A Witch's Tale IC

[NeoSeraphi]

She sits up suddenly. "Yes! I'm okay! Who is there?" she calls, looking behind her and past Rachel.

[Diachronos]

Rachel blinks, and waves her hand in front of the girl's face. "My name's Rachel, I'm a student at the Academy. What are you doing out here?"

[NeoSeraphi]

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The girl is about her age and wearing a pink jacket. A massive blindfold covers her eyes. "So we're still near the Academy? Good. Where is Bertram? Bertram, where have you run off to?"

The frog hops up to her and nuzzles her hand. She smiles and picks him up.

[Diachronos]

Rachel grabs onto the girl's arm. "Can you walk? I'll help you get out of here."

[NeoSeraphi]

She limps along slowly. Her ankle is very messed up.

[Diachronos]

Rachel supports the girl as much as she can as they head out of the forest. "What were you doing out here?"

[NeoSeraphi]

They walk together slowly. "I was on my way to my Natural Magic at Naturia class and I must have gotten turned around. You see..."

Her cheeks turn red and she taps her fingers together for a moment. "Um, it's really embarrassing, but can I tell you a secret?"

[Diachronos]

"Yes. I won't tell anyone, I promise."

[NeoSeraphi]

She leans up to a space about four feet away from where Rachel's ear would be and whispers, "I'm blind,."

[Diachronos]

Rachel blinks. "Blind for real, or blind because you're wearing a blindfold?"

[NeoSeraphi]

She gasps. "Ah! I forgot I was wearing this! Noooo, now everyone is going to know I'm blind! Bertram!"

The toad croaks.

The girl grins and gives a thumbs up to her left. Rachel is on her right.

"It's okay! Bertram says my blindfold makes me look mysterious and cool. Anyway, yes, I'm blind 'for real'. I wear this to cover my eyes so that people don't think I'm staring at them."

[Diachronos]

Rachel absently reaches up, touching the bangs covering her amber-colored left eye. "I have an idea of what that's like... Your ankle doesn't look very good, do you want me to escort you to the nurse?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"We have a nurse?" the girl asks. "Um, yes. That would be great, thanks."

The two of them keep walking.

"I'm Sherry, by the way. Sherry Veltez."

[Diachronos]

"I'm Rachel Denethar. Nice to meet you." She looks up at Sebastian. "Can you fly ahead and let the nurse know what's going on?" Hopefully the Academy's medical staff knew Elven, otherwise getting that message across wouldn't be very easy...

[NeoSeraphi]

Sebastian flies to deliver the message.

Sherry looks down. "So, um, Rachel. Are you...a freshman?"

[Diachronos]

"This is my second year at Naturia. How about you?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"Oh, um, yesterday was my first day. I got a little lost on the way to class, but I met a nice boy who helped me out," she says with a smile. "So, what kinds of magic do you like?"

Sherry seems just as shy as Rachel, but she's happy to direct the conversation. Probably because she doesn't have to waste time watching Rachel's eyes to see if she's still interested or not. Rachel might be able to learn a thing or two about conversing from her.

[Diachronos]

"Oh, um... at the moment I'm focusing on conjuration magic. My little brother Ciel is, too, but he's aiming for healing magic instead of summoning."

[NeoSeraphi]

Sherry gasps. "Ciel is your brother? Oh, that's the nice boy who helped me yesterday. And now you're helping me. I guess he learned how to be kind to others from you." She smiles. "Well, I'm studying transmutation magic. See, when I take on the form of another creature, it gives me a brand new body. And that new body has perfect eyesight. At least...in theory. I'm not really good enough to cast any full transformation spells yet. But I will be!"

[Diachronos]

Rachel can't help smiling; of course Ciel would take the time to help somebody in need. "I'm sure you'll get there someday. And when you do, I hope that your theory is right."

[NeoSeraphi]

They arrive at the nurse's office.

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"Oh dear, it looks like you've been hurt pretty badly. Here, let me help you onto the examination table and we'll take a look."

Sherry's face turns pink at the voice. "Oh, uh...yes sir," she squeaks.

The nurse smiles at Rachel. "That was a very nice thing you did for your fellow classmate. Would you like to take a seat in the waiting room? It shouldn't be long before you can see her."

[Diachronos]

Rachel nods and takes a seat, gently scratching Sebastian's head. "How do you think she ended up out there in the forest, Sebastian?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"(Elven) It's probably because she's blind, Mistress," Sebastian replies helpfully.

After a few minutes Sherry comes out with a small ice pack wrapped around her ankle. She's walking slowly and carefully.

The nurse turns to Rachel. "Do you like helping others? I've been thinking about hiring an assistant to work for me part time..."

[Diachronos]

Rachel blushes and averts her gaze. "I do, but... I-I'm not very skilled with medical knowledge."

[NeoSeraphi]

The nurse grins. "That's okay! It's not like we have to do surgery or anything major here. Drop by whenever you need to earn some cash, and I'll put you to work. I'm Rick. Rick Schultz." He shakes her hand.

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Rachel can now work at the nurse's office during the 2nd period of free time (Lunch, 2nd, Dorm Room) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

[Diachronos]

"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Schultz." She gives him a shy smile. Well, she at least has a reliable way to make some money now.

[NeoSeraphi]

Rachel heads back to her dorm. Now what should she do? Should she head out again tonight? Study up a bit? Get some early sleep?

[Diachronos]

After last night, Rachel decides to go to bed early. Better to catch up on the sleep that she lost than to push her luck with another late night out.

[NeoSeraphi]

Rachel's early sleep gives her time to think. She realizes that even if she upset Yvette with her prying, Yvette wasn't opening up to her for a reason. There might be something wrong and she might need to talk about it, even if she doesn't want to. She resolves to try again today.

Spoiler

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Benefits of a long rest: Rachel can reattempt her previously failed Diplomacy check. She receives a +4 buff on the check today only.

[Diachronos]

Rachel decides to try talking to Yvette about the beach trip again. If nothing else, she should at least apologize for prying. She'll check in with Ciel as well to make sure he's doing okay, and to let him know about the nurse's need for an assistant.