 |
 |
 |
 |
| John Crowley | Elijah McMurran | Joel Marsetti | Nicholas Romolo |
John: Still yet, he dogs him, figuring that Elijah is waiting for an opening before striking. Once more, a swing at his son, directed more towards his hands than anything. Has cause a hiccup somehow, considering that his only small advantage was being underestimated.
Elijah: Step back and HARD PARRY, though at the end of John's blade. No doubt he's using his full power now and quite focused.
John: Takes him for a bit of a surprise and finds himself giving a bit of ground, though also sees this as his own chance… and seems to stagger a little, causing his own eyes to widen with shock, as if the blow had truly caused dismay and broke his defense. Trickery.
Elijah: More on his guard since he was tricked last time and not so quick to strike. Instead pulls back, circling again fleet-footed.
John: Keeps the act up, making it seem as though it takes a little longer for him to get his act together, though he inwardly mutters to himself that it didn't work. Instead of letting himself be circled, he merely begins to circle the other way. Not about to let his back be exposed now that Elijah has gotten serious.
Elijah: Keeps this circling up, though not getting too far away, eyes calculating John's movements.
John: Also seems to be trying to get a feel for Elijah's movements. A large part of his stratagem is to capitalize on his strengths while simultaneously exploiting his enemies' weaknesses. Doesn't see where he has the advantage anymore though, not possessing any sort of supernatural gift. Still, he remains on the defensive instead of driving an attack.
Elijah: Suddenly moves in close to strike!
John: At least saw that coming, and quickly brings up his guard!
Elijah: Their swords meet and quickly pulls away, though strangely not far enough for John's sword not to be in reach.
John: Smells a feint in that. Instead of swinging again with the intent of attacking Elijah, he swings for the fences directly at Elijah's blade, his hand in the gauntlet loosening it's grip subtly once again.
Elijah: A rather weak parry on his part! But manages to pull their blades apart once more, stumbling back a bit.
John: Don't even think you're going to get me with that. Moves with him, continuing to swing at the sword, rather than Elijah, hoping to knock it aside for just a moment. I mean, c'mon… I just TRIED that on you!
Elijah: Their swords do indeed meet again.
John: Instead of moving to swing again, he does his level best to keep his sword pinned to Elijah's and takes a quick step forward, gauntlet-ed hand off of his grip, and actually attempts a swing at Elijah's cheek.
Elijah: Flinches, but makes no move to stop John's gauntlet…
John: Trying to keep Elijah's blade occupied with his own so he could close into hand-to-hand range, which would make using a sword rather difficult. With no move made to avoid it, the strong, be-gauntlet punch meets Elijah's cheek. Instead of asking if he's okay, he presses onward, turning to his side to shove his at least superior weight into Elijah roughly.
Elijah: Ahmmm… Taken down, even collapsing under John's weight and sinks to the floor.
John: That was definitely a surprise. Not a glorified one, either. …Elijah?
Elijah: Mmm… Just sinks completely into the floor, as though he's melted into its very particles and no where to be seen…
John: Actually staring at the floor in horror. Elijah! If this is a feint, he is going to be very angry.
Elijah: After about a minute, materializes back… dropped his sword anyway when he went to pieces… Continues to sit on the floor. I surrender…
John: Just looks relieved to see his son is there. Was about ready to claw at the ground. Throws his sword to the side, and kneels down. Elijah…! Are you alright…? What's wrong…?
Elijah: Laughs a little. I'm alright… Just turned out to not be a good time for a sword fight… Gives his father a reassuring smile. Though I'd like a rematch sometime.
John: … Sighs in relief, at least in hearing that he's alright. If Elijah is particularly perceptive, he'll have noticed there is blood on the ground, particularly where they have dueled. Alright… some other time.
Elijah: Stays on the ground, so he does spot the blood. …What happened?
