Jin carried Amir into the house, following his children. They paused briefly as Mara spoke to Rupert. The butler moved quickly, efficient as always. Only a tiny crease in the center of his eyebrows suggesting that he might be at all concerned. Perhaps the man would make an excellent member of the Night some day.
They went to Amir's rooms, Mara letting them inside. Jin took the Huntsman to the bathroom and sat down with him on the edge of the tub. Looking up at the other two, he said.
"I don't know how long it will take an IV of blood to wake him but when he does he will be...hungry."
Jin stared down at the corpse-like body that weighed next to nothing in his arms. Amir wouldn't be very strong in the beginning but, fueled by extreme hunger and need, he could be dangerous before he was once more sane enough to stop himself.
"We all know vampire blood would be the most useful. I can feed him safely if people are willing to feed me. He isn't likely to stop himself." Mara knew why that was so and perhaps Bao did as well. He didn't remember. Jin looked over at the tub.
"If you will hold him a moment then I will get in with him and hold him up."
It might be best to wash the stink of dirt and dog off him as much as possible so that the comforting smells of home and family were the first ones noticed.
Like a Box of Chocolates... (invite only)
Mara, Jin, and Bao tumbled out of the car once they reached the manor. Mara turned to lift Amir from the back of the car where she and Jin had been sitting with him sprawled across them to find Jin already doing so.
Bao had driven like a maniac to get here. Mara and Jin had done their best to assess Amir's condition. It was dire. There was very little else to say aside from that. He needed blood and he needed it soon. And even after that it was a gamble as to whether or not he would be the same Amir they had known before.
Jin carried Amir into the Manor. Rupert met them at the door, his face professionally neutral as if people wandered randomly in every day with corpselike Clan-mates. Mara stepped closer to him.
"We need blood," she requested softly. "As quickly as you can possibly bring it to us."
That said she followed Jin quickly through the halls toward Amir's apartment by mutual unspoken consent. Not knowing when he would wake or how he would feel upon doing so, it seemed prudent to surround him with things that would be familiar to him. Or at least Mara hoped they would be familiar to him. Even she didn't understand the extent to which Subira had invaded his own mind and memories.
It saddened her to think that they had done this not so long ago. Back into Amir's apartment they went, only this time he was not nearly in such good condition. But, Mara thought with a tiny flicker of hope, this time might be the last in a long while. If Amir's gamble had worked out at all, he would be free.
Jin
13 years ago
Bao
13 years ago
It had killed Bao that he could not go and get Amir, but he had no way into the wolves compound. Of the three of them he was the most vulnerable. What he had seen on Mara and Jin's return was... frightening. It was very close to the realization of one of Bao's worst fears. He needed Amir. Not the same way Mara did but just as surely. He got them home as quickly as possible.
Bao wasn't clear if Jin was speaking to he or to Mara but there was no hesitation, he stepped forward and took his creator in his arms with infinite care. There was still a body, not ashes there was still hope but Bao would not risk giving Amir so much as a spit end to regenerate on top of all this.
Cold fury pounded through his veins, for all that his expression was still calm and neutral and the great care he showed Amir. The problem was he did not know where to direct it, it would probably be the curator who suffered.
He was rather insulted that Jin would offer to feed Amir over himself or Mara, but quickly determined there would be a good reason for it so he did not say anything and only a faint tightening of his lips betrayed his displeasure. But what was important here was Cha. Anything done to revive him was appropriate.
"Whatever you need."
He said simply to Jin.
Bao wasn't clear if Jin was speaking to he or to Mara but there was no hesitation, he stepped forward and took his creator in his arms with infinite care. There was still a body, not ashes there was still hope but Bao would not risk giving Amir so much as a spit end to regenerate on top of all this.
Cold fury pounded through his veins, for all that his expression was still calm and neutral and the great care he showed Amir. The problem was he did not know where to direct it, it would probably be the curator who suffered.
He was rather insulted that Jin would offer to feed Amir over himself or Mara, but quickly determined there would be a good reason for it so he did not say anything and only a faint tightening of his lips betrayed his displeasure. But what was important here was Cha. Anything done to revive him was appropriate.
"Whatever you need."
He said simply to Jin.
Mara
13 years ago
Mara shook her head at Jin; she didn't know either how long it would take for an IV to do the work of a regular feeding, but Amir clearly could not feed himself. "I'll be right here," she said although she was sure it was obvious that neither she nor Bao was going far from their Creator. "It isn't safe for you either, Jin," she said softly. She leaned down to him, Amir between them, and brushed her lips lightly against Jin's forehead. In spite of Jin's abilities Mara still worried that something could go wrong.
"I think I can help stop him though if it becomes necessary - for whatever reason. And of course you can take from me afterward. And during." She looked up at Bao, not missing his subtle signals. She had learned a lot about his body language in the years they had known each other. She smiled at him. "We both will."
Certainly she would prefer to be the one to feed Amir, but of the three of them Jin was the oldest, the strongest. His blood would be more potent and physically he would best be able to withstand Amir's overfeeding if that was what happened. And, she had to admit, it was very likely. In addition, however, of the three of them Jin was the only one who could save himself by going ethereal. So, all risks aside, it made perfect sense that Jin should feed Amir for the benefits to him and the fact that if it went too far Jin would be all right.
