[Sieglinde, at least, was in little position to judge a well intentioned wave or two even coming from a grown man- because while they had spoken over video befofe, the fact would become even more obvious as he approached that... Sieglinde was definitely, physically, just a little girl. Twelve, actually, last snow moon. She sat outside the hut she'd turned into her makeshift lab, wishing Masamune wasn't gone and that Isengrim hadn't gone out hunting earlier that morning, but wishing never got anything accomplished, now did it?
Instead, she raised a hand and waved back, a bit more reserved but. There was no need not to be welcoming to someone new to this chaos.]
Sasaki, it was good of you to come. I apologize for the change so abruptly.
[The reasons for which she did not put into words, but they would be obvious to the more observant. She didn't rise to meet him, stayed seated, the feet peeking out from the long hem of her dress unnaturally small and peculiarly arched back in on themselves, bound tightly in bandages and housed in petite custom heels. - walking wasn't a strong point of hers.]
[With that greeting he approaches the hut she's occupied, taking care not to bump into any Nalawi along the way. He'd nearly made that mistake once, unaccustomed to the way this world's conditions had weakened his senses. The world was dulled around him in some ways, but he has the sense that this isn't a lasting influence, and he keeps that in mind]
Please, don't worry about it.
[He halts in front of her, casting one last glance around in case he'd missed something earlier. At greater distances, his hearing wasn't as keen as he was accustomed to, and still yet it feels like he's got cotton in his ears.
Seeing nothing that resembles the signs of new and recent catastrophe, he sinks down to crouch on his heels, that he might be closer to eye-level with Sieglinde]
Are you alright?
[This being the first and foremost concern...as he hasn't yet taken note of her feet]
[The Nalawi, with their short heights, were difficult to maneuver around for some people, Sieglindd had noticed, and their lodgings, furniture, and clothing were uncomfortable or unusable for many among ALASTAIR... But she, at barely four foot high herself, was rather comfortable with the height of dwellings and size of chairs, talking to the cervid people themselves. One of the first times being as small as she was had come in handy.]
It is nothing as dire as that- my man has been summoned to assist ALASTAIR with another matter, so I could not reach the beach by myself.
[Even though she hated it, if she said it somewhat clinically, distantly, she could speak frankly to her limitations, to legs sallow thin from disuse and the peculiar three inches of "feet". Broken and folded as they were, it felt strange to even call them feet sometimes- more like decorations, what had once been proof of her commitment to the legacy of the great Green Witch who had offered up her legs for the safety of her people, and what was now a stark and constant reminder of her ignorance and failure.
Her bony knees pressed together under her gown, lips thinned slightly even as she continued to speak as if casual.]
I will rely on your strength earlier than expected if that is alright.
It seems to Haise that there was a stiffness about those words as she said them, and he briefly debates the reason. She had asked the day before it he was capable of carrying her over a long period of time without difficulty, and at the time, he hadn't thought much of it. Now, though, he watches her with a quiet concern and evaluates that. He'd thought she seemed young then, and might grow weary traveling around especially if there were supplies to be carried.
But it appears that wasn't quite right, as he watches her now. It's the small movement that prompts him to look down, to notice how tiny her feet are. He hasn't seen something like that before, and worry creases his brow for a beat, but he thinks he shouldn't question.
The subject is difficult to discuss, he can see that much.
So he levels his attention on her face again]
It's perfectly fine, there's no need to worry about that. As for carrying, what's most comfortable for you?
[She notices him noticing- it was hard not to, past a certain point... but he does her the service of not saying a thing. She does not besmirch it by then speaking.
Instead, the more practical.]
I prefer to sit upon the arm, but if such a thing is impractical for you, your shoulders will do.
[Her manservant in her own world was a man nearly twice her height, and all muscle, who could lift her easily and keep her in the crook of an elbow, but... she appreciated not everyone was that strong.
And charming as his face was, he seemed a bit on the slighter side... and piggyback, honestly, was a bit too degrading for her tastes.]
[He takes a moment for a thoughtful hum. Could he carry a girl on one arm? Perhaps under one, but that's not the same thing. And not a good way to carry a young lady]
So long as shoulders are alright, I think I'd do best with that.
[Being all of five-foot-seven, Haise doesn't cut a very imposing figure. And while he's little else but lean muscle, he can imagine it would be difficult to carry someone that way with his stature in mind. Had he access to his kagune it might be another matter, but...he can only imagine nobody wants to be held that way.
