Shattered Legacies: Book 1, Holo Change

💠Chapter 4: So close yet so far💠

"How is she?" The brunette nurse asked with worry painting her as the Doctor stepped out of the bedroom, slowly closing the door behind him as to not risk waking the poor girl up. Elliott met the younger women's amethyst gaze with a tired one of his own, "Stable, luckily." sighing in response. The stress leaving his body just enough for him to not be paranoid about his patient. "Still unconscious, but she's getting better. She should be up again in within the next 12 hours." Running a hand through his red hair in an attempt to calm himself further that wound up in vain, while the nurse crossed her arms with second hand concern and a caring smile. "That's a relief." It had been three days since Royanna passed out during her magic exam. Bruxo had brought her to the infirmery right after her mishap, telling them that she was performing the First Spark conjuring spell when she suddenly started to have some sort of panic attack. Her magic malfunctioned and she lost consciousness. Luckily it was simply overexertion mixed with emotional distress, she had stopped before anything serious could happen to her. However that didn't mean she'd be back to normal with some tylenol and a nap. Newborn Outcast were fragile, their bodies were still trying to get used to working after their reanimation. And beyond that, Royanna was brought forth two months early, making her process slower and body weaker.

Her body and mind now needed time to fix the strains and regain energy. Usually that only took until the next morning, but even with his help there were additional factors he couldn't help. Some of which were adding to his distress as he couldn't seem to determine what they could be.

His mind wondering back to what they knew filled him with a slow frustration and even faint contempt, "Honestly, what in the name of the goddess is wrong with that man?" placing his free hand on his face, fingers on either side of his nose while his pointer touched his furrowed forehead. Closing his eyes in a huff of a breath while trying to keep his glasses on. "You don't have newborns attempt their first conjuring so soon. I can't believe the Emperess allowed him near the children." His words had a firmness to their pronunciation emphasizing his low steaming distain, and making the nurse feel bad for Bruxo. Elliott was a man of firm beliefs when it come to his practice and more. Though he could be seen as cold, even ruthless, the one thing he cared for were the patients he took care of. So when someone endangered them he took it personally. He found what that old coot did not only irresponsible, but deplorable. It was borderline disgusting, putting such fragile beings in such danger. And for what? Amusement? Did he have no professionalism at all or did he just not care about the lifes they were teaching? The snapping method wasn't very exciting or showy, but it was far safer than jumping into conjuring. You couldn't be blown across the room by a literal spark. Bruxo was extremely lucky Royanna was the only one to receive damage, and minor damage as well. He had half a mind to march into Angelica's office and demand his removal from the order. And he would have, if she weren't so fond of the crusty old man.

His heated bright amber eyes convayed every hateful thought burning through his mind with a single sharp glance, flicker of a glow in the color, and tightening of his jaw. His hands were almost steaming out his power, hot enough to burn away and rot the wood of his clipboard if he hadn't been so mindful. She was hesitant to speak up, shrinking down from the intimation of his guillotin like stare, despite knowing his hatred wasn't for her. "At least.. Royanna is going to be ok." However she needed to calm him down before something did happen. Magic was heavily influenced by ones emotional state, even the most masterful could have an accidental outburst. Personally she wanted to defend the mage, but changing the subject to a positive was a better choice. Hearing the trepidation in her tone was enough to kick him back, taking a breath and closing his eyes to stifle his iris' tell. "Yes, a small blessing." Especially considering the role she had potential to play for the order.

After a moment of silence to let the air settle a little, the nurse decided to take a shot. For whatever reason feeling oddly brave this time. "So, if that's all.." She started by trying to lead him into her question slowly, words trailing off as she nervously rubbed her arm. Giving a slightly sheepish smile that caught his attention, "Ah yes. Thank you for your help. You may go now." and unintentionally lead him in the wrong direction entirely. Assuming she wanted to go about her day now that she'd helped him care for the girl. He appreciated her help, and it was nice that he thanked her, "Huh? Um.. no I.." but that wasn't at all what she was going for. Causing embarrassment to spread a red color across her cheeks as it dawned on her how lost nuance was on the caretaker. Her denying stammering confused him, making him give her an odd look while she averted her eyes to the floor at her side. Sucking in her lips as the burning continued thanks to her friend's advise coming back to mind. Smart with science didn't equal smart with every social que, Elliot was a thick skulled man at times. At least this proved he hadn't been ignoring her hints so much as he had just not registered them. She would have to just come out and ask bluntly. Great. A deep sigh escaped her throat as she recomposed herself, feigning whatever courage she could find to clarify the misunderstanding. "I.. actually wanted to ask.. if you'd like to get a cup of coffee." His face changed to one of light surprise at hearing this, "With me." and slightly more as she made sure to specify that she wanted to be there. This way there was little way he could misinterpret the invitation.