John: Hm…? Oh, that. Starting to sting a bit now that his mind isn't focused. Removes the gauntlet, though it takes a moment, since it was securely fastened to his hand. A rather large cut is noticeable where he had gripped the sword earlier, with rivulets of blood trailing down the front. When it's discarded, it reveals a large cut, matching the gauntlets, though it's still oozing blood.
Elijah: Winces. That's not good… You should go to the infirmary…
John: I will… and you should come with me. I'm worried about you.
Elijah: Mm. I'll try… Stands carefully, seems like he's focusing quite hard.
John: Stands as well, offering his arm to him for support.
Elijah: Laughs. You need it more than me… Walks slowly.
John: Survived worse than this.
Elijah: Smiles at his father.
John: Smiles back to him. His paycheck is going to be ruined by the blood that is dropping on the floor as they walk. Really bleeding quite profusely.
Elijah: Stop…
John: Does so. Elijah, we need to get you to the infirmary. You don't look well.
Elijah: The infirmary's not going to help me. Takes off his shirt and rips it into strips… thankfully just a simple one. Starts to wrap the strips tightly around his father's hand.
John: That only hurts like hell. Winces a little bit at it, but allows him to do so. …I'm fine, Elijah… The doctor can fix that up…
Elijah: You're bleeding all over the rugs…
John: …Heh… oh… Been bleeding like that since his hand left the blade. Feeling the blood loss now.
Elijah: Does know how to bandage wounds at least and finishes up on John's hand, hoping that eases the bleeding as well and John doesn't faint CAUSE NO ONE CAN CARRY HIM. I wouldn't try grabbing other people's blades anymore, Dad.
John: I've done that maneuver before. Didn't harm me then, though I've never had to use it on someone with your physical might.
Elijah: Yeah, that's why you don't use it unless you really have to. Or you'll end up with no fingers next time. Lecturing.
John: Heh. Told you I wasn't going to hold back, didn't I?
Elijah: Rolls his eyes. Your life's not in danger in that sort of situation. Lecture.
John: I know. Heh… Does this mean I can brag to the men that I've stared down Quintessence and beat the sword master in a duel? Obviously joking, which is strange, since his jests are usually very deadpan.
Elijah: If you want to… Starts walking again.
John: Walking again, though is beginning to stray to the wall. Hah… I didn't win that duel.
Elijah: Dad…? Maybe you should just sit down…
John: I'm fine. Still walking, though he's using a hand to support himself on the wall. Unfortunately it's the one that's bandaged.
Elijah: Let's switch… Helps his father switch sides of the hallway.
John: Looks at the wall as they switch. …Sorry about that.
Elijah: What?
John: For punching you.
Elijah: It's alright.
John: It's not… I mean… well… I thought you were feinting… so, I'm sorry. Lightheaded, but at least not bleeding so much anymore.
Elijah: Oh… No… It's just the mental stress, and I haven't slept, and being with the Demons and Demi poking me with his sword… Making it difficult to keep myself together… as you saw… I just need some rest.
John: Nods a little dully. Yes… You need rest.
Elijah: You do, too.
John: I'll be fine… just need to get to the infirmary… Slouching a little bit. No more adrenaline to hinge on anymore. …Son?
Elijah: Yes?
John: …Not sure if it's supposed to be an out-of-family… or friend thing… but… Well… When my child is born… and if anything were to happen to us… me and Jessica… well… would you be the godfather?
Elijah: …Of course… But don't say that… Nothing's going to happen to you or Mom.
John: …Future's a strange thing. A little sullenly, though he's soon moving faster along the wall, realizing that he very well could faint if he didn't get to the infirmary.
Elijah: I hope we're close. Frowns at his father's words. …
John: Does notice the frown. …You'd agree, I take it…
Elijah: I guess. Still frowning. Why ask me to be your child's godfather?
John: Because… I trust you… You're a great father… and I know you could teach my child how to be a good person… teach him how to be a man if it's a boy… I know you'd take care of it with all of your heart.
