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| Jessica Crowley | John Crowley | Nicholas Romolo | Joel Marsetti | Trajedie Remourna | Adam Crowley | Nathaniel Larson | Peter Crowley | Arjuna Mizitas |
Jessica: Looks?
John: Looks around eleven or so. Not even a very particular picture of note, though his expression is a rather strange one. Kind of staring inquisitively at the camera with a small frown on his face. Looks like it was taken out in his yard, impromptu. You could say this is the start of the bumpy road. Lightly nudges her, smiling. You don't want to see a bunch of pictures of me frowning, do you?
Jessica: Oh, why not?
John: Because I'm much more handsome when I smile.
Jessica: Giggles. That is true.
John: Does turn a page though, and, true to his word, there's really none of him smiling at all. Or any picture that had aforethought, as if it were kind of a task to get him on camera to begin with.
Jessica: Awww… Hugs him.
John: There is ONE picture of him smiling when he flips to the next page, though it is apparently forced. Literally. Two feminine hands perk up the sides of his lips while his eyes look incredibly disinterested.
Jessica: Aww, John…
John: I was just a ray of sunshine. Chuckles.
Jessica: Pats his cheek.
John: Smiles. I just don't want to make you feel bad, going through the pictures of when I was a jerk.
Jessica: I don't mind… It makes me feel bad for you. Frowns. But I don't want to if it dredges up bad memories for you.
John: You don't have to feel bad for me. It was with your help that I put all of those memories behind me.
Jessica: Smiles and wraps her arms around his neck in a hug.
John: Puts an arm around her, smiling still yet. Using his free arm, he flips the page. The age differences are growing wider, apparently as it got harder to take a good picture of him. One of the pictures displays him staring a little stupidly/sleepily at the camera, mouth puffed up and filled with the cereal he's eating. The other is merely him stretched out on the couch with, oddly enough, a smile on his face. Though judging by how his eyes are closed, he's sleeping.
Jessica: Laughs. I see your mother was sneaking up on you.
John: She was determined to pry a few Kodak moments out of me yet.
Jessica: Eating cereal? Giggles.
John: She was also desperate. Chuckles, and flips the page, displaying him standing at the bus stop waiting for… the school bus, of course. Standing beside him is someone with somewhat longish hair and a smirky kind of smile. A little bulky too, and wearing a button up shirt. …Huh. Both of them, however seem completely unaware of one another.
Jessica: It's Ernest!
John: I didn't even know he took my bus.
Jessica: Laughs.
John: We really didn't talk much during school. I only started talking to him when he started working at the market with me. I do remember that Mom drove all the way there to bring me a sweater in case it got chilly. I didn't know she brought her camera with her.
Jessica: Laughs. Awww… Hehe, I bet Ernest was a jock…
John: That's a good bet. From what I did pay attention to as far as school politics go, he was the quarterback for our team.
Jessica: Oh, wow… Well, I wouldn't have been in his social circle, either. Laughs.
John: Laughs. I wasn't in anyone's social circle. I defined myself as a curmudgeon quite early on.
Jessica: Aww, John…
John: Don't feel sorry for me there. The school is a horrible place where social casualties are strewn all about. I just did my best to avoid all that. Chuckles, and turns the page, and frowns.
Jessica: About to say something, but stops and looks.
John: … Then laughs. I got the book thrown at me for that one. I think the photo was used as evidence. Leaning back on a bench, cigarette in his mouth. Dressed in a very familiar regalia of, jeans and a white t-shirt.
Jessica: Ohh… How old were you?
John: Fifteen, I think. Looks a little closer at the picture. …Sure of it, fifteen. My mother and father had conniptions.
Jessica: I bet they did… That's very young to start smoking.
John: I didn't start in earnest until I was sixteen. I honestly thought it'd help.
Jessica: What, your lung?
John: Not my lung, my behavior. I heard that nicotine had a calming effect, so I tried it. Even I, the steadfast John Crowley, wanted, for awhile, to actually not snap at everyone in a five foot radius.
Jessica: Did it help? How did your parents not find out?
John: It didn't help much, but admittingly it was enough of an improvement to be noticeable. My mom found out when she thought she'd surprise me by picking me up after school. Usually I just walked. I should have guessed then that the old woman always carried a camera around. She really liked capturing moments, no matter what they were. I guess she found significance in them.
