#7 | Return from the Brink

[shinrasfinest]

Characters: Sephiroth & OPEN (except 8th Feb: CLOSED to Jade Curtiss) 
Where/When: 8th Feb - Republic of Esdham: A makeshift clinic, 9th Feb Onwards - Aqures Ixen: Hospital   
Summary: Sephiroth's ordeal out towards the Desert of Roalie has left him battered, most notably with a leg which is now broken in two places. Even with potions and white magic available, the resources at Esdham are strained in the wake of the recovering effort after the attack by the Herans. Sephiroth is later transferred to Aqures Ixen Hospital where help befitting a Hero of Light is more readily available. Still, it's going to take time for him to get back on his feet.
Warnings: Cuts, bruises, broken limbs; as expected considering. Also he's lost a good few inches from the length of his hair but probably best not to talk about that. 

EDIT: Added a #3) Here

#1) 8th Feb - Republic of Esdham: A makeshift clinic [Closed: Jade Curtiss]
Late on the 7th Feb, a rush of activity had ripped through one of the makeshift clinics set up to deal with the aftermath of the attack by the Heran Empire. Someone had been found, much further out than anticipated, by one of the preliminary patrols sent out towards the oasis, and even though the medical staff on hand had tried to keep their tones hushed on account of the late hour, the clinic was already over-capacity and so the urgent healing required by a Hero of Light couldn't be kept a secret. 

The unmistakable sound of rain hitting the roof of the tent, or rather the absence of it's wetness hitting his face was what greeted Sephiroth as he came around. The afterglow of a Cure-spell receding it's color as the white-mage Tarutaru currently on shift lowered her hands and offered a kind smile in his direction before leaving just as he squinted eyes first and then chanced to open them. There was no more open-sky above him; so he hadn't dreamed that patrol after all. It had been difficult to tell, given the hallucinations -that dream a few nights ago, for example- that had to have signaled that his body were finally giving up on him. 

As if it were waiting specifically for him to regain more consciousness first, the pain then all came crashing back. Sephiroth had gotten an elbow under his one side -the other were in a sling tight up against his chest- but the reeling nausea, centered in particular around that deep agony of bone moving like it shouldn't put him back down prone instantly. With stars across his vision no less. He blinked, registering details as he looked down over himself. There was a plaster cast up to his thigh, and also a supportive brace around his left leg and it were elevated just slightly by way of a few pillows beneath his ankle. He couldn't feel his toes as they poked out of the bottom. He swallowed a rising sick feeling that was stirred and -for the time being- drew his focus into the roof of the tent. 

#2) 9th Feb Onwards - Aqures Ixen: Hospital [Open]
If there was something to say of the Aqurean government, they cared for their Heroes a lot. As soon as Sephiroth were out of the immediate hypothermic danger he'd been found in, arrangements had been made for his transportation to a better facility. A small airship had been arranged -no small feat considering the devastation to the airport that had been inflicted- and he'd been away.

Still, not much that Sephiroth could do with one arm still strapped in close to his chest and his leg throbbing away in it's heavy plaster cast and brace which was more often than not elevated into a position from which he couldn't miss it even if he wanted to. Talk about it being staged directly in his face. Hindsight really was 20/20, that leap had been a risk; but what was the alternative? To be killed anyway? Captured? Spencer had already informed him that some of the other Heroes had been taken. Sephiroth scowled heavily every time his thoughts were inevitably drawn that way; another failure to chip away at his pride. 

His silver hair had been braided and was set down across one mostly-unblemished shoulder; it was noticeably shorter though. Having had to have had the singed ends cut away. Overall, Sephiroth sat mostly with the backrest up, alone in the ward they'd given him, in silence while the lesser injuries he had sustained; various cuts, bruises and burns, were gradually treated by potion, lotion or Cure-spells. Most often he could be found reading a book, slowly sipping at a glass of water, or reviewing some of the notes that he'd had Spencer bring him from his study area back at the house. 

He hadn't the heart to have Spencer send a message to let significant others know he'd been recovered safely, as such exchanges would only lead to what he considered to be unnecessary concern; even as it became obvious that he wouldn't be getting back on his feet nearly as quickly as he would have had he been mako-infused, or so 'special' as he had been before. That and he wasn't sure he could take the pity.

