|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2014 10:39 am
WHO: Ethiriel, Henry (NeonMace) Alex, Zul (Chrystali)
WHEN: Late Morning.
WHERE: Starts at Lab 305 and moves to a small shopping center in Gambino.
WEATHER: Still a bit cold, but decently warm in the sun.
"And you met her? With her previous Guardian?"
The demon rolled his eyes at the sound of surprise in Alex's voice. "Is it so hard to believe I actually go outside just because you don't?" The tart response struck a nerve; he could see it in the way the woman clenched her jaw and her brows lowered just a bit. Sighing, he approached the Italian and put his hands on her slightly exposed shoulders, using the contact as a means of solemn undertone. "I'm sorry. You've been in here trying to run the Lab for almost a year and I hardly know if you're alive or not -"
"Calling every once in a while wouldn't kill you - "
"- but I've been looking out for the Raevans. All of them that I can find." The woman stilled and silenced beneath him, look away. She couldn't fault him for doing what she would do herself. "I met Ethiriel and she seemed perfectly happy, so, yes. I've met her, and I want to be here to make sure she's okay. I'm not in the medical aspect of it, this is just what I do."
Alex gently shrugged Zul's hands off her shoulders, adjusting her large sweater that was mostly plain save for the square-cut holes over said shoulders. The demon couldn't help but notice that since the accident with the lightning, she'd taken to showing off her scars more, daring the world to notice and say something out loud. His blue eyes lingered only briefly over the network of branch-like scars he could see on one shoulder before returning to her face; she still wasn't looking at him. "I'm not happy about this either, Zul. In fact, I'm pissed the hell off, but all I can do is make sure this guy is a fit." For a moment, the Italian scowled. "The application process is becoming too lax."
He didn't really have anything to say about that. Instead, Zul nodded and folded his arms across his chest, floating towards Alex's desk while she prepped what was usually the medical area into a more comfortable, open space for them to sit, stand, or do whatever was best without feeling pinned down. He could tell she was being careful, but he had no such designs. "He better take care of her," his voice grated like a threat.
Alex simply nodded, the grim furrow of her brows echoing his sentiment.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2014 11:17 am
Somehow, Henry had been looking forward to today.
Not that there was exactly anything to dread; Leo had told him that Ethiriel needed this checkup and he had always been too busy to exactly take her. Honestly, that sounded like an excuse to the man and it put a slight pain in his chest as he glanced toward his new ward. She shouldn’t have been put off for so long; this was important and should have been done a long time ago.
Maybe it was the nurse in him talking.
”Are you ready? I’m sure Alex is a nice woman. If it’s anything like visits I do—“
”I am fine, Sir Knight. All will be well.”
Her tone was so calm it was almost disturbing, but Henry hadn’t seen her be anything but in the time that he had known her. He hadn’t once seen her smile, and that alone was enough to tug at his heart. He wanted nothing more than to help bring her back to life, for her to be happy again. He didn’t know her in her brightest but he sure knew that this wasn’t it. She was so sullen, there was no way that this was normal.
It wasn’t normal for anyone.
”Okay,” Henry accepted, bringing the car to a stop as he looked over the outside of the Lab. Last time they were here, they had finished the paperwork for the switch and took the Frei home. Unlike last time, however, it was his turn to help her out of the car and escort her inside.
The journey inside was short and silent, just as finding Alex was. However, a familiar scent painted the air and Ethiriel had perked up, even if just a little. She recognized it immediately, and honestly she was more than surprised that he was even here. Did he know this Alex woman? The change wasn’t noticed by Henry, but as soon as he opened the door he was all smiles.
”Hello! I’m here for Ethiriel’s checkup – You must be Alex!”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2014 11:23 am
And as soon as the door swung open, Alex was all smiles again, brightening to see a man that she immediately associated with Zeke. Anyone who struck her in that fashion, she was willing to give a chance. "Guilty as charged. And you must be Henry -- and the beautiful Ethiriel." Motioning with her hands inwardly into the office, she took a few steps towards the new male, extending both her hands. "It's very nice to meet you. I don't get to meet a lot of the Guardians or the Raevans unless they need my services, so it's really a treat to meet you both." Alex lowered one hand and gently touched her fingers to Ethiriel's hand, not knowing the best way to say hello to the sightless Frei.
She saw movement in her peripheral, which prompted her to smile a little wider as she remembered her company. "I hope you don't mind, Henry, ah -- this is Zul," she tilted her head towards the Sigel that took up most of the room in the back, "he met Ethiriel before and wanted to say hello when he heard she'd be in today."
