Owner	Pose
Zetha Rumir	Zetha, being used to odd sleeping in odd places. An office floor was no different than the floor in the convent or somewhere she passed out in the junkyard. None the less, when she's awake the day after Cayde's procedure, she enters his room and approaches where he's laying. Not really saying anything yet cause she's trying to judge if he's awake or asleep and if he's sleeping she doesn't want to disturb him.
Cayde Alexis	Zetha would have been approached by multiple nurses asking if she needed somewhere more comfortable but probably declined them all, knowing her.     Anyway, when she enters the room, Lienne is there, carefully applying medication to a fresh set of bandages. Cayde is sitting up in the bed at least, although there is not much visible difference from last night.
Navi	Navi chances to enter the room only a minute or two behind Zetha. Like Zetha, she pauses to look and see if Cayde is awake. Smiling faintly, she offers a casual wave to Zetha and Nurse Lienne. "Hello, Zetha, Nurse. I hope you're both all right today," she says, meaning it. "How is he?"
Zetha Rumir	Well, seeing Cayde sitting up is better than seeing him laying down. She watches the nurse for a moment as she applies the medication on bandages. Before she can say anything else, she hears Navi coming in from behind her so she turns and offers the woman a smile. "Just walked in myself. Wasn't sure if Cayde was alright with visitors but figured I would try anyway." She then glances back, and since Navi's already asked the question, she doesn't say much else.
Cayde Alexis	Lienne looks up and smiles at the both of them. "You two are most loyal friends." she remarks. "And Thaarin." Because that guy also hadn't left the hospital since Cayde had come here.     "Getting better, slowly but surely." she answers, getting up to start changing out the old bandages. "But I'm sure whatever Ms. Valrennan did yesterday has sped it along significantly."     "He doesn't mind you here..." she pauses. "Would you like to...converse with him?"
Navi	Navi blushes faintly at Nurse Lienne's praise. "I hope it did. Healing is really Master Windu's area of expertise. I'm barely an amateur," she says, bowing her head a little. She lays a steadying hand on Zetha's shoulder, offering a small, encouraging smile. "Thanks for coming," she says softly, but warmly. "I'd like to, but only if it doesn't interfere with your duties," she continues. "And I'm sure Zetha wants to as well."
Zetha Rumir	"I would yes. Like to speak to him...but also like Navi...I do not wish to disrupt anything." Zetha offers this and when she feels that hand on her shoulder, she glances to Navi and gives her a better smile. One that almost reaches her eyes. "It's good to know he's getting better. On the mend and all. Thank you for all that you've done to help." Is then added before Zetha looks over Cayde once more before she goes silent.
Cayde Alexis	"Don't worry, this won't take but a moment." Lienne promises, finishing up the change-out. She gathers up the old dressings now, and disposes of them into the proper container.     Cayde does his best to turn toward their general direction, motioning for them to come closer and holding a palm out in front. "Oooh, he's offering to connect with you. If you'll let him in." Lienne explains, then giggles a little. "Personally, I highly recommend it."
Navi	Navi lets Zetha approach Cayde first. She arcs an eyebrow slightly at Lienne's giggle. "He connected with you?" she asks softly. "And you enjoyed it?"
Zetha Rumir	Zetha has no idea what 'connecting' with a Jedi might entail, but the fact that Cayde is willing makes Zetha hope he's at least partly forgiven her for what she said. So she steps forward and places her palm against Cayde's own. Someone might have to help her get it right if she's doing anything wrong. Though Navi's comment has her looking back. "Is connecting a bad thing?"
Cayde Alexis	"I did," the young nurse replies softly to Navi's question, her eyes twinkling. There's a playfulness to it, and it might not come as a surprise, given she doesn't look much older than Cayde herself. "It was just the best way to communicate with him at the moment." Then she sobers up, suddenly looking a bit embarrassed, even a little ashamed as her cheeks flush a bit."I-I assure you nothing was meant by it, n-nothing serious, anyway. Just what was necessary or productive for his care."     She smiles as Zetha obliges. "If you've never done anything like that before, it might be a little disorienting. But just let your guard down, you know, for best results."     Even as Lienne is speaking, Zetha would start to see the room around her changing, almost like what she'd seen at the farmstead, except not. Instead of a dark and foreboding abyss, she is greeted by a peaceful rooftop garden full of flowering trees and decorative sculptures. It appears to be atop a structure high above what seems to be endless layers of city, for as far as the eye could see below as well as all around. Above, clear blue skies stretch on forever, not a cloud in sight.     And she'll see Cayde there, sitting on the railing separating the garden from a sheer drop down into the busy air traffic lanes below. He turns to her, beckoning her to join him.
Navi	"Did anyone ever tell you you're cute when you're flustered?" Navi teases the young nurse gently. "And I'm more than sure that you did it to ensure your patient was receiving the best possible care," she adds, more warmly. "Thank you for taking such good care of him."
Zetha Rumir	The room changes, which makes Zetha worry for a moment until it's less like the darkness from before but more...open and inviting. She takes in the sight for a moment before her eyes land on Cayde and watches as he beckons her to join him. Pacing forward, she reaches that railing and shifts to sit beside him. "I'm sorry for what I said. For how I acted in the moment." She offers this first because she needed to get it out there. "This place is lovely. Something you built up for your meditating purposes?" Cause she's learned a thing or two about Jedi since she's been around more of them more often.
Cayde Alexis	"Just doing my job," Lienne replies, shifting a little uncomfortably. "Besides, I'm sure he wouldn't hesitate to give his life up for me, if it became necessary." But then she moves past it. "Ahem, well. If you'd like to join them, I'm sure they won't mind." she smiles.     [You are forgiven...] Cayde signs to her, although he frowns slightly. [But I could have hurt you] So, don't do it again.     He looks out over the view for a moment when she mentions how nice it is, and looks back to her. [Sometimes...but it is home]
Navi	"Please, don't think I'm forbidding you from connecting with him," Navi replies gently. "It's not like Cayde and I are 'an item', or ever will be, and far from me to decide who his friends are. Thank you again for watching over him so carefully." She moves to take a seat beside the bed, laying her hand gently over Cayde's free hand.