And it's better not to show off a predatory organ, all things considered. He'd rather not have to explain what that is before he really must]
I can more easily help carry any supplies, that way.
- Very well. My bag is quite heavy, but do be careful with the contents.
[It wasn't her favorite, shoulders, but she could deal with it- and if he would carry the bag as well, it just made things easier. She was hardly a strong one, unfortunately, and not just the legs. Growing up a lord with servants meant she'd never lifted a finger for such things before ALASTAIR.
And her satchel was full of bandages, unguents, balms, and potions in vials and glass.
As for being carried... she just stared expectantly, waiting for him to move and allow her to take her position- work waited for no man.]
[He'd intended that from the start, as the supplies belonged to Sieglinde. Moreover, he wouldn't be careless while carrying another person. But neither of these things bear elaboration. Instead he turns, settling lower to make it easier for her to get onto his shoulders]
Under normal conditions...I can also carry more than this without difficulty.
[More than a young girl and a bag of supplies, that is. If it were necessary to carry around more in the future, Haise is reasonably confident that he can handle it. Right now he might be limited, but this remains within his means.
In that respect he supposes it's fortunate that he has trained as much as he has. His capabilities as a ghoul might not be usable to him right now, but it doesn't make him useless]
[It took a bit of planning, clambering onto a pair of shoulders. It also took a willingness to discard a certain prudishness, seeing as one was putting a man's head between one's thighs. Not just any thighs, either- maidenly thighs.
She holds her breath, biting into her bottom lip, as she ever so carefully clambers onto Haise's shoulders, bandaged legs brushing his ears before she settles. Though he'd said he was capable, it was still probably for the best that she was light for her age as well as small.]
It is a shame these are not normal conditions, then...
[He wasn't the only one, after all, suffering from the effects. Her own magic was barely there these days, and though she was teaching physical healing to the Nalawi, it was still better to have the magical at her disposal.
Sieglinde also wished she had a better hold, but. Haise's hair would have to do.]
[Haise waits patiently while Sieglinde climbs onto his shoulders. It probably isn't the most comfortable place for anyone to sit for a prolonged period, but the least he can do is allow her to settle as best she can. Best to allow time for that than move too hastily and throw off her balance.
Though while he's waiting he supposes he could have slung the satchel on first. With the bag having a long strap, it might've been a good idea to not just settle that on one shoulder, but he was concerned first with Sieglinde... So he'll just have to be careful not to drop anything.
Maybe a little more forethought in the future]
Up we go then.
[He catches the satchel's strap and settles that over one arm before he carefully rises, free hand moving to hover behind Sieglinde in case he throws her balance. The transition is deliberately slow to avoid this, but it was better to be careful than not.
Once he's standing at his full height, Haise shrugs the bag's strap into place by Sieglinde's leg. It shouldn't easily slip if he's walking]
[That was the hard part. Sieglinde leaned over his head a bit anxiously, glad that this sort of carry meant her face wasn't easily visible, because these sorts of things were somewhat like a trust fall, only you had only met the person yesterday so you really didn't know at all. Still, he manages it, so she... tries to relax and act like she hadn't doubted at all.]
Very good, yes.
[It had been a while since she'd been this tall- Masamune usually carried her in his arms, and he wasn't the tallest of men, (not that she was disparaging his height!), so she took the chance to look around, towering over the Nalawi... Back on track, Sieglinde.]
You may touch my left knee, if you can control the desire to wander.
[What she meant was that she'd feel better about her perch with a bit of an anchor, there, but phrasing had never been her strong suit.]
Let us head to the tide pools at the beach- we shall begin with instructing the fishermen.
[It's a relief to hear that she's reasonably comfortable at that height. Haise has never carried anyone this way before - or at least, hasn't in his brief three years of memory. Perhaps the person he once was had done so, but he puts that out of mind for now.
He recognizes the suggestion for what it is, but as for the clause that follows it... That part he assumes to be humor. More mature humor than he might expect from a young girl, though when he considers the fact that multiple associates praised her medical knowledge quite highly, maybe that isn't such a surprise]
I'll take care to mind my manners.
[And so the hand that had hovered behind her comes to settle carefully on her knee. With that done, he adjusts the weight of the satchel a little and turns back toward the beach]
Off we go then. Next stop, tide pools!