Jessica: So you got in trouble?
John: My mother hadn't yelled at me since the incident with my lung, except for that time. She was mad like you wouldn't believe. Well… Maybe you would believe it. Laughs.
Jessica: Oh, I believe it.
John: Suffice to say I just remained a jerk anyway. Turns the page, and there's Peter, sitting in 'his' chair, asleep with his pipe hanging out of his mouth, hands over the belly that has since diminished a little.
Jessica: Awww.
John: Like a big, sleeping bear. And look, he still had hair, too.
Jessica: Giggles. I'm sure you made him lose that, quick
John: If he didn't tear it out by hand, he probably shed it like a poodle. And a surprise older John below that picture? Perhaps at first glance, though the hair color is blonde, and the 'John' in question is clutching a cane. His grandfather, looking almost equally disinterested next to his grandson. The family resemblance is quite strong, though. I don't think he visited any more after that.
Jessica: Why not? You were rude to him?
John: He was rude to us, actually. I think he called my dad fat constantly and was always nitpicking about how much of a mistake it was to move to America.
Jessica: Sigh. Can remember that he wasn't very kind. Can certainly remember him saying John was only marrying her 'cause he got her pregnant.
John: And just being overall rude. I think we tied for biggest jerk of the year. Turns the page, each picture he looks just a little unhealthier, though it certainly builds. Relatively tall and lanky at this point, one of his lanky limbs is being hugged quite tightly by a tan skinned woman with brown hair and a single lip ring on the corner of her mouth. She's dressed a little boyishly and seems all smiles, though once more John looks a little disinterested, and annoyed, since he seems aware that there's a picture being taken of him.
Jessica: …Sachi.
John: Yeah. Turns that page quickly.
Jessica: Makes no comment.
John: Looks rather aggravated, as he's bent down and put into a headlock by a bald man with a smirky smile and a button up shirt that is open at the collar. Beside him is a guy looking rather confused, mouth agape as if to ask just what is going on here. Sandy, curly hair and with sparse facial hair, as if he woke up with a five o' clock shadow and just left it on.
Jessica: Hehe, Ernest when he was bald and… Eugene?
John: That would be him. He enrolled earlier than this, but I never really saw much of him at all. He was one of Ernest's friends.
Jessica: Nods.
John: Poor foreign kid probably thought Ernest was trying to get my lunch money or something. I wasn't even friends with Ernest then, either. He was just the type to get hands on touchy-feely with people like that though.
Jessica: Laughs. Sounds like Ernest. Where was Eugene from?
John: Europe. He says he's from Greece.
Jessica: Nods.
John: Not that I don't believe him. English wasn't his first language for sure. At least we're getting close to the good photos…
Jessica: Good photos?
John: Nods and smiles. Mhm.
Jessica: Carry on then. It better not be anything disturbing.
John: It may shock you. Flips a page, and there is a well-dressed John, at least comparatively speaking. Wearing a blue sweater-vest, dress pants, and even dress boots to go with them. Managing a half-smile, but still doesn't seem into it. Also appears to have long scratches going down his cheek. My mom begged me for that one.
Jessica: What is that?
John: She just asked if I'd let her take a good photograph of me. I told her of my plans of moving out soon, so she figured she'd never see me again or something.
Jessica: Why're there scratches on your face?
John: I got clawed by an animal.
Jessica: …
John: At the silence, turns the page.
Jessica: IT WAS PROBABLY A DOG. Looks.
John: And you'd be right. Wasn't nearly as traumatizing to me, though. Time certainly flies. Graduation already it seems. Sticks out as being one of the tallest in the entire congregation. Not much else to notice, since they're all dressed the same for the most part.
Jessica: Giggles.
John: And I still don't look exactly thrilled. Laughs.
Jessica: A tall weed in the flower patch. Giggles.
John: What kind of weed do you think I was? Lightly leans on her, just a tiny bit.
Jessica: One that's hard to pull out. Giggles. And always grows back.