The demon regarded the human with an even gaze - not unfriendly, but not exuding the warmth he usually did, either. "Good day, Henry." His bone wings stretched in slight agitation of the situation before tucking against his back, pushing away from the desk he had been inhabiting and making his approach to the delicate Frei. "Lady Ethiriel, I hope you do not mind my presence. I wanted to see how you were doing." As Alex did, the demon gingerly extended a hand and ran his fingertips over one of Ethiriel's hands, but rather than leave it at that, his fingers curled around hers in a two-fingered and light hold.
Alex made a mental note to ask just what happened during that last meeting that he was so ... this with the Frei at a later time, instead stepping back into the office and motioning towards the four armchairs. "If you'd like to sit, please do, by all means! Otherwise, we'll make this as quick and easy as possible for you guys."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 10:50 am
”Yes! I am, indeed, Henry!” the nurse exclaimed, taking her hands eagerly and giving them a hardy shake. He then turned his head to Ethiriel when she didn’t confirm or deny her presence, his brow knit slightly. However, his smile nor his pleasant demeanor made no change. ”It’s a pleasure to meet you both!” His gaze momentarily landed on Zul, but became drawn to Alex’s hand as it landed on his companion’s.
Ethiriel extended her hand forward at the feeling of Alex’s fingers. Her gaze remained forward and her lips sat in a neutral line. ”A pleasure,” she finally said. Her attention was hardly on this new human, being more eager to meet once again with Zul.
”Zul!” Henry said with a smile, his eyes landing on the Sigel again while extending his hand. Hearing that he and Ethiriel actually knew each other, the man retracted his untaken hand to assist Ethiriel in moving closer as Zul approached. ”That’s great news! Always good to meet friends of Ethiriel’s!”
Ethiriel extended her hand toward Zul, or at least, where she thought he was. She took his hand gracefully, her fingers wrapping around his in response. ”I take no greater pleasure than your presence. Thank you, Sir Zul.” With that, the frei pulled herself closer so that she could possibly see better. Again, it was his hair that was the most noticeable, but she could still barely make it out. She didn’t mind much, she was used to it; used to only seeing bits and pieces of people, though blurry and difficult to make out. Ethiriel let out a small scoff to herself, hardly audible as a pessimistic smile crossed her lips. It didn’t last long as she was back to her neutral expression.
Henry felt much the same way as Alex, watching in interest as the sigel so easily captured his frei. Even if she wasn’t smiling, not that Henry could see if she was or wasn’t, it was such a relief to see her so eagerly cling to a dear friend. He had no idea how long it had been or how close they were, but it warmed his heart.
”Ah, yes! Don’t worry about time on my part,” he said, taking a seat in one of the plush arm chairs. ”I’ve got the day off and… I wouldn’t want to separate these two just yet.”
The last bit was a gentle whisper as he leaned closer to Alex.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2014 8:16 pm
Alex did not miss Henry's genuine enthusiasm or the lack of anything at all from Ethiriel, though she did not take it personal. Not many of the Raevans were receptive to their own Guardians, let alone complete strangers. Zul was usually the exception, but she noted that even he seemed a bit off. She chalked it up to whatever history she was unaware of, taking a seat near Henry and giving him an apologetic smile. "That's very kind of you -- and I do have to apologize, he's usually a lot more friendly."
The demon spared Henry a glance, but little else. He didn't want to be rude - especially because the man did seem friendly and eager enough - but he was certain Ethiriel could use his attention far more than the man. Zul bowed his head as she floated closer, as though it would help her 'see.' "I wish I could do more for you," he murmured softly, a blanket statement to the situation, the new Guardian -- he didn't know anything about the why or how, only what he'd heard in passing from Alex. He wasn't happy about the situation, but he was certain it paled in comparison to what she was experiencing.
Lingering upon the two for only a moment more, Alex turned her attention to the friendly man at her side, leaning against the arm of the chair. "Now, I understand Ethiriel has been in your care for a little time now. I'm mostly here to make sure you'll settle in with all the information you need and to answer any questions you might have." Leaning over to the table near by, she plucked a file off of it and put it on her lap, opening it over her legs. "Food, history, a little bit about the essence -- background about the other Raevans, the Lab's history, all that good stuff. Or, conversely, any information or concerns you'd like to impart. This is very much an on-going project and we don't know everything, but damn if I'm not trying." Alex chuckled under her breath, fingers relaxed on either side of the folder, looking with polite curiosity at Henry.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Sep 24, 2014 1:11 pm
It wasn’t that Ethriiel cared little for another’s guardian, a complete stranger, so much as it was her depression still had quite the hold on her. She sighed quietly, but kept her attention on Zul as they locked arm in arm. She could feel her rune thrum, a dull feeling, but it was better than nothing – it was the most she had felt in a while, and she was grateful.
