#selise

(written with @selisekinsolving, mentions at @nikkinightmane and @risrielthron)

Selise set her jacket on the back of her chair and waved the waitress over. "Mulled cider, please." She looked to Chery as she took a seat.

“Same please, miss.” Chery took her own seat and looked over at Selise, "That wasn't quite what I expected. What did you think?"

Selise rose a brow and started to pull off her gloves. "A little bit better than I expected, actually. What were you thinking we would find?"

“I really thought they would be better off. I thought the city was taking care of all the refugees.”

Selise shook her head slightly and shoved the gloves into the pockets of her jacket. "If we look to Westfall as an example..." she gave Cherysa a knowing look before the waitress came and set the two drinks down.

Lifting her mug with a nod of thanks to the waitress, she stared into the liquid a moment before she took a sip frowning as she set the drink back down, "I guess you're right. I just..." she sighed and looked back at Selise, "I thought we'd gotten better at helping since then." She shook her head, "Well, you said it was better than you expected, so what's the plan, doc?"

Wrapping her hands around her mug, a small smile forming as the scent of sweet spices reached her. "People try, but I've yet to see reciprocal action taken by the crown. If you ask me, we've abandoned far too much of our land and too many of our people..." Selise took a long sip of her drink. "But yes, the current situation is better than I expected. I'm happy to see that the camp doesn't appear to be under wide spread flu or infection outbreaks. They can spread quickly in those conditions. As for a plan...first of all, I'd like to put you in charge of the coordination between camps. You've taken on additional responsibilities at the office in the past year as well, assisting with more procedures. I think a raise is in order...if you'll agree to heading up these additional responsibilities and some others at the office that is."

The younger girl blinked a moment then nodded, "I can do that. What other things are you thinking I should do?" She sounded eager and leaned forward.

“Well in regards to the office, I'll pass off all of the ordering and managing the books to you. I can go through the books with you to show you all that. My focus is the camps though. I'd like you to visit the other two locations the elder mentioned and survey as we did today: number of individuals, current symptoms, estimates on supplies needed. You'll need to introduce yourself to the leaders there and working closely with them.

“That sounds doable. And what about patients? How do you want to handle your current roster?”

The doctor smiled lightly. "I had mentioned extra hours at the beginning of this...are you still up for that?

“Of course!  Whatever you need!”

Selise chuckled and took another sip of her drink. "You're welcome to work on it during normal hours as well if you need to, just let me know in advance. Cor and I can manage the slack."

"Alright. So, when should I try to head to the other camps? Do you want to get things going with the camp here in the city first before we branch out?"

“Yes, we'll get a set up going here first. With what we learned today, we can place a priority order for blankets, clothing, and the typical respiratory infection treatments. I have an account set up with the office with donation funds. You can place the orders and then get familiar with the other locations.”

Chery nodded, "I'll do that first thing in the morning. Should we start with like say fifty of each or should I scale it back to get it quicker?"

A shake of her head. "No, order the full amount. If they have to, they will short us and send us what they have. I expect you will be pleasantly surprised." She offered a small smile. "There's one other thing; I don't want you to travel alone. If at all possible, I'd like you to travel with Miss Nightmane."

The red-head gave Selise a surprised look but nodded, "I can do that. Probably safer to not go alone."

Selise rose her mug again. "Exactly," she replied and then drained that last of the mug.

A smile and Chery finished off her mug too. "Do you think there will be issue at the other camps? The elder seemed nice enough, should I get Miss Risri to go with me to the other camps?"

“It might be beneficial, especially with how reluctant the elder seemed initially.”

“Alright, I'll stop by her studio tomorrow afternoon and see when she can accompany me.

Selise nodded. "If you need anything, just let me know."

“Will do, Doc. Do you need me to do anything else tonight before I head home?”

“No, that about covers it. I'll have the communicator on most hours in case anything comes up. You have a good night.”

She stood and smiled, "Thanks for the drink. I'll see you tomorrow bright and early!"

Selise looked up at Chery with a smirk. "Tomorrow is Sunday."

With a blush, Chery let out a “Oh!”

“Take a rest and go see Risri on Monday. Neither of you should be in an office tomorrow, anyway.”

She gave a weird look to her mug and shrugged, "Right...See you Monday. Enjoy your day off too then!"

(Written with @selisegraves and @silentasagrave  continued from here)

"It's been awhile. I trust all is well?"

