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

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

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

( Angela chances a little scritch beneath one ear with nails just long enough to be perfect for it, smiling. softly as the pup enjoys the treats. When she glances back to Belias as he begins to speak, the change from an otherwise mild expression isn't one she misses. She'll shift upright just long enough to take the step back and perch herself on the edge of the sturdy coffee table, sitting before him to listen.

He has her attention and a gentle smile with understanding in her eyes, just a touch sad. It sounds familiar. Omnics may not be "human", but the discrimination and oppression was much the same. They weren't treated like sentient beings. His eyes grow distant and Angela reaches to cover his hand with her own, soft. Nothing difficult to pull away from if she startles him. )

I understand; I've seen much the same. I'm so sorry your good intentions fell short on those that didn't understand. People can be quite blind, can't they? When they'd rather overlook similarities for differences. ( And to the apology, her smile only warms and she shakes her head just as soft in the motion. ) It wasn't too much at all. I agree with you. We can all be foolish little animals when we feel threatened by what we don't know.

( What she does instead is gather up his tea and press it into his palms, cooled enough to be a pleasant heat in the hands, fingertips smoothing over the scarred back of one. She doesn't ask. )

[ Oh.

He doesn't flinch - he's used to being touched - but he relaxes at her words, ruffling his hair a bit with some embarrassment, bangs falling to cover one of his eyes. ]

Thank you. [ He briefly squeezes her hand back before he clasps the mug, taking a few sips with satisfaction. ]

If I may - I've a question to ask you, business-minded.

( There's nothing to be embarrassed about, except on her behalf for how easily she reaches out to touch royalty, perhaps. And she scarcely considers it by this point. Doctors had to be impartial on all fronts, and she'll only ever treat those who pass through her hands as equals. At least her acknowledgement seems to help and some of that tension winding him up once more seeps back out, and he ruffles his hair which only earns her amusement.

It's a terribly mundane thing to do, but the bit of contact even from one's own hand is always a pleasant thing to help relax. As if one could vent the heat off their brain and find their calm once more. To his thanks, she only bows her head in a drawn out acknowledgement with gold lashes brushing her cheeks, demure and polite. )

Of course. You have my full attention, Belias.

[ In a way, she reminds him of Sachiko - she's not hard of hearing, but there's a calmness to her and a latent mischief. It's... nice. ]

May it be possible to change the care services I was being given from the central hospital here? I think I would be more comfortable.

The beach calms me.

( Whatever it was she had been expecting him to ask, it hadn't been to change "providers"; her smile warms immediately and the hand that had been reaching for her cup of coffee instead returns to her knee.

Like she said, her full attention. )

Oh, absolutely; I'll call them shortly and put in a request for your files. And it will be no hard feelings if you give me a try and decide otherwise, honest. I would much rather you be comfortable.

May I ask what you were undergoing treatment for, with the Prismals?

[ He knows he can't just... keep that quiet. If he's going to change from the central hospital to her services, he has to, first... tell her what's wrong with him.

And yet, when Belias opens his mouth, nothing comes out. He starts out meeting her eyes, almost like he is confident in his condition, but when he can't even start to verbalize what his 'treatment' was, he starts to slowly silt, eyes slipping down and fingers curling tighter around his mug as he sets it on his thighs.

In a way, it's obvious. In another way, it isn't.

He taps his thumb against the mug, and Nisha lets out a soft doggy noise of confusion. It makes him halfheartedly smile, knowing his guard dog is concerned he's lapsed into silence. ]

My calves do not function. That is... I cannot walk or stand on them. The source of that... disability, as they call it - does not have a clear-cut scientific basis. They have said that I have close to what's considered an 'allergy' to magic, as it were, and my injury stems from my body being attacked with magic. I am very weak and susceptible to it, and my body will react to magical healing with pain and even hurt itself, so I have needed special care in this... very magic-heavy world.

For the most part, it is just routine care, but alternate ways of moving have been breached aside from my chair.

( No, he can't, but she did phrase it in a way that gave him a choice to broach the subject later. If he wanted to come at another time, perhaps, a little more prepared to share, allow her a physical and ease into it— but some things are best leapt right into.