Bao was holding Amir very carefully. Mara turned away from Jin with one last light touch to the side of his face, grateful that he had come with them and grateful to have his support. While Bao carefully held their Creator Mara reached under the bathroom sink, rooted around through some of the items she knew were useful under there, and came up with a pair of scissors. Carefully she cut away Amir's torn and ruined clothing so they wouldn't have to jostle him much. She winced at his emaciated state. This was not the Amir she loved. He looked even more like a corpse without his clothing.
When Jin was ready Mara stepped away so Bao could transfer Amir into Jin's arms. She went to the edge of the tub, pulled the shower head from the wall, and turned it on, letting it run into the drain until it was hot but not scalding. In the meantime she stripped down to her brief undershirt so she didn't get her own shirt and sweater wet. Sitting on the edge of the tub she carefully began to rinse the dirt, blood, and stench of dog from her Creator's tortured body.
"I think I can help stop him though if it becomes necessary - for whatever reason. And of course you can take from me afterward. And during." She looked up at Bao, not missing his subtle signals. She had learned a lot about his body language in the years they had known each other. She smiled at him. "We both will."
Certainly she would prefer to be the one to feed Amir, but of the three of them Jin was the oldest, the strongest. His blood would be more potent and physically he would best be able to withstand Amir's overfeeding if that was what happened. And, she had to admit, it was very likely. In addition, however, of the three of them Jin was the only one who could save himself by going ethereal. So, all risks aside, it made perfect sense that Jin should feed Amir for the benefits to him and the fact that if it went too far Jin would be all right.
Bao was holding Amir very carefully. Mara turned away from Jin with one last light touch to the side of his face, grateful that he had come with them and grateful to have his support. While Bao carefully held their Creator Mara reached under the bathroom sink, rooted around through some of the items she knew were useful under there, and came up with a pair of scissors. Carefully she cut away Amir's torn and ruined clothing so they wouldn't have to jostle him much. She winced at his emaciated state. This was not the Amir she loved. He looked even more like a corpse without his clothing.
When Jin was ready Mara stepped away so Bao could transfer Amir into Jin's arms. She went to the edge of the tub, pulled the shower head from the wall, and turned it on, letting it run into the drain until it was hot but not scalding. In the meantime she stripped down to her brief undershirt so she didn't get her own shirt and sweater wet. Sitting on the edge of the tub she carefully began to rinse the dirt, blood, and stench of dog from her Creator's tortured body.
Jin
13 years ago
Jin nodded to Mara and Bao before turning to undress and then reaching for Amir. He doubted Amir would wake up before they were done bathing him so this particular job could have been done by anyone. Ah well, he was not worried about being seen naked by anyone, especially since Mara was sufficiently clothed and they had a serious situation with which to keep his mind occupied. Any other time and just being in the room with Mara would be enough to cause him to be concerned for the revealing outcome.
He knelt in the tub, leaning Amir gently against his chest and thighs. Jin helped with the washing, holding up arms and helping to turn the unconscious Huntsman when Mara required it. Looking down at Amir's nearly lifeless body made him wonder about Subira. She chose well when she chose this man. He was strong, determined and even now a survivor. Why would she betray him like this? To where such a drastic action were necessary. He didn't understand the complicated and often destructive relationships some vampires had with their children.
"Why did she do this to him?"
Jin looked up to the others. They knew Subira; surely they would have some more insight into her reasons than he would. He cradled Amir protectively, not conscious of the gesture, his arms wrapped around him, his shoulders curled inward, his head once more lowered to watch for signs of life.
He knelt in the tub, leaning Amir gently against his chest and thighs. Jin helped with the washing, holding up arms and helping to turn the unconscious Huntsman when Mara required it. Looking down at Amir's nearly lifeless body made him wonder about Subira. She chose well when she chose this man. He was strong, determined and even now a survivor. Why would she betray him like this? To where such a drastic action were necessary. He didn't understand the complicated and often destructive relationships some vampires had with their children.
"Why did she do this to him?"
Jin looked up to the others. They knew Subira; surely they would have some more insight into her reasons than he would. He cradled Amir protectively, not conscious of the gesture, his arms wrapped around him, his shoulders curled inward, his head once more lowered to watch for signs of life.
Bao
13 years ago
What had they done to him? Torture he could almost understand but this was beyond cruel they had let him starve to death. It was disgusting, mongrels. Animals without honor. They should be wiped out, the treaty had been too generous. Bao controlled his anger though it was be improper to give over to it now. All that mattered now was Amir.
As usual Mara was well prepared, there was very little he could actually do and it frustrated him. He chuffed against the useless feeling.
While Bao had spent more time with Subira than Mara, it was not near as much as Amir. He did not feel qualified to answer that question. He regarded and answered Jin evenly, not even his voice showed any emotion it was calm and neutral as always.
"Fear, paranoia, desperation. I am afraid the only answers I can give are speculation at best."
He had never really understood Subira's motivation. He and Mara had discussed this some time ago and the answered then, as now, were vague conjecture. He looked to his older sister for more detail, perhaps she had learned something more.
His gaze shifted to Jin watching the older vampire intently ready to pounce should the slightest hurt or slight be given to Amir. It was possible that Bao forgot to breath and blink. It was not his intent to insult or doubt Jin, but he was too worried to be diplomatic.
As usual Mara was well prepared, there was very little he could actually do and it frustrated him. He chuffed against the useless feeling.
While Bao had spent more time with Subira than Mara, it was not near as much as Amir. He did not feel qualified to answer that question. He regarded and answered Jin evenly, not even his voice showed any emotion it was calm and neutral as always.
