prismatica | video; un: caduceus

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video; un: caduceus

[ The video starts with a blank screen and a muffled sound. The one operating it has yet to get used to such technology. After a little blackness, the screen focuses on the Firbolg. His skin is a sickly grey fuzz, drawn in around the cheeks, a little unhealthily thin but not gaunt. He smiles, both his eyes and the shock of mohawk hair are a very natural-looking pink. When he finally speaks, his voice is has a very low, relaxing timbre to it. ]

Oh, hey there. Is this on? Am I sending or however this works?

[ Turning his comm around a few times until he was back in the frame. ]

I eh, let's start again, shall we? My Name is Mister Clay, Caduceus Clay and I just wanted to offer my services to anyone in need really.

[ Oh God, he's not used to public speaking. This is kind of terrifying. ]

Well, healing magic is my forte, among other things. So, like, yea. If anyone needs any healing or their mind calmed, oh, I can also do that too, calm you. I'll uh, I'll be around and willing to help out. I've heard these moons do strange things to folk, wouldn't want anyone hurting when they don't need to.

[ He pauses for a long moment. Contemplating ending it there before finally adding. ]

Oh, um and, one more thing... If you've seen anything, anyone dying or dead around the place... Give me a shout? I'd really appreciate it, thanks.

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[ Okay so reading was getting easier but forgive him for not texting back, his fingers are a little big for the comm. He tends to mush most of the letters together and it's kinda hard to read! ]

Ah, well, I dunno how much of my healing magic I could teach you? I've eh, well, I've never really thought to teach anyone.

[ That's a really good point. Could he even show someone how to do his brand of magic? ]

Yea, so I've heard. It's unfortunate what the moons make us do, it really is. But eh, I can definitely help calm your mind, if you're interested? It's no bother for me, really, I'm happy to help.

[ Big derpy smile incoming. ]

[ Oh no

Oh no, he’s cute...

After a couple of seconds Fox switches his own feed to video, though he flicks on private at the same time. Some habits die hard.

So have a warm face of a young man with dark skin and bright green eyes, offering the camera a sheepish grin. ]

I’m a quick study. You wouldn’t even need to really teach so much as just show me the kind of things you can do. Even if I can’t do them myself, I find that I can get a lot of inspiration for my own work from watching other people.

I’d be - I’d be really, really interested, honestly. I, ah... I have a few moral convictions that are usually hard as rock that apparently I just threw right out the window when Sanguis hit. So I would really really like to avoid those happening ever again.

Oh, I’m Fox, by the way. Nice to meet you. [ He gives a wave. ] Should I call you Mr. Clay or...?

[ When the feed switches over and the Firbolg is able to not only see but here the young man, he looks surprised. There was so much to learn from this technology, honestly he kept on being amazed.

Anyway, Caduceus smiles again, a warmth to his expression suggesting he was talking with an old friend, despite having only just met. As for the video being private, he really didn't mind, though a certain halforc would no longer be able to spy on him.

After listening to everything said, the Cleric stroked his pink beard and nodded. ]

Can I just start by saying, I really love your hair.

[ Sorry, he's dangerously truthful and socializing doesn't come naturally to him. But the guy was cute and he looked like a nice compliment wouldn't be an issue. ]

Oh, uh, hey Fox, Caduceus is fine, you can call me that or well, whatever you like really.

So, hmmm... I can calm your emotions with a spell I have. It, uh, it wears off after a little while but if you don't mind me hanging around, I can cast it as often as you need.

As for the healing, well, you see, I'm a Cleric so, I have a lot of healing magic up my sleeves. Sleeve. I uh, only have one sleeve.

[ His awkward was showing. Wow, is meeting new people getting harder or what? ]

I also, might, maybe have some herbs and plants with medicinal properties if that could be any help?

Edited (Damn autocorrect) 2020-06-09 20:37 (UTC)

[ Fox grins widely at the compliment, clearly pleased. ]

Doesn't hold a candle to yours, but I will happily take that compliment.