Her gaze shifted to Selise’s hand as it pulled the notebook close and the doctor began writing. An eyebrow raised as she lifted her eyes to Selise’s face, “All is well with Dra and I, and perhaps even better for you and Nick?” a smile playing at her lips as she spoke. 

Chery glanced between the two of them not sure what was transpiring between the two her expression full of confusion at the change in Risri’s tone.

Her gaze rose slightly before she looked down at her book again, but the smile was evident in her tone. “That is, um...accurate. It just happened a few days ago.” Selise looked up fully and shook her head at Cherysa’s statement. Was that a bit of color in her face? 

Risri’s smile broke through and she sat back looking over Selise, “Have you set a date? You will let me know if I can help with anything? Pictures or even just being there.” Her gaze shifted to Chery and noting the confusion she pointed to the ring on Selise’s hand. 

The red-head followed Risri’s point to Selise’s hand and the ring that she’d not noticed before. Her mouth fell agape and she looked up at Selise’s face then back to the ring then to Risri before back to Selise. “You...you got engaged?” She stammered then rose practically shouting, “You GOT ENGAGED!!” her enthusiasm back she moved around to give Selise a hug from behind, “Oh my goodness, Doc! I’m so happy for you. Is he that man that comes to see you when I’m leaving? I thought he watched you too closely but now it all makes sense!” her words were rushed and excited as she bounced back to her chair, “OH! Can I make your dress? Please!” 

Selise blinked before making a face as she was squished into Cherysa’s embrace. “Whoa, whoa, okay. I-I haven’t-” She sighed and pressed her eyes closed in an attempt to collect her thoughts, but only succeeded in making the color on her face more pronounced. Selise gave up and looked back to the two of them, a small smile on her face as she spoke. “Yes, you’ve seen him Chery, but you tend to cut out of here when he’s around...not that I’m complaining...We haven’t picked a date and I haven’t even thought of a dress. We were talking about something more low key…” she glanced off to the side. 

Risri watched Chery with amusement evident in her gaze, when the spectacle was finished her eyes lit on Selise and she felt a hint of sympathy for the obvious discomfort. She leaned forward and touched Selise’s hand with the ring gently, “Something simple yet dignified for the Doctor and her beau.” Risri sat back again, “Well, I am happy for you both and however you wish to seal your union is the right way. And you do not have to do it alone. I will help, you have only to ask.”

Chery looked a little set down at Selise’s words but she nodded, “I ...I still would make you a dress. Every bride should have a special dress.” She sounded meek but sincere as she gave puppy dog eyes to Selise. 

"Thank you, but…" Selise rose a brow at Risri. "'Beau', really? I think you've been hanging around humans too long." She smirked, but the sarcasm was short lived as she noticed Cherysa's expression. For a moment, she stared blankly at the display, then smiled. "Okay, Chery, but nothing crazy…" she was quick to add.

(written with @selisekinsolving​), Part 2 continued from here

Chery settled Tess on the floor near the door, she pulled a stuffed bunny from her bag and handed it to her niece, “That’s alright. She’ll stay here. Won’t ya Tess.” Chery smiled at her then turned fully to Selise stepping close to look at what the doctor was doing. At the question, her gaze met Selise’s “Disturbances?” She then made an “Oh” sound, “The stuff at the cathedral? I couldn’t go in to volunteer the other day cause they had it locked down. But it was opened back up later that day. Jazi had found me by then so I didn’t go in, what happened, do you know?”

Selise gave Cherysa a skeptical look as she placed the toddler on the floor. “Not specifically, no, but I’ve heard the stories flying around the city. They don’t sound too far off from an outbreak that swept through some years ago. To the untrained mind, the void can drive you mad. Even practiced users run the risk. This antidote worked in the past. I want you to learn it...just in case.” She stole a glance towards the child again then walked over and gently scooped her and her bunny off the floor. “I will walk you through it.”

Chery watched Selise with a little bit of amusement but quickly hid it as the doctor turned back around. She eyed the vials and jars laid out on the table then turned back serious and ready to get to work, “So this antidote, it works for everyone?”

“It did the last time.” She adjusted Tess onto her hip. “But every situation is different. I would advise you only attempt this as a last resort. The people I was treating were so far gone that they no longer recognized family nor reality. The side effects are severe, intense full body pain that can last for hours or days and eventually vomiting up what appears to be black sludge. That ends it, but it’s a process that is hard on the patient and can kill them if they can’t handle it. I did not use it until one of our own doctors tested it on themself…”

Chery’s eyes went wide at the explanation. She listened, her expression going from disbelief to concern, “Goodness. That seems dire. What was the black sludge? Some kind of contaminant?”

