[Nexus] Riverside IX

[happyturtle]

Northside Hospital

After handwaving the signing in and stuff, Nadia and Irene find themselves sitting in the waiting room for far too long with a soap opera on the television and 3 year old magazines to read:

Nexmuspolitan: New Curtain Hanging Tricks that Will Drive Her Wild!
Better Lairs and Gardens: DIY Dimension Lock Techiques!
Popular Mad Science: Robot Armies - Are They Worth The Risk?

Eventually, Nadia's name is called, and they're taken to an examination room where a short and thin elven woman is there to meet them. "I'm Dr Coral. How can I help you?"

[Shadowcaller]

Northside Hospital

Irena seems almost shut off from the world at large at this point as she keeps staring down at the floor until the doctor finally arrives. "Yeah... Nadia, my girlfriend, likes to take a um, pregnancy test." She says with a gesture towards the lampade.

[Gullara]

[Northside Hospital]

It's only now that Nadia realized the implications of needing a pregnancy test. "Yeah, that's right." She nods to confirm what Irena said.

[happyturtle]

Northside Hospital

"We have two different types of scientific pregnancy tests. The urine test can tell within 7-14 days of fertilization. The blood test can tell within 48 hours. These tests were invented by humans, so those figures are human standard. I don't think you're strictly human though, are you?" Dr Coral asks.

[Shadowcaller]

Northside Hospital

"Her blood kind of combust in contact with air." Irena explains. "So I'm not sure if the blood test would work..." She had honestly no idea how lampade pregnancy worked. "Don't you have any faster methods?" She asks the doctor with an hint of desperation in her voice.

[Gullara]

[Northside Hospital]

"No, I'm a lampades. Kind of nymph." Nadia explains. "I think a syringe should be able to take my blood at least." She's not sure what they do with the blood afterward, though. "But do whatever you think would work and is the fastest."

[happyturtle]

Northside Hospital

"I can also do a magical scan, if your own magic won't interfere with it." Dr Coral says. "If you want to be really sure, we can do try all three methods."

[Earl of Purple]

Northside- Democracy Now! Stall

"I was sent by somebody else, who is very busy. But the arguments are all my own; I was asked to see if you were genuine in your wish. That seems to be the case, and I believe you are determined. I may not be able to fully understand your viewpoint, but I work for one better able to do so; one who, whilst of diluted extraplanar blood, was born to mortal parents and raised in a mortal family. As I believe you to be genuine, the Church of Dalachrech offers free healing to your representatives and any assistance that you may need- Defelent will make time for you should you visit, but alas could not escape prior engagements to assess you himself. We understand you may wish to remain wholly secular, and will not push our religion upon you, though we do invite you learn more about us and even join the congregation should you wish it. High Priest Defelent A'dam agrees that the people of this city need more freedom. I apologise for making you angry, but I am under strict orders to ensure you are truly passionate and true democrats." He sounds genuine about the apology, and bows respectfully.

Lenai's Orchard

The trees may feel the passage of a group of figures travelling at night to a former warehouse compound on the border of Eastside. The compound now houses a large pet shop- Fallow's Furry & Feathered Friends, and it's located outside the old wall which in the deprived parts of Eastside has been partially demolished for building materials. The group consists of three large ogres, one with a large bundle on his back, the other two pulling a pair of covered wagons, eight human-sized guards and three gnomes carefully walking in front of the wagons to ensure there's no ambush planned ahead.

[Shadowcaller]

Northside Hospital

"All three then if none of them are dangerous." Irena replies with a glance at Nadia.

[Gullara]

[Northside Hospital]

"Yes, please do all three." Nadia says. She has to be sure, and at least they'd have some idea when they leave.

[happyturtle]

Northside Hospital

Dr Coral turns to Irena. "I'll need you to go back to the waiting room while I conduct the procedures on your girlfriend. It'll be about a half hour."

[Shadowcaller]

Northside Hospital

"...alright." Irena says with a curt nod, dark thoughts swimming in her head. No matter what happened they would be able to undo this though. They had a god on their side as well after all and with his help Irena would pretty sure they could enact vengeance greek god style.

[Gullara]

[Northside Hospital]

Nadia gives Irena's hand a squeeze before she leaves. The lampades sighs and looks back at the doctor. "Okay, I'm ready."

[Slii Arhem]

Lenai's Orchard

The trees may feel the passage of a group of figures travelling at night to a former warehouse compound on the border of Eastside. The compound now houses a large pet shop- Fallow's Furry & Feathered Friends, and it's located outside the old wall which in the deprived parts of Eastside has been partially demolished for building materials. The group consists of three large ogres, one with a large bundle on his back, the other two pulling a pair of covered wagons, eight human-sized guards and three gnomes carefully walking in front of the wagons to ensure there's no ambush planned ahead.

Lenai's Orchard

In response, they will close ranks and prevent the carts from passing by moving together too tightly for them to slip by. Lenai has already been alerted to the presence of the intruders, and traveling through the earth it takes her nearly no time at all to reach them, her voice sounding out before she even arrives.