Zetha Rumir	"I know. I know you could have. A part of me didn't care. So long as Wiis was taken care of. I know my priorities are screwed up but...I'm fairly lost in a world full of things I don't understand." Zetha offers and then she shrugs. "I'm glad we found you...everyone was worried. A lot of people care about you, Cayde. And I won't make you answer the same question over and over again. Like why you left. But I will ask that you don't do that again. You have people you can talk to. I'd like to think I could be one of those people." She then looks out and over the air traffic below them, taking in a breath and letting it out slowly.
Cayde Alexis	"Of course not, but I've had my turn already." Lienne replies, still smiling. "Besides, someone has to keep watch out here. You know, just in case."     Cayde seems surprised at that last bit. [...you do] he echoes in sign. Then he sighs and slides off of the railing, turning to simply lean on it instead, resting his elbows on it as he also looks out over the view. [I lost myself] he tries to explain. His gaze falls. [...you saw it...felt it...]     Upon touching Cayde's hand, Navi will also witness the same transformation of the room around her. But she's likely much more accustomed to it, so it feels rather natural. And then she'll spot Zetha and Cayde standing by the railing looking out over what she would know is the Federal District back home on Coruscant.
Navi	"I'm not sure what you're watching for, but thank you. We'll try our best not to be a nuisance," Navi replies gratefully to Lienne, just before the telepathic dreamscape takes her. "Nice place," she muses, looking around the rooftop garden. She approaches Cayde and Zetha, smiling. "Love the scenery. I could get used to this," she observes. "How are you feeling?" The last question is reserved for Cayde.
Zetha Rumir	"I do. My world's expanded quickly in the last several weeks and I've made both good and bad decisions. But I think I'm beginning to find my ground. I've begun to make some friends. I'd like to be friends with you. So yeah..." Zetha offers with a genuine smile and then stands when Cayde does so she can continue to make sure she can watch his hands. She's about to say more but then she hears Navi and her gaze turns to her so she gives her a wave. "Was that what happened when we found you? The nightmare that some of us got hit with? Or are you more talking about before you left?" Cause she's not sure she saw or felt Cayde lose himself - but that nightmare fuel would make more sense as to why it happened.
Cayde Alexis	Cayde nods toward Navi when she approaches. [Better...but not good...yet] he answers honestly.     He nods solemnly at Zetha's question. [Both...it started then...so I go away] he explains. [But I failed] he sighs again. [I hurt them] Meaning, that poor farm family that had tried to help him. [I hurt you]     In this strange mindscape, they'd both be able to feel what he's feeling, almost as real as if it were their own emotions. Guilt, self-doubt. Could he ever get anything right?
Navi	Navi gives Zetha a quick hug, brief but warm. A friendly hug. "This might be the first time I've done this with someone I actually liked, besides Cayde, of course," she observes, with an impish little smile. "Enjoy the connection. Maybe someday I can talk him into doing some kind of holofilm experience with this." She hugs Cayde next. "Don't beat yourself up, Cayde. All that does is make you feel worse and chew your confidence up like a nerf chewing a cud," she advises. "You can do plenty, and you have. And I'm hoping you can do more, with the right friends."
Zetha Rumir	"But we pulled through. We got through it, found you, and everyone is..." No. That would be a lie really. If Zetha continues the thought that everyone is getting help. She's not. Not yet anyway. "People are getting help." She says that because that could be the truth. The hug from Navi is returned, and then she watches as Navi hugs Cayde, smiling still. "She's right. Can't change the past, but perhaps use it to form the future. I think you have the right people beside you." Ending on that because she's not sure what more there is to say.
Cayde Alexis	Cayde accepts the hug. Returns it, even. But...not beating himself up is a struggle that has been with him for a very long time. This latest screwup isn't the first time something like this has happened. So it isn't something that'll just go away. Somehow, they just know it. [I...will try] he signs, once he pulls away from her.     He looks more pointedly at Zetha. She seems to be forgetting where she is. [But what about you] he asks, even though he already knows the answer.
Navi	"She's right, Cayde. We can't change the past, but we can try to fix what's been broken. Not make the same mistakes," Navi adds supportively. "Most of the time, /what/ happened is less important than /why/ it happened. If we can address the /why/, we can help make sure it never happens again." She looks to Zetha at Cayde's question. "If you need help of any kind, don't be shy about asking," she says gently. "Half the reasons these little disasters keep happening is because we all get so wrapped up in our own tasks that we forget to talk to each other. I'm at least as guilty of that as everyone else."
Zetha Rumir	"What?" Zetha asks as Cayde signs to her. "What about me? What do you mean? I'm making friends if that's what you're asking." It's likely not. Then she simply shrugs. "I'm fine." She lies. Both of the ones standing with her will know she's lying - how could they not given where they are. When Navi reiterates what she said at first, Zetha's smile lingers. But when it's said that if she needs any help to not be shy about asking, Zetha gets inwardly defensive. Outwardly however - "You're worrying too much about me. Like I said. I'm totally fine. Really." Complete and total nerf dung but she's already said it. Besides, she promised someone she'd talk to doc and she still intends to do that. Maybe.
Cayde Alexis	Why did it happen? Well, because he failed again. Because he got too emotional. Because he couldn't hold it all in. [I was lost...because I failed]     When Zetha insists that she's fine, Cayde comes a little closer to her and pats her on the shoulder. She could say that all she wants, but there is nowhere to hide here. [Tell about your vision] he suggests. Sure, he could search for the memory himself, but it was better if she brought it up.
Navi	"Vision?" Navi asks, kneeling on the ground and looking thoughtfully, almost expectantly, at Zetha. "I haven't heard about this. I'd be very grateful if you could share it with me? I have a little experience with visions." She swallows, looking a bit sheepish. "A little..."