Comments

#3) Recovery: The rest of the Month (February) [Open]

[shinrasfinest]

The house that had been so full of life not so many days after the Starlight Celebration was simply not so anymore. All of the occupants that had lived there had fallen into Crystal Stasis in Sephiroth's absence and whilst he wasn't a fan of the bustling nature of an active household, the grim atmosphere that the building had been gripped in, with it's fine layer of dust starting to accumulate, was stifling. Spencer had gotten right to work as soon as Sephiroth had first managed to sit on the couch and rest his plastered leg up, in an attempt to at least get it into some sort of working order again.

Everything that Sephiroth put his mind to, whilst he was recovering, took a frustratingly extended amount of time to perform though. From getting up out of bed after what few hours of sleep he could manage, to the undeniably awkward affair of carefully sponge bathing and washing his hair in the bathroom sink, even tentatively edging himself down the stairwell to get a glass of water or to sit on the couch with his leg up while writing or studying seemed to goad at him. Ever mindful of how vulnerable his Hero was feeling though, Spencer did his best to keep that creeping isolation away - but in truth it even weighed on the Moogle as well.

Every few days they did venture out of the house. Sephiroth had to go for his check-ups at the Hospital and, later in the month, he had been provided with a task to do for a new Job as well which at least got him out. Sometimes to the Library but they always had to be mindful of the time factor, not to mention how much he ached after being on crutches for an extended period; even if Sephiroth were ever too proud to admit it. He was healing fast, aided by the healing magicks available in Crystallis but it could never be fast enough.

For the most part his days dragged on, sat in the living room on his own with only Spencer, his notes and letters, his crystal, and his own thoughts to keep him company. In the house that he had moved into with the hope that he might dare to attempt to rebuild a friendship that he had once thought shattered.

And now Angeal was gone too. It itched almost as much, almost as unbearably, as his plaster-cast leg did. At least there were those Heroes kind enough to take a moment of their time to come and sit with him, even if he hated having anyone feel obligated to do so.

Re: #3

[zodiac_brave]

Ramza stopped by house B-04 a couple of days after Sephiroth was released from the hospital's care. He wanted to check on the other Hero, and he also needed to keep himself busy. With his roommate gone and his friends captured, if Ramza did not keep himself distracted, he was going to drive himself mad with worry.

Armed with a basket of sandwiches and an abundance of time he did not want to spend dwelling on the events of the past few weeks, he knocked on the door to see if Sephiroth needed any help during his convalescence.

[shinrasfinest]

It was a long pause on the doorstep for Ramza before the distinct sound of someone unlatching the door to open it could be heard from the other side. Spencer cracked the door open a little, just enough to peek his stubby nose out and looked over Ramza. The moogle seemed in high enough spirits but -perhaps it was the silence in the house- something seemed to indicate he was a little worn out.

"Good day, Kupo." The small ball of pale fur with the glasses flitted back from the door so that it would open wider. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting."

It was perfectly natural, to Spencer at least, that any of the Heroes who had visited Sephiroth in the hospital would of course come to call at the house. Even if Sephiroth refused to really see it - there were people here that obviously cared about him.

"Can I get you anything? I've got some water just boiled."

Besides, who best to talk to about how Sephiroth was really doing?

[zodiac_brave]

"Good day," Ramza replied. "I hope I am not imposing. I do not need anything. I came to check up on your hero." He held up the basket for Spencer to see.

"I brought some food. I thought it might be hard for him to prepare his own meals. But I see he is in capable hands." Or paws? He was not sure what the proper terms were for moogles. In any case, he did not want to imply a lack of faith in the moogle's care for his Hero.

[shinrasfinest]

Not that it were possible for a moogle to beam, but it was obvious that Spencer was pleased that Ramza had decided to drop by at all - much more so that he'd thought to bring anything along with him. They weren't stocked too poorly on food but Spencer were indeed only one pair of small paws and Angeal had been the master chef in the house before. For Sephiroth to come home to such a change of circumstances was enough on it's own, let alone that he needed to take extra care currently.

