A Sudden Recognition Of Unexpected Consequences.

[mamadonna]

Characters: The Dolorosa and YOU!
Setting: Room 1-01; an ill-fated attempt in the hallway; the infirmary
Format: Choose a setting and go for it!
Summary: Dolorosa wakes up to find that nothing makes sense and everything hurts.
Warnings: Crushing sadness, endless fussing, we'll edit if she can't avoid discussing more on the former.

Room 1-01; morning
[ She awakens slowly, uncomfortably. Her head is pounding and her body aches. The room is too bright and the last thing her eyes want to do is focus on that light, her head turning instinctively away from the window. It was only when she registered that it was, in fact, a window that she found reason to be bothered. What new torture could this be, to try to force the sunlight upon them?

She jerks herself up onto an elbow, and every muscle in her body tells her this was a bad idea. t was only then that she realized that she wasn't alone. ]

Hallway; an hour or so later (locked to The Disciple)
[ If she's learned any one thing from the dizzying orientation of her new residence, it's that she needs to eat. She's not sure exactly what "oatmeal" is, but she hopes it goes easily. She isn't sure what she'd be capable of keeping down just now.

Nonetheless, she dragged herself along the hall, but her legs felt weak and her knees like they might explode, so she got little further than outside the door before she had to start leaning against the wall. She'd have to see how far she could get this way. ]

Infirmary; basically whenever you want?
[ She's uncomfortable being so served. The bed was relaxing, and the care much needed, but she can't help feeling unsettled by the entire situation. She'd much rather be up and about, doing what she can here for them. She's got a lot of gratitude to balance out, but her legs wouldn't be able to carry her if she tried to do anything about it.

It's a very frustrating scenario, she hates being such a burden, but she wouldn't want anyone to think she's grumpy, either. Not when they're doing so much for her. ]

Comments

[benigncancer]

I can do that. Just, give me a minute.

[He gives her a kiss on the cheek and reluctantly draws away. A minute later and he's sent another of the nurses to get oatmeal from the cafeteria downstairs, and a variety of hearty meat dishes for after she's had her dose.

He returns to her side and shrugs out of his cloak, then climbs onto the bed with Dolorosa and cuddles close to her]

There. They'll have to get a dozen wild hoofbeasts to drag me away from you.

[mamadonna]

[ She wraps an arm around him and nuzzles her cheek against his head. ]

I would likewise be remiss to part from you, but I would imagine your obligations shall require you eventually. You're employed here in the infirmary?

[benigncancer]

Yeah, I'm a nurse here. [He sighs softly] But they can wait. There aren't any emergency cases right now.

[mamadonna]

I'm proud of you. [ She gives him another squeeze. ] It's a very worthy occupation.

[benigncancer]

[He huffs a bit] It's useful for getting to talk to the more violent trolls, at least. I treated the Grand Highblood Subjugglator once, and we've been sort of...hanging out without him culling me since then, so I suppose it's worth the trouble.

[mamadonna]

[ Her eyes narrow, almost as a reflex. ]

How many of them are present here?

[benigncancer]

[He's silent for a moment] With your arrival... of the twelve I used to see in my visions, nearly everyone. Only the blue-blooded troll with the arrow-shaped horns isn't here. [He swallows faintly. Identifying many of those people he'd only ever seen in his visions has been one of the weirder parts of coming to the tower]

[mamadonna]

[ Lacking in names she'd recognize, she's not sure what to make of that exactly. She'd heard much of his visions over his life, but had never been sure of their relation to specific individuals beyond the four of them in their circle, and an assumption regarding the Condesce.

After he died, she tried not to think much about the visions. And yet, the image of arrow-shaped horns hangs still in her mind. ]

That leaves five of a higher caste than myself, yes? And the Empress herself among them?

[benigncancer]

[He nods, ticking them off on his fingers] Neophyte Redglare, Spinneret Mindfang, Grand Highblood Subjugglator, Orphaner Dualscar, and Her Imperious Condescension. And below, that would be Di, Psi, Summoner, and that pretty rustblood with no name. And me.

[mamadonna]

[ She inhales sharply. Dualscar is an unpleasantness, but one name sticks out above the others. ]

...The Marquise is present?

[benigncancer]

[He blinks, suddenly concerned at the reaction] You know her?

[mamadonna]

[ She gives his hand a tentative squeeze, but her gaze is distant, and there's nothing kind in it. ]

I wouldn't concern yourself with it, Starling.

[benigncancer]

[He knows that tone, and chews his lower lip, but doesn't force the issue. He's concerned. Really concerned. But he can't make her talk if she doesn't want to]

If you say so...

[mamadonna]

[ Her words are sharp, emphatic. Perhaps more so than she'd like. ]

I'm afraid I must insist on an embargo toward such discussions, yes.

[benigncancer]

You know I only want to help, right? [He tightens his arms around her] But if that's what you want, I won't pry.

[mamadonna]

I am aware, and I appreciate it. [ She kisses him on the forehead. ]

Nonetheless, I feel I am not presently capable of disclosing. And were I so, it would only serve to distress you.

[benigncancer]

I don't mind being distressed. But I know you'll tell me when the time is right.

[He kisses her cheek and rests his head on her shoulder, closing his eyes]

[mamadonna]

[ And she just holds him there and lets him stay as long as she can. ]

Soon, Starling. But today let me just enjoy your presence.