Zetha Rumir	"I...it..." Zetha begins stammering and then stops herself. She looks to Navi. "You had already gone ahead to help with the farmers...I was just stepping off the boat when it hit me. It was dark, there was a chasm...and all I could feel was....despair. Pain. Rejection." She begins to explain as if compelled to. "..Look this whole thing isn't about me..I just wanted to make sure Cayde was okay. I...I'm not..." But they both want to know... "It turned from a chasm to the streets of Kublop from when I was a kid. Stranded. Abandoned. And the questions...why was I left behind. Rejected. And...it just kept growing. That feeling of rejection. Of not being wanted. Of not being good enough. Screwing everything up over and over again..." Her voice trails off and she shakes her head. "I'm fine though. Really. Just...it was just...in my head."
Cayde Alexis	Cayde nods soberly as Zetha opens up about the contents of the hallucination. It grieves him, that he'd caused such pain. He knows she isn't 'fine'. But if she's in a state of denial, no one could make her admit it before she admitted it to herself.     [I am sorry...] he signs. [My parents abandoned me too] he tells her.
Navi	"Oh, my..." Navi whispers, shocked at the intensity and sheer horror of the vision. She instinctively stands and hugs Zetha tightly. "I've never seen one of those visions that was so intense and so... I'm so sorry... I just don't know the right words," she says. "If that's anything like what the others were seeing, it's no wonder they were going mad! Two of them even attacked Dr. Cassias and myself, thinking we were trying to hurt their family."
Zetha Rumir	"Thaarin tried to pull me out of it. He finally did, but I think I hurt him in the process. Not physically just..." Which is a whole other thing for Zetha and she shakes her head. "I screwed that up too. And the whole thing with Wiis and that stupid Manadlorian..." She blurts it out. Like there are cracks forming in the walls she's put up around herself after every issue she's faced. Blocking it from even herself so she doesn't have to keep feeling the pain of it all. "I don't know who my parents are. Were. I never met them. They had me and then left me...too young to remember what they even look like. And until Wiis found me it was street survival...I'm often amazed that I am still alive." Yeah. Zetha's a bit all over the place. "But seriously. Enough about me. I... this...I'm not important enough and we're not here for me. We're here for you, Cayde, to make sure you get better."
Cayde Alexis	[Because you are strong] Cayde encourages her, at the wonder of how she's still alive. [Everyone makes mistakes...but mine are worse] he points out. Not because of the mistakes themselves but just because his often have much more dire and sometimes far-reaching consequences than most other people's. Case in point, the hostile actions of some of the farmers that Navi just mentioned.     But there is suddenly a notion that perhaps Zetha isn't so different from Cayde. All those feelings of incompetency, self-doubt, and trying to stuff it all down and pretend everything is fine, trying to ignore it. Minimize it. They're on the same wavelength. And those who know him know he does that 'I'm fine' thing all the time, too.
Navi	"You're every bit as important as Cayde... maybe you don't feel that way, but it's true," Navi says, softly but forcefully. "If one of us is important, all of us are." She hugs Zetha briefly, but supportively. "You and Cayde need to talk more often. A /lot/ more often. You're so much alike, you could be twins... well, if you were the same species, anyway. Inside, all the important bits are there. Trust me."
Zetha Rumir	"Mistakes are mistakes. You didn't mean to hurt those farmers, however. And they're doing better now I think. My mistakes have hurt people too. Also unintentionally. And I can't change what's been done, but trying to fix what's broken also isn't really working." Zetha offers and then she shrugs. When Navi mentions that Zetha and Cayde should talk more often because they're alike, she raises an eyebrow. "I wouldn't dare compare myself to a Jedi. That has to be an enormous amount of pressure. I'm just a stupid Twi'lek who can't seem to make anything go right because everything goes wrong no matter how hard I try."
Cayde Alexis	[We are just people] Cayde reminds Zetha. Yes, many of those in the Republic tended to hero-worship the Order. But they were really just people who had volunteered for extra responsibilities after realizing the Force had chosen them to wield powers beyond what most others could do.     He shakes his head. [Some mistakes are worse] he insists. Perhaps she hasn't seen it. He's reminded of Master Tomi, and Torkle Sunn...but it might be better not to go there, so he tries to push those thoughts away.
Navi	"You're not stupid, Zetha. I've seen stupid, and you're not it," Navi says. "And I'm willing to bet that Cayde has said and thought almost the exact same words you just said more than once."
Zetha Rumir	Zetha looks between Cayde and Navi for a moment before she shrugs her shoulders. She's said her peace and gave a glimpse into what plagues her. That's a good thing right? Then she looks to Cayde more directly. "I'm glad you're feeling better. I hope you continue to get better. And if you're willing, I'll always be here to talk to you."
Cayde Alexis	Navi is right...Cayde thinks that same thing about himself -all- the time. Especially every time he messes something up, even the small things. They'll be able to feel it here, like a deep sinking feeling. No one is harder on him than himself, and there is nothing he fears more than himself.     [Thank you] he signs, in appreciation for her trusting him enough to let him in, and being willing to open up. There weren't many others like that in his life.
Navi	Navi quietly hugs Cayde tightly. She can't think of a single thing to say to make things better for her friends. So she is reduced to heartfelt hugs. To be fair, she does give very nice hugs.
Zetha Rumir	"If it will make you both feel any better, I promised the older farmer that I would talk to Doctor Cassias...and since I've been hanging around the hospital, I'll probably take advantage of that and speak to him soon." Zetha offers. "Otherwise... I'm not sure what else to talk about. You, Cayde, just need to get better so we can get you back to the convent and stuff."
Navi	Navi administers her daily round of healing while she hugs Cayde through the connection. The Padawan may begin to feel noticeably better as the blonde Sephi does her work. "Dr. Cassias is a good man, and I think he may be able to help you to heal, in more ways than I ever could," she says to Zetha. "Make time to talk to him."