“I can’t say, but the symptoms were caused by the influence of Old God magic.” She nodded to the vessels on the table as she spoke. “Stonebloom, ground fine. Bitterblossom buds, harvested fresh just before opening. Darkflame ember, frequently found in Twilight Cultist camps. The herbs grow in Mount Hyjal. The cultists are harder to pin down, but mercs usually have good information.”

Chery had pulled out her notebook and started taking notes while Selise spoke, “Cultist camps?” she mouthed as she wrote that down. She looked up as she finished, “So do I only use it in a worst case? Or can it be used before someone is infected or whatever?”

“Worst case. It’s an antidote, not a vaccine. Never was able to get my hands on that…” She shifted her weight a bit and made a face as a bunny butt was shoved into her cheek.

(art by @seraphimalexandraart​)

“So, what you need to do is combine equal parts Stonebloom and Bitterblossom and heat it over the darkflame ember until the blossom liquefies. Stir it frequently until boiling. You’ll know it’s done when all the grains of Stonebloom have dissolved...and by the smell. Make it in small doses, it doesn’t keep for more than a few hours.” (Lore reference here)

Again the red head made notes, looking up at the ingredients as Selise named each step off. At the giggle from Tess, she shot a glance over and bit the inside of her cheek at the sight of Selise’s face and her niece giggling as she said “Bunny like.”  

Chery turned back to her note-taking before Selise could catch her looking.  At the mention of it not keeping, “Does it change color or anything to let you know its not good anymore?”

(Written with @selisekinsolving)  Part 1

The com buzzed to life a little after nine bells in the evening. “Chery, are you available?” Selise asked.

The return call was answered several minutes later, it sounded as if Chery had been running as she spoke, “Doc? What’s happened?” 

“It’s not an emergency, but it could prove important. I know it’s late, but can you meet me in the office? I need to show you something.”

There was a small silence before Chery came back through. “Um..give me about ten minutes and then I’ll be on my way. And uh, Doc? I’m watching Tess...so I gotta bring her.” 

This time there was a pause. Sel’s tone was strained as she replied. “That’s fine. Lock the door behind you and come back to the lab.”

“Okay.” came the reply and the comm went silent. In Chery’s apartment, the redhead stood in the center of what could only be called a disaster zone. Her two days off had been non stop wrangling of the two year old broken only by sleep time when the two fell into Chery’s small bed exhausted. The urge to hurry suddenly overtook her and within the promised ten minutes, a clean Tess and slightly messy Chery headed toward the doctor’s office. When they arrived, Chery locked the door and headed toward the back as requested carrying the toddler who was wide eyed and chatting in her own language at her aunt.

“Hey, sorry Jazi can’t get a hold of Dunn and so she left Tess with me to chase after him in Uldum. I’m sure she’s gonna find the nerd broke his communicator and is knee deep in broken pottery.” came Chery’s rushed excuse as she opened the lab door.

Sel turned away from the bench and looked over the chattering child. “Hm, it has been awhile, hasn’t it?” She looked back to the workspace and rubbed the back of her neck. “I suppose you could hold her and just watch. I can write out notes for you.”

The lab area had been cleared of Sel’s standard setup and replaced with a large beaker suspended over a heating element, but the burner was missing. A vial that looked to be filled with dust sat next to a medium sized jar which contained bulbous purple plant buds. In a tightly sealed vessel near the beaker was an ember that was aflame with a dark light, ever burning without a heat source and giving off a purple glow.

(Written with @selisegraves)

Risri knocked even as she opened the door to Selise’s practice. The waiting room had a mom and her kids, one of which was clearly not feeling well the other though seemed to be giving Cherysa the challenge of putting things back. The red-head turned at the sound of the door opening and smiled at the elf, “Good morning Miss Risri! You need the doc?” 

The elf motioned an elderly woman and man inside and bade them to sit a little away from the mom with her sick child before turning to Cherysa. The child that had been running around stopped and stared at the tall elf before going back to his mother. “Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson should see her.” She stepped closer lowering her voice, “They have been living in the camps and I am going to see about getting them housed in the city but wanted them both to have a check up. And to get them out of the cold.” 

