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<Loria> ::life at the Talarin household appears to be peaceful, or as peaceful as life can get with two-year old twins, a five-month old baby, two husbands, one housekeeper and one very fat cat:: * Dawn stands at the gate, looking up at the house. He runs his good hand over his unshaven face with a faint grimace, then pushes his fingers through his hair, trying to impose at least some minimal order on the blonde curls. He takes a breath and pushes himself up the walk and to the door to knock. * Loria has put Valeria onto the floor for some tummy-time and is studying a large floorplan, occasionally consulting another stack of papers covered with tight-packed numbers. <Loria> ::from beyond the door, Dawn can hear two sets of girlish giggles, followed by someone beating on the door on the opposite side:: <Ree> Girls, PLEASE... ::opens the door, drying her hands on her apron and trying to keep the twins from running out into the yard:: Good morning, how may I help you? ::she gets this out before fully registering the unkempt... person on her stoop. Her polite expression does not change, but she pushes the twins back a little more firmly:: <Aylin> ::pointing:: Man! <Dawn> ::half-bows, awkwardly, and gives Aylin a quick smile:: Last I checked, miss. ::to Ree:: I'd like to see Lady Talarin, if she's available. <Ree> I'll see if she's available, Mr....? <Dawn> ::shakes his head:: Please tell her I'm here on behalf of her Lady's Angel. <Shavyl> ::moves around to peer up at Dawn from the far side of Ree's apron:: * Ree presses her lips together, then nods. "One moment, sir." She takes one small wrist in each hand and turns the girls around. "Go and find your father." She gives Dawn a faint, polite smile, and herds the girls back into the house as she goes in search of Loria. <Ree> ::poking her head into Loria's study:: Lady? There's a... visitor for you. <Aylin> ::cheerfully runs off, yelling at the top of her lungs:: Hesh! Hesh! Hesh! ::Shavyl follows along behind her sister, a bit more reserved:: * Loria looks up from her paperwork. "What sort of... visitor?" <Ree> ::disapproving:: He says to tell you he's here on behalf of your Lady's Angel. * Loria blinks, then groans. "Dear Blessed Mother, Ree. Tell me it's *not* Brother Rook." <Ree> ::shakes her head quickly:: No, I'd've said. ::frowning:: I've seen this one before, too, but I can't quite... place him. <Ree> I can tell him to go away, if you're busy, ma'am? <Loria> Oh, no... I'm not busy. ::she smiles, stacking up her paperwork:: Go ahead and show him in. Any excuse to stop looking at these proposals. <Ree> Yes, ma'am... ::she returns to the door, making sure the girls are out of the way:: She'll see you, sir. Come this way. <Dawn> ::carefully:: Thank you. ::he follows Ree, trying very hard not to look like he's casing the place:: * Loria takes one last look at the building plans, then casts her eyes heavenward. "I love You dearly, but an architect I am not. What's with all the cupolas, Mother?" <Ree> ::knocks formally on the study door:: Your visitor, ma'am. ::she gestures Dawn into the room:: Shall I bring tea? * Dawn bows to Loria, just as awkwardly but more deeply than he had to Ree. "Thank you for seeing me, Lady Talarin." <Loria> ::glances at Dawn:: You don't quite seem like a tea-drinker, do you? ::she turns to Ree:: I'll have tea. And bring sandwiches? And a beer, for our guest? <Dawn> ::almost smiles:: No, thank you, ma'am. Beer would- Well, it's early in the day, yet. Water would be nice. I've had a busy morning. <Ree> ::shoots Dawn a faintly suspicious look behind his back:: Yes, ma'am. ::she leaves the door open, and heads back toward the kitchen:: <Loria> ::nods:: All right. Sit, please. ::she looks around:: It's just you? I seem to recall you having a shadow, last time we met. ::she looks closer at Dawn, then smiles knowingly:: Congratulations on your upcoming joy. <Dawn> ::blinks, and answers automatically:: He's dead. How- How'd you know about that? * Loria touches her sunburst amulet. "Perk of the job. She told me." She leans forward and touches Dawn's wrist lightly. "I'm sorry to hear about your friend. He was very brave." <Dawn> ::opens his mouth, closes it, and then closes his eyes:: Aye. Thank you, my lady. * Loria studies Dawn while his eyes are closed, her expression shrewd and yet somehow sad. "Well, then... as I daresay this is no social visit to talk over old adventures... how might I serve you?" <Dawn> Aye... ::he shakes off his thoughts and looks at her again:: I'm here on An- Bastian's behalf. He's been... He hopes your Lady will consent to lend him Her aid once more. He was wounded, a week ago, and the f- ah, the fluid seems to have settled into his lungs. <Loria> ::raises her eyebrows:: What did he do, attempt to molest a dragon? I near to put him in the same durable category as Lisl. <Dawn> ::snorts:: Perhaps not quite *that* solid, my lady. He took on twenty men, to rescue his dearest friend's wife, among others. <Loria> ::for just an instant, Loria looks completely stunned:: Someone *married* -? Never mind, that's rude. ::she shakes her head:: Of course, I will be happy to help him. <Dawn> ::laughs briefly:: It was a surprise to us, too. Thank you, Lady. You... may wish to bring Master Talarin as well. Things are not... at their safest, portside. Even - especially - for those known to have been friends of Lord Hooke. * Loria raises her eyebrows. "This is one of those things I shouldn't inquire after?" <Dawn> ::cocks his head and rubs absently at his shoulder:: I don't know how much he's told you, so- Probably not. You can ask him, if you like. * Loria stands up and brushes out the wrinkles of her gown. "I'm not exactly the sort one sees wandering portside, either. Allow me a moment, to change clothes. If the girls haven't completely managed to pry Kevil out of bed, I'll wake him. Have