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Maheka Youko	Early afternoon in a city like Great Forks is, typically, fairly quiet. The pause for most to take a meal is followed by a moment's rest and winding back up for their work- save perhaps in the markets, where constant hawking is the natural order of things. This, however, is not such a place. A quiet teahouse just scarcely off the main road, low conversation dominates the place at this time of day as people finish their lunchtime meal-and-deal affairs and whatnot. But of course, what better time for the glass to shatter in the most mundane yet worrying of ways- a patron stands at just the wrong time, a server is in just scarcely too much hurry in bearing wares back to the kitchens, and whatever god is presiding over chance and fate seems to be particularly fickle today. One crashes into the other quite bodily- a shattering quiets the entire crowd for a bare instant before pained yelling follows- in some freak accident, a ceramic pot on a tray has broken in just the right way to embed the sharp fragments into the chest and dominant hand of this patron as he attempted to ward off the collision. A simple thing, but in an age of rampant disease- and little in the way of surgeons specialized in hands- this could be a debilitating sort of accident. Perhaps fortunately, a finely-garbed patron with curious white leaves interspersed in her hair begins hurrying to the site of the accident rapidly from her position seated across the dining area.
Rishi	The screams attract attention and a rather stunningly attractive woman in a leather cloak walks in, brushing back her waterfall of dark silken hair with her bronze skinned hand as she takes in the scene. "What is being happening? I am a healer!"
Bright Journey	At one of the teahouse tables, Bright Journey is just about to take her first, awaited sip of an excellent, spiced southern tea when the crash and pained cries pierces the calm atmosphere. Her pale pink eyebrows fly upwards, surprised and frozen for a brief instant by the din as she looks around for the cause. Now, most people back away, or at least think it's not their business or not their problem when something, anything occurs. Clearly, this young lady didn't get the message, not unlike the woman with leaves in her hair. In truth, she starts by looking alert and concerned, clearly uncertain what's going on but unwilling to stand back anyway. Paradoxically, she looks -less- concerned when she sees what actually happened, although she still moves towards the commotion rather than away. She clucks her tongue, frowning, as she looks the injury over. She then spares a long, considering look at the woman of the white leaves. She murmurs, "Did you need a hand, my dear? I know a little about--" She pauses, a bit bemused as Rishi's arrival interrupts her. "Actually, she's better than I am. Just..." She gets a wry look. "...Quirky."
Maheka Youko	Youko comes sliding in onto her knees as she gestures for the man to sit or lay down, a heavy satchel swinging around her torso and opened up to an array of curious leaves and pre-prepared liquids and compounds. A bare pause from the crimson-haired woman as she assesses who's speaking to her, and she nods to the two women in turn. A brief word with the man to explain that this will hurt considerably but be for the best in the long run before her attention returns to them. To Bright she says; "Find something for him to bite down upon so he does not bite his tongue, and then if you can, try to restrain his arms to minimize the thrashing- he's not likely to be able to help it." She then turns her attention to Rishi, sizing the odd woman up. "Clear his clothing from the wounds if you would, and tell me any specialties you may have as you do." Turning her attention again, she begins tearing away strips of cloth from a neatly-coiled bundle that was within the satchel, and preparing it with a pair of the mixtures she has on hand. She moves quickly- quite experienced and skilled even in this preparatory stage, and with a certain military bent to her diction as she goes.
Rishi	Rishi headtilts, giving Bright a mock glare. "I am being considered most restrained and normal in my homeland, I will be having you know." However she quickly kneels down next to the man and the other two women. While clearing his clothing, she says "I am being more concerned with herbal remidies, but I am knowing much about physical trauma as well. I am having something that is being most effacious for the cleaning of wounds."
