Frankly, no. [ Bluntly delivered, with no care as to how she might feel. He continues before she can utter protest: ] I would not trust even the Warrior of Light to do such a thing. I will not be used as your experimental subject.
[ They've known each other for all of one moon and she expects that level of trust from him? Hah. ]
Considering your skills, what you have in mind is either some form of potion or a spell. If you doubt whether it will work on an Ascian then it must utilise some form of magic.
Unless, of course, you simply plan to hit me over the head with that spear of yours.
[ A dead-eyed look - more dead-eyed than usual, considering - directed her way. Is he wrong? ]
Believe me, I'm tempted to do exactly that to either yourself or myself right now, but we can't have everything we want in life.
[ Getting hit over the head with her spear, that is. But the deadpan remark aside, she reaches into her back pouch and pulls out a list with instructions tidily written on it. There are calculated measurements of each ingredient that include some familiar— and unfamiliar plants and drug solutions, most of which are clearly marked as sedatives and stimulants, each in very specific doses. They're followed up with the addition of spells to lock the effects into place, and she lets him have a look. ]
I was working on it while you rested. Had samples ready to work from. It's called The Draught of Silent Thoughts. Also known in certain circles as Sleeping Death.
[ She knows it sounds ominous, but... ]
It's not as frightening as it sounds. It's a very potent form of anesthetic, of sorts... but it's very rarely used. Mostly because of how it brings the body down to a state where you could easily be declared dead. It doesn't actually do that, though... it just slows the heart enough to make it impossible to detect a pulse. It also has— [ She points out the ingredient— ] — inhibitors. They help re-focus the mind, but at this dosage, they allow your thoughts to relax to the point that you won't register having a dream cycle.
[ Her ears flick up. ]
... the only problem I had was dosage, so I looked into every bit of stock I'd stored away. I've enough to take someone of your stature into at least three hours of sleep, but your nightmares began at the fifth hour. It's not long enough to have you stay in that state, so I've been brewing some more... but like I said. If Lilith can help, we might not even need it. If she can't, though...
[ She meets his gaze firmly. ]
Call it a good hunch, but something like what she described would not want to stay latched onto a mind that couldn't dream.
[ He reads over the list silently. Knowing the contents of what she intends to brew does assuage some of his concern, yet it is still far, far too risky to use in his opinion. Death isn't permanent here - he is unsure how the mechanics of revival apparently work, but he would rather his passing on is permanent. And if she is counting on his revival as a means to test it again, well...
His lips press into a thin line. He hands the paper back to her. ]
No. This would force me to stay unconscious for far longer than the period of the nightmare. I will not render myself more helpless in my sleep, even for this.
[ It's a quiet groan. For someone as smart as him, he definitely missed the part where it wasn't going to be enough to keep him asleep for long. ]
It actually keeps you unconscious for less., unless I up the dosage. Your tall Garlean body saw to that. And did you not hear me say that you didn't start dreaming until later, too? That's why I made you sleep. To have an idea of when it kicked in.
[ She takes the paper and tucks it back in, moving her arms over the side of the bed cushions he's on (it's not that much of a height, but still elevated enough for her to be able to) and rests her chin on top of her arms with a little grumpy sound. ]
It only emulates a state of death. It doesn't actually cause it. You'd wake up after a time, and I have the antidote to pull you awake sooner if needed. Even if it's better for you to awaken naturally.
[ She sighs and pushes her forehead against her arm. ]
I'm a bloody doctor, Emmy. I've treated enemies from battlefields if they were found alive. Fairly and humanely. What makes you think I'd do any less for you, even if it's just been a moon knowing you?
[ She has considered it— the lack of time to be trusted, though without outright saying it, her wording is particular there.
She just categorized him and enemies separately after all.
She turns her head, ears flattening over the back of it as she looks up at him. ]
Just. Think about it. Alright? You've already got a nightmare demon latched onto you. This way, you don't end up fighting it, but tricking it into letting you go. If it thinks your mind is dead, then it won't be able to give you any nightmares.
[ Of course, they have to see how effective Lilith is, if he even lets her. ]
... Not that I blame you for being mistrusting. But you can test it if you're not convinced. On me. I crafted it with enough specific care that it'll work only as long as it needs to.