something to eat, you look entirely too thin." She scoops Valeria up off the floor, cradling the infant to her shoulder. * Dawn blinks and watches her go, then leans back in the chair to rest while he's waiting. * Loria goes into their bedroom, putting Valeria in the cradle. She looks over to where the twins are bouncing up and down on the bed and Kevil is steadfastly ignoring them. Diya, of course, rose hours ago and is probably up on the roof. "Kevil, my heart?" * Kevil sits up very suddenly, grabbing the nearest small girl. He throws her onto the pillows and tickles her amidst shrieks of glee and demands for similar treatment from the other twin. * Kevil picks up Shavyl and holds her upside-down, dangling over his shoulder, and gives Loria a perplexed look, apparently oblivious to the girl's giggling and kicking. "Have you seen Shavvie, raindrop? I thought she was here..." * Loria starts stripping out of her day gown. Once down to her shift, she goes to the closet and starts unpacking her leathers. "Not recently, no. Perhaps she's under the bed." <Kevil> An excellent suggestion! ::he leans over to check under the bed, Shavyl squealing as she flops over in his grip:: Hmm. No, I do not see her there... <Loria> ::absently, she takes out her mace, examines it, then puts it back:: Too noticeable. Where's that... ah! ::she takes out a long dagger, along with sheath and belt:: <Aylin> ::grabbing at Kevil's arm:: Hesh! Me! Me! Me! Do me! <Kevil> ::frowning at Loria's accessories, he sets Shavyl down, ignoring both sets of pleas that the game be resumed:: Raindrop? Where are you going? <Loria> *We* are going dockside, my heart. Lord Hooke's been badly injured and is in need of aid. His... oh what is that scruffy looking man's name? The blonde fellow? I've completely forgotten, and he didn't say... anyway, he's downstairs. <Kevil> ::pauses, thinking:: Dawn. ::He gets up and starts pulling on his own clothes:: How badly injured is he? <Loria> ::shrugs, and starts lacing herself into her armor:: Badly, I imagine, if they're coming here for help. He suggested that "things" are not safe, right now, for past friends of Lord Hooke. <Loria> ::ponders:: I did hear something disturbing, the other day, from a friend. That the Hooke's mausoleum had been... desecrated. ::shudders:: <Kevil> ::frowns:: That *is* disturbing. I had not- ::he bends to capture the clamoring twins, one in each arm:: Vish and I must go into the city, n'invals. Run up to the roof and tell Da-Di, and be good while we are gone, d'va? * Loria frowns, then lets out all her breath to get her milk-filled breasts into the leather vest. "Ehhh. It's been a while since I've squeezed in to this outfit." She begins braiding her hair. <Shavyl> ::eyes her father shrewdly:: *Really* good? Or just *mostly* good? <Kevil> ::trying very hard not to laugh:: I leave that up to Da-Di. Go on, now. * Loria peers at herself in the mirror. "Well, that's a bit snug." She turns to the girls. "And tell him your sister is napping, but she probably won't sleep long." * Kevil watches the girls go, then turns back to admire Loria more openly as he finishes dressing. "Snug, indeed. It is a pity we have business, d'va?" * Loria peers down at the leather vest, which shows off a great deal more cleavage than it used to. "Letch." She shrugs and belts on her dagger. <Kevil> ::puts his arms around his wife and nuzzles her neck:: Such is your power over me... ::he releases her with a sigh:: But our friend waits, d'va? <Loria> Indeed... Probably terrorizing Ree. I hope he eats something, he looks terrible. I don't know - and I'm not sure I want to - what they've been up to recently, but I'd say sleep and food have been in short supply. <Diya> ::returns, Aylin tucked under one arm like a bag of grain, Shavyl clinging to his boot:: Heartwing, Oriole... ::he blinks at them:: Diya has certainly missed *something.* * Kevil starts to respond to Loria, then looks up with a grin as Diya enters. "A friend in need, n'shava, and I to play guard. Do you mind watching the house-imps for a few hours? * Diya heaves a big sigh. "Diya misses *all* the fun." He brightens. "Heartwing and Oriole can make it up to him later." <Kevil> ::laughs and kisses Diya warmly:: Do we not always? * Loria sniffs. "You're as bad as Kevil." She straightens her vest, then marches back towards the study, the rolling of her hips indicating that she's not entirely adverse to the idea. * Kevil winks at Diya, then follows Loria back to the study. <Diya> ::looks around at his children:: Da-di thinks... that he should protect the children from... a *monster*. ::with mock-terrified shrieks, both Aylin and Shavyl tear out of the room:: * Dawn is waiting with every appearance of patience in the study, though as Loria and Kevil enter, he is looking up at the ceiling as if wondering whether a shrieking child is about to fall through it. An empty glass and a crumb-sprinkled plate are on the corner of the desk, next to a mostly-cooled cup of tea and a plate with a sandwich cut into two neat halves, for Loria. * Loria picks up her cup and takes a swallow, grimacing at the tepid tea. With a sigh, she drains the rest of the cup and takes up her sandwich. "I can eat while we walk. Sorry to keep you waiting." * Dawn stands quickly as they enter, goggles briefly at Loria's change of outfit, then forces his eyes... upward. "It was nice to sit for a while, actually." * Kevil bows his greeting. "Master Dawn." * Dawn starts to protest that he's not anyone's master, and then recalls that he has an apprentice, now, and shrugs. "Master Talarin. Thank you for coming. He'll be relieved to see you both." * Loria takes another bite of her sandwich - her appetite more like the sort that might belong to her brother - then stops. "He's not the only injured one, is he?" <Dawn> ::manages to avoid rubbing at his chest or shoulder:: No, my lady, though his are the most severe. I hope