[ He grits his teeth, staring down the horror in stubborn defiance. It isn't the worst he's seen. Nothing can surpass what he's seen in so many thousands of years of living, real or otherwise. However, will he cut them off to save himself? He can feel it sinking into his arm, crawling beneath his own skin like a tumour.
He has to make a split second decision.
I can do it, I can take it.
An old soul like him, capable of handling more aether back home than any single one of the Source's greatest mages could ever dream of, capable of walking on even when burdened with the weight of duty and despair over some twelve thousand years: he forces his other hand up and fires a loud explosion above him to alert any and all who might be nearby. It can serve as a warning; it can serve as a beacon calling for help. But as soon as he gets it off, he suddenly stops resisting and drags everything he can out of the two strangers into himself. ]
LOUD EXPLOSION SET OFF HERE
He has to make a split second decision.
I can do it, I can take it.
An old soul like him, capable of handling more aether back home than any single one of the Source's greatest mages could ever dream of, capable of walking on even when burdened with the weight of duty and despair over some twelve thousand years: he forces his other hand up and fires a loud explosion above him to alert any and all who might be nearby. It can serve as a warning; it can serve as a beacon calling for help. But as soon as he gets it off, he suddenly stops resisting and drags everything he can out of the two strangers into himself. ]