Cayde Alexis	Cayde nods. It does make him feel better. Soren would be the best person to help her for sure. [Okay good] he signs.     As Navi works her Force healing again, he tries to focus on relaxing to help her do what she can as easily and smoothly as possible. There is certainly progress, perhaps even more than last time. In fact, this time, he actually pulls the medicated wraps off of his hands, finding that the burning pain has almost completely dissipated. Even though he still can't open his eyes, this is certainly more progress than anyone had expected by now. But as he's taking the bandages off, he feels something else on one of his wrists. Is that...a ribbon? Or piece of string or something. Did Lienne put that there?     Back in the mindscape, he arches a brow at Navi. Since when did she actually think Dr. Cassias was a good man? [You have changed about Soren] he remarks. He pauses, remembering something Nurse Lienne had mentioned. [Will you...help me walk...and eat] he asks of them. Being in his head means it clicks immediately for them that Lienne had been tube-feeding him nutrient broths directly into his stomach before the procedure yesterday, as he hadn't been able to eat normally. But now that it's fixed, he really should 'flex' his digestive system to really ensure the implant was working properly again. And exercise the rest of his body, too. There is a cafeteria downstairs in the hospital, and Lienne had wanted him to go there to eat once he felt significantly better.
Zetha Rumir	"Of course. Whatever help you need in order to get better. I've got no where important to be, really..." Zetha says this with a smile. "Least I could do since Navi has been helping heal you which I can't. But I've heard that you're allergic to...a lot. What would be something good to make sure you're given when we go to the cafeteria?" Cause she doesn't want to accidentally feed him something he's allergic to and put him right back where he was, or worse.
Navi	"What he did for Wiis kind of changed my mind," Navi admits, blushing faintly. "And he apologized for some things he tried to pressure me into doing, admitting they were not fair to me. That helped as much as the other thing." "I've never really done the physical therapy thing, but I can try," she says, nodding. "As for cuisine... no moss biscuits or local fish. Actually, that's sane culinary advice for /anyone/ here. Makes for a pretty restrictive diet, though. I will be /so glad/ to be back in the Core Worlds."
Cayde Alexis	[Thank you...] he signs, grateful for the willingness to help. As for what he can eat without having another bad reaction, it seems there are some more plain items there designed for patients with weak systems. Coincidentally, they're somewhat similar to what he's used to eating at the Temple back home. And conveniently, there is suddenly a small table on the rooftop garden with a plate that has some of these things on it so that she has an idea what they look like. Plain bread rolls, and a few pieces of preserved meat and fresh vegetables with no seasonings at all. He must have gotten this from sharing his mind with Lienne earlier.     Navi's admission that she had misjudged Soren and decided he was a better man than she'd thought actually seems to lift his spirits significantly. A relationship repaired...and an important one, at that. It would surely help Aklyrr. [I am glad] he signs, nodding.     [Not therapy...just walk...go down to eat] he clarifies. [I can't see] he reminds Navi.
Cayde Alexis	Just as he is signing these things, the garden starts to fade away, being replaced by the hospital room again.
Navi	"The skills involved with assisting a blinded patient around the hospital environment are almost identical to physical therapy," Navi observes softly. "It's a lot of hard work. It might be better to stay put until your eyes are open again, but the feeding we can do easily enough."
Zetha Rumir	Zetha takes a look at the table and then nods her head. "I will keep those in mind." And she makes a strong mental note. When Navi makes mention of how helping Cayde move because he's blind is almost like physical therapy she gives a shrug. "Maybe when you begin to see a bit better, we can then just help you make your way around..." They're back in the medical room then and so Zetha gently takes her hand from Cayde's own. "Thanks for sharing that."
Soren Cassias	As soon as the three of them have arrived back at the medical room, there's a soft knock on the door...
Cayde Alexis	Well that wasn't exactly what he had in mind. He definitely doesn't want or need anyone to feed him directly, just help him get there and get the right food in front of him. Just before the garden disappears completely, they'll be able to tell that he's simply rather restless and that's why he wants to get up now. And bored. Very bored. Especially now since Navi helped him feel much better earlier....and he's going to do it whether they help him or not. In fact, just as Soren knocks, he's already getting off of the bed.
Navi	"Cayde, /wait/..!" Navi protests, coming to her feet to take one of the Padawan's hands to guide him toward the door. When they're almost there, she opens the door. "Doctor? Good afternoon. What brings you around?" she asks, as much for Cayde's benefit as her own.
Zetha Rumir	Zetha is going to let Navi handle helping Cayde for the moment. Both of them might just make things...awkward? As they get to the door and she sees Doctor Cassias there she gives him a little wave and then walks towards the door herself. "Hey doc. Cayde's just trying to get some pep in his step. It's good to see you."
Soren Cassias	The doctor comes in, not surprised to see Cayde up and about, but not pleased either. "Just checking in," he says to Navi, "like I should have started doing last year. Better late that never, though, I suppose." He looks to Zetha. "Yes, and good afternoon to you too. Have you thought about booking me for a formal counseling session?" he asks, reaching out to grab Cayde's sleeve and stop him from leaving.
Cayde Alexis	Navi's last-minute efforts don't quite do the trick this time, as it seems there is much more to the physiology of it all than just allergens and histamines. At least he accepts her guidance toward the door. That is until Soren stops him. But, the nurse had said he should start moving around a bit once he felt better...he pouts slightly.
Zetha Rumir	Zetha gives a nod. "Yes. Actually. I haven't managed to catch you to make such a booking, but I would like to." Because she made promises, and is of a mind to begin actually keeping promises she makes. And only making promises she knows she can keep. "The nurse had apparently been encouraging Cayde to get up and walk around a bit when he was feeling up to it. With myself and Navi here, we could be his eyes to at least make sure he can make a round or two. I think he's also hungry for something that isn't being shoved down his throat via a tube." She offers as Soren stops Cayde from leaving the room.
