “Why can’t you move him? Are you boxed in? Actually where are you? Closest forward camp..//crackle//..can you call for reinforcements?” “Why can’t you move him? Are you boxed in? Actually where are you? Closest forward camp..//crackle//..can you call for reinforcements?”
  
-''[Blue]'' +**''[Blue]''** 
  
 "Uff..he's unconscious...camp?" "Uff..he's unconscious...camp?"
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 "..Can you come get him?" "..Can you come get him?"
  
-''[Veldi]'' +**''[Veldi]''** 
  
 “Not if I don’t know where you are. Give me a landmark, a path—something! Why can’t you move him? Wait why are you talking like that? What happened to you?” “Not if I don’t know where you are. Give me a landmark, a path—something! Why can’t you move him? Wait why are you talking like that? What happened to you?”
  
-''[Blue]'' +**''[Blue]''** 
  
 Blue tries to formulate where she is, bleary-eyes winking open briefly to look between the cracks and the rubble and the walls for something. The girl giggles quietly in spite of herself. "You got splashed by the water things!"  Blue tries to formulate where she is, bleary-eyes winking open briefly to look between the cracks and the rubble and the walls for something. The girl giggles quietly in spite of herself. "You got splashed by the water things!" 
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 "n' you'd be mad." "n' you'd be mad."
  
-''[Veldi]'' +**''[Veldi]''** 
  
 “I’m already pissed!” “I’m already pissed!”
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 More gunshots cut sound off before the transmission cuts completely. More gunshots cut sound off before the transmission cuts completely.
  
-''[Blue]'' +**''[Blue]''** 
  
 Blue listened passively to the yelling, though the constant explosive sounds against her ears caused her to sluggishly flinch seconds after the fact up until the transmission cut off for the final time. She lifted her head and glanced around briefly. The gunfire never ended but attention had not seemed to be drawn to the safe cover of just another ruined building. Blue listened passively to the yelling, though the constant explosive sounds against her ears caused her to sluggishly flinch seconds after the fact up until the transmission cut off for the final time. She lifted her head and glanced around briefly. The gunfire never ended but attention had not seemed to be drawn to the safe cover of just another ruined building.
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 The tired Xaela draws back slowly at the realization. It wasn't enough. She hadn't done enough. He was dead. She couldn't stop it. Blue didn't think she had much energy for anything else, but apparently she had more than enough to start crying. The tired Xaela draws back slowly at the realization. It wasn't enough. She hadn't done enough. He was dead. She couldn't stop it. Blue didn't think she had much energy for anything else, but apparently she had more than enough to start crying.
  
-''[Veldi]'' +**''[Veldi]''** 
  
 > A very short while later, an au ra appeared near Blue's location, bending down to look her over before prodding her to test how alert she still was, even as she very quickly moved to assess Blue's condition. It was a Raen woman with skin pale nearly to the point of appearing white, and dressed in Bozjan battle attire. She had obviously fought her way to wherever blue was, as there were clumps of dirt and streaks of blood all over her. She appeared to have been looking for Blue specifically, seemingly growing more assured as the one legged man lay silently nearby.  > A very short while later, an au ra appeared near Blue's location, bending down to look her over before prodding her to test how alert she still was, even as she very quickly moved to assess Blue's condition. It was a Raen woman with skin pale nearly to the point of appearing white, and dressed in Bozjan battle attire. She had obviously fought her way to wherever blue was, as there were clumps of dirt and streaks of blood all over her. She appeared to have been looking for Blue specifically, seemingly growing more assured as the one legged man lay silently nearby. 
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 "Can you hear me? I need to heal you, but I dont think we can expect a good enough job here. I'll need to just get you on your feet for now, understand?" "Can you hear me? I need to heal you, but I dont think we can expect a good enough job here. I'll need to just get you on your feet for now, understand?"
  
-''[Blue]'' +**''[Blue]''** 
  
 Blue didn't look good, her own complexion much paler than usual, face markings dulled to the point of nearly blending into her skin. Her attire was matted with both the dried blood of the motionless man she sought to treat and fresh blood oozing from the flesh wound on her arm. Blue didn't look good, her own complexion much paler than usual, face markings dulled to the point of nearly blending into her skin. Her attire was matted with both the dried blood of the motionless man she sought to treat and fresh blood oozing from the flesh wound on her arm.
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 She wagged the tip of her tail at the Raen's words, though it wasn't a certainty if Blue was comprehending everything. Still, she nodded her head after a moment. She wagged the tip of her tail at the Raen's words, though it wasn't a certainty if Blue was comprehending everything. Still, she nodded her head after a moment.
  
