Early week 3

[loyalrebel]

I... will need a rundown of what the story is about what happened on the ship, and who is in charge. I would also appreciate some assistance in putting together some sort of disguise, I may have my legs again but it would likely raise questions if I showed up around the island.

[Malik is... back. In other words.]

I am... I will warn you all now. If you sneak up on me, I am very likely to strike first and worry about who I have hit later.

[Because there's really only one way to stop infiltrating mid-jaunt without someone using a Skill to do it.]

Comments

-> action?

[papacerberus]

I'll tell Gale where I'm going and join you in a few minutes.

[Lupa doesn't bother to say anything psychically while he does that, stopping briefly to gather what he thinks he might need from Vishuddha. In light of the warning, he makes sure his footfalls can be heard (if quietly) as he approaches the workshop door, and knocks for good measure.]

Malik?

[His voice sounds different. Female, specifically. Lupa's still in the female form he's been in all jaunt so far.]

Action!

[loyalrebel]

[Malik is pacing the library, because staying in motion is somehow more comforting than sitting still.]

Lupa. I am...

[Shaking slightly, and having some trouble keeping his breathing steady.]

I could not even try to fight for survival.

[papacerberus]

[Lupa holds out his hands, offering whatever kind of physical contact Malik might need to ground himself. If he doesn't want it, that's fine, but Lupa doesn't want to not offer that potential comfort.]

I wish I could heal the damage that it's left behind. What I can offer is my presence. I will watch your back, if you require it, or stand watch while you rest. I will not leave until you tell me to.

[Lupa hesitates. Sometimes it helps him...]

Would talking about it help you? If so, I can listen.

[loyalrebel]

[Malik hesitates a moment before stepping closer to Lupa, he will let the other man embrace or just pat his shoulder as he wishes.]

I am not sure there is much to talk about. I died alone, in a cave and it took far too long to happen.

[papacerberus]

[Lupa goes for a hug, but is very careful about it. There is an easy and obvious escape route left open, if Malik changes his mind at any point, and Lupa will also back off if Malik shows any sign of discomfort. Otherwise, he's willing to hold it until Malik has had his fill of the contact.]

He felt helpless and can't shake the feeling now that you're yourself again. [Not a question. Lupa frowns as he thinks things over.]

Perhaps doing something or making something might help the feeling leave? I'm also available for sparring, if you wish to push your body to its limits.

[Lupa has felt at times, the need to prove that he can still fight at his best, so he makes the suggestion.]

[loyalrebel]

[Malik just sighs at the contact, Lupa's warmth is reassuring to say the least.]

It was more than simply feeling helpless, my own body was betraying me. I could not breathe, I could not move. All I could do was lay there and... effectively suffocate.

[ He nods at the suggestion though.]

Sparring would be good. Hard to get stuck in my own head during that.

[papacerberus]

Then we shall spar. Come; I can adjust Vishuddha to our needs. Simply hand to hand or weapons?

[For now, Lupa thinks it might be best to leave out transforming, even if that’s also a valid option, should Malik suggest it.]