002 || Action

[conglomeration]

[Zelgadis learned his lesson about the network, for now. Having been well reminded why socializing is a waste of time (something he should really keep at the front of his mind) he's put himself toward more productive ends. With his hood and mask on, thank you very much, because hell if he's in a mood to deal with more attitude about his stone skin. The strange growth that appeared on his shoulder isn't covered, however, and unfortunately it's rather eye catching. (More rocks, of course. This might be what's responsible for at least part of his mood.)]

[So he'll go practice with his sword at Xanadu; maybe in the dojo, maybe in the open fields. He'll wander the stores around in search of old books or artifacts that might have some information about Chimerism and curing it. He'll go to his job in Mercy's shop -- the only place he's likely to not be scowling, because she's been nothing but helpful.]

[And if people talk to him? He'll cross that bridge -- or blow it up -- when he comes to it.]

Comments

[conglomeration]

[He sighs as if to disagree, but does crack the tiniest smile.]

Let's hope it doesn't come to that. I'm hoping there will be some power here that can turn me back into a normal human.

[coyote_walking]

I haven't heard of anything like that.

[She wishes she had, she'd help him in a second - not because she cares how he looks, but because he obviously does.]

But hanging around a magic shop, you're probably likely to hear if anyone has the ability to do that.

[conglomeration]

[He nods. That was the hope.]

A little luck can do a long way. Anything would be better than being stuck like this.

[coyote_walking]

{Mercy frowned, wishing there was something she could do.]

I'm sorry it's so difficult for you. Have you - have you always been this way?

[conglomeration]

[The sympathy is nice, honestly. Finding people who understand isn't easy.]

No. It's been about seven years. [It feels like far longer, but he's not one to admit that.]

[coyote_walking]

Some kind of curse or spell?

[Her voice was gentle, even a little tentative.]

I can't imagine how hard that must be. I haven't always liked what I am, but at least it's something I've always been. I've never been entirely human.

[conglomeration]

[He listens with a reluctant nod. This isn't a topic he's comfortable getting into, even with someone as nice as she seems to be. And more than one person has tried to convince him that he shouldn't bother trying to cure himself and he's never sure how to feel about it.]

[In the end, that nod is the only response he gives.]

[coyote_walking]

[Mercy nodded and gave him a rueful smile.]

Well... if there's ever anything I can do...

[conglomeration]

Okay. [His answer is a rush, of relief. He's grateful she is willing to let him dodge, for now.]

[coyote_walking]

[Mercy wasn't big on pushing anyone unless she didn't have another choice.]

Annnnd... in the meantime, I have a whole new shipment to unload, so I'd best get myself into the back room and work on that.