"Fear, paranoia, desperation. I am afraid the only answers I can give are speculation at best."
He had never really understood Subira's motivation. He and Mara had discussed this some time ago and the answered then, as now, were vague conjecture. He looked to his older sister for more detail, perhaps she had learned something more.
His gaze shifted to Jin watching the older vampire intently ready to pounce should the slightest hurt or slight be given to Amir. It was possible that Bao forgot to breath and blink. It was not his intent to insult or doubt Jin, but he was too worried to be diplomatic.
Claire
13 years ago
Claire nodded to Rupert who showed her the door to the Huntsman's apartment. It was slightly ajar and she assumed that was because they were expecting the butler and the blood they had requested.
She had been in the small medical rooms, taking a donation from one of the staff when Rupert had rushed in and began filling a portable cooler with bags of blood. It didn't take an observant spy to realize that something out of the ordinary was going on. He was upset, she could tell from the slight tremor in his hands, still efficient in their movements, the lack of acknowledgment to the herself or Tracy, the upstairs maid, and the slight worried crease along his forehead.
It had to be something serious to ruffle the composure of Rupert.
Indeed, normally Claire would have gotten not a word from the man about something concerning another resident but he explained that Amir was in dire need of blood and had severe injuries. She would have gone to help anyone but this was Bao's Creator. Claire knew how much Amir meant to him. He had to be nearly beside himself with worry.
She took the IV stand and followed Rupert hurriedly down the halls. On the way she asked the butler if he would call Charles to go back and see to Tracy. Luckily the girl had donated many times before. She would be all right for the few minutes it took Charles to come finish up.
"Pardon moi. Rupert says you have need of this, yes?" Claire slid the metal stand into the crowded bathroom and put a hand gently on Bao's shoulder. "Perhaps I can be of service?" She glanced from him to Mara and the man in the tub. "A doctor, non?"
She had been in the small medical rooms, taking a donation from one of the staff when Rupert had rushed in and began filling a portable cooler with bags of blood. It didn't take an observant spy to realize that something out of the ordinary was going on. He was upset, she could tell from the slight tremor in his hands, still efficient in their movements, the lack of acknowledgment to the herself or Tracy, the upstairs maid, and the slight worried crease along his forehead.
It had to be something serious to ruffle the composure of Rupert.
Indeed, normally Claire would have gotten not a word from the man about something concerning another resident but he explained that Amir was in dire need of blood and had severe injuries. She would have gone to help anyone but this was Bao's Creator. Claire knew how much Amir meant to him. He had to be nearly beside himself with worry.
She took the IV stand and followed Rupert hurriedly down the halls. On the way she asked the butler if he would call Charles to go back and see to Tracy. Luckily the girl had donated many times before. She would be all right for the few minutes it took Charles to come finish up.
"Pardon moi. Rupert says you have need of this, yes?" Claire slid the metal stand into the crowded bathroom and put a hand gently on Bao's shoulder. "Perhaps I can be of service?" She glanced from him to Mara and the man in the tub. "A doctor, non?"
Mara
13 years ago
Patiently Mara washed the weeks of dirt, grime, and blood from Amir's emaciated body while Bao stood by ready to help if it became necessary. Mara noted Jin's protective posture and her heart felt full with gratitude. Jin's protection was nothing to scoff at; knowing that Amir had more people than just his family who cared about his well-being was a good feeling.
Turning as Bao spoke, Mara nodded at him and looked back to Jin. "Bao has it mostly right," she said. "Subira isn't well. She is a good Elder, so they say. But as Bao says she is covering a great deal of fear and anxiety. She built a family around herself. She made them very strong."
Mara glanced down at Amir, arguably the strongest of the lot, possibly more so than his own Creator. "She built them too strong. And she began to fear them. Many of them have died. Amir has been too resilient. She's been trying to kill hm for decades now, without being too obvious about it."
A futile gesture. Had Subira left it alone, Amir would have continued to be a loyal son. "He doesn't have a devious bone in his body," she said. "Not when it comes to family. But she has grown afraid."
She was interrupted by someone else's arrival. Mara thought it would be Rupert but it turned out to be Claire. She smiled but her fear only increased. She had never seen Amir so badly off that he actually needed someone like Claire.
"Can you help?" Mara looked at Claire with teary eyes but continued to run hot water over Amir as she and Jin scrubbed, trying to be very careful about the obvious broken parts. She wasn't sure anyone could help Amir at this point, but Claire certainly did fit the bill.
Turning as Bao spoke, Mara nodded at him and looked back to Jin. "Bao has it mostly right," she said. "Subira isn't well. She is a good Elder, so they say. But as Bao says she is covering a great deal of fear and anxiety. She built a family around herself. She made them very strong."
Mara glanced down at Amir, arguably the strongest of the lot, possibly more so than his own Creator. "She built them too strong. And she began to fear them. Many of them have died. Amir has been too resilient. She's been trying to kill hm for decades now, without being too obvious about it."
A futile gesture. Had Subira left it alone, Amir would have continued to be a loyal son. "He doesn't have a devious bone in his body," she said. "Not when it comes to family. But she has grown afraid."
She was interrupted by someone else's arrival. Mara thought it would be Rupert but it turned out to be Claire. She smiled but her fear only increased. She had never seen Amir so badly off that he actually needed someone like Claire.
