Knowing

[Alyson Rolfe]

Isaac had no time to reply to Alyson's concern over his well-being even if he had been so inclined - they were interrupted by the arrival of the Captain of the guard.

"Hello Ree. Alyson." Camulous nodded to them both.

Alyson felt relieved to see Camulous. He had helped save her from Tomas, and surely he would be able to help this man who had been attacked in the alley. She was prepared to tell the captain everything she knew if needed, though she had already given her story to Michael who had written up a report earlier.

"Hello, sir," Alyson greeted Camulous quietly, "It is good to see you again." She felt as though she should thank him again for helping her - but it did not seem to be the right time. Turning back to Isaac, Alyson thought the man seemed slightly uneasy - or at the very least deep in thought. Hoping to reassure him, Alyson offered the introduction, "This is Camulous Smithson, captain of the Marnian guard."

[Metarie]

When Cam appeared, her stomach did a little flip-flop and color lightly lit the apples of her cheeks. Other than this minor indication, Ree maintained her professional demeanor and her poise.

A slow smile curved her lips. "Captain." She inclined her head, keeping her gaze on his. "Still on duty, I see." As Alyson introduced Isaac and Cam, a man hobbled in on the arm of his friend. "Excuse me, please."

"Doctor Sehkhara? Jim's had an accident."

Ree nodded and moved toward the pair, inserting herself on the man's other side. "Let's get him to an open bed and I'll take a look at him. "You'll be fine, Jim. Don't worry."

With that, Ree disappeared back into the exam area.

[Camulous Smithson]

Ree received the majority of Camulous' visual attention, despite his efforts to remain subtle about it. People would gossip and write articles in the paper about them that made him want to put their heads through a wall regardless of how careful he was, but he still didn't want to give anyone any extra ammunition.

She gave him no time to fumble. Before either of them could say another word, she was off doctoring again. It was probably for the best. He turned his attention to Alyson.

"It's good to see you're doing well. I heard something happened downtown." He didn't lie. "Someone saw you carrying this man in here. Only a day in my city and you're already getting in trouble."

An ounce of humor. He wasn't actually chiding her for helping the man.

Camulous didn't have anything to say to Isaac. He didn't have much to say to most people, and this particular stranger got the regular treatment; he was acknowledged and forthrightly ignored. Any investigative consideration he gave the man remained behind the scenes, without outward displays like a prolonged stare or pointless questioning.

One thing was obvious: he wasn't a Marnian, and that was all Camulous needed to know. Alyson was the one he expected straight answers from.

"It doesn't say much about us that most people would have left him where he was. I'd advise you to be more careful, but..." willow got the briefest glance, to which the smaller man responded by looking away, "you obviously have protection. Is there anything I should know?"

[Isaac Arcott]

Isaac was listening along silently, nodding his head where appropriate, when he suddenly noticed a peculiar smell he could not quite identify. Whatever it was, it was certainly far more pleasant than the standard infirmary odour that he was beginning to grow accustomed to. At first he thought it might have been the injured man who hobbled in, but there was nothing noticeably significant about him aside from a few minor scalp lacerations and what was likely a closed tibial fracture. He made a note of brushing up on his anatomy once his work in Marn was complete. After the man left, however, the smell grew stronger, and its pleasant odour grew ever more enticing. "Perhaps there's a bakery nearby" he thought aloud, interjecting into Camulous and Alyson's conversation. Trying to retain a gentleman's composure, he tried to excuse his externalized monologue by initiating another conversation, "You wouldn't happen to know, would you? I'm rather hungry, and whatever that smell is, it smells delicious."

A trace of red appeared from the black of Isaac's nostril, and unbeknownst to him, it slowly began creeping down his upper lip. "Where are my manners? I am humbled by your presence good captain. I do hope you didn't come all this way for me, as I haven't much to report. I'm embarrassed to say that I took quite a fall while attempting to make a shortcut through an alleyway downtown. I believe I somehow mistook a flower pedestal for a stepladder and wound up on the ground. I feel much better now." He continued speaking for fear of an unbearable silence, or worse, an actual conversation. This gave Alyson and Camulous little opportunity to interject in response to the blood now halfway down his lip. As he spoke, the smell of baked goods became overwhelmingly strong, as though someone had been holding a tart beneath his nose. "But despite my lack of good sense, I've no shortage of gratitude. Perhaps I could repay you with a meal, sometime," he directed his attention to Alyson, almost forgetting the presence of Camulous and Willow, "and your companion as well, of course."

