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* Jewel wakes in Angel's room after another couple of stolen hours of sleep, yawning and rubbing her face with a small grimace. She finds herself still dressed in the grey gown they went raiding in, now considerably more crumpled. Finding Angel still sleeping peacefully, she slips off her shoes and tiptoes out quietly. She checks in on a few of their refugees, finding Letty in June's room, feeding the battered girl a little broth, and a small group of the other women in one of the drawing-rooms, clustered near one of the sun-filled windows and speaking together in low tones. The boy sleeps near them on a settee, having refused to be closed into a room by himself, the night before. * Jewel takes a deep breath and lets it out, massaging the bridge of her nose. A gurgling rumble from her stomach and a slight shaking in her hands reminds her of how long it's been since she last ate, and what a hurried meal it was. She stops in the kitchen for a cup of tea and a double-portion of eggs and sausages, carrying her meal into a cozy, dish-lined room to eat it. * Jewel eats briskly and finishes her food with a relieved sigh. She pushes her empty plate aside, frowning at the wood grain of the table as she considers what else remains to be done. * Jewel bites her lip, recalling Angel's insistence, earlier, that she contact Bluestar about their tow-headed captive at the earliest opportunity. "Well... no time like the present, I suppose." She closes her eyes, frowning a little with effort as she sends her thoughts towards Marsember. <Jewel> {Ahem.} ::making a very polite throat-clearing noise in Bluestar's general mental vicinity:: <Bluestar> {Yes, Lady Hooke?} <Jewel> {Good morning, Master Bluestar. I'm sorry to trouble you, but I've come across something I think you should take a look at.} <Bluestar> {Have you made a post-graduate discovery, Lady Hooke?} <Jewel> {Er... well... there is... ::a moment of jumbled thought, and then the sense of an idea set aside for later review:: I've come across someone, and I don't know if she's a student of yours, but... she's very... dangerous, I think.} <Jewel> ::quickly, suddenly realizing how that would sound:: {That is... she's more powerful than anyone I've ever come across, and she was... *very* unfriendly. She's sleeping now, but... ::a little helplessly:: I don't know what to do with her. She's.... fallen in with a bad crowd, I'm afraid.} <Bluestar> {Unless you give exemplary reason why I shouldn't, I will be at your side in five seconds.} <Jewel> ::mental nod, touch of relief:: {Yessir. Um... I'm in Arabel.} <Bluestar> {You are at Master Andello's estate, to be precise.} *poit* <Jewel> {In-} ::blinks:: --deed, sir. ::brushes her hair out of her face, looking tired. She looks well, though a bit wrung out, and her somewhat ripped and rumpled grey dress smells faintly of woodsmoke.:: * Bluestar is wrapped in his cloak that seems to contain the night sky on its inside lining, inky black with scattered white pinpricks of light, otherwise dressed plainly for a day behind his desk and a lectern at the school. "You are well, Lady Hooke?" <Jewel> ::sighs and nods:: It's been... busy, of late. But I'm well. <Jewel> ::politely:: And you, sir? How are your wife and child? * Bluestar's intent gaze lingers on the area around Jewel's eyes, but he doesn't dispute what she says. "They are well. Tell me what this person did, and how you countered her. Anything you know." <Jewel> ::nods tiredly:: I don't know... that it's her fault, precisely, but she seems to know what it is she does, to some extent, at least. I saw her in a vision, first. Some... friends of mine have been having difficulties with a certain man who's been attempting a... hostile takeover of their business. He is not picky about his methods, and seems to prefer using drugs to smooth his way when charm doesn't do the trick. ::her tone is icy:: <Bluestar> Such vagarities. Blame for her actions can be assigned later. Can you tell me what she did, precisely? And take me to her. <Jewel> ::nods:: This way. ::leading him down the hall:: I saw her in bed with this man, Tower... from what I know, I think he's been drugging her to make her, um, like him. <Jewel> We encountered her in the hallway of his house-- she tried to attack my... bodyguard. I put up a defense, and she kept going... she damn near split my