The Doctor is in

[Navarre]

Navarre approached the guard and stopped a few feet away from him, regarding him with a blank expression, her eyes locked with his. He had obviously seen most of her encounter with Tamaya, but probing him about it would only make her seem suspicious. Though he was only a simple guardsman, he was still in the employ of the government, and she could not afford to make any missteps in their eyes. Even the worker bees were connected to their queen, so she had to show a level of respect.

But it wouldn’t hurt to let the worker bee know when it was in danger of being steppeed on, would it?

Her smile crept back to her face, an undeniable malice tainting its false benevolence. “Always the consummate guardsman! I’ll leave you to your duty. But before I go, I must stress that interrupting others’ private conversations may give the wrong impression. All actions, no matter how insignificant they may seem, have consequences.” She punctuated her warning with an overly sweet grin, then turned back to Tamaya. “If you have no further concerns, I’ll be taking my leave. Expect to hear back from me relatively soon. And do reflect on our conversation in the meantime.”

[Tamaya Ayashe]

Of course it was that man. Oh well, the company was unlikely to get any more unpleasant than it already was. She did not like the way he spoke about "processing" her, though. It made her feel like she was some sort of crude material waiting for the industrial workers.

Keris had appeared from somewhere, and cleared her throat to get attention. "Excuse me, but I really must take Ms. Tamaya back to her room now. You can continue your discussions tomorrow."

Tamaya closed her eyes as Keris took the bed and began to wheel her back to the room. Her leg ached horribly, and she felt so exhausted she worried her heart might just stop beating. Keris, thankfully, didn't say anything on the way back to L-1.

"Do rest now," the attendant said softly as she parked the bed back to its place. "Someone will be around later to check on you."

Tamaya gave a weak smile in response. As Keris left, she stared blankly at the white ceiling.

I'm in so much trouble.

[Fathia Asim Mahiri]

Fathia had just met Christina and already she liked the woman. In fact, this was the best trip to the hospital she could remember in a long time. Everyone was being so friendly and nice, and best of all there was no needles, no tests and no one poking and prodding her or trying to shine light into her eyes.

"Oh, sweetie..." Christina breathed out in her kindest voice, "Guardsman Tasza has already gone off to get that Shifter in the other room. I can give that to him for you, if you'd like?"

"Thank you," she said as she handed over her treat. "Can you also thank the nice doctor for me and make sure the kind lady who came here with me is feeling better."

"Of course. Would you like me to take you home now?"

Fathia took the woman's hand and let herself be led out of the hospital. They headed out into the street and made their way north east, passed the temple and down Main Street. The bells rang out their mid-afternoon toll. Birds chirped as they flew overhead and the warm sun could be felt just over their left shoulders. People could be heard shuffling from one store to the next as they went about their midday shopping.

She knew exactly where she was. She knew how many steps it would take her to get to her father's shop. She knew how many minutes it would take to get there. However, she continued to let herself be led. It was nice having somebody to walk with. Fathia could talk about all the little things she noticed when she walked down the street and Christina simply listened. She was a good listener. A part of her suspected the woman might not have been as interested as she was about the different sounds and smells of Main Street, but she didn't interrupt to stop her, so Fathia kept on.

"There," she said as she pointed in the proximal direction that the modest little bakery should be. She could smell wafts of fresh yeast and baking bread in the oven as the scent drifted out the open door and into the street. "My father's shop is there."

Then, she led Christina into the shop to introduce her to her father. Asim was a kind older man with a smile so wide it threatened to devour the rest of his face. His dark skin stretched to reveal many wrinkles and lines of age that covered most his body; and yet when he saw his daughter enter the shop escorted by a nurse, he was quick on his feet to greet the two of them.

"Fathia, I trust you haven't been causing any trouble for this woman?" his tone was both firm and friendly at the same time.

"Yes, father. This kind nurse brought me here after seeing to a sick woman I met in the park. She has been very nice to me."

Asim shooed his daughter into the kitchen to go and clean herself and make up some lunch. Meanwhile, he repeatedly thanked Christina, shook her hand with his flour-covered one and offered her an assortment of freshly baked goods for having helped his daughter.