-''[Veldi]'' +**''[Veldi]''** 
  
 > The woman proceeded to very quickly go about healing Blue, mending the wound on her arm in short order despite the chaos ringing about the area nearby. Unfortunately, the healing did very little to replace the blood that Blue had been leaking prior to her arrival, and finding the woman mostly incoherent, ultimately decided to pick the Blue up on her own to carry her across the raging battlefield once she had stopped the most immediate danger to her life. > The woman proceeded to very quickly go about healing Blue, mending the wound on her arm in short order despite the chaos ringing about the area nearby. Unfortunately, the healing did very little to replace the blood that Blue had been leaking prior to her arrival, and finding the woman mostly incoherent, ultimately decided to pick the Blue up on her own to carry her across the raging battlefield once she had stopped the most immediate danger to her life.
  
-''[Blue]'' +**''[Blue]''** 
  
 Blue could feel the healing aether on her arm, pushing back against the numbness she felt there. Her eyes wandered over to the wound itself but her arm still felt so heavy, like lead, too tired to even test if her fingers worked. Blue could feel the healing aether on her arm, pushing back against the numbness she felt there. Her eyes wandered over to the wound itself but her arm still felt so heavy, like lead, too tired to even test if her fingers worked.
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 Her mind was murky and dark and thick with fog. She mumbled to the raen, "...Are you mad at me? I tried....I tried...." Stifling a sob. Her mind was murky and dark and thick with fog. She mumbled to the raen, "...Are you mad at me? I tried....I tried...." Stifling a sob.
  
-''[Veldi]'' +**''[Veldi]''** 
  
 "Now now, none of that. Always a few losses in this sort of thing, but I know how you feel."  "Now now, none of that. Always a few losses in this sort of thing, but I know how you feel." 
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 > After assuring that she was unlikely to experience further problems, the Raen that brought Blue to the camp moved on to more critically injured persons, remaining nearby to keep an eye on Blue regardless of the increasing chaos of the battle. > After assuring that she was unlikely to experience further problems, the Raen that brought Blue to the camp moved on to more critically injured persons, remaining nearby to keep an eye on Blue regardless of the increasing chaos of the battle.
  
-''[Blue]'' +**''[Blue]''** 
  
 Blue briefly felt a moment of clarity at the Raen's answer, stiffening slightly when realization struck. And then it was gone and hazy and the Xaela curled up in the Raen's arms and just let things happen from there. Blue briefly felt a moment of clarity at the Raen's answer, stiffening slightly when realization struck. And then it was gone and hazy and the Xaela curled up in the Raen's arms and just let things happen from there.
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 After a time, one eye would wink open, followed by the other, trying to clear the blurriness and clarify the forms and shapes moving or laying around her. After a time, one eye would wink open, followed by the other, trying to clear the blurriness and clarify the forms and shapes moving or laying around her.
  
-''[Veldi]'' +**''[Veldi]''** 
  
 After a time, Veldi appeared in the camp, having been called there by the Raen woman. She seemed far more tired than usual, and seemed to be almost entirely caked in blood from the right side of her face down to her shoulder.  After a time, Veldi appeared in the camp, having been called there by the Raen woman. She seemed far more tired than usual, and seemed to be almost entirely caked in blood from the right side of her face down to her shoulder. 
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 "You bring anything to eat with you out there?" "You bring anything to eat with you out there?"
  
-''[Blue]''+**''[Blue]''**
    
 Blue had at this point cleared the fuzziness from both her vision and inside her head, but hadn't done much in that time either, turning on her side to watch the goings on with bright, curious eyes again. Trying not to think too much. Blue had at this point cleared the fuzziness from both her vision and inside her head, but hadn't done much in that time either, turning on her side to watch the goings on with bright, curious eyes again. Trying not to think too much.
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 "Noo...didn't think I'd be out there that long." "Noo...didn't think I'd be out there that long."
  
