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Post by Marlene Javelin on Jan 29, 2006 7:21:22 GMT -5
Marlene was climbing the many stairs of Hogwarts and making her way towards the hospital wing. The little Asian girl had been unconscious for a week now and Marlene was starting to feel very anxious again, even though Madam Pomfrey said everything's going to be alright.
She turned a corner and was now standing in front of the hospital wing door. Taking a deep breath, she pushed the handle and the door creaked open. The prefect peeked through the opening then entered quietly. Not caring to close the door she left it open and went to sit on a bed next to Ariake’s.
Marlene leaned forward, placed her elbows on her knees and supported her chin with her hands. For a while she just looked at the younger girl. Ariake still had bandages around her head and the only sign of her being alive was her silent breathing. Marlene thought that she looked very beautiful like that and let out a deep sigh.
Suddenly the prefect quickly lifted her head, ‘cause she thought she had seen Ariake move. After looking for any signs of movement, and not finding any, she lowered her head again. Marlene covered her face with her hands. The sadness and disappointment was evident on her expression and she didn’t want anyone to see her like this.
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Ariake Long
5th Year
Healer Apprentice; Slytherin Prefect
Posts: 361
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Post by Ariake Long on Jan 29, 2006 11:04:12 GMT -5
Slowly, one sense at the time Ariake came to again. It was a long while before she decided to open her eyes. She felt so terribly tired... She vaguely heard a door open and let out a mental sigh, thinking it was the door of the dormitory and that everyone else was already awake and starting a new day. She so did not feel like waking up. But apparently she'd have to. Reluctantly she opened her eyes only to squeeze them shut again immediately when a much too bright light painfully assaulted her senses. She let out a small groan and tried to turn away from the source of light, only to find her limbs stiff and too slow and aching to comply normally. She only managed to awkwardly flay out an arm. What was wrong with her? To make things worse the next instant her mind was flooded with a virtual swarm of confusing images and worried emotions from Mira, giving her an instant splitting headache. She groaned again and tried to tell her fire-lizard to stop it or at least to slow down, but it was not easy to form any coherent thought. With a sigh she let the flood of images be. She'd try to make sense of them later. One thing was clear though. She was not going to leave her bed anytime soon..
The little fire-lizard had been sitting on the head of the bed, faithfully keeping a vigil by her mistress ever since the accident. She hadn't even left to eat or drink anything, so after a few days the castle's medi-witch had brought her some nourishment. Mira had been lightly slumbering when she sensed awareness coming back to her mistress at last. Excited, though still worried, she sat peering intently down at Ariake's face when Marlene came in. Mira let out an excited thrill both in greeting and in an attempt to communicate the change in Ariake to her mistress's companion. However Marlene didn't seem to understand and Mira continued her close scrutiny of Ariake's face for the slightest sign of stirring. When it came in the form of Ariake groaning against the light in the hospital-wing, Mira flew up with anxious anticipation and proceeded to try and pull the curtains of the screen around Ariake's bed closed to make it darker. Once she'd accomplished the task, she went to hover above the bed, trying to covey her worry, her relief to have Ariake awake again, where they were, what had happened and how long she'd been in the hospital-wing, Marlene's faithful visits, Madam Pomfrey's fussing, and basically everything else that had happened all at once in true overwhelming fire-lizard style. Then, when after a few moments of this Mira remembered Madam Pomfrey would need to continue to make her human all right, she let out a low babbling rumble, and flashed out of sight to get the medi-witch to Ariake's bedside.
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Post by Marlene Javelin on Jan 29, 2006 15:40:09 GMT -5
Marlene noticed Mira sitting near Ariake and she could tell from the fire-lizard’s expression that she wanted to tell her something. Not understanding, she continued to watch what the creature did next. Suddenly, she heard Ariake groan and Marlene sat up straight on the bed.
Right then Mira started pulling the curtains around the bed and Marlene fought the urge to say: “Hey!” She looked at the miniature dragon with a frown, stood up and Mira vanished. Tentatively, Marlene moved the curtain a bit and disappeared behind it.
She fell on her knees so she was on the same level as Ariake and stroked her hand.
