cagedinflesh | IC Contact

[Diarmuid has looked better. He's tired, pale, and actually laying in bed with his locket propped up on a nearby pillow.]

Greetings, my friend. I hope you are doing all right after our little...show. When you have some time, could we talk? I have something of a medical nature I would like to ask your advice on.

Of course, what can I do for you?

[Should he wait until after to ask about Diarmuid's health during and after their battle? And to apologise for it? Yes, maybe he'll wait until what's most important is out of the way.]

I am doing well, and pray for your health as well - I do wish to speak further on the subject of our 'show', afterwards.

[Diarmuid laughs. Oddly enough, there is something of a nervous sound to it.]

Oh, it's not an emergency or anything. Nothing will change in the next few minutes if you would like to talk about that first. What did you want to speak about in regards to it?

[Looks like someone is a little uneasy talking about whatever his question is...]

Well...if that would make it easier for you to broach the subject...

[Don't think he doesn't notice. Although what he has to say is a difficult thing to bring up too.]

I do not have a clear memory of the incident, and so I hope that you and those around us were unharmed. Either way I would like to, and feel I must, apologise for the way that I am, and my actions under such circumstances.

I...

[Diarmuid's pale face flushes slightly in embarrassment. Is his hesitance really that obvious? Still, he is grateful that his friend is willing to humor him.]

Please, don't worry yourself.

[He shakes his head.]

Things went as well as we could have expected them to. The Seelie soldiers fled and the refugees were able to escape to safety. I was lightly wounded, but I wounded you as well, so I would say we are even.

No, I...well, first of all I should have given you warning that I have taken a Master. Secondly while that is undoubtedly me, it also is not, in another sense. Therefore you've no need to feel any remorse for inflicting any wounds. I would almost encourage it, really. Though I am glad to hear it went so well.

[Diarmuid laughs, the motion shifting the blankets around him enough to uncover part of his right shoulder. While the fact that he is missing an arm is not immediately obvious, it shows enough that a doctor should be able to tell something isn't right.]

I am afraid that you or not you, I am still going to feel bad for hurting you. I am glad to hear that you have found a Master you can trust, though. It just means you were able to recover faster and that you have that energy to draw on when you need it. I can't imagine it could have been easy to be a Berserker and not have that extra energy to pull from.

[Jekyll doesn't miss it, and gives a moment of pause to the need to try to make out just what is wrong.]

Yes, I worry for my Master in the war for that reason, he is very weak, and I fear for his safety. [He bows his head.] Well, I would explain myself further as no matter what you say, I feel terribly. Moreover it would be wise that one on the Seelie side should know, in case of incident. But first I must ask after your health at this moment. What is it you wished to speak about - your arm?

We will just have to feel terrible together then, I suppose. Unless we both agree to stop feeling terrible together?

[Diarmuid nods in understanding when Berserker mentions that someone on the Seelie side should know, but is distracted from saying anything when the doctor asks his question. His eyes move to his shoulder and then he nods slowly, moving so he can pull the blanket fully away from it.]

It's gone. I...lost it in battle and...I am really not sure where to go from there. I thought since you are a doctor you might have some thoughts or advice to share.

[Well, he'll get back to that in a bit. Contrary to Diarmuid's opinion, he thinks it is very important to get to right away. Even if it isn't life-threatening, and likely as a Servant any other complications are unlikely, or at least would not do so much damage as they would to a regular person, it's hard not to be automatically concerned. His eyes widen, and he tries to get a better look, bringing the locket closer to his face.]

-You are doing alright, yes? Well, in the modern day they make prosthetic limbs which really look and function quite well, it seems. Perhaps something could be done for you - one Dave Stutler of the Seelie court is a scientist who is very good with technology, he may have ideas on that end. On my end, I would worry for infection if it is left untreated. It should be sanitised, any jagged edges removed, cleaned well and redressed often.

[Diarmuid is startled when Berserker suddenly becomes so intensely focused on his arm. Of course, the man is a doctor. It shouldn't be so surprising. Diarmuid laughs to himself at his reaction and then picks up his locket.]

Here, it will be easier for me to move mine. What do you want to see?

[He shifts the locket so it more clearly focuses on what little is left of his arm. It seems to have been taken off just below the shoulder.]

I guess it was fortunate for me that the person who pulled me out of the battle had some experience with lost limbs. She was able to get it cleaned up and wrapped. I don't think infection will be an issue.

[A soft sigh slips from Diarmuid's mouth and his head drops slightly, though that might be missed because of the angle he is holding his locket at.]

I am...very tired and when I am not, what little energy I get is gone so quickly. And then there are times when I swear I can feel something in that arm, but there is no arm there to feel something in. Is...that normal?

That's perfect, thank you.

[He hums it over to himself, frowning as he considers.]

It isn't uncommon, particularly if a limb was lost in such a way as yours. Even when properly amputated, a phantom limb is often complained of, much less if the nerves were severed without any sort of preparation or thought. It is simply the nerve endings reacting, sending the wrong signals to the brain. You may feel as if you are able to move it, it may even feel as if the shape is different, there may be a great deal of pain, coldness or heat, or simply an odd sensation. It all depends upon the individual case, so you mustn't worry no matter what you feel.

Now, treatment for it is another thing. No true cure has been found - at least, by my time - however there are some methods of treatment with varying amounts of success. Pain relievers, of course, which I could certainly supply you with, massaging the tissue or the application of heat. If it is more accute, surgery may be advisable as the trouble may involve improperly healed tissue attaching itself to the nerve.

Phantom limb...

[Diarmuid repeats the words softly. He's not sure if he is saddened or relieved by what Berserker is telling him. On one hand, it is good to know it is common, but on the other...]

This is probably going to sound foolish, but considering Servants are very different from humans, there was part of me that hoped it might mean that someone my body was going to regenerate the limb. I guess it was too much to ask.

[He takes a deep breath and then moves the locket back so he can look at his friend again.]

I think you for the offer, but drugs are something I would like to avoid. I didn't like them back when I first lived...

[What little they had in the way of 'drugs' back then anyway.]

...and that really hasn't changed now. I will try the other things you suggest, though. Heat and massage.

Yes, I can imagine there is quite the element of disappointment to it. Although perhaps that may also be true, it may be possible for a Heroic Spirit to regrow a limb, under the right circumstances?

[He nods.]

If there is anything I can do to assist, please let me know. I sincerely hope that those will help you.

Perhaps. I guess we will just have to wait and see.

[He doesn't seem that confident, though. It really is a foolish thought and he knows it.]

I appreciate all you have done for me. It will help. Please take care of yourself until we speak again. I will make sure to let you know if I need anything. You do the same.

[Diarmuid bows his head politely and then ends the call.]

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