It took Zico al'Sorna a full minute to realize that he had regained his ability to blink. Rapidly, he fluttered his eyelids as stinging tears flood his dusty face. He let out an involuntarily and painful groan, wincing as he took notice that his vocal chords were working again as well. His body ached and he was trembling, his blood a painful torrent as it flowed against the malicious poison in his veins. Slowly and gingerly he lifted a shaking arm and gently grabbed Celosia by the wrist, interrupting her performance of the healing etra. With a sudden jerk, he pulled downwards, causing her to topple over as if he was trying to draw her into an intimate embrace. His other hand folded around her and rested gracefully on the small of her back. Using her as support, he brought his body up a little, bringing him closer to her. He craned his neck slightly, placing his mouth a few inches away from her ear. A warm breathe escaped his lips as he whispered softly to her...

"Your hands are sweaty." And with that, Zico gently pushed her away, releasing another loud groan.

He clenched his eyes shut, his jaw tense as he tried to steady his breathing, the soreness of his muscles almost too overbearing. But slowly he got up even though his body screamed bloody murder with each timeless movement. He ended up in an awkward half-squat-half-standing position, his hands pathetically supporting his upper body on his knees.

Breathing heavily, his body trembling like a newborn deer trying to walk, he craned his neck upwards to face the crowd. Miraculously, his face was unscathed and flawless. He gave a charming smile that dazzled in the sun, his eyes twinkling in pleasure despite his feeble state.

"Why, hello ladies and gents! Zico al'Sorna, delighted to make your acquaintance!"