Spencer nodded enthusiastically to Ramza and moved to take the basket from the other Hero, with the intention to carry it through into the kitchen and put the contents away.

"Capable paws is right!" Though confident sounding from the small mog, it wasn't so much. Spencer had a lot of making up to do for Sephiroth. His Hero had died on him once before, and had nearly died again somewhere out from Esdham. On both occasions his moogle hadn't been able to prevent any of the actions and so he felt doubly- no, triply- more inclined to do his utmost to look after his Hero now.

"You probably know what he's like though, Kupo. One of the most stubborn for sure."

[zodiac_brave]

Ramza smiled at Spencer and nodded as the creature took the basket. He had not spent as much time with Sephiroth as other Heroes, but he thought he was beginning to see the type of man he was. Certainly, he did not like relying on others, which is why Ramza had come by without waiting to be called upon.

"Indeed. What can I do to assist you?" Even the most devoted moogle companion would require breaks, and Ramza was not sure who else had been by to help relieve Spencer of his burden. "Many hands...and paws...make lighter work," he reminded, in case Spencer needed any encouragement to accept his help.

[shinrasfinest]

To Spencer, anyone who took the initiative to come over and visit Sephiroth currently was worth his Hero's time. Being as he was not so socially inclined it gave Spencer hope that he might be coaxed out of his shell, even if it might be less than inches at a time. Sephiroth had a lot of qualities that a lot of people would appreciate, if only he allowed them to see them.

"That's very true, Kupo."

Leading Ramza into the kitchen, he set the basket on the counter top and started to unpack the contents, putting whatever it was that Ramza had brought over away in mostly bare cupboards or into the pantry if it needed a cooler environment; if Ramza wanted to assist, he wouldn't be stopped.

"Thank you." The kettle on the stove then decided to start to hiss, proof enough that his water was now boiled. The small moogle flitted quickly to the area and taking a towel between his paws, lifted it off the heat. "I was just about to take a hot drink upstairs. It's not so very warm up there -given the weather- and as you can imagine, it doesn't help very much."

"I'm not sure he'll get up today, but it'd be a shame for you not to see him as he's the reason you came over. No?"

Spencer went about setting a tray up to make tea, a particular poppy-based type with a strong -but not too heavy- scent.

"Would you like one?"

[zodiac_brave]

Ramza tried to help out wherever he could, but Spencer knew the layout of the kitchen, and Ramza simply did not. He ended up mostly handing Spencer the items out of the basket.

Ramza declined the offered beverage; it smelled of poppies, and he did not need any medicating. "I can carry the tray, though," he offered. It was an easy task for him, and it would be one less thing the moogle would have to do for his Hero. "If Sephiroth is resting and has no want for visitors, I can give him his drink and leave."

[shinrasfinest]

Still, Spencer would squeak out a 'thanks, Kupo' every so often as they went about putting the items that Ramza had brought over away in their rightful places. Between Angeal's sudden absence into stasis and Sephiroth being unable to be on his feet for very long currently, it was very much a good thing in his moogle's opinion that he would probably struggle to find out where things were being kept in the kitchen at this point in time. It was more important that he get healed up, first.

The small, pale moogle spent a moment pushing his glasses up his nose again before finishing preparing a large mug of tea which was then set on the tray. A single sugar cube was added and left to dissolve in the hot water along with the contents which needed steeping and he then nodded to Ramza, for him to take the tray. Spencer would flit in front to lead the way and at least announce Sephiroth's visitor.

"He might seem to not want the company, but I'm starting to think that he needs it, kupo." Spencer replied before starting to lead the way to the stairwell and then up into the second floor of the house. It seemed even emptier upstairs than it did on the ground floor.

"It's been quite lonely here, since he came back."

#3) Recovery: Feb 20th -ish

[goddessofthesky]

The moment she had heard from Genesis she had gotten worried. She knew of the fate that had fallen Angeal but it had taken the news sometime to get to her. With the others already gone he was alone in his home with a cast weighing down his foot. It didn't take long for Zelda to collect her things, cleaning supplies mostly but also some materials to make something to eat for the injured hero. Link would be on his own for dinner tonight but she knew the hero was able to cook himself something should he get hungry.

