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 Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2020 2:05 pm
A popular and bright musician in Belrea was now a quiet shell barely existing in Oba.
The transition had been quick and painful. The shock of losing a loved one, of watching her hopes and dreams for the future shatter along with her heart in a few precise words, had destroyed her spirit. It had been almost two months since she had returned to the main continent and a month since she learned that her search was in vain. How could one recover a dead man, after all? The shock had robbed her ability to communicate and basically her desire to live. Perhaps it was a bit spoiled of her but the girl simply wasn’t accustomed to such loss. To lose her heart so suddenly and without warning had been too much for her. Aphasia. Someone called it. Another said the spirit of the deceased had stolen her voice as punishment, such superstition quickly tossed aside by her brother while part of Nadiya wondered if that could be the case. If she even cared. Nothing seemed to matter anymore. Her amber gaze was dulled as she sat on the chaise in their apartment in the upper area of the city. Her brother had left to visit with traders but had promised that he would find some healer in the city to help her. Someone had potentially gained his attention and she was supposed to let him inside whenever he did arrive.
At least she had some semblance of life now to do that much at least. A crumpled letter from Ahren sat idly in her hands as she simply waited and stared towards a window overlooking the city below. It was such a waste to look for a doctor. She simply wanted to be left alone. Yet the crashing of the waves in Matori had done nothing to ease her spirits and staying in bed for days simply would not work with Ahren any longer. At least she had taken to getting up and walking about a bit and even attended some plays with her brother before retiring back to her room in silence. Still, it was something. Honestly she didn’t feel like interacting with anyone and was thankful that for a few days at least the variety of doctors and healers had ceased coming to their door. Hopefully this one would be a quick visit as well. Then perhaps she could go back to watching the city in peace and quiet. It was not as if she could sleep either considering the nightmares which plagued her almost daily as well. So she settled to just watching as the world continued on without her.
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Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2020 5:46 pm
When he had been approached with the case, Tacrith had been ready to turn it down. A girl who couldn't speak after a traumatic loss? To go through multiple healers and have so much time pass with no change? What did they think he could do any differently to help the girl? Besides, this sounded like an emotional condition more than a physical one. Anything emotional was far, very far, from his expertise. Tac's scholarly nature quickly kicked in though. Intrigued by what seemed to be an impossible case, he found himself accepting the patient. If nothing else, it would be useful to see a condition that he never had before. Perhaps he might discover something to add to the books.
He wasn't sure how this was going to go, seeing as how the man that had hired him would not be there, but hopefully the girl would be able to communicate at least somewhat. He double checked the paper in his hand with the address and gave the door to the apartment a firm knock. If the patient was alone.. perhaps it would be better announce himself first. "Ma'am, my name is Tacrith. Your brother hired my services as a healer for you," he called through the door.
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Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2020 4:51 pm
Nadiya traced a finger lazily along the worn parchment paper. It was just a ballad with lyrics so faded that none could truly read anything save for a few elegantly scripted letters dotted here and there. More recent blobs of ink dotted the bottom of the parchment in a series of letters that placed together made no sense in any language across the continents. They had been written there by Nadiya when she had broken down and tried her best to try and write anything remotely like a melody. Before she had been able to easily create ballads and spun poetry that could make the coldest heart weep but now it was all just a jumbled mess. Producing such a failure had broken her spirits even more that day and she had stopped trying all together once again.
"Miss? There's the doctor at the door." A rather robust Oban girl, recently hired by Ahren to help take care of the apartment and to keep Nadiya's hair and attire in presentable condition, loudly called out as she crossed towards the foyer. Nadiya simply stared after her from down the hallway before slowly and awkwardly following behind like a slight zombie. "You're the doctor, correct?" The girl asked with a grin as she opened the door. "I'm Nyki and Miss Nadiya is right here." She gestured towards Nadiya who was standing slightly behind her.