John: Laughs again. A stubborn one, then. Turns the page, and there is indeed a large frame of time in which there was no pictures of him at all. He looks relatively healthier, at least much larger, since he's in his twenties when the picture was taken. Wearing the old jeans, white t-shirt and all. Looks a little perturbed, glancing down at his shirt which has a bright red stain on it. Was seated, and next to him was a tall glass of red liquid.
Jessica: Laughs.
John: Leans a little more. Laughing at my misfortune? You're just awful.
Jessica: The curse of white t-shirts.
John: Never could get that stain out.
Jessica: But you still wore it. Sigh.
John: I wasn't very choosy with my clothing. Motions to the picture below it. Pea green jacket, and a dorky red hat. Up to his knees in snow, cigarette hanging out of his mouth as he appears to be shoveling his parent's driveway.
Jessica: Giggles. I hope you burned that.
John: Not a chance. It's avant garde.
Jessica: Sighs and shakes her head.
John: What? Just a little more leaning.
Jessica: Didn't know that was another word for 'ugly'.
John: I will openly admit to not being a very trendy guy. Stops leaning on her so much and to the next page he goes. Looks healthier yet, and wearing a familiar black shirt, a la the one she'd bought for him. Peter is also in the picture. sitting in his old chair, and they just look like they're laughing.
Jessica: When was this?
John: Father's day, a long while back. I told him about Atlantis.
Jessica: Ohhh… Heh. …Hey! Frown. You just skipped a bunch of years there.
John: These are just the pictures my mom took.
Jessica: Awww… I wanted to know what Elijah looked like between the ages of 15 and 19 and Adam between… 3 months and 4.
John: I know my mom took pictures of them, at least when I brought them over. I think this album is mostly just dedicated to me, though… A little selfish of me to be showing it off. Well, not selfish, but egotistical.
Jessica: I don't miiind… I like seeing you. I just always forget to ask Eric to show me pictures of them.
John: Turns and kisses her head lightly. I know my mother had an album dedicated to her grandchildren. I'm sure she just stuffed the pictures of Elijah and Adam there… figured they fell into that category.
Jessica: Well, they did.
John: They certainly do.
Jessica: …Sorry, you can continue.
John: Nothing to be sorry for, honey. Turns the page, and there is a picture with JESSICAR there, one of the times she actually did visit with him. Both were most likely caught CANDID. Rosemary Sr. liked to get pictures most when people didn't notice.
Jessica: Oh no, I'm probably making a STUPID FACE. …My hair was so cute then.
John: Your hair is still cute now.
Jessica: I know you don't like it short.
John: I think you look beautiful no matter what your hair looks like. Even when you just wake up in the morning.
Jessica: Laughs and kisses him on the cheek.
John: His own hair is getting kind of long, hasn't bothered getting a haircut Smiles. …Looks like you didn't notice Mom taking a picture, either. Looks like he was caught half-sentence in the picture, so his mouth is open.
Jessica: Heh… Was I pregnant with the twins then?
John: You weren't showing right then… but yes. Uses the arm around her to pull her a little closer. I'm glad I started visiting my parents more often in those days.
Jessica: Nods, laying her head on him.
John: I wish that people would have taken more pictures of her, instead of vice-versa. Hand leaves the album to run his fingers through her hair.
Jessica: Your mother?
John: Nods. Yes.
Jessica: Why didn't your father take pictures?
John: He wasn't the type to, usually. She usually bossed him around in that aspect. Chuckles. She usually just wanted her picture taken when it was with someone else.
Jessica: Awww.
John: If the album wasn't in my father's room, I'd get the one that has the children in it. In her case, some great-grandchildren, too.
Jessica: Aw, well, you shouldn't disturb your father. I don't imagine Adam and Elijah visited your parents much during that time anyway.
John: Not often, though I would take them over to visit every now and again when they stopped by. Mostly for my parent's sake than anything. I imagine Elijah and Adam got a little tired of all the doting from Mother.
Nick: … Forces himself to wake up. …Joel…?
Joel: Sipping tea. Nick, you're awake. Up and over he goes to check his temperature again.
Nick: HOT. Your wife…
Joel: As I suspected. Hm? What about her?
Nick: …She's a toad… I-I mean… a witch?
Joel: Would there be something wrong with that?
Nick: S-She's a witch…?
Joel: Not so loud.