Navi	"I'm not complaining, Doctor. He's all yours," Navi replies, letting Doctor Cassias restrain Cayde. "Zetha has the right of it. Though I think Cayde may be pushing it slightly at the moment..." Whatever else she has been about to say is lost as her comlink beeps insistently. She retrieves the device from here belt and studies the readout, scowling. "I'm needed back in Whatever Bend. If I can get free of this at a reasonable time, I'll be back," she promises, hurrying out of the hospital room.
Soren Cassias	"I want to check your vitals and fluids," the doctor says to Cayde, "before you go out and do anything, alright? It shouldn't take more than five minutes." "Oh?" The doctor says to Zetha. "Well, that's good, I'm glad to hear it." He hands her a card, it looks identical to the 'Crane' had given her at some point. "This will put you in contact with my secretary. She'll book something for you. Looking forward to chatting," he says with a nod. "Good luck," he says to Navi, "and thank you, for everything."
Cayde Alexis	Cayde sighs, slumping his shoulders a bit but giving in to Soren's request. [Fine...] he signs, and manages to find his way back to the bed and sit down on the edge of it without knocking anything over at least. Thankfully, it wasn't that far away.
Zetha Rumir	Zetha takes the card and will make no mention of having an identical one at all. "Right. Sounds good. Uhm..." She then glances to Cayde who makes his way back to the bed and then to Soren before she eyes the door. "No worries, Cayde. Once the doctor gives you the clear we can go to the cafeteria and get a bite to eat, yeah?"
Soren Cassias	The doctor then starts going about his business, checking Cayde's vitals, fluids, and even temperature. While he works, he says to Zetha, "Why don't you book it now? While I'm busy with Cayde, you can step out into the hallway and call Luli. It shouldn't take more than a few minutes."
Cayde Alexis	Soren may be pleasantly surprised to find that Cayde is actually better than he may have expected him to be by now. This is all thanks to Navi's dedicated work through the Force. Although his face is still feverish, his hands seem to have mostly gone back to normal.
Zetha Rumir	Because that is a sensible thing to do and Zetha isn't sensible. Nor seems to have any common sense. "Right. Yes. I had thought that and then..." She wiggles fingers in the air before - without another word - doing just that. Darting out into the hall and using the information on the card to contact the number there.
Soren Cassias	"I'll have to circle back to the colony soon and thank her again," the doctor says to himself, after checking Cayde's vitals. After he finishes, he takes a step back and gestures for Cayde to stand up. "Alright, well I suppose some fresh air couldn't hurt." The girl who answers the number has an extravagantly bubbly personality, and probably isn't more than a couple years older than Cayde. She's nothing like the doctor himself, which may surprise her. But he's right, she manages to book Zetha an hour long session for the next day. The minute after she gets off the call, she may look up and see a familiar face. It's 'Crane,' though he's not dressed in his typical garb - he's wearing all white, and his shirt is sleeveless. He's also partially soaked. When he sees her, he just smiles faintly and bows politely to her, just like how he normally does whenever he greets her.
Cayde Alexis	Soren and Zetha may have noticed Cayde's commlink sitting on a table at the foot of the bed, periodically blinking. If either of them glanced at it casually they might noticed there are a multitude of unread messages and most of them are from 'Crane'.     Cayde gets up once Dr. Cassias finishes, but instead of trying to rush off as Soren may have expected him to do, he cautiously approaches the doctor and tentatively reaches for his hand, or a shoulder, or something.
Zetha Rumir	Well that went better than Zetha expected to set up a meeting. Tomorrow. Force help her, she'll have to re-brick all the things that Cayde and Navi tore down before facing it all again. That's what's best for her right? Right. Then she's about to go back into Cayde's room when movement catches her eye and she looks over. "Well there you are. Seems we've been missing each other a bit." She's not going to chide him for not being at the dock or the convent when she made it back. He likely got busy with something else. "You alright?"
Soren Cassias	The doctor peers at the commlink, but doesn't get a chance to investigate as Cayde is reaching for a hand , a shoulder or anything. He readily supplies it, leading the young Padawan out the door of the room, and guiding him over nearer to where Zetha and 'Crane' are out in the hall. "I will be," he says cryptically. He looks over to Cayde. "How is he?"
Cayde Alexis	Cayde takes Soren's hand and follows him out of the room, noting Zetha and Amarik's conversation out in the hallway. The Tholothian will be able to immediately see why the padawan hadn't responded to any of his messages. His face is very red, and both of his eyes are bandaged over with medicated wraps.
Zetha Rumir	The short response from 'Crane' has Zetha giving a blink and then a nod. Following the man's eyes to look and see Soren guiding Cayde from his room. The question on how Cayde is doing is very likely not aimed at her because she is not the doctor. So she smiles - but this one does not reach her eyes - and then she turns more properly towards Cayde and Soren. "Looks like you'll be seeing me tomorrow, Doctor Cassias. Cayde. I will be back to sit with you. I promise. I should go check in with Wiis..." This much and then she turns to head towards the exit.
Soren Cassias	"Good," The doctors says, "I look forward to seeing you," he says. Then, more softly, he adds. "Take care of yourself until then." He then starts to lead Cayde towards cafeteria. 'Crane' frowns when he sees Cayde, but makes no comment. Seeing that the doctor is still tending to Cayde, he suddenly hurries after Zetha, blocking her exit. "What happened?" he asks.
Cayde Alexis	<You ok with Navi now> Cayde remarks to Soren as they head toward the dining area. Yes, she'd admitted to him that she'd misjudged the doctor, and now she actually respects him. And that he'd apologized for being unfair to her.
Zetha Rumir	Zetha stops just before likely running into 'Crane' as he stops her exit. "Yo--I...with Cayde you mean?" She asks before glancing back and then to 'Crane' again. "I'm not...entirely sure. An allergic reaction to, like, everything? We found him at some farming village in the forest. He was...not doing well at all. With Navi and Doctor Cassias' help, along with like the nurses and stuff...he's been getting better." She offers this much as an explanation before giving another smile that, again, fails to reach her eyes. "I'm sure the good doctor can tell you more. I...I was just here to check in on Cayde and was able to talk to him a bit."