"Can you help?" Mara looked at Claire with teary eyes but continued to run hot water over Amir as she and Jin scrubbed, trying to be very careful about the obvious broken parts. She wasn't sure anyone could help Amir at this point, but Claire certainly did fit the bill.
Jin
13 years ago
Jin nodded listening to Bao and then Mara explain why Subira would do such horrible things to her own progeny. He looked down at Amir thoughtfully. Musing more to himself than anyone else.
"The years eventually change us mentally. Recompense perhaps for the preservation of our physical forms." He feared it, for himself but mostly for Mai. Who was not very human when he met her several thousand years ago. Subira, it seemed, became her job, losing her humanity, throwing everything into her role for the clan. She even saw her children as a threat. At least that is what he understood of what they mentioned. It seemed time stripped away the human parts, leaving behind the pieces that the vampire clung most strongly to, like being an Elder of the Hunt. It was an odd echo of his concern for Mai but she had not yet sunk so low. Somehow, she was still more...if not human, then at least herself.
He frowned thoughtfully at what Mara had said about Subira having tried to kill him for decades. Jin remembered the warning that was sent in the alley. One look at Amir testified that she had almost gotten her wish; perhaps not as she had planned but...
Jin looked over at the pile of clothes that Mara had cut off Amir and then his eyes met the pale ones that had become so familiar to him. He wanted to protect her, like family. This made him think of his own family and his sister who was the closest of all of Mai's children. A psychometrist.
"What if she thought he was dead? We could give her proof. The clothes would tell the right story." Jin sighed. "Except that our hands have touched them and we know he is alive. Still... they might only sense our fear or him and our hope that he lives. Its possible we could say that he did not survive."
He shrugged. It would be better if they had thought of it sooner. It still might work but they would need to be convincing with something else to back it up.
The thoughts were interrupted by Claire entering the room with the blood. Jin was surprised to see her but not overly. Since the search of the shelter they knew that she was a doctor.
"We could move to the bedroom so that you have room to work. If you will give us another moment."
"The years eventually change us mentally. Recompense perhaps for the preservation of our physical forms." He feared it, for himself but mostly for Mai. Who was not very human when he met her several thousand years ago. Subira, it seemed, became her job, losing her humanity, throwing everything into her role for the clan. She even saw her children as a threat. At least that is what he understood of what they mentioned. It seemed time stripped away the human parts, leaving behind the pieces that the vampire clung most strongly to, like being an Elder of the Hunt. It was an odd echo of his concern for Mai but she had not yet sunk so low. Somehow, she was still more...if not human, then at least herself.
He frowned thoughtfully at what Mara had said about Subira having tried to kill him for decades. Jin remembered the warning that was sent in the alley. One look at Amir testified that she had almost gotten her wish; perhaps not as she had planned but...
Jin looked over at the pile of clothes that Mara had cut off Amir and then his eyes met the pale ones that had become so familiar to him. He wanted to protect her, like family. This made him think of his own family and his sister who was the closest of all of Mai's children. A psychometrist.
"What if she thought he was dead? We could give her proof. The clothes would tell the right story." Jin sighed. "Except that our hands have touched them and we know he is alive. Still... they might only sense our fear or him and our hope that he lives. Its possible we could say that he did not survive."
He shrugged. It would be better if they had thought of it sooner. It still might work but they would need to be convincing with something else to back it up.
The thoughts were interrupted by Claire entering the room with the blood. Jin was surprised to see her but not overly. Since the search of the shelter they knew that she was a doctor.
"We could move to the bedroom so that you have room to work. If you will give us another moment."
Bao
13 years ago
Bao barley even spared a glance when the door opened. Rupert or one of the other servants would of course bring blood and whatever else was needed. But they had to get Amir to eat first and Bao hadn't seen him so much as open his eyes.
Even though they were discussing Subira and how she had done this to Amir, Bao still firmly placed blame on the vermin. They should have returned his maker sooner or killed him out right. He had is pet, some how she had to be of use. He dearly wished to get at the good doctor, that would at least be striking at the right pack. He reigned in his thoughts though, he had no authority to start a war he could not be overt about this.
Mara gave a more detailed answer, and he was grateful for that. Bao simply was too upset about his Cha's condition to be terribly articulate. It was... difficult to remain calm right now. A small hand on his shoulder made him do a double take. He had not even heard her arrival.
It killed him to see Mara so worried as well. She handled this very differently, but it was not weakness, Bao knew that. He quietly squeezed Claire's hand and moved nearer his sister, she needed Amir, but Amir needed Mara right now and Bao had to offer what support he could.
"I think we have need of a very great deal more. But your assistance will be more than welcome. He is fairing poorly."
Even though they were discussing Subira and how she had done this to Amir, Bao still firmly placed blame on the vermin. They should have returned his maker sooner or killed him out right. He had is pet, some how she had to be of use. He dearly wished to get at the good doctor, that would at least be striking at the right pack. He reigned in his thoughts though, he had no authority to start a war he could not be overt about this.
Mara gave a more detailed answer, and he was grateful for that. Bao simply was too upset about his Cha's condition to be terribly articulate. It was... difficult to remain calm right now. A small hand on his shoulder made him do a double take. He had not even heard her arrival.
It killed him to see Mara so worried as well. She handled this very differently, but it was not weakness, Bao knew that. He quietly squeezed Claire's hand and moved nearer his sister, she needed Amir, but Amir needed Mara right now and Bao had to offer what support he could.