Nick: Stares. I'm hallucinating.
Joel: Whatever makes you think that?
Nick: …Y-You married a witch?
Joel: Are you losing your memory?
Nick: …I-I'm delusional.
Joel: How do you feel? Symptoms.
Nick: I'm making believe my cousin is telling me he's married to a servant of Satan.
Joel: How surprising is that, really?
Nick: Verrry…
Joel: I see. What other symptoms?
Nick: Nauseated. Throbbing headache. Shaking and chills. My pulse and breathing seem rapid…
Joel: I see. I'm sorry to tell you this…
Nick: W-What?
Joel: You have a brain tumor.
Nick: I hate you.
Joel: Sleep, Nick.
Nick: H-How can I? Y-Y-You're probably a warlock.
Joel: Do I look like a warlock to you?
Nick: Yes.
Joel: What gave it away? The moustache?
Nick: Yes.
Joel: Was it too trimmed? Not trimmed enough?
Nick: I just want to die.
Joel: You're not going to on my watch.
Nick: I'd rather not work with a servant of Satan.
Joel: Didn't you just say a bit ago that you were delusional?
Nick: It's against my morals. I do have some. We're at war with Demons for God's sake.
Joel: I know. Do you need a glass of water?
Nick: Not from a SERVANT OF SATAN.
Joel: Oh, would you cut that out already? Away he goes momentarily, and comes back with a glass of water.
Nick: Getting up.
Joel: Sets the water down, and presses down on his shoulders. You're not going anywhere.
Nick: D-Don't turn me into a toad.
Joel: Nick, You've known me all your life. You know I'm not a warlock. I was trying to joke, but I see now you're in no state for it. Lay. Down.
Nick: H-How can I believe you… Y-You're married to a witch.
Joel: Of course I am. She's a horrible nag, and she hasn't gotten prettier.
Nick: … Finally lays down. …I-I hate you.
Joel: Oh, no you don't. Sip at the water.
Nick: Does so.
Joel: There we go.
Nick: Glares at him.
Joel: Don't give me that look. You'd have laughed any other time.
Nick: I-I had a dream… You were telling me she was a witch. Shaking.
Joel: That's certainly strange. Calm down, Nick, I only meant it in the jocular manner. She isn't a witch by the literal terms.
Nick: Y-You said she turned you into a toad…
Joel: That would be unfortunate… A Joel toad. I wouldn't make a very handsome toad, even if I kept my moustache.
Nick: Stares, going even paler.
Joel: …Well I wouldn't.
Nick: …
Joel: Nick?
Nick: Can I have some sedatives or something?
Joel: That's what I was just about to prescribe at this rate.
Nick: Tries to take deep breaths, putting his hand over his eyes.
Joel: Symptoms worsening?
Nick: …which ones?
Joel: Any. Are you feeling especially sensitive to light?
Nick: I'm feeling especially sensitive to crazy. Are there any more blankets?
Joel: Yes. Give me a moment. Extra blankets, he procures, and begins to, one by one, place them over him.
Nick: No… Please… I'm hot all of a sudden.
Joel: Stops, and removes the extraneous blanket he had placed. A little young for hot flashes.
Nick: …And being male.
Joel: I forget that part often.
Nick: …
Joel: I should stop treating you like Nick and start treating you like a patient.
Nick: Can I have that blanket back?
Joel: Chills, I assume?
Nick: Yes.
Joel: Sets the blanket on him once more. I see.
Nick: Removes the hand from over his eyes and looks at the blurry Joel.
Joel: I asked before, are you feeling especially sensitive to light? How are you feeling now?
Nick: It is a bit annoying… I feel the same as I did five minutes ago.
Joel: Very well. Lightly prods his arm.
Nick: …If I die, don't let my mother bury me in a cardboard box.
Joel: I assure you that I would never. Prods his arm again, albeit harder.
Nick: Is there a reason you're poking me?
Joel: Yes. Takes the glass of water and holds it out to him. Hold this up as high as you can.
Nick: … Does so.
Joel: Just watches to see how high, and how long he manages.
Nick: 'Bout halfway, half a minute?
Joel: When his arm looks like it's going to falter, takes the glass from him. Hmm…
Nick: …
Joel: You probably already know this, but I am checking which symptoms you are exhibiting and how far along they are.