[Soneya]

Before Keris could reply to Soneya’s question, the doctor already came into the room and with a shrug and a smile, the nurse left to continue her work elsewhere, presumably wheeling yet another patient one way or another. When the girl looked up at the doctor in charge, her eyes narrowed ever so slightly.

It wasn’t that she was displeased by the appearance of Doctor Sehkhara in her room. The woman had to be good otherwise she wouldn’t be working in the hospital anymore, and much less be as respected as she was, for an elf, but what made Soneya uncomfortable was that she was an elf. Their kind was involved with magic, and magic was something Soneya did not want to have anywhere near her. She didn’t want anything to do with it.

But she also knew that there were quite a lot of people in the hospital at the moment and waiting for Doctor Michael with this many patients was going to take a while. She didn’t want to be a bother to anyone here, and she also didn’t want to stay longer than was necessary. In fact, she was hoping that after the examination was over she would quite simply be sent home again. As usual. There wasn’t anything to be done. They hadn’t figured it out before, they weren’t going to figure it out now, so they might just as well just let her go again.

Thus, she reluctantly nodded at Doctor Sehkhara and muttered: “I don’t mind.” The headache was dulling down to a bearable pain, throbbing and annoying, and always present, but it wasn’t making her completely useless anymore to form even the tiniest thoughts. She really hoped her focus would be enough to answer all the doctor’s questions and live through the examination without throwing up.

Hopefully the exam would be quick. Maybe she could catch another glimpse of Guard Sinuvarakoon before he left the hospital. Only so she could thank him. Obviously.

[Darrik]

It was a bedraggled and somewhat damp dwarf guard who tromped up to Marn Hospital. Darrik had to acknowledge that, as days went, this had been a pretty damn rough one. The only silver lining was that he was the only one who'd suffered wounds in the process of the day's sewer patrol, and that he'd managed to get rid of one of the abominations before common sense dictated an orderly retreat.

The hospital's staff were greeted by a cologne of sewage and Darrik's array of minor injuries. The leather of his right sleeve had darkened slightly where blood seeped from puncture wounds. His left sleeve was a slashed and bloody mess up by his shoulder where claws had left long, shallow lacerations. Blood was dripping freely from his left ear and jaw where claws had also found purchase. The dwarf guard greeted whoever came to meet him with a crisp salute and a laconic "Had a slightly rough day during sewer patrol." Dropping the salute, Darrik added "Darrik Meathandler, City Guard. Apologies for the smell, but I could probably use a bit of patching up and Doc Seventri's got his hands full."

[Sinuvarakoon Tasza]

Unease did not make nice with the stress and strain the day had already provided. Tasza felt a sinking feeling, a sense that he should have . . . done what? He had done everything he was supposed to do. There wasn't anything he could have changed, not and discharged his duty. Tasza always played by the rules. That did not mean everyone else did. Women. Especially elite women, they delighted in flaunting how far above the law they were. In that moment with that single, simple smile, Navarre fully embodied those women. The sinking feeling turned sharply in his gut, and a shiver crawled up his back. He almost spasmed with the resulting itch. It clawed at him painfully, a command more than a suggestion, ticking at his brain until he could do naught else but shift restlessly under her evil little smile.

"My apologies ma'am," Tasza said, though the words came out gruff and low. He didn't trouble to clear his throat, but the urge -- like the itching -- was bothersome. He was sweating again.

He gave a slight bow to Navarre before following Keris and Tamaya's bed back to her room. It was galling. It was an awful situation, but he had no choice. The thought didn't make him feel better; it never did. He stood apart from Tamaya's bed, silent and stewing as he considered the pang of fear Navarre had inspired. He wanted to go back on beat. He had been given an assignment elsewhere, so until he could file a complaint after shift he was stuck with Tamaya and the hospital, and the unbearable itch. He clenched his jaw, and re-resolved to wait.

[Metarie]

Exam Room Four

As Soneya eyed her through narrowed eyes, Ree retained her polite smile and professional demeanor. Finally, the girl nodded at her and agreed to allow Ree to be her physician for this visit. Ree nodded and moved forward to make note of Soneya’s vital information. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary except for the debilitating headaches and none of the medications tried previously seemed to diminish them. Ree stepped back made notes in Soneya’s patient profile.

