75 replies to this topic

[Alaric Severus Byrne]

- Current timeline - 

 

Aura watched with interest at the scene that was unfolding in front of her. She had nodded when Colleen had told him that the patient had a son who was in the NICU, and it made sense. There was some display of nudity, some security threats, and then as the father was finally helped into clothes and then taken to NICU was when she finally nodded, in confusion, and decided to just walk out to get more coffee. Colleen clearly had the people under control, so she should probably let her handle this. 

 

/Exit Aurelie

 

- 2 days after - 

 

Aurelie was all prepared to handle the situation however it would take shape. Generally in such conditions, healers and patients both were in the unknown. It all depended on how the patient will react once they woke up, because the impacts of certain areas of the brain could only be measured by real interaction - not be spells or scans. She expected panic, and some reaction of coming back to the world, but what she saw in the monitor actually worried her a lot more. There was a significant dip in the activity of the heart, as if for a fraction of a second his heart had stopped working - something like skipped a beat. And that fraction would reduce blood flow to his brain, which could be dangerous. "Calming draught..now." She muttered to the nurse. "And get someone to check if his family is around. Quick." It always helped, when someone known was there. It would help calm down the patient and also help in clear administration of medicine and vaccines. That was the sure shot way of treating kids as well; just get there mom with them.

 

Aura could see his eyes were open, but the pupils were very much contracted; and the view was glassy. His brain activity seemed to be going haywire; and Aura's face zoomed into his view - not sure if he would be able to see her or not. If yes, things were still on the mend. If not, she will have to do another check for his vision. Thankfully, his fingers twitched. Which meant he understood what was happening; even if he couldn't see. Without thinking much, Aura moved her hand forward and placed her hand over his; not just in a comforting gesture; but also to feel if his fingers were moving voluntarily or just on their own. His hand was cold, possibly because of the temperature in the recovery room, and waving her wand, Aura raised the temperature at least around his bed. "Hey..hey..you are alright..don't worry.." She spoke in a soothing tone, her eyes still on the blood pressure monitor and the one mapping his brain activity. The effects of the medicine should be kicking in soon, maybe he will stabilize then. Her eyes turned back to him. "Can you see me?" 

 

 

There was an element of ambiguity within him while he’s trying to assess the situation which was already a challenge in itself. It feels like he’s still asleep and still dreaming, unconscious but conscious about his surroundings. In actuality, his mind is showing him different states of being awake, starting from experiencing nightmare that seemed unbelievably vivid and detailed, then less consciousness and now more perceptive of the world around him. It took him few minutes to realize that they weren’t real. His once blurred vision is becoming clearer and more solid. He can see the woman who was the owner of the voice. She’s talking to him; she’s trying to tell him something. She wanted him to do something, move his hand, which he did with difficulty, but he did. He felt the movement of his hand, it was a clear minimal sign of cognitive recovery but still a little inconsistent. He had no live memories of how he ended up in a hospital, he didn’t know what happened to him…he didn’t know….his name… His eyes narrowed while trying to remember everything that has happened, but nothing…nothing has come to mind…who am I? why am I here? What happened to me?! The blood pounded in his ears, his heart thudded in his chest, his hands shook, and his feet tingled. He needed to get up, he needed to get out of here! He clutched the bed sheet, his nail digging into the bed, his breathing was hard, really hard as if he’d run a marathon. While he’s in a state of panic, he felt something touched his hand, it was soft and gentle. He didn’t know what happened, but he felt an incredible warmth within him with that simple touch. He gasped softly and slowly calmed down, his breathing gradually returning to normal as he studied the woman in front of him. Is she a healer? She’s currently telling him he’s alright and that there’s nothing to worry about. Her voice is very soft, very soothing which helped him to relax a little. He took a deep shuddering breath and slowly nodded at her in response to her question. The thing in his head is making it hard to see clearly.

Edited by Alaric Severus Byrne, 24 August 2020 - 07:16 AM.

