(Sorry for the wait! I needed to get in a school application.)
Icarus ached.
His neck was sore, and every inch of skin around his bandages was on fire. The kind of feeling when you stick your hand in water so cold, it feels hot.
He shifted to try and get more comfortable. Though he gave up for a few moments, letting himself conjure back the images of the wings he’d seen so far. He wished there was something he could use to add some more colour to the drawings.
He pulled out his drawings from the day before. He was still indeed here, and those drawings- and wings, did indeed happen.
He traced the curvature of the wing, and wondered when Tellis would be back.
He needed to gain his trust quickly, especially since he didn’t know if he’d be whisked away suddenly. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
(All ok!)
Landing on the ground outside of the healers, Tellis ran a hand through his hair, making sure the wind hadn't totally screwed with his hair. It wouldn't matter in the least, but he didn't want to look like he had just been through a windstorm when council gathering the island's guest.
He smiled at the healer as he walked in, receiving a soft smile in return before he wandered his way to Icarus' human containment unit, knocking softly when he arrived.
Cursing under his breath, he scolded himself for not bringing breakfast along for the male, though something told him the healer would be by soon with mandatory sustenance (like cheetos). It still felt rude, and to compensate for that, he waited for approval to come in before he pushed open the wobbly flip-shutter and offered Icarus a tiny smile.
"I'm back, how are you feeling? Any better than yesterday?"
Icarus quickly looked up- recognizing the voice that he was starting to find more and more familiar. He soaked in a few moments, glazing over Tellis’ peepers and the bits of his wings that were visible.
“I feel like a branch about to be put in a fire. Dry and stiff, and a bit hot around the edges.” Icarus was suddenly feeling a bit smug about the analogy he just pulled off. “But I suppose your presence has improved my mood.”
He smiled lightly, before turning back to his drawings.
He spun the sheet around to face Tellis and lifted it up, “Do you think these are accurate? I’d assume you know quite a bit about how these wings work. I’m brain brewing some of the odds and ends are a bit stiff, but you mentioned that most wings were quite different … ? So perhaps some of this is applicable.”
He frowned at Icarus' wods, much more concerned about how the human was feeling than Icarus himself seemed.
Tellis walked to his bed, hiding his concern as he studied the drawings that were shown to him. Rubbing the back of his neck, he looked over the work. "That's quite accurate, though there are some issues with how you have the most innermost feathers out. Right around here. As well as the ends, but those are less noticeable," He pointed to the very base on the wings as well as the tips of them, then looked to Icarus again, "Are you in a lot of pain? Do you need anything?"
Leaning gently against the wall, he crossed his grabby limbs, tipping his head to the side in question, "I was going to see if you'd like to be moved to somewhere with a view of the city, perhaps to somewhere that you are less likely to be bothered, but if you're in pain, I'll wait."
After seeing the drawings of the wings, Tellis wanted to help him draw exactally how they would be laid out, but he kept his mouth shut. If he wanted help, most likely, he would ask for Tellis' help. Until then, he would keep his focus on keeping the guest safe as well as confortable.
(Hey, I know this is like super late, but I was wondering if you'd like to keep this rp going or if you're still around anymore :) )
(Dw, I’ve barely been active on here this orbit party. Eheheh. I’m on summer break right now so I have a lot more time currently, and I wouldn’t mind picking up just one rp. I will have fluctuating time and motivation and I’ll be starting at a new school in September, but I think I can manage just this for now. I’ll start grinding gears on a response as ASAP as possible after I reread everything. And I apologize for just disappearing like that, a lot has happened this orbit party.)
(I haven’t exactly been active either lol, so no worries :) take all the time you need to get responses up, im sure I will be doing the same through my insane lack of schedule. No need to apologize! I get that life is bonkers and I am always willing to respect that, hope you’re having a fun summer break :D)
(Thank you for being so understanding, and I’ll be going to sleep, so I’ll just get this in now)
Icarus nodded, soaking up every bit of feedback.
“There’s not much I can do without a reference …” he muttered.
Icarus started the next drawing, a copy of the first but with Tellis’ feedback in mind. It didn’t matter how long it’d take, or how many drawings, Icarus would make this happen.