we'll be stopping this da- nonsense, before too many more are hurt. <Loria> All right. ::she frowns but doesn't push the issue:: Lead the way... I don't think I've ever actually paid a visit... without a blindfold, at least. <Dawn> ::snorts:: This place is not that one. ::He leads them through the streets. After a few blocks, he seems to recall his manners.:: How's your family? The kids looked hale enough. Bold as bluejays. <Loria> Quite well, thank you. ::laughs:: My mother was horrified that Valeria has Diya's red hair, but I think she's given over being dismayed by my... unorthodox family. After all, the Blessed Mother did put me in charge of the new Temple, so who are mere mortals to disapprove? ::her voice is wry, but she looks mostly nonplussed:: <Dawn> That sounds an honor, Lady. ::he glances at Kevil quickly, as if hoping for a clue:: <Kevil> ::chuckles merrily:: Quite. Though I think it is only that the Blessed Mother does not wish Loria to grow too complacent. <Loria> ::waves one hand, accompanied by rolling eyes:: Not exactly what I'd bargained for... temple, weekly prayers, underpriests... the whole kit and kaboodle. Dreadfully exciting. Although we do have a growing number of converts in the city. ::glances at Dawn:: No one quite on the level of himself. Or Brother Rook, of course. But a few. <Dawn> ::snorts:: I hope you're not fishing, my lady. Bienca thinks I'm about two favors away from being owned altogether by Iselyn. <Loria> ::laughs:: Not at all... anyone with any sense would stay away from temple life. * Dawn laughs in weak agreement, then turns into the port district. "Nearly there." * Loria looks around curiously. "Haven't been down this way recently." <Dawn> I don't recommend doing any sightseeing here. Certainly not until- not for the next few weeks. <Kevil> ::mildly:: I have no wish to pry, Master Dawn, but how much danger is there? <Dawn> ::glances at Loria sideways, then shrugs with his good shoulder:: Apart from this trip, very little. Don't let the lady or the kids run around alone, but that's good advice any time. <Loria> ::eyes Dawn, sidelong:: 'The lady' isn't entirely helpless... I've proved myself. <Dawn> Yes, ma'am. But they're trying to start up a slave ring again, and the fu- they're targeting lone women, and children. Best not to ask for trouble. * Loria puts a hand on Kevil's forearm. * Kevil puts an arm around Loria. "You are stopping this?" His tone implies that if Dawn *isn't* putting a stop to it, he'd darn well better get on with it. <Loria> ::easily:: Only a fool - or Lisl - actively looks for trouble. But thank you for the warning. <Dawn> ::nods wearily to Kevil:: Aye, we're working it. Won't be long, now. ::he laughs briefly at Loria's comment:: * Dawn gestures at the building ahead. "Here we go." He holds the door open for them. "Up to the top of the stairs. Don't touch anything, though." <Loria> ::lightly:: I wouldn't dream of it, Master Dawn. * Dawn follows them up the stairs, and knocks out his code on the door, rapidly, though not with much hope that Kevil would miss it. * Jewel spares a glance for the sleeping Angel, who fell asleep shortly after Dawn left and has not stirred since. She bites her lip, and picks up his knife from the side of the bed where she laid it, drawing it and holding it reversed against her arm as she answers the door. <Dawn> Busy morning, eh, gorgeous? I brought your friends. * Loria bounces up on her toes to greet Jewel with a friendly smile. <Kevil> ::bows, smiling:: Lady Hooke, I am pleased to see you again. <Jewel> ::sighs:: Thank goodness. I didn't know what I was going to do if you were an assassin. ::resheathes the knife, holding the sheath a little awkwardly, like a clutch purse.:: Loria, Kevil... I'm so happy to see you! ::looking wry:: I only wish we didn't keep prevailing on you like this. <Loria> ::shaking her head:: Nonsense. You're certainly less burdensome than some of my direct kin. <Jewel> ::chuckles:: Which puts me far in the minority, from what I understand. ::hugging her, raising her eyebrows a little at her size:: Still, thank you so much for coming. Do I have something else to congratulate you on? ::eyeing the tightness of Loria's armor:: <Loria> ::nods:: We now have three daughters. Valeria is nearly six months, now. It really has been too long. I know you must be terribly busy... we never see you. * Dawn snorts quietly at the girl-talk, and helps himself to a chair near the door. <Jewel> I'm so happy for you! ::looking wry:: Not so busy, until lately. Angel's the busy one. ::a flicker of worry crossing her face:: * Kevil drops a kiss on the top of Loria's head. "N'shava, perhaps Lady Hooke would be happier if you saw to her husband first, and gossiped after?" * Loria straightens her vest again and pulls a face. "I was *getting* to it." She turns back to Jewel, her expression all business. <Jewel> ::smiling at Kevil:: He's... sleeping right now. The chirurgeon in Arabel saw to him, but... his cough hasn't been getting better. Between smoke and blood... and, well, he was... doing quite a lot. <Kevil> All the more reason for you to waste no time, d'va? * Loria follows her across the room. Despite everything, the look on her face when she first sees Angel, pale and nearly motionless in his bed, shows that she did not actually expect to find him severely injured. She bites her lip, then sits on the side of the bed. <Jewel> ::in a low voice:: There were a score of them in the place... when he realized how many captives there were, he... went to war. * Loria puts one hand on Angel's forehead. "What's... what's causing this fever? He's burning up." <Jewel> ::twisting a bit of her skirt around her fingers:: He's been like that, on and off, the last few days. The chirurgeon suspects he was bleeding into his lungs. And, well, he lost a lot of blood. Can... can you help him? ::her voice loses all force on the last question, as if