[...Alright it's a little fun carrying somebody around like this]
[... Alright, it's a little fun being carried around like this. Not that you'll ever get Sieglinde to admit that.
Two small hands stay resting on top of Haise's head, long gown bunched up around her knees, atrophied legs wrapped in bandages pressing slightly against his chest for a counter balance, using her new vantage point to look down at the Nalawi they passed, counting the points of antlers, observing the gait of their walk. And, slightly disappointing as it weirdly was- he did seem to be minding his manners.
Her books about men in the outside world had been quite exaggerated indeed.]
For the fishermen I plan to focus on the treatment of bites, cuts, and various muscle and joint pains. Have you experience with any of those?
[Making their way along toward the beach is easy enough. Having no recollection of interacting with girls Sieglinde's apparent age, he can't be completely sure of it, but he suspects she's lighter than she ought to be. By the same token, her legs seem too thin...
They're details that concern him, though for now he thinks it best not to pry. No doubt they're associated with her request to be carried, and that tells him enough for now.
When she inquires, he hums thoughtfully before answering]
Those are all pretty common, in my line of work. [He doesn't linger on it, as bites can be radically damaging and require hospitalization for most, but-] I don't know anything about Nalawi physiology though. Is there anything you've picked up on that I should know?
[The shoreline's within sight now, no surprise on such a small island]
They are far stronger than their size might suggest, and their skeletal system can take quite more strain than I expected... But, perhaps it is their cervid natures...
[Atop a man's shoulders was a good as place to muse as any as the scenery went by- and she stopped to give small nods of waves to Nalawi she had taught before or recognized along the way.]
Once they are injured, they can go into shock quite quickly... More easily than humans can. We shall need to think of a method to address that- chemically if need be...
[Haise picks his way around the rocks that begin cropping up as they draw closer to the tide pools, listening intently to the details she provides.
It's good information to be aware of in advance, especially the differences between the Nalawi and humans. Haise at least has some points of reference in this area, having been surrounded by human associates in the CCG, and here again in ALASTAIR.
Shock though...that is a pressing concern. He knows what to do when a fellow operative goes into shock and knows the signs, but generally any treatment has been with the understanding that medical professionals will be forthcoming.
In this place, that'd be them. Or Sieglinde, at least]
I'm familiar only with what first aid covers there, but... Depending on the circumstances, some kind of medication might be required.
[If Nalawi are similar to humans in respect to how they deal with severe pain, at least, it'd likely be necessary]
Indeed- the problem, of course, being that I do not have my laboratory here, nor access to things I would like... They need something to force the blood to circulate, and-
[There's a rather long pause, and Sieglinde struggles for a moment with the word.
All her life, she has believed herself a witch- a descendent of a powerful one, the Green Witch, and she had inherited her ancestors gift for healing magics... As well as paid the price of her ancestor's pact with the wolves of the forest, sacrificing her legs to them until she or her descendants could create the ultimate magic... But that had all been lies, in the end, and her magic had been science all along.
It was difficult to unravel the mystic from the scientific, and even having chemically created the worst poison gas known to man in her own world, she had done so using "magic circles". It was only upon her recruitment, speaking with others, that she had begun to learn the more "proper" terms for what she did. She could explain everything quite well in a way that sounded magical, and she herself knew what she was talking about, but words most people recognized...]
Oxygen, was it?
[Thankfully, Doctor Wells had left behind a chemistry text.]
[He waits for her to finish, supposing perhaps she's going to bring up some foreign term. After all, they're in a completely alien world peopled by little bipedal deerfolk. It wouldn't be surprising if there were some words that didn't translate, or didn't have a human equivalent.
Instead, the word she voices is oxygen, and she seems a little unsure of it. Haise ponders that briefly, as rock-peppered sand gives way to rocky stretches of shoreline]
If they're like humans in that way, I'd imagine blood and oxygen would both be important.
[Though now that she's involved air in the equation...]
Are you concerned with cardiac shock in particular?
Yes, "if"... I asked to examine one of the bodies when we first arrived, but- I am afraid I have not been able to confirm things.
[Not that she blamed them- they had come from an unknown place and time to this world, and she hardly thought it odd that they might refuse to let one of their own be autopsied. Studied. Even if it was vexing in that it left her blind in some respects.]
But while they are very strong, I do not think they live as long as a human... their organs must be under more strain- weaker by consequence...