Nadiya, who was dressed in Oban fashion with a comfortable silk dress held together at the waist with an embroidered sash and belt, simply stared into space before Nyki's movement to the side caught her attention. For a split second those vacant golden orbs seemingly shined with something akin to hope as she reached out towards Tacrith before her lips turned sharply downwards and promptly slammed the door in his face. For a moment it had sounded like a faint cough left her throat, almost a syllable perhaps, but then she was turning on her heel and retreating across the room to sit on her chaise in the main parlor with her back turned towards Nyki and the front door. The only movement was with her fingers that fiddled with the ends of her long braid, something managed by Nyki's stern efforts that morning to try and tame the bard's unruly hair.
Her cheeks turning a deep scarlet, Nyki quickly opened the door and gestured for Tacrith to come inside. "My apologies!" She bit her bottom lip before shooting Nadiya a look. "She...doesn't usually react like that." She managed awkwardly. "At least not at first sight. I don't know what came over her. Mister Ahren is out right now else maybe he would know...." Trailing off awkwardly the girl glanced between the yaeli doctor and his supposed patient before forcing a small smile. "I can make tea. Please feel free to do what you need to do doctor and call me if you need anything. I'll be in the kitchen."
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Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2020 12:32 pm
Able to hear the voice through the door, Tac gave a small sigh of relief. At least there was someone there he could actually communicate with if it was needed. Hopefully, the voice would be useful. Then the door opened and he cocked his brow at the question. But he had heard her say just seconds ago.. Why be so redundant? "Yes," he replied flatly, eyes flicking next to the indicated patient-
-and a moment later, he was staring at the door again, jerking himself back reflexively to keep from being smacked himself. What was that look he had seen on her face? She had seemed almost happy to see him, and then it had turned into...Sadness? Anger? He wasn't entirely sure. That was strange. It wasn't the first time a potential patient had tried to turn away his help, but it certainly was different from those other times.
It was tempting to just leave it at that, but medical curiosity and a promised payment had him taking a steadying breath instead. "No harm done," he assured as he walked in, looking around the home before turning his focus to the strange patient. "Tea will be fine. Thank you." He headed over to the chaise, but stopped just short of the Matorian's line of sight. How should he progress?
"Your brother seems quite intent on figuring out how to help you," he offered out, now closing the gap to set his bag onto the chaise next to Nadiya. "Do you actually want the help?"
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Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2020 11:25 am
"Tea it is!" The Oban girl tried to sound happy though it was obvious that even she was wary to leave the two of them alone. Biting her bottom lip, she only shook her head before darting back into the kitchen to put the kettle on the stove.
While Nyki flitted about the kitchen, humming happily to herself in the background Nadiya was a different story. The Matori was almost like a doll, her amber gaze the only thing truly moving as she studied the Yaeli doctor and watched his movements. Her mouth twitched a bit at his question, her mind screaming a million things at once while nothing emerged from her lips save for perhaps some air as she took a faint breath before turning her gaze away. It was almost as if it hurt to look at the Yaeli and Nadiya felt something stirring in her chest, a painful feeling that just continuously stabbed at her insides. A painful reminder of the reason that she was in this state in the first place, the shock that had sent her into becoming mute. Her hands reached out slowly towards some torn parchment papers, musical symbols and various nonsensical letters scattered throughout the ruined parchment. Just staring at them reminded her of what she wanted and what she on occasion tried to reclaim for herself. But nothing would ever work as her mind continuously played tricks on her even when trying to write, just thinking about it made her breath hitch more. A shaking finger touched the letter before curling back into her palm, her hands retreating to her lap as sudden noise had her gaze flickering towards the doorway once more.
"I already had some tea started so I just needed to finish heating the water. Here you are." Nyki quickly set the silver tray on the round table next to them and carefully pushed the stack of various papers towards Tac so that she could leave the tray behind. A pair of cups, the dark liquid inside steaming and leaving a slightly spiced scent in the air, were accompanied by the teapot and a pair of ceramic dishes holding cream and sugar. "Please don't mind the papers, doctor. Miss Nadiya was a famous singer overseas and I think she's been trying to write music but nothing really makes sense. Though I don't really write music so maybe it does somewhat and I don't know it?" She smiled, her ignorance of Nadiya's frustrations evident in her bubbly personality as she left the tea for the two of them. "Please let me know if you need anything. I'll be working in the kitchen preparing lunch as well."