Caduceus. [ He repeats the name to himself to make sure he's got the pronunciation right. ] Don't give me the power to nickname you, or you will end up regretting it. [ He seems very amused by the idea, though. ]

A spell that calms emotions, huh? That sounds really useful, actually. How long does it last? What kind of components does it use? Does it have a maximum effectiveness?

[ Forgive him, he's a nerd. ]

Oh! A Cleric! So, ah, divinity based magic, then? Okay that is definitely something I have to see. I picked up a little catholic magic but as far as I can tell it mostly just uses divine names rather than an actual divine source, so that would be-- Huh. I do not know enough about theology to think through the ramifications of this, haha.

[ His mind seems to be going a mile a minute anyway. However awkward Caduceus might feel, it doesn't seem to slow Fox's stride at all, happily grinning at the comment about having a singular sleeve. ]

Yeah! I love herbal magic! I haven't been able to grow my own here yet, though I've been trying to find a few. Are they plants you got here? Did you bring them with you?

[ A pause, and then he laughs sheepishly and rubs the back of his head. ]

Haha, sorry, I know I can come on strong about the magic. I just get excited. Feel free to answer only one of a million questions.

[ Aw, well that's nice. He's glad they liked the compliment. ]

Oh, em, thank you.

[ A tad more bashful than he wanted to be. Caduceus isn't used to receiving compliments himself. ]

Ah, I'm used to nicknames. My friends call me Cad or Duceus, or sometimes Deucey... I'm sure Caleb called me Tall Boy this one time. Caddyshack, Pinky, you name it.

[ He's slowly rambling. As fast as Fox seems to talk, Caduceus is practically half if not a quarter of his speed. They might even notice that his voice alone is kind of relaxing. He just has this chill air about him. ]

Calm Emotions? Oh, I don't need anything to do it, I just kinda say something calming and concentrate on it. I've uh, I've never really had a need to time it, y'know? Normally I'd do it during a fight and it seemed to last until we needed to leave. Wow, okay, I'm really not being all that helpful am I?

[ The Firbolg was trying to keep up with the questions. It was nice talking to someone so excitable and keen, it was just hard keeping up. ]

So you're interested in Clerics? I can't say I've ever heard of Catholic Magic but it sounds fascinating. My spells come from a few different places. My Deity, my race and my domain. I could teach you about that stuff if any of it seemed interesting to you?

[ He laughed, a loud and hearty chuckle. ]

Well, I say magic, but it's really just shit that opens your mind. It's kinda magical if you look at it that way.

[ Shaking his head, smiling. It was no bother talking to Fox, none at all. He was really enjoying himself actually. ]

It's nice y'know? Talking to someone with such a thirst for knowledge. I only wish I could have answered your questions better.

I'll have to come up with a good one, then. Tall Boy, huh? How tall are you anyway? [ Fox, what does this have to do with anything? ]

Oh, so it's kind of like an innate ability to your voice? Haha, I can kind of see it though. You've got kind of a mellow melodic thing going on. Do you fight that much that you can say you usually do it? I guess that's what all the healing magic its for?

[ He offers a sympathetic smile. ]

You're being more helpful than you know, trust me. Magic isn't an innate ability, where I come from. I've had to teach myself everything that I know. So meeting people to whom magic just kind of exists in them is - is actually really incredible? Like I have a few theories about it, because we do have magic that kind of draws on the energy innate in a person, but that's more like using yourself or your blood as a component and-- haha, sorry.

No one is thirstier for magic knowledge than me, haha. I would love to see whatever you'd like to show me, honest! If you need chroma for it I can hold your hand or whatever, I wouldn't want you draining yourself on my behalf.

How tall? Oh, um I tend to lean down a lot, kinda small for my family. Um, about 7 foot tall at the moment, you can add another 2 or 3 when I straighten my back.