head open. I've never encountered someone so strong, but... she was... ::frowns a little:: sloppy? I don't know. <Jewel> And... ::shamefacedly:: I didn't know what else to do, so I... sapped her. * Bluestar follows Catreenia down the hall at her side, matching her stride, listening carefully to what she says. "And you don't remember her from any of your classes?" <Jewel> ::shakes her head:: She's a deal younger... If she came to the school, I think she would have been after me. She recognized me-- she knew my face, I could see that-- but it might've been from Tower. <Bluestar> It sounds like it couldn't be helped. Or, at least, you thought it couldn't be, which amounts to the same thing, more or less. <Bluestar> When the time comes, we'll find out what she knows, and how she knows it. <Jewel> ::bowing her head a little as she walks:: I still haven't developed much of an... offensive presence, I guess you could say. And I didn't want to damage her. ::opens a door into a small bedroom, where a girl with a puff of white-blonde hair is sleeping:: We've been giving her a mild sleeping potion. I just couldn't keep, well, hitting her. She hasn't been sleeping well, though, I don't know what else Tower might have given her. <Jewel> Oh! I found this in her pocket, though. ::searches through her own pockets and produces a small packet of whitish-grey powder:: * Bluestar walks straight to the bed, grasps a shoulder in each hand, and gently rolls the girl over so he can look in her face. "Miss Anulfsdorr... what have you been--" Bluestar slowly, deliberately walks over to Cat and takes the packet of powder from her. <Jewel> ::sounding relieved:: You do know her, then? <Bluestar> Lady Hooke, I need your complete honesty on this. Dissemble on other things if you must, not on this. Did you taste any of this? Sniff any of it for an odor? Did you touch it and then eat afterwards? Think very, very carefully. ::Bluestar's gaze on Cat is not angry, but he is very focused.:: <Jewel> ::looking a little startled, and thinking carefully:: No. I... I know what some of Tower's other potions do. I... took great care. ::coloring slightly:: * Bluestar folds the packet over on itself again, pulls a handkerchief out of a pocket, wraps the packet in the cloth, and then tucks the bundle back into a pocket, holding the cloth between his thumb and forefinger. He returns to the girl on the bed, peels her lips back, and peers carefully at her gums. "She's on it. You did the right thing, Lady Hooke. Both with the girl, and the powder." <Jewel> ::biting her lip:: What... what is it? <Bluestar> It's something we *didn't* teach you about at the school, because we hoped you'd never come across it. It's called esperweed. It's not even from this *planet*. Taken with food or drink, it makes someone a much more able psionic than they naturally are. It is, however, horribly addictive. Miss Anulfsdorr here is in for an agonizing month, at least. <Bluestar> You said someone called 'Tower' gave this to her? I would like you to tell me everything you know about this man. <Jewel> ::shortly:: He is thoroughly despicable, and ruthless. ::meeting Bluestar's eye directly:: Said in full knowledge of everyone *else* I've come to know. And he's a dead man. * Jewel takes a deep breath and lets it out again. "How much do you know of the history of Marsember's guild?" * Bluestar leans down to pick Danika Anulfsdorr up, an arm under her shoulders and the bend of her knees. "Little. I try not to dig too deeply, lest my stance of non-involvement come into question." <Jewel> ::nods:: Very well. The short version, then, is that he's the son of a former guild head. One... not much missed, from what I understand. He's... seeking to claim his supposed birthright. ::biting her lip:: This isn't the first time he's tried, either, although he was a great deal more, er, subtle about it, last time. * Bluestar hefts the girl a few times, settling her in his arms, adjusting to her weight. "A degenerate with dynastic delusions." <Jewel> ::shudders, wrapping her arms around herself:: Yes. ::biting her lip, anxiously:: You... you can help her, Master Bluestar? I didn't want to... I think she got in over her head. * Bluestar stops, heading out the door. "I can do a little. The withdrawal for esperweed is excruciating, physically and mentally, and it is unavoidable. There are scant few things that can be done