While awaiting her response, he was promptly notified of his nasal condition, and in lieu of a tissue, he covered his mouth with his right hand. "My, this is a little embarrassing. I haven't had a nosebleed in over a decade. Would you happen to have a tissue I could borrow? Not that you'd be wanting it back of course," he said with a laugh. Within seconds of his eyes rolling back into his head, Isaac was on the floor, unconscious.

[Alyson Rolfe]

Whether intentional or not, Alyson felt chastised. First by Willow, and then by Camulous for her decision to become involved in helping the hurt man. Did they think she was a weak female who needed their protection and was too foolish to make such choices? Or did they honestly believe the man should have been left - perhaps to die?

She HAD to believe, at least for Camulous, that it was the former. For while that was frustrating, the alternative shook the mental pedestal upon which she had placed him. After all, he had stepped in when Tomas was beating her... surely this man deserved the same attention from a guardsman - especially the captain?

She shook her head in response to Camulous question - he appeared to know as much as she did about the situation. Before she could even attempt to frame a comment, Isaac interjected "Perhaps there's a bakery nearby."

Alyson stared, curious, as Isaac rambled on about being hungry and addressed the captain. Her eyes widened as a trail of red began trickling down from his nose, an expression that grew questioning as Isaac described his fall in the alley. She had seen Isaac's injuries - especially the ones to his face. Knowing her own face had born similar wounds caused by a man's fists, she wondered what reason he might have for lying... especially to the captain of the guard? Before she could voice such thoughts, however, Isaac offered to buy her a meal.

Instead of responding to his offer, Alyson used the pause in his ramblings to comment on the blood now almost reaching his upper lip. Before she could respond to his request for a tissue, Isaac was once again unconscious.

Kneeling beside him Alyson called out, “Metarie! Help!” as she fumbled in her satchel for a handkerchief. Pulling one out, and disregarding the damage to the new, expensive piece of cloth, Alyson pressed it to the man’s nose.

[Metarie]

It was Michael who responded first. Isaac's back was to him, but Alyson's comment and the swaying of Isaac's body was certainly indication enough. Before Alyson could finish calling for Metarie, Michael was beside her. A small box was placed on the floor and from it Michael produced the tools of the trade. A tool to listen to breath and heartbeat and cloth to clean Isaac's face.

Michael first checked Isaac's pulse then listened to the beat of the man's heart. The pulse was a little thready, but the heartbeat was solid and steady. Michael's brows drew together. Nose bleeds weren't all that uncommon, especially if one had an infection in the nose.

"What's going on here?" The voice was... loud but unusual. "He was admitted after being mugged. He seemed fine, but developed a nose bleed and fainted." Michael looked the gnomish doctor in the eye. "I recommend we keep him overnight for observation."

Rosie leaned over and felt for Isaac's pulse, finding it a little more steady than Michael had, but still not as strong as she'd like. "Hm." Rosie nodded. "Observation it is. Get me the charts. Where's Metarie?"

"She's helping another patient."

"Alright. Let's get him back into a bed."

The little gnomish woman finally acknowledged the others. "Captain. Miss. Sir." She maintained her touch on Isaac's wrist and Michael went to retrieve a gurney.

Metarie came out as Michael went in. She wore a concerned look on her face and Michael gave her a quick summary as he passed her. Ree nodded and headed toward the group.

[Camulous Smithson]

I'm embarrassed to say that I took quite a fall while attempting to make a shortcut through an alleyway downtown. I believe I somehow mistook a flower pedestal for a stepladder and wound up on the ground.

"A fall." The way Camulous repeated it strongly suggested that Alyson wasn't alone in not believing Isaac.

He ignored Isaac's abrupt change of topic to something about a bakery. The captain dealt with eccentrics and idiots too regularly to be bothered by behavior that deviated from the norm. If he paid attention every time someone said something absurd to him, his job would take twice as long and his stoic demeanor would most likely collapse.

