Korina sat beside the running path, elbows upon her knees and chin resting upon her palms with delicate long fingers curled up each cheek. Her eyes followed the darting movements of the birds around in the tree tops, a wistful smile upon her face as she observe red the flippant little things flitting here, there, and everywhere. Wings....the marvel of nature that man had always wished for and created crude machines to replicate gave many beings like birds and insects among other things a freedom mere humans could never hope to achieve (though there had been rumors in the navy of some people learning how to fly and experiments to give people wings).
Korina's smiled faltered as he realized how much freedom she had lost, and how trapt and confine she felt nowadays. Pulling her eyes back in the room she buttoned her shirt up concealing her bra encased breasts and looked at the elderly gentleman before her. "Well Doctor, anything new to tell?"She inquired of the elderly man who looked over his glasses at Korina.
"Korina, please understand. We are doing out best. Your condition is unlike anything I have ever come across before. It appears like multiple sclerosis, however it is vastly more complicated then that. So please, you have to be more understanding and give us some more time."
Korina glared at the man, opening her mouth to commence berating him but instead closed her lips and took a deep breath instead. The doctor could only do what he could, not perform a miracle she wanted. So she simply nodded, then she nodded a nurse wheeled her from the room and to the counter to check out. After signing multiple forms and paying twenty dollars the nurse wheeled her outside and left her as per Korina's request. Korina simply sat in the wheelchair and stared back up at the birds flying around and bit the inside of her cheek holding back tears welling behind her eyelids.
Post by Tayva Aschaund on Mar 4, 2013 23:07:34 GMT -5
Tayva had spent the better part of the day doing some window shopping, trying to give herself things to do while she tried to figure out some sort of travel plan to go to Europe. She had wanted to follow a few hints left behind by some other draconian that had done more exploring than she had, having wanted to study her ancestors and their draconic companions. Where she had failed, Tayva wanted to pick up on. Of course this meant working the odd job until she could afford the trip, but getting Talos to agree to come along would be tricky, especially considering that the dragon hated airplanes.
Walking back to where she had been spending the past few nights, she caught sight of a girl, sitting in a wheelchair in the front of a hospital, looking somewhat depressed. Though she was a complete stranger, Tayva could not help but feel that she wanted to at least try to put a smile on her face. Even if it wasn't any of her business.
"Hey... are you okay? You look like you can use some cheering up." Tayva offered, her humanshaped companion standing a little ways away, arms crossed and looking rather bored.
Post by Avery Winters on Mar 4, 2013 23:53:31 GMT -5
The cast felt awkward and extremely uncomfortable. Avery adjusted the sling for the nth time, trying to somehow make it stop chaffing his neck. You'd think for $2300 dollars they could afford something better.
He sighed, finally giving up on it and began his long trek home. I should call Frank and make sure he's got the Iodine, he thought, pulling his mobile out of his jacket pocket. No battery... again. Fuck.
They hadn't wanted to give him any change for the $100 bill when he'd paid for the hospital bill, so he couldn't catch the bus. Now he didn't even have change for a payphone.
Two girls were standing by the walkway (well, technically one was in a wheelchair) talking. He directed his sulky steps toward them as he lit a cigarette and inhaled deeply.
"Hey, uh... this is kinda a long shot, but do you have any change for a $100 bill? They don't take hundreds at the corner store and the bitch at the hospital wouldn't give me change."
Last Edit: Mar 5, 2013 0:12:41 GMT -5 by Avery Winters
Korina blinked and looked at the female who had suddenly approached her and asked if she was alright. She sighed, contemplating the question momentarily then she simply shrugged her shoulders. "I suppose I am alright. I am not dead after all, even if that is simply a matter of time. Though loosing your personal freedom, that is something else entirely." She motioned at the wheelchair beneath her, though she did manage a small half smile to the female. she glanced at the man whom seemed to be standing protectivly near her. Korina opened her lips to ask somehing hut what cut off.