Nick: Okay. Carry on, then. Bit weird for him to be on the receiving end of this. Is generally HEALTHY.
Joel: Leans in close, face very close to his. Looking into his eyes. Checking for abnormal eye movements. Probably just making him uncomfortable though.
Nick: I feel very much in love now. Eyes look feverish and dart just a little, seemingly involuntarily.
Joel: Was that a joke?
Nick: Yes.
Joel: Good.
Nick: Staring deeply into each others eyes.
Joel: I'm strapping you down.
Nick: Why?
Joel: You very well could start seizing.
Nick: Oh goody.
Joel: Bends back, and holds out a hand, holding out three fingers. How many digits am I holding up?
Nick: …I don't know… It's very blurry. Can I have my glasses?
Joel: Very well. Grabs them from where they are located, and holds them out.
Nick: Misses them grabbing at first but manages to take hold and put them on.
Joel: Ataxia. How long have you been operating under these symptoms?
Nick: What…? You mean bad eyesight?
Joel: No, I mean your lack of coordination, your nausea, your fever and seeming weakness in your extremities.
Nick: Oh… The fever has been recent… I'm not sure when it started, the weakness as well. Not sure about lack of coordination since I've been in bed all day. I've felt nauseous for a couple days.
Joel: Very well. Trying to get a feel for how quickly your symptoms are occurring and worsening.
Nick: Nods.
Joel: Away from Nick he goes, busying himself with filling a needle with the contents of a small bottle. If he can even see this far, he would know that he's preparing an anesthetic.
Nick: What're you doing?
Joel: Making sure I'm ready if you begin seizing.
Nick: Yawns.
Joel: Tired?
Nick: A bit.
Joel: Then rest. I'll be monitoring you, unless you still believe I'm a servant of Satan.
Nick: …I guess not.
Joel: Good.
Nick: … Closes his eyes, but doesn't sleep.
Joel: Now it's to the unpleasant task of strapping Nick down, at least to the point where if he does seize, he can actually put the needle in him. Thinks he's sleeping as is, so isn't too bothered. Would rather not have it come to this, though.
Nick: …comfy.
Joel: Just procedure.
Nick: Opens his eyes again, wincing a bit. …
Joel: Too tight? I'm sorry, I can loosen them, but not too much. I have to be able to inoculate you and I can't do that while simultaneously holding you down.
Nick: I understand… the light's just bright… at least I don't have to clean out the attic tomorrow.
Joel: Hm. Keep your eyes closed. Hustles away, dampening a rag in cool water and coming back over.
Nick: Closes his eyes again. I guess I don't need my glasses anymore.
Joel: Don't misplace them. You're going to need them when you're back.
Nick: I'm sure… I'm having double vision anyway.
Joel: I see. Do you wish to be sedated?
Nick: I don't know. Do I need to be?
Joel: That may be a good idea at this point.
Nick: Whatever you think is best, Doctor.
Joel: Very well. If it eases your mind, the sedative I have will at least help, or completely prevent you from seizing. Takes the needle, and returns to Nick. First places the damp rag on his forehead.
Nick: …Don't know how I'll get to Paldicia at this point…
Joel: Containing the symptoms until your operation is possible. For how long, I am unsure. I don't believe the infirmary is equipped to properly handle such an operation, unfortunately.
Nick: Between now and Tuesday. Heh. I'm a goner.
Joel: …That is correct. Our option is to have you evacuated to the nearest medical facility that is capable of handling the operation, or have it sent here.
Nick: I'm sorry, but my mind's not really clear enough to make that decision right now.
Joel: Mine is, which is why I'm having you moved to a better equipped facility right now. Even if I have to wake up the regent right now.
Nick: What's the Regent going to do? He doesn't handle transportation. I hardly think this is a national emergency. You're going to stick that needle in me any second now, aren't you?
…
Joel: Your apprenticeship starts now. Stands, and shoves a thick book into her arms. Study that. I want you to be able to recite whatever facts are within it by the end of next month.
Traj: Glances at the book. …You wrote this?