[ Which isn't often. Caduceus normally had a terrible posture, but it worked for him. Holding onto his Blightstaff as a kind of crutch, making himself closer to the height of his friends. ]

That's right, I can do things called Cantrips, just a lot of words and things, makes magic happen. It's pretty cool. I do need components for other spells though, but it's not a lot. Maybe some insense, gem dust, diamonds, y'know the usual.

[ He chuckled, it was nice knowing his voice was soothing, he'd spent a long time mastering how to calm others and comfort them, it was good to see it had paid off. ]

We have blood magic where I'm from too. It's not my thing but it works for others. And I'd love to talk to you sometime about the magic in your world, it's pretty fascinating. You're very interesting Mister Fox, I'm glad I can help.

[ Oh yea, that's right, using his abilities drains chroma. Caduceus keeps forgetting that, no wonder he's always tired and weak after being in the garden. ]

Sure, yea, why not, holding hands could be nice.

[ A very slight bashful pink blooms in his cheeks. Its kind of embarrassing isn't it? Having to hold hands or hug or whatever else you have to do, just to top your chroma up. ]

-I mean, it is nice but it will also be very helpful.

[ He whistles. ]

Seven foot three is kind of small? I'm five foot eight, I think you're probably okay. But I can see why your friend called you tall boy. [ He laughs. ]

Gem dust and diamonds? Man. I wouldn't call that the usual at all. That sounds like it would break the bank. Most of my components are stuff like paper or a matchstick or common items like that. Not that I can't do it with more - I used jade once and that came out awesome - but that kind of requires rolling in a lot more cash than I'm used to.

[ He grins. ]

Well, I think you're very interesting yourself, Mister Caduceus, but you can just call me Fox, I promise. And I'll tell you anything you want to know. And then probably more than you want to know.

[ Oh no

oh no the pink was way way too cute. ]

I'm always happy to help. God knows I run through my chroma almost faster than I can make it, I'm still not used to having to draw on an internal power source yet. And fainting because I felt like turning my pancakes purple that day is honestly a little embarrassing.

[ Caduceus laughed and shook his head. ]

Oh, eh, no, no you misunderstood. I meant add another 2 or 3 foot.

[ That's right, he was about 10 foot tall, give or take, when he decided to stand as tall as that. His father was about that tall, if not a little taller, his brother too. Caduceus was just taller than his sisters, so he was considered small and tinner than regular Firbolg's. ]

When you put it like that... Hm, yea, my group and I tend to do things for big coin. Though, I don't really care for any of that. Oh and I neglected a question earlier, sorry. You eh, you asked about fighting and if we do it all that much? Unfortunately yea, it comes with being in an adventuring party. But, we have another Cleric too, so we keep everyone safe and healthy.

[ He's actually chatting away like he's known Fox for a while. It's nice. Making new friends in new places. Why's he been so scared to do that until now? ]

Oh, what did I call you? Was it not Fox?

[ He sometimes called the wizard of his group 'Mister' maybe he was associating Fox with them? On account of them being very keen to learn magic. ]

Well, if you need any supplies, I can probably help somehow. You just need ask.

[ Smiling again, brighter this time, though his pinkness seems to have faded into the grey of his fuzz. ]

Yea, it's a lot, isn't it? Never had a problem back home. Just needed to take short rests here and there. I'm not sure I'm going to get used to it. And purple pancakes? I'm intrigued. Eh, but like, there's no need to be embarrassed.

[ Caduceus cried on his first day here. Realising his God couldn't hear him. Not being able to commune with her had hit him pretty hard actually. Part of why he was offering to help people now. See if she noticed his kindness. ]

[ Now it's Fox's turn to blush, though all it does it turn his skin a little darker. ]

2 or 3 -- Okay, jesus, yes, tall boy is accurate. A three foot slouch is a lot! [ He laughs, a little delighted. ] I'm used to being the shorter one often but that's way taller than anyone back home grows to. Humans max out mid seven foot somewhere. We don't have anyone who looks like you, I'm sorry to say, but that's one of the great things about being here, right? Getting to meet people completely different than you.