"I think we have need of a very great deal more. But your assistance will be more than welcome. He is fairing poorly."
Claire
13 years ago
Claire nodded quietly to Mara. She smiled softly at Bao's gentle squeeze, wishing she could be of more help and support to him now. However, she was a caregiver first and the one in the most need was not Bao.
A critical eye told her that bones were broken, setting those would help Amir heal faster than if his body had to push them slowly back into place. The wounds on his arms told her that he had been without blood, or sufficient blood for some time. She could gauge the healed marks with the more recent ones that had not closed at all.
"He has not been in this state for so long..." Claire spoke quietly but clearly. "I believe this will not cause lasting dementia. With some blood he is likely to make a full recovery from the coma." Whatever else he might have faced...that was different. One didn't just sit around and not eat without there being a good reason for it. All the broken bones and wounds suggested that there might be other trauma to overcome. Those they would only understand when he woke and the other people in the room would be better able to help him.
She wondered if this was the result of the murderer who was looking for those with Command. Why had Amir not been killed? Perhaps he was tortured for information on his Creator and they managed to find him before he was murdered. Whatever the circumstances, now was not the time to sort them out but she worried about the consequences just the same.
Claire nodded to Jin and picked up the cooler again. "I will begin setting this up next to the bed then for when you are ready."
It would not take long but one more person in the room would not help. Claire set about hooking the bag of blood to the stand, checking the tubing and the needle and generally trying not to worry too much about Amir, Bao and her own Creator, alone and hunted.
A critical eye told her that bones were broken, setting those would help Amir heal faster than if his body had to push them slowly back into place. The wounds on his arms told her that he had been without blood, or sufficient blood for some time. She could gauge the healed marks with the more recent ones that had not closed at all.
"He has not been in this state for so long..." Claire spoke quietly but clearly. "I believe this will not cause lasting dementia. With some blood he is likely to make a full recovery from the coma." Whatever else he might have faced...that was different. One didn't just sit around and not eat without there being a good reason for it. All the broken bones and wounds suggested that there might be other trauma to overcome. Those they would only understand when he woke and the other people in the room would be better able to help him.
She wondered if this was the result of the murderer who was looking for those with Command. Why had Amir not been killed? Perhaps he was tortured for information on his Creator and they managed to find him before he was murdered. Whatever the circumstances, now was not the time to sort them out but she worried about the consequences just the same.
Claire nodded to Jin and picked up the cooler again. "I will begin setting this up next to the bed then for when you are ready."
It would not take long but one more person in the room would not help. Claire set about hooking the bag of blood to the stand, checking the tubing and the needle and generally trying not to worry too much about Amir, Bao and her own Creator, alone and hunted.
Mara
13 years ago
Mara was still holding the shower head, now rinsing off the last bits of what they could comfortably get. They could repeat the process later if necessary but at least now Amir was much cleaner and they could clearly see most of his injuries.
She felt Bao move closer, lending his support. Mara turned her head briefly, rested it against his leg. She was glad he was there. Amir needed him, yes, but he was a comfort to Mara as well. They could share in their fear for their Creator together; Mara knew Bao's feelings for Amir were different but she didn't think they were any weaker than hers.
She met Jin's dark eyes when he looked at her, still very poignantly feeling the lack of his arms around her. He was so strong, so comforting, but right now that embrace was Amir's and it was for the best. Amir would need them all before this night was through, and for the next few after it.
"That's a good idea," she said to Jin, loudly enough to be heard over the coursing water hitting the bottom of the tub. She gave it some more thought. "We'll find a way."
It had occurred to her that she would have to go to Africa. Jin was very right that convincing Subira Amir had died would be a good move. It wouldn't save him but it could buy him a great deal of time in which to recover. She didn't know what long-term effects there would be from this ordeal.
Claire was reassuring, however. Mara smiled at her thankfully as she turned the water off. "Thank you so much, Claire. We'll be in shortly."
Mara grabbed one of the towels on the rack near the tub and carefully dried Amir, wincing in sympathy as she covered the broken bones in his hand and finding more that felt completely out of place in his ankle. There were other things that felt wrong, to her, but Claire could better assess those. Mara was good at patching Amir back up, it was true, but when it came to medical knowledge she was simply no expert herself.
With Amir mostly dry, Bao could bring him to the bedroom while Mara traded the wet towel for the second dry one so Jin could put himself back in order in peace. She looked at Bao expectantly.
She felt Bao move closer, lending his support. Mara turned her head briefly, rested it against his leg. She was glad he was there. Amir needed him, yes, but he was a comfort to Mara as well. They could share in their fear for their Creator together; Mara knew Bao's feelings for Amir were different but she didn't think they were any weaker than hers.
She met Jin's dark eyes when he looked at her, still very poignantly feeling the lack of his arms around her. He was so strong, so comforting, but right now that embrace was Amir's and it was for the best. Amir would need them all before this night was through, and for the next few after it.
"That's a good idea," she said to Jin, loudly enough to be heard over the coursing water hitting the bottom of the tub. She gave it some more thought. "We'll find a way."
It had occurred to her that she would have to go to Africa. Jin was very right that convincing Subira Amir had died would be a good move. It wouldn't save him but it could buy him a great deal of time in which to recover. She didn't know what long-term effects there would be from this ordeal.