Joel: Yes. Doctor Romolo also had to read it. Unless you think you haven't cleaned enough today, you are dismissed to study. Been a bit snippy all day. Drinking bitter tea will do that to you.
Traj: Dismissed! Bows and off she goes with the book in tow.
Joel: All alooone, except for patients.
Traj: Went to see if Adam is done with work.
Adam: Just exiting the office with a man.
Nathaniel: Enters the courtyard.
Peter: Sitting in the courtyard, in his wheelchair, just looking at the dead flowers.
Nathaniel: Man, I'm lost. …Hello?
Peter: Turns to the sound of the voice. Hello there.
Nathaniel: Hello. Still looks hollow-eyed. Goes over to Peter.
Peter: A very disturbing look for a child to have.
Nathaniel: Looks at the flowers. …They're all dead.
Peter: They are. It looks like no one took care of them.
Adam: Sees Trajedie, blinks and smiles at her, holding up a finger meaning 'one moment'.
Juna: A friend of yours? Smile.
Adam: Oh, yes. Smile. Beckons her over.
Nathaniel: … Sits down on the ground next to Peter.
Traj: A little awkwardly comes forward. Didn't mean to interrupt what he was doing.
Peter: If I can, I'm going to plant new ones. Doesn't think there's any harm in making his intentions known to the child.
Nathaniel: Can I help?
Peter: I don't see why not. Do you like gardening?
Nathaniel: I don't know.
Peter: We'll find out then, won't we? Are you free tomorrow, then?
Nathaniel: Probably… Makes marks in the dirt on the cobblestones with his fingers.
Peter: Whenever you can help is alright.
Adam: King Arjuna… This is my girlfriend, Trajedie… Trajedie… This is King Arjuna Mizitas of Va'Eng.
Juna: A pleasure to meet you, Trajedie. Bows.
Nathaniel: Stays quiet, curled into himself a bit.
Traj: Bows low. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Never mastered the curtsey, apparently.
Nathaniel: Rocks a little, shivering. …Have I met you before…?
Juna: Smiles. A pretty young lady, Lord Adam… You look to make a fine match. Smiles kindly. Do be well. It was a pleasure talking with you. Bows to Adam. Good evening to both of you.
Adam: Thank you, King Arjuna. Bows back. Good evening. Have a safe trip home.
Juna: Nods and departs.
Traj: Adam really does meet royalty. I'm sorry… I didn't meant to interrupt anything.
Peter: I don't believe we have met. I've only came here just recently. I'm Peter, John's father.
Adam: It's fine… Smiles. King Arjuna's very kind. Wraps his arms around her.
Traj: Leans to him, and would return the hug though she already seems to be hugging a thick book.
Nathaniel: …I'm Nathaniel… John's taking care of me.
Adam: That's a bit uncomfy. Looks at the thick book. Already got a long one for me to read, huh? Smile.
Traj: Smiles back. Oh, this one is for me to read. An… assignment from Joel.
Peter: So you're Nathaniel. He's mentioned you before to me.
Nathaniel: Nods.
Adam: Oh, may I see it?
Traj: Sure. Hands the book over.
Adam: Looks at the cover.
Book: Not very pleasing aesthetically. The book itself is black, and there is bold, gold text on the front proclaiming it to be 'The Essence of Healing: Magical Arts Versus The Legitimate Method'.
Adam: Sounds like a snore fest. Opens the book to flip through it… perhaps any pictures that may catch the eye.
Book: There are pictures. Some of them are merely in reference to the anatomy that is being mentioned on a prior page, or one in the next. There are a few photos of Joel with other noted practitioners, as well as some somewhat disgusting pictures of treatments and the symptoms of some diseases. Very pleasant.
Nathaniel: Hums a bit tunelessly to himself… an eerie sound…
Adam: Makes a bit of a face and closes it, handing it back to Trajedie. You have to read all of it?
Nathaniel: Continuing to rock.
Peter: Weird child.
Traj: He said I have to read it and be able to state the facts in it by the end of next month.
Adam: …Wow… That's a lot of work… Perhaps I shouldn't be keeping you from your studies.
Traj: I know I'll have to study, but I wanted to spend time with you.
Adam: Strokes her cheek gently. My room is always open to you to sleep in… Consider it yours as well as mine. Smile.