[ She pushes her head off her arms and looks up at him. ]
We have a bell before Lilith gets here. It takes one tick for it to kick in. Five for the body to start slowing down. In ten, you're immobile. Your body starts to cool, but that's just an effect of the ice blossom— enough to trick anyone. My mind won't rest in that short a time, but if you use the antidote once you can't feel a pulse, it'll stimulate the awakening process. It can only be used when you can't feel a pulse, though. Any sooner and your active body will just stimulate and absorb it.
[ At least they won't have dosage problems right now, she's small enough in stature to not need much more than one vial. ]
Just need to slip the antidote pill under the tongue. That's important. You don't want the patient choking. And nay, it isn't actually going to dull your mind on awakening or make you drowsy. Slight dizziness is expected, but...
[ She is serious. ]
This is my craft. If it goes wrong, it should be on me. So—let me convince you. And when it doesn't mess up, I can laugh and say I told you so.
[ A low growl crawls out of his throat. It's all very well for her to question whether he had been listening when she goes ahead and makes her assumptions again based on a few spoken words of his own. One palm bracing against the floor, he leans towards her and hisses-- ]
Listen to what I say when I speak. I am aware that you are a skilled healer. That was never in question. I at least trust that you would know the correct dosage for a man of my height and weight and so on. Unless I have misunderstood you somewhere, you want to place me into a death-like sleep for at least five hours - presumably more in order to cover the duration of my dreams. What I am telling you is that I do not wish to be rendered helpless in this fashion for that long a time.
[ By Zodiark, his head hurts and he doesn't want to be arguing right after a damned nightmare. But when he bristles and digs his heels in, she keeps pushing him with that oh-so-earnest attitude of hers, as if that will wear him down.
It will not. ]
Do you realise what you are asking of me when you suggest this? My soul is eternal but I wear a mortal body. I must needs protect it from harm or else I will be forced to seek another - although it may very well be that I will be denied that ability here. So, how can I protect this body while I lie in an induced sleep as a result of your medicine? Would you shield me? As I said, I would not even entrust the Warrior of Light with that endeavour. That is a privilege you have yet to earn and yet you keep pushing me for it.
I shall say it again: I have considered your alternative and I do not wish to attempt it. Now leave the matter be.
[ There it is. She turns and drops her head back against her arms and lets out a frustrated little sound in there, because bloody hells, this is what she was talking about when she said she wasn't sure about how it'd work between a human and Ascian. She finally ends up composing herself before she looks up at him with a puff of her cheeks. ]
Isn't your soul already at risk if this body of yours falls? Which it inevitably will if—
[ She pauses... her ears lifting though, as though she suddenly just realized something. ]
Your soul!!
[ She suddenly jumps up, sitting up on her knees. ]
How do we protect your soul if something does happen to your body?!
[ He leans away from her, scowling. Obviously, he is not going to run his body so ragged that he would collapse. He knows the limits of a moral vessel well by now. ]
What about my soul? It cannot be protected outside of this mortal body and I will absolutely not have you fooling around behind my back under a misguided desire to preserve it.
[ Because you already went and concocted a plan to remove my nightmares without consulting me, he thinks to himself sourly. He has his own pace he keeps to and loathes when others violate it. She has practically given him no choice but to accept at least talking to her goddess friend. ]
The Archivist disliked my teasing of his partner over the network. He used an invitation to a game of chess as pretext to attempt to force answers from me using his entity's power, though he could not maintain the effort for long.
[ If a possible solution can be found, why wait for it... she doesn't exactly have the luxury of waiting things out when she needs to think on her feet. Something that would change in her years away from here, but as for now...
She sighs and looks up at him, resting her cheek against the back of her hand. ]
... I thought this entity needed a direct statement to feed on? Did you give him one for it to use? Though you probably couldn't have known what was being done with whatever you said.
[ Her ears flick up. ]
That must have been some teasing if this Archivist got worked up over it. Were you flirting or just being an arse? It's a valid question, don't ruffle up.
[ Flirting...flirting?! Does he look like the sort who would--
Ugh, nevermind. ]
As I mentioned before you put me to sleep, I shared my recount of Amaurot's end to him. I was under the impression he would merely archive it.
[ Clearly not.
Rather than explain the little incident which set Jon off, he pulls out his device and searches through it for their conversation. Then he holds it out for her to read. ]
[ She sits up, taking his device and turning around with her back to the bed as she scrolls down to read. Though she does start looking visibly amused, her ears flicking and she giggles at some parts— but she calms as she reaches the end. Turning and handing him back his device, she moves her arm over her knee. ]
First off... that looked a little like flirting. Offering cute carbuncles to the lad, unprompted? You've never made me something adorable yet.