”Please, Sir Zul… do not concern yourself with what you could possibly do. My burdens are not yours to bare, nor would I wish them upon you.” she said, her voice low so that the humans would not hear. No smile graced her lips as her brows fell, her eyes drifting downward as mixed emotions crossed her features. No, she wouldn’t want to bother anyone with her own issues, they weren’t for others to handle. Ethiriel felt bad enough that her companion felt it necessary to assist her… no one should have to deal with her. Especially with how much trouble she truly was; blind and helpless, it was unfair that others had to bother with her, in her eyes. She couldn’t help but feel awful over Zul’s kindness, but she dared not put her feelings into words. ”You have my thanks.”
Henry’s excitement had not dwindled in the slightest, his attention having already drifted back to Alex and the file in hand. ”Of course! I’d love to know whatever you could tell me!” His doofy smile remained on his face as his fellow guardian continued, finally allowing his eyes to glance down at the paperwork on the table, then back to Alex. ”Luckily, Leo had a list compiled of what he knew – I know her food sources and what keeps her comfortable, but I definitely would like to know more about Lab and the other Raevens – whatever you could tell me!”
The nurse leaned back in his chair slightly, just enough for his back to touch its spine, before crossing his arms over his chest. He relaxed as much as he could without seeming aloof or listless.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2014 9:30 pm
"Mm. That is not entirely true, fair Ethiriel." The demon's expression remained concerned, brows knitted, fully aware she could not see him but he was helpless to feel the way he did. Zul was entirely a creature of his creation, which had not only a wild soul but a turbulent essence. He could not help but express himself honestly. "Not only are you Raevan, you are my friend. I shoulder your burdens, even if you'd rather I didn't. If I can take even a fraction of what darkens your pretty face, I will do it. Gladly. Your burdens do not make you a burden, my friend." Indeed, such feelings had been an issue with...well, just about every Raevan he had met. If he could spare even one Frei the torment of relying on themselves, even for a minute - a few seconds! - he was going to try--
An idea struck him. Straightening a little, he glanced over to the humans and then back to Ethiriel. "Do you think I might be able to steal you away from here while they talk shop?" The demon gently rubbed his fingers over the Frei's hand, glancing to Alex and Henry again. It wasn't like he couldn't be heard.
Alex chuckled with the folder open on her lap. "You probably know more than I do, the update went through Zeke -- but you get to go through me, so there's a bit of some wires crossed. I'm happy to answer any questions you have!" Her smile brightened. "I can tell you about the Lab itself, any of the Raevans, the Guardians, past ordeals..."
She trailed off a little, as indeed, she did hear Zul's words. Alex cast him a bemused look, brows askew over her questioning eyes. Having no idea what her Raevan had planned - but typically trusting his judgment when it came to the care of Raevans - she didn't feel too worried. Instead, she looked to Henry, as the final say really did come from him. "I don't mind," she voiced her opinion, just so they knew Ethiriel's presence wasn't needed for the paperwork, "but I'd want you both back in less than a half hour, no matter what. I don't want to keep Henry and I do have more work to do after our meeting."NeonMace I dunno if you still wanted them to go get the cell phone for Eth, so the RP follows them, or if you want to keep it here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2015 10:09 am
Ethiriel listened closely as Zul spoke despite every fiber of her being wishing to tune everyone, everything, out, but his words struck her. She felt the sting of tears threaten her eyes but she held strong, keeping them locked inside despite the pain showing on her delicate face. The frei took a deep breath once her companion had ceased, closing her eyes before allowing them to flutter back open and blindly search for his face. She had no words, stuck in her throat, and she found herself without a voice.
She wished to hug him, hold him, but instead she reached for his hand and squeezed gently.
There was a brief pause before the demon had spoken up once more, and her eyes continued to search his out. Ethiriel’s expression finally softened and with only the slightest hesitation, she offered a small nod in agreement. ”I would like that, Sir Zul.” She definitely wouldn’t mind leaving the lab at all, especially since it got her away from Henry for a bit.
Henry hadn’t caught Zul’s question but once Alex spoke up, not in protest but in agreement, he glanced over at the two Raevens, staring at the back of Ethiriel’s head for a second. He then turned his attention back to Alex with a smile. If it made Ethiriel happy, he was on board. The poor nurse had yet to see her crack a smile in the time that they’d been together.
”I won’t pry any about Leo – I’m sure he’d appreciate that.”
He then leaned in a little closer to Alex and asked, ”I would like to know a little about Zul, though. He’s very interesting and I’m glad to see Ethiriel has a friend in him!” Henry then looked toward the Raevens again, his expression softening. He couldn’t see the frei’s expression but he hoped she seemed a little happier.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2015 12:55 pm
As Alex began to animatedly talk about her ward, the Sigel gently drew the Frei out of the room and ultimately out of the air conditioned lull of the Lab.