Nadiya had somewhat settled at the reappearance of Nyki, her breathing calmer as she dared to take a peek back towards the Yaeli doctor. He was nothing like the person she was missing now that she looked closer. The shock of just seeing another Yaeli had simply startled her mind into overthinking things. The realization felt like a rock in her stomach as her gaze slowly lowered towards the cup of tea to watch as the steam slowly started rising into the air, the fragrant scent of her favorite brew not even lifting her spirits.
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Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2020 8:59 pm
Tac waited another moment before silently sitting down across from Nadiya. While a verbal reply would have been a stretch, Tac was curious that the woman gave no obvious indication of answering his question. Instead, she just looked at those papers. He leaned in the slightest bit to take a look, brow cocking at the collection of alien markings. Was it some form of Oban?
Then the other woman answered for him. A singer. Those were musical markings, then? His gaze shifted to take in what information he could from Nadiya's surface. For anyone, a singer no less, to lose their voice... He only nodded to Nyki as the woman wandered off, his focus now just on Nadiya. That bit of information only added to the intrigue of this condition. Suddenly struck silent, but trying to write the music she had once loved.
Perhaps touching the papers had been a form of an answer? "You do want to regain your voice, then," he answered for her as he leaned back. Well, that was settled then. "Miss Nadiya, then. I am sure you have been through this all before, but I must make my own inquiries to better navigate whatever this is and perhaps help you. I will start with a physical exam, if you don't mind." He stood to walk around her, his movements slow enough to allow her reaction time but steady enough to keep the exam progressing. After all, he doubted that he would find anything physically that every other doctor might have missed. He was sure it was more than that.
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Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2020 3:26 pm
Perhaps for a split second there had been a spark of emotion in Nadiya's gaze when the Yaeli made his comment about her voice. Wouldn't a singer be desperate to reclaim her voice so that she could express herself once more? Would it even matter since she felt so numb on the inside? If only they could bring back a person instead...Whatever it was faded just as quickly as it appeared as she lowered her gaze towards the cup of tea, her long lashes hiding the amber orbs from view. The tea cup slowly lifted to her lips and a half-hearted attempt at a drink was made before she lowered the cup back to the table. While Nadiya didn't respond directly to the Yaeli's request for a physical exam she made no move to leave either. Instead the Matori sat back in her chair, her shoulders back while her gaze went towards the wall as if ignoring his existence once more. Her hands sat on her lap, her fingers twitching slightly for a moment as she settled. Before she may have had a fit about someone being close but this time Nadiya sat like a statue almost with only the slight rising of her chest giving any hint of life as her hands stilled.
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Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2020 3:42 pm
As he had suspected, Tacrith found nothing out of the ordinary physically with the young woman. She was the image of health, if only a little on the thin side from what was probably a lacking diet. "Well, everything seems fine physically; though I suppose you already knew that." Tossing a tool for listening to the heart and lungs back into the bag, he walked over to sit across from Nadiya again.
He had been able to find only a couple books on mental health at the local clinic, and those had been sorely lacking in directive instruction on how to tackle treating any conditions outside of talking through them. That was certainly not going to work out in this instance! "I will admit, my field of study has never come out into the world of how the mind works. I, frankly, prefer to stay in the logical realm of the physical. There is no damage that I can see to your neck or throat, your mouth is free of sores, and there is no indication that you should not be able to speak. Are you certain that there was no head injury sustained before you lost your ability to speak?" Frowning, he waved his hand to dismiss his own question. "Never mind that. A pointless question." It wasn't physically sourced... He needed more appropriate investigative questions.
"You were a singer before. What do you do now that you are not singing? How do you fill your time? Are you able to write aside from the music?"
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Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2020 6:09 pm
Strange how once the talkative girl would have relentlessly teased a doctor for being so close and checking up on her like this but now she was silent almost like a doll whenever he moved around her. Nadiya's breathing was relaxed, her breathing only hitching ever so slightly whenever he asked how she lost the ability to speak. There had been no head injury that she knew of, only heartbreak and darkness. Perhaps when she had fallen there could have been some sort of impact with her head hitting the floor but in all honesty the days surrounding that moment had faded into some sort of haze that lingered even now. Coming to Sulburi had given her a bit of life again but most of that was only in rare moments, some of which resulted in books sailing across her room in frustration as her trembling fingers and twisted mind messed up letters and symbols that once came so easily to her. The fragments of recent memories made her gaze dart towards the pile of discarded books that had been quickly shoved in a corner, the harsh lines and tears there a result of her frustrations whenever she had tried to gain the gumption to write once more.