Nathaniel: Seemingly off in his own little world, curled up humming, picking at his hair a bit. …
Traj: Leans to his hand and smiles as well. My room is yours as well, Adam.
Peter: …Nathaniel?
Nathaniel: … Humming stops. …yes?
Adam: Smiles at her affectionately and kisses her on the other cheek.
Traj: Holds the book with one arm, using the other to hug around his neck.
Peter: Nothing. I am going inside, are you going to stay out here?
Nathaniel: Would it bother you if I followed you inside?
Peter: Not at all.
Adam: Hugs her tight. I'm sorry we can't see each other as much, but… absence makes the heart grow fonder…
Nathaniel: Okay. Stands up.
Traj: Hugs him tight in return. I'll try to keep that in mind…
Peter: Takes a little bit for him to get turned around. Not used to maneuvering in a wheelchair, but gets it eventually.
Nathaniel: What's the matter with your legs?
Peter: It's painful to walk. The doctor told me to keep off of my feet.
Nathaniel: Okay.
Peter: Begins to wheel himself inside.
Nathaniel: Follows, holding the door open for him.
Peter: Thank you, Nathaniel. That does help actually, and enters with the assistance.
Traj: Really, I think I'll be at the infirmary more than ever, especially with Nick gone.
Nathaniel: Okay. Looks around. …Good-bye.
Adam: …He's gone? Frown.
Traj: He's having brain surgery.
Adam: Stares. Oh. I hope he's alright, then.
Nathaniel: Walks away to WANDER THE HALLS AIMLESSLY.
Peter: Just wheels after him. Since he's wandering in the direction of his room anyhow.
Traj: I do too.
Nathaniel: Humming a bit to himself again.
Adam: Awkward silence!
Traj: Sighs and leans to him more. So… I'm sorry if I can't visit much for awhile. Maybe we need more people at the infirmary…
Adam: Nods. Dr. Marsetti would have to request more staff members.
Traj: I should maybe suggest that to him… but I wouldn't want him to think I'm trying to tell him how to do his job, though.
Adam: Well, I imagine Dr. Romolo is on leave and you're only an apprentice… There needs to be another doctor there… I mean, Dr. Marsetti can't work 24/7.
Traj: Nods. It wouldn't be possible. I don't think anyone can work that much.
Adam: Nods. And he has a family, too.
Traj: He does? Well… I think I may have heard something about him having a wife some time ago between those two…
Adam: I believe he has young children as well. If he became ill, we wouldn't have any doctors in the infirmary…
Traj: …Maybe we should mention this to him now? I mean… nip it in the bud, so to speak?
Adam: Nods. I think that would be for the best. The infirmary has been understaffed for awhile now, but Doctors Marsetti and Romolo always seemed to manage. It can't quite abide now that Dr. Romolo is away.
Traj: Nods as well. Hopefully he'll see reason with you also suggesting it.
Adam: Nods. I'll go with you if you like, then.
Nathaniel: Takes a turn, wander.
Traj: I'd like that. He'd probably just think I was getting on his case.
Adam: Blinks. Dr. Marsetti always seemed very kind… Though I suppose I didn't get to know him quite as well as Dr. Romolo.
Peter: His turn is the other way. Oh well. Good night, Nathaniel. You're free to visit my room when you'd like.
Nathaniel: Okay. Bye.
Peter: And away he wheels.
Traj: He is usually nice, but… well… I don't know how I would feel if I thought someone was telling me how to do my job if I were in his shoes… Just trying to be cautious.
Adam: Starts to walk, holding her free hand. I understand…
Traj: Walks with him, squeezing his free hand a little when she thinks about how much work she's going to have to start on, and how it's going to cut into the time she'd spend with Adam.
Adam: Squeezes back, smiling at her fondly.
Traj: Smiles back to him, with just a tiny hint of sadness in it. Even if she'll still be in the same castle and would probably at least be able to see him every now and again, it was a little depressing not to be able to see him as often.
Adam: Puts his arm around her. Don't be sad, Trajedie… It'll work out…
Traj: I know it will…
Adam: Just think of it as… as…. as a test to our love. Laughs a little.