She walked from her home with the basket within her hands filled to the brim. Kopula floated behind her carrying a few other items that he thought might assist her. He liked Sephiroth and was glad that Zelda was doing this for the brave hero. Of course Zelda was the sort to do these things for anyone who might need the assistance, he still had a small hope that someone would take her away from Link.

Zelda had to walk slowly with everything weighing down her arms but she quickly made it to his front door. The basket was held with both her hands so she lightly kicked the door instead of knocking.

"Hello?"

#3) Recovery: Feb 20th -ish

[shinrasfinest]

...

"I've got it, Kupo! Just please be careful!"

After a pause, Spencer's shrill voice was unmistakable as the moogle flitted down the hallway to open the door and immediately made a happy squeak of a noise at the visitors. Not loud enough for Sephiroth to have heard though. Taking a moment to recompose himself in mid-air Spencer pushed his small specs back up his stubby nose and ushered them inside.

Then proceeded to rapidly flit off down the hallway towards the kitchen. He couldn't be trying to-

-then again, who was there to stop him?

#3) Recovery: Feb 20th -ish

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda was surprised to see Spencer disappear from sight so quickly. She set down her basket and then took off her jacket hanging it by the door. The home was warm and if she started cleaning she would over heat anyway. Kopula chased after Spencer to see what he was up to while Zelda walked through to explore more of the house.

"Sephiroth?" She knew he was home but she wasn't exactly sure where. She walked slowly down the hallway following the path of the two moogles.

His home was much bigger than hers and she wasn't used to the layout. She hadn't spent much time in others homes and she usually invited people to her own cramped living space.

#3) Recovery: Feb 20th -ish

[shinrasfinest]

Not having much in the way of furniture certainly didn't help the house to appear any less larger inside. But for a small table beside the door as she walked in, along with the hooks she utilized for hanging up her coat, the hallway was otherwise empty. There was a doorway which led off to the left, leading into the spacious living space which occupied half of the downstairs portion of the house.

The whole house had been dusted from top to bottom since they'd come home from the hospital the first time though so Zelda was spared most of the gloomy atmosphere that had hung around for a few days afterward. Still, the fact remained that the house was intended to house four people, not one man with a broken leg and his moogle.

The kitchen was at the end of the hallway and not ill-equipped either with the standard amenities for making food, along with a pantry which was something that the smaller houses lacked. As Zelda approached that end of the house, where the moogles had flitted off to, it was Spencer who suddenly backed up, almost into Zelda as she got to the doorway.

Sephiroth brought his arm back from the wide-shrug of a gesture that had caused the retreat of his moogle, armed with a kitchen knife as he looked again to the half-chopped vegetables before him on the chopping board; a small pot of water already bubbling away on the stove nearby. He had managed to balance the weight of his body semi-decently, if not completely stable, between his good and bad leg- no small feat even if the crutches were only leaned against the end of the countertop.

Then his awareness caught up and Zelda's presence was noticed-

"Zelda-

"-tch!"

-Sephiroth pitched forwards sharply where he had turned some upon seeing her there, quickly planting one hand and the heel of the fist that still held the knife, firmly on the edge of the work surface as he caught his balance and waited for that all-too engulfing adrenaline spike to recede. He focused then on a random point before him as once more his plaster-cast leg erupted in that undeniable, painful throbbing. Loosing his grip on the kitchen knife reflexively even as Spencer, having moved out of Zelda's way, made to approach him again - the moogle had only been trying to help but clearly someone hadn't been in the mood.

"-come on, Kupo. Let's get you sat down, at least." At least Spencer was Sephiroth-savvy enough by now to know that to even utter anything in the way of a 'told you so' wouldn't be helpful at all.

Perhaps he would listen now, but they'd have to wait a moment, until his pulse had stopped thudding so loudly in his ears.

#3) Recovery: Feb 20th -ish

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda tried to move out of the way of Spencer’s flight path but she hadn’t been expecting a bombardment as she walked through the kitchen door. She wanted to make sure the injured hero knew she was here before walking freely through his home. She noticed the emptiness of the house and it wasn’t a feeling that she enjoyed. She had always worked to make her home feel as if it was lived in so that she wouldn’t feel alone, even while others were away.

