Morning Wake [Gianne]

[Serrif Von Chatlyn]

Her statement hit a string with him, he knew exactly what she was feeling. Horrible nightmares still plagued him from time to time. And he knew that these things usually wouldn’t just easily go away. A few years of torture will do these things to a person. There were plenty of things that he could use to help remedy this. Maybe knock her out for a few good hours of sleep or so. He didn’t know her weight and wasn’t about to ask her for it. He would have to guess and then go a little lower than that.

“I know how that feels.” The way those words rolled off of his lips it would convince anyone that he had indeed been there and done that before. Because he had lived it himself many nights in a row.

“I have something. A light sedative…just set aside your tea for me and I will mix in the appropriate amount.” On a shelf sat one of the books of notes he had taken while in Mura.

There were the notes he was interested in. Somewhere in those pages he had taken notes on the appropriate measurements for this concoction. He already had it made, he just needed to know the dosage. Too much and she may have an advert reaction but too little and it would have no effect at all. Page after page scanned across his vision as he eventually found what he was looking for. The dosage just to get her to sleep would have to be small.

He took out a glass stirrer and then dipped it in the sedative. It smelt earthy, just like he believed it would. The stirrer was then dipped into the warm tea and he mixed it around inside. The warm liquid lapped all of the sedative straight off of the stirrer and diffused it into the tea. He continued a little longer to make sure everything had been taken off. The glassware was set aside in the wash pile he would have to wash later.

“This should help you. But you will have to take it back in your room. And I will have to monitor you closely. Come on now.” He said with a somewhat seductive smile there were so many other things the could to beside just gently putting her to sleep. He would even help her get there, he would put her down for the rest of the day.

“Come on.” He said smiling again to her.

[Gianne Basete]

Gianne frowned thoughtfully at his words. His voice had conveyed a deeper message than she could currently figure out, both because of exhaustion and outright not knowing his past. But the tone had been laced with sadness, and it gave her heart a twinge. She would have given him a hug right then and there if she weren't afraid he would be uncomfortable and think her too forward. She couldn't help by sigh with relief at the word sedative. Thank the Gods, something to knock her out. With a nod she did as she was told, setting down her tea cup and pushing it forward into his reach. Then she watched him with interest as he riffled quickly through a book he retrieved from a shelf. He then mixed the proper dosage of the sedative, that wonderful sedative, into her tea. Gianne picked up the cup expectantly but stopped, dismayed, as he said she'd have to wait. "Alright, alright. But once we're in my room I'm downing this like there's no t-," she said, but didn't finish. The smile he flashed her tied up her tongue so quickly that she almost choked on her breath. Color crept up from the recesses of her shirt collar, crawling up her neck before settling into her cheeks. Finally though, she managed to mumble a little unintelligibly, "Okay." She shuffled awkwardly behind him when they set off to her room, staring into her cup of drugged tea with utmost concentration. Oh boy, was all her addled mind could think.

[Serrif Von Chatlyn]

He could see her body sigh with relief when she saw that there was something he could do for her. He knew the feeling himself quite well although he had to be very careful because he didn’t want to become dependent on the sedative. But one time with Gianne wouldn’t hurt her…he knew this because he had nearly abused the substance himself to get some sleep. He was fighting the urge almost daily to use the substance himself. But he was stronger than that; even if there were doubts in his mind about it.

He gently walked with her to her room, he would let her open the door to let him in with her. He wanted to make sure everything went well, and the only way to do that was to see to it that she went to sleep well. He was also really interested to see what the inside of her room looked like; it would tell him some about her personality as well. Maybe even give him some insight to the things she liked and wanted, or maybe even into some things that she could use. But right now on the top of his list for her was sleep. Wonderful uninterrupted sleep. He was sure the tea could do that for her.

Once she let him in he would take a chair and sit by her bedside. “You need to sip the tea slowly. You will feel it working little by little. If you drink it all at once you will shock your system possibly into a coma. And we wouldn’t want that.”