[Victoria Noelle Armend]

Pain. Pain was all that Tori was able to think about while she went in and out of consciousness. Her mind was buzzing with this unplaceable ringing sound that she can’t shake and her leg felt like it was on fire. She can’t remember much about what had happened but she can vividly feel the pain that coursed through her body the moment the bludger hit her leg and broom causing her to fall. She fell. She fell off her broom when the stadium exploded. Memories of the explosion flooded her muddled mind and she had dreamt of it happening again. Reality and dream mashed up in her mind and she finds temporary refuge in that split second that she’s in between sleep and waking up. Her eyes opened slowly, squinting at the bright lights overhead. She could hear the steady murmur of hushed voices around her. Everything was so white. Her eyes blinked a few times and she felt the sharp pain at the back of her head where she probably hit it when she hit the ground. She tried to sit up but the pain got too much to bear. Groaning, she sunk back to the bed and she tried to put her hand up to her head but she saw that she’s got tubes and needles on it. When she moved, she felt something heavy pushing down on her leg and she can barely move it. She looked around, confused about what she was doing in that place already. She stayed on her bed, looking at the ceiling trying to piece together the events that happened that she could remember.

[Healer Adeline Zolnerowich]

Addie was exhausted after all the darting around, going to and from the hospital while carrying patients. This was not how she'd envisioned her day going, but here she was. After the whole stadium had been evacuated and she'd treated the last cuts and bruises, she could finally breathe a little. She returned home to clean up and wash all the dust, grime, and sweat off her person. After changing into a fresh set of clothes, she sent off an owl to Elijah and then Portkeyed herself to the hospital. The reception had calmed, but looking off to the side, she could see the waiting room crowded with people; no doubt relatives and significant others wishing to see a patient. The brunette carried on into the recovery area to see if there was anywhere she could help. The Healers working on shift were surely swamped with the heavy influx of patients. Addie weaved between Healers and family members, eyes lightly scanning across the beds. She stopped upon noticing Vlad, peacefully lying in his hospital bed, awake and silent. She ducked around one of her coworkers and approached his bedside. "Hey," she greeted, softly smiling. She looked him over, glad to see he was fine. Whatever the Healers had done to patch him up, they'd done an efficient job of it. "How are you feeling?" she asked. "Has anyone been by to see you? I sent an owl to Elijah earlier, so he'll probably drop by at some point."

[Alex Singer]

Alex had rushed out immediately after Rush was carried so he had no idea literally how many people were affected by the accident. Looking at the hospital room, the beds were filled with patients and if the room hadn't been magically enlarged each time a patient entered, he knew the place would be crammed. His gaze darkened as he turned away from them to focus on his unresponsive best friend. What was wrong with him? He was pulled out of his thoughts by a female voice which Alex realized belonged to Rush's cousin, Astrid. Before he can respond though, Rush replied back to his comment and he couldn't help but smirk. "I think about fine." He responded back to Astrid. "Merlin, your sense of humor has gotten worse with the attack." Alex chided in a funny tone, internally glad that he was fine. Maybe he was not but at least he was trying to be his usual funny self and it's a good point in Alex's book.

 

Alex stepped back allowing Rush's father and cousin to be closer to him so they can have their space. Contemplating leaving, he looked at Pippa and Rush with an amused smile. He hadn't realized they were that good of friends but then they were in the same cabin and the same house so it wasn't surprising, eh.

[Francoise Turei]

If she allowed her selfish ways to speak for her, Franky was so relieved Mace couldn't see her in this state, but honestly, the last thing she was thinking of was herself. She just wanted him to be okay, and to wake up. She just wanted and needed him to know how she felt, and hated to think it could be too late. The explosion hadn't made her realize she had strong feelings for him; she already knew that. What it had done was for her to finally acknowledge them, because why else would she had risked herself across the world to be with him? Franky had been telling him all about her weekend back to Aitutaki, the questions her parents had tossed her way about him. She had told him all about the other patients, what she was able to see and hear, and also told him about Val being there because of her family and Jace. At some point, she had fallen asleep, stirring awake every time she heard a noise. She hadn't rested properly and she probably looked awful. For someone as vain as her, it was a big deal to look like that in public, and though she hated it, she wouldn't leave his side. It was a bit discouraging to see so many other patients leaving the room when he hadn't opened his eyes, and that was probably one of the reasons she didn't want to move. She had bugged the healers more than once about his condition, asking if it was normal for him to still be asleep. At some point, she had even argued with one of them who insisted she needed to leave, but with all the commotion, he gave up and simply left, more preoccupied about other patients than some teenager who was only keeping Mace company.

