[open] general hospital: envy edition

[thereneverwas]

WHO: whoever
WHAT: infirmary catch-all for the envy demon shitshow
WHEN: yknow
WHERE: The Gallows infirmary
NOTES: injuries, gore, all that you'd expect

[Throw in your healer toplevels or your injured characters dragging themselves in. Go hog wild. Live your truth.]

Comments

[altusimperius]

At first Benedict laughs, a few comments clambering to the forefront of his mind: one can always take a bath first, and he's certain he didn't smell that bad, but the implications of the scenario overtake the humor of it and his smile dwindles.

It was in his office, which he hasn't even settled into yet, hasn't had the chance to really make it his. Perhaps it's silly to feel violated by that, and yet,
"it didn't say anything awful to you, did it?"

[dissolving]

Something in his expression softens.

"No," Seems important to establish. Cedric wavers a moment, before adding: "You'll wanna talk to Vega, though. Guess it didn't know about the engagement."

[altusimperius]

Any relief Benedict is feeling quickly becomes overtaken by a deep unease.

"Vega," he repeats, like he doesn't understand.

[dissolving]

"She was pretty spooked you didn't remember her,"

That's maybe not the phrase others would choose. It was also - admittedly - not a great standard deviation from her usual demeanor. But he likes Vega. Sort of. So:

"I'm sure hearing from you'd set things straight."

[altusimperius]

“No, no,”

that’s not the question.

“Vega’s—-?”

He makes an incredulous little downward pointing motion, to indicate: here? Like here?

“House Arany Vega?”

[dissolving]

"Arany, yeah," It can't be that common a name. Had a cousin Volga, but she'll be dead or in the wind - "Came 'round the same time as me."

His expression narrows a touch, curious.

[altusimperius]

A long pause, in the spirit of the Maiden Calculating.

Then,

"What does she want?"

[dissolving]

"Well, she's your fiancee," Dude, what. "You'd know better'n me."

But some obscure loyalty compels him to add -

"She's been through a lot, with the anchor."

[altusimperius]

"Fiancee--" Benedict sputters, looking around quickly as if to make sure he isn't being pranked, relaxing only when Cedric mentions an anchor. That, at least, is a piece of the puzzle he comprehends.

"She can't possibly think either family is going to honor the engagement," he adds, with a strange little laugh, "what did she tell you?"

[dissolving]

"Told everyone you were meant to be engaged - or your families were, or somewhat."

A moment's worry: That Vega might have only grabbed for cover, thinking they'd never find him to check. But Kostos has seen her, and he's seen Kostos' list. Whatever Vint nonsense is going on here, it's not another demon.

"Look, I don't know about all that," Cedric shrugs. "But if you're gonna break it off, maybe wait 'til you can walk straight."

[altusimperius]

Benedict's brow wrinkles prettily as he takes this new information, and, as it only puts him further ill at ease, he shakes his head.

"It shouldn't need breaking off," he mutters, "I'm--"
His sneer is a pained and not derisive one as he looks at Cedric, a brand new (cute) face who does not need to know all of his personal failings right away. But this is a delicate situation; he needs to make it clear he's not simply running out on a responsibility to some innocent woman.

"My family disavowed me years ago," he explains, "I suppose it's possible they just forgot to tell House Arany, and that there isn't something else going on, but." He pinches the bridge of his nose. "Maker. This is fucked."

[dissolving]

"Yeah," A low breath out. Who knew marriage was so complicated? Probably why the Chantry discourages it - "Sounds it. But whatever all's on, she cared that you were gone."

He reaches for the edge of the bed, sets a hand there on the cot; steadying.

"Whole lotta people did. They’ll help you figure it out."

[altusimperius]

His expression softens to hear that he was missed-- and not just by Vega, although that does endear him to her a little-- and the little smile that flits back onto his face is for Cedric as he gives him a nod of understanding. There was a time he might have pushed the issue, not believed him; but he does. That's something in and of itself.

"Thanks for coming to visit," he says after a beat, "and, y'know. Welcome to Riftwatch."

throws a bow on

[dissolving]

"Thanks," He laughs. "And y’know. Welcome back."