to ease the time for her, but I will do what I can. And if I find this 'Tower', I'll ensure he never troubles anyone again, of course." <Jewel> ::grimly:: I understand. But... understand also, there are people here who will have... ::she thinks a moment, and shrugs, looking wry:: "Dibs" on his head. * Bluestar's expression doesn't show even the slightest twitch of humor. "I'll courier it to them. Would you care to return to Marsember with me, Lady Hooke?" * Jewel shakes her head, an expression of worry and pain chasing over her face. "No, thank you. I've... responsibilities here." * Bluestar nods, and he takes a look down at the girl's face. "This is why I guard over all of you as much as I can. Because too many people still look at us as nothing other than devils, or potentially useful tools. And when I let someone stray outside my sight, and this happens... my resolve redoubles, Lady Hooke. Good day. Each of us has responsibilities to tend to." <Jewel> ::nods, her expression softening with a smile:: You need have no such worries about me, sir. I'm in good hands. Good day, Master Bluestar, and thank you. * Bluestar and the girl vanish with a *pop* as air rushes in to fill the space where they were just a moment before. * Jewel returns to Angel's room, having been absent for about a half-hour. <Angel> ::opens one eye:: My lady? <Jewel> ::with a sigh:: You're supposed to be resting, my lord. <Angel> ::crossly:: If I was any more rested, my lady, you would be paying for a headstone. <Jewel> ::eyeing him sternly:: I've done that before. Forgive me if I've no wish to again. ::with another sigh:: Bluestar's been and gone. He took the girl. Tower *was* drugging her... something called esperweed. Boosts psionics, but terribly addictive, he says. ::mouth twisting:: She's in for a bad month, it seems. <Angel> ::sighs:: Is it no wonder that we only allow three dealers to run operations? Bad enough people do that to *themselves*. ::he shakes his head:: <Jewel> Master Bluestar said it's from... really far away. Not even this planet, he said. Don't know where Tower might've happened across it... They never taught us about it, because they hoped we'd never come across it. It sounds... pretty bad. * Jewel crosses to the chair beside the bed again, slipping her hand into Angel's. "I hope he can... fix her. I hope we can fix *you*. How is your cough?" She studies him. <Angel> ::rolls his eyes, then pulls himself into a half-sitting position, coughing. He blots his mouth with the back of his hand:: About the same, my lady. ::shakes his head:: Another planet? How the... never mind. <Jewel> ::frowns a little in concern, rubbing his back:: I'd hoped it would be calming a little... if it gets worse, I'm going to find a cleric for you, and damn the expense. <Angel> ::glowers a little, then shrugs one shoulder:: How are our... refugees doing? <Jewel> A little better, I think. ::smiling a little:: That Letty is... something else. And she seems to have adopted June, sort of-- that's the girl I carried out. ::rubs her arms:: She was... bad. But she was conscious, just now, and taking a little broth. <Angel> ::his mouth twitches up in a smile:: Knots, you mean? She quite impressed me. When you think I'm 'up to it,' I'd like to have a talk with her about more permanent employment. <Jewel> ::smirks:: "Knots"? Why Knots? <Angel> Oh, I guess you missed that, my lady. She'd dispatched one of them herself, tied him up neat as you please and was getting ready to do war on the house when I kicked the door in. <Jewel> ::raises her eyebrows to her hairline, lips tugging up into a grin:: Oh, *really*? ::eyes Angel musingly, with a teasing smile:: Perhaps I'd better have a talk with her first, then... I could hire her to keep *you* in bed. If I get to her before you have a chance to corrupt her, that is. ::grins wickedly:: <Angel> ::flatly:: Thank you, no. <Jewel> ::grinning wider:: I meant tying you down, actually. I suspect it'll take that to keep you in bed, within a couple of days. <Angel> The chirurgeon said "minimal activity" in a few days. I assume that I can, actually, get up and walk around a bit, after that, my lady. <Jewel> ::sighs:: If you *promise* to me that you'll keep it "minimal," aye. ::stroking his hair with a hand:: I don't mean to be such a mother hen, love, but... ::looking faintly frustrated:: I'm rather eager to have you healthy. <Angel> ::sighs:: No