RP:Pretend Forever

This is a Healer's Guild RP.

Sabrina thrust open the door, a little harder than intended. She looks surprised and checks the swing, recognizing the hinges had been replaced with more efficient ones. Clearly someone was bringing the Academy back to its former glory. Heeled boots echo down the main hall until the more cushioned steps find the staircase heading up. She knew where she was going, and it was apparent that up until now she had no one to answer to about invading this space at her leisure.

Valen would be in his room, looking none too great as there was a huge swath cut right into his collar bone, that had just been changed. His red hair no longer red, but a tangled mass of grey turning white, his face sunken as well as a sickly mashup of grey and chalk white skin. His eyes though would be perhaps a bit better, but that collar bone had been cleanly split into two and for some reason or another he seemed to have lost his voice. Still though the smell of someone he had met once, lingered in the air and came to him. It was really the only indication for him that someone had even come in as he was certainly not in a very good place. A student, about the age of 17, would follwo quickly after Sabrina. "Ma'am! Wait! Are..." he would say, almost out of breath, blonde short hair tussled about. "Are you here to visit Master Valen??"

Ngirturong had been carried off to the fort after becoming weak during the battle, though she only surpported Larket from the back, the extended use of arcane was a bit too much for her. With a few drop spared to her by the Larket city guards she was back on her feet, and soon making her way to the Academy. Her eyes search the buidling. "Valen!" The teens calls loudly. "Has anyone seen Valen?" She asks to passing students and teachers.

Sabrina turns on her heel, spying the boy with a raised eyebrow as if to ask, who the hell are you. “No, why would I be?” She turns to head exactly where she planned and the boy moves to block her path. She crosses her arms over ample chest and was about to tell him to ‘piss off’ when she caught sight of someone vaguely familiar and quite honestly her memory must have been of a better day. “Valen?” Oh, so that is what the boy meant, that Valen was here, no doubt inheriting the Academy of Lydrain in his absence. She makes his way to him, under the worried eyes of the unnamed boy and resoles her approach a good two armslengths away. He is offered a formal bow, though it came with casual follow-through. The noise coming from behind her was too much to keep her attention contained to Valen. She turns, arms coming up to cross over her chest again as she watches the female pass teachers and students alike in a path that would lead her just here.

Valen heard his oldest student call for him, and wanted desperately to call back to her to let her know but by the gods this wound hurt him terribly. His predicament, was most assuredly dire. Gathering his strength he would send a message to Ngirturong's mind. <I'm in my room!> Gratitude that the gods had at least spared her, his mind could now focus on Sabrina enter into his doorway. As he lay there, deathly still in his bed, even she would have to admit that he looked bad, maybe. <There is no...need...to bow.> Questions arose in his mind, and idly he though back to that night when he had first met her in silence as she played with Freia (cant honestly remember if that was the name >_<). Steadying his thoughts, he would resume to her now. <I...apologize..for this method. My body is weakened by the battle...but> A hiss of pain. <But my mind...is sharp as ever. You...will excuse me, I hope...for not rising, and for not...being in my previous good health...?>

Ngirturong gasps loudly as she turns, looking around for the source of the voice. The teen has always been plaqued by voices in her head, even as a human, so this random voice frightened her ver much. But she knows this voice, it's Valen, and she looks to the staircase. Leaning forth, the teen would become a blurred streak of motion, using in amzing speeds to climb the stair case in a matter of seconds. She slides to a stop just outside his door, staring inward to this strange sight sight, a bed ridden Valen. But who's this woman? Why is she in Valen's room? What does she want.

Sabrina winced slightly, the uninvited intrusion on her mind, after all, it was not her mind alone. It was not her doing when Valen would be met with a mighty sting of his own; rage, hellfire, and visions of morbid perfection were his return- but not just his. Standing there in silence, all smug and contrite towards the approaching female, the elfess would have buckled in the middle unable to breathe. She screams aloud against the hollow hall, her voice carrying in so much pain. But it was elvish, and it was old, and Valen had just been answered by none other than Rohk. The hellbeast did not like people in her head, it was -his-fortress and unfortunately his intent to harm intruders always carried a more severe punishment for the healer. She’d find herself on her knees, panting heavily as spit dripped from her lips and flushed features stare wide-eyed at the white-knuckled grip she had on the rug beneath her. She was nodding at Valen, she heard him loud and clear and she did not wish for him to repeat himself. How refreshingly awkward it may have looked, as Ngirturong’s rush up the stairs would be met with the most intense sort of bows ever witnessed.