"Twice in one day I'm met with intruders in my domain. Do you think it's necessary I post signs, warning fools and imbeciles away from the spooky, unnatural trees that grow rapidly outside their walls? It seems to be so."

[happyturtle]

Northside Hospital

Once Irena leaves, Dr Coral sits on her rolling stool and rolls over to Nadia to look her in the eyes. "I want you to know that anything we say here is confidential. It won't be revealed to your girlfriend, your parents, your alternate universe twin, Tenebras, Scaal... no one. Got it?"

"There are some additional tests I can do to see if you were raped, and to collect evidence that can be used in scientific or magical rituals to find the assailant if you were. If the encounter was recent, I can give you some medication right now that will prevent fertilization or implantation from occurring. I don't want you to feel pressured by anything your girlfriend or anyone else says. Whatever you decide to tell her, I'll confirm it. I won't lie to you, but I'm willing to lie for you."

"I just need to hear, from you, how you want to proceed."

And this is why she sent Irena out. She couldn't be sure Nadia was speaking for herself.

[Earl of Purple]

Lenai's Orchard

"Please accept my most gracious apologies, madam. We have travelled the same path many times, and have never encountered difficulty. We have been away for some time, and merely wish to pass through. The terrain has been known to change quickly, and we believed this forest to be, if not safe, at least natural. Alas, it seems both our hopes were wrong. We are willing to pay you a toll to pass." The speaker is a bundle on the back of the third ogre; he's a gnome, in a specialised chair strapped to the ogre's back.

[Dark Elf Bard]

A small shuffle happens on the back of one of the wagons.

[Slii Arhem]

Lenai's Orchard

"I would like to know what you bring through my trees, first. If you are simple travelers, I will allow you to use your path, so long as you do not stray from it, and pass through unhindered. If you are taking beast or plant from my forests, then we will have issue." Lenai responds, slipping out of the ground near a tree and leaning against it. All but a thin line of trees moves back from the route the gnomes and ogres have taken, making a path thin enough through the woods for them to use with one wagon at a time, but still blocking them from their goal for now.

[Earl of Purple]

Lenai's Orchard

"I would not dream of taking anything from your forest. The livestock aboard the wagons is far more valuable and far less dangerous- slaves. Human, mostly, but there's others aboard as well." One of the human guards pulls the cover off the first wagon, revealing a cage containing a motley collection of humans, a half-elf and an orc.

The small shuffle, whatever it is, will find that the other wagon also has slaves aboard, also caged. This lot is also predominantly human, with a dejected-looking goblin amongst the cargo and a gnoll struggling against its bonds.

[Gullara]

[Northside Hospital]

Nadia nods slowly. "I don't know exactly what happened, but apparently someone did some kind of ritual on me when I was unconscious. It was supposed to impregnate me, so I'm trying to find out if it was actually done." She looks down and shakes her head. "And if they did... I can't take any of that medication. I just won't." And she has no idea how to tell Irena.

[happyturtle]

[Northside Hospital]

Nadia nods slowly. "I don't know exactly what happened, but apparently someone did some kind of ritual on me when I was unconscious. It was supposed to impregnate me, so I'm trying to find out if it was actually done." She looks down and shakes her head. "And if they did... I can't take any of that medication. I just won't." And she has no idea how to tell Irena.

"If you feel strong enough, I'd like to do a full examination." Clothes off, feet in the stirrup, details left behind the medical curtain. "It may give some clues about what happened, but will also tell me a lot about your basic reproductive health." Dr Coral says.

[Morty]

[Westside - Democracy Now]

Out or a near ally comes a man. His appereance is very noticable, even thought he is just average heigth. On his back are two wings. Onle like an angel's wing, but the other is different. Metall parts seem to hover where this wing should have bones. They aren#t connected directly only some white energy seems to fill the gaps, like skin would do or feathers. between the wings lays a Glaive, obviously magical since the white metal edge glooms from the magic energy.

The man himself wears fine clothes. Something like a tunika all hold in white and yellow. While his black har hangs shoulder long down his head.

He heads for the speaker.

"How long have you suffered from these people?"

"Long enough," the Democracy Now speaker says, turning to the newcomer. "The Tenebras vampires took power more than two years ago. It was a step up from the organized crime rule, but we deserve better."

Northside- Democracy Now! Stall

"I was sent by somebody else, who is very busy. But the arguments are all my own; I was asked to see if you were genuine in your wish. That seems to be the case, and I believe you are determined. I may not be able to fully understand your viewpoint, but I work for one better able to do so; one who, whilst of diluted extraplanar blood, was born to mortal parents and raised in a mortal family. As I believe you to be genuine, the Church of Dalachrech offers free healing to your representatives and any assistance that you may need- Defelent will make time for you should you visit, but alas could not escape prior engagements to assess you himself. We understand you may wish to remain wholly secular, and will not push our religion upon you, though we do invite you learn more about us and even join the congregation should you wish it. High Priest Defelent A'dam agrees that the people of this city need more freedom. I apologise for making you angry, but I am under strict orders to ensure you are truly passionate and true democrats." He sounds genuine about the apology, and bows respectfully.