“Miss Soneya, it appears we have tried every standard test and medical option available to us. In looking at your family history, it seems straightforward. What I find curious is the name similarity to the young Elf woman outside. I am left wondering if some other historical information is missing. Perhaps some detail considered insignificant or perhaps some information unknown to you.”

Ree looked down at the page upon which she had made notes. Granted, it is possible to have the same last name as someone else, but when it crossed species lines other avenues of inquiry should be investigated.

“I won’t keep you today, but I do have two choices for you. The first is this…” Ree pulled a small diary out of her pocket. “Keep records. Detailed records of every incident relating to your headaches – from the severity, who is around you, what is around you, what you are doing, to where you are when you experience them. Be meticulous in your note taking and delve further into your familial history. Headaches like yours usually have triggers. Return your diary to me after a month’s time for review.”

Ree finished making her notes in Soneye’s file, noting the diary, the instructions, and the offer for a magic-based physical examination. She closed the file and looked at Soneya.

“The second option is to allow a more holistic examination, using the less mundane methods and skills I possess.” Ree suspected the woman would choose the former over the latter, but she wanted to offer the option all the same.

[Darrik]

Front Desk

Michael kept his game face on when the dwarven Guardsman stumped into the Hospital. “Sewer. I see. I’m Dr. Michael. No need to apologize, man. We’ve seen and smelt it all. Exam Room Six for you.” Michael gestured toward the room. It was farther back and on the left side of the hospital.

Michael waited for the dwarf to move toward the room before continuing to speak. “Just so you know, I’ll need to clean the lacerations and cuts with antiseptic and antibacterials. Depending on how you obtained them will determine if further action is needed." Darrik nodded "Right you are, Michael. Let's get this done so's I can get back t'work." The dwarf guard chuckled "It won't be the scratches that hurt most by the end of the day, doc, it'll be the bloody paperwork waitin' for me at the fort." The doctor added "Looks like I might need to do some stitching on your earlobe. Certainly we'll need to staunch the wound there at a minimum."

Darrik smiled "Damn. So much for me pretty face. Tragedies accrue, don't they? You do what needs t'be done, doc. You'll get no fuss out of me. Ain't the first time I've needed stitches, but last time was likely when you was but a lad. Never lost focus with a bonin' knife again, I tell you." Hylde had also learned not to distract a butcher mid cut, but to this day he felt it had been worth the sacrifice of a bit of blood and the hassle of stitches and bandages given the amount of mothering Hylde had given him the rest of that week. Damn, how he missed her.

Michael acknowledged Darrik's quip with a polite smile and nod. The dwarf guard did not appear to be suffering from massive blood loss, considering his demeanour, but Michael would keep an eye on the dwarf as they walked. "You'll need to get out of your gear for a proper examination." Darrik chuckled in response "I'll be almost happy to burn th'damn gear, doc, if I didn't know that'd make the smell worse. I brought a change of clothes in the hopes and expectations that I'd be able to get out of that stinking lacerated mess of leather." The dwarf hefted the small sack he carried and added "Just please tell me there's a blimmin' shower."

Dr. Michael confirmed that, yes, Exam Room Six was one of the rooms fitted with a shower apparatus. Blood drips were not a problem, either. The staff really had seen quite a lot, and cleaning up after a bloodied patient was not unusual.


Exam Room Six

Dr. Michael ushered Darrik into the examination room and advised "Well sir, I know you are keen to have a shower, but I must insist on an examination first, in case preliminary stitching needs to be performed as a matter of priority. If you would please remove your garments, we can begin." Michael gestured to a bench where the clothing could be placed, and a stool for the dwarf to seat himself on for ease of inspection. Darrik complied without a fuss, removing first his breastplate and gorget, then carefully unhooking the catches on the leather tunic he used for sewer duties. The dwarf guard furrowed his brow when his left shoulder stung in protestation. Dr. Michael, noticing the slight shift in expression when the dwarf pulled the leather away from the shoulder, noted that the left shoulder and ear would likely require the most attention.

