hadriel | Video/Action; Sleep with one eye open

[The video opens up to Ushahin. He's looking a little more ruffled than usual, though only those who know him well will notice the signs. He's breathing hard, like he just finished running, and keeps pushing his hair back with one hand. Every couple of seconds, his eyes dart off to the left. There's a rhythmic banging sound in the background.]

If it's not too much trouble, I would appreciate some assistance. I seem to have found myself trapped by these creatures. Damnable thing aren't affected by my powers.

[It was a move borne of stupidity on his part. He'd known his powers didn't affect the dead and still he'd gone out. Now he was paying the price for it.]

I have found shelter in one of the shops for now, but I don't know how long it will take them to break through. If anyone can arrive in less than twenty minutes-- [There's a loud splintering sound and the video is dropped as he scrambles for something else to barricade the entrance with. He returns shortly, looking decidedly unnerved.] --perhaps it would be best to make that fifteen minutes. I would be greatly appreciative. If not, well...

[Eaten by zombies. What a terrible ending for someone who's lived as long as he.]

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[Nick is used to staring. Nick is used to questions. Nick is not so used to people actually reaching toward him to make sure he is indeed as mechanical as he looks, but he supposes there's a first time for everything. He raises an eyebrow, his eyes trailing down to Ushahin's hand.]

I'm still here, if you're wondering. [Which he's probably not, but Nick figures it'd be better to give a lighthearted remark than to ignore the fellow's eccentricity.] You lead the way, and if we come across anything, I'll take care of it.

Oh good. [Not sarcasm. Being unable to rely on his powers right now has left him feeling unbalanced. Knowing that there is in fact someone solid and real right in front of him is about all he can do to keep his fractured mind rooted in reality.]

This way. [He starts heading in the direction of Delight's housing.]

[Nick follows the man outside, keeping his steps slow, but quiet, and motioning for Ushahin to do the same. The zombies aren't fast themselves, but it'd be easy to get swarmed if more than a few of them notice a fresh meal on the move.

He uses the stores to their advantage, taking his time to look around the corners, using them for cover when necessary. Thankfully, the streets are relatively clear -- apparently, most of the shamblers from the area were in that congregation that was keeping Ushahin trapped.]

[He follows Nick outside, one hand going up to his bad eye. Even the artificial light of the cave is too much for him to handle. He'll make do. He always does. As he follows Nick, he keeps stealing glances at the mechanical form. Finally, he can't help commenting. It's far too unusual to have just himself inside his head.]

Are you even alive?

[If he can't feel the zombies' minds and the zombies are dead, it stands to reason that anything else he can't feel is also dead. So therefore, Nick might be dead. That's the logic of a madman.]

[Now there's a question Nick doesn't get asked very often. He takes it in stride.]

If I ever figure that out myself, I'll let you know.

[He glances back to his companion, only to see how he's got a hand to his eye. Nick stops, concern ebbing into his voice.]

Hey. You okay back there?

Good. It's hard to tell if someone is alive if they have no mind to be felt.

[Ushahin sees no reason to pretend he's fine. His eye already has a clearly damaged pupil.]

It's the light. My eye is very sensitive.

[Ushahin's home before ending up in Hadriel had been a castle located in a valley covered in eternal darkness, giving his damaged eye relief. There's a good reason why most of his network posts are made in the middle of the night in a dimly lit bathroom.]

[Nick holds his tongue regarding how someone who isn't alive can have a mind of their own in his case, deciding comments like that are best saved for when they're in the clear. They're getting there though, each street they make it through emptier that the last. The houses are in sight.]

I can't imagine life outside a cave would be any better for you if this bothers you.

I lived in a valley of eternal darkness before I came here. That and the night are the only places I ever feel any relief.

[Ushahin can see the houses now and breathes a soft sigh of relief. The tight ball inside his stomach that had been in there since the zombies attacked began to uncurl.]

[Nick isn't sure if that description is metaphorical or literal, and figures it's just better not to ask. The Door brings in all sorts, after all.

He doesn't get much of a chance to ask, anyway -- a zombie emerges from around one of the houses, shambling toward them with a guttural hiss. Though it startles Nick enough that he swears under his breath, he makes quick work of it, using his knife to dispatch the risen creature until it lies dead once more.]

Hopefully that's the only one around here. Looks like the houses are safe for now.

[The only sign that Ushahin is alarmed by the appearance of the zombie is the quick, sharp intake of breath he makes as Nick dispatches it. He could soon grow to despise these creatures.]

My thanks again. I owe you quite a debt. If there is ever anything I can do for you, don't hesitate to call upon me.

[He sinks to one knee in a deep, old-fashioned bow, one fist brought up over his heart before rising again. Simply because they are in the middle of the zombie apocalypse doesn't mean that he can't still keep hold of his manners.]

[As Ushahin bows before him, Nick can't help the puzzled look that crosses him. So that description of his world was possibly literal after all. Either that, or this man is just a strange sort of fellow.

Still, Nick gives him a polite smile.]

I'll keep that in mind, but there's no need to repay me. I'm happy to help. I don't think I ever got a name for you, though.

[Right on both accounts, Nick. He is a rather strange one, after all. And that's the way he likes it. He rises back up, heading straight for his house. He's not going to be leaving it for a good long while.]

Ushahin Dreamspinner is what I am called. [A colorful name suited perfectly for an oddball like him.]

[That name is a mouthful, but it does fit his odd character, Nick thinks to himself.]

I'll keep that in mind for if we cross paths again. You need anything else? Want me to sweep the place, just in case anything got inside?

The thought hadn't crossed my mind-- [So thanks for making him paranoid.] --but if you are offering, I shall accept.

[Nick nods, making his way to the door.]

You just stay out here, out of sight.

[And in he goes, closing the door behind him, just in case anything should sneak past him and outside to his ward.

With his slow pace, it takes him a few minutes to search the entire house, but he'd rather be safe than sorry. Thankfully, no one is home, undead or otherwise. He cracks the door open, motioning for Ushahin to come in.]

[Ushahin waits quietly outside, his crippled arm tucked into the crook of his good arm. Though he can't feel Nick's mind, he trusts the synthetic man, since he's been shown nothing but kindness up to this point.

When Nick motions him inside, Ushahin enters. His home is very neat and clean, with odd bits and pieces from his monthly trips to the colosseum present all over the place.]

My thanks again, Nick. I will not forget this.

It's no problem at all. You call me if you need anything else.

[He steps past Ushahin as the man makes his way inside, giving him a friendly nod. He gets the feeling they'll talk again, and when they do, he'll probably have to answer a handful of questions. He's got some of his own about this unusual fellow.

But for now, back to dealing with the undead. There are more folks who need help, and despite what some people think, the Guard never rests.]

Video/Action; Sleep with one eye open

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