[Theories, and she did say them in a musing tone, even as she pointed towards a particular area, where some fisherman could be seen setting up nets.]
[Haise takes note of the direction she's pointed, veering toward the crowd. Although he has to be careful to avoid the pools that have formed where rock dips away in shallow pockets, he doesn't lose stride]
Do you think it might have anything to do with their Gifts? If they relied on powers over physical labor before, it might have affected their development.
[That is, of course, speculation on his part. Something like that would have occurred over an incredibly long period of time, many generations over, and there's no way to test whether that is the case. Particularly not when their means to learn about Nalawi physiology are so limited]
Though I guess whatever the reasons, the bottom line is we have to work with things being what they are.
Hmm, perhaps... but they are powerful physically even without the Gift- they hunt the many-toothed sea dogs with next to nothing.
[Sharks, she means... sharks. Having never seen the ocean, she wasn't quite up to date on her sea terminology yet- beyond what she'd read in books, anyway.]
But we have what we have, that is true... you may put me down, now, I shall walk the rest.
[It was only a few meters, at this point- it wasn't as if the Nalawi hadn't seen her being carried... but, in the same vein as how she'd told him to call her Master Sullivan while amongst others... it was sometimes just about the appearance.]
[He echoes the term curiously, torn between trying to match the description to a creature from Earth or picturing some kind of literal oceanic dog. Given the strangeness of their surroundings, he can't be entirely too sure which is the correct image to conjure...
When told he can set her down he finds a spot where the rocks seem the most level, to make things a little easier on her. While he could lope easily regardless, he's quite sure that walking takes more out of her than it does him. So he picks the most favorable location he can to halt, sinking to a seat neat that spot for her to get down and holding her pack so the contents aren't jostled along the way]
I don't believe I've seen tide pools for myself before, actually.
[An idle thought as he waits for her to climb down]
[The ocean being new to her, she gave most everyone the benefit of the doubt regarding it, even though she was getting the impression that... most people were familiar with it.]
They have proven a very useful glance into ocean life.
[And as a therapeutic tool, seeing as she used salt soaks on her feet, and she could comfortably sit on the edge of a tide pool to do so.
It's more of an awkward maneuver to slide off his shoulders than it had been to get on, but she manages it, taking a moment to shake out her skirts before she... goes for Haise's arm.
Being escorted was apparently what she meant by "walking by herself".]
[Now that description Haise understands - at least, it certainly sounds like something he's heard of. Much of his own understanding comes from printed matter, since working for the CCG doesn't allow him free reign to travel wherever he wishes, but he's fairly sure he knows she's describing]
So they have sharks here? How interesting...
[He can't help but wonder if they're different in certain regards, being on an entirely different world. It's a fleeting thought, however, something he puts aside as he straightens now that Sieglinde is on her feet.
It must be difficult to walk that way, and with that in mind, it's a relief when she reaches for his arm. While he wouldn't want to be rude in offering some assistance where it might not be wanted, what he's seen suggests that walking on her own would be difficult, so he considers this fortunate]
I'll do my best to keep up with you, then.
[He offers with a soft smile before they make their way over to the group]
[The group of fisherman are busy, and it's apparent that even though they tolerate the instruction, and one or two at a time might pay attention while the others are casting nets or trawling, their priorities are food- and besides that, they still had faith.
Nalanni would restore their gifts when she returned to them... surely.
But Sieglinde was stubborn and she didn't tolerate much ignorance, and with Haise's support they at least manage to get through a good ol' demonstration of some first aid for cuts, broken bones, and bites before the fishermen moved on to another site, leaving Sieglinde sighing somewhat dramatically.]
- The village elders are far more sensible about things, you will find. We shall visit them next.
[She'd had more success with other groups, but it was still important they knew such things, so. They try nonetheless.]
But first, we shall break bread.
[Brunch was an important meal, not to be missed, and Sieglinde doesn't take his arm this time, instead dragging her pack from where it was on the shore and tottering over to the nearest tidepool, using the stone surface to sit on, awkwardly lowering herself and pulling off her shoes and swiveling around to dip her bandaged feet into the saltwater, (multitasking), before diving into her bag for food.]
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Instead, she raised a hand and waved back, a bit more reserved but. There was no need not to be welcoming to someone new to this chaos.]
Sasaki, it was good of you to come. I apologize for the change so abruptly.