she's lost all the air in her lungs to ask it with:: * Loria frowns. "Do you have a pair of scissors, Catreenia? I need to see these wounds. There's... something. Else." * Dawn looks sharply toward the bed, worry evident on his face. <Jewel> ::nods quickly and fetches a pair of scissors from her sewing kit, always kept handy in a flat where one of the occupants keeps collecting holes in his clothing:: * Loria takes the scissors and cuts away the bandage around his shoulder. "Tell me how these happened." * Jewel swallows and glances at Dawn. <Dawn> ::raises his eyebrows:: Should I leave? <Jewel> ::shakes her head:: Of course not... I'm just giving you the opportunity to protest beforehand. ::shakes her head:: No matter. ::to Loria:: We're at war. The man behind it snatched Snowman's wife-- you met him, he stood up with Bastian at our wedding. * Loria leans forward and examines his shoulder closely. Angel barely stirs as she does this and Loria looks up at him, her face mutely worried. <Dawn> ::snorts:: What am I going to protest? I don't know how much *he's* told them. Don't give her any names she doesn't already have. <Jewel> ::nods to Dawn, and then gestures to the bed:: The two of us went to get her... things were a little... hairy, at the time. I went because, well, it would've taken too long to track her, otherwise. <Jewel> ::frowning a little:: The place she was being kept was an estate... it looked like he was using it as a... resort, of sorts, for his men. ::her voice is tight, angry:: * Loria unwraps the bandage around Angel's arm. The under layers of the linen are slightly damp with blood. "Not here, either." She mutters, poking at the stitches along his arm, which bleed sluggishly. <Dawn> ::sharply:: Jewel. Stick to the injuries. * Kevil hisses and leans forward, watching Jewel intently. * Loria bunches up the bandages, pressing them over the wound in his arm. "This doesn't make sense, Cat. There's no infection, but..." She turns to Kevil. "Here, hold this. Push down." She indicates the bandages she's pressing over Angel's forearm. * Angel groans, tossing his head from side to side. He opens his eyes, but there's no trace of awareness in them. * Kevil nods and does as his wife directs. <Jewel> ::ducks her head, and nods, coming over to the bed and staring down at Angel:: I didn't actually see him acquire most of them. He picked up a lot of, well, scratches. He used Greek fire to start a blaze in one room, so there was smoke he was breathing in. The forearm was a defensive wound, I think... the shoulder, that one I saw. ::swallows:: Someone stuck a sword through it. He was already in pretty bad shape then. And S-someone else told me he vaulted down the stairs, and that's how his shoulder got bruised. * Jewel slips her hand around Angel's, holding it tightly. * Loria jerks the blankets off Angel, frowning down at him. "There's something really wrong, here... I need to find it, before I can help him. What else? Any other cuts?" * Dawn stands up, watching Loria tend Angel from across the room. "...Poison? The shit they're keeping on their blades is-" He puts his hand over his shoulder. "Did that fucking chirurgeon think to treat for poison?" <Jewel> ::thinks hard:: Well... a woman bit him a few times, but I don't think she broke the skin. I-- ::shakes her head, eyes filling with tears of frustration:: I didn't see it all. <Loria> ::blinks:: Why'd she do *that*? <Jewel> ::opens her mouth, and stops:: Better you not know, really. <Dawn> ::tightly:: More fucking poison. <Loria> ::looks down at the mass of bruises:: Where'd he get bitten? <Jewel> ::shakes her head:: I don't know if he did. He gave us a few medicines... ::pointing to the satchel by the bed:: And a blood restorer, he drank that already:: There. ::points at few crescent-shaped bruises:: * Loria bends down to inspect the bite. "Any other medications? Is he allergic to anything?" <Jewel> ::blinks:: Allergic? Not that I know of. <Jewel> ::chews her lip:: We were out in the country, if it helps. But-- I know he's been there before. <Loria> Do you have any of that restorer left? <Dawn> ::eyes narrowing:: <Jewel> I set the bottle aside with the others... just a moment... ::frowns and picks up the satchel, burrowing through it:: Here... I made sure he drank it all, but the bottle might have something...? * Loria pours out the last remaining drop into her hand and sniffs it. "Damn. Not this either. I... Catreenia... I don't understand this. He's dying. All his organs are shutting down. And I don't know *why*. In anyone else, I'd say it was a drug-reaction." <Jewel> ::puts a hand over her mouth, her face paling, and sits down hard:: <Dawn> Can you do anything about it? <Loria> ::bites her lip:: I don't know... we need to get the toxin out. If I just heal the wounds and I heal it *into* his system... I'll just make things worse. <Jewel> I... the sedative, maybe? That-- worked very quickly. I felt it. ::looking chagrined:: It put me out too, sometimes. <Dawn> ::drily:: Sedatives are *supposed* to put a man out, Jewel. <Jewel> ::chewing her lip:: The house was burning down around our ears... we had to go through an upstairs window to get out, finally. * Loria touches the bruise where he was bitten, then leans down to look at it again, closer. "The skin is broken here. Not much, just a bit. Was... was this woman taking anything?" <Jewel> ::swallows harder, answering shortly:: Yes. She was... ::looks at Dawn:: It was the same thing Snowman was hit with. <Jewel> At least, that's how she was acting. <Dawn> ::gives Jewel a look:: That shit is meant to be eaten, not injected. <Jewel> ::helplessly:: They were... I think they were using it on *most* of the women there. <Loria> ::looks up:: Using *what*? <Dawn> It's an aphrodisiac. <Jewel> ::grinding her teeth:: To put it mildly. <Dawn> Violent stuff. But it's meant to be eaten. I have no fucking idea what it'd do in the