adelphoi | (no subject)

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[ the rising stones does not yet feel like home.

but then, nothing has, since leaving sharlayan. alisaie's journeys alone have taken her to the ends of eorzea and back, most nights spent in inns or sleeping in the grass beneath a blanket of stars, but now she has a steady place of business, a bed she can sleep in every single night. she had grown so accustomed to life on the road that she had all but forgotten what it was like to have a single space for herself. being fixed in one place for so long has felt.. strange, after all of her travels, and she knows they will be on the move soon enough - the ship to the far east is being prepared as we speak - she nevertheless feels restless.

even still, she knows she should enjoy the quiet while it lasts.

it's a bit late, the rising stones is all but deserted, and alisaie sits alone at a table with a cooling cup of tea and a plate of shortbread cookies, lost in thought.

she's glad to be a scion. proud to be one. yet fitting into a group had never been particularly easy for her, and she's still.. struggling, a bit, in getting to know everyone. many of the archons she is already familiar enough with, but the scions are made up of many more people than the archons, and it has been a bit of a struggle for her to learn to ingratiate herself with so many people. but she has learned much since delving into bahamut's coils, come to appreciate her fellow man that much better, and she is determined to earn her place here no matter what she must do. still, she enjoys these quiet moments, when most have retired to bed and she can be alone with her thoughts and a nice cup of tea.

but her alone time, it seems, is fated to be cut short. the doors from seventh heaven burst open and alisaie jumps in her seat with a start, turning to find a roegadyn man hurrying inside with a blonde hyur slumped against his side, struggling to walk. at once she is on her feet. ]

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[ Yeah, it's probably some kind of improbable aiming top of dumbassery that is very difficult to take off alone, especially with an injured shoulder. But at least it's not a battle onesie... ]

O-oh, uh -

[ Judging by the way his face somehow manages to turn even redder, that is not the response he was looking for. ]

N-no, nonononono! That's - I-I mean, I can manage, no sweat -

[ But here she comes to help, anyway, and Prompto questions why he tried so hard to stay conscious when this was to be his fate... ]

[ yeah it sure is some aiming top of dumbassery. or..

.. the machinist af top. :flushed:

either way, her hands stall mid-buckle, and she looks to his red face, beginning to piece it together. alisaie smiles in a way she hopes is reassuring. ]

You've nothing to be embarrassed about. But I need to clean the wound properly, and I cannot do that with your top in the way.

[ besides, parts of it are like.. burned into his skin?? which can't just.. stay there. in fact, she's going to pick up a pair of shears to begin carefully cutting the fabric away from the wound. ]

[ It can't be the machinist AF...not yet, at least, since she's gonna heckin' destroy it! But maybe he can upgrade to it next... :flushed:

Anyway, she's put two and two together, which is somehow even more embarrassing, because he knows it's a silly thing to be concerned about a time like this. Bashful, any further protest dies on his lips when she picks up those shears, his cheeks still warm but his gaze turned down.

What a mess he's made of things, and when she's just trying to help him, too... ]

H-heh...right. Sorry. Do what you need to, I'll, uh...

[ He starts unbuttoning his shirt with his uninjured side. ]

[ there we go, that's much better. his bashfulness is.. quite cute, actually, and not something that alisaie is used to, either. no one has ever been particularly bashful around her?? ]

It's all right.

[ she says gently, a soft chuckle on her lips, while she helps with the unbuckling and unsnapping of the aiming top of dumbassery, until she can very carefully, very gently, ease it off of him and toss it aside. it's likely ruined, with a giant hole burned through the shoulder like that, but alas. he'll need to wear some ugly infirmary clothing until he's able to get a replacement.

alisaie winks over her shoulder, and moves back to the basin of water to soak a clean rag. ]

I won't tell anyone.

[ If nothing else, the pain does help distract him from his bashfulness, and he visibly winces when she pulls the ruined top away, as gentle as she is about it. His wound is angry and ugly, but her healing magic has at least stemmed the flow of blood, leaving it instead dried on his skin. It's probably not the worst injury he's ever gotten, but...it's up there.

He follows her movement as she soaks the rag, exhaling a chuckle at her words. ]

P-probably not much to tell...

[ In more ways than one, but he doesn't mean to make this a self-pity party, when she's already doing so much for him. ]

You're really good at this. Sure you're not the healer twin?

[ He's only met Alphinaud in passing, but healing is kind of his thing, isn't it? ]

[ the healer twin.

alisaie snorts a laugh, and shakes her head. ]

I learned healing spells when I was quite young, so I do have some decent experience with them. Believe me, my brother is leaps and bounds ahead of me.

[ both as an arcanist and a red mage she learned healing spells, and vercure is especially potent; it's nothing particularly special. though she supposes that, to a garlean who grew up in a world withough magick, it might seem a little more.. impressive? frightening? both? nevertheless, she lathers some antiseptic onto the warm wet rag and moves back to him, to begin carefully cleaning the wound as gently as she can. ]

This will sting a bit, I'll try to be quick.

