[Ardyne D'Enae]

It was quite surprising and just a bit odd to Ardyne that Alia had not released her arm until she agreed. Would this woman seriously have persisted had Ardyne said no? Should she have said no? As they walked through the charred city, Ardyne noticed more of the distress that surrounded her. She had not noticed as much before, her concentration had been occupied by thoughts of her own well-being. Now, though, she could see how difficult it had become for these poor people to survive in this burnt city. She felt sadness and compassion for those that she saw, especially the children that wandered the streets alone. Ardyne shook her head slightly, dismissing the negative thoughts she had at the beginning from her mind. There was obviously a great need here, and she felt compelled to do something for them. If she could call upon her healing ability, she would, but it seemed she could not reach the spark she felt deep within her.

Before she could question anything, a child was brought before her and she was ordered to watch over her. Ardyne looked down at the small little girl who looked down at her feet with a dirty, tear-stained face. Ardyne placed a gentle hand on the child's head as she knelt down, her hand lowered to wipe away a tear from the child's cheek and tenderly move her hair back away from her face. "It's ok, Sue. My name is Ardyne. We'll get you feeling all better, ok?" Ardyne said to the little girl who only sniffled and nodded. Ardyne made sure to gently take the child's uninjured hand so that they could continue to walk through the streets to the tents.

Upon arriving to the tents, Ardyne could see that the injured were far more than she had first imagined. Small injuries were abundant, as were those of a more serious and gruesome nature. Sue sought refuge behind Ardyne's skirt as they walked through the rows of cots. Soon it seemed Ardyne had been recruited to the army of strictly choreographed volunteers going about sanitizing, healing, washing, and various other tasks. She received her sleeping arrangements and her first orders. She found that Aila was in her element here and was quickly absorbed in the nature of the business around her, Ardyne could only nod and do as she says, after all, she was here to learn.

Ardyne smiled down to Sue and nodded as she led her up to the front of the tent, finding her a cot in a far corner where it seemed that not many people were being placed and was quiet. After asking one of the other volunteers where there would be some food and gathering it, she hurried back to Sue with a small piece of bread, a small piece of meat that had been prepared and cooked, and some nectar. Sue quickly held out her hand for the bread and munched happily on the meal, finishing off her nectar licking her little lips and smiling up at Ardyne.

Ardyne couldn't help but smile before taking the little girl's good hand once more and leading her back to the cot where Ardyne would be staying. She quickly removed her pack and set it under the cot. She soon stood before Alia once more with the little girl who had a full tummy, yet still continually held up her injured hand with a pout to show she wanted it to be seen and fixed. Ardyne could only nod until Alia helped her with healing the child.

With a smile, Ardyne approached Alia and said, "I think she's ready for us to help fix her hand now. The poor thing. What do we do for her?"