She rushed to Sephiroth’s side not even noting where Kopula had flown off too. She was sure he went this way but then he could have already moved out of the range of Sephiroth’s grumpiness. Her palms reached for his waist hoping to help steady him so that he wouldn’t fall on his foot.

“Let me help. I’m so sorry. I should have said I was here.” She had said hello but it obviously wasn’t loud enough to reach Sephiroth and she knew it was impolite to just walk into someone’s home. “Let’s move you to the couch for a bit. Here.” Zelda moved her long hair to the side revealing her slender shoulder. “Lean on me.” Her words left her lips in a quick rush as she frantically tried to figure out how to help.

#3) Recovery: Feb 20th -ish

[shinrasfinest]

If he hadn't been so focused on calming the pulse that was suddenly in his throat at the could-have-been-worse stagger Zelda would have certainly been shrugged off in a similar manner to the way that Spencer had been. Especially considering he'd been holding a knife tightly just a few seconds ago.

But as it was, he only huffed out a disgruntled noise through his nose as Zelda got to his side and, no matter how he might later begrudge it, the palms at his waist did make him feel more grounded. Less shaky. Less like even if he lifted his head up from where he'd hunched over slightly he might topple backwards.

"No. It's not-" He raised his hand then, still shuddering a little, from the counter top and made to take Zelda's offer by bending his arm and then putting his hand around the top of her shoulder. However he was very mindful of leaning on her too much and it still didn't feel like his balance was really there in order to be able to move just yet. "-your fault."

Just on cue, Spencer then came in with one of his crutches. Between that, the wall and Zelda's shoulder they began their slow transit out of the kitchen, back into the hallway and into the living area. Like much of the rest of the house it was sparsely furnished, even if it were obvious that the desk space in the one corner were used the most. Not currently, as a tray on the small coffee table had all sorts of papers stacked on it- a makeshift desk for hours of sitting on the couch unable to do a great deal more.

"It was going so well-" He couldn't help but mutter and it wasn't intentionally for any sympathy; but he'd started to talk to himself a little, at least to break the silence of the house.

#3) Recovery: Feb 20th -ish

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda should have probably been more concerned that Sephiroth had a knife but she hadn’t noticed it until he set it down on the counter. She had been too concerned about him falling backwards and the possibility of him hurting himself.

She was a little surprised to feel the pressure of his weight as he slowly eased against her. She knew that he didn’t often want help but she was grateful for this moment that he took it. She was able to take more of his weight than someone of her petite size normally could because of the strength gifted to her by the tiny crystals they carried. She was silent as they moved stepping slowly through the empty house. She could hear the soft sounds of her breathing as she helped lower the injured soldier to the couch.

“I still surprised you.” Her tone was light and she couldn’t help but smile at Sephiroth.

“Healing takes time.” She knew he was probably sick of hearing that.

Zelda smiled standing up to glance around the room. “Looks like you have been doing a good job.” She didn’t sound surprised. She was merely stating a fact. “I thought I would come over and lend a hand. I can finish what you were cooking. I also brought more food to help make some meals for you.” If only to make things a little easier while he was healing.

#3) Recovery: Feb 20th -ish

[shinrasfinest]

It was very much a case of take the help, or remain stood somewhat with a lot of his weight being supported by his hands on the counter top for who-knew how long and with his light shaking it was too much of a gamble to take. It made a knot in his stomach to consider what damage he might do, had he actually toppled over. Once he was certain that Zelda were secure in supporting his weight though - naturally he leaned more on that one shoulder of hers. Each shuffle of a step on route to the lounge echoed through his frame and felt like a small victory all it's own.

As sick as he was of hearing about how healing took time, it was very visible, the weight that came off not only his legs, but his consciousness as well once Sephiroth were finally sat down on the couch. Spencer dutifully took the crutch away and rested it against the arm of the nearest chair nearby before flitting off to retrieve it's partner.