"Hrm. We will consider your offer," the man says grudgingly. The Cult of Dalachrech is a shady enterprise. There are rumors about them that are a little disturbing...

[Earl of Purple]

Northside- Democracy Now! Stall

"That is all I ask and what I hoped for. Our address is [near the border of Westside and Eastside, but still in Northside; two semi-detached houses]. Either house will do, for the Temple consists of the whole building." With a final respectful bow, Reverend Omid bows and turns to walk away. He can still be stopped should any wish to, however.

[Gullara]

[Northside Hospital]

"Yeah, that'd be fine." Nadia agrees readily. She doesn't know the first thing about pregnancy, what with having no siblings and having long since decided it wouldn't happen for her. She's more than willing to do whatever Dr Coral thinks is best.

[Slii Arhem]

Lenai's Orchard

"I would not dream of taking anything from your forest. The livestock aboard the wagons is far more valuable and far less dangerous- slaves. Human, mostly, but there's others aboard as well." One of the human guards pulls the cover off the first wagon, revealing a cage containing a motley collection of humans, a half-elf and an orc.

The small shuffle, whatever it is, will find that the other wagon also has slaves aboard, also caged. This lot is also predominantly human, with a dejected-looking goblin amongst the cargo and a gnoll struggling against its bonds.

Lenai's Orchard

((Just skipping Bard for now, since Lenai hasn't noticed the shuffling yet))

"Now, I hope that you fellows would not think me an imbecile, as I recall slavery has fallen out of favor in these times. It seems to me that allowing such unpopular actions on my land might bring down the wrath of others, which is a hassle I'd rather not deal with. I understand that you can't simply parade them through the front entrance, but bringing slaves through my woods invites danger to them." Lenai taps a finger against a branch, and it bends to drop a single leaf into her hand.

"So I'm going to need some assurance that your problems won't become my own. If I open this path for you, I will have to make it accessible to everyone that wants to use it so that I can't be said to show favoritism to slavers, which means that foolhardy people may want to stray from it and pollute my lands with their presence. If you were to spread rumors of my lack of tolerance, perhaps that would spoil their appetites." She folds the leaf in half, and then wets the stem with her tongue as she considers it.

"I'll need a sacrifice, stripped bare of its skin, bled dry and hung from a tree within view of the path. You can use a slave that can no longer work, if you must, I don't care. If you hang one up before the end of the week, the path will remain open to you. If not, continuing to use it will mean your deaths. And make sure to bleed it dry before it gets here. Not one drop of its blood should touch the forest floor."

[Zefir]

"Long enough," the Democracy Now speaker says, turning to the newcomer. "The Tenebras vampires took power more than two years ago. It was a step up from the organized crime rule, but we deserve better."

[Westside - Democracy Now]

At the word vampire the man grabs on his weapon, ready to dra and fight them, but he holds of.

"So what is your plan? Or in other words when they are gone who takes their place?"

[happyturtle]

[Northside Hospital]

"Yeah, that'd be fine." Nadia agrees readily. She doesn't know the first thing about pregnancy, what with having no siblings and having long since decided it wouldn't happen for her. She's more than willing to do whatever Dr Coral thinks is best.

Dr Coral does the pee and urine tests first and sends them to the lab, before dropping the medical curtain. Of course it's up to Ghar and SC what she finds.

[UncleWolf]

Lenai's Orchard - Outside Eastside

Juan takes a deep lungful of the sweet smelling bouquet the orchard gives off, smiling as he looks over the various blossoms and the busy bees. He looks down at the ground and kicks off his shoes as he hums to himself. Bending down, he sets the pair of shoes neatly to the side and wiggles his toes in the bare dirt. He hears a giggle in his left ear and looks up at his companion with a small smirk. "I take the pleasures of life where I can, Hazel." He tells the little pixie that rests on his shoulder.

Unlike Juan with his black tunic and pants, Hazel wears nothing except her dark skin and yellow wings. She leans over to kiss his neck before yawning, revealing an unhinging jaw and pair of long venomous fangs before she nestles into his neck to enjoy the view as they walk.

[Slii Arhem]

Lenai's Orchard - Day

"So must we all. I would rather so many stop taking them in my forest though." Lenai grumbles good-naturedly, sitting on a branch above Jaun's head when she had been nowhere in sight before. The orchard nymph is clothed in a thin smear of dark brown earth that does nothing to hide her as she reclines just above the daemonhost's eye-level. Her earthy brown, crumbly mane of hair has a few fat, abnormally large bees scurrying over it, but she pays them no mind.

[UncleWolf]

Lenai's Orchard - Day

Juan looks up, not too terribly surprised. After so long, he's not bothered by the unexpected. Because of this, he smiles up at her warmly. "Then I believe you've chosen the wrong location to have a forest." He teases good-naturedly as Hazel flutters off his shoulder to go look at one of the abnormally sized bees. "We don't wish to disturb it. I had been unaware that it had a keeper."