Ariake? she said quietly. It’s me, Marlene. Do you hear me?
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Ariake Long
5th Year
Healer Apprentice; Slytherin Prefect
Posts: 361
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Post by Ariake Long on Jan 29, 2006 16:43:36 GMT -5
Trough the fog that was stubbornly refusing to leave her brain, Ariake heard a welcome familiar voice, though she couldn't make out the words.
"M'lene?" she managed to mumble with difficulty through parched lips. Her mouth felt as dry as rice-paper. Wetting her lips she tried again: "M'r'ene?"
She very carefully attempted to open her eyes again, but again the light was too bright. Squeezing her eyes shut even tighter, Ariake tried to move away from it once more but every single muscle in her body protested so loudly against any movement that she had to give up half-way. This was getting annoying.
"Hurts..." she whispered irritated with her own weakness and whomever had been redecorating the dormitory to include such a light. "Light... Who.. bl'dy win'ow.. in dungeon?!?"
Ariake sighed heavily. What was going on?!? Why couldn't she move? She felt so terribly confused; and the jumble of images and emotions from Mira weren't exactly helping. The only thing she could make out from them was that there was something seriously wrong. With her. Gradually her irritation at her general weakness became mingled with slight anxiety. Then she became aware of Marlene's hand stroking hers. It reassured her a bit.
"M'rlene?" she managed to sound more clearly to her relief: "Not feeling too good..." she finished, her tone relaying mild worry and questioning hope for Marlene to tell her what was wrong with her.
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Post by Marlene Javelin on Jan 29, 2006 17:30:57 GMT -5
Marlene sighed with relief when Ariake said her name. She’s going to be alright, she thought and kissed the Asian girl’s hand. She looked back up at the younger Slytherin’s face and noticed her tightly shut eyes.
Light? she asked quickly and carefully listened to everything Ariake said. She didn’t want to miss a word. Don’t worry; you’ll get better soon. I’ll be right back.
Marlene emerged from behind the curtain and looked at all the torches and candles that were lining the walls. This is going to be tricky, she thought and decided to start from the door.
Aguamenti! she said and started extinguishing every single light on the walls. Marlene didn’t even notice how dark it was until the final light went out. Now standing in a pitch-black room she rushed back to Ariake’s side.
Is this better? she asked hopefully and took the girl’s hand in her own. With her other hand she started stroking the Asian’s cheek. You fell. And not just any babyish falling... – she laughed nervously - That’s why it hurts. You’re in the hospital wing right now.
Marlene tried to smile and her eyes were starting to get used to the darkness so that she could see Ariake quite clearly.
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Ariake Long
5th Year
Healer Apprentice; Slytherin Prefect
Posts: 361
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Post by Ariake Long on Jan 29, 2006 18:43:59 GMT -5
Noticing how the light finally disappeared, Ariake carefully opened her eyes. She was greeted by the most lovely picture of Marlene's face in the darkness.
"Beautiful" she mumbled softly, not realizing she spoke out loud.
Then the other's words caught up with her. Fall? Hospital-wing?, she thought. Suddenly some of Mira's images started to make sense. She let out another sigh, and slowly the confusion began to ebb away. She gave Marlene's hand a gentle squeeze to let her know she was still awake, while she closed her eyes again and let Mira's communications pass before her mind's eye again. Yes, now it did make more sense.
"Transfiguration" she mumbled, opening her eyes again in remembrance, "Was going to class"
Her mouth still felt like crisp rice-paper and her tongue seemed too thick for her mouth. "Marlene? Could... some water, please?"
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Post by Madam Pomfrey on Jan 29, 2006 19:30:27 GMT -5
While Marlene was with Ariake, Poppy was rechecking the results of her patient's blood-work for the third time that day. But the out-come disturbingly stayed the same.Well, at least she knew now there was nothing wrong with either the test or her readings. Sending the parchment in front of her another glare, she stood up from her work-table and walked to her desk. Absentmindedly she noted the potion that would help to deal with the girl's concussion as soon as she'd finally would wake up. She'd made sure it was one of Severus's brews; that way she could be sure there wouldn't be any unforeseen side-effects. However, at the moment Poppy's thoughts were preoccupied by the test-results and what would be the best way to counteract the possible effects of the drug-residue she'd found in the young Asian's blood.The next moment however, she was rudely brought out of her pondering by the excited appearance of the golden miniature dragon that the young slytherin kept as a pet.