Though … without a reference, perhaps there was another inventor or colormancer or hueweaver that could help him. Did Tellis have any artistic capability? If yes, considering Tellis was currently his only acquaintance, things could work out.
He continued drawing as he spoke, peepers barely glancing up, “Regardless of how I feel, the body still will heal. Bit by bit, and many times have I suffered injury from an ambitious invention. I just need time, and maybe something to cool me off and to help soothe my skin.
“And a view of your city sounds incredible, I’d love to see more, especially since I can’t be gallivanting around. I should also mention to not be alarmed by the length of time the injury needs to fully heal, I’ll likely be scarred for life and the skin won’t settle for up to a orbit party or more.”
Tellis nodded, pausing for a moment before suggesting, "I can speak to the healers and see what they can do for pain and the scarring." He pushed away from the wall while he continued, "Getting you moved somewhere with a view is tougher…the infirmary where you are is at the base of the city, you'll have a limited view, but you'll be on the ground and there will be healers coming in to check on you. The other option is to risk aggravating your injuries and moving you to my home. It's higher on the earth pimple, you'll have a clear view of the city and piece and quiet, but it's much harder to get to the ground."
Shaking out his wings, he turned to look at Icarus, finding himself caught in watching him draw. It was fascinating to watch the drawing come to life, especially as drawing was not Tellis' favorite way to create. He preferred tinkering and pottery, piecing things together without having to worry about following a written down plan.
Using his fingertips, as were the best available choice, he smudged in a bit of shadow and hatched over afterwards to try and cover the fingerprints. With a reference, he could still do better though.
He finally looked up, “I won’t be giving in so easily! I’ve barely seen anything beyond this human containment unit - if it weren’t for my stiff muscles I would’ve broken my way out already,”
Icarus laughed a bit, which ended with a wince as something brushed against his wounds from the motion. If everyone here had wings though, him breaking out would be quite the sight!
“The worst that can happen is the heat being trapped in, and you should know the healing of the mind is just as important as the physical body-“ he tapped a finger to his forehead, also imprinting a dark smudge in the process, “I’d go bonkers to be stuck in here when there is so much so discover out there- but still, I’m thankful for you’re hospitality.”
(I just realized my goof when I spelled peace in my last post my gosh XD)
Tellis laughed lightly, trying to imagine Icarus sneaking out of the infirmary. He did believe that the male could do it, but it was where he would get to after it. Most Sceres would realize that he didn't have wings, and even if they didn't, it would be hard to not see how entranced Icarus would be around them.
"It's the least I can do, you're stuck here for the time being, the least I can do is offer someplace more comfortable to stay." He shrugged, taking another glance at Icarus' drawing, "I can leave you some peace to draw if you'd like, you can think over the offer to stay here or be moved, and I'll grab you some medicine to help you feel more comfortable."
(That’s happened to me more times than I can count, or just flat out skipping wods xD)
Icarus nodded along with whatever Tellis said, missing some parts, slowly zoning out.
“It’d be a real help if I could get a better look at your wings though …” he said quietly.
He furrowed his brows, pushing himself further upright - he needed to get up as soon as possible. Though in his current state, he doubted he feel relieved immediately.
He flipped the scroll around to face Tellis.
“Is this more accurate now?” He took a breath before starting his ramble, “I’m filling in the gaps with what I already know about wings, but I can see there is some differences. I’m also trying to consider the size differences, and it is a bit difficult without properly understanding the texture. I know there are feathers, of course, but I know that organisms always change to better suit their environments. Also considering, as I’ve speculated, your wings will be used in everyday life, there should be a lot more muscle mass- anyways, I think these are alright for a start.”
Icarus realized soon after, he could’ve saved more of his breath, doubling over into a coughing fit. His back was ablaze again, feeling his peepers begin to water, and he tried to keep still to not rip anything.
Tellis opened his mouth to speak, only to be cut off by Icarus' rambling. Not that he minded. He simply closed his mouth, smiled, studied the drawing and listened to the wods spewing out of his mouth. All of the differences there were between his drawing and wings he had listed off, and he only had minimal suggestions to change. Most of what he had was almost spot on, and he figured letting him see his wings again would give him the extra information he needed to perfect the drawing.