So while the captain - coincidentally enough - did have experience dealing with a soldier who suffered from seizures preempted by odd smells, Camulous didn't make a connection between the strange behavior and the blood. He didn't want to think about it. He wanted Isaac to stop talking about baked goods, wipe his nose, and get back to what happened in the alley.

Unfortunately in the setting of a hospital with concerned nurses and the two women watching, he had to stand quietly and listen to it all until a more polite time to return to questioning arrived. At least he didn't have to smile and pretend he liked or believed Isaac.

Then Isaac collapsed, and Camulous realized an interrogation wasn't going to happen. He folded his arms and waited for Metarie to show up.

When she did, he offered some of his invaluable medical input accumulated after years of dealing with injured soldiers:

"I think it's his head."



Willow had seen it coming. Unlike Camulous, he never knew anyone who had such problems, but he did have a number of talents regarding observation. He knew something was wrong before anyone else. He just decided not to act on it, preferring to watch things unfold.

[Metarie]

Although the captain’s observation was astute, Dr. Gerinkind, said,

“Quite possibly, Captain. Once you’ve passed your medical exam I will make sure to hold a position open for you.” It amused her to no end to needle him mercilessly… especially since her Metarie had become involved with the man.

Rosie raised her eyebrows as she looked at Metarie. “Have you finished the case write-up?”

Metarie on the other hand just looked at Camulous and blinked. She was processing his comment wondering if it were a serious observation or if it was one of his dry jokes. Rosie’s question saved her from her momentary indecision and brought her back to focus.

“Yes.” Cases were always written up at the time of the treatment, but Metarie always reviewed the cases after her shift was complete to ensure she had not missed something important. Because the last patient’s injury was, in the scheme of things, normal; Metarie had been able to finish with him quickly and had moved on to finish her work for the day.

“We also had a broken ankle in four just now. Keris is finishing his paperwork.”

The sound of the gurney wheels preceded Michael’s reappearance. Rosie stared at Isaac’s face for a moment before placing her hands on her knees and straightening her back slowly. “Let’s get him in Two. I want to keep an eye on him tonight.” Metarie nodded and moved to help Michael carefully place Isaac on the gurney. Drawing a cloth from her pocket she gently wiped the blood from under Isaac’s nose. A slight outline remained, where the edges had dried. Again, concern suffused her features as looked at his face. Metarie placed a hand over Isaac’s.

“I can stay, Rosie. If you want me to.” Rosie shook her head.

“Rest. You’re pale.” Rosie’s tone left no room for argument. “We’ll discuss your extra-curricular work when you come in to relieve me from my shift. Michael, let’s go.”

Rosie’s head barely cleared the side of the gurney once Michael raised it to a comfortable position for him. She stepped around it and out of the way as the attendant moved Isaac back into the hospital proper.

“Captain, how may we help you? I’m certain you’re not here to visit Metarie while you’re on duty."

Metarie looked at Camulous and opened her mouth to speak, then thought better of it. He did not need her to defend him. Instead, she smiled at him. A small amount of what she felt would be obvious enough. A little bit of pride . He was here, doing his job, just as she was here doing her job. She could not imagine he would do anything other than his duty while he was on duty. Pleased – because she liked to see him, even if it was while they were working. Supportive- because she believed in him. Then, Metarie looked to Alyson. Her gaze flickered to Willow briefly before returning to Alyson.

“I’ll just get my things and we can be on our way.”

After gathering her things, including the letter to the Old One, she moved toward Alyson, Willow, and the door. As she passed Camulous, she reached for his hand and gave it a squeeze.

“Feel free to visit with us, when you are finally off duty.” Giving him an encouraging smile, she let his hand fall from hers. Now was not the time... one last parting glance and she gestured to the door.

“If you’ll walk with me?” This to Alyson and Willow.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Joint post with Alyson and Ree ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The walk through Marn was mostly uneventful.

Ree’s house was a building made of the same mortar and stone as most of the government buildings in Marn, but the building had been given cottage-treatment. Approaching as they did from the direction of the Hospital, a neat little fence could be seen delineating the line between a stable yard and the boundary of the property on the right side of the house.