[ An adventuring party... It sounded like something straight out of a fantasy, or dungeons and dragons. Too bad he's never played them. Why play fantasy when you can do magic instead?? ]

Yeah, money isn't my bag either, I'm kind of notorious for it. [ What are bills? Can he make talismans out of them..?? ] But I've never had to fight, not really. I do a lot of running, but, ah, I'm a pacifist, so I make it a point not to use offensive magic. Plus it's super illegal where I'm from anyway. So I guess in your world I'd be more of a healer too, though I tend to mostly work on enchantments.

[ His smile broadened, warmly. ]

You called me Mister, which is adorable because I don't think literally anyone has called me that since I took this name. I don't usually inspire formality. But you know what, if you like it, you can keep calling me that anyway. I don't mind.

[ Ah... oh no, this guy was too sweet. ]

That's really kind, thanks. Right back at you. Same if you need any enchanting done, I'm real good with that sort of thing.

It's mostly just embarrassing to keep forgetting what I need for my spells, haha, never had that problem back home. But any time you want purple food, you just ask, I'm your man.

[ Caduceus started to chuckle, his tone rumbled like music. This chance encounter was just delightful, wasn't it?]

Tall boy huh? When you explain it that way, sure, I'm definitely a Tall Boy alright. Admittedly, there eh, there are humans in my world too, so you're not as different as you might think. You have a real nice shade to your skin though, total contrast to mine. It looks real nice. I think our palettes compliment each other well.

[ The more they spoke of magic the more the Cleric wanted to learn about them.]

Alright then, Mister Fox it is and you're the man with the purple food, I'll remember that.

Oh uh, yea I can see why you might need your mind calming, if you're not used to fighting yet fell unfortunately under the blood moon and all. Say no more on it, I'll lend you a hand whenever you need it. Are you okay now? You seem, well not calm but good?

Edited (Sorry finger slipped! ) 2020-06-10 01:30 (UTC)

[ Fox grinned brightly. ]

Yeah? You think we match well? We’ll have to take a selfie together when we meet up, then.

[ As Caduceus continued, Fox’s easy smile faltered, fading a little bit as shame pulled at the edges of his eyes. He was never good at hiding his emotions - he wasn’t aware he’d had an expression change at all. ]

Ah- yeah. I’m, ah, okay now. Sanguis was bad, though. You’re absolutely right. Kind of- kind of threw a lot of my convictions right out the window, and I really hurt people I care about. I really- really don’t want to let it get that bad again, if I can help it. I’m half way considering locking myself in my room for days, if I didn’t know that I’d just magic my way out of it. Any warding magic I would develop I would know how to break, too. So I’m kind of at a loss.

But if your calming thing works, it could really really help me out.

[ The smile comes back, smaller but still warm. ]

What moon did you end up with? Was it bad?

[ Caduceus looked pleasantly confused. Smiling, eyes closed and all. ]

A Selfie? I don't understand what one of those is, but it sounds fun to say. S e l f i e.

[ Don't mind the gentle giant just zoning out for a moment. You'll get used to it. Hopefully. ]

Ah, well, I don't recommend locking yourself up, nope. I'll come when you need me, calm you right down, get you feeling as good as ever. Then you could even venture out, even if your moons up and about.

Oh... I've not experienced a moon yet. Dunno what that means if it means anything at all? I mean, I might be under the same moon? People said they eh, they don't always feel the same thing?

[ Caduceus' expression changes a little too. Looking more serious and thoughtful than normal. ]

Though, I get a strong feeling when I think about the purple moon. I dunno why.

[ His perception was creepily accurate at times, almost supernatural. He'd learnt a lot of things simply by a feeling, so maybe he was right about this too. ]

Oh! It's when you take a picture together on your phone. I'm guessing smart phones aren't really a thing where you come from, then?