Darrik removed his cotton undershirt, now soaked in sweat and streaks of blood, to reveal the early signs of massive bruising along the left side of his ribcage. The barrelchested dwarf next removed his wading boots, belt, leather breeches and undergarments, placing them on the bench Michael had indicated. Darrik sat himself down and thumbed his jawline as he glanced towards the inviting appearance of the shower. "Right you are then, Doc. Anything worse than it looks, or is it just scratches?" As dwarves went, Darrik was as close to peak physical condition as a dwarf could get, thanks to life in the guard and access to some of the best meat in Marn.

Darrik sat uncomplaining as Dr. Michael made his inspection, the only signs of discomfort a pursing of the dwarfs lips or clenching of his toes. The dwarf's diet left his muscles covered in a layer of subcutaneous fat which, thankfully, seemed to have born the brunt of whatever had made it past the thick leather garment to claw incisions in his left shoulder. The gorget had left welts where it had pressed against the dwarf's neck under the pressure of whatever had assaulted him. Fortunate really, Michael thought to himself, as the incised wounds which trailed blood from the dwarf's jaw and ear were rather vicious. The gorget had likely preserved the integrity of the dwarf's arteries. The puncture wounds in the right arm were a worry, given the location the dwarf obtained them. The contusion pattern surrounding the punctures made it clear that something non-human had bitten the guard, and Michael ran down the list of the likely shots he'd have to give the dwarf, just to be on the safe side. The contusions on the dwarf's ribcage spoke of a heavy impact, with sharp lines where the breastplate had dug into the dwarf's flesh as a result. "Nearly done with the basic examination, sir, and I think that you can safely take a shower first before we get to patching you up. However, if we're to avoid infections in those wounds, you will need to apply a vinegar wash."

Darrik nodded and interjected "...which will sting like a nest o'wasps have taken a personal interest in me. My silly fault for getting scratched up in the first place, really. Vinegar or no vinegar, the sooner I've cleaned off the rest of the muck, the sooner I'll start to feel like a proper citizen again." The dwarf chuckled "Reckon you're probably wonderin' when's the polite time to tell me y'going to jab a bunch of needles in me, Doctor. Well, you won't be getting no fuss from me. You do what you need to do to keep me goin' about my job, right? A bit o'pain tells a bloke that there's a lesson t'be learned if he's smart about it."

Dr. Michael added "The vinegar wash will, however, help to remove the smell better than a simple water shower. I shall prepare the necessary precautionary shots while you shower, sir. When you have finished with the general wash you may wear your trousers, but I will need to give some closer attention to your arm, shoulder, jaw, and ear. Darrik nodded "Right you are." Darrik was glad that the sound of the shower was louder than the surprised hiss when the water made contact with his wounded flesh. Darrik stubbornly endured the discomfort in the name of cleanliness. When it came to the vinegar wash, Dr Michael's expectations were rewarded with a muttered stream of mild curses as Darrik put in every effort to remove as much trace of the sewer stink from him as he possibly could. The dwarf's determined efforts prompted Michael to caution Darrik to be careful with his left jawline and ear, and avoid making the damage worse before Michael began applying the sutures.

Time seemed to pass slowly, in Darrik's estimation, while Doctor Michael carefully and efficiently cleaned his wounds, applied sutures to his ear, and administered several shots of liquids whose names Darrik was never going to be able to recall. When the ordeal was over, the wounds dressed and Darrik in his change of clothes, the dwarf thanked the doctor "Much obliged, Michael. Things're too damn busy right now for me t'let a few scratches slow me up. So I appreciate th'good work."

Michael accepted the thanks "Of course, guardsman. It's what we are here for. Please also take this Parikethanol. It's only a 200mg dosage, but it will assist with suppressing any inflammation of your wounds while healing and assist somewhat with reducing the discomfort. Please do not scratch or poke at your jaw or ears, as you may tear out the sutures." A tablet and cup of water was placed before Darrik, who dutifully downed the tablet with a mouthful of water. "Cheers, doc. Mind if I use your shower to give my breastplate and gorget a proper clean afore I leave? Won't take too long." Darrik would have to work more on them at home, of course, especially to ensure there was no risk of rust setting in. Doctor Michael nodded "Of course. I will check back in a few minutes. It has been a busy day, so I might use this opportunity to make sure the front desk hasn't been overrun already."