[ She's joking clearly, but her expression grows thoughtful. ]
... so, let me get this right. He never informed you that giving your account would cause the entity to latch onto you. Over this? This Archivist is either incredibly insecure, jealous or both.
[ She turns and cranes her neck to get rid of the stiffness before continuing... ]
And not telling you, regardless of what he thought you were doing, was just as villainous. Even my husband wouldn't react that badly to someone talking shite.
[ Mostly because she kicks their arses herself, but details. ]
So I'm assuming he's in no hurry to help you break free of this. Incidentally, what were you going to do if I hadn't had anyone to ask about this?
[ 'Fiercely overprotective' is his conclusion, although their latest bout of sniping had revealed some interesting internal conflict from Jon. He tucks the device back into his pocket and rubs at his eyes. ]
Nothing, [ he tells her stiffly. ] I was managing my sleep well enough, despite what you think. Mayhap I would have adjusted it a little given how easily your spell affected me, sought other's opinions on the matter quietly, but nothing more.
[ If nothing can be done then nothing can be done. There is no use wringing one's hands over it. It IS his own error and he must bear the consequence of it. ]
When is your friend arriving? If it is not for a while then there are tasks I have to attend to.
[ She repeats, before standing and smoothing her skirt. ]
Far be it for me to judge how you handle a problem, but in my tribe, when a problem shows up, we work hard to fix it. Though, I'll be honest... I actually didn't expect to find someone who would offer help. My plan was to just investigate and make sure you didn't topple over like you did again. I suppose it just struck Lilith personally somehow... so you're lucky, Emmy!
[ She smiles and pushes her hands together, ears lifting with an eager flick. ]
Just think, if it does work, you'll be able to sleep properly again. And Lilith's arriving in... ten ticks from now, so freshen up a little.
[ There's a sink for the flowers and by the outdoor barbecue and kitchen area. She's not a defeatist, that's for sure. ]
You are skipping work today. Think you've had enough excitement already for a sun, aye? Go meet someone you actually like after this, take your mind off things. Then come back refreshed!
[ Normal, healthy things!! She isn't counting herself in it, Menphina knows he's seen enough of her today. She pauses to look over at the star plushie, before smiling a bit and picking it up. ]
This little thing's pretty resilient. You can have it if you want. Or I'll keep it here if you ever want to come back and rest your eyes sometime.
[ She may as well extend the offer to someone who needs it more. ]
I'm going to check my potion storage to see if I can find something else to help you after and grab some tea. Want anything?
[ Even with how long she's been up, there's never a complaint from her doing this. But, that's what Matriarchs do. And in any case... ah, sentiment. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
[ They've known each other for all of one moon and she expects that level of trust from him? Hah. ]
no subject
[ Which is where she's worried. ]
Though with your body in the state it's in now, I don't think anything should interfere. But, it's what makes the most sense right now— anyroad!
[ He's so bloody stubborn— ]
We may not have to use it at all. And— you haven't even heard what it is, you big wrinkle!
no subject
Unless, of course, you simply plan to hit me over the head with that spear of yours.
[ A dead-eyed look - more dead-eyed than usual, considering - directed her way. Is he wrong? ]
no subject
[ Getting hit over the head with her spear, that is. But the deadpan remark aside, she reaches into her back pouch and pulls out a list with instructions tidily written on it. There are calculated measurements of each ingredient that include some familiar— and unfamiliar plants and drug solutions, most of which are clearly marked as sedatives and stimulants, each in very specific doses. They're followed up with the addition of spells to lock the effects into place, and she lets him have a look. ]
I was working on it while you rested. Had samples ready to work from. It's called The Draught of Silent Thoughts. Also known in certain circles as Sleeping Death.
[ She knows it sounds ominous, but... ]
It's not as frightening as it sounds. It's a very potent form of anesthetic, of sorts... but it's very rarely used. Mostly because of how it brings the body down to a state where you could easily be declared dead. It doesn't actually do that, though... it just slows the heart enough to make it impossible to detect a pulse. It also has— [ She points out the ingredient— ] — inhibitors. They help re-focus the mind, but at this dosage, they allow your thoughts to relax to the point that you won't register having a dream cycle.
[ Her ears flick up. ]
... the only problem I had was dosage, so I looked into every bit of stock I'd stored away. I've enough to take someone of your stature into at least three hours of sleep, but your nightmares began at the fifth hour. It's not long enough to have you stay in that state, so I've been brewing some more... but like I said. If Lilith can help, we might not even need it. If she can't, though...