[ The zoning out was adorable, so Fox just smiled at his phone while he waited for Caduceus to rejoin the conversation. ]

It means you're probably not Sanguis, at least. People experience them differently, but I think you'd know if you did feel it. And Cordis is right now, so... you're probably right in your strong feeling. Iris kind of sounds like it would suit you, actually.

Oh, well, I'm not one to judge the intelligence of someone else, I can't say how smart phones are in my world or yours really.

[ It was nice, to zone out and when you came back someone was smiling at you, made you feel all warm and welcome. The firbolg liked it. ]

Iris is the purple one then? Yea, something about it just sang out to me, y'know? And uh, you think it suits me? I don't understand what you mean?

[ He knows Fjord is hit by Sanguis, though he was never violent and brutish back home. Maybe he knew even less about these moons than he realised. ]

You'll have to forgive me, Mister Fox, I eh, I didn't really pay attention to what the difference in the moons is.

[ No, he had been far too distracted with how pretty the place was then focusing on what he was being infromed. ]

[ Oh no, that was adorable. Fox laughed. ]

It's not a person, it's-- don't worry about it. Easier to show than tell.

Yeah, the purple one. It's - ah, I mean, I'm pretty new here too, so I haven't really seen a lot of the Iris moon yet, but I did read up on it. It sounds a lot - gentler? More giving? I really wish I had ended up with it. Sanguis is about as opposite from me as you can get. Cordis would have been better, too.

We'll just have to see how Iris effects you! You should let me take notes, haha. Mingyu is Cordis, and Harry is Sanguis, so I don't really have any Iris friends yet.

[ He hummed, and then grinned. ]

Well, one now!

[ Caduceus pulled an awkward expression, sneering up his lips and showing a bit of tooth. ]

Ah. Sorry, so much of all of this is new and well, different, I eh, I'm at a lost.

[ Chuckling in that rich tone of his, bringing a shoulder up in an embarrassed kinda shrug. Pink blush blooming across the bridge of his nose and cheeks. How embarrassing. Honestly. ]

That sounds nice. I'm glad I'm gonna be under a gentle, giving moon. I eh, I'm very gentle myself and well, I like to think I'm giving so, I can't see what all the fuss is about. Really.

Ah sure, I'll be sure to message you, or call you, what is this a message or. Whatever this is, I'll do this when my moon graces me.

[ Oh Mister Fox, you just made a firbolg very happy. He can hardly contain his smile. ]

We're friends?

[ Pointing between himself and Fox with a long, fuzzy finger. ]

Wow, thanks, Mister Fox. I made a friend. That's so cool. So cool.

Haha, nothing to apologize for! I met people from ancient china, even, so I don't think you're an odd one out for feeling a little lost. The tech here is even different from where I'm from, so I've had to get used to some of it, too. We definitely don't have the kind of VR that they have here!

[ Fox laughed again, and then started typing into his device. ]

Here, here, I'm sending you my contact info. You just click the number on it and you'll be able to talk to me anytime, yeah?

[ He sent it off and then looked back up at the screen just in time to see Caduceus gesturing between them. ]

Well, yeah! What else would you call it?

I just get a sense for people sometimes, I guess. Where I go - ah, yes, we're going to get on. So I'm pretty confident we're already friends.

I have no idea about a lot of what you just said. Though eh, you should get that VR checked out, it sounds nasty.

[ Still, he smiled and nodded his head, trying to keep up. It was like watching a puppy run riot around an old dog. Though he tried, the firbolg kept finding himself having to catch up with Fox. Not that he minded at all. ]

Oh, oh okay, wow that was cool.

[ Looking down at his device, you know the look, a thousand double chins and very serious brow. It took him a little while to get the screen back so that he could see Fox. ]

I'll eh, probably have to ask Fjord to show me how to get that working but I'm sure it will work. Thanks.