blood. * Kevil looks both horrified and utterly disgusted. <Loria> ::her eyes open wide:: Oh... with sedatives? Oh, oh dear... ::she inhales deeply:: Right. Kevil, Dawn... you're going to need to hold him while I purge his system. <Dawn> ::snorts:: Well, *this* promises to be fun. ::He crosses to the bed and looks down at Angel, then sighs and sits on his legs.:: You'll have to take his arms, Talarin. I've only got one working arm. <Jewel> ::stops just shy of actually wringing her hands:: Is there anything I can do to help? <Loria> ::terse:: Talk to him. This is going to be bad. Try and keep him with us. ::she grits her teeth:: Are we ready? * Kevil leans hard on Angel's arms, his hands clamped just over his elbows, and nods. <Jewel> ::swallows and nods:: Aye. ::moves around to the other side of the bed from Loria, perching at the very head of the bed and stroking Angel's hair back from his face with a gentle hand:: I'm here, love. This is going to hurt, but I'm right here with you, you'll make it through this, I promise. * Loria puts her hands on Angel's chest and begins to murmur her prayer. Her hands glow an eerie flame orange yellow. Drips of the light fall from her fingertips, sizzling down Angel's bare chest, leaving red welts where they touch. * Dawn winces in sympathy. * Angel jerks suddenly, pulling hard at those retraining him, his eyes open, and yet he does not seem to see anyone. He breathes hard, teeth gritted. After a moment, he screams, a shocking, loud vocalization. * Jewel holds his head by the temples, bending over him to touch her forehead to his, murmuring softly. "I know it hurts, love, I'm sorry, it will make you better soon, please stay with me..." * Loria continues to chant, sweat beading on her forehead. She is panting from exertion. "Just a... moment... longer." <Loria> ::the wounds on Angel's arm and shoulder begin to bleed freely:: <Dawn> F-fuck! ::struggles to stay on Angel's legs:: <Kevil> ::fighting to hold Angel's arms:: Hurry, n'shava. He is- uff! - stronger than I am... <Jewel> ::stroking his hair with one hand:: Just a little longer, love, just a few more moments, be strong, heart of my heart.... <Loria> ::from the bleeding wounds, a dark, sluggish steam trickles out:: There! ::she snatches up the bandages, wiping the poison off his skin:: * Loria releases her spell and Angel shudders, then stops struggling, falling back to the bed in a faint. * Kevil holds him a moment longer, and then straightens with a sigh. * Jewel sighs softly, gently wiping her tears from Angel's face and kissing his forehead. "Rest, love. You'll be better soon." <Loria> All right, you can get off him. Catreenia, I need water, antiseptic if you have it, and several clean cloths. We need to get this off, before he gets reinfected. <Dawn> ::slumps back, not bothering yet to get up and off Angel's legs:: That was fun. * Jewel nods, giving his hair a last caress before moving away to hurry around the apartment, snatching a handful of clean, soft rags from a bag in the pantry, filling a kettle with water in the kitchen, and fetching down a rather large bottle of antiseptic. She brings the whole lot back to Loria. "What next?" * Dawn climbs off Angel and the bed as Jewel returns, and goes back to his chair by the door. <Loria> ::wipes her forehead with one of the rags, then wets another with solution:: Now I clean this up, then I will talk to the Blessed Mother about healing these wounds. * Jewel nods, taking another rag and following Loria's example, bathing his shoulder carefully. * Jewel pauses to tip the kettle over another rag and soothe his face with the damp rag. <Loria> ::working quickly, but gently:: Even if She doesn't heal him, he should at least heal normally, now. And you'll want to be very, very careful of that drug - the aphrodisiac, I mean. * Kevil helps wordlessly, collecting the used rags and taking them back to the kitchen, handling them very carefully. <Jewel> ::glancing up:: That's what did it? <Loria> ::nods:: I think he's allergic to it. Under better circumstances, it probably would have just given him a rash and made him throw up. But in this weakened state, combined with the sedative, it nearly killed him. * Jewel clenches her jaw and mutters something softly-- those close hear something about "much to answer for." <Loria> ::glances at her:: And... well, sometimes people get sensitive to something they're allergic to. Another exposure could put him right back in this condition. Or make his throat swell. I can get a tablet for you, to counter the effects. <Jewel> ::nods shortly, an iron glint in her eye:: Thank you. I think the next step after this, though, is to dry up the supply. <Dawn> Speaking of which... ::after a glance at the Talarins:: I have a line on that. Once I can operate properly again, I'm going to pay them a visit. * Loria finishes cleaning out the wounds. "Do you have something I could drink, please? Water is fine." <Jewel> ::nods gets up again to pour Loria a glass of cold water, glancing over at Dawn:: A line? You know where it's coming from? <Dawn> Well, that depends on whether that cowardly piece of- ::glances at Loria, and shrugs:: I think so, aye. <Jewel> ::quirks a small smile:: Good. ::delivers Loria her water:: <Loria> Thank you. ::she drinks, swallowing rapidly:: * Loria hands Jewel an empty glass. * Jewel carries it back to the kitchen, setting it by the sink and pausing there, herself, bracing her arms against the edge of the counter. * Dawn turns away, no longer so tense now that Angel's out of immediate danger. He massages his temples with one hand. "Day's only getting longer, boy." * Loria looks down at Angel, who is still bleeding somewhat, his face pale. "All right. Don't talk to me for a while. In fact, go sit over there..." She points imperiously at Dawn and Kevil, gesturing to the other side of the flat. <Dawn> Aye. ::goes to the far side of the flat and flops