He absent mindedly wondered if she would dress in something different to get ready for bed. What would she wear? He shunted that thought away that wasn’t what he was here for! Although she was absurdly attractive and likely interested in him as well; but he was her healer right now. And his only objective was to get her to sleep; a gentle sleep. He shook his head some.

“Hand the tea to me you get ready for bed.” He offered as he waited for her instructions. Did she want him to look away? Or would she sleep in what she had on? He didn’t really know but he was awaiting further instruction.

[Gianne Basete]

Gianne had to swipe a hand over her bleary eyes a few times as they made their way down the corridor. Her vision occasionally blurred from fatigue then would fade back to normality. One they reached her door though she felt completely awake. The thought of Serrif in her room made her want to squirm. He waited politely until she opened the way, sweeping a hand over the threshold to indicate an invitation to enter. "After you, doctor." Luckily her voice held strong, not giving away her anxiety. Her face though, as usual, did otherwise. Nervous anticipation was doing a jig across her features, making her smile seem strained. Her room, as she liked to put it, was comfortably cluttered. The floor was clean, and everything was in its place. Or at least in a place where she herself could easily find it. Her bed was unmade because she believed the reasoning that stated: Why make it in the morning when it's just going to get unmade again that night? In the far corner of the room was a screen behind which she could bathe and dress. Clothes were draped over its top; most of them clean. A stand where she could wash her face and then a small tub were obscured behind it. A table for eating and writing was set close by her bed with two sturdy chairs pushed into place. Currently it was covered with paper, inkwells, and quills. An unfinished letter to her parents was at the top of the pile. Then a bedside table showcasing a section of broken antler she'd found, as well as an old set of horse shoes. All of her tack was organized next to the doorway, and an entry rug was rolled out on the floor a few feet from the threshold. It was an intricate work of color and weaving made by the Drykas. Finally, a journal she'd bought a few weeks ago was nestled on her pillow, tied shut with a leather chord that doubled as a bookmark. All in all it was a simple room, both messy and clean in some aspects. It depended on who was looking at it. Eventually more furniture would be added, but now it suited her needs just fine. After Serrif had entered and went about propping a chair beside her bed, she quickly shut the door and gravitated awkwardly to his side. "No we wouldn't want that," she said, glancing uncertainly to her tea. How fast was too fast? Gianne wanted to go to sleep as soon as possible, but again things had to move slowly. A look of distaste flitted over her features as she mulled over the images of falling into a coma. Who knew how long one of those would last? A little mechanically she handed him the cup as he ordered, then threw a hesitant glance to her privacy screen. It was a little transparent but not enough to actually see her in any clarity. More like a hazy shadow. But she trusted Serrif not to be a creep. Normally she slept in her undergarments, and sometimes even nothing at all. Of course that couldn't be the case right now, seeing as how a man was in her chambers. And not just any man - Serrif. "I'll only be a moment," she said in a rush, moving briskly to the other side of the room and disappearing behind the screen. It was a relief to be free of her clothing, feeling the cool air that was the norm underground tickle of her skin. She draped her shirt and pants over the top of the screen with the garments that were already there and tossed her boots aside with a clatter. Gianne then plucked her long white blouse from the selection available and slipped it over her head, wiggling a little to get everything straight. It reached down to about mid-thigh; the longest article of clothing she owned. This would have to do. With obvious shyness she peeked around the screen, pursing her lips uncertainly. Her bare toes curled with anxiety as she tried to pull the shirt lower but to avail. It was unavoidable. Serrif was her healer, and also for the whole Sanctuary. Seeing a nearly naked woman shouldn't be anything new for him. Gianne would never admit it, but that fact miffed her considerably. In that case, maybe I should flaunt my assets, she thought with great confidence. With renewed bravery she stepped out from the screen and walked purposefully to the bed. For a few feet the air of confidence stayed with her, but with Serrif actually looking it drained quickly, replaced with self-consciousness. The dignified prance turned into a hasty foot-dragging shuffle to the edge of her bed, where she hopped in and pulled the covers up to her belly. Her cheeks were hot with color and she couldn't help but squirm a little. "I'll take my tea now," she said quickly, holding a hand out and unable to look at him for the moment.