Traj: Laughs as well, leaning to him. I never did like tests… I always got flustered and forgot the answers I studied…
Adam: Laughs a little more, blushing. You can cheat off me, okay?
Traj: Leans more affectionately on him, smiling fondly as well. Alright. What do you want in return, then?
Adam: Hmm… Just one kiss every day… Laughs a bit.
Traj: Laughs a little herself. You're too fast to bargain… I would have gone higher than that.
Adam: Smiles. I won't push my luck. Fate has been kind enough to me already, sending me you.
Traj: Smiles wider, blushing quite a bit from his words. You could charm the birds out of the trees with words like that…
Adam: Laughs a bit. I don't mean to sound… Can't quite think of the word. Well… as though I'm just saying pretty meaningless things to you just to say them… I really mean them.
Traj: I know… You don't tell me sweet nothings, they're sweet everythings. Laughs a bit as well, though mostly out of embarrassment from her poorly thought out words.
Adam: Smiles, dimpling at her as she so often does for him.
Traj: Smiles back, just glad that he didn't laugh at her for the weird way of saying that his words mean a lot to her.
Adam: Enters the infirmary with her.
Joel: Fortunately doesn't have many other patients, so he's just sipping his bitter tea.
Adam: Good evening, Dr. Marsetti. Bows.
Joel: Oh, hello Lord Adam, Trajedie. Bows in return.
Adam: Um… Do you have any news on Dr. Romolo?
Joel: None so far, I'm afraid.
Adam: I'm sorry to hear that… I hope he will make a full recovery, though… Um… There's something Trajedie and I would like to discuss with you if you have the time, Dr. Marsetti.
Joel: Eyes the two for a moment, but nods. I do.
Adam: Well… With Dr. Romolo on leave, we just noticed that you seemed to be… a little more understaffed… than usual. I know you're a man with a wife and small children and if you yourself were to fall ill, there would be no other doctors at the infirmary… So. We were wondering if you wouldn't consider hiring another doctor…?
Traj: Just nods in agreement with Adam's words. Wuss.
Joel: That sounds entirely reasonable.
Adam: I'm glad you think so, Dr. Marsetti. It would be good to have another doctor even when Dr. Romolo returns, I'm sure.
Joel: If he does.
Adam: … Stares a bit and nods slowly. …
Traj: Also stares. …
Joel: Do not think of me as being negative, but I am a doctor and I realize how serious his malady is. I hope for a full recovery, but we have to acknowledge that he very well could not be coming back.
Adam: … Nods. …I will keep him in my prayers.
Joel: Thank you, I appreciate it and I am sure Nick does as well.
Adam: Nods again. I will see about more funding going towards the infirmary in next year's budget.
Joel: That is also appreciated.
Adam: That is all. Bows low. Thank you for your time, Dr. Marsetti. Take care.
Joel: Oh, it was no problem at all. You're welcome to visit when I am not busy at all. I'll be sure to have tea ready.
Adam: Thank you, I'll try and make the time. I can't thank you and Dr. Romolo enough for caring for me.
Joel: Bows low. It is our job, and we are overjoyed that you have made a full recovery.
Adam: Thank you. I wish the same for Dr. Romolo. Good evening, Dr. Marsetti.
Joel: Have a good evening, to you as well Trajedie.
Adam: Takes his SUDDENLY STRUCK DUMB girlfriend by the hand.
Traj: I just don't know what to say. Bye, Doctor Marsetti.
Adam: Leads her out.
Traj: Lead out, so Joel can keep on drinking bitter tea. That went well.
Adam: It did. Smile. He's not so scary after all, huh?
Traj: I didn't say he was scary… I just didn't know how he would react…
Adam: Laughs. Okay then.
Traj: Frowns a little. He doesn't seem very worried about Nick, either.
Adam: What do you mean?
Traj: He just didn't seem very worried. He doesn't even look distressed at all. I know if I were in his place I wouldn't be able to think straight…
Adam: …Well, he's been a doctor for a long time… I mean… He has to keep his head straight in tense situations… I guess even if it's a family member.
Traj: That makes sense… How long has he been a doctor anyhow?
Adam: …A long time. I'm not exactly sure… Dr. Romolo started as an apprentice when Elijah was fourteen or so, I think…
Traj: Wow… That's… a long time.