onto the couch, wincing faintly as he jars his injuries:: * Kevil follows, sitting more carefully. After a few heartbeats, he begins to hum under his breath. * Jewel takes a deep breath and looks up again, wiping her face discreetly before going to join the men. She keeps her voice low. "Anything I can get you gentlemen?" <Dawn> Not unless you've got a way to add about six hours to each day for the next month. <Kevil> ::interrupts his humming to bow:: Thank you, I am well, Lady Hooke. <Jewel> Heh. ::points a thumb over her shoulder:: The lady over there has a better line on that than I have. * Loria kneels near the bed, her hands pressed reverently together, face turned upwards to the ceiling. Her brow clears of worry and her expression becomes one of complete serenity, bathed in the warm love of her Goddess. <Dawn> ::half-smiles:: Come sit, gorgeous, and let the priestess do her work. <Jewel> ::coiling a lock of her hair around one finger:: I... I can't sit still. I just... ::glances over her shoulder at Loria again, her face raw and haggard for a moment:: <Dawn> ::closes his eyes and nods in understanding:: Pace over here, then, out of the lady's way. <Kevil> ::comforting:: She has said the worst is past, that he will heal normally now, d'va? <Jewel> ::nods and moves over to the side of the couch, twitching one of the room screens over a little so that sight of her moving back and forth won't distract Loria:: I know, I thank you, Master Kevil... it's just... it's been... quite a week. ::her voice trembles a little:: <Jewel> ::quietly:: And I thought, being home would be better, we'd be closer to help, if it was needed-- ::smiles briefly at Kevil:: --but... at least at-- there, I had other people to distract me, things to do.... <Kevil> ::grins largely:: You have been back only some few hours, d'va? And help is here, is it not? <Jewel> ::nods quickly:: Aye. Just... forgive me if I start being all soggy and female on one of your shoulders, all right? <Kevil> ::laughs softly:: I had three sisters, Lady Hooke. And now I have a wife, and three daughters. I believe I may manage to accommodate one more "soggy female" for some short while. <Loria> ::behind the screen, Loria's voice rises and falls in the lines of her imploring. At times it sounds as if she's accompanied by a highly trained chorus:: <Jewel> ::laughs, a faint hysterical edge to it:: Good for you that you have Diya to fend off the henhouse. * Jewel glances over her shoulder again, nervously. <Kevil> ::grins:: I would agree with you wholeheartedly, except that Diya holds his emotion in perhaps less restraint, even, than Loria. ::he reaches out to take Jewel's hand, stroking it comfortingly:: He is in the best of all hands, Lady. <Jewel> ::almost losing it for a moment at Kevil's gesture of gentleness, biting her lip hard to rein in tears:: I know, I know... I'm just... I wish I could sleep. I'm sure I'd be better if I weren't so tired... * Dawn emits a sound that is definitely NOT a snort. Or a laugh. Or a cough. On second thought, maybe he didn't make a noise at all. No, really. <Jewel> ::smiles ruefully at Dawn:: One way or another, it should be over soon, Dawn. <Dawn> ::without opening his eyes:: Depends on your definition of "soon", I guess. <Loria> ::a faint discordant note and Loria says something that sounds remarkably like 'I don't *think* so':: <Jewel> His resources can't be inexhaustible. And... well... there seemed to be an awful *lot* of them... back there. * Jewel glances over her shoulder again, surprised. <Dawn> Mm. There was only one of- ::he cracks an eye and glances toward Angel and Loria, then determinedly closes it again:: <Jewel> ::prompting:: One of...? <Dawn> Hmm? Oh. Only one of that assassin, but if her aim'd been a fingerwidth better, I'd be meat. We're fucking reorganizing when this is done. Completely. From scratch. Bastard should never have been able to *gather* so many to his side without our finding out about it. <Loria> Oh, that's *not* funny. Give him back, now, or I swear, I will burn those blueprints of yours. * Jewel looks over her shoulder again, faintly alarmed. * Kevil raises an eyebrow. <Jewel> ::low voice:: Who is she talking to? <Kevil> Nacheyla, I assume. <Jewel> ::eyes widening a little:: <Loria> ::firmly:: That doesn't count and you know it. <Jewel> Um... ::carefully choosing not to pursue that line of conversation, turning back to Dawn:: There was a lot of money there, too... ::faint smile:: I wonder what it would do if we circulated the rumor that he was broke? <Dawn> Beats all fuck out of the rumor that *we* are. <Jewel> ::raises her eyebrows:: Is that the rumor? <Dawn> I haven't heard it, but it could be out there. <Loria> ::sighs:: Oh, would you be reasonable. You need another consort like I need a hole in the head. Now put him back and stop messing around. I'm trying to be dignified here. * Kevil's other eyebrow shoots up, and he suddenly starts chortling. * Jewel looks over her shoulder again, faintly alarmed and thinking of being angry. She turns and starts to stalk towards the screen, and stops herself with an effort. <Dawn> ::opens his eyes to look at Loria, and then he sighs, hugely heartfelt:: Every. Goddamn. Female. He. Meets. <Loria> ::takes a deep breath:: Thank you. <Jewel> ::gritting her teeth:: I am not *that* grateful. <Kevil> She has been in a... playful mood, of late. Do not pay Her overmuch regard. <Jewel> ::settles, still looking a little ruffled, muttering:: Not that I could *do* anything about it.... <Dawn> ::gives Jewel an unreadable look:: He had a chance to stay with her, and chose otherwise. If you're going to ruffle your feathers every time some other woman is attracted to him, you're in for a fucking uncomfortable life. <Loria> ::makes a strange, almost strangled noise:: No, I'm not going to ask her that. You ask her, if it's so important. <Jewel> ::snorts:: Believe me, I know. ::glances