hadriel | action and video;

[ When she's brought back through the door, it's in a small explosion of green. The Inquisitor lurches forward back into Hadriel, into the coliseum, her hand a mess of sparks, of arcing lightning, of heat and pain and danger. It's all stemming from her left palm, the green mass flaring up in a crackling clamor which Cecily adds to, crying out as she struggles to do something, anything, to keep it under control. ]

Stay back, it isn't safe-- [ She yells to what she hopes is a person seen out of the corner of her eye, and not an enemy of any kind (she also doesn't yet realize where she is). ]

[ Some time later, the battered Inquisitor appears over the network, not looking much different physically save for the obvious green light that makes its way into the picture, reflected in her dark eyes. Her expression is an attempt at concealing an agonizing pain, so her mouth is drawn into a tight, thin line, brow occasionally twitching downward. ]

I think it's settled... That is, I don't think it's expanding anymore. [ "And isn't going to kill me, yet." ] But, if there's anyone who has healing abilities, or... some medicine to dull the absurd amount of hurt it's doing, I really would like to speak with you. I'm considering just chopping off my hand, but I don't think the thing would go without a fight.

[ Cecily starts to move to end the call, but she glances downward and mutters: ]

It's still dangerous. I've got to do something to get the flare-ups under control, too. [ She then looks upward, exhausted, and adds: ] Don't come and investigate the mysterious lights, if you see them. Unless you like... I don't know, intense nerve pain. In that case, come over; we'll shake hands.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Arya successfully shoves her sideways, but the light goes with her. Of course it does, given that it flares from her palm. The Inquisitor catches her balance, looking wildly to see what had bumped her, and though she calms a little to see a relatively familiar face, the memories take some time to piece themselves all back together. ]

... It's all right. [ No, it isn't, but she has to say that. If she can convince the girl, maybe she can convince herself. ] It-- [ But she's thwarted by her own expression as she winces, the pain like a fire in her veins. ] ... It's all right.

[ Repeat it. Say it until it's true. ]

Don't get too close. [ Cecily repeats solemnly, holding her affected hand away from Arya. ] It might hurt you.

No, it's not.

[ Arya has made the same protests that Cecily is making now, and sees right through them. How could this possibly be alright? As far as Arya knows, the light is killing Cecily. It's probably likely, given Arya's record for watching her loved ones die. Arya grasps Cecily's unaffected hand tightly. ]

I'm not leaving. Not even -- not even if the worst happens. I can take it.

[ No emotion can calm the anchor, but it does come in waves. Eventually, the light dies down to a low murmur, coursing through her (painfully), but not lashing out in a way that could hit Arya. Cecily watches it cautiously before heaving a huge sigh, squeezing the girl's hand. ]

I think it's... safe, for now. It won't be like this for long. [ Not if it's sticking to its recent patterns. ] I need to find a mage, or... someone with magical abilities. I need to stop this thing from [ "killing me" ] doing whatever it's going to do.

[ Easier said than done, maybe. Cecily gently releases Arya's hand, looking to the girl with a tired, but concerned expression. ]

Are you all right?