[The reasons for which she did not put into words, but they would be obvious to the more observant. She didn't rise to meet him, stayed seated, the feet peeking out from the long hem of her dress unnaturally small and peculiarly arched back in on themselves, bound tightly in bandages and housed in petite custom heels. - walking wasn't a strong point of hers.]
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Please, don't worry about it.
[He halts in front of her, casting one last glance around in case he'd missed something earlier. At greater distances, his hearing wasn't as keen as he was accustomed to, and still yet it feels like he's got cotton in his ears.
Seeing nothing that resembles the signs of new and recent catastrophe, he sinks down to crouch on his heels, that he might be closer to eye-level with Sieglinde]
Are you alright?
[This being the first and foremost concern...as he hasn't yet taken note of her feet]
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It is nothing as dire as that- my man has been summoned to assist ALASTAIR with another matter, so I could not reach the beach by myself.
[Even though she hated it, if she said it somewhat clinically, distantly, she could speak frankly to her limitations, to legs sallow thin from disuse and the peculiar three inches of "feet". Broken and folded as they were, it felt strange to even call them feet sometimes- more like decorations, what had once been proof of her commitment to the legacy of the great Green Witch who had offered up her legs for the safety of her people, and what was now a stark and constant reminder of her ignorance and failure.
Her bony knees pressed together under her gown, lips thinned slightly even as she continued to speak as if casual.]
I will rely on your strength earlier than expected if that is alright.
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It seems to Haise that there was a stiffness about those words as she said them, and he briefly debates the reason. She had asked the day before it he was capable of carrying her over a long period of time without difficulty, and at the time, he hadn't thought much of it. Now, though, he watches her with a quiet concern and evaluates that. He'd thought she seemed young then, and might grow weary traveling around especially if there were supplies to be carried.
But it appears that wasn't quite right, as he watches her now. It's the small movement that prompts him to look down, to notice how tiny her feet are. He hasn't seen something like that before, and worry creases his brow for a beat, but he thinks he shouldn't question.
The subject is difficult to discuss, he can see that much.
So he levels his attention on her face again]
It's perfectly fine, there's no need to worry about that. As for carrying, what's most comfortable for you?
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Instead, the more practical.]
I prefer to sit upon the arm, but if such a thing is impractical for you, your shoulders will do.
[Her manservant in her own world was a man nearly twice her height, and all muscle, who could lift her easily and keep her in the crook of an elbow, but... she appreciated not everyone was that strong.
And charming as his face was, he seemed a bit on the slighter side... and piggyback, honestly, was a bit too degrading for her tastes.]
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So long as shoulders are alright, I think I'd do best with that.
[Being all of five-foot-seven, Haise doesn't cut a very imposing figure. And while he's little else but lean muscle, he can imagine it would be difficult to carry someone that way with his stature in mind. Had he access to his kagune it might be another matter, but...he can only imagine nobody wants to be held that way.
And it's better not to show off a predatory organ, all things considered. He'd rather not have to explain what that is before he really must]
I can more easily help carry any supplies, that way.
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[It wasn't her favorite, shoulders, but she could deal with it- and if he would carry the bag as well, it just made things easier. She was hardly a strong one, unfortunately, and not just the legs. Growing up a lord with servants meant she'd never lifted a finger for such things before ALASTAIR.
And her satchel was full of bandages, unguents, balms, and potions in vials and glass.
As for being carried... she just stared expectantly, waiting for him to move and allow her to take her position- work waited for no man.]
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[He'd intended that from the start, as the supplies belonged to Sieglinde. Moreover, he wouldn't be careless while carrying another person. But neither of these things bear elaboration. Instead he turns, settling lower to make it easier for her to get onto his shoulders]
Under normal conditions...I can also carry more than this without difficulty.
[More than a young girl and a bag of supplies, that is. If it were necessary to carry around more in the future, Haise is reasonably confident that he can handle it. Right now he might be limited, but this remains within his means.
In that respect he supposes it's fortunate that he has trained as much as he has. His capabilities as a ghoul might not be usable to him right now, but it doesn't make him useless]
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She holds her breath, biting into her bottom lip, as she ever so carefully clambers onto Haise's shoulders, bandaged legs brushing his ears before she settles. Though he'd said he was capable, it was still probably for the best that she was light for her age as well as small.]
It is a shame these are not normal conditions, then...