 

Franky had fallen asleep with her arms and head on the edge of his bed, her hair cascading downwards and feel toes cold since they were exposed because of the position she was in. Mace's gasp made her lift her head as fast as possible, looking at him with wide eyes despite how heavy her eyelids felt, jumping to her feet as he groaned. She was about to shout for a Healer, but decided not to and, instead, simply caress the hand she hadn't let go of. The least she wanted was to startled him. Her muttered name made her smile a little bit, and simply nodded, a tear rolling down her face as it seemed he din't recognize her, or wasn't aware of this being real. "Mace, I am here..." she whispered back, chuckling under her breath as he said she wasn't. The only thing that ocurred to her that he'd believe her was kissing him, and so leaned towards him and placed a gentle kiss on his lips, sitting next to him but being mindful not to bother him. Franky caressed the side of his face and looked down at him with a warm smile that tried to hide her worry, which became so difficult once it seemed he was starting to remember. "Shhhh... It's okay..." at the sight of him tearing up, her heart broke. She had never seen him like that, and it was so hard since he had been so excited about the match, and because she wanted him to be fine, and to be happy. Seeing him crying only made her cry, too. Franky kept on caressing him, drying his tears as her kept on falling down as what he had said just him her like a ton of bricks. That had been her worst fear ever since she learned he had had a surgery, and all these hours he wouldn't open his eyes, but him coming to that realization and voicing it made it very real. In an attempt to calm him down and get him to quiet down as she feared he would hyperventilate, Franky kissed him again, reluctant to open her eyes afterwards and pressing her forehead and the tip of her nose to his. His words warmed her heart and she smiled in between tears, feeling so thankful she got to hear his voice and those words coming out from him. She had tried to keep him from saying it in the past, only because she was terrified of being hurt, but now that he was lying on that bed, her perspective had changed dramatically, just like life could and she had failed to see it. Franky sniffed and looked into his eyes, wanting so badly to say it back, but wasn't timing such a bitch? It didn't feel right to say it in this very moment, as she didn't want him to think she was saying it out of pity. Then, what if she didn't have another chance to say it? No, she'd cling onto that thought, that he'd be fine. Her lips parted but nothing came out, simply kept on caressing him and holding him close, then looked into his eyes after their shared silence, as if wanting him to read those same three words in her eyes. "I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere. Helen has to be with her Paris." Franky whispered, smiling at him. "How are you feeling? Do you want me to get you a Healer?"

[Prof. Canry Hennings]

Staring at the door was not going to bring anyone in but his thoughts were answered as someone entered; his wife. He is always happy to see her but today he was overjoyed. Not knowing what happened to his family is killing him and he needs answers. The pain in his chest is still unbearable or he will walk out himself to get them.

 

Jason breathed in relief trying to catch her eye as they search for him (?). She better be searching for him. They found him and he gave her a strong smile as her smile faltered. Jason knew she is worried and he wishes to do something about him but lying on the bed is making it difficult. "Jace?" It was the first question that left his mouth. He has a feeling Jace is not in good shape. Jason knows his wife enough to read her. "Savannah?" She is feeling accentuated and alarmed and it has something to do with their kids. Savannah was in the VIP where the explosion happened and he noticed Jason flying close. This worries him to no end but all he can do is wait for an answer. "I am fine. Tell me about the others." He urged, pushing for an answer before he forces himself out of the bed to search for them himself. Canry was stronger than he was who had the ability to control her expressions in times of terror so it's difficult to comprehend the situation. How bad can his kids be or is he worried for no reason at all?

Jason's first instinct was fatherly, naturally. He asked her about the two who she knew would be injured the worst but she had seen Savannah and had to run back home for her son. "Jayden got Savvi out in time. Jace, Tyler has him at our house." Canry winced at the thought of her son, not knowing how bad he was. She knew he could have been sent to St. Mungos but her brother knew how nauseous she got in the hospital surroundings and would fall sick herself so he didn't get him. Canry felt heavy, her head thudding and she felt weak with the aroma of the hospital. "They're all fine. I need to check on Savannah once more. I healed her but still... I don't know about Jace, Jason. I need to go home and check. Will you be okay? Your sister is here and so is Cameron." Canry did not want to leave Jason but she knew he would want her to go to, especially when they had no clue about their son. "Ana and Shaad are at Lily's. It's going to be okay, though." If it was in her hand, she would have taken Jason home but she knew, for now, it was better he was in the hospital or he wouldn't be sitting in one place if she did. "Are you sure you're okay?" She knew he was hurt. Canry had spoken briefly to Cam who had mentioned the worries so, despite the calm facade she held, there was worry and stress behind those eyes.