Suddenly a young man, no a boy walked up asking of they had change for a hundred dollar bill as he light up a cigarette. Korina blinked, looking around at all the elderly people who where glaring at the boy angrily. She sighed and promptly licked her fingers and pinched the end of the cigarette snuffing it out. "Sweetie, you can't smoke here. I don't have change, but of you are willing to walk a little, we can go to that store a block over where I can get you some money off my card darling. Would that be alright?" She smiled kindly at the young lad. "You can smoke as well once we are away from the hospital..."
Post by Tayva Aschaund on Mar 5, 2013 0:43:15 GMT -5
Rubbing the back of her neck, Tayva tried to think of something positive to say, not as familiar with being social as she had hoped. Most of people she talked to she already knew, but how to comfort a stranger was something new for the girl. She didn't want to offend her after all, rather to try and get her to think positively. Even if she had received some rather bad news.
"Well... I suppose you've just gotta live in the moment. Everyone's going to die eventually, perhaps some sooner than others... but if you dwell on it too much, you wont enjoy the time that you have left. I don't mean to pry, but it's food for thought." the girl explained, smiling sheepishly as she hoped that her words would not be taken offense to. There were so many times Tayva just wanted to find some reason to live, but found that often it ended up with her being miserable. The less she thought about it and tried to enjoy the present, the better she felt.
Their moment was soon disrupted by yet another stranger, questioning them to break a bill. If Tayva had the money she would have done so, but at the moment she was broke. "I'm afraid I don't have any money on me at the moment." she started, though the girl quickly took over the situation, offering to go to a store to help him get the money he needed.
Post by Avery Winters on Mar 5, 2013 2:43:55 GMT -5
Avery felt the flush of embarrassment rise into his cheeks as he noticed the disapproving glares around him. He took the snuffed cigarette out of his mouth and, suspecting the older girl was inwardly mocking him, tried to turn his startled awkwardness into a scowl. The effort was wasted, however, and he just ended up feeling more gawky and more nervous.
"Naw, it's okay..." he trailed off as he tried to avert his eyes, but ended up locking them with the younger girl's accidentally. He found small comfort in the thought that she seemed more awkward than he did, and caught himself before he almost distractedly re-lit his cigarette. "I didn't mean to interrupt you two."
He noticed the guy watching them intently with his arms crossed antisocially. "Is that guy with you, too? You got any change there, buddy?" He spoke the second bit a little louder, look toward the young man. "It's okay if you don't... I just need to make a... a business call. My phone's battery just doesn't hold a charge anymore and it's kinda urgent, I guess."
The thought that he may be interrupting a very serious moment crept in slowly. Avery saw the shimmery glaze of tears sitting behind the eyelids of the girl in the wheelchair, and the uncertain stance of the lighter-haired girl. He'd seen those looks on other faces once... the former on his mother's, the latter on his step-father's.
"Wow... I am so, so sorry. I am such an asshole... I... I'll just, uhm... sorry."
What the hell is the matter with you? Get your shit together.[/color] [/size]
Korina reached one dainty hand and gently slapped the boy upon the cheek. Not hard enough to cause any form of pain, or even a red mark. It would actually have been more if a pat then slap. The meaning waste same regardless however. "Watch your tongue. A boy as young as yourself and as cute shouldn't use such foul language. It is unbecoming. How will you ever get a good lady friend using such beastly language?" She raised an eyebrow at the boy then sighed.
"You are not interrupting anything either. I was simply about to call a cab to take me home as I certainly could roll myself that far. However if its just a phone call you need to make, you can use my cell dear. Save yourself the money." SHe bent at the waist, slipping her left hand in to her combat boot and pulled out a very slim, futuristic looking feel ulnar device that looked nothing like any on the market. Of course there would be, she had after all created this herself, using the guts of old phones and making new stuff herself. She held it out to him and laughed. "Here, just say who you wanna call. Oh, and so you don't get shock.... Authorize unknown please Raphael." The phone beeped and a yellow light flashed upon it and a thick mechanical voice issued from it. "Unknown user authorized Korina. Have a nice day." Korina smiled and turned back to the female to allow the boy his phone call.
"It's alright hun. I know your just trying to help, and you are correct. However I don't wish to simply live in the moment. I am going to leave my mark upon the world in some way or another. I'm not going to die having been a nothing and a nobody like my commanding officer told me I was." She smiled and glanced around waiting for the young boy to finish his phone call.
