inbox;

[pathofsacrifice]

... hello?

‣ ACTION
‣ TEXT/VOICE
‣ VIDEO

Comments

[pathofsacrifice]

You sure?

You're good company right now.
If we can just talk like this, that's also fine.

I don't like the idea of you feeling alone.

[nerine]

Like this is fine
it's nice to see the notification
it's not total substitute
but for now it's good
If you need to treat anyone else just let me know
I'll be fine knowing you're helping someone else out

[pathofsacrifice]

I'm glad the notifications help.

Of course, I will.

You certainly are a very agreeable patient.
I must say I wish everyone was so reasonable about these situations.

[ A small joke; like anything about what is happening is reasonable. But he hopes that it makes her laugh. ]

[nerine]

Where I was from
I tried not to do many checkups because they would start to notice
So while I'm here and I have a doctor I trust
I'd like to make his life easier

1/2

[pathofsacrifice]

[pathofsacrifice]

I see.

I am honored to have such trust.
Honestly, it's something us healers strive for above all else.
We can only help as much as we are trusted.

So, I promise again to always help you when you need it.

[nerine]

Thank you
Or as we say in my other language, gracias

Thinking about it

[There's a pause before her next reply. What did she want to say? That at a fundamental level, she hasn't really put my full trust in anyone here. Not her leader, not the friends she's made, very few who know of her lack of pain.

With Artemy, she is secure in the fact that he wouldn't spread it; he was a man of his word.

Maybe that's all she needed right now. Whatever she was, it's been caged for better or for worse and while the rain fights her mind, she can't do anything, but remind herself that in moments like these, she's not alone because that's all she has.]

Never mind.
I'll go to sleep in a few minutes.
Stay safe.

[pathofsacrifice]

You're welcome.

[ And when she sends that message, he waits. He wonders what it is that she is thinking on, but does not push for an answer.

The response that comes leaves him mildly confused, but it seems like she has more thinking to do on her own. That's fine; he'll be happy to hear what thoughts she has when she is ready to share them. ]

Shall I sing you a few songs from my land to help you sleep?

[ A beat before adding: ]

:)

[nerine]

[She's trying to imagine Artemy trying to smile that way. Terrifying. But more importantly...]

You can sing???
Now I have to hear it
So please, by all means

:)

[pathofsacrifice]

I can make sounds. :)

But if you wish to hear it, then I shall do my best.

[ WELL HOW ABOUT A SONG but with this voice. :V ]

[nerine]

[Marianna lays her head down on her pillow, pulling the quilt over her shoulders as she brings her phone close to her ear. Artemy's voice was raspy and rough but the song he gives her settles the initial uneasiness, working with the sound of the blood rain to atmosphere more tolerable.

She's reminded of Maxim's cadence. It pains her to think of him all of a sudden, but it was better to let the memory of him rise to the surface rather than try to stuff it back down. He was probably doing fine. Then she remembers her grandfather's voice, singing songs throughout the day when she was younger and then her father... (Did he sing? He must have. Maybe. He fell silent around her.)]

I like it.
It's good medicine.

[pathofsacrifice]

A different kind of medicine of the soul.

It is the song of my people. Those of the Steppe.

It's hard to translate the words, but it is a feeling of coming home, of being safe. Despite the cruel and harsh waters that we may find ourselves in. Some peace in the decisions that we've chosen. For there is no wrong choice when decided with one's will.

[nerine]

A very good song to have in these trying times.
I know a lot of songs
I like singing them
I'm about to sleep but
Can I send one in return?

[pathofsacrifice]

Of course, you can.

All songs are good for the soul.
They help us to heal and mourn in ways words cannot.

[nerine]

[It takes her a while. She leaves him a recorded message a few minutes later, well past midnight. The raindrops can be heard in the background, but Mari's voice can be heard over the din, telling a simple story of looking at others from the outside, a gentle and lonely song.

Oh, this rain
It will continue
Through the morning
As I'm listening...

She doesn't finish the song. There are a few seconds of dead air before it ends. Her eyes are closed knowing that at least she gave something in return.]

[pathofsacrifice]

[ "A good song. Good medicine."

He says aloud as he smiles; he thinks that she has fallen asleep and does not want to submit a notification that may wake her.

One day, he hopes to hear the rest of the song, but now is happy that they were able to heal one another. ]