Elijah: … Blushes a little. Thank you… but… I mean… I don't have a wife or anything…
John: That's fine… He would still be in good hands… A little quieter. Forgets to call the child 'it'. …You know, if it wasn't for you I wouldn't even be here…
Elijah: I could say the same.
John: Heh… No you couldn't… I know you… you could have done fine without me… but I can't say the same for me…
Elijah: Heh… I think I know me better… I needed… someone… A father, I guess… And you were there for me… You gave me guidance. Maybe you weren't perfect, but… It was enough that you cared and looked out for me. Set me back on the right path. You're part of the reason I am who I am today… Part of the reason I'm a good father.
John: You're right… you do know you better than I do… guess we can call ourselves even again. Chuckles a little bit, and to the floor he goes. At least in the hallway of the infirmary.
Elijah: Dad? Sinks down to see if he's still conscious.
John: Out like a light. Not in any fatal danger, though, unless someone leaves him there for a few hours.
Elijah: To the infirmary he runs, stumbling a bit since his legs aren't wanting to stay together. Makes it to the door. Doctors?
Joel: …And it was disgusting, since it literally shot halfway across the room.
Nick: Looks mildly disturbed. Oh, Elijah… It's been awhile… It's not Adam, is it?
Elijah: M-My father… His hand's cut… he passed out.
Joel: He passed out from a cut on his hand? Can't help but morbidly imagine a paper cut that bleeds like a geyser.
Nick: Didn't know he was so squeamish about blood. Stands up. Where is he?
Elijah: Frown. Shut up, okay? Turns to walk out. I guess that means hes going to lead Nick there.
Nick: Geez…
Joel: He's adopted and he still takes after John. Stands as well. Has to see this one.
Elijah: Does indeed lead them to John… not particularly quickly since he's walking like he's trudging through sand or heavy snow or something.
Nick: Not gonna ask why Mr. Snappy Pants is walking like that.
Joel: Following as well, would ask, but is wondering if Elijah IS adopted. Figured that he is, but his son is still a McMurran, so maybe he's not? But the rest are? Straaaange.
Elijah: As he makes it to his father… his particles separate again and is GONE.
Joel: …Well, then…
Nick: …Is he a ghost?
Joel: …Possibly… Looks over his shoulder in a paranoid fashion.
Nick: … To John he goes…
John: Bandage has bled through.
Nick: Lugs him onto his back and removes the bandages, then gets to healing the wound with magic.
Joel: Observes. Hm. That laceration was quite deep… Looks like he forgot which end of the sword to hold. Laaaughs.
Nick: Don't say that… Looks around. Continues his healing.
Joel: Or what? I'm not afraid of him. While he's unconscious.
Nick: Eliiijah…
Joel: …It was just a joke. I have nothing but respect for Mr. Crowley. Said a bit loudly, so Elijah could overhear if he indeed is a spooky ghost.
Nick: Panting a bit… healed the wound so it's no longer bleeding. I'll shoooow those Elementals.
Joel: Very well done with that, Nick! He completely healed it! Sounds like it took a bit out of him though. We could have just bandaged it the rest of the way, though.
Nick: Rolls his eyes and stands up once he's caught his breath. Now who's going to get him to the infirmary?
Joel: …Don't look at me. The guy's huge.
Nick: We'll each take an end, old man.
Joel: Alright then… bachelor.
Nick: Frowns, but is nice enough to take the shoulders.
Joel: Takes the legs then.
Nick: Carts him to the infirmary and gets him to a bed. …Phew… Could lay off his wife's desserts a bit.
Joel: Tell me about it. Rotates his shoulders a bit. We should have just asked Trajedie to do it, see if she could drag him in.
Nick: We dismissed her hours ago. And you don't seriously think that shrimpy little girl could carry him.
Joel: Oh, I don't… but I think watching her try would be hilarious.
Nick: Just sighs and sits down to sip at tea.
Joel: Sits down as well. Oh, come now! You know it would be funny. Let an old man have a laugh.
Nick: Sorry… Think I'm coming down with something.
Joel: You do? What's the matter then? Nausea? Feverish? Occasional chills?