It was still cool out, but in the direct sun, it was warm enough; with her on his arm, he'd keep her as comfortable as he could. The Lab was deftly left in their wake, his pace not exactly quick but with purpose, guiding her down the sidewalk. "Have you been to the mall down the block?" he'd ask as they crossed the street, hand on hers, "It's a strip mall, but there's something there I'd like to get for you."
He made small talk during the voyage - trying to describe what they were passing in ways she might understand, the way Jazz had once taught him to speak - the sky as clear as a smile, the trees dancing in the breeze like the sleeves of her gown brushing against his skin, people chattering about their day like a radio in the background - mostly not wanting her to feel cornered. It was important to him that she felt at ease, and knew that what he wanted to do was not to coerce or force her into something she wouldn't want, but to open her doors to freedom.
The ambiance became a bit more noisy as they arrived at the strip mall, the dull sound of vehicles coming and going, indecipherable conversations lacing the breeze, the scent of some cheap food being sold - it was like a mall, Zul always thought, but without the cloying sense of being forced so close to people. Squeezing her hand, he asked lightly, "Do you know much of cell phones?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2015 1:13 pm
Henry was eager to listen and paid close attention to Alex, making sure to catch every detail.
Ethiriel was quick to follow Zul, eager to get out of the building and, admittedly, away from her new Guardian. She didn’t quite dislike him, but things were still sour and stung the more she thought about it. She was glad that the man was so easily distracted and that they could get away silently.
The Frei listened to each word Zul said. She closed her eyes as there was little silver for her to see anyway – and while she couldn’t necessarily understand or place any of the things the Sigel said to her, she appreciated the thought as it was. He described each little detail in such an interesting way, she couldn’t help but pay close attention to each breath he took, every word he muttered. His voice was nice, dancing smoothly in her ear – she couldn’t say she didn’t like it. She did want to understand what he was talking about, but since she couldn’t, she enjoyed what she could of it.
She had nearly zoned out by the time the talk of cell phones came about, having focused mostly on his voice, and offered a small hum in response. There was a brief pause in her reaction before she spoke up. ”I know of them. Sir Gaiten had one, and I believe Sir Knight does, as well.”
How was a cell phone relevant? She only knew they could make calls, but little else was clear to her. Ethiriel knew nothing of how they worked or what they were for – but if it was brought up by Zul, and after mentioning he had something important for her, she figured it had some matter to it.
”Do you have one?” she asked, her voice unsure.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2015 1:27 pm
The demon cast her a gentle glance of uncertainty at the names presented, but he wasn't going to pry. Zul was charmed that she called others 'sir,' for in a way, it reminded him of himself when he was younger.
Floating leisurely into the shade of the awnings of the outdoor mall, he took his time with hand on hers to lead her towards the phone shop. "I do have one. I didn't for a long time, I thought them -- strange. Unnecessary devices. However," he paused as they came to the appropriate shop, opening the door with one hand, a blast of cool air stirring his hair, "I've found that they're a remarkable tool. They allow me to keep in contact with anyone, no matter where they or I may be. You're never lost with one, they have audible maps on them that can give you directions. It's...freedom."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2015 1:34 pm
The building itself was starkly cooler, almost giving Ethiriel a chill, as they entered. It smelled of plastic and cleaning products – unpleasant, but bearable. She still had her arm linked to Zul’s once they were inside.
She listened carefully to his description and she had to admit, it sounded helpful indeed. More uses than she had anticipated, and with the word freedom, Ethiriel definitely perked up. ”They sound… surprisingly wonderful,” she admitted.
She took note that someone across the room had a silver wedding band.
”Am I to suppose that is what we are here for? A phone for myself?” It was a nice gesture, she thought. She had no concept of money or even bartering, never having to do it herself, and she had little idea of just how much a phone would cost – had she known, she would have protested – but this was just a kind gesture from a dear friend in her mind.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2015 1:40 pm
"That is what I discovered as well - and perhaps if you have that knowledge sooner, your days may be filled with more joy and friends."
As they were approached by a smiling assistant, he subtly held up one hand so the worker might listen to their conversation before speaking. "We are in fact here for a phone for you, dear Lady. I will add you to my plan - which means you needn't worry for anything. We'll get it a nice silver case, make sure the buttons are silver - and the nice gentleman here and I will teach you all you need to know. You'll be able to call myself or any of your friends at a whim, and with any luck, I will see you much more often than this." He smiled softly at her, unseen by her lovely eyes, but glanced to the store clerk who looked surprised, but understanding. At least this would work out if the guy continued to give them the space they'd need to adjust the Frei.
"It is my treat, one friend to another. I'd like to hear from you again. It is a selfish request." And one he would not take no for an answer to.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