Ever-green trees lined the south-east side of the fence, giving a natural privacy barrier between the two. By the house, the fence ended in an archway and gate. One could assume the gate led to a backyard, the dimensions of which were unseen by those that passed by. The tidy little fence continued on the left side of the house, continuing to show the property line. Over the chimney and roof of the house, the water tower could be seen in the distance.

The front yard was host to edible and ornamental plants. Lavender, sage, basil, goldenseal, larkspur, ferns, and flowers were neatly maintained. A paved walk led to the front stoop. The front of the house had several small windows, placed at regular intervals across the face; including one on both sides of the door. The windows looked more like arrow slits than anything, as if the place had once been a fortification of some kind. The doorway was arched, as was the door itself. The wood of the door and metal looked as if they had been replaced sometime in the recent past. The door was stained a deep cherry.

Metarie opened the door and stood to the side. The entry led into a long hallway that terminated in a matching arched doorway. From the front stoop, four openings could be seen leading off the hallway into other places within the house.

Placing her right hand over her heart, Metarie bowed slightly from the waist and spoke. While she spoke, her right hand swept outward from her heart to the open doorway; gesturing for the two to enter.

“Shaelysti sai tia cysti. Tae os boror shol olia cadolaer eil bai eil si Jhadia shaer aelaesia shaer.”

As she followed Metarie to her home Alyson had lapsed into a sense of awe and wonder. Marn was so - different - from Shim. Every building, every plant, every smell seemed new, and somewhat disconcerting. Metarie's home, though constructed using the same materials as other buildings in Marn, appeared to be an oasis. Beautiful and sweet smelling plants greeted the trio as they approached.

Alyson took a deep, cleansing breath as Metarie welcomed them in by gesturing and speaking in her native tongue. Though the words were a mystery, the meaning was clear and genuine. Alyson gave a brief smile in reply, before leading the way into the home.

The hallway led straight into the house, with doors leading to rooms off either side. Alyson stepped to the right upon entering, waiting for her hostess to lead them further. Her pulse had quickened with a mix of nervousness and excitement. It was not just that she wanted to tell Metarie her story... she NEEDED to tell someone, and Metarie... Alyson felt sure she could trust the woman - though she was not sure why. Soon, she would have her chance. To voice the pain she felt in learning who she was... the circumstances surrounding her parent's deaths... her decision regarding Belatucadrus offer...

Taking another deep breath, Alyson did her best to push aside a growing concern over that choice. Perhaps Metarie would not be able to help ease those concerns, but by telling another, Alyson felt she wouldn't have to bear the burden alone.

“Should you want to wash the day’s travels from your face and hands, the water closet is to your right. Otherwise, you’ll find a place to sit on the on the left.” Metarie slipped the coat from her shoulders and hung it in its place. Her shoes were slipped off and left by the door, allowing her to walk softly and barefoot on the wooden floor.

“And, please, make yourself at home.”

Alyson slipped briefly into the water closet, and after staring at the unfamiliar plumbing for a long moment, finally managed to wash her hands. She also splashed a little cool water on her face and, feeling refreshed, smiled as she returned to the hall and followed Metarie into the study and common room.

Once the pair stepped through the first doorway, they would find a study of sorts to their left, a common area to the right, and further right a kitchen area. The walls of the study were covered from floor to ceiling with books and the setting sun filtered sunlight through the arrow slit windows. A large fireplace was the centerpiece of the room. Mounted on the wall above the mantel was something curved and wooden; a bow, beautifully carved and unstrung. A case of some kind sat upon the mantel itself. To the left of the fireplace was what looked like a suit of armor, but on display as if at a museum.

The armor was different from that of the Captain. This suit was more delicate looking, more finely crafted, as if form was equally as important as function. The form was definitely made for a more feminine figure than the captain’s and the coloring was a subtle blend of greens and browns that almost seemed to encourage the eye to look elsewhere. Lastly, and probably the hardest thing to miss, was the dog sprawled upon the hearthrug, thumping its tail upon the floor. The dog was the size of a small pony, probably larger. Its coat was a mixture of greys, blacks and whites, giving the dog a smoky coloring. Large, dark eyes regarded Metarie and her visitors intelligently. From paw to shoulder, the dog was easily a yard tall and nearly topping four feet in height including its head. Metarie smiled softly when she saw him.