Valen eyes were wide in shock and suddenly felt like his own head was going to split open. So much was the pain it caused him, as he understood rage all too well, and wielded it like an expert, that he was actually forced to cry out. It was perhaps the most gut-wrenching sound one could ask for... Gravely, cracked, broken. It all became too much and should it subside, as stings sometimes did, he would feel his head swim in almost oblivion once more. Still though, it had helped dislodge just what was keeping him from speaking...a mass, of congealed blood, that had lodged itself in his throat. "Gods...That was terrible.." he would say rather weakly. Looking now to her, the bandages already showing signs they would need to be changed in another half hour, "I...I am sorry. Please I did not mean..." It was almost too much to talk still, though that projectile being ejected had most certainly been the culprit. "Ngirturong...This...is Sabrina. I...I do believe her to be a friend...Lady Sabrina...this...is my eldest student, Ngirturong."

Ngirturong turns to eyes Sabrina, staring the woman up and down, sizing her up some. "Hey." The teen says softly as she walks through the doorway, passing the woman with her eyes still upon her. After what she has seen last night, Ngirt is still very much on edge, perhaps somewhat hostile. But as Valen discribes her as a friend, the teen relaxes some and moves to Valen's side. "You look like s...."She swears, breaking into a weak smile to her teacher, hopefully breaking the tensen of the room.

Sabrina looked up from her place on the floor, her eyes had taken on an uncharacteristic blackness that swallowed up the entire sclera. She pressed back to a sitting position and took a few slow breaths with gloved hands wiping the stress of it from her face. It did not seem like the hound had let her go, yet. His defenses were high, and their minds carried secrets of the seven hells that were not meant for those tied to this plane. She exhales a small breath of laughter to Valen’s words. “Friends don’t let friends melt minds.” She couldn’t help the physical transition that adopted her normally minty refreshing orbs, for the most part it took many years to control the effects of the beast and her curse and what didn’t help was a slightly unraveled mind. One did not simply bounce back from such an altercation. The boy once offering the woman a polite greeting had attempted to offer a hand, he is waved off with fair warning that this idea ‘wouldn’t be wise.’ She points a digit toward the ceiling at the teen’s words, “She’s not wrong. Why didn’t you call me?” These little ‘arguments’ with the bonded hellbeast were not so uncommon that this little adventure would highly impact her day out of the immediate, and past tense, occurrence. Leaning her back against the wall with her head propped to view the ever-so-mysterious ceiling she took the moment to rest, before concerning herself with Valen’s current state. Any attempt to help him in her current position could result in more harm than good.

Valen looked over at Ngirturong with a knowing glance, he knew she must have been scared out of her mind,not just for him, but for herself and the rest of them. "I know...young one. I feel like it too." a painful chuckle would sound, as he winced. "You...did admirably. I...am so very proud of you." He had felt the need to tell her, and tell her he did. He was never one to not give credit, where it was due. "The students are safe...though. That...is what matters to me, you...and the rest." Casually, he would try to sit up...wrong idea, and he would flop back down...hair moving off to the side to show a circular mark on the side of his neck. Ngirt had seen it many times, though Sabrina...had not. Looking now to the healer in question a raised brow would show. "My lady I...did not try to melt your mind...simply communicate." The boy, and teacher, would both look confused as they too regarded the ceiling. "I...did not know I could, truthfully. I am not...the headmaster, merely a teacher." Looking to her now as she rested against the wall, a look of curiosity sparked in his eyes but again...he could not find the words for them. "I'm just glad..." He looked down, a bit defeated perhaps but also a look of sincere relief. "I'm just glad Xzavior was not there...to see me in such a state, or that wonderful little bundle of joy you walked away with that night." Quickly dismissing those depressing thoughts, the boy that had greeted Sabrina, would excuse himself to go get them all some tea. "Percival says...tea fixes a lot." And then he is gone. The fact that Valen was enthralled by the posession, if thats what it could be called, was also certainly evident. Ngirturong would quickly move to place her hand to Valen's chest, gently, or as gently as she can with her strength. "Please don't move." She would keep her hand to his chest to keep him from trying to sit up again, but, she is stunned by Valen's words. Her own father never said he was proud of her, not for anything she did. To hear it now from Valen does indeed lifts her spirits, builds her confidence, and pushes her drive to achive greater. She smiles, closeing her eyes. "I just did what I could. I just wish I could have done more." Sabrina was staring. With those demon eyes yet such soft features it probably looked more eerie than intimidating, not that either was a goal. She was looking at them; Valen and Ngirt, student and teacher- a kind of adoration she did not create between herself and her own students, she no longer had the privilege as the responsibility put her in a position of unattainable favor. She envied him, up until he uttered that name and she snaps back to reality in a beat. “Aye. Leifa headed back home last night, she is coming along nicely.” She pushes with her feet to slide up the wall to a standing position with little effort. Her pulse had settled and the conversation brought on an undefinable sort of comfort she could not quantify if she tried. “I saw you with him by the lake.” A reassuring smile. “You are lucky to have him.” It visibly hurt her to say that. But, she had made choices to preserve things not related to her personal life, and this was the price she vowed to pay when taking up the profession that called her. Her words were chosen wisely, having had several days to mull it over. But she meant it, and it showed. A gloved hand is pressed lightly to his shoulder. “Enjoy it.” Because she no longer could. The gloves are removed and a long silvery blade is drawn from her breast pocket. It looked expensive, but the instrument was well worth the investment as a tool to her trade. The girl is paid little mind, after all, the healer was used to being a wallflower when loved ones comforted the wounded. She was very quiet when she slides the blade relatively deep about an inch from the inside bend of her wrist. An empty goblet is taken up from Valen’s bedside table and her wrist propped to drain properly at the rim. The moment her blood scented the air there would be a quality about it. As regenerative as Ardent’s were it would be, in a sense, the purest version of elf quality blood he could ever hope of obtaining. Healing for their kind though, it was simple. And should he sample a mere hint of it when she finally did fork it over, he would come to realize it came strongly infused with the very same life energy she absorbed from all living things around her all the time. There would be hints of Sage that would flow in memorable fondness, the pride of Larket, among other things that influenced her. Her silence had intention though, all negativity surpassed to prevent the passing of any disdain or misery. Tricky thing, Ardentism.