When he tries to answer and nothing comes out, her hand comes to rest on his nearest knee and she offers him her sweetest brand of patience. Reassurance that he can take his time and she isn't rushing him; after all, what other "patients" are around? She'll hold his gaze as long as he offers it and her hand stays put even as he rests his mug down in his lap. It's clear his legs don't work, at least partially. She remembered seeing muscle movement in his thighs, but not below the knee. And bodies are such mysterious things, aren't they? It could be a pinched nerve in his spine, a ruptured disk, tendon damage, muscle atrophy, really, many things. )

I understand; lucky for you, then, that I'm from a world without magic, hmm? ( She'll give his leg a little squeeze, reassuring him once more by touch and by smile, tipping her head just slightly in what he'll come to find preempts her questions. ) The chroma of this place, then— does it hurt you...? Or does it not register as magical for what your body knows and is allergic to?

I have specialized in prosthetic and cybernetic limbs and replacement organs for over a decade, and that comes with a side of physical therapy, all "manual", as it were. I won't chance my nanotechnology on you either, and it doesn't sound as though it would help either way. But getting you out of this chair is a perfectly possible move, if that's what you'd like to set as a goal. But first I'd rather set another day to meet where you're ready for a physical and to see what we're working with. I wouldn't ask that of you today. I know it needs a bit of time to mentally prepare.

But I'd be happy to have you here, Belias. I'll do what I can, for whatever it is you wish.

[ He tenses at the idea of being out of the chair, and he knows it's ridiculous. Months ago, he would be jumping for joy at the idea. Well - figuratively.

He knows most people don't view the chair as some sort of freedom, even if he does. It's not something he really thinks needs to be out of his life, and he does have some fondness for it. ... and on top of it all, that's what he'll use when he's back home. His home doesn't have all this technology. Thinking of setting that as a goal is - strange to him, and he's not sure what to think about it.

Belias does, however, sag with relief that she's not keen on doing everything right away. ]

... thank you. I understand that I am very fortunate.

[ He leans back in the chair, casting his gaze up to her again. ]

The 'chroma' of this place does not register within my body as magical, no. It is... a natural feeling, if still foreign. More as if it were a foreign energy than a magic of its own.

( She can feel it; beneath her hand, in the very air, pulling taut across his shoulders and feeling immediately she's not quite said the correct thing. So his knee gets another gentle pat and she shakes her head as if to dismiss what she'd stated, trying to clarify. )

You're very welcome. Again, I'll aspire to meet whatever goals you wish. It's up to you. Braces that read the muscles from your thighs, here, and help the rest would be possible with an unobtrusive frame, and you could wear them as you please. It wouldn't be anything you're permanently assigned to use. I'll gather the information I need next time and then present you with possible options and therapeutic plans to think on after that. How's that sound?

( It's truly no pressure, and she's trying to explain that the choice is his but the options are vast, and even installing permanent braces along the tibia with sensors over the knee would be possible, if he ended up liking the concept and trying them otherwise. No one would have to know anything is any different for him. It'd never run out of "power", and he should be able to return home without it failing. Her mind's already racing with possibilities on his behalf and various levels he may speak to.

Hearing that the chroma doesn't hurt him, however, is a boon. It had been a worry that cropped up near-immediately even if he hadn't reacted to her touch as though it had hurt him. )

Oh, good— that's relieving to hear. I was worried it may interfere. I'm sure since it flows in and flows right back out, it shouldn't be construed as terribly much. May I?

( She gestures to his legs, as if to gather one up with the way she cups her hand. Just for a quick massage and to feel the state of his muscles, if they've atrophied or shrunk down or if his previous care kept him "active". )

[ He doesn't quite catch all the things she's saying - how can a brace read his muscles? Is it like the way he can read other people's faces? - but he can get the gist. Nothing permanent. Something he could choose to use.

He stills again, but not out of fear or dismay. He needs a moment for the gears in his mind to turn. ]

Oh - ah, yes. You may.

