08-05-2008, 09:46 AM
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Maybe he should have predicted it. After all, the last time he had thought he had found some quiet sort of peace in the world -- the last time he had thought he was really progressing what might be called "okay," the world had fallen apart as well. Trembling there on the ground then, he found himself thinking that he was grateful that it was something so simple this time, that it was just a disease that would likely kill him, rather than a disease that would have him kill others. He had seen the brink of death before; since the fire, his desire for it had diminished somewhat, along with his fear of it. He almost thought he could meet it with some vague semblance of dignity. But those coherent thoughts and musings gradually eroded as the pain intensified.
He was salivating heavily and half-gone from pain by the time Ahren arrived. Laruku recoiled horribly at his touch, feeling fire and spears; his feverish body had become too sensitive, and everything felt like knives.
Maybe he should have predicted it. After all, the last time he had thought he had found some quiet sort of peace in the world -- the last time he had thought he was really progressing what might be called "okay," the world had fallen apart as well. Trembling there on the ground then, he found himself thinking that he was grateful that it was something so simple this time, that it was just a disease that would likely kill him, rather than a disease that would have him kill others. He had seen the brink of death before; since the fire, his desire for it had diminished somewhat, along with his fear of it. He almost thought he could meet it with some vague semblance of dignity. But those coherent thoughts and musings gradually eroded as the pain intensified.
He was salivating heavily and half-gone from pain by the time Ahren arrived. Laruku recoiled horribly at his touch, feeling fire and spears; his feverish body had become too sensitive, and everything felt like knives.
Get away... from me.A half-whisper, a half-growl. A demon in his head was not contagious, but whatever virus gripped him now surely was. His mouth and throat felt dry, but he could feel the drool clinging to his teeth and lips.
Get away from me,he managed again, somewhat louder, more delirious sounding. He tried to crawl away though his limbs felt numb and distant. His awareness of the world seemed to come and go. Maybe he knew he wasn't strong enough to get away or to keep Ahren from him if the other really wanted to approach, but he knew even better that he couldn't bear to have anyone else he cared about hurt because of him. The guilt would be the most potent poison of all.