Bright Journey	To be sure, Bright's actions aren't military at all. In fact, she takes just a moment longer than a proper instructor would allow to look at the situation, frowning, and then act. On the other hand, the moment she does act she wastes no time in making herself useful--obviously, she's chosen to accept the white-leaved woman's command as the right one. Being a physician's aide is something clearly well ingrained in her, perhaps more so than being the physician. She grabs a wooden spoon as she's dropping to her knees and has it wrapped in a relatively clean dishrag in a second or two. "Open wide, m'dear," she quietly says, putting the wrapped wooden spoon in his mouth sideways. "Bite down hard, and shut your eyes. Just listen to my voice." She remains focused on attracting the poor patron's attention, one hand cradling his head while the other holds the spoon in the correct position. It's impossible to distract his attention from the pain completely, but this is far from the first time she's done this.
Maheka Youko	Youko simply nods her thanks to Bright before turning her attention to Rishi. She nods affirmation. "Very well- you clean the empty lacerations and begin applying the prepared bandages, I will remove the shards that are stuck inside to clear the way." Once Bright is situated again, she adds; "I will be starting with the chest, by the time those are clear I want your knee on his forearm, near the wrist. Mine will be on his fingers. I need his hand moving as little as possible to minimize the damage as I take the shards out of it." And then in the next moment she's loosely wrapped the clean cloth from her bag around her fingers and thumb of her right hand, and begins quickly- but carefully- holding the skin of his chest in place one section as a time with the other hand before using the cloth-covered one to withdraw the shards to clear the way for Rishi to work.
Bright Journey	Bright may not be a professional physician, but she simply looks Youko in the eye and nods in response. She doesn't answer, her words instead being used to good effect in a constant, low patter meant only for the ears of the victim. The words are a constant, melodic stream, not so much designed to convey meaning as to keep his attention as far away from the unpleasant business at hand as she can. It's funny to think of it, really--she's already using both hands and her mouth, but with a bit of shifting she manages to rest one of her knees onto the man's wrist as well, though it takes a bit of patience to do so without nudging Youko's waist while she's trying to do a delicate extraction. Not the easiest of tasks, but Bright manages to muddle through. She gives Youko a hard, single nod when she's ready, expression one of focus and concentration, though her voice never loses its low, constant, caring stream-of-consciousness patter.
Rishi	The woman takes a vial of something herbal smelling and astringent and starts cleaning and bandaging the wounds after the Dragon Blood removes the shards. Those paying very close attention would notice that Rishi's fingers stroke the area around each wound, as well as stroking across any flesh or other material that must be removed. That which must be removed falls free as though it were cut with a scalpel and the wounds she's stroked look like they've already healed somewhat as Rishi dobs on the ointment and the bandages. She is careful to make sure the Dragon Blooded is paying more attention to the other wounds while she does this however. One thing said Dragon Blood might notice however is just how clean and spotless this other woman is. Even after slathering on ointment and cleaning and bandaging wounds, her hands look as if they were freshly washed. Her feet carry no road dirt either and her clothing, what little there is of it, also carry no dust. But perhaps she was simply at the bath house across the road just now?
Maheka Youko	Youko, by contrast, is fairly careless for the blood and grime of the unpleasant work- despite her overall fastidious appearance. Her fingers begin to resemble her hair with the blood, and as promised, her knee goes onto the man's fingers to hold them down- straining his tendons against the wounds, perhaps, but better than them moving unpredictably as she works. She's slow and dialled in on this specifically, almost losing awareness of her surroundings as she leans in close- contorting around her own knee next to the site of her work. She's fairly hands-on herself, using a finger at a time of her off-hand to apply pressure after withdrawing a shard, working from one side to the other to minimize interference. Even one or two minuscule fragments of ceramic get tossed to the side- all into the one pile. If she notices anything of what Rishi is doing, it doesn't show. After a torturous few moments that might seem an eternity, she pivots at the waist, shifting her other leg to turn back to the satchel as she holds the bag down. "Hand is open," she notes to Rishi, before busying herself with the ingredients inside. Even long since picked and dried, the leaves seem to almost respond to her will as much as her hands, bundling and bunching in a small bowl along with some powders and strong-smelling liquids before being crushed together into a paste. That paste is then diluted with a vial of what appears to be simply water, and held out to Bright. "When you think he's settled enough, have him drink this to help ward off any sickness that might follow."