-''[Veldi]'' +**''[Veldi]''** 
  
 "Cant assume you wont be. Anything can and will happen, and often you need to force yourself to eat somethin even when you dont want to. Especially then."  "Cant assume you wont be. Anything can and will happen, and often you need to force yourself to eat somethin even when you dont want to. Especially then." 
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 "Got a helmet?" "Got a helmet?"
  
-''[Blue]'' +**''[Blue]''** 
  
 "Okay..I'll be sure to bring food with me next time." "Okay..I'll be sure to bring food with me next time."
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 "He died." "He died."
  
-''[Veldi]'' +**''[Veldi]''** 
  
 “And you didn’t. Shouldn’t you go home now? This is enough, aint it?” “And you didn’t. Shouldn’t you go home now? This is enough, aint it?”
  
-''[Blue]'' +**''[Blue]''** 
  
 "No. I'm here cause I need to be." "No. I'm here cause I need to be."
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 "I'll be done when you're done." "I'll be done when you're done."
  
-''[Veldi]'' +**''[Veldi]''** 
  
 “You don’t need to be here, you want to be. If you don’t understand the difference you’ll end up right back here or worse. Even if you do you still might.” “You don’t need to be here, you want to be. If you don’t understand the difference you’ll end up right back here or worse. Even if you do you still might.”
  
-''[Blue]''  +**''[Blue]''**  
-"No, I need to be here!" Blue insists  before shuffling a bit and sitting up slowly. She tilts her head.+ 
 +"No, I need to be here!" Blue insists before shuffling a bit and sitting up slowly. She tilts her head.
  
 "I came here knowing I might die. I'm not scared of that. I'm terrified of leaving you alone." "I came here knowing I might die. I'm not scared of that. I'm terrified of leaving you alone."
  
-''[Veldi]'' +**''[Veldi]''** 
  
 Veldi still did not meet Blue’s gaze, instead turning about in her seat. Veldi still did not meet Blue’s gaze, instead turning about in her seat.
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 “Well if you don’t got any gear to stop you from getting hurt, you damn well better start using that hiding shite you were taught. Thought you had to pass some test before you could come here? I’d get my money back if this is what you’ve got to show for it.” “Well if you don’t got any gear to stop you from getting hurt, you damn well better start using that hiding shite you were taught. Thought you had to pass some test before you could come here? I’d get my money back if this is what you’ve got to show for it.”
  
-''[Blue]'' +**''[Blue]''** 
  
 Blue rubbed at her cheek. "I've been doing good with the hiding things. It's just harder to do that when my attention is focused on trying to mend someone. I'll pay more attention to my surroundings next time." Blue rubbed at her cheek. "I've been doing good with the hiding things. It's just harder to do that when my attention is focused on trying to mend someone. I'll pay more attention to my surroundings next time."
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 "Sis." Seeking out her attention and her gaze, most insistent. "Sis." Seeking out her attention and her gaze, most insistent.
  
-''[R'Lamiza]'' +**''[R'Lamiza]''** 
  
 > About this time, a group of Limsan Men and women came walking close to the infirmary. At their head strode a Seeker female that Blue would recognize as Lami, tricorn hat in her head and a rough jacket, she had a Gunblade strapped over her shoulder and seemed to be ready to take on a troop on her own considering the small pieces of plate that covered vital organs. Having caught Blue in the corner of her eye she’d pause for but an instant before she continued to walk by. Looking straight ahead. Knowing she couldn’t blow her cover she made a mental note that she would be delivering the medical supplies for a proper excuse to grill her student on why she looked so banged up. > About this time, a group of Limsan Men and women came walking close to the infirmary. At their head strode a Seeker female that Blue would recognize as Lami, tricorn hat in her head and a rough jacket, she had a Gunblade strapped over her shoulder and seemed to be ready to take on a troop on her own considering the small pieces of plate that covered vital organs. Having caught Blue in the corner of her eye she’d pause for but an instant before she continued to walk by. Looking straight ahead. Knowing she couldn’t blow her cover she made a mental note that she would be delivering the medical supplies for a proper excuse to grill her student on why she looked so banged up.
  