Was she able to write? Hadn't she tried before? As Nadiya's gaze tried to focus on the books, the woman's hands went up towards her neck and trailed across her smooth skin before reaching into her hair. At first it appeared as if she may have been searching for some sort of remnant from an injury before her hands turned into claws and dug into her skull. It hurts. Her eyes squeezed shut as a low moan came from her throat, the frustration rising once more as her mind fogged over and her tongue twisted in her mouth unable to speak against the rising feelings that made her feel so sick. It was like when she woke from the nightmares, the terrors squeezing her heart and leaving her gasping with soundless cries in the middle of the night. The rising panic made her nearly tumble from her chair, her body trembling as she urged her body to try and move towards the balcony that overlooked the city below. Air. She needed air! Nadiya opened her mouth but nothing came out as she finally lowered a hand and reached out towards the balcony doors almost pleadingly.
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Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2020 7:13 pm
He waited patiently for any indication of an answer from the silent woman, eyes shifting along to follow after her fluttering gazes. Books were haphazardly stacked in various piles in various conditions, which made him think there was difficulty in anything concerning words. Whatever had started the trouble was causing much deeper issues to occur. Could a mental trauma really cause the loss of such practiced and seemingly basic skills? How much had this woman actually lost?
Sighing, he turned to take a sip of the tea at his side. If only her hands could find the answer. The low moan caught his attention, eyes snapping back over with interest. Well, she was making a noise! The potential was still- what? He jumped to his feet, the shock of the sudden shift from placid to desperate making him fumble his cup. Even silent, he could feel the sudden anguish pouring off of her. What was the maid's name? "Ma'am, you need to come out here," he called, taking a half step closer to Nadiya. A panic attack? "Ma'am!" he called sharper toward the kitchen. He pushed through his own surprise to grab Nadiya's arm and guide her to the balcony that she was reaching for.
With the door shoved open and the air sweeping in, Tac found himself grateful for the fresh breath. I was a balcony rather than a mere window... Despite his intentions to leave her be, he kept a firm grip on Nadiya's arm, not quite trusting her to stand on her own. "Is this better?"
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Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2020 8:35 pm
Through the haze there was a sudden warmth. Nadiya's gaze widened as she struggled through the fog before finding herself tugged along by something. Once the fresh air hit her face a ray of light seemingly broke through the haze and she found herself clutching at the railings, her fingers grasping onto the cold metal of the balcony as if holding on for dear life. Strangely enough it was like there was still a patch of warmth on her arm, a ray of sunlight that had dragged her from the darkness that terrified her. Nadiya's head was lowered as she caught her breath, the frantic rising and lowering of her chest slowing down as the sudden freedom calmed her spirits. Eventually her ears registered that someone was speaking to her and Nadiya found herself glancing towards the doctor with rare clarity, her teeth biting into her bottom lip nervously as she nodded ever so slightly. Honestly she was thankful when she realized that he was holding onto her even though shame decorated her cheeks at the fact that he was the one clutching at her arm. It almost felt as if the breeze would cause her to blow away, her body somehow feeling both airy and heavy at the same time. Her limbs just wouldn't react the way that she wanted and Nadiya could only rely on the balcony railing and the hand on her arm to support her as she stood there still trembling ever so slightly.
She wanted to just collapse, to just sink down so that she wouldn't have to worry about her flimsy body trying to support her but at the same time Nadiya couldn't bring herself to move anymore. So she simply stayed there, her fingers locked onto the railing as her gaze shyly drifted from the doctor and back towards the view of the city. Everything was still hazy besides the piercing pain that filled her heart as her sorrowful gaze took in the sights of what would have been a beautiful day. Some noise came from behind them but Nadiya didn't even bother to turn around as the Oban girl appeared with a tray of food, delicate rolls full of meat and cheeses with oban spices and sauces drizzled across. "My apologies! I was receiving a delivery of tea and I brought food..." She began with a slight frown as she studied the pair before lowing the tray to the table next to the balcony doors. "Hopefully everything is okay?"