over again, her voice quieter:: But if She chose to take him back... what could either of us do? <Dawn> ::shrugs:: Console yourself with the fact that he didn't go willingly, I guess. <Kevil> ::smothers a laugh at the implications of Loria's half of the conversation:: * Jewel looks wry. "Gee, thanks, Dawn." <Loria> ::sighs:: What are you doing, taking lessons from Bess? ::pause:: Thank you. <Jewel> ::runs her hands through her hair:: Sorry, sorry... I'm not... at my most reasonable, just now. <Dawn> None of us are. At least waste your energy worrying about something you *can* control. <Jewel> ::sarcastically:: Which is what, exactly? ::winces:: Sorry... gods, I'm... ::glances over her shoulder again:: <Loria> ::in an entirely different tone:: No, that's all right. You should probably lay down. ::her voice sounds a little high pitched:: I'll get her. * Loria comes around the screen. "Cat? He's asking for you." <Jewel> ::whirling quickly:: He's-- he's awake? <Loria> ::nods:: Yes. He'll probably be tired for the rest of the day, but he should be normal by this evening. Or tomorrow, at the latest. <Kevil> ::smiles and pushes Jewel gently toward her husband:: Go. <Jewel> ::nods, starting past Loria and pulling up short, throwing her arms around her in a huge hug:: Thank you. <Loria> ::smiles:: You're welcome. <Dawn> ::sighs in relief, and stands:: Tell him I'll come back tonight, then, to report. * Loria walks over to the sofa and practically collapses into Kevil's arms. * Jewel wipes her eyes again, and nods to Dawn. "Thank you, too, Dawn. I'd... I'd hug you, but I think you'd rather I didn't." <Dawn> ::makes an impatient shooing gesture:: GO. <Jewel> I'll... ::glances towards the bed:: I'll just be a few moments.... ::turns and flees towards the bed:: * Kevil gathers Loria to him with a faint smile. "If you make me carry you home, n'shava, I am not to be blamed for the consequences." <Jewel> ::quietly:: Bastian? <Loria> ::groans theatrically:: I am *much* abused. <Kevil> ::amused:: Indeed. <Angel> ::opens his eyes:: Yes, wife? <Dawn> ::manages not to roll his eyes at Kevil and Loria:: Are you well, Lady Talarin? Shall I escort you two home? <Jewel> ::trembling sigh as his eyes focus on her, this time:: How do you feel? * Jewel perches lightly on the edge of the bed, her expression of hope almost painful to look at. <Loria> ::sighs:: I'm just annoyed, Master Dawn. My lady Goddess is... difficult, sometimes. <Dawn> It... certainly sounded like it. <Loria> ::standing again:: She tests my faith by trying my patience. <Kevil> ::in a stage-aside:: One would have thought She would have considered our children test enough of anyone's patience, d'va? ::he grins and winks:: <Dawn> ::snorts, a little uncertainly:: <Loria> ::looks over at Kevil:: Do you know where we are, my heart? I confess, I wasn't paying attention to the route. <Angel> ::reaches out, his arm uncut, his shoulder unbruised:: What... what happened? <Jewel> ::taking his hand and squeezing it almost painfully:: What do you remember? <Kevil> ::nods:: I can find our way home, well enough. It sounds as if Master Dawn is busy enough, without burdening him with babysitting detail, as well. <Angel> I asked Dawn to get Lady Talarin. I... there was a fire? ::he looks confused, glancing down at his unblemished arms:: * Loria turns to Dawn, her blue eyes steely. "Let me see your chest, please, before I go." <Jewel> ::biting her lip:: A bit backwards, love. We went to rescue Sylvie, and found a lot more women being kept there... a little boy, too. You... started a fire, and made war on the house. And won. ::smiling a little:: But you were injured... Dawn came to fetch us today, and brought us home, and then fetched Loria as you asked. She's healed you, just now. <Dawn> ::hesitates, glancing at Kevil:: Lady, are you strong enough? I wouldn't want you to do yourself any harm, for a wound that's clean enough... <Kevil> ::shrugs when Dawn looks at him:: *I* would not argue with her, when she takes such a tone. <Loria> ::a trifle grimly:: I am well enough. And... it is not just concern for you, so you know. My lady goddess has made it clear to me that... my family will need Lord Hooke. Badly. He needs to be safe, he needs to live. And you can't help him stay that way, injured. <Jewel> ::stroking his face:: Grateful as I am... I'd just as soon not to have to fight a goddess for you, though. It sounded like the Blessed Mother didn't want to give you up this time. <Angel> ::blinks a few times, then suddenly flushes:: Oh. I thought... that was a dream. * Dawn raises his eyebrows, then nods once and opens his shirt, revealing a bandage on his chest, and another on his shoulder. Both are on the verge of being soaked through. <Jewel> ::faintly:: If you love me, kindly let me go on pretending it was, at least. <Loria> ::snorts:: Clean isn't what *I* would call this... ::she looks disgusted:: Men. <Dawn> ::mildly:: It was a fresh bandage when I left this morning. It's been a busy fu- a busy day. <Loria> ::mildly:: I'm familiar with the word, Master Dawn. And even with the actions that match it... ::she puts one hand on his back, the other to the wound, his blood seeping between her fingers:: Hold still. * Dawn snorts, but does as she says. <Angel> ::his face still red:: That's probably for the best. ::glances at her, his voice just slightly wistful:: I feel better, though. <Jewel> ::petting his hair, breaking into a transcendent smile:: I'm glad. Loria said... tonight or tomorrow, latest, you should be back to your old self. * Loria grits her teeth, nearly spitting the words of her prayer. It seems to be less of a contentious issue, this time, for the wounds close without too much effort, leaving a short, dimpled scar. * Dawn draws a sudden breath as the wounds close, his eyes widening with the sudden realization of just how much pain he had been in. "Oh." He lifts his arm over his head and