[Nicolas Alcaldo]

Don's life had been hectic - completely and utterly so. With him starting his new life that involved lots of attention to his new thriving business, yet still managing to keep what was expected of him by his father, helping Ém with anything she asked for the wedding, and also trying to nourish his relationship, while giving himself some TLC was alot Hell there had been days that him and Ém were like passing ships in the night and they lived together. So you can imagine anyone else he barely saw. His absence was not because he didn't love or care about his friends, but simply because life happened. They were all adults and sometimes responsibilities got in the way, so as far as Don was concerned their friendship wasn't severed or at least they hadn't felt estranged to him. Naturally the confusion on his face is apparent as Nic gives him a half assed pat back and leaves him standing there like a dope as he walks away. He couldn't help but wonder if it's the effects of the potions and although he didn't expect a welcome wagon, he also expected the Nic he knew and loved to joke around with him and probably talk crap about feisty miss redhead. None of that came and turned over his shoulder and followed him with his eyes through a narrowed gaze. He suddenly felt as if he were in the wrong and furrowed his brows deeply, but didn't say anything as he followed him. 

 

His confusion magnifies ten times as they entered a different part of the hospital and can feel a change in atmosphere as they enter the NICU area. The more lively sounds of the recovery room are long gone and completely shut down as pacified murmurs as the large double doors shut behind them. His baby blues change from that of puzzlement to flashes of Charlotte, but those images are brief as he continues on this silent trek after Nic. He soon slows his steps, Nic already staring through the glass partition and Don stared at him with his head tilted to the side. It didn't take a genius to see that his friend was going through some pretty heavy shit and instinctively reaches to touch his shoulder, but doesn't. It's in this moment that it hits him how far away his friend feels and blinks, silently scolding himself because in part he knew this was partly his doing. As he finally turns to see what is on the other side, he breath stills momentarily before letting it fall into place again. Initially he doesn't know what is going on and stares with a forlorn expression as his eyes fall on a premature infant. The name Cabral hadn't even registered in his mind, since he had written Lae once as a gag, which felt like a lifetime ago and truth be told had completely forgotten about her existence. He feels his own throat go dry and the cold sweat that had left him when he saw Nic was okay returns and involuntarily clenches his jaw as a sour taste enters his mouth. Don was about to ask him what this was all about, but turns at the sound of a rattling door knob and as he had done so the whole time follows after him wordlessly. 

 

The next scene literally god smacks him, but he couldn't react. It all looked like it was done in slow motion and stares at Nic with an almost hardened expression because he wants answers and he wants them now. The silence is broken once Nic begins to speak to the baby and he could see the desperation in his body language and utter sadness in his voice as it cracks after the first sentence....daddy? For a moment Don pulls his head slightly back, as if being doused with a bucket of cold water and brings a hand to his mouth as he is overwhelmed with emotion. Any strength that he has leaves him and feels weak at the knees, but steels himself as he tentatively approaches the pair. It was hard for him to look at the little one because he brought so many memories and shook the thoughts away as he once again envisions a sleeping Charlotte wrapped in her blanket, in her little pink hat, barely as big as the size of his hand. His glassy blue orbs dare to look at Nic again once he sees movement from the baby. The will to live... it is engrained in us from birth. The fight to survive from our very first breath. It gives him the hope that his baby is given a chance, an opportunity to fight himself out of those tubes and grow into a healthy, strapping boy. Don brings a hand to Nic's shoulder and squeezes it in reassurance, wanting to so very badly have him understand that he loves him and cares so much for him. Something he should have said and showed sooner, but tis life. It takes traumatic experiences to make us realize what is truly important in life. "Oh...Nicolas..." He sniffles and swallows down his own tears and clears his throat softly to say, "He's beautiful. He's a fighter that one. I can feel it. And that is the most powerful force in the world - the will to live. He has it, Nic. " He stands by his side, his hand never leaving his shoulder and brings his free hand to touch the part of the glass that Nic hasn't huddled over and smiles sadly, a sneaky tear falling down his cheek as he prays to Merlin himself and asks for one thing, Please let him live. Please...please. I just ask that you let him live. Please." His thoughts are desperate and echo loudly in his mind. Losing a child is one of the most painful heartbreaks in the world and one that is truly never repaired. He hopes beyond hope that Nic would never have to experience that and this is simply a temporary nightmare. 