Claire was reassuring, however. Mara smiled at her thankfully as she turned the water off. "Thank you so much, Claire. We'll be in shortly."
Mara grabbed one of the towels on the rack near the tub and carefully dried Amir, wincing in sympathy as she covered the broken bones in his hand and finding more that felt completely out of place in his ankle. There were other things that felt wrong, to her, but Claire could better assess those. Mara was good at patching Amir back up, it was true, but when it came to medical knowledge she was simply no expert herself.
With Amir mostly dry, Bao could bring him to the bedroom while Mara traded the wet towel for the second dry one so Jin could put himself back in order in peace. She looked at Bao expectantly.
Jin
13 years ago
Jin listened as Claire explained her impression of the blood coma. There was, as he suspected, some hope that it would not leave a lasting impression upon Amir. The starvation and incarceration that led up to it would be something else entirely. However the man in his arms had proven himself to be extremely resilient. Amir would recover; changed perhaps but he would be whole again.
Claire left and Mara dried Amir off, moving back to allow Bao to lift him gently from the tub. Jin watched the other man, noting his gentle reverent care. It furthered his hope for Amir's recovery; he had much love and support here.
Once he and Mara were alone in the room, Jin leaned over to kiss her gently.
"He'll be all right. We'll be here for him and he'll be all right again."
Taking the detachable shower head from her, Jin quickly rinsed and dried himself off. He put back on his clothes and walked with Mara back into the other room.
Claire left and Mara dried Amir off, moving back to allow Bao to lift him gently from the tub. Jin watched the other man, noting his gentle reverent care. It furthered his hope for Amir's recovery; he had much love and support here.
Once he and Mara were alone in the room, Jin leaned over to kiss her gently.
"He'll be all right. We'll be here for him and he'll be all right again."
Taking the detachable shower head from her, Jin quickly rinsed and dried himself off. He put back on his clothes and walked with Mara back into the other room.
Bao
13 years ago
He looked small and... old. Amir who always looked so young, who could pass for his son looked small and frail and old.
The feel of Mara's head against his leg momentarily distracted him, took the edge off his anger and he softly touched her hair. Between Mara's presence and Claire's words he was some what reassured, not entirely but some what.
Bao was hesitant to move Amir too much, but this was considerably worse than when the wolves had tried to destroy him in the park and preserve. This was more than they could manage to repair in a bathroom. Careful not to jostle his maker more than was necessary he moved Amir to the bedroom and lay him carefully on the bed. He had faith in Claire's ability to repair the damage the dogs had inflicted on Amir.
With Amir settled he looked to Claire.
"What else do you need?"
The feel of Mara's head against his leg momentarily distracted him, took the edge off his anger and he softly touched her hair. Between Mara's presence and Claire's words he was some what reassured, not entirely but some what.
Bao was hesitant to move Amir too much, but this was considerably worse than when the wolves had tried to destroy him in the park and preserve. This was more than they could manage to repair in a bathroom. Careful not to jostle his maker more than was necessary he moved Amir to the bedroom and lay him carefully on the bed. He had faith in Claire's ability to repair the damage the dogs had inflicted on Amir.
With Amir settled he looked to Claire.
"What else do you need?"
Claire
13 years ago
Claire watched as Bao came into the room carrying Amir so carefully in his arms. He set his Creator gently down on the bed, arranging him comfortably before turning back toward her and offering assistance.
Coming to stand next to the bed, Claire placed a hand comfortingly on Bao's arm while she looked over the various broken bones that needed to be put back into place. Blood first, it wouldn't wake him immediately but that might be for the best.
"In a moment you can help me set the bones that are broken.'
One person, especially of her strength was enough if necessary for a lot of them but another set of hands to hold limbs steady was helpful. She inserted the IV and frowned thoughtfully.
"I estimate that he won't wake for another four hours or so, maybe a bit more."
Amir had basically lost almost all of his blood. His body had shut itself down to conserve the very last portion that was fueling this limited existence in a desperate effort to survive. Vampires were remarkable, resilient creatures and the blood coma was just one more mechanism to prolong existence so that there was a chance at continued survival.
Once the blood was flowing, Claire sat down on the side of the bed and gently took Amir's broken and battered hand between both of her own. She looked over at Bao and watched him sympathetically.
"It will help them heal faster and he'll need less blood."
Claire watched him to make sure that he was ready for her to do what she was about to do. After all it looked and was painful despite the fact that it would be helpful in the long run. She knew that Bao understood this but at the same time she wanted him to be prepared. Claire just hoped that in the depths of the coma that Amir did not have to suffer the pain. Still she would do her best to make it quick.
Coming to stand next to the bed, Claire placed a hand comfortingly on Bao's arm while she looked over the various broken bones that needed to be put back into place. Blood first, it wouldn't wake him immediately but that might be for the best.
"In a moment you can help me set the bones that are broken.'
One person, especially of her strength was enough if necessary for a lot of them but another set of hands to hold limbs steady was helpful. She inserted the IV and frowned thoughtfully.
"I estimate that he won't wake for another four hours or so, maybe a bit more."
Amir had basically lost almost all of his blood. His body had shut itself down to conserve the very last portion that was fueling this limited existence in a desperate effort to survive. Vampires were remarkable, resilient creatures and the blood coma was just one more mechanism to prolong existence so that there was a chance at continued survival.
Once the blood was flowing, Claire sat down on the side of the bed and gently took Amir's broken and battered hand between both of her own. She looked over at Bao and watched him sympathetically.
