second ☕✨ text (opening a clinic & a game!)

[cadeuces]

Guete Morge, everyone!

I will try to keep this brief. I've posted once before but I imagine it's more likely that if you know me, you've met me in person or know a mutual acquaintance; my name is Angela Ziegler. I'm the doctor that has opened the Second Nature Clinic on level 2. It has officially been set up and I've worked up a preliminary amount of basic medications that should be familiar to most such as allergy medication, pain management, decongestants, and other such things.

More importantly, there is no charge for any of my services if anyone ever needs to come by or contact me. I'll also gladly come to you if you're not comfortable in medical facilities or don't wish to leave your apartment. I think we all know by now the effect we can have on others, depending on the time of the month. I want everyone to know that they're welcome, for any reason, whether it's for questions, concerns with the moonblessings this place bestows upon us, medical aid, or simply for a cup of coffee and some fresh pastries for the company. We are all here on our own and it's the least that I can offer to support others.

( You know, Understatement Of The Century™️, but moving right along. You can practically read the warm little smile like to be on her face if she were speaking this aloud. )

I've seen countless posts here seeking commiseration on feelings and effects people have experienced, worries, concerns— and nowhere else to put them. I hope you're all well and have found the answers you need. While I am primarily a surgeon and combat medic, I never mind listening or offering another perspective if you ever wish for something more private and a touch professional. You could call it part of my job to assist others in shifting their typical way of thinking into something a little more positive after a life-changing injury and its recovery.

I do plan on joining the trip so that a medic is present, so the clinic may be closed for a few days. If anyone wishes to post their contact information on the door for others remaining in Prismatica, please feel free to do so! I would rest easier knowing that there are eyes out for all of us, across both places.

And if you wish to know me a bit better, why don't we play a game? Two truths and a lie. Let's see, I'll start...

1. I once won a spider-catching competition.
2. I've spent more time camping than living in my house.
3. My favorite color is yellow.

Comments

[cadeuces]

( It would be far from the first time she'd hear cynicism aimed at the Prismals, and she would have had to agree when it came to some pockets of "rebellion" and mischief, but overall they've seemed to feel positively about their strange new alien batteries. Angela is, as ever, a "hope for the best, prepare for the worst" type that tries to believe in good hearts in others, even if she maintains a healthy stock of realism in any given situation. To her, it feels more like the city's growing pains as it drastically recuperates from the energy it'd been missing for so long, and the desperation of others to have a slice of that energy burst. )

I appreciate the company!
My clinic hours are often quite empty; I never mind having someone to speak with, even over text.
And I'm more than happy to help answer any questions I can about this place.

It's a pleasure, Barnaby!
And please just call me "Angela" in return; my title feels too stuffy, don't you think?

I suppose that's very true, though. On both accounts.
Will you do me the honor of playing along?
I'd like to have a try at guessing for you!

( That's because he's a pure and passionate boy, even if he's already pegged her propensity for positivity and the brighter side of life. She's looking forward to getting to know you, mysterious text man! )

[bundai]

[ maybe he'd be less wary if this city didn't prey on emotions and memories as easily as it seems to, honestly. thankfully, he's grown enough to realize his faults and temper them with a bit of perspective, which makes him less prone to closed-off obstinacy.

he can read Angela's patience, even over text. he's half-grateful, half-apologetic.

which is why he eventually plays along with the game. it's charming, after all. ]

It may be a good thing that your hours are empty, but I sympathize with the feeling of having hours to fill.
If I ever break anything, I'll make sure to call.

[ and, look, he can even do humor! he's a bit on the dry side, but he can't win them all. ]

Angela, then.
Give me a moment.

[ and, precisely 5 minutes later: ]

1. I drink a glass of milk before I go to sleep.
2. I've never been outside of the city I was born in.
3. I'm not sure what else to say.

[cadeuces]

( It's understandable, really. Their first real "problem" was excusable enough— plants grew too quickly and became menaces, preying on anything that moved. The next was during the big ceremony with the Queen, where rebel groups rose up with the force of the first triple moon alignment in what they'd said had been decades and turned into monsters, causing a ruckus.

Then the dragons visited with their chroma-absorbing eggs in a desperate bid to help their next generation hatch with the help of those brought here, and then... well. The casino rescue that turned to an illegal fighting arena, the kidnappings from the visiting Amegahara zealots... it's certainly been one thing after another. But much of it, by her gauge, is out of the hands of the Prismals. She doesn't judge the many by the few, but she's also been here long enough to know of the earlier mishaps as the city slowly revived itself from a near-death. It's a conversation for another day, surely. Over coffee. )

You're more than welcome to come for a cup of coffee and something to eat without needing to break anything, honest. 😉

( Meanwhile, as she gets a coffee refill and waits in eager antici........................................................... PATION, she's stifling a little laugh when she finally gets a reply again. )

Hmmm, let's see...
Since you strike me as an honest and earnest person, I'm sure 3 is correct.
Is 1 warm milk or cold? It's dire confirmation I need before I give you my decision.

[bundai]

[ it's a conversation for another day, when they're not trying to acquaint themselves with each other during peacetime. it's easier now, to make space in his heart for people— it's not about being zero or one hundred, even if he still slips into that habit on more than one occasion.

living is difficult, but it doesn't have to be impossible. one day at a time, he tells himself. ]

I'll take you up on it, if clinic coffee is passable to drink.

[ here's another fact about Mr. Mysterious: he can come off as a bit prickly, but he means well.

case in point: ]

And wouldn't it be cheating to divulge more than I've already said?
I'm afraid that I won't be giving you any hints.

[ slightly joking, but also seriousminded. this is what passes for banter in Barnaby's book. ]

[cadeuces]

( No, it definitely doesn't have to be impossible; shouldn't be, for that matter, but she would agree that it could be difficult more often than not. Proud of u for persevering though, buddy. )

I'm Swiss; it's the best.
I spare no expense for my company. I have an espresso machine that brews coffee as well.
You'll just have to come try it and see if it's up to your standards. 😊

( The lack of a hint only amuses her with the severity of the reply, because her mind was already made up without the "necessary clarification". )

I suppose it would be, you're right.
So 2 is the fib.
A glass of milk before bed is always calming, hot or cold.

[bundai]

[ perseverance is the one thing Barnaby has in spades; it's the only reason he's still alive really. that said, he hears the invitation loud and clear, and he has to take a moment to read and reread it.

before, he would've refused without question. now, he considers it. ]

I'll make my way over, if only to familiarize myself with where the clinic is.
Just a cup of coffee, and then I'll leave you to your work.

And right in one.
Though I guess my being here makes 2 an obvious lie.

[cadeuces]

Oh, there's little enough work.
I'm sure I could squeeze you in for a pastry with that coffee. ♥
But I'll look forward to the distraction from laundry.

You sound quite lovely!
It's a shame you didn't have the chance to travel; was it contentment with where you lived or a general disinterest in what was beyond?
I've not stopped traveling for long in some years, before arriving here.
I miss having one solid place to call home.
I'm glad you had that, at least.

And I wouldn't call it a lie; this was an unexpected visit for all of us!
So far from home it scarcely counts.