Bright Journey	Frowning a bit, Bright nods and accepts the bowl but sets it aside for the moment. She's good, but the guy is still hyperventilating a bit and he's got a wooden spoon in his mouth, so drinking is going to have to wait a bit. She sets it far aside, just in case he thrashes. No matter what happens, though, she keeps talking...keeps distracting the poor man. Bright's role in this is not as messy as Youko's or Rishi's, of course, but it's impossible for her to avoid the blood completely. Or is it? Somehow she's managed to stay clean as well, and there's not a whole lot she can do now to distract from that save for everyone simply being too busy to notice such an irrelevancy. The truth is, this man could not get better care in a hospital, and certainly not as fast! Not one of the waiters or waitresses, kitchen staff, or other patrons even thinks of interfering, but the din of conversation before this started is almost gone now, the people transfixed by the sideshow spectacle going on. Particularly now that the shrapnel is gone, there's a sort of person who can't look away from this kind of thing. One thing's for sure, this little incident will make the rounds. Might even be worth a round of tea in these parts for a while.
Rishi	Rishi follows along dutifully, doing her own brand of healing along with the cleaning and the bandaging, sparing glances when she can to watch the Dragon's technique, especially when she mixes together a healing draught. She headtilts as the Dragon mixes it, examining the components in the mixture, before nodding. "Have you considered using the Echinacea extract? I am thinking it will be helpful in that medicine in the future." Once the man has been fully bandaged, Rishi keeps her hands upon him for a few moments, quietly praying to the "ever flowing one" that the man will recover well. Only the keenest eyed would notice the flesh under the bandages move slightly as she does this, and, if they did? Well, muscle spasms are not uncommon in such injuries. Once everything has been done, Rishi stands and bows to the Dragon. "I am being known as Rishi and I am most impressed by your technique! You must let me buy you tea in exchange for allowing me to watch and assist your most skilled labors!"
Maheka Youko	A pause from Youko as she rearranges her satchel, tucking things away in precise order. She glances back at the other two for a longish moment, then buckles her things back up. "I use what elements are available from the garden I tend- I have little say in the matter of what is grown there. But they have a peculiar set of properties that renders them rather effective. Sextes Jylis smiles upon the place." She smiles faintly with that, then frowning a little. "I must be growing rusty, so to speak, in my sabbatical. I thought there was more blood. We must have acted quickly- I thank you both for the assistance."
Bright Journey	By this time, as the other two are packing up, Bright is still tending to the victim a bit. Not kneeling on him anymore, the wooden spoon is out of his mouth and she's carefully giving him Youko's medication. Bright's voice is a bit hoarse, but she looks up at Rishi and Youko and grins. "Relax. The gods of healing themselves could not have gotten to him quicker, and if I had to guess, I'd say the pottery itself is part of why there wasn't more blood. In any case, I'm not sure I could have done this by myself--certainly not as well or as quickly. Thanks to the both of you." At this point, Bright stands up herself and lets the people of the teahouse handle the rest--getting the victim out, that sort of thing. The three healers have done their share by any measure and the teahouse employees shoulder the rest of the burden without complaint. Bright grimaces a bit, lightly kicking one leg, then the other, to get the blood flowing again. She goes to her erstwhile table and gets her ice cold, slightly oversteeped bitter tea and takes a sip with a bit of an aggrieved expression. "Again, thank you both." She turns to Youko. "I'm called Bright Journey, and this is a friend of mine, Rishi. What can we call you?"
Rishi	emit Rishi headtilts, looking around, before nodding. Her face brightens up as something occurs to her. "Ah! Well, if you are ever being in need of things your garden is not growing, you must come to my friend Amethyst's Apothocary shop! She is one of those with the Blood of the Dragons, the Chosen of the Danna'd! I think she would like to be talking to others who carry the Dragon's Blessing." She has a strange expression on her face, sad, wistful, yet happy at the same time. "There are not being many of you in this city." When Bright introduces her again, she bows, then says "Yes, please be sitting with us and having the tea! This place has some most excellent blends!"