[He wasn't the only one, after all, suffering from the effects. Her own magic was barely there these days, and though she was teaching physical healing to the Nalawi, it was still better to have the magical at her disposal.
Sieglinde also wished she had a better hold, but. Haise's hair would have to do.]
- You may stand now.
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Though while he's waiting he supposes he could have slung the satchel on first. With the bag having a long strap, it might've been a good idea to not just settle that on one shoulder, but he was concerned first with Sieglinde... So he'll just have to be careful not to drop anything.
Maybe a little more forethought in the future]
Up we go then.
[He catches the satchel's strap and settles that over one arm before he carefully rises, free hand moving to hover behind Sieglinde in case he throws her balance. The transition is deliberately slow to avoid this, but it was better to be careful than not.
Once he's standing at his full height, Haise shrugs the bag's strap into place by Sieglinde's leg. It shouldn't easily slip if he's walking]
Everything alright up there?
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Very good, yes.
[It had been a while since she'd been this tall- Masamune usually carried her in his arms, and he wasn't the tallest of men, (not that she was disparaging his height!), so she took the chance to look around, towering over the Nalawi... Back on track, Sieglinde.]
You may touch my left knee, if you can control the desire to wander.
[What she meant was that she'd feel better about her perch with a bit of an anchor, there, but phrasing had never been her strong suit.]
Let us head to the tide pools at the beach- we shall begin with instructing the fishermen.
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He recognizes the suggestion for what it is, but as for the clause that follows it... That part he assumes to be humor. More mature humor than he might expect from a young girl, though when he considers the fact that multiple associates praised her medical knowledge quite highly, maybe that isn't such a surprise]
I'll take care to mind my manners.
[And so the hand that had hovered behind her comes to settle carefully on her knee. With that done, he adjusts the weight of the satchel a little and turns back toward the beach]
Off we go then. Next stop, tide pools!
[...Alright it's a little fun carrying somebody around like this]
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Two small hands stay resting on top of Haise's head, long gown bunched up around her knees, atrophied legs wrapped in bandages pressing slightly against his chest for a counter balance, using her new vantage point to look down at the Nalawi they passed, counting the points of antlers, observing the gait of their walk. And, slightly disappointing as it weirdly was- he did seem to be minding his manners.
Her books about men in the outside world had been quite exaggerated indeed.]
For the fishermen I plan to focus on the treatment of bites, cuts, and various muscle and joint pains. Have you experience with any of those?
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They're details that concern him, though for now he thinks it best not to pry. No doubt they're associated with her request to be carried, and that tells him enough for now.
When she inquires, he hums thoughtfully before answering]
Those are all pretty common, in my line of work. [He doesn't linger on it, as bites can be radically damaging and require hospitalization for most, but-] I don't know anything about Nalawi physiology though. Is there anything you've picked up on that I should know?
[The shoreline's within sight now, no surprise on such a small island]
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[Atop a man's shoulders was a good as place to muse as any as the scenery went by- and she stopped to give small nods of waves to Nalawi she had taught before or recognized along the way.]
Once they are injured, they can go into shock quite quickly... More easily than humans can. We shall need to think of a method to address that- chemically if need be...
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It's good information to be aware of in advance, especially the differences between the Nalawi and humans. Haise at least has some points of reference in this area, having been surrounded by human associates in the CCG, and here again in ALASTAIR.
Shock though...that is a pressing concern. He knows what to do when a fellow operative goes into shock and knows the signs, but generally any treatment has been with the understanding that medical professionals will be forthcoming.
In this place, that'd be them. Or Sieglinde, at least]
I'm familiar only with what first aid covers there, but... Depending on the circumstances, some kind of medication might be required.
[If Nalawi are similar to humans in respect to how they deal with severe pain, at least, it'd likely be necessary]
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[There's a rather long pause, and Sieglinde struggles for a moment with the word.
All her life, she has believed herself a witch- a descendent of a powerful one, the Green Witch, and she had inherited her ancestors gift for healing magics... As well as paid the price of her ancestor's pact with the wolves of the forest, sacrificing her legs to them until she or her descendants could create the ultimate magic... But that had all been lies, in the end, and her magic had been science all along.
It was difficult to unravel the mystic from the scientific, and even having chemically created the worst poison gas known to man in her own world, she had done so using "magic circles". It was only upon her recruitment, speaking with others, that she had begun to learn the more "proper" terms for what she did. She could explain everything quite well in a way that sounded magical, and she herself knew what she was talking about, but words most people recognized...]