[ He lifts his thigh a bit, calf unmoving, letting her touch as she pleases. ]

I think... that sounds fine. I am still learning the technology of this world, so I apologize for not understanding you.

[ After a few months of being here and a few months at home not being able to walk at all without any real care, there's clear atrophy and weakness in his calf muscles, with no response at all to her touch. His thighs in comparison are much stronger, but even they show signs of not being as strong as they used to be. ]

( The pinch of her brows is a bit apologetic, and it's likely an expression he'll be seeing on her face often; but she has his attention and it's a moment as he tries to process what it was she'd said before he gets to her question, allowing her to take his nearest leg. His thigh lifts in offering and slender fingers curl under his knee, gathering it up just enough she can maneuver it to stretch without bumping the table or turning him away from where his tea and pastry are set. She kneads gently above the knee first, at the muscles of his thigh, fingertips pressing and stroking up to feel every minor shift and tense of movement before she's feeling out his knee and checking for a reflex response with a solid knock of the flats of her fingers. Not painful, but enough to cause the muscles and tendons to clench insofar as they're able, if at all.

And as she works, she's shaking her head again, humming quietly. )

Please don't apologize; that is on me to find a way to explain it so you can understand it as well. I'll have everything drawn out for you next time. Visuals always help.

( Then one hand begins to knead down the soft tissue of his calf, feeling the muscle beneath, and she glances up with a tiny tip of her head. )

Can you at least feel my touch, or is it not even that?

( And down to the ankle as she slips off the edge of her seat and kneels on the floor, slipping off whatever he might have had on for shoes or slippers as her thumbs go down the sides of his foot and under, kneading carefully into the arch. )

It's... very faint. It feels very far away.

[ There's still no twitch or movement in his legs or feet. Though, with one of his loafers off, there's a clear marking along his dark skin - scars all converged across his skin to mimic very dark thorns and brambles winding around his feet, going from his calf.

He furrows a brow, still a little tense. ]

Is that... bad? I had assumed that not being able to feel others was normal when it stops functioning like that.

( It doesn't damper her massage just to hear he can't really feel it; the benefits far outweighed that, nearly as good as actual exercise to manipulate his leg into something resembling movement and encouraging circulation.

His heel rests on her thigh as one hand rubs up and down, the other still at his foot to encourage the roll of his ankle and stretching the proper flexors, only looking at the strange scarring with the pass of her thumb for a moment before he's speaking again. )

Oh, no, sweetheart— it isn't bad. Every case is going to be different and there are so many different types of damage that result in different things. There are nerves all along the body that detect sensation and relay it back to your brain. But there are tendons along the limbs that allow us to move that can be damaged and result in a lack of movement without affecting the nerves, or nerve damage that can develop from multiple diseases without any physical injuries sustained, or from back injuries to the spinal column. ( Every time she names something, she's indicating it with touch, tendons running up the back of his ankle and touching his waist to indicate his back, the curl of cool fingers waving up toward his head. ) It's just a question that tells me a little bit more about the nature of the injury.

( And so she slips his loafer back on and replaces his leg in the chair's stirrup, then reaches to repeat the massage on the other, shoe slipped right off to rest his heel on her lap again. )

This scarring is quite unique; was it acquired around the same time?

( She's careful in how she asks questions; it's never prying, just simple yes or no confirmations for roundabout information gathering on the topic at hand. )

[ He actually seems to nod, following along with her explanation. Momentary bouts of clarity show on his face clearly before she moves onto something else, and he tries to keep going with her. It's a bit of a difficult course, but he is understanding.

He tries to be the same to her - she may not be prying, but he knows that his doctors always wanted as much information as he could give them. ]

Ah... yes, it's because of the magic that was used to heal me. As even healing magic hurts me, it left behind scarring while saving my life.

Thank you for explaining. I think I understand. You're checking both legs in case they're hurt differently, I assume?

( She doesn't mean to keep throwing so much information at him, trying to keep it in manageable pieces with enough to indicate what she speaks of, but he seems to be following just fine. It's essentially an anatomy lesson condensed down to just a few functions, and they're about on par with one another's distance when he speaks to her in turn of magic. )

I'm sorry to hear that, but still— I'm glad it wasn't worse, and it did manage to save you. I apologize as well for the impromptu anatomy lesson, haha. Bodies are complicated things at the best of times.