Mira found the medi-witch in her study and eagerly fluttered up and down in front of the woman until she was given undivided attention and then proceeded with her efforts to make clear to the human she had to come and take care of her mistress. She pulled the woman's apron lightly, flew to the door and back again and even pulled the witch's hat in her eagerness to get her moving, all under a series of crooning and rumbling sounds that suspiciously sounded like a non-stop commentary.
"All right! Leave off already, you golden menace! I get it." Poppy scolded the creature, who didn't in the least relented its antics, and grabbed the potion and her wand of the desk before walking out to go and check on her patient.
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Post by Marlene Javelin on Jan 30, 2006 8:57:18 GMT -5
Marlene felt a blush appear on her cheeks as Ariake called her beautiful and lowered her gaze with a sheepish smile. As soon as she was sure every trace of red on her face had vanished, she looked up at Ariake again.
The Asian closed her eyes and Marlene thought she had fallen asleep but right then she felt the gentle squeeze of her hand. It seemed as though Ariake was trying to remember something, so Marlene sat silently and waited.
Yes, she answered when Ariake mentioned Transfiguration. I had a free period and... saw you fall and brought you here. Water? Of course.
She stood up hastily and emerged from behind the curtain again. OK, where is the sink? she thought and looked around the room. It was pointless to spot anything in this darkness so she casted a Lumos and immediately noticed a sink near a wall.
When Marlene had reached it, she transfigured a glass out of a hairpin and filled it with cold water. After that she said Nox and went to kneel down on the ground next to her girl's bed again. She brought the glass to the girl’s lips and watched as Ariake's neck moved with each sip.
Do you feel better now? she asked with a concerned voice and took the glass away.
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Ariake Long
5th Year
Healer Apprentice; Slytherin Prefect
Posts: 361
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Post by Ariake Long on Feb 1, 2006 3:07:19 GMT -5
Ariake moistened her lips once more, glad her mouth at least didn't feel so dry any more.
"Mm-mm" she hummed affirmatively to Marlene and squeezed her hand again. "Thank you"
Ariake laid her head back on the pillow, frowning about the disturbing fact that just the effort of lifting her head to drink had made her feel as if she'd just ran for a mile. Then she asked, noticing with satisfaction that her speech was returning to normal: "How long have I been here?"
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Post by Marlene Javelin on Feb 2, 2006 15:58:33 GMT -5
Marlene placed the glass on a nearby cupboard and carefully sat next to Ariake on the bed. She saw the frown on her girl’s face and gently caressed her head, hoping it will soothe the headache she must be having.
For nearly a week, she answered peacefully. I’ve been so worried and visiting you every day. And Daphne sends you her best wishes.
She smiled even though she wasn’t very sure if Ariake would see it in the darkness. Marlene looked at the younger girl affectionately, thinking she was the prettiest girl on Earth and took her hand for the second time.
I want to kiss you... she said quietly. May I?
Marlene missed Ariake so much that she was desperate for even the slightest touch.
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Ariake Long
5th Year
Healer Apprentice; Slytherin Prefect
Posts: 361
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Post by Ariake Long on Feb 3, 2006 4:45:52 GMT -5
Ariake let out an annoyed groan at the news. An entire week! "Well, I guess I should be grateful I wasn't out any longer..." she mumbled, unable to check her tendency toward sarcasm in her current condition. However her face did lit up when she heard Marlene had been visiting every day. "Ah, such devotion, Marlene-sama! You honour me too much..."
Ariake tried to cup the other girl's cheek affectionately, but a low growl of frustration escaped her lips when she didn't even manage to bring her arm up half-way. At once her complete irritation and impatience with her weakened state returned full force. Closing her eyes she held on tighter to Marlene's hand while she listened to Marlene relaying well-wishes from Daphne. 'Marin-sama,' she thought absentmindedly, 'would she have forgiven me yet?'