“This is Kona. Kona, this is Alyson and Willow.” The dog looked at Willow longer than it looked at Alyson, as if sensing something about the man that was not obvious on the surface.

Another key point to note is the location of Metarie’s home. The site had been selected by the original occupants with specific intent. The elves had selected this spot for the primary housing facility because of its intersection with several important astral leylines. Lines that connected many important places across the world. Lines that would enable its occupants to establish a strong defense based on magic, should that unfortunate and unpleasant truth become a necessity. Another key spot was occupied by the Justice Hall, home to the Porter.

Leading Alyson and Willow into the common area, Metarie gestured to the couch. “Would you like something to drink? I have water, ale, and wine.”

Alyson was startled by the large dog, but as it seemed to regard her only for a moment Alyson quickly relaxed.

"Just water please," Alyson breathed in response to Metarie's offer as she took a seat on the couch. The home was more comfortable and well appointed than anything Alyson could remember... with the exception of Belatucadrus' manor. That had been luxuriously opulent, and yet Alyson knew she preferred Metarie's home to his.

"Thank you again for allowing me to come here," Alyson continued when Metarie returned with the beverage. "I... I need to talk to someone... and I need help to understand the 'feelings' I mentioned..." Her voice trailed off for a moment and she closed her eyes. The feelings were stronger here. She had been getting good at ignoring them on the street and at the hospital - but here it was impossible. Not quite as overwhelming as at the manor, but still... something was different here.

As Ree moved into the kitchen, Alyson continued to speak. Ree pulled down three tall glasses and a glass pitcher, filling the pitcher with cool, fresh, pure water from the tap. Kona moved, giving a little groan as he heaved himself to his feet to follow her into the kitchen. Ree gave him a quick pat as he moved to his water bowl. The sound of Kona lapping up water followed. “Good boy,” she murmured. The pitcher and glasses were placed on a tray. Ree then brought the tray and its content into the common area.

"Perhaps I should start by telling you about what happened after you left... Tomas is dead. Belatucadrus killed him."

The news was not new. Rumors traveled between Marn and Shim quickly enough, especially when the Old One was involved. This was action on His part, more than had been seen in several years. Ree just nodded and poured water for the three of them, before coming to sit beside the young woman.
Alyson stared at an invisible spot on the wall, her expression blank. Overwhelmed by emotion and memory, she continued her story. "I could not understand why Belatucadrus would do that... why he would take an interest in my situation. Then I wondered - perhaps he knew what I could not remember. Perhaps he knew of my parents... of my life before Tomas. So... I went to the manor to see him."

Pausing to take a slow breath, Alyson's eyes filled with pain. "As soon as I saw him... I remembered. Everything. My parents were merchants - we had just returned to Shim. It was late. Something was happening at the cemetery. People were shouting - crying out in pain. My father insisted on going to help... He told me to lie down in the back of the cart. I... I heard my mother scream. Then... it was quiet. I remember... I looked out of the cart. I saw my parent's bodies... twisted... pale... my mother's neck ri...."

Compassion filled Ree’s gaze and she reached out, placing a hand over Alyson’s. The Old One was brutal and the attempt on the Cemetery was the precursor to the Magic Riots of ’37. She nodded and made a soothing sound, a murmur of sorts.

Alyson stopped, blinking back tears. She shook her head several times as if trying to dispel the memories. "I remembered him. HE was there. HE had killed them." There - she had said it. Her voice shook as she continued, "He told me it had been a mistake - my parents had been in the wrong place, at the wrong time. He had decided to place me with Tomas - he did not know that Tomas would treat me as he did. He made no apology... but he made me an offer."

Another pause, as Alyson forced back the guilt and bile that threatened to surface. "He offered me protection..." a quick glance towards Willow, "and provision. I am in his employ - though as yet he has not given me any purpose other than to stay in Marn, for now."