And, yes and no; massage like this is nearly as good at exercising to keep the muscle moving and supple. Just as you water plants and give them sunlight to "feed" them and keep them from withering, so too do you move your body and keep it fed and watered to keep it from withering the same. Even if you don't have the ability to move your legs yourself, the act of having them moved will keep the muscle functioning and halt its atrophy. I already saw to one, so I might as well take care of the other.

Was the medical staff at the Scientia not doing this for you? It's quite basic therapy.

No, they seemed to have some trouble not applying magical remedies to my situation. I have a tendency to be a bit reckless, so... they have their hands full treating my injuries, most of the time.

I have had some treatment, thankfully, but... not like this, no. I suppose it's something I'll have to do, I've been ignoring them...

[ Though he truthfully doesn't sound very enthused to have to do so. ]

Well, you have me, now. ( It's spoken gently, fondness already warming her tone as one hand slips up above his knee to knead at the muscle there, just so he had something he could feel more readily. ) No matter what happens, I'm sure I'll be able to tend to it.

( And because she hears that lack of enthusiasm for the treatment needed: )

And I'll never turn down company as often as you wish to drop by; my days are often quite slow. Besides, I enjoy the chance to dote on my friends.

( Which is the roundabout way of offering to do this for him as often as he feels like accepting. She can't quite tell if it's that he doesn't want to be the one to touch his own legs or if he just doesn't like them being touched in general, but the offer stands. She'll take care of him to the best of her ability. )

I never did ask what your country was like, did I? What it looks like, and what sorts of foods you have.

( Boy is that an obvious distraction or what? )

[ The touch makes his muscles jump slightly, but he laughs it off with good humor, genuinely seeming pleased with the touch. ]

That's kind of you to offer, but that would qualify as 'work', and I don't want to not reimburse you for your efforts. I very much appreciate all that you're doing for me.

[ And that's honest, painfully earnest, even. It's hard to see him as a king when he falls so easily into personable manner; he has the air of a doting father and someone's clumsy husband before he seems to take on the air of royalty.

He sees the change in conversation for what it is and looks around with a tease on his lips - ]

Are you calming me down for a shot? [ He laughs and shakes his head, demeanor much more chipper and full of overwhelming love for his home. ] My country is full of lush greenery and forests with rolling hills. The sea is on the east coast and travels the length of it - with the most beautiful beaches you'll see. The sand is so white, but... during the spring, there's pink tinges to it because of all the blossoms and festivals.

I miss the food, truth be told. Nothing here is as spicy as it was at home...

( There, that's more like it. Her smile softens to the turn up in his mood, clearly just as pleased to be able to cheer him up with a touch, and then she's laughing just as softly. )

I must not have made myself clear before, I'm sorry. I don't charge for my services here. I'm compensated well enough by the government here to more than live comfortably and support this little clinic. I have nothing else to do with my time other than give back to those here like us. So well and truly, Belias, it's no trouble at all. Besides, your being here like this is generating chroma on its own, isn't it? This place is so strange. ( But the fact of the matter is that they're both being paid for this, compensated for the chroma created between them for something akin to some facet of intimacy. That's why she doesn't bother charging. Touching people is a necessity for doctors to feel out injuries and tenderness, and gentle as she is, she doesn't cause anyone pain— it seems to be enough. ) But I promise I'm not picky, if you ever feel the need to bring anything by in exchange.

( He's wonderfully sweet in how earnest he is. She won't outright turn him down on "paying", in some form, but she's also trying to make it clear it isn't necessary. Some people need the chance to compensate others when they feel they're being done a service or feel like they're burdening someone. She understands. And when she changes the subject and he's teasing her right back, she laughs more openly, for as much as it turns to a giggle. )

No shots, on my honor. I just wanted to get to know you a bit more. ( Which is why she listens so intently, lashes lowering as her focus shifts to a middle distance, clearly trying to conjure an image up as he describes it while she continues to knead down his calf and his foot, other hand just idly stroking circles with her fingertips just above the knee. ) That sounds gorgeous; was it hot? Humid?