[Serrif Von Chatlyn]

Her room exhibited that she was still settling in; but then again weren’t they all? Things were about the room told him much about her. For instance he would know just by being here that she loved horses, and likely loved to ride as well. She was also functional finding no reason to make the bed because she would curl up in it soon enough again only to make a mess of it; he had much the same opinion. He was relieved to see the screen, and part of him was happy to see it was somewhat transparent as well. Stop that you are her healer not her lover! he mentally chastised himself as he received her teacup.

His attention darted over to her bedside, something was being written there. He was unsure what but it was really none of his business. Something at the top of the pile caught his eye, something unfinished by the looks of it. It was never good to leave unfinished business something he knew from his travels in Mura. He did have unfinished business there; but he would leave it the way it was. There was really nothing more he could do on the subject himself. Perhaps he would write a letter or two…perhaps.

She seemed to love to collect things of nature, he did fancy her a hunter of sorts. Especially since it was a wilderness adventure with Rhy that got her into this position in the first place. But there was order here; even if he did not see it he was sure Gianne did. As he looked about the room he caught a glimpse of GIanne behind the privacy screen. Oh…what a wonderful sight. It was good to see a nice attractive human woman. He had been surrounded by Konti for too long. They were untouchable to him…like demi-goddesses in a way. They were unnaturally beautiful and to many men they sung a wonderful sirens song that lured men to them. However, the reality of loving a Konti was more than he could handle. But loving a comparatively mortal human woman…now that he could handle; and he was sure he could handle Gianne quite nicely.

But he quickly diverted attention less she be peering at him from behind that screen. He didn’t want her to catch him marveling at her. No, that would be far from proper. He was here to put her to bed not bed her. She brought such impish thoughts to his mind often it would seem. And being here in her bedroom did not help matters at all. He did catch her eyes dart from behind that screen then pull back in. Had she caught him peering at her? She was a sharp woman it was possible. He saw her wiggle around a little behind the screen and he smiled some, but washed it away quickly as not to make her thing he thought her a jester.

She stepped from behind and at first her stride was impressive…was she trying to seduce him? There were definitely some mixed signals going on here. He had hardly just met her and already this? Was he really that overly attractive to her? As the questions flashed in his mind her stride changed and she was reduced to a hasty shuffle until she seemingly rushed herself into the bed covers. She was unsure of herself; he couldn’t blame her she just needed someone to give her that little extra push of confidence. He learned from his past self that three quarters of confidence was faking that you were confident. The other quarter was actually being confident.

“Nice and comfortable?” He queried as he scooted his chair a little closer to the head of the bed where she was.

“Yes remember Gianne drink it like normal hot tea. Measured slow sips little by little; it will start working soon enough.” With that little pearl of knowledge he handed her the teacup and would let her partake of it as she willed. But he would be careful to stop her if she was ingesting it too quickly.

He had taken precautions to under estimate her weight; such was for her protection. The fact that she had likely never taken a medically prepared sedative only increased the risk to her. So he had to be careful, which was why he insisted that she not quickly ingest the tea. Such an act would knock her out with a cold hard punch; one she would require medical attention that went way above his and likely Kavakla’s current skillsets. Caution was needed and he watched her carefully to make sure she exercised caution.

Although he knew this mixture well, he had used it on himself a good many times before. It was effective yet gentle on the body with only a few uses. And it would allow for a peaceful and long lasting sleep in the patient which was very important to him. But most of all it could be easily combined in an already present tea which allowed for a built in careful dosage; because one could only drink hot tea so fast and still preserve the roof of the mouth. It would be a long sleep, but as she sipped he spoke again.

“When you wake find me, I will likely be in the lab or in my room. I care not the time you find me out. I need to debrief you and find out what I can do next for you.” This was not him asking it was more a medical necessity. He kept journals on such things so he knew what everyone was taking. It was his job to know now as he was likely the only individual that would champion the medicinal needs of the staff. He was working with Kavala to transfer to this role easily.