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Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2020 8:20 pm
Tac let out a long breath that he hadn't realized he'd been holding. The woman seemed to be reacting well to the open air, the panic visibly falling away with each breath she took. It was, medically, fascinating to watch. Then she looked up with eyes that suddenly showed the life within along with the nod. An actual reaction on top of that as well? So the personality really was still in there.
He parted his lips to start prying at the fresh sign of life when he heard the Oban woman return. Where had she been when this had all started? He looked up and was unable to keep the sharpness of irritation from his gaze. "It is impeccable timing," he said shortly. Well, being cross would do no good. "My apologies... If you would assist me, I believe it would be best to have our seating out here on the balcony before we continue our session." He looked back to Nadiya and felt himself pause, concerned about breaking whatever had triggered this sudden clarity in Nadiya's mind. He really was out of his element here, but his curiosity was just too strong in this instance.
He certainly wasn't going to just stand there all day either. Shaking his head at his concerns, he let her go and walked over to the chairs and Nyki. "The air seems to be good for her."
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Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2020 4:50 pm
Nyki paused, a gleam of something appearing in her crimson gaze for a split moment, before nodding her head. "No worries!" She chirped as she turned on a heel and went to gather a pair of chairs to place on the balcony. When she had finished placing both chairs from the dining table outside, the maid studied them for a moment longer before giving another slight nod of the head towards the Yaeli doctor. "This is one of her favorite spots. She truly seems to enjoy getting some fresh air and a view of the city."
Nadiya barely moved as the maid walked around them but suddenly she found herself being tugged away from the doctor. Gaze widening, her expression twisting into a mixture of distraught emotions, the Matori clutched tightly at the railing in defiance. Nyki let out a soft gasp before frowning, "Miss you really should be sitting down. It's dangerous to lean so far against the railing..." A soft sigh left the Oban's lips before she glanced towards Tacrith, "I suppose I will just bring over a small table and the tea instead then if that's acceptable."
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Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2020 8:45 am
At least the maid was able to make up for the poor timing with efficiency. He didn't even have to help with the chairs, which was a silent and somewhat selfish relief. Perhaps he would make it through another day without using his cane~ Ah, but his own situation wasn't important at the moment.
He looked to Nyki, oblivious to the earlier look she had given him, and nodded. "It will probably be for the best to just conduct the remainder of the session out here." With the limited space on the balcony, he sat back in one of the chairs and turned his attention back to Nadiya, eyes lifting to peer at her head of hair. "Have you injured yourself at all? It looked as though you were digging your nails into your scalp from my view."
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Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2020 4:47 pm
Her golden gaze was fixated on the city below. A part of Nadiya felt like just slipping over the edge to see what it would be like to fly away on the winds while the rest of her hazy mind quickly covered up the wisp of an idea. There was sometimes that spark of something within the singer and having that sudden stability, even if it was a hand on her arm, had somehow jarred her back into some form of wakefulness even if just barely. When the maid backed away, Nadiya realized that the doctor was suddenly speaking with her again and the Matori ever so slowly turned so that she could blink a few times at him in confusion. Her scalp? A frown creased between her brows before she finally let go of the railing, unaware of how pale her fingers were from clutching the metal so tightly, and within a second Nadiya had plopped down onto the balcony before the Yaeli.
Her back was turned to him but sitting down there allowed him full view of the mess of dark curls, the strands previously tied down in a series of braids but now loose from their silk ribbons. A few strands fluttered listlessly in the breeze as she kept her back to him, her hands clutching against her knees as she brought them to her chest and continued staring across the landscape through the bars of the railing. Perhaps he was right in the fact that her scalp was stinging just a little bit from where her nails had dug tightly into her head but Nadiya hadn't even realized it through her haze. She tried to grasp at the pain, a small frown tugging down the corners of her lips, but it was hard to focus whenever the fog was weighing down the rest of her thoughts once more.
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