Soren Cassias	"Yes," The doctor says. "It seems she no longer despises me, and I've decided that you were never her responsibility." He places a hand on Cayde's shoulder. "You were Ann's, and then you were Rykard's, and now, you're mine. But I should have realized that a long time ago." He sits down at one of the tables, his gaze becoming distant and wistful. 'Crane' gives her a cryptic look. "I see," he finally says, "but why did he leave for so long?" he asks, brows furrowing.
Cayde Alexis	Cayde is glad that they both seemed to have come to an understanding. But... <What made you change> he asks. When he feels Soren sitting down, he puts his hand on a spot next to him before sitting down himself.
Zetha Rumir	"If I'm to take anything from what happened earlier...he simply ran away. Feeling guilty and worthless and like he was making a lot of bad mistakes." Zetha offers and then she shrugs. "But I'm also not Cayde so don't really quote me on that. You'd likely do better asking him yourself..." She's noting the cryptic look and the furrow of his brows, but then she shrugs again. "He's so hard on himself, but I think he'll be doing a lot better soon. He needs a lot more support, I think, and people willing to give him such." Pot meet kettle, anyone?
Soren Cassias	"I... I've been watching you, and Navi, and well, everyone I suppose. It's my job to psychoanalyze people, Cayde. I can't help it. And over time, I realized that Navi isn't a role model, she's a peer. I know you have feelings for her. Or, you did. Maybe you don't anymore. And Rykard was always your guiding light after he returned and Ann was sent elsewhere, but now, neither of them are around. Not in the way you need. Xera won't take responsibility or accountability for anything, so... who's left, really? Thaarin has enough on his plate, and he's got his limits. He can't be doing everything for everyone. The Arkanians are preoccupied with their own projects, Taryn is bureaucrat, and Pike has to dedicate himself to the well being of everyone here -and- oversee the restoration of the Jedi Temple here. He's not your Master, anyway." 'Crane' shakes his head. "No," he says, "I know that. I mean, why didn't he return earlier? What made him so upset that he left for... days?"
Cayde Alexis	Cayde nods at this, and he seems...accepting of it. Although he does believe Master Rykard will return at some point. <Thank you...for caring> he replies. Although Soren will see that he's now starting to think about food, and is eager to actually eat something instead of being tube fed.
Zetha Rumir	"That is something only he can answer, Crane. I would only be making assumptions, and I am not going to do that. I didn't ask him. I've only cared that he was found and brought back and is getting better from what ailed him." Zetha offers gently. "Hell, it could be that his allergic reaction is what caused him to not come back sooner. But I don't know." Adding that in at least.
Soren Cassias	"Wait here," He tells the young padawan. "I'm going to talk to the staff here about getting you something to eat." Then he gets up and goes into the kitchen, searching for the cafeteria workers. 'Crane' doesn't say anything for a moment. He glances towards the cafeteria, where Soren and Cayde have gone, and then looks back to Zetha. "Something's wrong with you," he says bluntly, "what is it?"
Cayde Alexis	<You don't have to> Cayde tells him, and there are suddenly images of some of the more basic foods already in the cafeteria, that are designed for patients with weak digestive systems. They actually are somewhat similar to the food he's used to eating at the Temple back home. He must have gotten this from the nurses or other staff around here...
Zetha Rumir	Zetha opens her mouth as if to stay something, but then she closes her mouth again just as quickly. She smiles, but like each time before, it's not reaching her eyes. Finally she lands on her usual, "Nothing's wrong with me. I'm fine." Filling in those cracks that came when she was connected with Cayde and Navi. Outside that space of raw emotion, she feels as though she can shove it all down again. Build up the walls that almost crumbled.
Soren Cassias	The doctor ignores his request, though. He's gone for at least forty five minutes, and when he returns, the food he comes back with looks a lot like the kind of food Cayde would have eaten at the Temple. "Well?" he asks, "what do you think?" 'Crane' frowns slightly. "Are you... lying?" he asks, even more bluntly. Then he waves a hand dismissively, "Wait, sorry. I didn't mean it like that." He takes a flower out of his pocket and puts it in her lekku. It droops, because it's soggy. "I meant, you're not okay. Why?"
Cayde Alexis	Cayde doesn't answer the question, and he actually just starts eating it without trying to 'investigate' it first as he usually does. Although this results in trying to use the wrong utensils for some of it that ends up on the floor.
Zetha Rumir	Zetha's jaw clenches a bit when he asks if she's lying and then she looks away shortly after he puts the flower in her lekku. "Today isn't about me. It's about being here for Cayde. I don't..." She stops and then takes a breath. "It's not important and I'm fine. I...I'm fine..." But she's not, and the more she shoves it down, the more things will eventually come up. And in a lot of ways, that may be worse than before she shoved it all down. The cracks getting worse - not better.
Soren Cassias	The doctor reaches over and stills Cayde's hand. He clears his throat, and moving the food away from him, puts the correct utensil in his hand. "Now don't eat too fast," he says, "going from tube fed to solid isn't going to be an easy transition." "You -are- lying," 'Crane' observes. "Why don't you just say how you feel? Are you afraid of me? I'd never do anything to hurt you, Zetha. You know that, right?"
Cayde Alexis	Well, he hasn't thrown up or felt like it yet...so that has to count for something. Still, he nods and takes his bites a bit slower. <I feel ok> he tells the doctor.
Zetha Rumir	"Because I don't know how I feel!" Zetha exclaims and then she puts her hands over her mouth like she can't believe she just said those words. "I keep trying to fix what I broke and things keep breaking. I can't get rid of what I've been feeling since we went to go find Cayde... that stupid kriffing vision keeps playing over and over in my head and it makes me believe that I don't have friends, or family... I'm just some stupid reject who's never going to amount to anything but a disappointment to anyone and everyone and just..I.." She forces herself to stop again, and as those cracks break, as the wall begins to tumble she turns her back to 'Crane' so he doesn't see the very visible break that happens in her eyes, in her entire demeanor.