[Gianne Basete]

Gianne nodded meekly, carefully taking the teacup from his hand. "Quite cozy," she mumbled. She then did as she was told, taking her first sip. The warm tea soothed her thoroughly and she sighed, feeling her body relax. As Serrif continued she took a few more sips, taking exaggerated care to not go too quickly. Coma. Coma. Coma. Coma, kept running through her head like a mantra. Her stomach was in knots even through the rest of her body was slowly feeling more and more tired. "I promise I'll come find you. That'll be the first thing I do when I open my eyes." Then her mind added ominously, If they ever open again. She gulped and looked down at the nearly empty cup in her hands. Surely he would have stopped her if she'd been drinking to fast. Of course he would; he was the healer. That thought helped her to relax, though only marginally. It only took a few more sips until the cup was completely empty. Gianne smiled with satisfaction when she handed it back to him, knowing sleep would finally come soon. She already felt tired, and gradually the feeling was growing heavier. "I really appreciate this, Serrif. You've helped me a lot just in the past two days alone." Her last few words were distorted by a jaw splitting yawn, and when it passed she blinked blearily, seeing him through the haze that accompanied exhaustion. She rubbed her eyes and frowned, then yawned again, covering her gaping mouth with the back of her hand. "Well, at least I'm sleepy now and not just physically worn." Her muscles strained and shivered as she took a moment to stretch before sliding under the covers, curled up on her side and facing him. It was hard to keep her eyes open now as the sedative took further effect. It was strange being sedated. Her head felt heavy, so she let it drop to the pillow with a muffled thump. "Is this what a coma feels like?" she mumbled sleepily, not bothering to keep her eyes open. "I'm going to wake up, right?" But she wouldn't hear his reply. Almost instantly she was asleep, her breathing slowing to a deep and steady rhythm. It had just taken a little push for her to fall into a fitful sleep and Serrif had provided it. Locks of her hair were falling haphazardly over her face and fluttering from the air traveling in and out of her nose, doing a little jig on her cheek. This sleep would be deep and dreamless, and Gianne would wake up feeling more refreshed than she had in a long time.

[Serrif Von Chatlyn]

She did exactly as he instructed her; which was good because it would slowly and surely dose up her system little by little. Best done this way though so her system didn’t go into shock. The entire time he watched her he couldn’t help but notice how borderline scared she looked at times. He should work on his bedside manner some more…as not to scare his patients into thinking they would die or slip into comas. It was about the time that the cup was nearly empty that he started to really see it work. So; it seemed he had got the dosing about right. It wouldn’t put her out immediately. But it was enough.

“It is my duty, I never mind helping out Gianne.” She was getting tired now which was good. It would allow her to slip into a long needed rest…

She stretched herself some and still remained facing him. “You’ll feel it soon enough. It will gradually get stronger; best to prepare yourself.” With that she did indeed slip under the covers some more. She curled up and still faced him yet he knew with her body being sedated it would be harder for her to keep her eyes open.

Thump her head hit the pillow and he knew that now was about the time that the sedative would start really working on her. Her questions were entertaining and sparked a nice gentle answer from him. He leaned forward to her and gently brushed some of the hair from her face and spoke into her ear.

“No Gianne, this is what sleep feels like.” A hand found itself on the side of her neck counting her pulse to make sure she was slowing down…and she was.

Again his Konti gift would spread through her calming her…soothing her body even more. He didn’t know he was doing it but her body would begin to unravel even subconsciously. She was beautiful, but was she interested in him or just plainly shy? He didn’t know for sure and the thought of rejection again…well that didn’t appeal to him. He was messed up enough as it was. He didn’t need one more reason not to trust someone around the sanctuary. An awkward moment with someone he may one day have to rely on was less than simply appealing to him.

He monitored her pulse for a few minutes as the strongest part of the sedative washed through her. It didn’t take long but it was important to slowly introduce it to the persons system. Once he was sure the levels reached the plateau he monitored for a few more minutes. Her heart rate was steady, breathing was deep and rhythmic; she was indeed asleep. But it was a different kind of sleep, a different depth of sleep. The mind wouldn’t be active at all; no it would be focused on repairing the body. So it would be pitch black; she would wake up soon enough from it though. And when she did it would feel like several days had gone by. And sometimes if the dosing was wrong one could sleep for several days.