Ree glanced toward Willow, as well. Knowing the man worked for the Old One made her feel less comfortable around him. Even if she intended to send a request to the vampire for use of his library, she was still very wary of the Old One. Ree studied Alyson’s face, then said softly,

“I’m sorry you had to witness such a thing. Losing one’s parents is never easy and especially when young and in such circumstances. The important thing is to keep it in perspective. We can’t change what happened in the past. What we can do is learn and grow from our experiences, to strive to be the best person we possibly can be. I hope working for the Old One allows you to do just that." Ree thought for a moment. "Perhaps you are already on that path, by accepting employment from the one responsible.”

Ree glanced at Willow again before continuing. “I understand those in the Old One’s employ are treated well so long as they remain loyal. Since you will be… stationed… in Marn, will you be taking a residence? As I had promised the day we met, you have an account at the Bank of Marn. So, it should be easy for you to establish yourself. The passbook is in my desk.”

Alyson remained silent while Metarie spoke, allowing her words to sink into her mind. She had questions… but did not know how to voice them. Metarie called Belatucadrus the “Old One” – why? And she seemed to know of others who served him – who might they be?

“I… I needed a chance to find a life… for myself. Belatucadrus’ offer was my best hope for that now… I could not stay in Shim – I would be an outcast there. I do hope to find a place to live in Marn… and I appreciate what you have done for me as well…” Alyson’s voice trailed off, but Metarie did not seem concerned. Ree gave Alyson’s hand a light squeeze and pat as she stood, moving toward the desk.

“Of course.”

Once at the desk, Metarie opened a drawer and pulled out a slim banking book and opened the cover. On the inside, she had inscribed a note to Alyson wishing her luck on her new endeavors. Under the circumstances, Ree supposed the message was still applicable. Working for the Old One! Ree suppressed a shiver and turned back to the pair. When she returned she smiled at Alyson.

“So, tell me about these feelings you’ve been having. Are they emotional or physical sensations? Or both?”

Glad to have something else to think about – rather than Belatucadrus and her parent’s deaths – Alyson focused on the feelings she was experiencing even now in Metarie’s home. “Both… I think,” Alyson began nervously.

“Sometimes it is more… intense than other times. For example – at the manor, when I met with Belatucadrus, it was almost like my skin was crawling and I felt afraid… It was very uncomfortable. It seems it happens around some people… and some places or things. I noticed it when I first met you – but it was… warmer, less threatening. It is stronger here – at your home – than it has been anywhere else in Marn.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~end joint post~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ree settled on the couch beside Alyson and listened to the young woman describe the sensations she experienced. She stilled, not wanting to distract the young woman as she explained what she felt. She Ree’s gaze and her brows drew together slightly.

“What I am hearing you describe is a sensitivity to your environment. The key is to figure out the common theme when you are feeling these sensations so we may identify the trigger.” Ree smiled in gentle good=nature. “Unfortunately, feeling uncomfortable around the Old One is common for most. He has a … way… about him, no?”

Ree exhaled a breath and looked around her home. “You say you feel it here, strongly. Do you feel afraid here?”

[Metarie]

Ree listened thoughtfully to Alyson's replies to her questions until finally she nodded her head. Smiling at the girl, Ree began the process of explaining what she thought was Alyson's skill. Once the solution had been found, Alyson was full of further questions seeking to understand the limitations and affect of her skill.

In the end, the only question that remained was one for which Ree had no analytical answer.

"Why me?" An understandable question, given the beliefs in Marn and Shim. Magic was not to be trusted and those who used magic were tainted by it. Ree shook her head and reached out her hand to Alyson once more.

"Only Baresi knows why some have such a connection to the Dreaming and others do not. Just be cautious in its use, power in any form can be taken for granted and used poorly. I can teach you how to filter its use, so that you are not overwhelmed by it. All I ask is that when asked or tempted to apply this skill, do not do it blindly. Be aware of its use and the reason for it; the motivation behind it. Then, it becomes a question of what you believe is right and you will act accordingly."

Ree sighed softly. "And do not forget, Theogious himself was capable of magic and accomplished great things. So, do not judge yourself too harshly for this skill. Its use and how it is used is your choice. Own it and it will not own you."

A clock chimed the hour softly and Alyson realized she needed time to process this revelation. As she stood at the door thanking the elf, she resolved to take Metarie up on her offer. Alyson did want to control this skill and not have it affect her all the time.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This thread is closed until Alyson returns.

Ree continues here http://www.tharshaddin.com/rp/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2562