Soren Cassias	"That could change in seconds," the doctor advises. "So, please, just take it slow." He nods as Cayde takes his bites slower. "How have you been feeling?" 'Crane' doesn't say anything for a few seconds, but he gives her a compassionate look. He doesn't walk away, but he doesn't draw closer to her either. "And...?" he pauses. "You're not alone, you know. There's no need to be embarrassed about feeling like that."
Cayde Alexis	Didn't he just answer that? Or did he just want more details? <I feel ok> Cayde repeats, resisting the urge to eat faster again. He is quite hungry, as the last time he was tube fed was yesterday.
Zetha Rumir	Zetha takes a moment to steel herself. Dry her eyes threatening tears and then turns back to look at 'Crane'. "I'm not embarassed. I'm exhausted. And not being alone physically doesn't help how I feel inside. How I'm fairly certain that everything would be better for everyone if I just never left the junkyard in the first place." This much more and then she takes another steadying breath. "Anyway. It doesn't matter. I'm fine." She's a ticking time bomb, really, but that's okay right?
Soren Cassias	"Then why did you look away?" 'Crane' says, looking confused now. "You keep saying that," he says bluntly. "But it's not true." "I like you," he says suddenly. "It's nice having you around the convent, and I don't want you to go back to the junkyard." Another pause, and he frowns. "Sorry. You don't have to do what I want." He suddenly looks kind of embarrassed and turns around to leave.
Zetha Rumir	"Wait..." Zetha says, taking the few steps that might be needed to catch him and gently touch 'Crane' on the arm. "I'm sorry. You're right. I just...I feel like there's so much more going on that what I'm feeling or thinking or...whatever...isn't....important. It's not..it's not right for me to be this way. It takes attention from those who...who need help more than..." She's trying now. To sort through the parts of her that want to shut her up and the parts that are desperate for any help she could cling onto. "Also. What...what do you mean you like me? I mean...as a friend...right? I'm not...I..." She pauses. Breathes. "I don't really want to go back to the junkyard either. Not...not permanately... but Thaarin had a point when he told me I couldn't stay in the convent for forever...."
Soren Cassias	"But ... why?" the Tholothian man inquires when Zetha gently touches him on the arm. "Who told you that? You?" He shakes his head, and keeps walking. He seems utterly confused when she asks him if he likes her as a friend. "I just do," he says, "and no, of course you're not my enemy. Why would you think that?" "Yeah," he says after a pensive moment. "He's right, but I don't have to like that."
Zetha Rumir	"Well. Yeah. I mean. I'm nobody. Why does what's going on with me matter..." Zetha offers and then she tries to fall into pace with 'Crane' who continues to walk. "Well no, I didn't think I was your enemy I just..." She huffs. "Things are confusing. I'm still trying to figure out friendship versus...more than friendship. Not that...I think that's what you're doing..." Oh kriff... "We don't have to like it, but that just means we come up with something different right? I mean...surely there's a middle ground. A compromise. But...people keep suggesting others I should try to be with. I want something to occur naturally...not because someone hinted at something. But we're friends. That's a good start. Also where are we going? Did you want to talk to me or didn't you? I'm....really bad at the talking thing. Cause I'm not used to people just...wanting to talk to me."
Soren Cassias	"I keep telling you," the Tholothian man says, "It's not true. Why don't you believe me?" he says, frowning. But when she says more than friendship, he seems even more confused. He suddenly looks somewhat amused. "Like who?" he says, "who has been suggested to you?" Then he shrugs. "It's fine," he says, "me too, actually. I was just going to go back to the convent to meditate. Are you coming back, also?"
Zetha Rumir	"Maybe Doctor Cassias can help me figure that out. I don't know why..Crane..I want to believe you. And Navi. And Cayde. And Thaarin. You would think so many people saying it I would believe it...I think the worst of it right now is because of that vision I had. It was...horrible." Zetha offers and then she flushes a bit in her cheeks when he asks that clarifying question. "First time Thaarin came to the junkyard, Wiis tried very very hard to suggest he marry me. Like right off the cuff. And then at the convent, that older lady...she said something like Thaarin isn't in my league and I should maybe try with you." She shrugs. "It's never like it is in the books, you know?" Perhaps hinting that she knows the kind of stuff he reads. "Yeah. I'm coming back. Need to get some rest before I see Doctor Cassias tomorrow...but...you sure you want to meditate. Maybe we could actually...talk? About whatever."
Soren Cassias	"Oh," he says, "yes, it could help you to go see the doctor. In fact, it might cure you." "And that's good," He says, "I want you to believe, too. You'll feel better about yourself afterwards, I'm sure. Whatever vision you had, it likely was caused by the Dark Side, which is always full of lies and deception." He... completely ignores her comment about the older lady who'd told her that he liked her. Instead, his eyes light up when she says it's never like it is in the books. "You read my books?" he says. "And you liked them?" He seems very excited by the prospect of someone having the same taste in literature as him. They're in the courtyard just outside the convent now. "Okay," he says, "I'll meditate later. What do you want to talk about?"
Zetha Rumir	"The vision happened when we found Cayde. Something about his allergic reaction or...maybe his state of mind? Perhaps both? It caused...a vision...and for me it was very scary but also...wholly true. And I can't shake it. But I'm taking your advice, and the promise I made to a farmer...to talk to the doctor. I think everyone can see I'm not okay even if I keep denying it to myself." There it is. Zetha admits it, without actually admitting it. When he doesn't really say anything about those she's been suggested to see, she doesn't press the issue either. Instead, when he lights up about the fact that she's read his books, she smiles. "I actually have a holocopy of a few...but you had several I hadn't read yet. And yes...I liked them. I like them. But life isn't like the pages we read. I guess a part of me wishes I could just escape into the pages and never come out. Find my happy ever after." Then she laughs, and it sounds genuine. In fact, if he notices, her eyes light up and her smile finally reaches them. "Have you always lived on Tenoo?"