He stood and put the chair back…there was that letter. He wanted to respect her privacy. It wasn’t his right to pry into her life. However; part of him wanted to know as well. So he merely looked at it to see what was written so far. Gianne was well into her sleep now and wouldn’t wake for any reason; she wouldn’t know and it would be good to know a little more about her. She was somewhat enigmatic to him; beautiful, young, and a horse rider. That was really all she knew about her. And his mind hungered for more.

[Gianne Basete]

Mother and Father, I've settled into my new home nicely, and I even got a job. It's at a place called the Sanctuary. There are animals everywhere, and an equal amount of good people. It's like I was meant to come here, it's all so perfect. I'm the new riding instructor but I help with just about everything I can. There's a lot of construction going on because of the big storm in the spring. I guess it had hit everywhere, even this far southwest. Anyway, my boss is an amazing woman - a Konti too. The first day I got here she stuck me right into my position. I love it so much, I don't think I could ever describe it properly on just this piece of paper. So much has happened so far that I think I'll have to save a lot of it for another letter. Or this one will just take up all of my paper, I don't know. We'll see if I can stop writing. There's a horse here for sale that I've got my eyes on. Her name is Lyva; gorgeous Sungold mare. I can barely stand to look at her because I can't afford her right now. It just about tears me to pieces. I'm going to try to ride her sometime soon. Then again there's another Sungold named Anasha who's equally amazing. What is it with me and Sungolds? I must have a weakness for expensive horses. Probably not a good thing. I've also met my first Kelvic, which is a notable experience. Her name is Rhy, and I have to say, she's the most fascinating person I've ever met. Also, Dad, don't go crazy but I met a man the other day. Same day as Rhy actually. Anyway, there's something about him I can't shake. He's extremely The letter ends abruptly, likely on the part Serrif was hoping to read the most. Her handwritting is very meticulous and calligraphic. Often it's hard for anyone to read but her and those used to seeing it. Strangely enough there is no mention of her attack by wolves so far or the injury she received.

[Serrif Von Chatlyn]

He was glad to see that she was adjusting and liking life here so much; the feeling was similar to what he experienced when he first set foot in Mura. Everything there was still so beautiful to him; and yet he was adjusting to life here very well. She spoke of several things in the letter, Rhy a girl that neither of them were soon to forget; a horse…actually two that she was very interested in. She was a horse kind of girl; he had seen her ride before she seemed at home the most when in a saddle. And then she spoke of him…

But only briefly before the letter ended; well that was all he was going to get out of the letter. He thought it interesting that fate would have her end the letter right there. Right before she started talking about him to her father. He sounded like the protective type of man. He could understand with a daughter as beautiful and outgoing as Gianne was. She was one in a million he was sure. With a smile he moved from her room and settled into the laboratory to do his days worth of work. The morning had hardly come and well there was plenty for him to set to doing.

There were medicines to make, supplies to stock and almost always something extra that needed to be done. So he set to the days activities and made medicine with all the learned skill he had. Little by little everything took shape easily. He wasn’t going to fall behind and he would even do anything that Gianne was supposed to do as well. He would tend to her horse as best he knew how and then maybe set to taking notes in his room later that evening.

She wouldn’t wake anytime soon, her body needed the sleep and the sedative only put her there gently. It held her under and made her body numb; which always helped. It was mid evening before he got to his room. Kavala and others had inquired to Gianne’s presence; he told them she was recuperating and sleeping a bad night off as well as ample stress. They all knew what that was like so she was released from the days duties; Gianne was no good to them hurting and sleepy. The Sanctuary did have a way of demanding the very best out of its occupants.