[ She's got the right idea; he may have been in Eorzea for several years now, but the use of magic here is still fantastical and outlandish compared to what he was used to growing up, and becoming a machinist didn't really get him any closer to it. It's only since joining the Scions that he's really begun to get familiar, and even then, it hasn't been used too often on himself.

Which is probably a good thing, because needing such healing isn't ideal, but he is sure grateful for her abilities right about now.

He's less grateful for the antiseptic, as important as it is, hissing between clenched teeth and squeezing his eyes shut. ]

Ach - y-you weren't kiddin'...

[ But hey, at least it's keeping him conscious. ]

[ she winces on his behalf. ]

I know, I know. I'll try to be quick.

[ she's not quite so practiced or delicate as the professional healers and chirurgeons, but she's trying, and soon enough she's satisfied that the wound is well cleaned. thankfully there's little enough debris and dirt in it to worry about.

turning back to the basin, alisaie rinses the rag and reaches for something else - a small bottle of thick salve. ]

Now this will feel much better.

[ and, scooping a generous amount onto her fingers, alisaie begins to gently smooth it over the entirety of his wound. prompto shall find that it is not only cool and soothing, but also numbing, hopefully enough to take the edge off and make him feel much more comfortable, especially after the unforgiving sting of the antiseptic. ]

[ At this point, almost anything would feel better than the antiseptic, and just the removal of the rag she had been applying it with does wonders. He lets out a breath he hadn't meant to hold, his eyes following her, tired but watchful as she scoops the salve on to her fingers. ]

Is that gonna put me to sleep like a baby?

[ Because he'd really like that right about now. But no, instead it soothes his throbbing wound as soon as she begins to apply it, a gasp escaping him as his eyes flutter closed, his reaction almost the polar opposite of when she had started to clean it. ]

That's...oh...

[ It's very nice,yes. She was right. ]

[ a soft chuckle rolls off her tongue, and alisaie smiles. ]

I told you, hm?

[ with the help of this salve, he will hopefully sleep well and comfortably tonight. by morning it'll likely be stinging again, but some quick vercures and a fresh coat of salve will certainly solve that. ]

You shall indeed be sleeping like a baby quite soon.

[ but last but not least, she must wrap him up! wiping her fingers on a rag, alisaie caps the balm and sets it on the tray again, and begins unfurling a roll of bandages. ]

[ With the sting of his wound taken away, the exhaustion really starts to hit him in full force, though he tries not to slump over while she dresses his wound. Hopefully it won't take her too long to do so, because his ability to remain upright is certainly waning. ]

...Thanks again. I...really can't say it enough. I knew I should'a been more careful, heh...

[ A soft, quiet laugh as his gaze drops to the floor. He took on more than he can handle, and got burned for it, literally. He should probably just keep to the real basic Scion activities, he's too much of a liability otherwise. But...he'd just wanted to help. ]

But hey, now I've have a cool scar from it.

[ The smile doesn't quite reach his eyes. ]

Please, the last person you should be apologizing to is me. I'm always landing myself in the infirmary, one way or another.

[ which is right and true tbh, alisaie certainly has a number of scars herself. approaching him once more, alisaie carefully lifts his arm and begins gently wrapping the wound around his shoulder and arm. the balm should have helped immensely with his pain, but still her touch is careful. ]

And yes, you do, which I hear is quite popular with "the ladies."

[ according to thancred. maidens and battle scars, etc. ]

[ Well, he can't argue with that. Hadn't Alisaie's tenure with the Scions more or less started with her being injured? The thought does bolster his confidence a bit. If someone as brave and strong as Alisaie can be hurt on the field, maybe it's okay that he was, too. Not that he wants to go making a habit of this, mind you...

Much more subdued and sleepy now, Prompto at least still manages to move his arm along with her motions so he's not just complete dead weight while she dresses the wound. Despite what she's said, he's still going to owe her, like, a million favors after this. It's just how he is. ]

Heh, that so? I can use all the help I can get there, sooo I'll take it!

[ Even if he must go around shirtless for them to appreciate it, sadge. ]

Really?

[ alisaie looks genuinely confused, so much so that she draws back a little to look him in the face, her brow knitted while she studies his face. she does not know prompto very well, but he's certainly always been very kind and helpful, and he's quite good looking.

hmm. ]

I would not have expected that.

[ anyway, back to finishing off dressing his wound! ]

[ Is that...surprise he hears in her voice? Nah, he must be out of it more than he thought. That, or she's just super generous, assuming he has any luck with women. Way more of them around here talk about her than him; not that he's much to talk about in the first place. ]

Oh.

[ He blurts out after moment, trying not to overthink it, but definitely overthinking it. What did she mean by that!!! ]

Um. Thanks, I...I think?

[ It's sort of a compliment, right? Gods, and he had made it almost a few solid minutes without embarrassing himself and blushing, but here he goes again! ]

[ of course it's a compliment. alisaie gives him a quizzical glance, though her smile is slanted. ]

You're welcome. Though I suppose I am beginning to see what you mean.

[ he's nervous as a frightened chocobo on a frozen lake; like as not he lacks the confidence to approach women, which is a shame, really, for him. alisaie ties off the bandage and steps back to survey her work, hands on her hips. ]

Though I think if you allowed yourself to relax, you would have no trouble at all with women.