stretches, then sighs. "*Thank* you, my lady." <Loria> ::smiles tightly:: All in a day's work. Consider it a gift for your impending arrival. When he's born, bring him by the temple, please. Nacheyla would like to see him. <Dawn> ::opens his mouth, then closes it, then sighs:: Him, eh? ::he nods:: With his mother's permission. Which shouldn't be a problem. ::he glances briefly at Kevil, suppressing a smirk:: * Loria suddenly colors. "Sorry. I'm tired..." * Kevil takes Loria's hand and draws it through his arm. "Shall we go, n'shava? The twins likely have their monster cornered, by now." * Loria nods. "Please. I need to sleep for about the next half-day or so." * Kevil bows to Dawn. "Please convey our good wishes to Lord Hooke, and tell him we will be delighted to see him under more auspicious circumstances." He opens the door for Loria, and ushers her out. <Loria> ::to Dawn:: Tell him, when he's... ahem. Available again. That She said 'that's two.' And that he'd better hurry up. He'll understand. <Dawn> ::nods:: I'll tell him. * Loria leans heavily on Kevil's arm as they leave. * Dawn watches them go, then raises his voice without turning around. "I'm going home, now. Be back around sunset to look in and report, aye?" <Angel> ::calmly:: See you then. <Jewel> ::starts up from the edge of the bed:: Dawn? Oh-- sorry... will you be all right alone? Should I let Bie know to expect you? <Dawn> Did you tell her, like I asked, that I was going to be late? <Jewel> ::meekly:: Yes. She told me to shut up after the third time. <Dawn> Then it's fine, and I'll be fine. Lady Talarin took care of my shoulder and my chest, so I'll be able to defend myself if it's necessary. Get some rest, gorgeous. See you tonight. <Angel> ::in an undertone:: I feel like myself again, and he says "rest." * Jewel blushes deep pink, answering in the same low tone. "I guess you *do* feel like yourself again, at that..." <Dawn> I heard that. ::his smirk obvious in his voice:: There's rest, and then there's rest. Get some of each. ::he ducks out the door before either of them can throw anything heavy at him.:: * Angel barely waits for Dawn to close and lock the door before pulling Jewel into his arms. "I *intend* to." <Jewel> ::giggles and falls on top of him:: My *lord*! * Angel doesn't hesitate, rolling her onto the bed and kissing her thoroughly. "Yes, lady?" <Jewel> ::sighs, running her fingers gently over his now-unmarred shoulder, unable to stop tears from glimmering in her eyes:: You're all right... you're really all right... oh, I've missed you! ::wrapping her arms around his shoulders and squeezing tight:: <Angel> ::wipes her cheek with one thumb:: Was it so bad, that you must cry, my lady? <Jewel> ::sniffling:: I'm sorry... I... you just weren't getting better, and... I w-was afraid... ::kisses him fiercely:: * Angel kisses her mouth, then down her chin and nuzzles at her neck. "I seem to be having that effect on you, too often, my lady." <Jewel> Yes, well... ::faint smile, ducking her chin a little to kiss his hair:: Risk of the job, I suppose... I accepted it when I accepted *you*, love, through good and ill. ::kisses him again:: You'll just have to put up with a damp welcome, every so often. <Angel> ::gives her a gentle smile:: That's not entirely an unappealing idea, my lady. ::touches her face, his eyes flickering over her, as if reassuring himself that she is real:: I wish, very much, that it weren't necessary. It does not seem that years of happiness will make up for the pain I put you through. <Jewel> ::cupping her hands around his face and drawing him back up for a moment to kiss him fiercely:: A *moment* with you well makes up for it. But *you* didn't put me through anything. Trust me, the one that did will get what's coming to him, one way or another. <Angel> ::nipping gently at her ear and throat:: Speaking of which... I had an idea, my lady. <Jewel> ::raises her eyebrows:: You're able to think and do that at the same time? ::running her fingers lightly up and down his spine:: <Angel> ::laughs softly, just behind her ear:: A dangerous pastime, I know. Nonetheless, Tower will not go away just because I wish it. Tomorrow morning, we will go to your shop and acquire the things he left behind. Can you then lead us to him? <Jewel> ::shivers at his laugh:: Um... I can try. It will depend on how attached he was to them. ::levering herself up a little to look at him with a small moue of disappointment:: Does it have to be *early* in the morning? <Angel> We must take the battle to him, my lady, or we will lose it, and the city. ::his voice is steely with resolve:: I cannot allow it. We must find him, and he will die. <Jewel> ::sighs and nods:: You're right. I know you're right. I only... ::bites her lip and sighs again:: No, you're right. ::not looking at him, trying to hide her regret:: Which means I should get some sleep. <Angel> ::snorts:: By the sun, my lady, it is not even quite noon. Surely you don't require *that* much sleep? <Jewel> ::glancing at him sidelong, through lowered lashes:: Dawn will be back at sunset, and I'd like to hear what he has to say, too... and you, my lord, are a wicked, wicked man. <Angel> ::wraps his arms around her, kissing her until she is breathless, then leans back on his elbow:: I never promised anything else, my lady. ::he lays down on the bed, tucking his arms under his head:: But if you require sleep, I'll let you alone. * Jewel lays there for a moment, panting, turning her head to look at him and trying her best to glare. "Like *hell* you will." She rolls over on top of him, planting her hands on his forearms and kissing him fervently, moving aside from his lips to trail molten kisses along his jaw and down his neck, biting his shoulder gently with a small smile. <Angel> ::enclosing her in his arms:: My lady... I do love you. <Jewel> ::she grins:: I know. |
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