"It will help them heal faster and he'll need less blood."
Claire watched him to make sure that he was ready for her to do what she was about to do. After all it looked and was painful despite the fact that it would be helpful in the long run. She knew that Bao understood this but at the same time she wanted him to be prepared. Claire just hoped that in the depths of the coma that Amir did not have to suffer the pain. Still she would do her best to make it quick.
Mara
13 years ago
Mara returned Jin's kiss with quiet intensity. "I'm so glad you're here," she said softly. "You really do give me strength."
Where she once would have shied away from what she had with Jin, she now thanked every god in existence for his presence in her life. For as much as she loved her creator, Jin had a place equal in her heart and she wasn't sure she would have had the fortitude to go through all of this without him.
She took the damp towel from Jin, folded it, and hung it while he dressed himself. Taking his hand she led him down the dark hallway into Amir's room, where the light was on for the first time she'd ever seen it. She checked to make sure his star globe was still on, which it was; he would be disoriented enough when he woke. The sight of the stars drifting across his ceiling would comfort him, she hoped.
Mara breathed a sigh of relief as she saw the IV in Amir's arm, blood flowing freely down the line, the cooler nearby ready for them to change the bag when it became necessary. Letting go of Jin's hand she moved to sit on the floor near the head of the bed; Amir's bed was on a very low frame. She was easily able to sit beside it and lean over, sliding her arm beneath the pillow. With her other hand she brushed his black hair off his forehead; it had grown since he'd been gone. It wasn't terribly long now, but it was longer then she'd seen it in a very long time. She watched as Claire examined Amir's hand.
"He must have tried to get out at some point," she said softly. That fact was surely obvious to everyone, but she had to say something. The tense atmosphere in the room was uncomfortable.
Where she once would have shied away from what she had with Jin, she now thanked every god in existence for his presence in her life. For as much as she loved her creator, Jin had a place equal in her heart and she wasn't sure she would have had the fortitude to go through all of this without him.
She took the damp towel from Jin, folded it, and hung it while he dressed himself. Taking his hand she led him down the dark hallway into Amir's room, where the light was on for the first time she'd ever seen it. She checked to make sure his star globe was still on, which it was; he would be disoriented enough when he woke. The sight of the stars drifting across his ceiling would comfort him, she hoped.
Mara breathed a sigh of relief as she saw the IV in Amir's arm, blood flowing freely down the line, the cooler nearby ready for them to change the bag when it became necessary. Letting go of Jin's hand she moved to sit on the floor near the head of the bed; Amir's bed was on a very low frame. She was easily able to sit beside it and lean over, sliding her arm beneath the pillow. With her other hand she brushed his black hair off his forehead; it had grown since he'd been gone. It wasn't terribly long now, but it was longer then she'd seen it in a very long time. She watched as Claire examined Amir's hand.
"He must have tried to get out at some point," she said softly. That fact was surely obvious to everyone, but she had to say something. The tense atmosphere in the room was uncomfortable.
Jin
13 years ago
"I hope so. I will continue to give it my best." Jin smiled sympathetically at Mara before turning away to dress.
He followed where she led, his hand in her's until they reached the bedroom. Claire had already set up the IV and was sitting by Amir, his hand in her's. She was talking quietly to Bao and he can only assume she was telling him about the injuries.
Mara let go of his hand and went to sit by the bed, brushing Amir's hair back with her hand. Jin suddenly found himself out of place. He had no reason to be here except to support Mara. He was not family, nor was he a doctor.
He stood awkwardly in the center of the room for a moment before finding an out of the way corner in which to sit. Jin would be here if Mara needed him but until then he would do his best to be quiet and not be a distraction to the people working to help. He looked down at his hands in his lap and waited. Soon they would need to find enough blood to feed a starving vampire and then he would need to be alert.
He followed where she led, his hand in her's until they reached the bedroom. Claire had already set up the IV and was sitting by Amir, his hand in her's. She was talking quietly to Bao and he can only assume she was telling him about the injuries.
Mara let go of his hand and went to sit by the bed, brushing Amir's hair back with her hand. Jin suddenly found himself out of place. He had no reason to be here except to support Mara. He was not family, nor was he a doctor.
He stood awkwardly in the center of the room for a moment before finding an out of the way corner in which to sit. Jin would be here if Mara needed him but until then he would do his best to be quiet and not be a distraction to the people working to help. He looked down at his hands in his lap and waited. Soon they would need to find enough blood to feed a starving vampire and then he would need to be alert.
Bao
13 years ago
Bao nodded curtly, he was having some trouble remaining controled and detached. How did you remain objective when your creator was involved? It hit Bao rather suddenly at that moment that Pakpao would very likely not care one way or another if he were to be in a similar position. At least he did not think she'd care one way or another.
Knowing this wouldn't be pleasant Bao simply wanted and followed direction. Claire was quite right it would be one less thing for Amir's battered body to have to heal and it was better to do it now when he wouldn't be aware of the pain then later. From the look of it Amir had had more than enough pain in the past month.
He just waited for Claire's direction, trusting she, like Jin, would do nothing to harm Amir. Although, perhaps, he showed a bit less suspicion and hostility to Claire. It wasn't intentional, for he trusted both of them.
Knowing this wouldn't be pleasant Bao simply wanted and followed direction. Claire was quite right it would be one less thing for Amir's battered body to have to heal and it was better to do it now when he wouldn't be aware of the pain then later. From the look of it Amir had had more than enough pain in the past month.