Chery nodded and pulled a clipboard from a stack, moving over to the couple she spoke quietly with them before handing Mrs. Stevenson the paperwork and leaving her to it. Coming back to Risri, “Did you want to talk to the Doc?” 

The elf had watched quietly and smiled over at the couple when they looked to her for reassurance. “I will return in about a half hour, I am off to see a friend about a place for them. I will wait to see her after, if she has time.”  With that she returned to the couple, spoke a few words to them and then left them in Chery and Selise’s capable hands. 

True to her word, barely a half hour had passed when Risri and a young brunette reentered the Doc’s office. The waiting room this time was empty, even Cherysa was not there to greet them. Risri and the young woman sat down and spoke quietly, until Chery appeared from the back, “I’m so sorry, can I help...Oh Miss Risri welcome back! The doc is in with the couple now should be finishing up shortly. Can I help your friend?” 

Risri smiled at Chery’s enthusiasm and gestured to the brunette, “This is Kay Peyton. She runs a home for elderly and has a space for Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson.” The brunette smiled and shook Cherysa hand as the girl came close. 

“A pleasure Miss Peyton.” 

“Likewise, I am glad I had the space. With winter coming, I usually find that I’m at capacity.” The young woman looked sad a moment, “But we lost Mrs. Wyles a month ago…” She shook her head, “Still the Light provides where it is needed.” Her tone matter of fact. “We will take good care of the couple and if the Doctor says they need to come for visits, we’ll help there too.” 

“Yes, that should clear it up in a few days.” Selise’s voice sounded from the hallway as she ushered the couple back towards the front room. “Are you able to get out of the elements?”

“Miss Elthron mentioned someone who may be able to help.” The raspy voice was punctuated by a small coughing spell.

Selise nodded, spotting the elf in question seated in her waiting room. “Let’s see. If not, I can look into some things as well.” She motioned to the available chairs for the couple and remained standing. “Risri, you were securing housing?” 

The sound of Selise’s voice had the elf rising and indicating Miss Peyton. “Yes, this is Miss Peyton.” She spoke at the elderly couple before smiling over at Selise. “Kay, this is Doctor Graves and these are the Stevensons.” She introduced the young lady to Selise and the couple. “She has a room for you both.”

The young woman rose and nodded toward Selise before holding her hand out to the elderly couple who were taking the seats next to her. She smiled wide greeting them both kindly, “I have a first floor set of rooms available and Cook will make you whatever you like for each meal.” She looked over her shoulder to Selise, “Anything I should know for their care, Doctor?” 

The doctor inclined her head towards Kay and watched her interaction with the couple curiously. “Rest and fluids. A warm bed will go a long way if you can provide that, Miss, the medication will do the rest.” She looked towards the couple. “Of course if you have any other questions or don’t improve in a couple days, please let us know.”

The couple and Kay nodded, after a quick few words with Risri the three headed out of the doctor’s office. Risri turned back to Selise after they left. “Thank you, Selise. I wish to pay for the services you gave them. No bill for them please.” She dug within her pouch pulling a smaller purse from within ready to make good on her words. “There are more at the camps, that I would like to bring, and take care of the bill for if you will allow it.” 

Selise rose a brow and passed the payment to Cherysa. “Good to see you too, Risri,” she eyed the other woman up and down. “Surely you don’t intend to pay for the medical care of all the remaining refugees. I know it’s that time of year, but…what brings this on?”

(written with @selisekinsolving​ continued from here)

Luckily there had been no walk-ins or emergencies to keep Cherysa and Selise from making their appointment. Selise waited on the front step of the office while Chery gathered her things. The doctor was bundled up with scarf and gloves even though the southern city's winter was arguably more mild than the season had been in Southshore. There was at least an hour of light left, hopefully enough to get the job done.

Risri came around the corner and upon spying Selise offered a smile, "I hope I am not too late?"

Even as Risri spoke, Cherysa burst out of the doctor's office coming to a halt as she saw the two standing there. "Ready!" she offered enthusiastically before closing the door and locking it behind her.

Selise glanced up and shook her head. "Right-" Chery's enthusiasm cut her off, but also brought the only genuine smile of the day to her face. "-On time." She motioned for Risri to lead the way as she descended the few steps. "You mentioned you didn't know how well this would be received. Are there many not willing to accept assistance?"

Risri led the group toward the refuge camps near the embassy, she spoke quietly as they walked, "Some of them are leery. There were unscrupulous types preying upon the refugees when they first arrived, some are hostile to any strangers."