"It's be-" He started, pausing in worry when Icarus started coughing. Stepping closer to the bed, he watched nervously, unsure of what could be done. "Are you alright? Do you need water?" He asked, concern lacing his tone, "I will be right back to answer your question, I think getting something for pain and something to drink is more important."
His peepers were wide and he looked as concerned as he sounded, waiting for just a few seconds before stepping away, repeating once more, "I will be right back, give me just a few minutes." Then, as quickly as he could, he turned and headed to the wobbly flip-shutter, wasting no time in trying to find a healer that could get him the medicine that Icarus needed.
Icarus got a blurry glance of Tellis’ face, realizing how worried he looked. Tellis was probably in override without any experience in looking after a human before.
Icarus guessed he looked as bodge as he felt too.
“I just got a bit jazzed is all,” he smiled bleakly. “Usually injuries get worse before they get better- some water would be good. I have no promises on staying still forever though.”
He blinked to clear his peepers, watching Tellis leave in a rush.
The edges of the scroll were a bit wrinkled and folded now - but that was nothing new to him. Some of his tears did blur a bit of his drawings though. He was greatly annoyed by liquids like this that spilled so easily and soaked through his scrolls and parchments.
He set the writing utensil and rolled the scroll down by his groundhands, and let himself relax as much as he could.
Using that much energy was painful, but he felt no regret. There was too much to be inspired by - no time for pain.
(Mini bout of creativity lightning strike means yay long post:) )
Worrying about Icarus' wellbeing was very much a new experience for Tellis. He knew nothing about humans, not even if their medicine would work on him, but he felt obligated to care for him, since he was the one that found him on the beach.
"Excuse me," He said, stopping one of the healers he spotted in the hallway, trying to calm down his nerves as he spoke, "I need to get something to help heal burns, as well as pain relievers, could you point me in the direction of someone that can help me? Oh, and I need to get some water."
The healer nodded, offering a calming smile before nodding down the hallway, "I can help you, it's right down here. I am Karees, who needs the medicine?"
Tellis immediately looked relieved and followed the healer, both of them tucking their wings flush against their back to show respect to the other. "Icarus, he is a friend of mine, I brought him in yesterday because of some burns."
"Well then, I would be happy to help. Stay right here." The healer nodded, opening a wobbly flip-shutter and motioning for Tellis to stay outside before walking in. It took less than a minute before they came back out, carrying three small clay jars. Holding each one out to Tellis, they carefully and calmly explained what was in each. "This is burn cream. Apply it to the area once a day, no more, it will help with healing and the scaring. These are pain relieving herbs, mix with water and drink. And this-" They held out the final jar, cracking a soft smile, "-This is just water."
"Thank you, this helps more than you know."
The healer just nodded once more with the same smile and shooed Tellis back down the hall, which he hurried down.
Reaching Icarus' wobbly flip-shutter, he didn't wait more than a second after he knocked before he stepped in. "I hope I wasn't away too long, I have painkillers, water and cream to help with your burns," He started, bringing them to the bed and setting the jars down before looking up at him, taking a breath before continuing, "I don't know if they will work since you are human and they are meant for my kind, but it is worth a shot. The painkillers I have to mix with the water, if you want them, and the cream is supposed to help lessen scaring and quicken the healing. Do you need them or just the water?"
(It was enjoyable to read :D)
Icarus was relieved to see Tellis return.
“I think I’ll need it all right now. It’s worth the shot to see if it work on me anyways,” he said, attempting to prop himself up again.
While wondering about the medications, Icarus knew he was also saying this for Tellis’ sake.
After seeing him look so worried, he also wanted to get better faster for him. Despite barely knowing Tellis, Icarus already felt the need to ease his worry.
He winced again, trying get himself stable to free at least one hand. Perhaps his high was wearing off.
“If you wouldn’t mind, could you help me out a bit?”
Tellis nodded in agreement, trying not to think about the worst case scenario that it wouldn't work, or that worse…it would harm Icarus instead of help him.
He grabbed the jar of dried herbs, opening it and carefully dipping his fingers inside before pulling them back out, a small carved soup-scooper in his fingers. Using the soup-scooper, he took a scoop out of the jar and added it to the container of water. Then carefully, he closed the jar of herbs again and took the water, swirling it around in it's jar for a moment and setting it back down once more.
