[Text]

[exterreo]

Name: Somnus Lucis Caelum
Date: August 7th
Format: Text (but will adapt)

A friend of mine has apparently lost the use of his legs due to his transformation. His legs have been gong through very painful spams for a while but now they seem to be mostly stuck together, and covered with scales.

I worry about him, so I was wondering if someone had gone through something similar and what solutions they may have found for it.

You have my thanks.

[Spoilers: it's him, he's the 'friend' who's turning into a Naga. His legs are doing the shift from les to. Well. Serpent Tail, and he's not pleased with it.]

Comments

text, private;

[indelebilis]

Where are you right now? Are you at your home?

[ She's not stupid, Somnus... ]

[exterreo]

[Noooooo why Aera why now.]

I'm fine. [So fine that he made a post asking for help, but still. It's not like he can actually move from his house, as it is, so.]

[indelebilis]

You don't seem fine. I'm coming over.

[ Remember: you did this to yourself, and you know how she is. Without Ardyn here to watch over, you're her next target, boo. ]

[exterreo]

Having you fuss over me is not going to make my legs start working, Aera. And we both know your mind is elsewhere right now.

[He'd never have thought he'd miss Ardyn, and yet.]

text --> action

[indelebilis]

My mind is right where it needs to be. I will see you soon. Don't go anywhere.

[ ...as if he could. Either way, she's not going to answer his texts back because she's not joking, she's literally on her way. And hopefully the door is open, because she's there soon enough, pushing it open and looking around. ]

Somnus...?

[exterreo]

[He does send a text or two more, but eventually it's pretty clear Aera isn't going to answer any longer. And so he sits and waits for the the inevitable, because it's not like he can go somewhere else until the storm has passed.]

Here. [He calls out for her from his bedroom, because it would be pretty silly to pretend he's not home. If he had had a little bit more hindsight he'd have made the post from someplace else, but alas.]

I really am fine, Aera.

[indelebilis]

[ Of course she's not going to answer. She's just as stubborn and set in her ways as Somnus in that aspect, after all.

She's glad when he does call out, though; this is the first time she's been to his house, at least without Caren, but she follows his voice into his bedroom, frowning. ]

You don't look fine... are you in a lot of pain?

[exterreo]

[He shakes his head, at least he can be honest about that.]

It's only when I go through spasms, that they hurt. Now they mostly feel rather useless. And crawling around the house is, frankly, humiliating.

[indelebilis]

[ She glances at his legs, her frown deepening. This reminds her so much of those who were turning into daemons at home, though that seemed to be a faster change. After the illness, the change was very quick. This is... not. ]

I want to help you. How often are the spasms? I can go to the Coven and see about getting something for you. How does the rest of your body feel? I'm certain we can find a way for you to get around without crawling. I will stay and help you, if need be.

[exterreo]

[There's a reason he's trying to hide it so much, there's a reason he's been so scared and frustrated. Every change, every moment of pain reminds him of the people he killed, the people he burned alive. He didn't want them to suffer and spread the illness, he didn't want them to turn into monsters, and yet.

And yet, now he's the one turning into a monster.]

I feel fine. I lost my eyes, already, and I find scales everywhere I sit for a while but it's just my legs that's actually painful and impeding my movement.

Some people suggested a wheelchair for my 'friend'.

[indelebilis]

[ He looks tense, and it's why she brings her hands to his face gently. ]

I'm sorry, Somnus. Can you still see, though? A wheelchair is not a bad idea, at least until this... finishes and you are able to figure out how to properly move.

Until then, I will bring you things from the Coven. Even if you don't use them now, you can save them for later should you need them. I will find a wheelchair for you, too.

[ Dropping her hands from his cheeks, she moves to sit at the edge of his bed. ]

Have you bonded with anyone yet?

[exterreo]

[He nods, glad he doesn't have to lie to her about that.] I can see just fine. I can actually see better in the dark, now, since I can see the heat bodies emanate.

[Aera is, for the record, a very warm body. Which considering how he saw her die to his own blade, her warmth will probably never stop being a relief.]

I was told the hospital could maybe have some, but I just hate the idea of someone having to push me around. It's humiliating enough to be reduced to a lump on my bed already.

And no I have not bonded with anyone, Oracle. You know better than anyone that no one deserves that.

[indelebilis]

That is not a bad thing, especially in a place such as this.

[ A brow arches, and she sighs, reaching out to place her hands on his shoulders. ]

You should not feel humiliated, Somnus. This is happening to other people as well... and you are hardly a lump. I will go and retrieve one for you, and I will also push you around. Though if I am not around, you will be able to get around on your own in the wheelchair using your arms.

Then it's settled. You and I will bond.

[ Yep. It's been decided for him. ]

[exterreo]

Thank you, Aera. I admit I felt quite forlon but people have been surprisingly helpful wth their advice.

[Wait

What? This conversation has somehow slipped out of his hands in a single second. You can almost hear the record scratch at Aera's offer.]

We cannot, Aera. Nothing's settled because I do not agree to that. My brother would never forgive me if he was ever to come back, for starters.

[indelebilis]

Well, people do want to help. You do not have to suffer alone here, fortunately.

[ Her head tilts slightly, and she rolls her eyes. ]

We can, and we will. Your brother isn't going to forgive you regardless, and he is not your boss nor is he mine. I want to do this to help you. So we are going to do it.