Maheka Youko	"I confess I had not so much as ordered yet," says Youko with a faint smile. "And now my mind is not precisely on food and drink, but I will do so as I can." She bows a little, with that. "Shonai Maheka Youko, of the Seventh Legion," she introduces quite formally. "Though feel free to dispense with discussion of rank and such- I am on a semi-sabbatical for a few reasons. A pleasure to meet you both. Though if I may ask- from whence does this friend of yours hail? Amethyst is no style of name I am familiar with."
Bright Journey	Bright looks down at her tea, her expression bemused. "Well. Seeing as how we just saved the good people here a lot of problems, such as, you know, not accidentally killing a guest, I think the least we can ask for is a few rounds of tea. I have a feeling, Rishi, that our original purpose for meeting will have to wait, so we may as well simply enjoy ourselves." She gives Rishi a meaningful glance, but doesn't explain further. "Besides which," she adds, "I'm sure the watch will be here eventually. If they do come, just be honest. Not the first favor we've done them." The teahouse's employees, meanwhile, are cleaning the place in record time. This is one of the nicer places in the Temple District, and it's not the kind of place where a little blood on the floor can be ignored. There's enough room at Bright's table for the three of them, and the teahouse's manager is more than happy to escort all three ladies there and take everyone's order.
Rishi	Rishi headtilts, considering, before saying "Amethyst is from somewhere near Champoor, but came here to be seeing more of the world and learning of her place in it." She tilts her head further, hrming. "You mentioned the Wood Immaculate having blessed your garden? Are you being staying with this northern Pure Way temples? I think Ammy would like much to be discussing this faith with others who are knowing more of it." Again, that weird expression of sadness and happiness. If Youko cares to guess, she could easily determine that Rishi has little love for the Immaculate Order but much love for her friend. Rishi nods to Bright. "Yes, another time would be best." and gives an aside glance over at Youko, just in case Youko hadn't already decided they were up to something.
Maheka Youko	A faint smile from Youko as she takes a seat at the table- her tastes are simple, it turns out, if perhaps higher-end. The great Gente name showing through, perhaps. "I will bear that in mind, regarding the watch. I have indeed been learning the forms of the Wood style, of late- part of that sabbatical. I assure you, I am not here to press anyone into faith." Another quiet smile, there. She's certainly sizing the pair up- but the assistance earlier has gone a long way to set her at ease, for the most part. "This garden is a Manse- freed from the grasp of a petty sorcerer tyrant. Unable to station a full Wing or some such, I have been minding the place in these quiet months as I practice- it suits both my medicine and the martial arts I have been encouraged to develop further given recent events."
Bright Journey	"Hmm," Bright responds, as the house brings by the ladies' tea. Bright's is the same southern spiced tea as before, and considerably better tasting for not having sat during a crisis. She's an adept talker and a careful listener, gracious and sociable. "It seems to me as though I'm surrounded by martial artists some days," she replies, a touch of a smile on her lips. "I don't practice myself, mind you, and I don't know much about it, but I find the various forms interesting to watch. Rishi can tell you I'm more of a hunter and archer. It was...nice, though, to lean back on my days learning the physician's trade, though, for a bit. Reminds me of home."
Rishi	Rishi gives Youko a sad smile. "Ah, do not worry. Ammy is struggling with her faith now, but it is not one I am growing up with in Ysyr, so I cannot be helping her. And, in fighting Prasad, I am seeing many things your Monks can be doing, not all of them being good, that I am having the concern about it." She claps her hands together and then claps her cheeks and tries to grin. "But! You are not coming here to listen to our troubles! I hope your tea is being most wonderful!" %r Rishi looks over at Bright, tilting her head in a considering fashion. "You are most welcome to accompany me when I am going around visiting my patients, if you are having the time."
Maheka Youko	"Little to be complained of with archery- it is something I am told I should be better at, even," Youko notes to Bright, shaking her head. "It seems I was quite fortunate, then, to meet not one but two people with experience in tending wounds and the like." She takes a sip of the tea, pondering a moment. "It's fairly good, yes. Though I might point out- the faith of the Realm is twisted about to attempt to legitimize their heel upon the back of Creation. That of Prasad is changed further- heterodoxical at the least. It purports those like myself to be divine, rather than simply blessed. One could only expect problems to arise from such interference with the philosophy."