Only then, did he really take the time to look over Zelda. Not that it was needed for him to do so since she quickly explained her intention in coming over to visit him but Sephiroth naturally took stock of people like that, regardless of the circumstance.

"That's very kind of you." In this company, he didn't need to explain how he detested being dependent on others, never mind that he had the urge to repeat that fact again. "It's not been easy, so far. But it's getting better."

Re: #3) Recovery: The rest of the Month (February) [Open]

[desertbloomed]

After the big meeting at the Observatory and her private meetings with Biggs, Wedge and Jessie, Ashelia found herself more and more busy. She was meeting Heroes surreptitiously, planning, laying out diagrams and copying maps and preparing the others as much as she could for something none of them knew anything about. It was tiring business. But, if she was truly going to step up and lead the Heroes, there were certain other things that needed doing.

And so, she stood in front of Sephiroth's front door. She shivered slightly before rapping on the wood lightly, holding in her other arm some reading material; various books from the library about the Ancients, the copy of Kalki's diary, her transcription of the shared dream. Just as Sephiroth said she'd be remiss not to speak to Wedge and the others about their plans, Ashelia thought Sephiroth deserved a more private conversation. He seemed more astute to Ashelia's tastes than some of the other Heroes.

#3) Recovery: The rest of the Month (February) [Open]

[shinrasfinest]

At first it might have seemed like no one was home. There was not any hint of a sound from the other side of the door for a good few minutes before it became obvious that someone had finally arrived on the other side.

"Just a second-" Sephiroth's voice echoed through the door as finally the distinctive click sounded and the door opened just far enough for him to first peer through the gap to see who it was, what what they might want, before opening it any further. Hopefully Ashelia would forgive the delay on the doorstep but he was now alone in a house meant for four residents and getting around took time. Spencer had been answering the door a lot on his behalf, but the moogle was out grocery shopping in this instance.

"Hm. Come on in." He tilted his head towards the hallway to indicate that she could come in and stepped back towards the wall on the inside as well so that there would be room for her to get past. Of all the other Heroes, he hadn't been expecting Ashelia of all people to come calling but at the same time to demand what she were doing here would be rude. He had no problem with her par se, but Sephiroth was dubious of most individuals that would put themselves forwards for a role like she had seemingly done. Where there would always be natural leaders, he had learned that it was necessary to be careful with loyalty.

#3) Recovery: The rest of the Month (February) [Open]

[desertbloomed]

Ashelia opened her mouth to greet Sephiroth, but stopped at his stunted, awkward opening. She instead took the opportunity to step inside. For a brief moment she was overtaken by the silence of the house, the feeling of stillness that could only come from unused space.

"I do hope I've come at an opportune time," Ashelia began, nodding at Sephiroth in greeting. "I brought some reading material. Merlose will be over soon enough with some bread and wine, meats and cheeses." She stopped, taking in the general's state. He seemed...okay. Sure. "There is much to discuss."

#3) Recovery: The rest of the Month (February) [Open]

[shinrasfinest]

As Ashelia stepped into the hallway proper, Sephiroth reset the wooden crutches underneath his arms and used the end of the one nearest the door to at least guide it shut in front of him until there was room to shuffle forwards a little -behind her- and close the door properly. The distinctive click echoed through the hall some, thrumming the silence as if testing it while he then went about putting the wooden instruments forwards to take his first step, trying his hardest to school the initial wince away. At her words, he tilted his head up sharply and kind of in the direction of the living room door.

"Please, go right ahead." She could explain further as they proceeded further into the house. He wasn't too sure what to make of what she felt she needed to discuss with him but really there wasn't anything else he were doing with his time.

Clad in a simple grey t-shirt and baggy joggers, Sephiroth seemed fine within himself even if he appeared a little different on account of the braid to one side that he held all his hair in- which incidentally didn't seem half as clean as he was in the habit of keeping it. It threw a different impression of him out there, along with those tell-tale signs that his injury and it's recovery had already taken much of it's toll: a certain darkness set underneath his eyes made them appear more sunken what with the lacking iridescence within them, a few lines in his expression that usually he took great care to pull away, the concentrating frown that was almost a permanent fixture while he was in motion; boxing the obvious discomfort away while making sure he took his time so to avoid any awkward weight-distribution. Last thing he wanted was to appear as if he couldn't handle it.