Oxygen, was it?
[Thankfully, Doctor Wells had left behind a chemistry text.]
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Instead, the word she voices is oxygen, and she seems a little unsure of it. Haise ponders that briefly, as rock-peppered sand gives way to rocky stretches of shoreline]
If they're like humans in that way, I'd imagine blood and oxygen would both be important.
[Though now that she's involved air in the equation...]
Are you concerned with cardiac shock in particular?
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[Not that she blamed them- they had come from an unknown place and time to this world, and she hardly thought it odd that they might refuse to let one of their own be autopsied. Studied. Even if it was vexing in that it left her blind in some respects.]
But while they are very strong, I do not think they live as long as a human... their organs must be under more strain- weaker by consequence...
[Theories, and she did say them in a musing tone, even as she pointed towards a particular area, where some fisherman could be seen setting up nets.]
no subject
Do you think it might have anything to do with their Gifts? If they relied on powers over physical labor before, it might have affected their development.
[That is, of course, speculation on his part. Something like that would have occurred over an incredibly long period of time, many generations over, and there's no way to test whether that is the case. Particularly not when their means to learn about Nalawi physiology are so limited]
Though I guess whatever the reasons, the bottom line is we have to work with things being what they are.
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[Sharks, she means... sharks. Having never seen the ocean, she wasn't quite up to date on her sea terminology yet- beyond what she'd read in books, anyway.]
But we have what we have, that is true... you may put me down, now, I shall walk the rest.
[It was only a few meters, at this point- it wasn't as if the Nalawi hadn't seen her being carried... but, in the same vein as how she'd told him to call her Master Sullivan while amongst others... it was sometimes just about the appearance.]
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[He echoes the term curiously, torn between trying to match the description to a creature from Earth or picturing some kind of literal oceanic dog. Given the strangeness of their surroundings, he can't be entirely too sure which is the correct image to conjure...
When told he can set her down he finds a spot where the rocks seem the most level, to make things a little easier on her. While he could lope easily regardless, he's quite sure that walking takes more out of her than it does him. So he picks the most favorable location he can to halt, sinking to a seat neat that spot for her to get down and holding her pack so the contents aren't jostled along the way]
I don't believe I've seen tide pools for myself before, actually.
[An idle thought as he waits for her to climb down]
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[The ocean being new to her, she gave most everyone the benefit of the doubt regarding it, even though she was getting the impression that... most people were familiar with it.]
They have proven a very useful glance into ocean life.
[And as a therapeutic tool, seeing as she used salt soaks on her feet, and she could comfortably sit on the edge of a tide pool to do so.
It's more of an awkward maneuver to slide off his shoulders than it had been to get on, but she manages it, taking a moment to shake out her skirts before she... goes for Haise's arm.
Being escorted was apparently what she meant by "walking by herself".]
Now, let us attend to this lesson.
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So they have sharks here? How interesting...
[He can't help but wonder if they're different in certain regards, being on an entirely different world. It's a fleeting thought, however, something he puts aside as he straightens now that Sieglinde is on her feet.
It must be difficult to walk that way, and with that in mind, it's a relief when she reaches for his arm. While he wouldn't want to be rude in offering some assistance where it might not be wanted, what he's seen suggests that walking on her own would be difficult, so he considers this fortunate]
I'll do my best to keep up with you, then.
[He offers with a soft smile before they make their way over to the group]
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Nalanni would restore their gifts when she returned to them... surely.
But Sieglinde was stubborn and she didn't tolerate much ignorance, and with Haise's support they at least manage to get through a good ol' demonstration of some first aid for cuts, broken bones, and bites before the fishermen moved on to another site, leaving Sieglinde sighing somewhat dramatically.]
- The village elders are far more sensible about things, you will find. We shall visit them next.
[She'd had more success with other groups, but it was still important they knew such things, so. They try nonetheless.]
But first, we shall break bread.
[Brunch was an important meal, not to be missed, and Sieglinde doesn't take his arm this time, instead dragging her pack from where it was on the shore and tottering over to the nearest tidepool, using the stone surface to sit on, awkwardly lowering herself and pulling off her shoes and swiveling around to dip her bandaged feet into the saltwater, (multitasking), before diving into her bag for food.]
Teaching is tiring work.
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