The house of rhapsody (Book 1 Of The Sanctuary and War Series)

Only as old as you feel

Adelaide was shaken from her reverie by the sound of shoes on the floor of the hallway in which she found herself under attack from her own mind; she turned her head towards the noise, her eyes taking a moment to join it. She found herself approached by a familiar woman, though there were some differences to her appearance and she was finding it hard to place where she knew her from, she knew it was recent. These old memories of hers seemingly knocking away her newer ones for sole attention.

But as she thought this another person approached, this time a man of from what she could see in her tear blurred vision. He looked to be an attractive older gentleman of well-built muscles and tall stature; she couldn’t help but be reminded of her father looking at him and felt a comfort in this. She heard them both inquire as to her well-being and struggled to answer her mouth opening and closing, her eyes slightly frantic in frustration.

When Zane approached however she felt overwhelmed by the presence of the different people all wanting to know if she was ok and the vampire taking a step closer, she could remember the events that transpired recently and knew them to be safe to be around. This did not make it any easier to talk to them but as Zane got closer she could smell the calming substance and felt part of her muscles relax and could think clearly. There was a part of her that wanted to run away from the concern they were showing her, but it was being overshadowed by a part that screamed at her to accept their kindness and to be honest with herself. She was not alright; she suffered a trauma that her mind seemed to want to replicate at the worst possible time.

She struggled to stand, having seemed to lose her strength during all of it and used a small table that held a potted plant, she got to her legs and looked toward all three of them with a tearstained face and serious eyes. ‘’I… am not ok.’’ She took a few shaky breaths unsure how to proceed in asking for help or even admitting her vulnerability. ‘’And I think I need help.’’ By this point she had begun to sob through her words and sounded much younger than she appeared, as if like a frightened child who is worried that asking will get her in trouble. ‘’I don’t what to do, I haven’t for a while.’’

Elder.

They had all called her Elder.

Nefertari did her best to grin and bear it. It was her official title after all and she was supposed to wear it with pride but when Temin had said it with such a voice of protest...

A deep sigh erupted from her lips.

Much to everyone's credit, the thrum and brustle of the Medical Ward had died down after a few more hours. The injured were well cared for and many had transferred into various states of sleep, albeit most were still tense. Nefertari felt for them, of course. The whole house seemed bleak and at a state of unrest and even now, in the tiny seclusion of the office space provided in the Ward, Nefertari found herself contemplating the point in sending a report out to Lady Noir. Logically, the report was for logistical reasons and possibly providing any suggestions for improvement.

The ward was low on supplies and She had reasons to bring up the notion of having several healers learn the more practical ways of "healing" if only to prevent another incident like this. Several of the healers had used up their magical reserves in trying to heal the wounded and because of it, were also put to bed rest. Lady Noir and Temin and several others were no doubt feeling a serious strain due to lack of staff that was available. Nefertari hated to be a burden to others, Elder or not.

Still, somehow she knew submitting such a dreary report would only add to the crumpled spirits of the Rhapsody household and the Nubian rather preferred to deliver her reports personally and over calming tea.

Besides, there was still the manner of dealing with the dead and their families. Idly, She rubbed her fingers against the glass of a spare vial that Temin had gave her that was supposed to help with the lack of energy she felt. In that moment, Nefertari couldn't help but feel her actual age.

Lily could see the distress in Adelaide's expression. The tear stained cheeks. The the paleness of the woman. She looked very upset. And given the circumstances it wasn't a surprise but, it still worried the phoenix nonetheless. Granted, she did not know if it was this latest attack from the hunters or something else entirely. Only knowing that one of her members were in distress. Seeing her struggling to get up, Lily lent her hands to the woman to help steady her. Hearing heavy footsteps, she glanced over expecting to see Zane since he usually followed her like a damned hawk at times.

Not that it bothered her..

But when steel grey irises landed on Elias instead of Zane, it did catch her by surprise a little bit. The bear of a man looked as every bit as exhausted as every one of the healers looked and felt. She nodded towards him and offered a light smile when he spoke quietly about the two battles. Right now the rest of the wounded shade keepers were being tended to as best as able. Those waging this second battle would at least be well cared for until their fight passed. When asked if the two women were alright, Lily shook her head saying she was fine, but wasn't sure about Adelaide. Though when Zane approached with the bowl of soothing oil, and words of his own she smiled lightly again. Before she could turn back towards the woman though, Lily caught sight of Temin hurrying out of the medical wing.

Likely told to go by Nefertari. She seemed to be heading into the direction where the residents likely were. And if that were the case, then Lily would let the woman go in peace. Turning towards Adelaide once more after hearing her speaking, she listens to what she had to say. So something was bothering her right then. Something that might have been triggered by the recent attack. Lily could see the woman was struggling with how to ask for help, or not at all. If it was some kind of trauma, perhaps just being surrounded by those whom willingly offered support might be enough to help her through it. Stepping closer with outstretched arms, Lily attempted to pull Adelaide into a gentle hug. "Then we'll help you. In any way we can. We're here for you if you'll let us." Speaking gently to her, Lily would try her best to help.

Admittedly, she wasn't sure how when it involved trauma. Other then just being there as a support of some kind. The faint wisps of veins that edged out from her collar were slowly turning a more pronounced white color. The deep stabbing pain was becoming worse. But the stubbornness in her steeled against it. Withstanding the pain as it gradually worsened. But sooner or later she wouldn't be able to ignore it. A phoenix knew when it was about to repeat the life-death-rebirth cycle. In her case, she'd expended too much life essence in order to keep several shade keepers from crossing over into death's clutches. Now she needed to get to the stone chamber on the deepest floor in order to release the magical fire, die, and come back again. But it would be too dangerous to do so here in the halls. The cycle could be held off for only so long before it was forced on her.

Knowing this, she looked towards Elias and Zane in a silent plea to help her with Adelaide. If the two would stay with her for now, then Lily could go to the chamber now and get the excruciating process over with. Granted...only a tiny handful here had seen this happen. It would be extremely violent. And it would nearly burst the heavy ancient door each time. Though last time it had to be replaced. With each cycle filtering through, the violent death and rebirth grew stronger. Though gradually.