Valen would have no problem staying back down as her hand is on his chest. He felt frail, -was- frail now, though to see her eyes filled with such a warm feeling made him realize how lucky he was to have her as a student, even if she had rejected the offer to be a daughter. "You did more than expected. You showed...real grit...courage, maybe even mastery. More...is needed to gauge that,...but continue, and it will come." It was certainly meant to be re-assuring, though at the same time he did indeed feel so much pride in that broken body of his. Sabrina now had is full attention as she spoke. "She certainly looks beautiful. I am glad that she delights in your...company, Madame Sabrina." Her next words, had actually been something along the lines he had wanted to talk to her about for some time...givem what he had told the Vampire the other night, causing his heart to go into panic mode after he had laid bare his feelings of love and adoration. Some might have called it a cruel trick, but the Vampire knew the Naga had tried to be kind, and it made it all the more endearing. "I hope to enjoy it for a lot longer than he gives credit...He..." a pause, perhaps that familiar Valen blush coming to those cheeks? "He is kind, strong, but I feel he is...worried. Worried that he might hurt me one day. He needs to get over that feeling, I dont hurt easily." he would say with a laugh as he points to the huge wound. "I mean...look at that. Im still here." Humor, he thought, would always be the best medicine....until he of course tasted the blood...if thats what it even was? Never before had he had such exquisite Vitae. Even though he had willingly held back the natural healing of his wound on purpose, he felt the very essence flow into his body, color turning back to that ever beautiful pale...hair would start to change to red again over the course of time, but much much shorter than he had anticipated. Power surged through him once more, and while all of this may not be happening as it had felt...he was grateful for at least something. He felt he owed this woman. This kind soul. He wanted much more but dared not ask, best to just let what was given work it's magic. He found he could talk much more effectively at the least, and a look in the mirror later would tell him that he had finally started to be on the mend...though he willed that wound to remain. He wanted...to carry that scar, so that he never forgot. Never again would he fight so blindly for something he had no clue what it was or what was really going on. "Thank you...Sabrina. How...How can I ever repay this kindness..."

Sabrina watched his transition, more like monitored it for good measure. Her wrist had healed, and while more was not out of the question she never allowed them to feed directly from the tap; one wrong inclination could be detrimental to the mental health of the one feeding. If one ever tasted unadulterated fear and lived to tell the story it would be one of ominous warning. His thanks is taken oddly, quietly, as if she didn’t know how to respond. She gives a shrug and a small smile. “It’s my job, Valen.” For her the calling was more of a contract than a willful way of life. She takes life, and therefore must give it back. Fair-trade; It was the way of the Druid. Still, she could read behind his searching eyes, and she already came to know the addictive properties of her particular flavor. It wasn’t that he needed more that she repeated the procedure, it was to provide some level of satiety. The goblet is again gifted and the gloves returned. The boy was sure to return soon with his promise of tea and the healer never risked unnecessary contact with others. The female there seemed to let down her guard, and this was good for the most part, but the elfess would not speak to her unless spoken to.