[ She meets his gaze firmly. ]
Call it a good hunch, but something like what she described would not want to stay latched onto a mind that couldn't dream.
no subject
His lips press into a thin line. He hands the paper back to her. ]
No. This would force me to stay unconscious for far longer than the period of the nightmare. I will not render myself more helpless in my sleep, even for this.
no subject
[ It's a quiet groan. For someone as smart as him, he definitely missed the part where it wasn't going to be enough to keep him asleep for long. ]
It actually keeps you unconscious for less., unless I up the dosage. Your tall Garlean body saw to that. And did you not hear me say that you didn't start dreaming until later, too? That's why I made you sleep. To have an idea of when it kicked in.
[ She takes the paper and tucks it back in, moving her arms over the side of the bed cushions he's on (it's not that much of a height, but still elevated enough for her to be able to) and rests her chin on top of her arms with a little grumpy sound. ]
It only emulates a state of death. It doesn't actually cause it. You'd wake up after a time, and I have the antidote to pull you awake sooner if needed. Even if it's better for you to awaken naturally.
[ She sighs and pushes her forehead against her arm. ]
I'm a bloody doctor, Emmy. I've treated enemies from battlefields if they were found alive. Fairly and humanely. What makes you think I'd do any less for you, even if it's just been a moon knowing you?
[ She has considered it— the lack of time to be trusted, though without outright saying it, her wording is particular there.
She just categorized him and enemies separately after all.
She turns her head, ears flattening over the back of it as she looks up at him. ]
Just. Think about it. Alright? You've already got a nightmare demon latched onto you. This way, you don't end up fighting it, but tricking it into letting you go. If it thinks your mind is dead, then it won't be able to give you any nightmares.
[ Of course, they have to see how effective Lilith is, if he even lets her. ]
... Not that I blame you for being mistrusting. But you can test it if you're not convinced. On me. I crafted it with enough specific care that it'll work only as long as it needs to.
[ She pushes her head off her arms and looks up at him. ]
We have a bell before Lilith gets here. It takes one tick for it to kick in. Five for the body to start slowing down. In ten, you're immobile. Your body starts to cool, but that's just an effect of the ice blossom— enough to trick anyone. My mind won't rest in that short a time, but if you use the antidote once you can't feel a pulse, it'll stimulate the awakening process. It can only be used when you can't feel a pulse, though. Any sooner and your active body will just stimulate and absorb it.
[ At least they won't have dosage problems right now, she's small enough in stature to not need much more than one vial. ]
Just need to slip the antidote pill under the tongue. That's important. You don't want the patient choking. And nay, it isn't actually going to dull your mind on awakening or make you drowsy. Slight dizziness is expected, but...
[ She is serious. ]
This is my craft. If it goes wrong, it should be on me. So—let me convince you. And when it doesn't mess up, I can laugh and say I told you so.
[ Oh how smug she'd be. ]
no subject
Listen to what I say when I speak. I am aware that you are a skilled healer. That was never in question. I at least trust that you would know the correct dosage for a man of my height and weight and so on. Unless I have misunderstood you somewhere, you want to place me into a death-like sleep for at least five hours - presumably more in order to cover the duration of my dreams. What I am telling you is that I do not wish to be rendered helpless in this fashion for that long a time.
[ By Zodiark, his head hurts and he doesn't want to be arguing right after a damned nightmare. But when he bristles and digs his heels in, she keeps pushing him with that oh-so-earnest attitude of hers, as if that will wear him down.
It will not. ]
Do you realise what you are asking of me when you suggest this? My soul is eternal but I wear a mortal body. I must needs protect it from harm or else I will be forced to seek another - although it may very well be that I will be denied that ability here. So, how can I protect this body while I lie in an induced sleep as a result of your medicine? Would you shield me? As I said, I would not even entrust the Warrior of Light with that endeavour. That is a privilege you have yet to earn and yet you keep pushing me for it.
I shall say it again: I have considered your alternative and I do not wish to attempt it. Now leave the matter be.
no subject
Isn't your soul already at risk if this body of yours falls? Which it inevitably will if—
[ She pauses... her ears lifting though, as though she suddenly just realized something. ]
Your soul!!