 

Not much time had passed since Nic found out he would be a dad. Enough time for him to tell Mags and Mat, but to actually get used to the idea? No such chance. He wasn’t sure how long it’d take him to wrap his head around that. Mags and him probably wouldn’t have kids any time soon as they settled into their careers first. Hell, they still had to make it down the aisle first. Life instead decided to throw a curveball. He would be a dad in two short months. Nic started repeating that to himself like a mantra. As if he talked to himself on loop about it, he would become more comfortable with the idea. Truth be told, it didn’t help one iota, but he still tried. He didn’t try for Lae or himself. He didn’t care what Lae thought of him these days, especially after she’d kept their son secret from him. And for himself? His pride didn’t merit a seat at the table. No, Nic was going to buck up and pull his shit together for one person and one person only: his son. He told himself in those two months, he’d figure out it all and be the best father he could be, certainly at least blowing his father’s subpar performance out of the water. But now he stands dazed in a painfully white and sanitized hospital room, and his time is up. He’s a father. He has a son. His hands repeatedly tighten and release on the container as he struggles for some sort of control as a rush of emotions threatens to collapse him. He felt revved up but also as if the container wasn’t holding him upright, he’d faint. His own bloody experience at the match forgotten, it takes Nic a bit to realize it isn’t just his emotions trying to wipe him off his feet. He’d been beaten to hell at the match and a good amount of blood taken and replaced in such a short time. Wordlessly and robotically, he backs away slowly from the case until just the very tips of his fingers of one hand are touching it, while the other blindly gropes for a chair. A few moments of struggle pass, made more difficult by his refusal to let go of the container that holds his son, but Nic finally lowers himself into a chair. He whispers to the box some of the words nonsense while still having the general tone: comfort. Even as he falls apart at the seams, he focuses on his son, reassuring him with his voice that everything would be okay. That he is here, that his dad will protect him no matter what. So help any healer that tried to tell him visiting hours are over. He wouldn’t allow them to pry him from the container until his son is out of it and leaving St. Mungo’s behind. Nic’s eyes trace the tubes and wires keeping his son alive before homing in on to watch the baby’s chest slowly rise and fall with each breath. What he wouldn’t give to hold him. The container around his son is keeping him alive. He knows that. But it also felt as if he is being blocked from being there for his son, protecting him. He lowers his hand down the side of the container until he can rest it against the side right over where his son’s hand lays, trying to hold his hand best he can through their separation. Nic blinks at the pressure on his shoulder and turns his eyes away from his son and to Don, blinking once more as he’d completely forgotten about his friend. He nods at Don’s words, the word “fighter” echoing in his mind. He nods again, firmer this time, resolved, though his voice still cracks as he speaks to his friend, attempting a joke despite his watery tone. I’m sure he’s stubborn like his own man. The minute the joke is through his lips, his head droops down once more to stare at his son through the walls blocking them from one another. His shoulders shake in silent sobs as the tears run down his face, blurring his vision. His body hunches closer to the barrier, and though he doesn’t notice Don rest his own hand on the container, he would’ve appreciated the gesture. Later when he could pull himself further back from the edge, he would tell him friend how much his presence in this moment meant to him. That it felt nice to have someone who could stand tall in his defense as he crumbled like a leaf. But for now, his emotions weighed down on him and overpowered everything else. All he could do for now is watch over his son.