Nick: Eh, I think it's the flu. It's been going around town.
Joel: I… see. Sets his tea aside quickly. What? I don't want to get sick.
Nick: Bit difficult around all these sick people, ya think?
Joel: True. Guess I should knuckle up a bit. Our charming little man-catcher didn't seem bothered by it today anyhow. I wouldn't want to be more frightened of patients than the nurse.
Trajedie: Whistled while she worked today. And all dimply smiles too!
Nick: Um, Joel…
Joel: Yes, Nick?
Nick: Ah, never mind.
Joel: None of that, now. What is it? Come on, you can talk to me.
Nick: I thought better of it.
Joel: You should think again, then. Come on.
Nick: Eh, just gonna take some time off of work.
Joel: You are? Stress getting to you?
Nick: Yeah, it really is.
Joel: Don't blame you a bit, what with what has happened in the past few days
Nick: Sigh.
Joel: I don't think that's it, though.
Nick: Yeah, it's stressful. Sips tea. Got Elementals popping up everywhere, that crazy guy over there trying to blow us all to Hell.
Joel: Takes his tea back and sips it as well. Yes, life certainly has been… interesting. Look at it this way, though. How many people can claim to have seen an Elemental?
Nick: Very few.
Joel: You see? I mean, sure it was frightening. Think I have a few more gray hairs myself, but we actually got to SEE them.
Nick: You've been going on about it at your wife's dinner parties, have you?
Joel: Well… Yes. I do the nice thing and not mention the whole… erm… Hiding under the table incident.
Nick: Thanks. I see I'm never invited to your parties.
Joel: Oh, don't be that way. Do you really want to hang out with a bunch of graying old men and women?
Nick: No, I guess not. Sips tea.
Joel: See? Besides, your mother is there sometimes, too.
Nick: Yeah. I see her enough.
Joel: So do I.
Nick: You don't live with her.
Joel: Which I am thankful for.
Nick: Sigh. Sips tea.
Joel: I haven't told you the good news yet, have I?
Nick: What's that?
Joel: Got a response to the ad.
Nick: Who is it?
Joel: The name is Fay Le'Voures. Sounds promising.
Nick: Doesn't seem particularly excited, just sips tea.
Joel: Takes note! Alright, what is it?
Nick: What?
Joel: I just dropped the not-too-subtle hint that the ad for the 'pretty little elf' was just responded to.
Nick: Oh. Have you seen her, then?
Joel: Well… No. She apparently lives in Elf Haven. How she got the ad really baffles me.
Nick: Oh well, maybe she can take Trajedie's place.
Joel: …Well… that's an idea.
Nick: Looks behind him to see if John's awake yet.
John: Hasn't stirred. Has been conscious though.
Nick: Can't see his eyes open, so figures he's still out of it. Scratches his chin.
Joel: Do you not like Trajedie?
Nick: Huh? I like her fine, why?
Joel: You just suggested that Fay usurp her position. Would kind of leave her jobless.
Nick: Ah, well, I thought she could apprentice to you.
Joel: I see, well, why couldn't she apprentice to YOU?
Nick: Looks at Joel oddly. …You're older?
Joel: Well, yes. I am. Teaching doesn't = fun to me.
Nick: I was your apprentice.
Joel: That was different.
Nick: How so?
Joel: You're my cousin, and I knew you'd make a good doctor.
Nick: You don't think this Trajedie girl would?
Joel: I don't know. Haven't seen her really do much but clean and tend to little things.
Nick: Shrugs and sighs.
Joel: This must be really getting to you.
Nick: What?
Joel: Your stress. You've been kind of hawing.
Nick: Yeah. Sips tea. And John's probably going to murder us when he finds out Elijah disappeared.
John: …He did what?
Nick: … Sighs very heavily.
John: Sits up. …Sir.
Joel: Occupied with sipping his tea. Very occupied.
Nick: …
Joel: …
John: He disappeared?
Nick: Yes.