His room was simple, a large bed that was easy to find here being that Riverfall men were so large; however anywhere else that bed would’ve been nearly impossible to find. After seeing how Kavala handled the bathing chamber making one stone into another he had asked her to do him a favor as well. Instead of the common colored stone walls he had her turn it into the white sandstone that was found all over Mura. The interior of his room was white all over with smooth flooring that mimicked the walls. Smooth to the touch but it would grip bare feet still the same. Besides the bed he had a side table, full desk made out of stone that had open cubbyholes without cabinets, and a tall bookcase that had a few books he had been writing in. In all there wasn’t a ton to be said here.

Much like Gianne his room was simple scattered some; by the door on a chair sat all his weapon related gear. Sitting in the seat itself was the breast and backplate as well as all of his scale mail; the leggings and the chest piece. Then hardly able to fit on the chairs seat were both of his toothed gauntlets. On the top cresting rail of the chair hung his weapon harness with one of his ornate daggers attached to it, his quiver and arrows sat hooked on the crown opposite the harness. Leaning up against the wall right beside the chair sat a half spear, as well as two gladii both in sheaths. He almost always kept his other ornate dagger either on him or by his bed on the table. You never knew when you would need it.

Sitting at his desk he kept his ledger for the season. Tallying up things here and there and making predictions on what was to come. He wanted to see if he had the spare coin. Around 500 gold worth of spare somewhere. He started calculations and he did indeed seem to have some coin floating around once the new season came to. Especially if Kavala paid him at the rate promised. It was more coin than he was used to; so this way he had some money for a rainy day or so. He was saving up because he had no idea when he would need the money. But…if he found the need he could spare 500 gold for a good expense. He smiled as he found that he had the spare; now this would be interesting if things went along as planned.

“Well good to see it all balances out.” He closed his ledger and set it back in his desk cubbyhole. It was a little rough for him to sleep…but his bed would indeed feel nice and comfortable.

However, Gianne hadn’t checked in just yet. He wasn’t worried though; she would wake eventually. He was jealous of her in a way, she could sleep. Meanwhile part of him was very nervous to see if she would wake…and how she would feel when she did. He knew he hadn’t put her into a coma; he’d never forgive himself if he had. Nervous…yes he was. It was clear he wouldn’t get any sleep until he saw her walk in that doorway. He looked through the open door and shook his head. Her room was right next door to his. But the stone walls prevented him from knowing what was going on beside him. With a stretch he settled his mind a little, he had taken far larger doses than what he had given her…she would wake…

[Gianne Basete]

Waking up from her drug induced sleep was like trying to pull herself out a pool of thick mud. It clung to her and managed to drag her back under a few times before she got the upper hand, finally mustering the energy to open her eyes. Her room was dark, of course, and she almost wanted to just go back to sleep again just because. But slowly she remembered there was something she needed to do. Go find Serrif and tell him she was okay. She hadn't fallen into a coma, at least that she knew of, so everything was good so far. Or maybe Gianne had been asleep for years and they'd just left her here. Fearfully she lifted a hand to touch her face, almost thinking she would feel wrinkles. Not today. Smooth skin welcomed her clumsy fingers and she let go a tired sigh of relief. With a yawn and slowly drug herself up into a sitting position. Despite the grogginess she felt amazing. It had worked. Though she didn't know how long she'd been asleep. You couldn't really keep track of time while underground. Let alone asleep underground. Mumbling incoherently she slid out of bed, wobbling slightly once on her feet. Gianne rubbed her eyes with the backs of her hands as she padded to her door, bumping a chair once along the way. Her door opened silently on well oiled hinges and she stepped out into the cool hallway. Would he be in the lab or his room? Might as well try the room, since it was right next to hers. She drug herself to his door and rapped it quietly with her knuckles, staring blearily at the wood. Without bothering for an answer she opened the door about halfway, blinking rapidly against the light that spilled out. "Serrif?" she asked sleepily, rubbing her eyes again. His name came out as little more than a mumble, sounding more like "Er-uf". Gianne leaned on the doorway, looking like she could fall asleep standing there. Her hair was tousled wildly but the first thing most people would notice was that she forgot one important thing before seeking Serrif out. To put pants on. The reason she'd been absently wondering why it was so drafty was because she was still clad only in the long shirt she'd fallen asleep in.