Bright Journey	Brighjt Journey can't quite completely hide her surprise at Youko's description of the Immaculate faith. She masters her surprised expression quickly, but probably not quickly enough, to completely evade notice. She sips her tea and listens, though, not speaking until Youko is done. "Fortunate...or the will of the gods," she replies. "Considering everything we've been through lately, I can't help but want to learn more about the gods and the Dragons. My name was no accident; I'm on a journey of sorts, though not always a physical one. A lot of what I've needed to do has been right here in Great Forks, though..." She pauses, looking out a window and sighing a bit. "...Though I'm not sure everything I need can be found here." She pulls herself out of her reverie after a moment, looking at Rishi, smiling faintly. "Rishi, I appreciate the offer, and if you need a hand someday I will provide it. But if I felt that was my calling I would still be in my home village, doing exactly that. I..." She hesitates a moment here. "I've heard a call to greater things. That call is, in large part, the journey I'm named for, and it's not one I will ever give up."
Rishi	Rishi nods. "Yes, I am most aware of how that can be, Bright. I, too, have felt this call, but ...my holy duty is one of helping those who are suffering and it can be done in most places, so I am being happy that I have been finding close friends here." "And yes, it is always being a problem when the blessed among us take their gifts for granted, instead of honoring the giver of those gifts. One would think that such powerful gifts could not fail to be honored, but..." she sighs and shakes her head. "When my blessing and mission were given unto me, I took them most seriously and I am still doing so." It takes a moment for her to hear what she said, but she quickly stands, bows again to Youko, and says "It was most wonderful to meet you, I must be getting back to my patients, I shall see you again later." She's very flustered as she leaves, quickly. Anyone who tries to go after her will find that she's no longer visible in the street, even a few moments later.
Maheka Youko	"Well, one supposes each person ought to find their own route to the next life," notes Youko, almost sounding like she's quoting something- but it's certainly not direct scripture or any such. She smiles faintly at Bright. It's not too hard to notice she looks askance at Rishi's sudden exit after the line, and she watches the woman leave for a long moment. Shortly after, her head turns at moderate speed towards Bright, a single crimson eyebrow arching questioningly at the abrupt behaviour shift.
Bright Journey	Bright, for her part, watches Rishi go. She suppresses a sigh and gives a small headshake as the woman races out the door. Bright clearly sees Youko's look at her, but does not answer right away, instead looking out the door. She's thoughtful and quiet for a moment, then simply says, "Rishi is...well, you've seen how she speaks. I've spent long moments wondering where she comes from. Part of me wonders if she -likes- sounding like an outsider. She's smart. She could learn Riverspeak more thoroughly if she wanted." She turns again, looking at Youko. "All I can say is, the gods work in mysterious ways. And, I suppose, so do the dragons. You would know better than I."
Maheka Youko	"Well, I will confess, I am relatively newcome to the faith proper," Youko admits with a wry smile. "I was obsessive with medicine in my youth, and was... encouraged to learn the wood dragon's style in the wake of some recent events. So perhaps not -that- much better." She waves it off for the moment. "She mentioned Ysyr, no? One wonders if she became one of the sorcerers of that land and was worried I would see that as a threat..." she muses with some thought. Truth be told she doesn't exactly sound convinced of that theory, but hardly settled on one answer for the moment.
Bright Journey	Nodding in understanding, Bright continues to sip at her tea. "Well, insight into the nature of the dragons isn't something I can offer. And I'm afraid I know nothing whatever about wood dragon style." She chuckles faintly. "If you need pointers with a bow, though, I assure you I can be of aid. I think you're better than I am in the healing arts. As for Rishi..." Bright pauses again, thinking a moment longer. "I know next to nothing about Ysyr, either, to be fair. I'm from a small village, for the most part, though I think I still remember a bit of Nexus from when I was very young. I thought their sorcerers were...I don't know, more political. But I could be wrong." With that, the two continue chatting over tea, and mayhap a scone or two.