John: Nods. I see.
Nick: I'm sorry.
John: It's not your fault. Out of bed he gets.
Nick: Stay in bed.
John: I'll be fine.
Nick: I said stay in bed.
John: And I said that I will be just fine.
Nick: Who's the doctor here?
John: You are.
Nick: I haven't discharged you.
John: I've been fully committed, then?
Nick: You need bed rest. You lost blood and that's made you anemic. I really don't care to have to carry you back here. You're very heavy.
John: …Very well, then. If you would at least do me the favor of getting me one of the guards, I'll remain in bed.
Nick: Sighs and gets up to get a guard for him.
Joel: Follows. Because he's REEL PROUD OF LIL' NICKIE.
Nick: Finds a guard. …John's in the infirmary and would like to see you… Back to the infirmary!
Sam: Follows.
John: Poor Sam.
Sam: Into the infirmary. Sir!
John: Nods. Dr. Romolo tells me that Elijah has disappeared. I only ask that you and at least three more guards search the castle for him.
Sam: Again? Geeez. Sir!
John: When you find him, I wish to be alerted of his status. That is all.
Sam: Yes, Sir! Leaves the infirmary.
John: Settles into bed. …Damn.
Nick: Well, I really hope you consider training Trajedie, Joel.
Joel: It'll be something I'll take into consideration, indeed.
Nick: Nods.
Joel: Try to relax on your time off.
Nick: Yeah, dunno if I'll be coming back. Wouldn't want you to have to run the infirmary by yourself.
Joel: You're thinking of quitting? Looking at him incredulously.
Nick: Nah, just having surgery next week.
Joel: Surgery? On what?
Nick: Brain.
Joel: Your… brain!? Sputters. What… What the hell is wrong with your brain!?
Nick: Oh, well, some would say a lot of things. Sips tea.
Joel: Well, what do you say!?
Nick: Oh, I have a tumor. I'm really surprised my mother didn't tell you.
Joel: I avoided her the entire party.
Nick: Well, there you go then.
Joel: What do you know about the tumor? Where is it located?
Nick: Brain stem.
Joel: Rubs his temples. Can't believe this is happening…
Nick: Sips tea. Why not? Looks at him strangely.
Joel: I guess I can… I thought it wouldn't happen to you.
Nick: Laughs.
Joel: I don't see what's so funny. A brain tumor is serious, and you're just laughing at it.
Nick: Sorry.
Joel: How long have you known?
Nick: Few days?
Joel: You're taking it awfully well.
Nick: I'm a doctor.
Joel: So you know how risky brain surgery can be.
Nick: I do. Sorry I'm not in your capable hands. Don't think you'd want to have to look at your cousin's brain, though. Laughs.
Joel: I'm not comfortable letting anyone cut open your head.
Nick: Laughs and sips tea.
Joel: Sips his tea as well. I know it has to be done, but you're too young to be needing to go through this.
Nick: Oh, come now… I'm an old bachelor.
Joel: You're a young one.
Nick: Heh, all of a sudden, eh?
Joel: I didn't call you old before, did I?
Nick: Eh, I don't remember, actually. Looks behind him to make sure John hasn't snuck off.
John: Stationary.
Joel: What's my middle name?
Nick: Oh, geez, I don't know.
Joel: Frowns.
Nick: What is your middle name?
Joel: Linus.
Nick: Linus.
Joel: Yes. Linus. What's yours?
Nick: Teddy.
Joel: If you can't tell I'm just testing your memory. Sighs.
Nick: Rolls his eyes. I could tell. If I come back, won't be having much luck with Miss What's-Her-Name.
Joel: I was only putting the ad out for you. I'm just going to tell her the position has been filled. Sips his tea.
Nick: Aww, come now… You're going to need extra help with me being gone.
Joel: I'll have you know that I can manage just dandy without some empty-headed little Elf assisting me.
Nick: That's why I told you to train Trajedie and let the empty-headed Elf clean the bed pans.
Joel: Sighs. We'll see.