[Pippa Miller]

Whenever Pippa is scared, her heart pumps fast and she feels like her heart rise to her throat. That’s exactly what she’s feeling right now while studying Rush’ sleeping form. Although they were assured he’s out of danger, the head injury still sounded so serious in Pippa’s opinion. She was just looking at his face seriously that she had to blink repeatedly when she heard a soft laugh followed by movement of his head. Rush was finally awake! Then suddenly, the feeling of cool rain washed over her, effectively removing the weight on her shoulders. Harrowed but relieved, Pippa watched the exchange between Alex and Rush with a small smile. She didn’t expect him to call her name though, she was embarrassed at being noticed there. She gripped the bed handle and gave him a relieved smile. “Rush…Yes it’s me…I’m fine, you?” he scared the living daylight out of her, she sighed, now she can go. Her father might need a minute with his son. Catching Alex’s look, Pippa smiled at him and gently squeezed Rush’ foot, “You scared me, you know that?! Take some rest, okay? I’ll be going now…I'll see you in school.” she looked at Rush’s father and cousin, gave them a small smile and a nod before she went out the room to give them more privacy.

 

/ Exit Pippa

[Alex Singer]

Deciding to leave him with his family, Alex watched Pippa walk out and decided to follow her. It didn't make sense for him to stay there since they would probably want private time with each other? "I'll leave you to your family, Markowitz. See you soon." He gave him a gentle slap on his arm and after making sure they didn't want anything from him, he headed out following her. It was a rather strange day and his head was pumping with the noises from the blast that left consequences in its wake. Who knew that the epic match they had been all waiting for would turn into a graveyard for some. Alex felt bad for those who lost their lives due to the blast wondering if it was a planned attack.

 

[exit alex]

[Chester Armend]

Chester has Vera in his arms as they entered the Recovery room, his eyes and mind immediately looking for their daughter. He found her in no time and Chester led Vera to her bed and he felt both relieved and heartbroken at her daughter on the hospital bed, with tubes and and needs on her. He felt like having naother heart attack, goodness. Chester could see and feel the pain, evidently shown on her face and he ached for her. If possible, he would like to get rid of her pain and make it his own instead. "Noelle...?" He said in a soft voice. The healer said she had a concussion and her head must be hurting like hell. They can only be here briefly, but to see her alive and awake like this is more than enough to soothe him. Although he would still want to ease her pain any way he could. Chester grabbed her hand and kissed the top of it gently. "Princess, can you talk? How are you feeling?"

[Mayor Jason Hennings]

Worried most about his eldest, relief flooded him knowing one of them was on her toes. The blast happened straight in the VIP section which would have terribly harmed Savannah. He personally felt thankful to Jayden who got his princess out in no time. Worry crept in his heart but he knows better than to react differently. It will accentuate his wife out even more. His eyes searched for any sign of fear or worry and he found it buried deep within, a strong facade covering it. The look rose worry in his heart for his son but he is a strong boy who will rise back in no time. "Go home, I will be fine. They are checking me out tomorrow and I will be home in no time." Jason isn't aware of his check out schedule but Canry needs a few comforting words to get through the day. "Go home, Canry. Don't worry about me. I have everyone here. Let me know if things get out of hands." Jason will not waste any time and check himself out without permission if required. The only reason he is not acting up on it is due to the number of patients she will have to deal with at home. "Come here." He called her closer, kissing her forehead and squeezed her hand. His heart worries for his son and all he can do is pray whilst sitting helplessly for news to reach him.

[Vladislav Dimitrov]

Addie was exhausted after all the darting around, going to and from the hospital while carrying patients. This was not how she'd envisioned her day going, but here she was. After the whole stadium had been evacuated and she'd treated the last cuts and bruises, she could finally breathe a little. She returned home to clean up and wash all the dust, grime, and sweat off her person. After changing into a fresh set of clothes, she sent off an owl to Elijah and then Portkeyed herself to the hospital. The reception had calmed, but looking off to the side, she could see the waiting room crowded with people; no doubt relatives and significant others wishing to see a patient. The brunette carried on into the recovery area to see if there was anywhere she could help. The Healers working on shift were surely swamped with the heavy influx of patients. Addie weaved between Healers and family members, eyes lightly scanning across the beds. She stopped upon noticing Vlad, peacefully lying in his hospital bed, awake and silent. She ducked around one of her coworkers and approached his bedside. "Hey," she greeted, softly smiling. She looked him over, glad to see he was fine. Whatever the Healers had done to patch him up, they'd done an efficient job of it. "How are you feeling?" she asked. "Has anyone been by to see you? I sent an owl to Elijah earlier, so he'll probably drop by at some point."