Half an hour later, Darrik had washed off his wading boots, leather breeches, breastplate and gorget. The shirt and leather tunic would have to be discarded, and he asked Dr. Michael if he could prevail upon the hospital to dispose of those items beyond repaid. Not long afterwards, Darrik was back on the streets of Marn and mentally preparing himself for the paperwork to come.

[Soneya]

Soneya eyed Doctor Sehkhara, strangely wondering whether the woman was serious about that second option or merely joking. Would she actually, really think that Soneya would let magic be used on her? Even if it was for medical purposes?

No way.

“I’ll take the first option, thank you very much.” The reply may have been slightly more snippy than she had intended but she was really not feeling comfortable with the doctor’s suggestion and she suddenly wanted to get out of there very, very quickly.

“I shall bring the journal back to you in a month’s time. Hopefully you’ll be able to figure out a pattern, because I can’t explain why this keeps happening. It’s... tiring, you know?” And just like that, Soneya wasn’t mad at Metarie anymore for suggesting magic. She realised that the doctor meant well. She’d known it before too but it was just incredibly hard to avoid her reluctance of anything magical.

“I hope you’ll be able to help me, especially since all other exams haven’t seemed to bring any light into this.” She still couldn’t fathom what the trigger might be but she wasn’t against trying new methods either, which in turn made her wonder if she was too stubborn or too stupid, or maybe just too scared, to try Doctor Sehkhara’s other option.

“What exactly would this holistic examination entail? Just for curiosity’s sake.” Her fear was plain in her voice and her demeanour but she wanted to know nevertheless. Not that she would accept it, definitely not, but she would like to know what were to happen to anyone who subjected themselves to such an examination.

[Metarie]

“I’ll take the first option, thank you very much.”

Ree nodded in understanding with a smile full of awareness. It wasn't a sad smile, but it wasn't a happy one either. Discrimination was a very real thing and she'd been exposed to quite a bit of it today.

“I shall bring the journal back to you in a month’s time. Hopefully you’ll be able to figure out a pattern, because I can’t explain why this keeps happening. It’s... tiring, you know?”

"I can imagine it is. I have had very bad headaches in the past, to the point where all I could do was curl up in a darkened room and pray for sleep to come." Sympathy quickly overwrote any other expressions she might have let slip.

“I hope you’ll be able to help me, especially since all other exams haven’t seemed to bring any light into this.”

Ree nodded again. "I cannot express the importance of the details. The details are where we will find clues."

“What exactly would this holistic examination entail? Just for curiosity’s sake.”

Normally, Ree would have reached for her patient's hand and held it to offer further comfort, but she did not want to make the woman feel more fear in her presence. The fact that someone might be afraid of her at all hurt her heart, though she was professional enough not to show it. Instead, she offered the kindest smile she could.

"For the first part, the patient sits there while I look at them. For the second, I may hold my hands near to them for more detailed diagnostics. In those instances, I have been told it feels like being wrapped in warm blanket and surrounded by a golden glow."

[Soneya]

Nodding, Soneya was glad for Metarie’s understanding where the headaches were concerned. Too many people did not understand how much a migraine could disable any normal functions of the body, how much it affected even the most normal movements and gestures.

She listened intently to the description the doctor gave of the procedure and was honestly surprised at how harmless it all sounded. “You only look at them? And just by looking or holding your hands near them you could tell what is wrong with them?”

It sounded so... surreal and almost... comfortable. But that couldn’t be right, could it? It was magic after all. Magic did not feel good. She had experienced that herself. Magic did not feel good. And just like that, she was sure that she wasn't going to try that procedure, at least not if it could be helped. She didn't trust magic, even if it did seem like it was harmless enough. But not all things were as they seemed. Yet another thing Soneya had learned the hard way. She wasn't going to run the risk.

“Thank you for the clarification, Doctor Sehkhara. But I think I will stick with the journal for now. And I will try to remember to put as many details as I can.” Soneya attempted a smile but wasn’t sure it came across as warm as it should have. She still felt unwell with the headache and insecure with regards to Metarie but at least the fear seemed to have disappeared a little.