Nick: Sighs. I'm sorry, Joel.
Joel: It's not like you woke up and thought, 'Well, I think I'll go get some brain cancer now'. You've hardly anything to be sorry for.
Nick: Yeah. Yawns. I just know you've been kinda looking out for me since my dad passed away. Laughs. Sips tea.
Joel: I've always tried to do good by you. Sips his tea again.
Nick: Except Mother who always complained that I should be a doctor like my cousin and not join the theater. Laughs.
Joel: Yeah… Auntie can get on a bend. I didn't mean for my practice to screw up your dreams.
Nick: Eh, it pays better and who knows? I could've been a really terrible actor.
Joel: Laughs. True, and you're a good doctor to boot.
Nick: Smiles a bit.
Joel: I should know, of course.
Nick: Being a good doctor yourself.
Joel: That's right. Joking around, though.
Nick: Yawns. Man, I'm tired.
Joel: I don't doubt it. It's probably morning already.
Nick: Looks at the clock. Yep. And looks at John to make sure he hasn't snuck off.
John: Asleep.
Nick: Goooood.
Joel: Time certainly flies.
Nick: It certainly does. A bit too fast for me. Or perhaps slow… I'd like to go home and have my mother berate me some before, heh.
Joel: Nods a little. If you want to go home and take a day off before your official leave, I can cover for you.
Nick: Eh, it's fine. You're an old man, I should be helping you out.
Joel: Siiips tea. If you insist. I should be thankful I have you here. Knowing this place, I wouldn't be surprised to have a patient wheeled in who happens to be inexplicably growing a second face out of his chest. And it sings to him when he drinks.
Nick: Lauughs! Bet you anything that'll come in tomorrow.
Joel: You jinxed it. Now It'll arrive right when you're coming back. First day back and you're going to have to deal with the singing chest face guy. And because you jinxed it, it'll be Adam.
Nick: Laughs. I bet.
Joel: And our poor nurse won't know which face to kiss.
Nick: Eh, she'll probably be on pregnancy leave by then with his two-headed child.
Joel: Laughs! Ah heh hee… You really think that our regent would be that thick?
Nick: Maybe. Sheltered kid.
Joel: True, did spend most of his time in here. You would have thought that our smarts may have rubbed off on him a little.
Nick: Yeah… You'd think.
Joel: Suppose we should have taken him under our wings a bit. At least he didn't turn out like his father.
Nick: What? Daniel or John?
Joel: John.
Nick: Oh yeah… That is good.
John: …shut up… Mumble, turns. …Dan… Sleep talking.
Nick: …
Joel: … Peeks over his shoulder. Uh…
Nick: I swear that guy'll do me in before this tumor does.
Joel: Had you scared?
Nick: He always does.
Joel: What about him are you afraid of? Sure, he did wholesale throw you that one time, but he hasn't done anything else so far.
Nick: I dunno… Just something beneath the surface… Like something could snap and he'd just kill us all.
Joel: Like if one of his sons were to meet an untimely end? Or any of his kids… or his wife… Jeez. He has so many close relatives that WE should get life insurance in case one of them goes. That way if John does destroy us, our family will be covered.
Nick: Yeah… Laughs.
Joel: …You're serious about that, though, aren't you?
Nick: Huh? Rubs his temple.
Joel: About John going ape-y and killing us.
Nick: Oh, I dunno. I guess he's an okay guy.
Joel: But you just said a bit ago that underneath he's liable to snap.
Nick: Sigh.
Joel: Stare.
Nick: What?
Joel: Just weird shift of opinion.
Nick: I have a headache.
Joel: You should go lie down then.
Nick: Good thing I work in an infirmary.
Joel: Yes, good thing. Now get to it, please.
Nick: Yes, Doctor. Drains his teacup and goes to lie down. Soon fast asleep.
Joel: Makes some more tea for himself. Unfortunately very bad at this and it's bitter. Resumes sitting, though, ALL BY HIMSELF. Just not the same.