( She assumes, from his tawny skin— people closer to the equator always developed darker skin to protect them from the sun's exposure. She can perfectly picture a Mediterranean paradise. )

I may have to see to that challenge and take you to some of my favorite curry places, here.

[ The notion of the government paying her seems to surprise him - though after a moment of thought, it's not so foreign that he's sent reeling. They paid quite a bit for their academies, it made sense that other places would do the same for other sectors. Maybe they should pay their healers across the country... especially now that they had expanded...

He shakes his head slightly and extends a hand towards her. ]

Then when I visit, I will bring you something of my own making. I hope to open up a bakery of my own, if they allow me a business permit - I'll let you have my specialties first. I only think it fair for the time you spend on your work. Though if you intend to challenge me in a battle of spice, I'll be glad to join you, but I can't say I didn't warn you.

[ He bows his head to hide his chuckle. ] Petir is very temperate, actually. We have mild springs and summers and very cold falls and winters. The capital city is high up on a hill and the palace even higher, settled atop a waterfall. We see a lot of snow come winter. The city is stationed right near the sea, so humidity is unfortunately a given.

( Isn't it how this place functions? They generate and process the chroma energy that goes back into the city and its livelihood, and the Prismals compensate them in turn. Angela's an active individual to say the least and she has no shortage of money in this place from her natural demeanor and want for companionship with those she cares for as well as her Iris-fueled desires. It isn't that they're directly funneling funds toward her clinic; she's just paying for it all out of pocket.

But when he extends a hand to her, she takes a moment to slip his other shoe back on and place his leg back where it had been, straightening his clothes before taking it, touch cool in his palm as her eyes meet his. )

I'll be greatly looking forward to your visits, then, more than I already would be. It sounds like we have a deal. Maybe next time I'll tempt you onto the massage table proper for a back rub to convince you to go a little easy on me.

( And it would make up for the distant sensation of her kneading his lower legs by rewarding him with something better he can actually feel; it seems fair enough. )

It sounds like a place I'd enjoy very much; I'm from a country that sits in a plateau between a large mountain range. It's quite north and often sees snow as well, so it sounds rather perfect to me. Though the last handful of years mostly saw me in and out of deserts.

All right, Belias, I've probably stolen enough of your time for today. Thank you for indulging my curiosity, and please feel free to message me over the devices or call in whenever you'd like to come by once more. I'll be sure to have everything ready for you in a couple of days, so anything after that is at your leisure.

( She has that sign to go fix, after all, and he probably hadn't intended on sitting in her clinic for the better part of an hour. )

[ He hums lightly - ]

Deserts can be devastating. I'm glad this is more temperate, I'm not sure I could handle all of the dry air and heat - I'm sure you can understand.

[ But he does, after she places her hand in his, turn hers over for a polite kiss on the back of her hand. He still has his manners as a king. With that, he drops his hands, and Nisha scrambles up, already knowing they're going to get to leave and go back to his beloved walk. ]

Thank you for your time and consideration. I feel much more at ease in your hands. I hope the sign doesn't give you much trouble. Come on, Nisha. Ah - no, don't bother her for more treats -

[ Bad dog. He fusses slightly with his harness, but after some huffing and puffing the dog is maneuvering them both out of the clinic, with Belias giving her a light wave. ]

Mm, absolutely. It takes the body a long time to grow accustomed to other climates.

( But he's kissing her hand to depart and Nisha's looking up to her for one more piece, and who is she to resist? She passes him another and gives him a good scritch behind an ear before going to open the door, offering him a graceful (and playful) little curtsy. )

I hope I'll do well by you; have a wonderful rest of your day, Belias, and thank you for stopping in. It was a pleasure.

( She'll head back in for those tools and hunt down that sign. On his next walk past, it's repaired perfectly with fresh silver welding. )

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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

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o my heart 😭

this will get worse before it gets better orz

I'm here to be destroyed all hours of the day

same tbh

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