[ She suddenly jumps up, sitting up on her knees. ]
How do we protect your soul if something does happen to your body?!
no subject
What about my soul? It cannot be protected outside of this mortal body and I will absolutely not have you fooling around behind my back under a misguided desire to preserve it.
no subject
[ She isn't in the mood to argue or think up things in regards to a soul— that's way beyond her knowledge and understanding.
Her hand goes to the back of her head as she pushes her face back into her arm and against the edge of the bed, tired. ]
And I know nothing about souls, what makes you think I'll risk something that'll compromise you like that?
[ Have a little faith, here, Emet-Selch. She lifts a hand and gestures a wave. ]
Fine, I yield. I'm not so unethical that I would force a drug onto you. Give me some credit. We might not even need it, firstly. Secondly...
[ She turns her head on her arm, looking up at him. ]
Why isn't this Archivist person helping you be free of this?
no subject
The Archivist disliked my teasing of his partner over the network. He used an invitation to a game of chess as pretext to attempt to force answers from me using his entity's power, though he could not maintain the effort for long.
no subject
She sighs and looks up at him, resting her cheek against the back of her hand. ]
... I thought this entity needed a direct statement to feed on? Did you give him one for it to use? Though you probably couldn't have known what was being done with whatever you said.
[ Her ears flick up. ]
That must have been some teasing if this Archivist got worked up over it. Were you flirting or just being an arse? It's a valid question, don't ruffle up.
no subject
Ugh, nevermind. ]
As I mentioned before you put me to sleep, I shared my recount of Amaurot's end to him. I was under the impression he would merely archive it.
[ Clearly not.
Rather than explain the little incident which set Jon off, he pulls out his device and searches through it for their conversation. Then he holds it out for her to read. ]
no subject
First off... that looked a little like flirting. Offering cute carbuncles to the lad, unprompted? You've never made me something adorable yet.
[ She's joking clearly, but her expression grows thoughtful. ]
... so, let me get this right. He never informed you that giving your account would cause the entity to latch onto you. Over this? This Archivist is either incredibly insecure, jealous or both.
[ She turns and cranes her neck to get rid of the stiffness before continuing... ]
And not telling you, regardless of what he thought you were doing, was just as villainous. Even my husband wouldn't react that badly to someone talking shite.
[ Mostly because she kicks their arses herself, but details. ]
So I'm assuming he's in no hurry to help you break free of this. Incidentally, what were you going to do if I hadn't had anyone to ask about this?
no subject
Nothing, [ he tells her stiffly. ] I was managing my sleep well enough, despite what you think. Mayhap I would have adjusted it a little given how easily your spell affected me, sought other's opinions on the matter quietly, but nothing more.
[ If nothing can be done then nothing can be done. There is no use wringing one's hands over it. It IS his own error and he must bear the consequence of it. ]
When is your friend arriving? If it is not for a while then there are tasks I have to attend to.
no subject
[ She repeats, before standing and smoothing her skirt. ]
Far be it for me to judge how you handle a problem, but in my tribe, when a problem shows up, we work hard to fix it. Though, I'll be honest... I actually didn't expect to find someone who would offer help. My plan was to just investigate and make sure you didn't topple over like you did again. I suppose it just struck Lilith personally somehow... so you're lucky, Emmy!
[ She smiles and pushes her hands together, ears lifting with an eager flick. ]
Just think, if it does work, you'll be able to sleep properly again. And Lilith's arriving in... ten ticks from now, so freshen up a little.
[ There's a sink for the flowers and by the outdoor barbecue and kitchen area. She's not a defeatist, that's for sure. ]
You are skipping work today. Think you've had enough excitement already for a sun, aye? Go meet someone you actually like after this, take your mind off things. Then come back refreshed!
[ Normal, healthy things!! She isn't counting herself in it, Menphina knows he's seen enough of her today. She pauses to look over at the star plushie, before smiling a bit and picking it up. ]
This little thing's pretty resilient. You can have it if you want. Or I'll keep it here if you ever want to come back and rest your eyes sometime.
[ She may as well extend the offer to someone who needs it more. ]
I'm going to check my potion storage to see if I can find something else to help you after and grab some tea. Want anything?
[ Even with how long she's been up, there's never a complaint from her doing this. But, that's what Matriarchs do. And in any case... ah, sentiment. ]
no subject
[ He puts the plush toy back amongst its fellows. Nice as it is, he is not that attached to the thing. He waves her off.
There is little else to say that won't be more sniping about her damned need to interfere in matters not her own. So he opts not to say it at all. ]