{Video; UN: gambler}

[thescorpionking]

{He is alive. He thinks? The hospital is too white around him - too like the snow and each time he wakes from a small nap, he panics. When that happens for a fourth time, he figures out how to work the network, gritting his teeth against the pain movement causes.

When he realizes he is being recorded, bruised face and all, he clears his throat.}

Must I stay here?

Comments

[thescorpionking]

We can test your skills. {He would love to know what they think and feel! His babies are precious to him and he doesn't even have them yet.}

[hideawayparadise]

Okay. Then I'll make sure I visit you a lot. To see you and so I can practice with the babies. [Best of both worlds really.]

[thescorpionking]

They will know you as well as they know me. {That doesn't bother him in the least. Scorpions get little enough love; this is a nice change.}

[hideawayparadise]

If you say it like that it's almost like they're our kids. [He laughs a bit then pauses when a nurse comes in with the soup. Riley says he'll handle it and takes the bowl so he can get it set up right.]

Do you wanna try eat on your own? I can help you too if you want.

[thescorpionking]

{The thought is a sweet one and Xie chuckles shyly.}

If you don't mind children with claws and stingers.

{He certainly doesn't! The soup makes his stomach growl and he glances down at his arm - which is bound in a cast and secured to his body by a sling.}

I might need some help.

[hideawayparadise]

Got it. I'll help. Also I don't mind children with claws and stingers. They're cute.

[Carefully holding the bowl and spoon, he blows to make sure he won't burn Xie before offering him bite by bite.]

[thescorpionking]

{Xie smiles at the care and takes the bites as gracefully as he can manage.}

They are very small at first and they cling to their mother's back.

[hideawayparadise]

So would they be a little bigger when you get them? Not needing to be on her back anymore?

[That makes the most sense to him anyway. Kind of like how a lot of other baby animals need to be more independent from their mothers first.]

[thescorpionking]

Yes. I wouldn't take them from her. {Only when they are independent and strong should they go to good homes.} But they likely won't be larger than the tip of your finger.

[hideawayparadise]

So small! [He pauses in helping him to drink soup so he can look at the tip of his finger for a second before returning to help.] And then over time they become hand sized?

[thescorpionking]

Some of them. {Some stay small and adorable. The soup helps him feel stronger and he sighs after he swallows the last bit.} It depends on the breed.

[hideawayparadise]

[Setting the bowl to the side now, he helps him to drink some more water next.]

I always knew that scorpions were really interesting creatures but I didn't realize how interesting!

[thescorpionking]

{Xie dabs at his mouth with his sleeve before gently stroking over Riley's hair.}

I'll show you. They won't hurt you.

[hideawayparadise]

[Shifting a bit, he makes it easier for Xie to reach his hair without having to stretch. That way he can stroke his hair and not hurt himself more. It means bending over to put his arms on the bed to support his head but that's fine.]

I believe you. I trust you.

[thescorpionking]

{His bed is more than big enough to share and Xie smiles when Riley bends to accommodate him. His fingers enjoy playing with the bright color, twisting the strands around each digit.}

Wherever I stay, you are safe there too. I'll clear out the iron.

[hideawayparadise]

[That makes him give him a warm smile.]

Thanks. I'll make sure that where I'm staying is safe for you too. The three Elves I'm staying with are protective of me so I can make sure they'll protect you as well, Xie.

[thescorpionking]

You're staying with Elves? {That's... Yes. He definitely wants to hear more!}

[hideawayparadise]

Yeah. Three of them. Elrond, Maglor, and Maedhros. They're all a family and they took me in. I've been learning how to use a sword from them and Elrond is going to help me try to learn healing magic.

[He smiles a little more, clearly fond of his little found family as much as he is his new friend.]

I really like them.

[thescorpionking]

I definitely want to meet them. {He frowns thoughtfully and rests his hand on Riley's cheek.} What is the difference between an Elf and a Fae?

[hideawayparadise]

Um... [He thinks about that because he's still learning about both.] I know our magic is different. They hear music or something for theirs. For the Fae it's like we're literally nature so our magic is tied to it. I know that the Fae can't lie at all either.

[Which also tells Xie that Riley will never lie to him. As a friend and simply because he's not capable of telling falsehoods.] They seem to be able to touch iron too. And they somehow are...ethereal. Without looking delicate like I do.

[thescorpionking]

{Riley has his trust for simply...being here. Caring. Xie won't think ill of him and he will always give him a chance to explain if there is ever any confusion. He likes how forthcoming he is.}

I would like to learn about your magic and theirs. I know I could never mimic it, but it interests me.

{He softens and adds:} I like how you look.

[hideawayparadise]

[He gives him a smile.]

I'll show you more of what I can do when we go exploring.

[Riley lets out a little laugh.] Thanks. I like how you look too.

[thescorpionking]

Reading about Fae can't compare to knowing one.

{Xie taps Riley's nose with a grin.}

Thank you. I promise I'm not always so colorful.

[hideawayparadise]

[He laughs and wrinkles his nose.]

You and I can learn about the Fae together. It's new for me too.

[He hums and pretends to think about the colors for a moment before nodding.]

Good. I am sure I'll like how you look even more when you're not so colorful.

[thescorpionking]

It would be! I think you have a fantastic start. {First survive; then learn the details.}

I hope so. I used to like my appearance most days.