fourth rune; blood; video

[deadelfwalking]

 [the feed is inconsistent throughout this transmission, particularly the visuals, which cut out at random intervals, followed by brief audio feedback.  Koltira kneels beside a couple of bodies, and he's holding the netbook so as to provide a clear view of their still, open-eyed faces.  The edges of his cloak are visible, as well; he has placed it over them like a temporary shroud, as his purpose here is not to show off trophies of war.  Several other figures stand near the bodies; one is Emma Frost, in her diamond form, arms crossed over her chest.  Tier Halibel is an active blur, still battling ground troops.]

Exsilium, I have something to show you.

[A clawed, armored hand gestures to the men on the ground.  They are exactly, eerily alike in form and detail, with unnerving, milky-blue eyes and sharp, attractive features--high cheekbones, strong jaws, perfectly and scientifically symmetrical.  Both of the men have black hair, neatly cut; they are twin to one another in every way, like mass produced mannequins.]

These are the faces beneath the masks.  Acquaint yourselves.

[the feed becomes even more unstable.  The last image it catches before cutting out entirely is that same armored hand, passing over both men's faces, shutting their eyes with surprising, solemn gentleness.  Koltira doesn't hate these men: it's clear that they are just tools, prefabricated slaves created for the UE's use, and he knows more than a little something of that.]

Comments

voice

[healplz]

[ well that's totally fucked up. but MORE IMPORTANTLY: ] Koltira— are you well?

[deadelfwalking]

I would not--[ffssshh]--well, but--[fsshhh]--pressing on.

And you, Ashraf? You are underground--

[healplz]

I am. [ no static can hide how displeased he sounds about bein' down here. ] I'm doing what I can here.

Please, if you—[WHITENOISEONOMONOPIA]—healed, come to me.

[deadelfwalking]

I'm sure--someone like--of good use. [he pretends not to hear the rest. Gosh, so much static on this network!!]

[healplz]

[ OH NO YOU DON'T ]

Koltira, did--hear me?

[deadelfwalking]

Perfectly--

[healplz]

Then you're well?

[deadelfwalking]

That might be--exaggeration. [but he's moving and fighting, which is really all that matters.]

[healplz]

If you can't--to me, then I can come to you. [ He can stay up there for a little while, at least. A few minutes should be enough. ] Where--?

[deadelfwalking]

[all trace of humor drains from his tone.] Absol--not. You--remain.

[healplz]

I know of the dang----been treating the effects of it all day. A short while won't--me.

[deadelfwalking]

Yes--and the---don't affect me. You should--stay where---safe. I can take---punishment.

[healplz]

Then----for five minutes and allow me to heal you!

[deadelfwalking]

[SCOWLING. WHY CAN'T ASHRAF JUST DO WHAT HE'S TOLD?!] I will come---the entrance--catacombs, if---insist.

[healplz]

I d--sist. Thank you. I will meet you th---.

[deadelfwalking]

[some time later, Koltira makes it to the catacombs entrance. He is certainly wounded, with deep gouges cut into his legs, left side, and shoulders. Streams of blood glisten darkly against his armor; across his mouth. He seems more irritated than anything, though.]

[healplz]

[ Ashraf had been there already, waiting with as little anxiety as he can manage, arms folded over his chest and leaned against the wall. He pushes forward to meet him as soon as Koltira is in sight, already eying those wounds. It's not as bad as he might have feared, but he still doesn't want any friends of his running around in more pain than necessary.

He finally glances up to meet his eyes, grim. ]

Are you ready?

[deadelfwalking]

[he nods, though his expression is no happier than Ashraf's.] Go on.

[healplz]

[ He nods, stepping close enough to rest one hand on a clean spot of that armored shoulder. The other summons the healing green light to Koltira's body. This time he won't be surprised by the pain it causes, won't flinch at doing his job. ]

[deadelfwalking]

[Koltira hisses through clenched teeth as the holy magic sears through him, but he manages not to cry out--living in Exsilium has given him plenty of opportunities to improve his already impressive pain tolerance, after all.]

Ggnnhh ...

[healplz]

[ He does well to ignore it, watching as the woulds seal themselves, casting again, as many times as necessary. He's on a roll here, until he makes the mistake of glancing up into his face. The look of guilt is immediate, and he lowers the hand guiding the healing. ]

Is it enough?

[deadelfwalking]

[panting slightly, his eyes squeezed shut.]

Yes--yes--that's enough. Are your worries soothed?

[healplz]

[ uuugggh no he will probably never get used to this. His silent apology is a light, quick touch to Koltira's cheek, and then he steps back to begin casting the various helpful spells. A blessing, higher agility and speed, increased damage from his weapon, higher rate of recuperation...

As he does: ] They are, yes. Thank you.

[deadelfwalking]

[He's grateful for all of that, but he's only going to admit to the spells, rolling his shoulder in appreciation as he feels the blessings fortify his body.]

Good. Back underground for you.

[healplz]

[ He nods as he finishes his round of spells. Wishing, of course, that he could do more. ]

Fight well, and take care, my friend.