Post by Tayva Aschaund on Mar 6, 2013 12:14:49 GMT -5
Fortunately it seemed that the woman did not take any offence to her words, as she had feared. She had come across some rather antisocial people (more so than even Talos), and with an even sharper tongue. It had made the girl a little more hectic to speak to strangers when it came to touchy subjects, but with this woman she found the fear to be lessened. "That is understandable." Tayva replied, offering her a weak smile as she watched her turn to hand the boy the strange-looking phone. It seemed like a rather intelligence piece of work, making the girl wonder if perhaps this woman had made it herself. Rather impressive to someone who had no notable skills at least.
"You should find people that can use help then." the draconian suggested, trying to think of some way to explain it. "Find a way to help others with whatever skills or talents that you have. Like your phone, assuming that you made it of course. Maybe you can find ways to create mechanical limbs for those that lost an arm, or a leg. It doesn't have to be about the money earned, but the lives changed through something that you can make."
With that, Tayva gave a somewhat shy grin. "I know how it feels to want to make a mark, but I myself have no real talents. Just a dream to fly."
Korina smiled at the female and nodded. "Oh I would try to help in that way and have sold several new prosthetic limb ideas to different companies. As to making my phone, I did sweetie. Including the semi-artificial intelligence system you heard. He's still a work in progress however. Kinda glitch at times and prone to random moments of emotional distress. Well, I say emotional but I guess it's whatever the robotic equivalent is. However I am sure you have skills dear. You may not have discovered them but they are always there."
Korina smiled and glanced at a butterfly fluttering past them and smiled. "As to flying, is it that you are unable to afford a plane ticket? Or do you mean flight in a more, intimate manner?" Korina was fishing now, trying to get a feel for this random girl she had just meet. She was a kind hearted girl by nature And loved helping others. Perhaps her 'skills' could help this female. She wasn't really sure what it is she was looking for however. Or maybe it was a childhood dream yet to he released in the reality of growing up. Either way, Korina wanted to try to help the girl.
Post by Tayva Aschaund on Mar 13, 2013 11:51:04 GMT -5
"I suppose you could call it the more intimate manner. The idea of being able to fly without the aid of some kind of vehicle, to feel the sensation in a more organic matter, versus simply sitting in some plane and looking down upon the ground. In a sense just to experience the thrill as a bird would." Tayva explained, her eyes drifting toward the same fluttering butterfly, taking advantage of the thawing weather. As the spring months began to approach, the bitter cold that had held the country in its grasp was beginning to fade, giving way to the slowly growing abundance of life.
"I've always been interested in the idea of creating machines, but I fear it is not my niche. I admire those who can work with them though. I bet it takes a lot of talent." the girl added, offering a small smile. "As for skills, I don't really seem to have any, or if I do I have yet to discover any that I may have. The only thing that seems to make me stand out at times is just my desire to help people." That and her draconian heritage, but that was something that was better left in the dark.
Korina listened to the female, nodding as she spoke. Her lips slowly spread in a smile and she grabbed the female's hand. "Perhaps I can help you dear. It at least in some way. Do you have anything planned the rest of the day? I have an idea for you." She smiled and releasing her hand she grasped the wheels and began rolling her wheelchair along the sidewalk. She had a place in mind that she was going to take this female. A very special place. Lifting up her phone she spoke to it. "Raphael, call Eduardo please."
The phone tinged softly and a soft, cool mechanical voice replied. "Yes Korina, dialing the dirty Mexican.." Korina glared at the phone. Raph, behave yourself please..." Suddenly a male voice came on the phone, it's accent that of a thick Hispanic male. Hola señorita guapa! How are you doing! What cha need today? Korina smiled and giggled. Hey Eduardo dear. Can you call that guy we know, the one with the hang gliding rental place?" "Si Señora. Just yourself?" Korina looked at the female beside herself and smiled slightly.Yes Eduardo, just one but it isn't for me. A friend. You know I can't fly like that anymore..." Silence came over the phone for a moment. "Lo siento Korina. I will call and set it up." Korina hung the phone up and looked up at the female. "You ready to go flying the for the first time?"