-''[Blue]'' +**''[Blue]''** 
  
 Blue looked away for the slightest moment, mismatched eyes falling on Lami. Her arm twitches in a reflexive wave that doesn't quite get there before the Xaela corrects herself and continues to perch precariously from the edge of her bed. Wobble. Blue looked away for the slightest moment, mismatched eyes falling on Lami. Her arm twitches in a reflexive wave that doesn't quite get there before the Xaela corrects herself and continues to perch precariously from the edge of her bed. Wobble.
  
-''[Veldi]'' +**''[Veldi]''** 
  
 Veldi put her hand on Blue’s shoulder to physically force her to lie down again. Veldi put her hand on Blue’s shoulder to physically force her to lie down again.
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 “Lay that arse back down. Can’t be bouncin around everywhere after passing’ out dammit.” “Lay that arse back down. Can’t be bouncin around everywhere after passing’ out dammit.”
  
-''[Blue]'' +**''[Blue]''** 
  
 Blue folds like paper, unable to offer any resistance as she's made to lie down. Something about this fact elicits a strangled sob from the girl, notes of distress appearing in her voice. Blue folds like paper, unable to offer any resistance as she's made to lie down. Something about this fact elicits a strangled sob from the girl, notes of distress appearing in her voice.
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 "I'm a terrible sister aren't I?  No wonder you don't want to look at me." "I'm a terrible sister aren't I?  No wonder you don't want to look at me."
  
-''[Veldi]'' +**''[Veldi]''** 
  
 “That ain’t why I’m not lookin’. I know you won’t listen if I tell you to leave, but this place changes people. There’s no break here—nothin’ normal. If you’re only here for me, it’s not worth it. Cause I’m not. I can’t be the reason someone I care about is gone again.” “That ain’t why I’m not lookin’. I know you won’t listen if I tell you to leave, but this place changes people. There’s no break here—nothin’ normal. If you’re only here for me, it’s not worth it. Cause I’m not. I can’t be the reason someone I care about is gone again.”
  
-''[Blue]'' +**''[Blue]''** 
  
 Blue takes a slow if not slightly unsteady breath, seeming to take a moment to actually listen instead of immediately protest. Blue takes a slow if not slightly unsteady breath, seeming to take a moment to actually listen instead of immediately protest.
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 "So if it makes you feel better and lets you look at me again, I'm not just here for you." "So if it makes you feel better and lets you look at me again, I'm not just here for you."
  
-''[Veldi]'' +**''[Veldi]''** 
  
 “What am I supposed to tell everyone if you don’t make it back then?” “What am I supposed to tell everyone if you don’t make it back then?”
  
-''[Blue]'' +**''[Blue]''** 
  
 The Xaela brings a hand back to scratch behind her earfin, staring at Veldi with a small frown on her face. The Xaela brings a hand back to scratch behind her earfin, staring at Veldi with a small frown on her face.
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 Blue pauses. "Or need. Maybe they are both the same to me after all." Blue pauses. "Or need. Maybe they are both the same to me after all."
  
-''[Veldi]''+**''[Veldi]''**
    
 “I think....I’m seeing the kind of person I really am. I don’t think I like it much, but it’s not like I can leave either. But...” she placed a hand over her right eye and pressed down, sighing to herself. “I think....I’m seeing the kind of person I really am. I don’t think I like it much, but it’s not like I can leave either. But...” she placed a hand over her right eye and pressed down, sighing to herself.
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 “I think you’ll be disappointed when you see it.” “I think you’ll be disappointed when you see it.”
  
-''[Blue]'' +**''[Blue]''** 
  
 Blue stretches her hands out again, 'pawing' at Veldi or at least making the attempt at a gentle swipe. Blue stretches her hands out again, 'pawing' at Veldi or at least making the attempt at a gentle swipe.
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 "...but if it's not that simple, if it does disappoint me for some reason, don't be thinking I'm going anywhere cause of it. I see you...and I'm here.." "...but if it's not that simple, if it does disappoint me for some reason, don't be thinking I'm going anywhere cause of it. I see you...and I'm here.."
  
-''[Veldi]'' +**''[Veldi]''** 
  
 Veldi stands, having said her piece for now. Veldi stands, having said her piece for now.
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 “I should check on the others.” Was all she managed to mumble out before turning and standing up to go check on the other injured, the Raen from earlier quickly getting her attention to come help with someone else. “I should check on the others.” Was all she managed to mumble out before turning and standing up to go check on the other injured, the Raen from earlier quickly getting her attention to come help with someone else.
  