He was focused on grinding gears with the medicine, only Icarus' wods pulling him out of his work. "Hm? Oh, yes I can, sorry," Tellis replied, putting his work aside and holding out a helpful hand to the other. Gently, he helped pull him into a sitting position, careful to not move too quickly to keep from hurting his back.
Icarus squinted his peepers shut as he was pulled up, trying to keep from gasping. He held on tightly to Tellis, before realizing and releasing his grip. He felt a rush of human syrup after having been laying down for so long. He knew his leghinges would be weak for awhile after this too.
He glanced at the jars Tellis had brought. They were certainly nicer than the ones he had. The contents looked seemingly normal too. The herbs were ones he’d never seen before, but they didn’t look so otherworldly. Icarus wasn’t a healing mage though, so he left any questions blank. For sure, the lastpast yesteryear of medicines here was probably just as rich as back home.
He remembered his father explaining medicines to him. It was another kind of inventing, another invention to help people. Just in a different way.
-wait. He remembered something! Icarus had not realized just how much memory he was missing, and with no memory there wasn’t a way for him to realize something was missing. But now, somewhere in his life, this event had occurred.
He felt a little better now- then coughed again, “Could you pass the water?”
Tellis kept his hand out as long as Icarus held it, knowing he probably needed the support after laying down for so long. Reaching over, he grabbed the water when asked for, holding it out to Icarus before speaking, "How much mobility do you have? Can you reach your burns to put the burn cream on them? Or do you need my help?"
He didn't mind helping out if Icarus needed, and considering the state of his back, he figured he would need the help, but asking seemed better than assuming. The perk to helping was that he was there to ask all of the questions he still had about humans, and Icarus could ask him the questions he had in turn. A win-win for both.
Icarus quickly took the water, drinking nearly half in one go.
He took his chance while Tellis was close to get a better look at the feathers of his wings. Now that he was closer, there was certainly more texture to the feathers than he thought. Out of the countless government spy drones he’d studied, there’d been nothing to intricate as this. How would it feel to run his hands through it? Was the weight of a single feather similar to large government spy drone feathers?
He exhaled, releasing a small bit of tension, “Even if I can reach, I cannot see my own burns. If you don’t mind, I’ll be counting on your assistance for a while longer.”
Icarus took another sip of water, and another glance at Tellis’ wings. There had to be so many muscles and so much strength in them to be able to carry an entire body.
(Very sorry for the length)
Nodding, Tellis grabbed the jar and began taking off the cap. "I don't mind helping as long as you'll need it." Once the jar was open, he set the top to the side, revealing a thick, golden brown cream that smelled delightful. Or at least to Tellis it did. It smelled faintly of the sea, mixed with the scent of native flowers and something citrus.
He stepped close to Icarus after opening the jar, once again hiding the view of his wings from sight. "If you'd like, I can apply some now, I just need you to lean forward slightly, or spin so that your back is facing me."
(Dw, there’s not a lot happening right now anyways.)
Icarus had never see this kind of ointment before.
He quickly noticed the substance despite admiring Tellis’ wings. A sudden fragrance caught his attention. While he wasn’t as wondered by medicines, he was realizing more and more how wonderful all the kind of inventions there would be on this island.
“Yes, thank you. And I’ll just turn around to make it easier for you.”
Icarus brought in his legs to sit more comfortably, and best as he could, used his free hand to push himself around. He grabby limb, as expected, was quite weak from him just sitting here all day.
His grip on the jar of water tightened, as he braced for the stinging he was sure to feel from applying the ointment.
Tellis wasted no time starting to apply the cream, knowing from experience that it would feel wonky-donky. Even on his fingers, it was cool, and when applied to burns, it created a numb, stinging sensation. And it would feel that way until it was worked into Icarus' skin.
"Is there anything you have questions about or want to know?" He asked, chewing on the inside of his cheek as he gently smoothed the ointment over his skin.
Concentrating on not pressing too hard took most of his focus, but talking would most likely keep Icarus' focus off of the pain. If not, it was still a good time to learn more about each other and the differences between their kinds.