[Metarie]

Ree nodded once more.

"Yes, it really is just like that. It is not invasive at all." Ree almost, almost felt hopeful the girl would allow it, but she was not going to force things. That would be wrong and could get her in trouble.

"Of course! Please do. If something comes up between now and then, please feel free to visit us again. I know we haven't found a solution, but certainly something to help you sleep might be of use. Other than that, you are free to go. Good luck."

Ree opened the door and gestured toward it for Soneya to exit.

[Soneya]

Not invasive at all. It sounded like that was true, but Soneya didn’t completely trust this, no matter what it sounded like, quite simply because it involved magic. She wasn’t going to point this out to the doctor however. There was no need for an argument over this. They both knew they had different opinions on the matter without this needing to be stated out loud.

“Thank you for everything, doctor Sehkhara.” Following the invitation of Metarie, Soneya proceeded out the door with a polite nod and a smile for the doctor, quickening her pace as she hurried toward the exit of the hospital.

Fresh air would do her good. The longer she was in the hall, the more she felt like the walls were pressing down on her and she desperately wanted to get out of the hospital. Oh, how she disliked that place.

Clutching the journal to her chest, Soneya finally reached the outdoors and instantly stopped to take a deep breath, instantly feeling a little bit better. Of course, then she remembered that the doctor had mentioned something to help her sleep, so she reluctantly returned inside to consult with the receptionist on this matter, but as soon as she could, she was out the door again and heading back towards her errands, which were now way overdue. In this respect, it was almost a good thing that she had been to the hospital as she now had a means to proof why it had taken her so long to complete her duties, otherwise she might be reprimanded for the fact that she had spent quite a bit of time away from work. Though she wasn’t quite sure whether she should really consider this visit to her advantage.

With her headache still present, but a small glimmer of hope as to a possible solution for this problem, Soneya hurried away from the hospital, ignoring her pain and rushing to fulfil her duties.

[Navarre]

Navarre remained in the lounge after the other two left, a small smile gracing her lips. All things considered, she had made a good deal of progress today – she found not only Guile's support, but a useful mouthpiece for her propaganda as well. The only real disappointment was that she didn't have an opportunity to speak at length with Metarie, whose support would have made her rise to power even more likely. Perhaps a personalized invitation to her table at the gala would sway her opinion. She would have preferred having the conversation with Metarie before the party itself, but thanks to Tamaya that was no longer an option.

Speaking of Tamaya, she was already coming up with wonderful plans for the girl. They were going to have quite a time together. She needed a new assistant ever since Derrin decided to disappear in the middle of her plans.

She started toward the exit, hoping to catch a glimpse of Metarie on her way out, even though she knew she wouldn't. Metarie had been attending to that girl as she was on her way to meet Tamaya, and she doubted Metarie would have finished with her so soon. Perhaps she could nab Metarie on the way out of the examination room if it was nearby. But what room did Metarie send the girl to? Navarre reflected on the moments before she left to see Tamaya. Metarie said something about introductions to the girl, something about...

The world stopped around her.

“Vesurian,” she whispered to herself. “Doctor Sehkhara mentioned that girl was a Vesurian.

She had been so focused on her frustration with Tamaya that she hadn't paid much attention to the reference, but she remembered Metarie did indeed say Vesurian. Had she overlooked some part of Isyrion's family before the transfer? Isyrion and her father were supposed to have been the last, at least according to Alexander. Noticing her breathing had hastened, she closed her eyes and calmed herself. There was no way the girl had known Isyrion beforehand, otherwise Metarie wouldn't have mentioned introductions. Her identity was safe. But she did need to find out more about this girl. If she could locate her before the gala, she would invite her and have a few words with her. If not, she could always find out from Metarie.

Gathering herself, she stepped outside, Modestine still lingering behind her. She'd mention the girl to Alexander, but it was nothing worth fretting over. Navarre's smile returned. The time of her ascension was fast approaching, and she needed to prepare.

[Metarie]

Soneya continues here: http://www.tharshaddin.com/rp/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=3317