more so than I am to be so, my lady <Jewel> ::giving him a veiled, searing glance from under her lashes and muttering:: I don't know about that.... * Jewel rubs her temples, looking tired. "Oh... I should try Bie or Snowman, now that the girl's out of our hair." <Jewel> ::settles back in her chair with a sigh, keeping hold of Angel's hand. She closes her eyes, a faint frown of concentration drawing her brows together. A few moments pass, and her frown deepens, lines of tension appearing around her mouth. After a bit, she opens her eyes, looking worried:: Can't. I... I think I tapped out, calling Master Bluestar before. <Angel> ::gives her a stern look:: After all this, my lady, and you wish *me* to rest? <Jewel> ::looking abashed:: Well... there was so much to do, and I wasn't hurt at all, and I couldn't put it all on Sylvie, that wouldn't be fair to her after all she's been through.... * Angel does not look particularly impressed through this laundry list of excuses. * Jewel ducks her head, looking meek. "I'm... sorry?" <Jewel> ::bites her lip:: Besides... ::sidelong glance:: You're hogging the bed. <Angel> ::sniffs disdainfully:: I am *recovering*. Bed rest, my lady. As you have insisted. <Jewel> ::sighs:: So I did. ::giving him a look filled with puppy-dog eyes:: So... I suppose I'll... have to find somewhere else to sleep for awhile.... <Angel> ::leans forward far enough to tap the end of Jewel's nose:: Not subtle. ::he looks about ready to say something else, then starts coughing again:: <Jewel> ::bites her lip, instantly contrite, holding his shoulders until the fit passes. A little more firmly:: I'll find somewhere else to sleep, my lord. And take better care of myself. I promise. * Angel groans, then lays back on the pillow. "Shit. That hurts." He swallows a few times, then looks at her. "You can sleep here, my lady." He gives her a look of deep regret. "But I am afraid it will just be sleep." <Jewel> ::nods quickly, looking deeply relieved:: That's all right. I... thank you, love. I... I'm finding it a little hard to function, when I'm away from you just now. <Angel> ::touches her cheek lightly:: I am sorry, my lady, to be such a burden on you right now. <Jewel> ::pauses in kicking off her shoes:: You are *not* a burden. ::eyes soft:: I don't think I could *ever* think of you that way. I just... I need you with me. I... ::swallows, her smile a little strained:: it's hard to be strong, without you there. And... I haven't been able to sleep, except in here. <Angel> ::raises his eyebrows:: My lady? It bothers you? What we had to do? <Jewel> ::thinking, and shaking her head slowly:: No... it's not that. Those men... ::an edge, and a tremor of anger to her voice:: They deserved everything that came to them, every bit of it. I only... I didn't have... *room* to be very scared, then. ::wry grimace:: But now, after, I've had the luxury. * Angel strokes her hair softly. "There is little value in telling you not to dwell on it, my lady, but try and let it go. There is nothing, now, that can be changed." <Jewel> ::nods with a sigh:: There's been so much to worry about, too, and no one else to... to handle things, I suppose. ::meeting his eyes:: But when I come and sit with you, and hold your hand, all... all that goes away for awhile. * Angel nods. "I am sorry, my lady. When I am about again, I will try and take some of these details off your plate." * Jewel sets her shoes neatly beside the bed, and slips out of her gown. Clad in her shift, she moves around to the far side of the bed, getting in behind Angel quietly. She snuggles up beside, one arms slipping around his waist, careful to avoid any bandaged bits. As she touches him, tension and worry seems to flow off her shoulders, and she relaxes. "No need to worry about it, love, I can handle it." She gives him a glowing smile. <Jewel> At least, *now* I can. <Angel> ::kisses the top of her head:: Yes, my lady. <Jewel> ::smiling up at him, settling in with a gentle sigh:: I love you so much, Bastian. <Angel> ::draws in a slow, deep breath and releases it with only a trace of cough:: I love you, as well, my lady. ::he takes a few more breaths and without much more warning, is asleep again:: * Jewel watches his chest rise and fall for a little, blinking sleepily. Not long after, she succumbs as well, a smile curving her lips. |
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