"More than you would have already discussed at your fete, not so long ago?" A testing question, perhaps a little blunt but it needed to be asked.

#3) Recovery: The rest of the Month (February) [Open]

[desertbloomed]

"Discussing more...complicated issues away from so many ears does seem more prudent," Ashelia answered. She entered the living room, moving to deposit her materials on the table. "Do have a seat. Merlose will take care of the food."

The Queen settled herself on the edge of a couch, back straight and hands in her lap. She waited until Sephiroth to make himself comfortable before starting to speak - she wasn't the type to injure such a man's pride by flitting about adjusting pillows and such. "Firstly, I would like to thank you for your counsel during the meeting the other night. You were right; Biggs, Wedge and Jessie have been nothing but accommodating where they are able and are closer allies than I previously thought."

#3) Recovery: The rest of the Month (February) [Open]

[shinrasfinest]

He didn't particularly seem to need the help either. As Ashelia settled on to the edge of one couch in the large living area, Sephiroth made his way to the larger one that -it was fairly obvious, with it's footrest nearby- he'd been spending most of his time sat down upon. He turned, bringing both crutches together in front of him and lowered himself onto said footrest first, then lifted the apparatus out of the way so he could scoot himself back onto the couch with one hand on either side of him. Not elegant by any means and certainly lacking a particular fluid motion he had usually, but eventually Sephiroth settled well enough with his broken leg extended out front.

Apart from the fact that the impatience he had with his condition was tangible in his whole body language, he was silently grateful that Ashelia afforded it no more attention than it needed. Rewarded him back some of that pride that recently he'd had to bitterly swallow in the face of those that only meant him well.

"Ah, so you have been to see them." Sephiroth nodded, making the natural jump of logic. He took a careful stock of Ashelia then, mindful not to come across as arrogant even though his confidence could not help but to swell at the notion that she'd followed up, and his intuition had -once more- been proved flawless. It was a familiar feeling to Sephiroth, but as on Gaia, in Crystallis also it wasn't a matter of scoring points.

"It's good to hear that it went well, then. I presume?"

#3) Recovery: The rest of the Month (February) [Open]

[desertbloomed]

Ashelia nodded slowly. "It did. I...did not speak to them of our plans," here Ashelia shook her head, "but only because, through speaking with them, I know they would never support us."

She continued quickly, not wanting to give Sephiroth time to argue. "Their position is precarious. I mentioned the invitations some of our number have received and Wedge urged them not to accept." She tilted her head to the side. "Prudent advice, but it would seem Wedge wants none of us anywhere near the Empire. I wager the only presence we would be allowed by our hosts is a small party of dignitaries."

As for the others? Ashelia waved her hand. "Jessie's concern is naught but the crystal research, and Biggs...while we tend to agree on more fronts than I wager either of us found comforting," Ashelia's tone was dry as a soup bone here, "was concerned only with what little he could do to prepare the war effort and support Esdham. Just so, I did share some information from Kalki's diary with them in a show of goodwill."

#3) Recovery: The rest of the Month (More like start of March, then :p) [Open]

[shinrasfinest]

It was a good thing that she didn't give Sephiroth the time to get a comment in edge ways because it immediately looked like he would have retorted; his posture straightened, his jaw set and not just against his own discomfort anymore.

He waited though, holding the spark of his irritation beneath his usual guarded composure, until Ashelia had finished speaking. Fools, the lot of them. Furthermore, the so-called counsel that she'd referred to in her previous remark was all but dashed by the way side in some, in his opinion, flawed idea that their benefactors wouldn't help them if they but asked for it in the correct manner. That they couldn't be trusted, and the Heroes had to operate as a entirely separate entity.

"I see. Yet the plan is for all to go sneaking around in exactly the place where you've been advised to steer clear of." It defied all logic, really. Wedge was certainly better positioned to give that advise than any of the so-called Heroes were to stand to ignore it. He then broke Ashelia's gaze, and looked down over himself briefly before giving a random point across the room more attention, drawing his arms up into being folded across his front.

"So what did you share?"