Valen would slowly, and not too eagerly, accept the goblet for one last time and feel that rush again. It felt...It felt all too familiar. Like being held in a strong embrace, one of the utmost security. Valen, to those who knew him best, would most likely describe the femme looking Vampire as...the little spoon. He adored safety, coveted it, guarded it, and most of all....appreciated it. Perhaps this woman did not quite realize just how much this was helping him on more than a physical level, but was also helping his mind heal as well. With it finished, he would set it aside as he spoke...those piercing blues flickering almost back to their normal color. "Your job it may be, but you cannot tell me that it is not also your way of life. You could search the globe for centuries, looking for a calling, a job...or what have you. But to find a way of life that suits you? There is only one for each person, this I believe, and to find it brings you the most joy and happiness that...that it does not seem like a job, but an extension of who you are...in an intangeable form. You -touch- people on a spiritual level when you find such a thing. So please...do not call it, a job...my lady. To do so simply cheapens what life has given." A blush would come back, knowing he must sound like some fool, but he had felt if anything he could at the least spare some words. The boy would indeed return, tray in hands, and hold up an assortment of various teas for the guest to enjoy. "I made them myself...All grown from plants in my room!" Valen would give off a chuckle "Barnabas, my sweet young Elementalist and botanist. What would I ever do without you?" "I dunno Sir Valen...maybe end up drinking just watered down pickle juice. We all know you can't make tea." That blush would deepen, and a nervous laugh. "Ah well yes...It seemed that burning water -is- possible." With that, the boy would set the tray by Valen's side before bowing politely to Sabrina, once more excusing himself.

Sabrina sat listening, with hands clutched neatly in her lap. She was tearing up, presumably from his kindness and the heartful things one might assume is going on in her head. It was very much none of that. For this calling she gave up anything personal, all self, and every opportunity to be happy. If the God’s or life or powers that be, sought this to be her gift in life then truly she was an enemy of the heavens and there was no point to any of this outside of punishment. So, she touched people on a spiritual level, but at a cost of not being able to truly touch them physically. Not without harm. His words cut like a knife. A nod, “You are too kind, Master Valen.” She sneaks a swipe at a tear rolling down her cheek, the same smile affixed to her visage to tell no tales of hardships or ill will. “Thank you, Master Barnabus.” Though she didn’t partake, that too had been rendered obsolete and so she politely declined with a wave of hand. She stands, wiping gloved palms along the thighs of her pants and giving Valen a well-mannered and full bow. “I will leave you to your rest.” She could give safety, serenity, a sense of home… not only give it, but manufacture it, giftwrap it in a friendly smile, and present it with affordable conviction.

Valen , being the kind of person he was, had he known just how deeply he had wounded this woman with his heartfelt words, he would have been truly mortified, and would even try to break her from the bonds that keep her chained to such a burden. Alas, this woman knew her craft of hiding, and knew it well...and it did not help that the Vampire could be clueless at times. The tears though, infectious things, would cause his own to start shimmering in his eyes. "Thank you, for stopping by and thank you once more, for your help. Should you ever need assistance from myself, or any here, we will gladly give it. I do hope though, that next we meet, we might talk some more? One can never have too many friends, and fewer still have enough. I...hope we can be, as I already view you as one." He was being honest, though perhaps unknown to him he had caused yet again undue hardship on the woman's soul. "Be safe out there." was said with all manner of seriousness as she announced her intended departure. "And be well."

Sabrina had relaxed by now, leaving the tear-stained glimmer of minted hues to smile back at him. “I almost forgot. Now there is a voice to replace Lydrain’s approval, I feel I should ask before retrieving the book I came for.” Her voice was becoming more clear, everything about her less shaky, as luck would have it circumstance brought her to Valen on a rather emotionally weak moment but the gears were turning and she postured a picture of smug propriety once more; hands clasped neatly behind her back, her stance aligning her straight as a board- that familiar bodily context of a professor in session.

Valen would perk up at the question, though was a bit confused. "Are you asking permission for the book or something else...? I..am hardly taking Lydrain's position, he was headmaster and I'm just a teacher, but I will help you with what I can." He was glad to see that perhaps she was growing a bit more comfortable once again. "If it -is- the book, what is the name and the subject? I would be more than happy to help you after what you have just done for me."

Sabrina gets that nervous kind of quiet. It wasn’t part of the agreement she had with Lydrain to discuss her areas of study. In fact, it was quite the opposite; free reign. There were books here that not all knew about and she knew because she brought them here herself. “I-uh…” She takes a step back. “You know what, I just realized I took that book out last week. I shall return it as soon as I am done.” She is scratching that back of her head, avoiding eye contact, and smiling way too wide for the series of events that led up to this point. She bows half-way upon creeping out the door. “We will speak again soon, sorry to have taken up your day.” She turns briskly and heads down the path that brought her here.