Eyes of Time: The Final Line ✓

Chapter 7: Lessons and Healing

 [TARDIS Console Room]

"I can't believe she's a werewolf!" Rose repeats excitedly.

The Alchemist rounds on her, now that they're out of the Vortex and floating in space, "She's not, Rose Tyler."

The other two step back, not only at her fury but the Vortex glow in her eyes.

"Ally, are you alright?" the Doctor asks softly.

She scoffs, "What does it look like, Doctor? Does this look 'alright' to you?"

He shakes his head in denial. She hasn't been herself for some time, and this journey has only amplified those feelings. It's as if there's a part of her that's missing.

"Follow me, both of you. Now," the Time Lady demands and walks off down the corridor.

Time Lord and companion look at one another warily before falling in step behind her.

They spend about five minutes navigating their way to the correct door, making several twists and turns along the way.

"What room is this?" Rose asks, looking at the swirling circular sign above the ornate wooden door.

The Doctor swallows the lump in his throat as he reads the Old High Gallifreyan; he can't say it. He knows the room all too well.

"My lesson room," the Alchemist replies, "Belonged to my first student. I never thought I'd have to bring someone other than another Time Lord in here. Apparently, I was wrong."

She holds onto the doorknob and waits for the lock to click before it allows them to enter.

The space boasts cherry wood paneling complemented by rich forest green wallpaper adorned with intricate patterns. Behind leaded glass doors, a collection of ancient tomes in Gallifreyan and various other languages from around the universe resides within built-in bookcases that reach from the floor to the ceiling. A wooden library ladder hangs from a bar surrounding the bookcases, poised for use.

To the left side of the room stands a marble fireplace, its hearth aglow with a cozy fire. A brown leather wingback chair nestles beside it, where the Timelords' granddaughter would often curl up to read.

The room is adorned with an eclectic collection of artifacts spanning different eras and worlds, including intricate French 14th-century candle holders, urns, and vases from intergalactic markets. It also displays canes once owned by the Doctor and the Alchemist in their first lives, opulent glass boxes trimmed in gold, the very first telephone, and a tech globe showcasing celestial routes. On an ornate marble pedestal, a small cauldron, stolen from Hestia's altar, once held the flame of the first Olympic games.

A wide window showcasing a tapestry of stars looms behind the grand wooden desk. Rich burgundy velvet drapes are gracefully drawn aside. A meticulously crafted golden telescope, perched on wooden legs, is directed toward the celestial view. In front of the desk, two elegantly curved wooden chairs are adorned with lively patterns of feathers and leaves in shades of red, deep green, orange, and gold.

The Alchemist glides behind the desk and sits in her simple but comfortable burgundy leather chair. With a come-hither gesture, she invites them to take a seat.

"I feel like I'm in the Principal's office," Rose quips as she sits, unconcerned.

The Doctor looks hard at her as he gently sits down in his granddaughter's chair. Rose unknowingly takes his own, there for the many times he would sit in on Susan's lessons.

"If that's what it takes for you to listen, then think of it as you will," the Alchemist tells her, tone cold and eyes still glowing.

Rose swallows hard, and a heavy silence hangs in the air for a minute as the Alchemist carefully considers how to express her thoughts without outright yelling.