[Action/Dictated ~ A Rest day

[atadiscoverer]

[Dr. Beckett is sitting on a couch in the lobby. He's not dressed in his lab coat, as usual, instead dressed causally, and looking a bit bored.]

Does anyone here know of any good fishing spots around here?

Or does anyone want to do something? I find myself a wee bit bored today. I'll be in the lobby.

Comments

[atadiscoverer]

[Carson jumps slightly as Vanyel sits down, but quickly composes himself.]

Ah, Vanyel, good to see you still up and about. You still feeling okay?

[He smiles slightly at the thanks.]

Please, I was just doing my job.

[peacockherald]

I am doing much better, thank you.

And even so, you did not have to help, but you did. You would be surprised how rare that is in a person.

_{[He offered him a small smile, a genuine one, not one he put on for show.]}

[atadiscoverer]

[A wider smile back]

In my world, doctors help people no matter what. I'm just glad I could do something. Magical injuries are not exactly my specialty.

[peacockherald]

It is all right. Even the Healers in my home world have trouble with backlash. There is only so much they can do for us, and I am... more susceptible than others, I am afraid.

An irony, considering I am the most powerful Herald Mage.

[atadiscoverer]

So, great power, but a bigger chance at something going wrong when you use it?

[peacockherald]

Something like that. Part of it has to do with the way I came to my power - force rather than natural. It has left me... raw.

[atadiscoverer]

Aye, I understand.

[Carson leans back in his chair.] It's like genetics. Gene therapy has a higher risk of failing because the person wasn't born with it.

[peacockherald]

Well, I had it before, but... chances were they would never manifest. The accident, however, forced the channels open - blasting them open, like bursting through a door by force.

[atadiscoverer]

[Carson is obviously applying this to terms that he knows, and nods]

I think I understand.

[peacockherald]

It is why when the Gate backlashed I had such a horrible reaction. Just having them open at all 'hurts' me.

[atadiscoverer]

In what way?

[peacockherald]

_{[He tried to explain it, to put it into words.]}

It is like rubbing a raw wound with salt and glass.

[atadiscoverer]

[An involuntary wince]

Aye? Why keep doing it, then?

[peacockherald]

_{[He looked at him.]}

Because, I am the only one who can do the things that need to be done.

[atadiscoverer]

...Aye, I can see how that would make you do it.

[A sigh] Just try not to do any more than you need to here, aye?

[peacockherald]

_{[He shook his head.]}

I am a Herald. I will forever go out of my way to protect people and to get home, where my people need me.

[atadiscoverer]

[A smile] Then we have something in common. Though not the needing part.

...Okay. [He could tell that getting Vanyel to take it easy for too long was going to be impossible.]

If you're going to do anything like this again, at least let me know, aye?

[peacockherald]

Yes, I will. Trust me, I have learned my lesson, and if not Yfandes will challenge me until I relent.

[atadiscoverer]

She's a smart horse.

[Carson didn't really know what to say other than that. He's not really come across any intelligent animals other than here.]

[peacockherald]

Companion. Do not let her hear you call her a horse. I will not be responsible for what happens.

[atadiscoverer]

Sorry. We don't have... Companions where I'm from.

[peacockherald]

Most people do not seem to. She is alone here. It... makes me sad, for her.

[atadiscoverer]

I'm sure many people know the feeling.

[Carson included, though he'd never actually admit it.]

[peacockherald]

_{[He looked at him and reached out, touching his shoulder.]}

At least we can make friends, yes?

[atadiscoverer]

Aye, I guess so.

[He smiles to Vanyel] Best thing about this place. Plenty of people.