Then Marlene's almost shy question brought her out of her dull thoughts and frustration of being too weak to even touch her girl. Ariake's eyes shot open wide and looked at Marlene in surprise. "You really have to ask?" she whispered hoarsely: "Please, Marlene-sama, please, by all means!"
At this moment Ariake didn't care how desperate she just sounded. She needed Marlene, needed her touch, needed to feel her so she could be reassured that everything was going to be all right again. She hated feeling week. It made her feel useless; and had it been anyone else than Marlene to see her like this, she would have been overcome by shame. And secretly, a small insecure part of her also wanted to be reassured of the fact that Marlene still loved her. Thus, when Marlene bend over to give her the promised kiss, she couldn't help a happy sigh to escape her lips.
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Post by Marlene Javelin on Feb 4, 2006 9:45:56 GMT -5
It’s good to hear I’m not the only one who’s desperate, she thought with a smile and placed her hands on both sides of Ariake. After that she leant forward and planted a fervent kiss on the girl’s lips.
A million thoughts just vanished from Marlene’s mind and she was determined to enjoy the moment ‘til it lasted. It had been so long.
Just when the kiss couldn’t have got any hotter, she moved away from Ariake's lips and placed a few kisses on her neck as well. Then lifted her head to look at her.
I’ll go get Madam Pomfrey, she said with a fond smile and stood up. Marlene moved the curtain aside, casted a Lumos and started making her way towards the backroom where the mediwitch usually was. She was quite pleased when she saw the woman appearing from the doorway.
Hello, Madam Pomfrey, she greeted. Ariake’s awake.
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Post by Madam Pomfrey on Feb 5, 2006 6:35:42 GMT -5
"Ah,Miss Javelin" the mediwitch acknowledged upon seeing the girl. "Yes, that there was some sort of change in your house-mate's condition had already been brought to my attention" she responded to the girl's words with a meaningful hard look at the fire-lizard still fluttering around her. However when she regarded Marlene again it was with a warm expression. "Come," she ushered the slytherin prefect to follow her: "let's go and have a look at your friend"
While walking up to Ariake's bed Poppy gave her wand a casual wave whereupon the entire sickbay was bathed in a soft, low yellow glow.
"So, young lady, how are we feeling today?" Poppy inquired gently when she'd arrived at her patient's bedside.
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Ariake Long
5th Year
Healer Apprentice; Slytherin Prefect
Posts: 361
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Post by Ariake Long on Feb 5, 2006 7:08:30 GMT -5
Ariake sigh deeply when Marlene moved away. But perhaps it was best not to get too lost in the moment -although she certainly wouldn't really mind- when Madam Pomfrey would be showing up any moment now. She wanted to tell Marlene that Mira had already gone to fetch her, but by the time she'd opened her mouth, the other had already moved from the bed and gone.
A moment later Ariake squinted her eyes at the sudden light, but when she slowly opened them again she found that it didn't hurt her eyes like the bright illumination of before. Then the mediwitch was at her side.
"Not particularly marvelous" she answered Madam Pomfrey, the annoyance at her weakened state seeping through in her tone of voice: "However, disregarding the fact that I've a bit of a muscle-ache and that normal light hurts my eyes, I suppose I'm fine"
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Post by Madam Pomfrey on Feb 5, 2006 7:30:02 GMT -5
"Tsk-tsk!" Poppy shook her head at the young Asian's words while going through her examination: "You've quite a preference for understatement I see. But rest assured, there's no need to be overly annoyed. You came away from that nasty fall with no more than a serious concussion. You should consider yourself lucky it wasn't anything worse. As it is, you'll just have to take it easy for a while. Now you're awake again I think you'll be able to return to your House within the next 48 hours. How does that sound?"
When she had finished conducting her examination, Poppy gave the young girl a dose of the potion she'd brought with her, having explained to Ariake what it was for. She also gave the girl a number of nutrient potions since at the moment her patient couldn't yet hold any solid food inside. Then she instructed her to rest. Ariake had after all a lot of strength to regain.
"Miss Javelin," Poppy addressed the prefect before leaving the two girls to themselves: "Make sure that before you leave your friend has taken this mild sleeping potion if you will."
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