He just waited for Claire's direction, trusting she, like Jin, would do nothing to harm Amir. Although, perhaps, he showed a bit less suspicion and hostility to Claire. It wasn't intentional, for he trusted both of them.
Claire
13 years ago
Claire noted the other two that came in and then settled down and began the grizzly work of putting Amir's bones back in the right places. She was used to the sickening feel of disconnected bone and the wet snap as it moved back into place, still she frowned, her brow furrowed in concentration.
She worked carefully through the bones of his hand and wrist and then moved to his ankle, using her telekinesis and Bao's aid to hold the leg steady as she worked.
Once done, Claire stood and looked down at the unconscious vampire. She glanced at the IV and then at the others.
"Do you know where he might have extra blankets? He's likely to be quite cold."
Moving to stand next to him, Claire wrapped her arms around Bao's waist. Murmuring softly, she said. "He'll get better, Cher." She squeezed him tightly a moment. "Do you want me to get a couple of chairs so you can sit and keep watch or a roll away bed?"
There would be hours to wait yet and she knew that Bao would likely want to stay where he could see his Creator.
She worked carefully through the bones of his hand and wrist and then moved to his ankle, using her telekinesis and Bao's aid to hold the leg steady as she worked.
Once done, Claire stood and looked down at the unconscious vampire. She glanced at the IV and then at the others.
"Do you know where he might have extra blankets? He's likely to be quite cold."
Moving to stand next to him, Claire wrapped her arms around Bao's waist. Murmuring softly, she said. "He'll get better, Cher." She squeezed him tightly a moment. "Do you want me to get a couple of chairs so you can sit and keep watch or a roll away bed?"
There would be hours to wait yet and she knew that Bao would likely want to stay where he could see his Creator.
Mara
13 years ago
The setting of the bones in Amir's hand and foot seemed to take forever. Mara got up at one point and changed the bag of blood hanging from the IV. After that she moved over to Jin and sat near him, huddling up against his warmth and nudging her way underneath his arm. Slipping her own around around Jin's waist Mara toyed with his long hair, simply seeking comfort in touching him.
When Claire finally finished Mara nodded. "Bao knows where the blankets are. And we can help keep him warm too."
She looked at Jin hopefully. Demonstrating her meaning she shifted forms and padded to the bed then hopped up on it and curled herself up next to Amir's side by his stomach. Her body heat would warm hm from the core out, and if Bao spread the blanket over them it would create a cozy cocoon of warmth.
Raising her head she mewed plaintively at Jin, whose tiger form would be exquisite for warming their friend. Amir's bed could hold them all; it was large enough and sturdy enough.
Mara wasn't sure Bao would choose to stay right here; they had quite often sat in Amir's living room when they wanted to stay but weren't necessarily needed.
When Claire finally finished Mara nodded. "Bao knows where the blankets are. And we can help keep him warm too."
She looked at Jin hopefully. Demonstrating her meaning she shifted forms and padded to the bed then hopped up on it and curled herself up next to Amir's side by his stomach. Her body heat would warm hm from the core out, and if Bao spread the blanket over them it would create a cozy cocoon of warmth.
Raising her head she mewed plaintively at Jin, whose tiger form would be exquisite for warming their friend. Amir's bed could hold them all; it was large enough and sturdy enough.
Mara wasn't sure Bao would choose to stay right here; they had quite often sat in Amir's living room when they wanted to stay but weren't necessarily needed.
Jin
13 years ago
Jin wrapped his arm protectively around Mara when she came over to sit with him. He felt a bit guilty about not going to her from the start but he didn't want to be in the way or to demand her attention now when Amir was her concern. However, he should be supporting her and he was glad to be able to hold her close while they waited.
Claire's work was a slow gruesome progress but he knew from past experience that it was much better than having the bones gradually heal themselves back into place. That was a painful process best avoided. Jin could say truthfully that Amir would be grateful for the bone setting, especially while he was unconscious.
When she was done, Claire asked about blankets and Mara suggested adding their body heat to it. He would admit to generating quite a bit of it as a tiger. She had curled up against Amir's side and meowed at him. Sighing, he eyed the bed suspiciously before changing forms. Jin placed one large paw on the bed cautiously leaning weight onto it, then the other front paw and then a back foot. He stayed there motionless for a moment, listening for any creaking and signs of straining timbers. Nothing. He climbed up the rest of the way and settled down against Amir's other side, his head against the Huntsman's shoulder. Jin resolved not to move much, just in case the bed was less sturdy than it seemed.
Claire's work was a slow gruesome progress but he knew from past experience that it was much better than having the bones gradually heal themselves back into place. That was a painful process best avoided. Jin could say truthfully that Amir would be grateful for the bone setting, especially while he was unconscious.
When she was done, Claire asked about blankets and Mara suggested adding their body heat to it. He would admit to generating quite a bit of it as a tiger. She had curled up against Amir's side and meowed at him. Sighing, he eyed the bed suspiciously before changing forms. Jin placed one large paw on the bed cautiously leaning weight onto it, then the other front paw and then a back foot. He stayed there motionless for a moment, listening for any creaking and signs of straining timbers. Nothing. He climbed up the rest of the way and settled down against Amir's other side, his head against the Huntsman's shoulder. Jin resolved not to move much, just in case the bed was less sturdy than it seemed.