 

Vlad blinked as he heard a familiar voice, and his eyes darted to where it was coming from. A warm smile spread across his lips as he saw Addie coming towards him. She had a strong resemblance to her mother in nature, and wasn't it funny - how she was practically family now, with Elijah and her being serious with each other. At her question, Vlad nodded as he pushed himself up into a seating position. He could do that, because his head felt a lot better, and the burns were healing as well. "A lot better. I was knocked out for a couple of hours..I guess that gave me time to heal." He responded, wincing a little as the movement had caused some burns to start hurting again. "Not yet. I asked the nurses to contact Ana as well. She might not have heard the news all the way in Sweden. It will take her time to come..." He sighed, they were still in Sweden and the distance was certainly a long one to travel along with a kid in tow. He shook his head as she said that she had sent an owl to Elijah. "I am fine..tell him its okay if he doesn't come. He had some rehearsal right? I don't want this to bother him." It's not like it wouldn't be nice to have him here, but Vlad knew how important his work was to him, and it wasn't like he was dying or something. "And I have you here as his representative..right?" He grinned at the young lady. She had certainly been making a place in the family, though Vlad would love to see more of the two back at home. "Were you in the crossfire as well? Did you get hurt?" He looked at her face, and tried to check for any bandages or cuts. 

[Healer Adeline Zolnerowich]

There were several people she knew who'd been taken to the hospital—some by her—and it was relieving to get to see them alive, and in some instances conscious. Later she'd go check up on Dylan and Jin, though she suspected it might be hard to get through to Jin right now, what with all her complications. She hadn't seen Vlad since before the blast and hadn't even really known if he'd been injured or not, but it came as a relief that everything would be fine. Vlad was family, both because he was Elijah's father and because he'd been much more present in her life than her actual father, and so he did take some priority over the others right now. Addie sat down, intending to stay and keep him company. "I'm glad," she replied with a smile, though she noticed his wince. "You were probably up in the air when the blast happened, right? I saw a few people snapping pictures from their brooms. It's really lucky that you weren't battered too badly. Earlier I brought in some people that... that I honestly don't know if they'll make it to tomorrow or not." She sobered for a moment before nodding along. It made sense that they'd contacted Ana, and she wondered if she'd come by with their young daughter or if Ana would opt to keep her out of this for now. It was a lot to process for the adults, let alone children. Vlad insisted that Elijah didn't need to come, but Addie shook her head right back at him. "He would want to be here. I don't know how often he expresses it to you, but you mean a lot to him, Vlad. He can always have another rehearsal or get another part in another play, but he's only got one dad," she said softly. To be honest, it wasn't like they went and visited the Dimitrov household nearly as often as they could or should, and it was in times like these that you felt exceptionally guilty about the latter. "Yes," she chuckled. "You do technically have me. And this happens to be my workplace, so you're not to be rid of me too soon," she added with a grin. When asked about her own condition, she lightly shook her head. "I probably inhaled a bunch of dust, but otherwise I'm fine. I was seated far enough from the blast, by some strange miracle. I've just been running around these past few hours, trying to help treat everyone and clean up the mess." She couldn't help but think back to the times Elijah had been subtly hinting at her switching to a more peaceful career like becoming an artist. Was this the sort of thing he'd been fearing when he thought of her as a Healer? "It was all so sudden..." she said after a moment, thinking back to the explosion. "Crazy how things can change so drastically in the blink of an eye. I heard some people murmuring about it being a targeted attack, and I've seen some Ministry officials wandering around, interviewing people." She shook her head, unsure of what to make of it all. "I'm thankful Elijah wasn't able to make it after all. Same for Ana and Nadia. If it were up to me, you wouldn't have been there either, but your job and everything..." It simply couldn't be helped. "I expect the Prophet is going to be booming in the aftermath of all this." Once Vlad was back to full health, he wouldn't be short on work, that was for sure.

[Prof. Vera Armend]

The fact that Vicky had tubes and all sort of medical equipment around her was giving her no comfort, Vera immediately walked towards the bed and held her hand, careful not to hurt her in any way. Which mothers heart can stand watching their own kid lying on the bed being in pain, Chester spoke to her and asked if how was she feeling, making Vera alerted almost instantly, "Vicky baby.. can you hear us?Its your mother.. " She said, hoping full well that Vicky wont have any other complications and that she can go home safely. 