Soren Cassias	"Yeah," he says, "You're not okay," he says. "Maybe the doctor will be able to help you with your self denial." He nods, his excitement growing a little more. "Me too," he says, "I remember these holobooks were the same ones my mother and father owned. They weren't rich, but they knew how to make a simple life joyful." He pauses. "My favorite one is "The First Kiss." You know, the one about the Quermian female who waited her entire 999 years of life to give her first kiss to the right person. Did you like that one?" He doesn't answer her question about having lived on Tenoo his whole life.
Zetha Rumir	Apparently their conversation is going to now just be about romance novels they read. She shifts to sit on one of the benches in the outer courtyard, and she's still all smiles. "I did like that one. Although now I'm horrifically upset that my first kiss was with a stranger because I got caught up in a moment I never should have allowed myself to be in." She offers. "I also liked "The Last Dance" and how that couple faced such strife and stumbles but still managed to stay together and danced every new year." She sighs, almost wistfully.
Soren Cassias	"That's okay," the Tholothian man says, sitting down on a bench in the courtyard and bidding her to sit down next to him. "You could have another one," he says, "and it'll be a lot better." "That one is my second favorite," he says, "even though, I've read that one more times than 'The First Kiss.'" He bumps her gently, letting them be shoulder to shoulder for the briefest moment. "See," he says softly with a smile. "This is why I really, really like you."
Zetha Rumir	"You know...I figured that the reason why you had so many romance novels was because you're a disciple and can't have romances yourself. I wish I remembered that lady's name, but she sort of chastised me and told me only the Jedi are celibate." Zetha says, giving a little giggle at herself. "I've read a lot of them over and over. Imagining what it would be like. It wasn't like I imagined. So if what you say is true, then I hope that my second first kiss is a lot better as you say." She feels him bump her shoulder and then he repeats himself. He really, really likes her. "I like you too. And I appreciate all you've done for me. And the flowers you give. And the texts you send..." She offers this and then flushes purple in the cheeks. "It's nice to be liked..."
Soren Cassias	"Yes," he says, even more softly, "it is." He leans towards her, the closest he's ever initiated being to her, maintaining eye contact and reaching over to adjust the soggy flower he'd given her earlier (it's about to fall out of her lekku). "I hope you can like yourself as much as I like you, one day."
Zetha Rumir	Zetha swallows back a lump in her throat as he leans towards her and adjusts that soggy flower. The fact that he maintains eye contact makes her stomach flutter. "I hope I do too...cause then maybe I can learn to love myself. And one day that will mean I'm ready for someone to love me too." She offers softly, keeping that eye contact and thinking he's about to pull back just because this is maybe getting uncomfortable. Except - to her - it's not. Not in the slightest. "It's going to be a hard road...are you willing to help me walk down it?"
Soren Cassias	He doesn't pull away. He's still adjusting the flower, but it just won't stay up, and he's fighting a losing battle, trying to prop it up. Instead, he laughs a little, his eyes lighting up. "Of course. You're not my enemy, remember?" His loose, sleeveless shirt is hanging open. Zetha shouldn't look. But if she does, she'll be able to see he's got some tattoos...
Zetha Rumir	"I do remember. We're not enemies. We're friends. Who really, really like each other." Zetha offers, feeling how he's trying to adjust that flower and trying very hard to ignore how it feels for someone to even brush contact against her lekku. She shouldn't look, and for once, she doesn't. Too much in those eyes which stay on hers and whispers of unmade promises. "I should...probably let you go meditate. And get some sleep myself before tomorrow. Have you fed your fish? And does your fish have a name?"
Soren Cassias	If he's aware of how it feels, he's not cognizant of it in the moment. After a few seconds of trying to fix the flower in her lekku and failing, his gaze flicks away from her eyes and he locks onto the task at hand - trying to prop up the soggy flower. Unfortunately, that involves him pressing in even closer to her. He's practically on top of her, but he seems completely non self aware. He's too focused on fiddling with the flower. "...what?" he says, distractedly.
Zetha Rumir	"Me sleep. You meditate. And maybe feed your fish. Which I do not know the name of..." Zetha offers again, strongly aware of how close he is. How easy it would be. But that would be taking advantage and she isn't that kind of person. Just like in the romance novel before you turn the page. That cliffhanger. Will they or won't they? And in real life it's a crazy feeling. But one she can't divulge in because she's not ready. Not mentally. If this is going to be done right, she needs to fix herself. To know what she wants. What she needs. "Crane. I think the flower is going to win against your trying to fix it. Though I do very much love how you try..." She giggles a little then.
Soren Cassias	"Oh," he says. "you... do?" He finally stops trying, and the flower falls to the ground. His perfect brows arch, and then one of them arches in adorable confusion as he stares at her, utterly befuddled. Then, for a split second, it seems like his expression is morphing into one of understanding. And Zetha might find it too entirely possible that what she's thinking right now might actually come true. And then abruptly, it all goes away. He goes back to looking like he has no idea what just happened or why, and what she'd said earlier about sleeping and him meditating, registers. "Right. I'm going to meditate. I fed the fish today already," he says, standing up. His electric indigo eyes suddenly widen, as he realizes that he'd actually accidentally transferred some of his... wetness to her. "Oh," he says, "You're wet now. I'm sorry. I should go." He then turns to leave, embarrassed.
Zetha Rumir	Zetha wants to stop him. Have him return. Make that moment...but she doesn't. She doesn't even realize she's wet at all until he points it out. "Alright. Sounds good." This is what she says, even after seeing him embarrassed. She's not sure what to say or do about that. And maybe it's best to leave it on the page of unknown outcome. She'll go see Doctor Cassias tomorrow, and start the journey she so desperately needs of accepting and liking herself.