-''[Blue]'' +**''[Blue]''** 
  
 "..Wait!" "..Wait!"
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 She passed it to her sister with little fanfare, not wanting to stop Veldi from tending to others who needed aid as well. But she couldn't help but ask with a tinge of hopefulness in her voice. "..Will you come back later? We don't have to talk or anything...just for a lil while?" She passed it to her sister with little fanfare, not wanting to stop Veldi from tending to others who needed aid as well. But she couldn't help but ask with a tinge of hopefulness in her voice. "..Will you come back later? We don't have to talk or anything...just for a lil while?"
  
-''[Veldi]''+**''[Veldi]''**
    
 Veldi took the parchment, sliding it into her coat without looking for now. Veldi took the parchment, sliding it into her coat without looking for now.
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 “We need to organize a party to move everyone back to a more secure base. I’ll be there with a few other medics to make sure none of you go into critical condition mid-travel—or at the very least if it does happen one of us can treat it. So you’ll see me whether you want to or not.” “We need to organize a party to move everyone back to a more secure base. I’ll be there with a few other medics to make sure none of you go into critical condition mid-travel—or at the very least if it does happen one of us can treat it. So you’ll see me whether you want to or not.”
  
-''[Blue]'' +**''[Blue]''** 
  
 This seemed to appease the girl enough to nod softly and settle back down, curling up her tail to hug it like a scaly blanket.  This seemed to appease the girl enough to nod softly and settle back down, curling up her tail to hug it like a scaly blanket. 
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 ''In spite of all that care, the words within were just names. No locations or directions or instructions. Five names in total, two of which had been crossed out. There wasn't even a signature at the bottom from whoever had penned the list.'' ''In spite of all that care, the words within were just names. No locations or directions or instructions. Five names in total, two of which had been crossed out. There wasn't even a signature at the bottom from whoever had penned the list.''
  
-''Borstig +''Borstig'' 
-~~Weynild Cherrier~~ + 
-~~Eyridhem~~ +''<del>Weynild Cherrier</del>'' 
-Gudrod Warcry + 
-R'pikari''+''<del>Eyridhem</del>'' 
 + 
 +''Gudrod Warcry'' 
 + 
 +''R'pikari''
  
 ---- ----
  
-Blue would awaken a couple bells later and immediately remember that she hadn't called Vinalo as she'd promised to do so when she'd gotten somewhere safe. Hurriedly bringing the linkpearl to her ear, she'd make the call to her friend, assuring them that she was alright. Conversation would inevitably lead back to the soldier who Blue had not been able to save, words of comfort provided by the elder healer. In spite of the consoling, the sad truth that it was impossible to save everyone, the Xaela still took it rather hard, crying quietly under the blankets. She would go on to promise Vinalo that she'd try and be a little bit more selfish about her own life. A lot of people would be sad if she didn't make it back, and the talk with both Vinalo and her sister had assured her as much. A dead healer also wouldn't be able to help anyone else. Learning to let go...that was something Blue's stubbornness would not immediately allow. She would try to weigh her choices and options better in the future for the sake of those she held dear.+> Blue would awaken a couple bells later and immediately remember that she hadn't called Vinalo as she'd promised to do so when she'd gotten somewhere safe. Hurriedly bringing the linkpearl to her ear, she'd make the call to her friend, assuring them that she was alright. Conversation would inevitably lead back to the soldier who Blue had not been able to save, words of comfort provided by the elder healer. In spite of the consoling, the sad truth that it was impossible to save everyone, the Xaela still took it rather hard, crying quietly under the blankets. She would go on to promise Vinalo that she'd try and be a little bit more selfish about her own life. A lot of people would be sad if she didn't make it back, and the talk with both Vinalo and her sister had assured her as much. A dead healer also wouldn't be able to help anyone else. Learning to let go...that was something Blue's stubbornness would not immediately allow. She would try to weigh her choices and options better in the future for the sake of those she held dear.
  
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 +[[Start|Home]] --> [[Character Profiles and Collections|Character Index]] --> [[Blue]] --- [[Vinalo]] --- [[Veldi]] --- [[Rlamiza]]