The Doctor is In (C 2.3, E 2.3, H 2.3)

"Aqua velva? That stank is 'spensive to pour down your throat!" I laugh out loud, loving his bravado and throw down the last swig of the beer in my bottle, "I ain't got business for a day... you're on, my friend!"

I stand for a moment, shed my slicker over the back of the chair, and toss my hair back defiantly, "let's see how deep that belly is, then!" I look around for a bottle of something stronger than beer.

Canary,
Jackdaw hops up to grab a few bottles of liquor and you both get to work on drinking your fill. After fifteen minutes or so, you hear three jet skis return to The Roost. A few minutes after that, Shrike enters the kitchen and looks the two of you over.

Merlin's mindset seems to match my own again. "Let's go pay the little warrior a visit then."

Before leaving I head back to Parker one more time, taking a moment to make sure the blanket we draped over her covers her - shoulder to toe. I try to think of some kind words to say, or blessing to leave her with, but I'm just relieved the procedure went as well as it did. So I turn and meet Merlin in the hall so we can head to Aloe.

Syd,

When you and Merlin come into Shrike's room to find Aloe, you immediately know something is wrong. She's deathly pale. When you move closer to examine her, you find that she's unconscious. She seems to have worsened dramatically!

What do you do?

Sudden fear sets in as I realize the severity of Aloe's status. "We need to begin immediately!" I immediately begin setting up supplies and preparing Aloe's arm for the transfusion. Her limb is limp as I adjust her clothing and slide the needle in. I simultaneously direct Merlin as well, having him prep some supplies, and increase the light in the room. I make no attempt at calling for additional help - perhaps because of how focused I am on the task at hand, and I'm worried others would only increase my likelihood of messing something up. Maybe Merlin feels the same way, but I'll leave it up to him to call for back-up.

With Aloe in this condition, the blood that was supplied to us from the Fountains may not be enough to do the trick. I'm prepared to give what I have to when we inevitably run out. "Keep fighting Aloe! Please."

Way to rain on our fun.

"He's tendin' to the hurt... there..." I gesture towards the other way, where Syd went to take care of things earlier.

It's the drink, though, which makes me takes a couple seconds to ask, "there trouble?"

Syd,

With Merlin assisting, you work quickly to stabilize little Aloe. Grabbing the supplies you bargained for from The Fountain, you begin the treatment to cure her disease. How well does the treatment work? When will you be comfortable that she's "cured"?

My hands are shaking by the time Merlin and I finish treating Aloe. Supplies and energy - exhausted. Even if we had unlimited resources, with how far Aloe's symptoms have progressed - her time is drawing to an end. So much damage has already been done to her heart and lungs. Aloe will certainly appear in better spirits soon, but I know it won't last long - a couple of weeks, maybe months if we're lucky.

Do I let her and the Talons enjoy the false hope she will show soon, or do I let them know about her impending demise?

I smooth out a spot on the blanket next to Aloe and gently sit by her side. Her chest slowly rises and falls as she slumbers. Her pulse is so dangerously faint. I eye the few bags in the corner of the room that are now full of blood that used to be in this poor child. Where I would typically see a glossy crimson, instead they are filled with a tarnished, burnt umber.

Out the corner of my eye I see Merlin, and I'm reminded of the Talons again. This family they've built, and their faith. Before I know it, I start to whisper, "Grey Wing, I've never been much of one for gods, so if you're listening or here, I've done everything I can." I pause - even whispering my voice carries more than I expected. But that doesn't stop me, "I'm afraid it isn't enough. If there is anything you can do for her - and the Talons - please do." I blink the start of some tears away and delicately slide a small bunch of her hair away from her face.

I stand smoothly, taking care not to disrupt Aloe's sleep. A towel sits at the foot of the bed, prepared incase things got - messy. I grab it and move over to Shrike, draping it over her shoulders. I lean against the wall beside her and look back to Aloe, resting peacefully.

"The procedure went as well as it could have." I quietly try to clear my throat before continuing, "Still, so much damage has already been done. She was unconscious when Merlin and I arrived. I expect she'll be in pretty good spirits for whatever time she has left. Even walking may prove to be too hard on her heart and lungs though."

I look back to Shrike, and for the first time notice how injured she is. I push myself off the wall and begin looking her over, "What happened, are you okay?"

"Yeah... yeah I do..." something hurts in the tone of her voice. I don't keep her though, she's looking for Syd and not for a conversation.

I sit back down heavily with a sigh, and to Jackdaw, "feels like we might wanna keep what's left of our wits about us."

Shrike's response is understandable. I can't tell if her disappointment is pointed at herself, me, the situation, her god, or all of us. I give her a shallow bow as I make my way out down the hall, hoping to grab a quick drink before going to find Litch and see if he needs any attention.

I notice the fatigue setting in, making itself at home in my body, and not planning to leave anytime soon. Even the echo of my footsteps seems sluggish.

I make my way into the dining hall and smile as I notice Jackdaw and Canary still enjoying each other's company. "Can I get either of you anything while I'm up?" I ask the duo as I fill a clay mug with some water.

I stay seated at the others enter, but follow Syd with my eyes.

As Merlin sits nearby, "occasion is what we make it, my friend," I raise my newly-filled glass and down it, then pull out the chair on my other side, hoping Edward.... Syd... will take the chance to join us.

I ask quietly... encouraging, not insisting, "come on, Syd. You've had a day 'needs a drink."

Seeing Merlin join for a drink assures me that Litch must not be in dire straits, taking a breather doesn't sound so bad.

I reach back into the cabinet Jackdaw pointed to and grab a diaphanous, crystalline decanter filled with a caramel-brown liquid. I join the others at the table and fill any glasses that need to be filled. I raise my glass and say, "To making the most of whatever time we have together." I swallow the contents in a single gulp and am immediately embraced by a warmth that spreads from my sinuses to the very center of my being.

"Where is everyone else? You all doing okay?"