[Maja Moretto]

There was so, so much to process, that she knew another sleepless night was in order, along with a morning full of questions and fear, not because she was pregnant, nor because of the next step she had just taken with Josef, but because the news would have really simmered by then, and all the worry for her silbings, Colleen and Ryan, would leave a headache and a jittery sensation that'd last a whole day. She'd miss her mom more than ever, being all too new to this chapter of life, and she'd question her ability to be a mother as she had been an awful sister, at least to the eldest. Maja grinned and looked down at Josef's hand and her belly, swearing she could she the baby bump when, in reality, it was practically impossible as she was only four weeks or so pregnant. She could feel it moving and kicking when it was barely the size of a poppy seed. How else was one supposed to feel when you knew there was a little someone growing inside of you? The kiss he placed above her clothes gave her goosebumps and a wider smile as she sniffed, the tears practically gone by now. With her face mask down, she returned his kiss, ignoring the subtle annoyance she felt in her chest due to the smoke inhalation, the stress and all the emotions. She, too, chuckled and placed the mask back over her mouth and nose with his help, taking a deep breath. The tears were back, brimming her eyes as he spoke up. Maja didn't think she'd get to hear all those beautiful words, much less coming from him. She still couldn't believe them, but they made her oh, so happy. She chuckled again, giving him a somewhat stern look as he had never used protection and it was always in her hands to take care of herself, but that didn't matter anymore. The baby was already loved, so much loved, it didn't feel like they had messed up. "I like they way you're smiling right now, and that sparkle in your eyes... Didn't get to see it often, but I have a feeling it's not going anywhere now, is it?" She teased him back. "This feeling, I had never experienced it before, so I'm not lying when I say you're my only one. I love you. I love you, caro mio." Maja was practically healed, and was now making sure he was comfortable with his arm treatment, and the only thing that was left for them to do was to have some news on Zora, hoping Val and the rest hadn't heard anything about the explosion, and that Lirije could at least show, or search for Zora.

[Josef Klaasen]

Like Maja, Josef would take sometime to process the news. In the days that would come he would be bogged with his own insecurities about being capable enough to be a father and to provide Maja with everything she needed. Although Josef had a father figure to look up to, his own biological father had never been around so deep down he wondered if he'd failed them, but that was something he quickly shook off. The thing was that he truly loved Maja and couldn't imagine leaving his family ever, so those negative thoughts were buried and luckily so because he was able to relish in this happy moment. This is where he belonged and the grin on his face could not be wiped off and although the setting was far from perfect, he'd cherish this memory forever. Josef tried to contain his excitement by keeping their kiss as innocent as possible but that proved to be a hard task when she kissed him with the same ferocity. The stern look did not go unnoticed and he simply shrugged off innocently at her. He never thought that kids were in the cards for him or a stable, loving relationship, but here he was completely and utterly in love with the idea. With other women he had always been more than careful, but for some reason he had never shared that with Maja and he was definitely not complaining now. Their baby was wanted and loved more than words could express by the both of them, so there was no regret. "It's not going anywhere. It's stuck now." He teased her back and gave her a kiss on the forehead, hands finding hers as he was still lost in their own little bubble, "I love you, Cara Mia. You're my one and only." Which was true. She was the only woman who had made him want to change into becoming a better person and owed her so much for that. Though the two broke away from their gaze when Colleen entered the picture and although momentarily looked at her in concern, she quickly dissipated their worries by telling them that Zora was doing fine. Just then Val had come in and threw her arms around Maja, then going to Ryan and Luca before circling back to her older sister, questioning why she was wearing the mask. Maja explained to her that she was fine and broke the news of the baby, which took Val by surprise. She looked incredulous at first but then squealed brightly as she congratulated the two. Everything was falling into place it seemed and once Maja was given the okay to leave, he made sure to let her know his arm was just fine and made their way back to his place. He wanted alone time with her and just hold her as everything processed in his mind. Josef definitely had plenty to be thankful for as the day could have gone in a completely different direction had it not been for his gut instinct.

 

[/exit Josef and Maja]