[ enjoy her unsolicited advice on your love life, prompto. ]

[ To be fair, he could absolutely use it, and would sooner die than ask for it, so, fair enough. In any case, relaxing around women isn't something he's going to do anytime soon, if his flushed features are anything to go off of. But hey, it's a nice thought, isn't it?

At least he's barely noticed that she's finished dressing his wound, until she steps back. It still aches, but the sting is mostly gone and the bandages feel snug and secure. He reaches his good hand over to prod at it carefully, before giving her a thumbs up of approval. Seems like a great time to change the subject completely seamlessly!! ]

F-feels pretty good! Heh...seriously, think I owe you about thirty more "thank you's" before I'll even sorta feel like I don't owe you anymore.

[ Though he'll...try not to be too overbearing about it. He sorta has a problem with that, too. He's a lot for many people. ]

[ well, he certainly changes the subject quickly, which is.. fair, really, it's hardly any of her business. alisaie is a bit of a busybody, a family failing she's afraid, but she knows when to back off. ]

Truly, think nothing of it.

[ this is all part of the job, after all! alisaie smiles warmly, and hauls his ruined clothing away and to the end of the bed, dumping it into the hamper there. ]

I'll get you some water, but after that, you need to rest.

[ Rest in peace, Aiming Top of Dumbassery...

He nods hazily in response to her suggestion, at this point too tired to even comment on needing to thank her a thousand times, though it's still true. In truth, he's hungry, too, but he can worry about that in the morning. For now, better he just stay hydrated and then rest. Gods know his aching body needs it, and likely will for the next several days as he recovers. He'll need to find something to occupy his time while he's unable to work...

But that's a problem for tomorrow's Prompto. He manages a weary smile for her, turning his gaze up to meet her own. ]

Aye-aye, doctor. You won't find me complainin' about rest.

[ thankfully there is a sink nearby with plenty of wooden cups, so she needn't go far. alisaie turns her back to fill one of the cups with crisp, cold water before returning to the bed and pressing it into his hands. he looks about ready to drop, so it doesn't seem as if sleep will be a difficult thing for him to find tonight..

alisaie smiles. ]

Here, drink up, then lie back.

[ pulling up a stool, alisaie nonchalantly snags one of his legs and tugs it into her lap to begin working off his boots - first one, then the next. he can't very well sleep in them, and bending over is probably exceedingly painful, even after her magicks and the salve. ]

There's a linkpearl on the nightstand; should you need anything, do not hesitate to call.

[ Her bedside manner is impeccable, and even if it's just his boots instead of his whole ass shirt this time. There's something even sweeter about this, maybe because as gross as blood is, his boots are probably terribly stinky...yet she does it anyway.

All of the Scions are special and incredible, but Alisaie...well, needless to say he may be finding excuses to accompany her more soon, to attempt to pay her back for even a sliver of the kindness she has showed him tonight.

Wearing a soft smile, he carefully starts to lower himself back onto the pillows, nodding even as he has to catch his lower lip between his teeth in a wince of pain. ]

I-I won't! Heh, I-I wouldn't mind seein' you again soon!

[ ...Gods, did he really just say that? He must be more loopy from the pain than he realized. Alisaie isn't particularly known for doing a lot of socializing - she probably isn't looking forward to being bugged by him. ]

[ he sure did just say that!! but alisaie seems pleased enough by it. no, she does not go out of her way to socialize, but she is far from the prickly, aloof, cantankerous girl she was in her youth. she has done a lot of growing, a lot of learning, a lot of changing in how she interacts with people. everything is a little bit easier now.

especially with people who are naturally kind and friendly, like prompto. ]

Well, you shall see me in the morning, regardless.

[ she says, taking the blanket from the end of the bed and shaking it open, before carefully draping it over him. ]

I shall be back to change your bandages, then.

[ assuming nothing pressing arises, but things have been quiet at the rising stones as of late. ]

[ By the time she is settling the blanket over him, his eyes are already fluttering closed, a great sigh easing out of his body. Gods, he could sleep for a hundred years, and might, if left to his own devices. But Alisaie's return will mean he can't do that, and he doesn't mind it, if it means seeing her face again soon.

It's very easy for him to form crushes, but even moreso with it's on someone who just took such good care of him. ]

Lookin' forward to it. And...Alisaie? Thanks again. Seriously.

[ He's said it a hundred times already, but he can't help but say it again, to make sure it's the last thing he says to her before he falls asleep. His smile is weak and tired, but it is undeniably there, and it's for her. ]

[ it seems to her eyes that he will sleep quite well indeed, and hopefully the pain will not rouse him 'til well into the morning. the salve needs time to do its work, after all, and healing spells can go only so far to knitting wounds back together.

she will tend to him further tomorrow. ]

You are very welcome. Think nothing of it, and get some rest.

[ for now she places the cup of cold water onto the nightstand, and turns the lamp down low, until the room is comfortably dim, lit lowly by the lamps, and the fire that crackles in the hearth. once she is sure he is entirely settled, she withdraws to the door. ]

Goodnight, Prompto.

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