[ Smiling once more. You're going to make his face ache young man. ]

Well, sure. Friends are nice, I'd call it friends too. I never used to be able to count how many friends I had, I never used to have any. Just siblings and the like. Now... Wow, I might have to count on both hands?

[ He held up his pinky on one hand and wiggled it. ]

That one, that's one's you.

[ He tried not to laugh about the VR. He really did. But he couldn't help it.

The smile turned a little sad as Caduceus continued about his friends, but widened again broadly and warmly at the wiggling pinky finger. ]

A lonely kid, huh? Me too. I didn't have any siblings, though. And it's a lot easier to make friends here than back home. I don't have to worry about anyone just trying to get to me!

I've got - uh - [ He raises his fingers one at a time. ] One, two, three, four-- that's it for home, really. But I've made a few here.

Is Fjord one of yours?

[ Laughter was nice. It was like the soul was singing. Caduceus liked hearing Fox's. ]

Lonely to the outside world but rich with family... Until they all went away...

[ Ow. That's heartache for sure. The Cleric had literally been on the trail of tracking his family down when he wound up here. It's kind of a sore subject. Leaving them in the state they were in and all. Give him a moment tough, and that smile is right back on his face again. He doesn't stay deflated for long. ]

Yea, Fjord's like... Hmm... He's a friend for sure, I'd say my best one? Other than my God that is. I was both glad and saddend to find him here too.

[ Ah. Yeah. He recognizes that face. That's a face that orphans wear all the time. He should know.

But it isn't a wound he really wants to try picking open. He's insanely curious but not when it comes to people's pain. People tended to share that when they wanted to and not before, there was no point needling it.

Instead, he just smiled at the description. ]

Saddened? Why? Isn't it a good thing to be together?

[ He tilted his head a little. ]

You're best friends with your God?

[ Caduceus is an open book. He likes to keep some things secret but if he trusts you or you're friends, he'd be comfortable talking. Despite his heartbreak, he still sees the positive in it. After all, it must be the path destiny has carved for him. Everything happens for a reason, even the bad times. ]

Sure, I mean it's pretty great having him here. The fact we're here at all is the part that saddens me. That sounds harsh, doesn't it?

[ Finding the right words is hard, especially when he's actually enjoying making new friends here. ]

We're needed with our adventuring party right now. That's all I mean. IF Fjord wasn't here now with me? I don't think I would have survived the first night.

[ Such a wonderful smile brightens his face at that last question. ]

I sure am. She's always at my side. Always giving me advice and assistance. She's a source of my magic power and I serve her as best I can. Everything I've ever done has been under her keen and caring watch. So yea, I'd say that qualifies her to be a best friend, wouldn't you?

Not harsh, exactly.

[ He hummed thoughtfully. ]

I'm glad you've got him, then. Surviving is important. But - I understand wanting to get home if you've got something important to do. I'm-- I guess I'm kind of hoping to avoid going home as long as possible. At least not until I figure out how to fix it.

[ Knowing he was going home to a very shortened lifespan was not doing a lot of good things to his mental state, but he was deliberately optimistic about it.

The description of his god made Fox smile, warmly. ]

Yeah. Yeah, I think so. If I could actually feel the source of my magic? I would want to be their best friend too. I've never known that there were gods that could give advice. They don't - ah - it doesn't work like that where I'm from, I guess.

[ Caduceus could understand wanting to avoid home too. Though that wasn't his plan, he got it. Sometimes destiny really liked to throw a curveball huh? ]

I'd offer you came back with us. With me and Fjord but I'm not sure it works that way. Not sure how it works at all come to think about it... Hmm.

[ Oh, no. He had that look like he was going to zone out again. Stopping himself, he raised his brows and smiled once more at the screen. ]

She's been a little out of reach since I got here though. I really hope she can still hear me. It's a bit unsettling not knowing if she's listening, y'know?

[ Maybe for the first time in the conversation, Caduceus looked a little vulnerable and worried. It passed pretty quickly but it was there. ]

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