Post by Tayva Aschaund on Mar 18, 2013 12:24:49 GMT -5
Tayva blinked, a little surprised by how quickly things had gone by. She had never imagined the option of hang gliding, as while it was sure to be fun, it would never beat flying about on dragonback. "Heh...I suppose I have to be now." she replied with a sheepish grin, looking over at the silent figure of Talos. His arms remained crossed, a seemingly uncertain look on his face. She knew he would be uncomfortable with the idea of going on her own, so far above the ground without his protection. And he likely wouldn't be able to fly alongside her without someone spotting him.
"I can't thank you enough for the opportunity...I just wish there was some way to pay you back." Tayva smiled, looking at the sky once again with a somewhat dreamy look. Of course it had not been her original thought, as it still meant she was bound to some large device to keep her aloft. Still, it offered her some sort of freedom compared to something like a plane.
"How long do you think it would be before things got ready? We could always go get a coffee or something." Tayva suggested, the dragon in human skin finally walking over toward his companion, though still remaining silent.
Korina smiled hearing the girl. Yes, hang gliding wouldn't be quite as good as free flight. However it was certainly better then an airplane. At least you could feel the wind upon your skin, see and smell the amazing world around you in a way the giant flying tin cans could never achieve. Of course one couldn't go around the world in a hang glider in a few hours either. Or could they....Korina's mind was suddenly alive, and explosion of images and possibilities that could be created and made to do exactly that. A personal flying system that a single person could operate and fly, preferably open to allow one the joy of almost natural flight. So lost she was on the sudden idea she was slightly slow upon the uptake when Tayva spoke again.
She blinked and muttered softly but just loud enough to be heard. "No...no payback. Coffee would be good...maybe even better a large glass of sweet tea with lemon. Less caffeine for me... Not good on my brain..." She looked up away from the sidewalk and smiled. "We could grab a bite to eat and something to drink. You'll need it as well if your gonna hang glide." She smiled and stopped at small coffee shop and held the door open expertly with one hand for the two while keeping her wheelchair steady with the other hand.
Post by Tayva Aschaund on Mar 20, 2013 15:31:49 GMT -5
"Well at least let me get it for you. It's the least I can do." Tayva smiled, stepping through the door after thanking Korina for holding it open, ushering for the silent Talos to follow her through. "To be honest I don't care much for coffee myself, too strong. I prefer sweeter drinks like hot chocolate." the girl grinned, making her way toward the order counter after a quick scan of the menu.
Looking over at Talos, the girl noticed the concern he held in his featured, obviously not thrilled about the idea of the girl going up on her own, out of his reach. "Dont worry, I'll be fine. What are the odds of something going wrong anyway?" she told him, trying to reassure the dragon that there was nothing for him to worry about. He shrugged his shoulders with a quiet exhale, not entirely trusting of the whole plan. But he couldn't stop the girl from doing what she wanted to do, as much as he wanted to.
Turning her attention from her companion to Korina, the girl smiled once again. "So you want sweet tea? Is there anything else you'd like with it? I could go for a little something to nibble on myself..."
Korina smiled and nodded. "Yes please, sweet tea with a squeeze of lemon juice please. I very much appreciate that. Also I was going to suggest food!! What are you? A psychic?" She laughed and glanced up at the menu. "Hang gliding takes a lot of energy out of you they say. So you definitely need to eat up dear." She smiled and spotted what she want on the menu. Rolling forward she looked up at the teenager behind the counter who was staring at the handicapped woman. Korina looked back politely for several seconds before getting annoyed.
"Why yes thank you, I know I'm in a wheelchair and handicapped. You couldn't haves debit anymore obvious. I would never have figured it out. Can I order now please?"
The young male blubber for a second, something unintelligable about crippled and beautiful and some such nonesense before Korina cut him off. "Look I'm just gonna order. I want that portobello, egg and Swiss cheese on a whole wheat toasted bagel please and a large sweet tea. My friend here wants..." She turned to Tayva smiling, waiting for her order to come forth...
